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71
The number of complaints of rats and mice was increased by the disruption of
the collection of household refuse in the Borough when many complaints were
received of rats feeding at overflowing dustbins, or on sites where refuse had been
dumped. Not all of these complaints were justified, but it was necessary to
investigate each one.
The following is a summary of the work carried out during the year:-
Complaints received 2,275
Complaints in respect of brown rats 1,489
Complaints in respect of mice 572
Complaints not justified 214
During the course of investigation 3,725 baitings were made.
Sewer Treatment
In London the sewers are a reservoir for the infestation by rats of houses and
other premises.
Each year baiting of the sewers is carried out by the Borough Engineer's
Department to reduce the number of rats living in the sewers.
It is difficult to kill off all the rats in the sewers as access to the sewer can
only be obtained at manholes which are provided at infrequent intervals. The work
of baiting the sewers is a large undertaking as there are 3,500 sewer manholes in
the Borough and it is necessary to visit each one, lift the cover and place the bait
near invent level.
This work is even more difficult to-day in busy roads xqhere traffic jams can
easily occur whilst baiting is in progress.
During the year the Borough Engineer's Department laid 4,544 baits in the
sewers in the Borough.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION - CLEAN AIR ACT 1958
Smoke control Areas
The Council's five year programme (1961-1966) has been completed, and a
new programme formulated. A large area in the South of the Borough, centering
on Royal Circus, West Norwood has been confirmed by the Minister of Housing and
Local Government, and the necessary conversion of fireplaces is proceeding.