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The occupiers and owners of dwellings which required some modification
or replacement were advised fully of the position and the owners were also
sent the estimate forms.
The occupiers of dwellings which did not require any modification were
informed by letter of the date of the Order and that it would be an offence to
emit smoke after that date and advising them to ensure that any stock of
bituminous coal be used up before 31st October 1961 and replenished with an
authorised fuel. Their co-operation was invited.
Generally, it was found that the estimates submitted by the owners
were usually reasonable, and in the cases where the builders' specifications
and estimates were considered excessive, there were discussions and agreement
before the forms of approval were sent to the applicants.
The amounts in several of the estimates substantially exceeded our estimated
costs and it was found that the differences were principally due to
the proposed installation of superior appliances. It was pointed out to the
owners and builders that these appliances could be installed but the extra
cost would not rank for grant.
All the required works of adaptation were not completed by 1st November,
the delay was principally due to the large number of orders for gas ignition
being handles by the Gas Board.
It is pleasing to record that on visiting the dwellings where conversions
had been completed the tenants expressed general approval of the scheme
and satisfaction with the work carried out.
It was decided that a detailed survey should be made of a, proposed area
No. 2 for the purpose of a Smoke Control Order. This proposed area is bounded
by Farmer's Road, St. Agnes Place, Kennington Park Place, Cook's Road,
Fleming Road, St. Paul's Church, Lorrimore Square, rear of Carter Street
(South side), Penrose Street, rear of Lorrimore Road (south side), Heiron
Street, Hillingdon Street. The area includes most of the London County Council
Brandon Estate and Borough Council property, and covers 40 acres. A detailed
survey of the area has been completed and is now before the Council.
Careful consideration was given to a programme of future smoke control
orders, and it was decided that the year 1974 be adopted as the target for
the completion of smoke control orders covering the whole Borough.
Up to Christmas no complaints had been received of any difficulty in
obtaining supplies of smokeless fuels but after that time, with the coming
of severe weather, several complaints were received from householders of inability
to obtain supplies of Cleanglow or Coalite. It appeared that Sebrite
was available. On investigating the complaints at Walworth Road Coal Depot,
the merchants confirmed there was a temporary shortage of the premium fuels.
3hey pointed out it was a time of peak demand and the severe weather had delayed
delivery trucks. Fortunately, supplies to the Depot increased and the
delivery time to the householders was considerably reduced.