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treatment it would appear that the new method was more effective than the old, and
progress has continued to be maintained whereby rat infestation in the sewers has
been kept at a minimum level.
Business Premises.
The Council's Contributory Scheme of Rodent Control in business premises has
again continued to function well. The income derived from this Scheme is now
£3,533 per annum and the charges made to individual contributors are calculated
in units of £5 to £200 dependent on the size of the premises and the storage of
rat and mice attractive materials. It must be appreciated that the Borough has
extensive river and canal frontages and an immense volume of goods of all description
is carried by ship and barge. The Rodent Control staff carry out considerable
routine work of inspection and treatment of premises where goods are
landed. It is extremely difficult entirely to eliminate the menace of rats, but
by constant supervision and treatment, rats and mice in these areas have been reduced
and maintained at a minimum which emphasises the general benefits of the
Council's Contributory Rodent Scheme
Dwelling Houses
During the year under review 509 complaints have been received, many of mice
infestation. Each complaint has been investigated and treatment or treatments are
carried out as may be necessary. Where rat infestation of dwelling houses has been
discovered it has usually been found to be due to defects in the drain or sewer
and suitable repairs have been effected.
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