London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Wandsworth 1920

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Wandsworth, Metropolitan Borough]

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Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
of the Housing, Town Planning, &c., Act, 1919, in the case of 14
premises, one of the houses was repaired by the Council, and the
others are being dealt with by the freeholders, and made reasonably
fit for human habitation.
(3) Difficulties in remedying unfitness, special measures
taken, and any suggestions in the matters.—Want and high cost
of labour and materials were the chief difficulties experienced.
Another difficulty was that to render the houses fit it would have
been necessary for the tenants to vacate the premises, and as no
other accommodation was available the work could not be proceeded
with.
(4) Conditions, so far as they affect housing, as regards water
supply, closet accommodation, and refuse disposal.—The water
supply was in all cases satisfactory, the Metropolitan Water
Board's supply being used in all houses in the Borough. Cisterns,
where they are present, are generally kept in a clean condition.
Closet accommodation.—Generally, this is satisfactory, although
in some houses now let in tenements the number of closets
might with advantage be increased. In a few cases in old property
there is one closet to two houses, but unless there is a
definite nuisance it was not considered necessary to' serve notice
for an additional water closet to be provided.
Refuse disposal. Metal dust bins are now universal. The
house refuse is removed by contractors once a week. Particulars
as to removal of house refuse are given on page 31 of this Report.
It was not necessary to take any special measures during the
year as regards these conditions.
Instances of nuisances under these headings were dealt with
as occasion arose by service of notices under the Public Health
(London) Act.
135