London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Lambeth 1969
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lambeth Borough]
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110
Abatement of Nuisances
3,661 complaints were received, 4,986 inspections were carried out and
5,746 revisits made to premises. In 2,139 cases Statutory Notices were served;
56 Nuisance Orders were obtained after legal proceedings; 94 cases adjourned
sine die and 89 cases were withdrawn. 781 cases were dealt with informally.
As a result of action taken repairs including those listed below were carried out.
| Drainage work | 216 |
| Dampness | 615 |
| Flooring | 161 |
| Walls | 178 |
| Ceilings | 282 |
| Roofs | 315 |
| Rainwater pipes and gutters | 172 |
| Soil pipes | 24 |
| Waste pipes | 86 |
| Water closets | 259 |
| Water supplies | 76 |
| Windows | 265 |
| Staircases | 37 |
Works in Default
In 345 cases the Council carried out works required by notices in default
of the owners. 207 by contractors directly engaged and 138 through the services
of the Borough Engineer and the Borough Architect.
Choked Drains - Emergency Service
It is often possible to prevent a serious nuisance by dealing with a choked
drain at an early stage. At the direction of the Public Health Inspector, the
Drainage Assistant attempted emergency clearance in 64 cases and failed in only
19.
No charge is made for this service.
Sealing of Disused Drains
Many rat infestations are due to dis-used drains not being properly sealed
from the sewer. 149 drains were sealed under the supervision of the Drainage
Assistant prior to demolition of property.