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SWIMMING BATHS
There are 5 public swimming baths in the Borough. The following table shows
details of the laboratory tests taken during the year.

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
This has continued during 1967, and railway bridges and several churches were visited
regularly by the pigeon catchers. Some 2,500 birds as well as nests and eggs were
destroyed. Although this number is not as great as in in the previous year, more
complaints were investigated showing that the birds were more scattered around the
Borough.
Destruction was carried out principally by shooting and this makes the treatment
of some buildings difficult owing to the large area of glass used in construction.
One treatment by a narcotic was tried but the result was not very satisfactory for
various reasons. Some trapping was also tried during the year and it is hoped to
extend this method.
The feeding of the birds by the public is a problem and some of the larger infestations
are due to this fact. Damage to crops occurred during the year due to wood
pigeons and some help was given to allotment holders in dealing with the nuisance.
PET ANIMALS ACT, 1951
During the year 15 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.
ANIMAL BOARDING ESTABLISHMENTS ACT, 1963
Under the above Act. no person may keep a boarding establishment for animals
(i.e. dogs or cats) except under the authority of a licence granted by the local authority
for the area in which the establishment is situated. One such licence was granted
during the year.
RIDING ESTABLISHMENTS ACT, 1964
There are two licensed riding establishments in the Borough. These are inspected
and supervised by the Council's Veterinary Officer. Mr. G. S. Wiggins, M.R.C.V.S.
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