View report page

80
Attention was called to the desirability of fencing off the gardens of the tenants
occupying the maisonettes. The original scheme contemplate the erection of fences between
the several gardens, but the provision was deleted by the Ministry of Health on the ground of
economy. The Committee decided to take no action in the matter, as the work would involve
a very heavy expenditure. At the same time, the tenants were informed that no objection
would be raised to the erection of fences at their own cost, if they so desired.
An inspection was made of the ground at the rear of the flats in St. Alban's Road. It
was not possible to allot garden ground to the tenants of these flats, as in the case on other
parts of the Estate, because a portion of the land which would have been available was
utilised by the School Clinic. The result was that the ground was rough and unsightly, and
instructions were given for it to be tar sprayed so as to make a drying ground and children's
playground.
The necessity for providing compounds for the dustbins was taken into consideration.
The dustbins were unsightly, and during high winds the lids blew off and the lighter refuse
was disiributed around the blocks. As an experiment, three compounds were erected at the
most exposed places. These proved satisfactory in abating the nuisance, and nineteen
additional compounds have since been provided, with satisfactory results.
The wooden hut which was taken over from the contractor has been re-erected and
fitted up as a store and workshop for the use of the caretaker, and provision has been made for
lavatory accommodation for the use of the workmen employed on the Estate.
Many applications were received from the tenants for permission to instal wireless
receiving sets, and the following regulations were laid down governing the matter:—
(1) That previous written application lias been made to the Council.
(2) That the aerial shall be attached at either end to masts, or other supports, firmly fixed into
the ground or otherwise, entirely independent of the Council's buildings.
(3) That the supports shall be stout enough or be stayed in order to preserve a vertical position
and to avoid an unsightly appearance.
(4) That the "lead-in" for connecting the aerial to the instrument shall be taken into the
dwelling at a point to be approved by the Council.
(5) The whole apparatus to be efficiently " earthed," and a suitable cut-out provided.
(6) Any damage accruing as a result of the fixing or the use of the installation shall be made
good at the expense of the tenant, at the discretion of the Council.
(7) The installation shall remain at the discretion of, and shall be removed on the tenant
receiving notice in writing from, the Council.
Copies of the regulations have been circulated to the tenants interested, and about
40 aerials have so far been erected.
Many complaints were received from the tenants of the flats of nuisances arising from
smoky chimneys. Chimney pots were not provided when the buildings were erected, owing
to the action of the Ministry of Health, who deleted them from the original scheme. Two
pots were fixed as an experiment, and these proved successful in abating the nuisance. It
was, therefore, decided to provide pots to the flues of all the living rooms of the flats, at a
cost of £286 10s. Od. (96 pots). The Ministry agreed to the cost ranking for financial
assistance. In a limited number of cases, pots have also been provided for the maisonettes.
The grass plots in front of the flats, and the privet hedges and trees throughout the
Estate are getting well established, and whilst they need considerable attention to keep them
in good condition, it is generally agreed that the labour involved is well repaid by adding to
the amenities of the Estate.
The Estate comprises 202 tenancies, which have been fully occupied throughout the
year.