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84
was decided that proceedings should be taken to secure the demolition
of the buildings without the Council themselves purchasing the land.
This Area consists of 13 houses, comprising 56 rooms; the population
consisting of 17 families, composed of 53 adults and 11 children.
Alternative accommodation for the residents who would be displaced
was made available at the Council's new Westcroft Housing Estate.
An Inquiry was held by the Ministry of Health on the 20th of
March, and the Order was subsequently confirmed.
Applications were received with respect to No. 41, occupied by a
fruiterer and greengrocer, and No. 53, occupied by a confectioner,
asking for an allowance, having regard to the loss of their business.
The Council resolved to pay to the tenants the sums of £50 and £35
respectively as voluntary allowances under Section 41 of the Housing
Act, 1930.
Fairfax Place.
Certain premises in this Mews were reported upon in 1934, and
appropriate action duly taken. During the year now under review,
the condition of the remaining premises was brought to the notice of
the Housing Committee. Nos. 4, 8, 10, 12 and 36-52 (even numbers)
were reported upon in January, and the Council at its meeting on the
21st February made Closing Orders with regard to the upper parts
of Nos. 4, 8, 10, 12 and 40, and on the 21st March made similar orders
with regard to the upper parts of 36, 38, 42-52 (even numbers).
The owners of Nos. 36, 38, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50 and 52 subsequently
appealed to the County Court against the Closing Orders. The
owners submitted to the Court undertakings to carry out certain works
at the first five premises, but withdrew their Appeals respecting Nos.
48, 50 and 52. The undertakings were accepted by the Court, and,
subject to the execution of the said works, the appeals were allowed.
The " Westcroft " Estate.
This Scheme, details of which were given in my Annual Report
for 1933, has been pushed forward rapidly during the year. The
Estate was opened by H.R.H. The Duke of Kent on 29th October.
Arrangements have been made whereby a specialist firm undertakes
the removal and disinfestation of the effects of all families