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63.
In an area where standards of hygiene in the home have improved so
enormously in the past generation, it is disappointing to find that
certain sections of the public regard a cleared site as a sort of "noman's-land"
for dumping every form of rubbish including discarded
furniture and bedding, particularly when this may be collected as house
refuse. A concentrated effort to secure the speedy development of sites
is the obvious solution to the problem but in the meantime it is essential
that the land should be adequately protected by high closed fencing.
Complaints of noise continue to be received fairly frequently; most
relate to industrial activities and noise created by road transport
vehicles at unreasonable hours. Public Health Inspectors are often
required to be on duty outside normal hours for the purpose of investigating
these complaints. It has been found that complaints do not always
refer to sounds which are particularly loud and some are little more than
vibration but there is no reason why these should not be regarded as a
nuisance particularly if the noise is continuous and irritating. It must
be remembered, however, that where noise arises from business premises a
defence is provided that the best practicable means have been used to
mitigate it and with some trades it is virtually impossible to remove
noise altogether. For the purpose of reducing the problem of noise
nuisance in the future it is important when considering Town Planning
applications in connection with trade premises that the noise created by
the business should be considered in relation to the proximity of domestic
premises.
Prom the large number of complaints received regarding dampness due
to condensation in new dwellings a more considered study of heating,
ventilation and thermal insulation of modern buildings is indicated.
There are, of course, contributing factors: the constantly rising cost
of fuels, the use of oil heaters in unventilated rooms, and rooms left
unheated for long periods of the day due to both partners being at work.
Food supervision. Having regard to the number and extentof
street markets in the Borough which include the well-known "Petticoat
Lane" and Club Row, it was considered advisable to arrange for a rota of
Public Health Inspectors to be on duty during trading hours on Saturdays
and Sundays.
Special attention has also been given to the many catering establishments
including restaurants, canteens, public houses and hot dog
stalls. Only too often most unsatisfactory conditions have been found in
food premises and on stalls and although many traders are responsive to
advice a number of prosecutions were necessary before improvements were
achieved.