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41
WATER SUPPLY
The Borough's water supply is provided entirely by the
Metropolitan Water Board and has been satisfactory in quality
and quantity. All the dwelling-houses in the Borough are
supplied from public water mains direct to the houses. There
are no wells or stand pipes.
RODENT AND PEST CONTROL
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949
The above Act came into force on the 3rd March, 1950. It
repealed the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, and
substantially strengthens the powers of the local authority in
dealing with the control of pests.
The Council employ two rodent operators. Complaints of
other pests and vermin are dealt with by the disinfecting staff.
The number of complaints of rodents received during the year
was 467 of which 150 related to rats and 317 to mice. The figures
for 1952 were 545, of which 169 were rats and 376 mice infestations.
Other pest infestations dealt with related to ants, bugs,
cockroaches, fleas, flies, lice, pigeons, wasps, wood lice and
woodworm.
Charges for Rodent Extermination
The Public Health Committee resolved that, until otherwise
decided, no charge be made for the destruction of rats and mice
by the Council at private premises, except in cases where, as
a result of the lack of co-operation on the part of the owner or
occupier, it was found necessary to serve a notice under Section 4
of the Act.
Besides relieving the Department of much administrative
work, this decision has materially assisted the staff in dealing
speedily with complaints of rodent infestation.
Charges continue to be made, in accordance with the Ministry's
request, in respect of all Infestations at business premises.
Sewer Maintenance - Treatment against Rodent Infestation
As part of the organised campaign throughout the country for
the eradication of rats In sewers, etc., the whole of the sewerage
system was prebaited and poison baited twice during the year. I
am indebted to the Borough Engineer for the following information
regarding this aspect of rodent control.