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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.
Investigations into noise complaints can be very time consuming and take up a
considerable amount of the Public Health Inspectors' time. Many visits are often
needed, frequently at night and early mornings, and sometimes negotiations for the
alleviation of the complaint can be very protracted. Many of the complaints received
during the year stem from the close proximity of dwellings to industrial premises.
During the year 56 complaints of noise nuisance were received; these related to
noise from business and industrial activity, and also from domestic and social causes.
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 Shops' 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 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 3,166, a slight reduction
on the previous year, although 264 premises were newly registered during the
year. In addition to the number of premises registered by the Council, there are 298
registered premises where the Act is enforced by the Factory Inspectorate and 10
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:-
61