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
Lewisham 1965
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lewisham Borough]
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SWIMMING BATHS
There are 5 public swimming baths in the borough, including the new Ladywell
baths, Lewisham High Street opened December 12th, which replaced the old baths
in Ladywell Road. The following table shows details of the laboratory tests taken
during the year.
| Bath | Number of tests | Variation of chlorine (p.p.m.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ladywell West | 7 | 0.08 — 1.25 |
| Ladywell East | 7 | 0.08 — 0.90 |
| Ladywell (new baths) | 1 | 0.25 |
| Forest Hill North | 8 | 0.25 — 1.40 |
| Forest Hill South | 8 | 0.15 — 1.20 |
| Laurie Grove Large | 7 | 0.20 — 1.68 |
| Laurie Grove Small | 8 | 0.12 — 1.48 |
| Laurie Grove South | 1 | 0.40 |
| Downham | 8 | 0.08 — 1.90 |
| Bellingham (open air) | 4 | 0.08 — 1.75 |
The water used for these baths is supplied by the Metropolitan Water Board and is
sterilised by the breakpoint chlorination method, sodium carbonate and sodium
metephosphate being used to control acidity and to keep the pH above 7.2. Colorimetric
tests for free chlorine and pH value are also made at the baths at 9 a.m.,
1 p.m., and 6 p.m. on weekdays and at 9 a.m. and 12 noon on Sundays, the results
being recorded on log sheets kept for the purpose. The aim is to achieve a circulation
of water every four hours, although it is rather more prolonged at the open-air
baths.
RAG FLOCK AND OTHER FILLING MATERIALS ACT, 1951
The Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act is designed to secure the use of
clean filling materials in upholstered articles and other articles which are stuffed or
lined.
Six premises are registered for the use of filling materials for upholstery purposes,
one of these being also registered for storage. Samples of these materials proved
satisfactory on examination.
DESTRUCTION OF PIGEONS
The destruction of pigeons was carried out throughout the year by two part-time
pigeon catchers. They accounted for the destruction of 3,041 pigeons in the area
of the former Metropolitan Borough of Lewisham. It was not possible, because of
shortage of staff, to extend the scheme into the Deptford area of the borough during
1965, but it is hoped to do so in the near future.
PET ANIMALS ACT, 1951
During the year 23 premises were licensed as pet shops. In the main, the sale of
pets at these premises consists of cage birds and tropical and coldwater fish. In
general it has been found that pets are kept for sale under conditions which do not
call for any particular comment and in no case has it been found necessary to attach
special conditions for any licence which has been issued.
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