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109
1. Number of premises, the drainages of which were tested 56
2. Results obtained;—
(a) Negative 40
(b) Positive 16
3. Action taken:—
Notices served under the Public Health (London)
Act, 1891 25
The defects found were made good by the owners. Separate w.c.
accommodation is provided for the occupiers cf the lock-up shops and
stalls—4 w.c.'s in all (2 for men and 2 for women), whilst, in addition,
the Brixton Public Conveniences (Male and Female) are alongside and
adjacent to the Market.
The result of the special investigation proved that the rat
infestation was not quite as serious as reported, and the effect of the
notices served under the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, and also
under the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, served upon the
owners and occupiers not only of the arcade, but also of the premises
adjoining (on both sides and at the rear), was satisfactory in that no
complaints as to rats have been received since.
The Medical Officer of Health is of the opinion that nothing short
of the removal of the Market, or of the restriction of such market to
dealingwith goods that are not foods or food-stuffs, will prevent entirely
complaints being received with regard to rats. The Medical Officer of
Health is not, however, prepared to state that the Market, as private
premises, is rat infested to such an extent as to justify him in reporting
the case to the Town Clerk, as a specific and special nuisance under
the Rats and Mice Destruction Act, 1919, having regard to the fact
that everything is being done that is necessary and reasonably
practicable, not only by the Owner on behalf of the occupiers, but also
by the Borough Engineer on behalf of the Council, in the way of
poison-baiting, trapping, ferreting and netting, or otherwise catching or
killing rats as they appear from time to time, due to the user of the
premises and the particular foods and food-stuff that are displayed for
sale, together with the refuse from trimmings of meat, poultry, fish,
vegetables, etc., which results.
Further, empty boxes, crates, sacks, baskets, straw, sawdust and
other litter may also act their parts as enticements to the rats from the
neighbouring premises for rat-runs, food storage and nesting purposes,
and should be done away with (or limited) as far as possible. The
strictest precautionary measures and methods of cleanliness must be
employed in connection with the Market, at all times.
The great danger to the public that might occur were fire to break
out when the Market is crowded is a matter that is not under the
control of the Borough Council, but is nevertheless, a serious matter,
and has been referred to the Authority concerned.
No old brick barrel sewers or drains in the immediate neighbourhood
of the Arcade were reported by the Borough Engineer.