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35
1,432 bags containing blankets and pillows were disinfected in accordance with
an agreed procedure.
26 visits were paid by the Public Health Inspector to a factory to supervise the
treatment of 1,738 bales of clothing and other material for export. The total weight
of bales treated was 55 tons 16 cwts. In addition 12 oven loads were steam disinfected
at the Treatment Centre for the Company concerned.
(b) Steam Disinfection
7,879 articles of clothing or bedding were steam disinfected.
(c) Fly and other Infestations
Anti-fly treatment at Ashburton Grove Depot commenced on 15th April, pour treatments
being carried out during the summer months. The evidence of infestation was
slight. Two Council's housing estates were treated for Red Clover Mite. Complaints
alleging that other estates were infested were received but not confirmed.
Specimens of the Red Tailed Maggot (Enstalis tenox) were recovered from a
ffooded gulley in the Borough. These were the larvae of Hover Flies - possibly the
Drove Ply.
Sixteen complaints of wasps were received. Thirteen nests were destroyed. In one
case the celling had to be removed in order to get at the nest.
Twelve complaints of bees were received. Three nests were destroyed. One swarm
was removed by a Bookeeper and one swarm moved on.
(d) Static Water Tanks - Air-raid Shelters - Vacant Sites
The nuisance arising from the tipping of refuse on vacant sites is decreasing
due to redevelopment. The majority of sites are fenced round thus preventing, as far
as possible, access for the purpose of fly tipping and by children.
The depositing of refuse and the accumulation of water in static water tanks is
still a problem The Cleansing Superintendent upon application from the Public Health
Inspector arranges for the removal of the refuse by his Department. The stagnant
water is then pumped out by the London Fire Brigade, but refuse is soon deposited
again and the nuisance recurs. A number of tanks were demolished during the year and
thus the number of nuisances has decreased.
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 or vacant sites 203
Visits to air-raid shelters and static water tanks 81
Inspection of derelict buildings 126
The placing of abandoned vehicles on vacant sites is on the increase. The cooperation
of the Cleansing Superintendent is sought for their removal.
Complaints are frequently received in respect of derelict buildings. Such
buildings may be dangerous and become a health hazard by the depositing of all kinds
of refuse. There is often difficulty in tracing owners and in certain cases the
Council has to remove the refuse itself. Rats are attracted to such premises sometimes