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Clean Air Acts 1956 and 1968
Smoke Control Areas
Hammersmith completed its phased Smoke Control Programme on the 1st June
1967 having achieved the distinction of being the first London Borough to
do so. The programme covered 3,995 acres involving some 72,593 premises.
Final costs have not been compiled but up to the 31st December 1970 the
total costs of implementing smoke control was in the region of £357,000. With
an estimated population of 185,000 persons this expenditure works out at
about £1.93 per head since 1958 when the smoke control programme began. With
rising costs and in the present trend of inflation this is an extremely small
price to pay for such obvious benefits to personal and environmental
health especially when so much interest is shown these days in the ecological
aspect of man's environment.
Supplies of Smokeless Fuels
Last year (1969) concern was expressed over the likelihood of a shortage
of solid smokeless fuels affecting the existing, smoke control orders.
Towards the end of August 1970 it became apparent that a national shortage
would arise owing to the closure of gas works resulting from the change-over
to natural gas. In the Greater London area alone it was estimated that this
shortage would amount to 250,000 tons of gas coke, equivalent to 17% of
anticipated requirements. In October a pilot survey was made of those premises
in the Borough that had been first converted in the smoke control programme
to burn smokeless fuels, and it was estimated that a deficiency of only
5,000 tons would be realistic appraisal of the shortage in the Borough
because of the dramatic swing over to gas and electric heating.
A Working Party of the London Boroughs Association recommended as an
emergency measure a 40% suspension of smoke control orders to meet any
shortage of solid smokeless fuel. However this Council decided that
notwithstanding any national shortage the conditions prevailing in the
Borough did not warrant undoing all the good work of the previous 12 years.
In November it was agreed not to suspend any of the smoke control orders
unless a severe shortage become so apparent that emergency measures were
necessary.
To meet any emergency that might arise, 20 tons of an approved smokeless
fuel prepacked in 14lbs. polythene bags were purchased for sale to anyone
who might suffer hardship. This fuel was primarily intended for elderly
persons whose sole means of heating was solid fuel.
Fortunately the weather in October, November and December proved mild,
and it is hoped that these temperate conditions will prevail throughout
the coming Winter months which are traditionally the coldest.
Hammersmith Smoke Control (No.9) Variation Order
Properties Nos. 13 - 75 odd Waldo Road, N.W.10 were originally exempt
from the provisions of the Hammersmith No.9 Smoke Control Order which came
into operation on the 1st June 1967, being at that time in the slum clearance
programme. The Council decided to retain these properties and deal with them
under Part II of the Housing Act 1957, and with this in mind made a Smoke
Control Variation Order on the 9th July 1969. This was subsequently confirmed
by the Minister of Housing and Local Government and came into effect on the
1st . September 1970. Some 32 properties are affected and it is estimated that
the overall cost will be £3,200.
B. 19