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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Mr. A. J. Phillips, M.A.P.H.I., Chief Public Health Inspector
During 1967 following new legislation, it became possible to deal with urgent nuisances
more quickly, and also to arrange for the speedy re-instatement of water supplies cut
off by the Metropolitan Water Board for defective supply pipes or fittings. It is also
now possible to take statutory action to improve food hygiene in markets and stalls
and in food delivery vehicles.
Housing
Following some staff reorganisation a considerable increase was achieved in work
under the Housing Acts. Additional visits were paid to houses in multi-occupation
and in view of several recent fires, emphasis has been placed on means of escape, not
only by carrying out works to the premises but also by talks to the occupiers on the
dangers of fire, particularly the storage and use of paraffin in paraffin oil burning
appliances. The inspection of premises included in clearance programmes continued,
and additional premises were added. Improvement of existing houses was also encouraged.
While the number of initial visits for mortgage surveys was slightly reduced
it was possible to give more attention to follow-up visits to existing mortgaged properties,
particularly to check on occupation.
Offices, Shops and Railway Premises
The number of visits paid during the year was similar to 1966, but the number of
cases where it was necessary to draw attention to defects was halved. It was noted,
however, that a number of premises were without a thermometer, a first-aid box, or a
hot water supply, and it is hoped that these deficiencies will be attended to in the near
future.
Clean Air
Smoke Control Orders affecting the Deptford Park and Brookmill areas came into
force during 1967, adding a further 2,241 dwellings to those already under Orders.
The Bell Green Smoke Control Order, dealing with 4,208 properties was made during
the year and will become operative in 1968. Only a very small part of the Borough
now remains to be dealt with and as this is under consideration for redevelopment,
completion of the smoke control programme is held up at present.
Food
Increased visits were possible to restaurants and cafes during the year, and some
marked improvements in hygiene were noticeable in many cases, but unfortunately
there is still room for greater care in food preparation in some of these premises. The
number of adulturated samples was reasonably small and most of these related to
incorrect labelling which was rectified after consultation with the manufacturers.
Proceedings were taken in fifty-seven cases under the Food and Drugs Act for the
sale of unfit food or containers and resulted in fines and costs of over £700. Many of these
were as a result of complaints by members of the public, or relating to foreign objects
found in food, mouldy meat pies and dirty milk bottles. Some of this could be avoided
if shopkeepers paid more attention to proper stock rotation.
Public Health Acts
Slightly fewer Public Health Act notices were served as compared with last year.
Major items remedied included defective roofs, gutters, floors, dampness and wall
and ceiling plaster.
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