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LOCAL LAND CHARGE ENQUIRIES
These refer to enquiries from the Town Clerk concerning outstanding notices, the
progress of housing schemes and smoke control areas in relation to all types of property
in the Borough, in pursuance of the provisions of the Land Charges Act 1925. The
necessary searches were made and information supplied in respect of 8,977 properties.
NOISE
The Noise Abatement Act 1960 and the Public Health Act 1936 together with byelaws
as to street noises, noisy animals etc., provide measures for dealing with noise or
vibration which is a nuisance. This does not apply to noise or vibration caused by
aircraft or by statutory undertakers in the exercise of their powers.
During the year 81 complaints were received and investigated; the majority relating
to noise from business or industrial activity and the remainder from domestic or social
causes. Although not all were dealt with to the satisfaction of complainants, occupiers
of factories and other business premises were not unco-operative.
SHOPS AND OFFICES
The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 and a number of Regulations
made thereunder regulate working conditions in offices and shops. Public Health
Inspectors and Shop Inspectors of the Town Clerk's Department, collaborate in these
measures to secure the health, safety and welfare of persons employed in such
premises. The Town Clerk is also responsible for the registration procedure and the
publication of an Annual Report to the Secretary of State for Employment and
Productivity.
The total number of registered premises at the end of the year was 3,181, a slight
reduction on the previous year although 380 premises were newly registered during
the year. At the end of the year there were 1,097 shop premises where the Act is not
applicable. In addition to the number of premises registered by the Council there are
281 registered where the Act is enforced by the Factory Inspectorate (by demarcation
arrangement) and 11 premises where the Act is enforced by the Greater London
Council. The following is an extract from the Report, setting out the number of
premises registered, an analysis of persons employed and the number of general
inspections made:-
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