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RENT ACT, 1968
No applications under the Rent Act 1968 were received for certificates of
disrepair during this year. One application for cancellation of certificate was refused.
RODENT CONTROL
In accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food statistics on rodent control work for surface infestations carried out by
the department during the year were submitted to the Ministry. In this period out of
3,969 dwellings and other premises requiring inspection 3,668 were found to be
infested with mice or rats compared with 2,964 last year. The number of complaints
received' was the highest since 1966. Treatments we r.e car r i ed ou t by the department' s
rodent control staff in 5,761 properties the charges for servicing business premises
amounting to £1,495.
Statistics are given on page 98.
SEWERAGE
The arrangement in the area for sewerage and sewage disposal are satisfactory.
The planned programme of reconstruction of defective sewers is proceeding.
SWIMMING BATHS
The water in the seven public swimming baths in the borough and in the bath at
the Council's Hornchurch Children's Home is sampled at monthly intervals by the
Scientific Department of the Greater London Council on this Council's behalf. A total
of 121 samples taken during the year proved satisfactory. Eight were unsatisfactory and
appropriate action taken.
In addition 75 samples were taken fromnine school swimming.baths in the borough,
2 samples being unsatisfactory.
VACANT SITES
If the situation can be assessed by the number of sites that have been fenced
throughout the Borough during the year, then it can be said that the improvement of
last year has been maintained.
The development of some sites for open space and car parking has prevented
recurring misuse of c1eared and fenced sites and isapolicy which should be encouraged
on a temporary basis. Of the 65 sites which came to notice during the year 42 were
cleared of rubbish and fenced by the end of the year. A further 24 from the previous
year were also dealt with.
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