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the contents of the barrows will then be emptied direct from the barrows into the
collecting vehicles, all of which are specially constructed and are fitted with covers
to prevent the blowing of refuse over the public streets. The cleansing of the
Borough is being gradually extended on the beat system so that in the near future
the whole will be dealt with by this method rather than by sweeping gangs. The
result will be that each thoroughfare will receive closer and more constant attention.
Generally.—New plant is being installed at the Council's Shoot at Northolt to
deal with refuse unloaded there, and the whole question of collection, disposal and
dumping is constantly under supervision with a view of avoiding nuisance. Every
precaution is taken to ensure that the whole service is carried out in a satisfactory
and efficient manner and in such a way as to give as little annoyance as possible
when dealing with objectionable material of this nature. Offals of various descriptions
such as green offal, fish offal, refuse from petrol interceptors at garages, etc.,
are collected by the Council, a charge being made for this service as well as for the
removal of other trade refuse. The effect of this has been to improve the genera!
cleanliness of the Borough. Fish offal is disposed of to Contractors and green
offal is treated in the same way as street sweepings.
Statistical.—The following figures will give some idea of the tonnages dealt
with.
House Refuse collected during the year ending
31st March, 1932 44,308¼ tons.
Street Sweepings collected during the year ending
31st March, 1932 7,999¾ tons.
In addition, a sum of approximately £1,600 was received for the removal of
Trade Refuse, Green and Fish Offal and for the cleansing of petrol interceptors.
Removal of House Refuse.
So far as the arrangements existing in houses, business premises, etc., are
concerned, it may be noted that the movable, covered metal dustbin is most
commonly found. The following figures with regard to action taken as to the
provision of dustbins, etc., are of interest :—
Dustholes and ashpits abolished 198
Premises where approved type metal dustbins have been
provided in lieu of dustholes 201
Metal dustbins provided by owners in place of dustholes 467
Defective bins replaced by owners 460
Total number of new metal bustbins provided during the
year 927
During the year the inspectors made 3,803 visits. The majority of these were
made by Inspectors Hill and Lumley, who give part time to this work.
For neglect of the provisions with regard to the covering of dustbins, etc.,
placed on the footway for collection from the kerb, 68 notices were served.
Remedies in each case were carried out, legal proceedings not being necessary in
any instance.
The Crown Estate.—All that has been said above applies only to that part of
the Borough—the bulk, of course—for which the Council is responsible. In the
part constituting the " Crown Estate," which comprises a large number of properties
encircling Regent's Park and includes certain premises in Marylebone Road
and Park Road, the responsibility for collection, removal and disposal of the refuse
is still in the hands of the Crown authorities. From the appearance particularly of
the vehicles in use, the opinion one has formed is that the arrangements in operation
at the moment are still those which might have been devised half a century or
more ago. No attempt has been made to bring the methods into line with those
which the Borough Council, through the Highways Committee, is endeavouring to