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33
SECTION C
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA
(In conjunction with Mr W, C Bartlett Chief Public Health Inspector)
During the year under review the work of the Department has continued with difficulty
consequent upon the shortage of experienced Public Health Inspectors Thanks are due,
therefore, to all, who through their loyalty and co operation, ensured that the residents
of the Borough received attention to their enquiries and complaints with a minimum of delay.
The early redevelopment of vacant and derelict sites is important, for not only are
nuisances caused from the tipping of refuse but the conditions frequently encourage rats
besides being unsightly In various parts of the Borough development by private enterprise
of certain sites has taken place, where possible by infilling'' but much remains to be
done.
The number of immigrants residing in the Borough has increased with a consequent increase
in the multi-occupation of houses Standards of hygiene vary considerably and not only does
congestion occur but amenities which may have been adequate for the number of families
previously in occupation fall far short of what is required when the number of separate lettings
has increased. The position is aggravated where the sanitary accommodation has to be shared
and, whilst the rooms occupied by the respective tenants, are usually found to be satisfactory,
the parts of the houses used in common including the staircases and yards are often sub standard,
With a view to securing the best possible relation with Immigrants and their families and
to obtain a better understanding of the problems which are bound to arise and can only be
resolved by patience and goodwill, the London Council of Social Service holds meetings of
Metropolitan Borough representatives from time to time, and Councillor Mrs D E.A Hayward and
the Chief Public Health Inspector have attended on behalf of the Council
Included in the legislation made during the year was the Oil Burners (Standards) Act, 1960,
which comes into force on the 1st January next year This measure became necessary because of
the number of fires which have been occurring due to the use of oil heaters and the Secretary
of State will upon the implementation of the Act be empowered to make regulations requiring
specified heaters to comply with such standards of safety as. in his opinion are appropriate
to reduce the risk of fire and to bear by means of labels instructions as to the working of
the oil heaters.
The Offices Act, 1960 which received Royal Assent in July comes into force on the 1st
January 1962 It is a Statute which will secure by regulations made thereunder the health,
safety and welfare of persons employed in offices
By virtue of the Noise Abatement Act, 1960, which comes into operation during the year,
Section 66 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act 1937, which provides that excessive,
unreasonable or unnecessary noise, which is injurious or dangerous to health shall be a noise
nuisance which may be dealt with summarily under the Public Health (London) Act, 1936, has been
extended to include any noise In addition the section shall apply to vibration as it applies
to noise
The Council in March made a by law under the London Government Act 1939 prohibiting any
person from shouting or using any bell, gong or other instrument in any street or public place
so as to cause a nuisance to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood whilst hawking, selling,
distributing or advertising any article In order to enforce this by-law it will not only be
necessary for the Council to be able to prove that the noise itself causes nuisance to the
inhabitants of the neighbourhood but also the Council must be able to prove who actually made
the noise and it is insufficient for the Council merely to be informed of the name displayed on