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In order to deal with buildings which are congested, portions of the
tenements should be demolished to admit sufficient light and air; odd
dark rooms closed, or two rooms converted into one; and the internal
arrangements re-planned. These improvements could be effected only
by the removal of numerous tenants.
There would be little objection to communal sanitary conveniences
being provided where tenements are occupied as single rooms for single
persons, but any tenement occupied by three or more persons should be
provided with its own water closet and sink. The present powers for
dealing with this problem are very weak.
Brick dust shoots should be demolished and proper glazed pipe
shoots erected, discharging into a movable receptacle which should be
emptied daily.
Where supervision is not strict, a very offensive nuisance is caused
by the occupiers throwing refuse from the windows into the inner quadrangle.
It is most difficult to determine the offenders, and the Council
have from time to time circulated a leaflet as follows:—
METROPOLITAN BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK.
It has been brought to my notice that RUBBISH AND REFUSE
is often thrown out of the windows into the yard below and adjoining
premises. This is a dirty and lazy habit and the presence of this refuse
in the yard is bad for health and attracts flies and rats. All such refuse
must be put into the place provided for it.
Proceedings will be taken against any person disobeying this Notice.
W. STOTT,
Medical Officer of Health.
Health Services Department,
Walworth Road, S.E.17.