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the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, were enforced where possible to secure the
abatement of nuisances, but during the period between the complaint and compliance
with the requirement of the Notice, further nuisances arose in many cases and,
therefore, the work of the Inspector was considerably increased. Added to this
difficulty is the fact that many owners cannot be traced. This situation is serious
enough when the Sanitary Inspector establishment is up to full strength but with
a depleted staff the difficulties are further accentuated. Indeed, the estalishment
of 34 was at one period during the year 11 short, of which number nine were
District or Housing Inspectors.
The borough has seen many alterations since 1938 and areas damaged by
enemy action are rapidly being re-developed. As fast as possible areas of obsolescent
properties are being cleared and re-developed for housing purposes, although there
still remains a lot to be done. With the exception of one or two open spaces the
borough is mainly built up, factories being interspersed with dwellings.
It is interesting to reflect upon the growth of Islington and in this connection
the Council has, through its Librarian, collected books, prints, manuscripts and other
data relative to the history of the borough. The resulting collection reveals an
interesting picture of development of the borough during the last 250 years. In
1708 there were only 325 houses in Islington, the population being unknown. In
1800 there were 1,745 houses and a population of 10,212, whilst 100 years later the
population reached its peak of 335,238.
Whilst the living conditions of the borough's population are being improved
as fast as possible, there is still found the odd case where conditions in which people
live beggar description, as will be found in the section on Services for Elderly
Persons.
During the year the Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1954, came into force,
by virtue of which the London County Council By-Laws relating to tenement houses
ceased to operate, being superseded by Sections 11 and 12 of this Statute.
There has been a decrease in the number of prosecutions taken under
the Public Health (London) Act, 1936; but in the number of cases taken
for failure to comply with abatement orders substantial fines were imposed.
Whilst it is necessary that such action be taken in default it would be a far more
satisfactory position if owners complied with Notices within a reasonable period,
and the money paid in respect of fines and costs were spent on the property at a
much earlier stage. The work of the Department, as well as the Inspectors, would
be considerably reduced and the tenants would live in reasonably nuisance-free
accommodation. There is no truer proverb, as far as house property is concerned,
than "A stitch in time save nine". Many a minor defect, if attended to at an early
stage would prevent the occurrence of a nuisance of a major character.
Summary of Work done by District Sanitary Inspectors.
During the year 35,953 inspections or revisits were made by the District Sanitary
Inspectors. In connection with visits to dwelling-houses, 41,747 inspections or
re-inspections of separate lettings were made.