View report page

41
The cleansing of articles in rooms occupied by elderly or infirm persons
often creates a problem. The conditions are such that volunteers are sought from
the Disinfecting Station staff, who undertake the appropriate cleansing after
normal working hours.
(b) Steam Disinfection
3,872 articles of clothing or bedding were steam disinfected.
(c) Fly and Other Infestations
Anti-Ply Treatment at Ashburton Grove Depot commenced on 15th June and
continued during the summer months. The evidence of infestation was slight
and due to inclement weather the treatment was somewhat erratic, Dr, Parkin and
his staff at the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research again gave
practical assistance and advice in the treatment of this Depot and it was
considered that the present method of control is the most effective.
The Council's Housing Estates were again treated for red clover mite, complaints
having been received from 12 blocks of flats during the season. Various insecticides
were used. In 1961 Dr. Parkin arranged for a detailed treatment to be carried out in
4 blocks using Kelthane. These particular blocks showed very few clover mites in May
this year, The co-operation of Dr. Parkin and members of his staff is appreciated
Seven complaints of wasps were received during the year all of which were
investigated and the nests destroyed One nest was extensive and was situated in a
cavity of the brickwork in the flank wall of a house A builder who was working at
the premises discovered this nest and it was necessary for the inner course of
brickwork to be removed at top floor level from the floor to the ceiling. The colony
was destroyed, the nest removed and the brickwork re-instated.
During the year a large infestation of Narcerdes Melanura (Wood beetle) occurred
in a block of Council flats and adjoining property This particular beetle inhabits
damp places and as the premises are near the New River Gardens it was considered that
the infestation may have arisen from this source,. This was not proved and upon treatment
with 5% D.D,T. powder the infestation died away eventually
(d) Static Water Tanks - Air-Raid Shelters Bouib damaged sites etc.
As vacant sites in the Borough are being redeveloped the nuisance arising from
the tipping of refuse, etc. is decreasing. There are however still some sites in
respect of which complaints continue to be received, The tipping of refuse and the
accumulation of water in static water tanks still present a problem Upon application
from the Public Health Inspector the Cleansing Superintendent arranges for the removal
by his Department, of any putrescible matter Stagnant water is pumped out by the
London Fire Brigade whose co-operation is appreciated One particular static water
tank received press publicity and was a source of constant nuisance. Although emptied
of refuse and water, it was not long before further complaints were received due to
refuse etc. again being deposited, and rain water partly filling the tank
Notices are displayed where possible drawing the attention of the Public to the
fact that the depositing of refuse on War damaged sites is an offence
Visits paid to bomb damaged sites 266
Visits to air-raid shelters and static water tanks 65
Inspections of derelict buildings 98