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the industrial noise created in the borough merges into the general level of that caused by road traffic
which is probably the greatest noise factor in the Central London area.
The number of noise complaints received during 1969 showed a slight increase over the previous year.
Details are set out below:-
Complaints received 121
Visits made by Public Health Inspectors 464
Types of complaint:
(a) Industrial
Machinery 35
Vehicles 15
Car repairs 6
(b) Domestic
Sewing machines 15
Radio/Television 3
Musical instruments 5
General noisy behaviour 24
Animals 3
(c) Clubs/Restaurants
Music 6
(d) Road Works
Pneumatic drills 7
(e) Chimes from Ice Cream Vans 2
Total: 121
Detailed investigations, including evening and week-end visits where necessary, were made into all
complaints and appropriate steps taken. Often informal action only was needed, but where complaints
were substantiated notices were served. Towards the end of the year two cases were referred to the Legal
Division with a view to legal proceedings. Remedy of nuisances was possible in a few instances by action in
accordance with the Council's Bye-Laws as to Wireless Sets, Gramophones etc.
A sound level meter was acquired during the year, and the Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector
attended a special course of training at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research at Southampton
University. Other Inspectors attended part-time courses on noise control.
Thanks are again due to the Scientific Branch of the Greater London Council for valuable assistance
in connection with noise complaints.
OFFICES AND SHOPS
As in previous years, the most common infringements under the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises
Act, 1963 were defective floors and floor coverings, staircases without handrails or with defective treads and
risers, and failure to supply proper first aid materials and wall thermometers.
In supermarkets the storage of goods is often a problem and the passages, stairways, and in some
instances sanitary accommodation have all been found to be stacked with goods.
As the Act has now been in force for some years, most premises are provided with the basic amenities
and there has been, in consequence, a drop in the number of these deficiencies found at the time of
inspection. Conversely, there has been an increase in maintenance items such as lack of cleanliness and items
of disrepair.
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