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AIR POLLUTION
(Smoke Abatement Officer -Mr. G. Stubbs)
The overall figures of air pollution recorded by the Council's
instruments show that the improvement of the previous year had not
been maintained. The 'smog' conditions which prevailed in the London
area from 3rd to 7th December 1962 caused a great increase in atmospheric
pollution. During this period the smoke was about five times
the normal quantity and the sulphur dioxide more than six times the
normal concentration. When the 'smog' cleared the measurements of
pollution returned to the normal figures for the time of year.
The Smoke Control Order No.2 made by the Council on 10th January
1962 was confirmed by the Minister of Housing and Local Government
on 11th May to come into operation on 5th November 1962. The area is
residential and 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), 204-262 (even) Olney Road,
Heiron Street, and Hillingdon Street, and includes most of the London
County Council Brandon Estate, and covers 40 acres. Included in the
area are 1,324 separate dwellings, 14 shops and public houses, one
nursery, three Churches, three factories and workplaces.
The figures of the survey showed that the appliances in 141
dwellings needed replacement or adaptations with gas ignition, at
an estimated total cost of £2,150. No adaptations of appliances in
bedrooms were considered except in special circumstances. It was
calculated that 275 additional tons of smokeless fuel would be required
for the area.
A meeting with coal merchants, representatives of nationalised
undertakings, smokeless fuel manufacturers and other interested bodies,
regarding the availability and prices of smokeless fuels took place
at the Town Hall on 18th September 1962, presided over by Mr. Councillor
W.A. Miller. Assurances were given at the meeting that there
would be a sufficient supply of smokeless fuels available for the
No. 2 Smoke Control Area. There was a discussion on the prices charged
for pre-packed fuel - paper bags containing 14 lbs. and 28 lbs. of
house coal or smokeless fuel. There has been a great increase in the
demand for pre-packed fuels and complaints had been received of the
high prices charged by some dealers.
Following the confirmation of the Order, the occupiers and owners
of dwellings which required some adaptation 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 and terms of the Order.