Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barking]
This page requires JavaScript
44
(h) Stables.—Owing to the changing circumstances of the district, many of the
old stables have been demolished. The result is that various hawkers and dealers
in the district who need a pony and cart have been driven in colonies to unsuitable
premises.
There is a need in the district for a number of stables constructed in a sanitary
manner, to provide accommodation for these poor people, who themselves have insufficient
means and who depend for their livelihood upon horse transport.
One hundred and sixty-three visits were paid during the year to stable premises,
and 19 notices were served in respect of various unsatisfactory conditions.
34. PARKS AND OPEN SPACES.
You have three hundred acres of parks and open spaces in Barking, including
the western and southern open belts, and you are making wonderful use of them.
Your large open air swimming bath is marvellous, and I know that you are laying
out the open belt which separates the Becontree Estate from the rest of Barking.
Once again I can only say I can think of no better way of investing public
money to promote health than by the provision of these open spaces, swimming
baths, tennis courts, cricket pitches and other facilities for healthy recreation.
35. SCHOOLS.
There are fourteen elementary schools, in addition to the Park Modern
School, the Faircross Special School, and the Abbey Secondary School. With
the exception of the Abbey Secondary School, which is not within the district,
sanitary inspections are regularly carried out in order that any unsatisfactory
conditions may be remedied. Upon complaints being made, any necessary work
is usually carried out forthwith.
It has not been found necessary to close any department of the schools as a
result of infectious disease.
36. RAG FLOCK ACTS, 1911 AND 1928.
There are three premises where upholstery repairs are carried out and these
premises are regularly inspected.
The general practice at all establishments is to use fibre or wood wool for the
purpose of repairs. On no occasion has rag flock been found in use.