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10
staff of the Health Department in carrying out the inspections which
will be required to bring about, where necessary, improvements in
working conditions. In April, 1963, the establishment of the Health
Department was further increased by four posts of public health
inspector, who will be necessary to undertake this additional work.
Good progress is being made in connection with the Council's programme
for smoke control orders. This programme provides for the
whole of Westminster to be smokeless by the autumn of 1965, but an
endeavour is being made to hasten the work with a view to its completion
by 1964. Opportunity has again been taken this year to include in
this Report a map (facing page 77) showing parts of the City where
Smoke Control Orders are in force and the proposals for the future.
The number of complaints of noise received again increased in 1962,
totalling 86, compared with 80 in 1961. A substantial amount of this
annoyance results from thoughtlessness on the part of persons arriving
at, and leaving, clubs and other places of entertainment late at night,
who do not appear to appreciate the hardship which their noisy behaviour
can cause to neighbouring residents.
The noise resulting from large-scale demolition and building works
also caused much annoyance to those living and working nearby. While
some of this noise is unavoidable, much can be prevented and especially
that caused by building workers who often handle materials carelessly
without realising the nuisance they are creating.
Each complaint was carefully investigated and fortunately in the
majority of cases it was possible to secure co-operation in reducing the
noise without resort to statutory action.
During 1962, two long-service members of the staff of the Health
Department retired: Mr. J. M. Burbridge, Senior Housing Inspector,
retired in July, 1962, after 28 years' service with the City Council, and
Mr. P. Cox, clerk (Drainage) retired in September, 1962, after 23 years'
service. Both these officers have given long and good service to the City
Council and we wish them well in their retirement.
To all the other members of the staff of the Health Department
I express my sincere thanks for their unfailing support during the year,
and to my colleagues in other Departments for their co-operation
and help.
Finally, Mr. Mayor, I would thank you, the Chairman and Members
of the Public Health Committee, and all Members of the Council, for
the many kindnesses you have shown to me during 1962, and for the
support and help which has been forthcoming at all times.
J. H. Briscoe-Smith,
Medical Officer of Health
July, 1963