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THE HEALTH OF BARKING
Unfortunately this work has not been commenced. I regard the paving, drainage
and lighting of these streets as a matter likely to contribute to the general well-being
of the town and commend it to the early attention of the Council. Wherever a
passage is used in common by a number of occupiers sanitary conditions can only
be achieved when such passage is controlled by the Council.
REFUSE DISPOSAL.
Refuse Tips—Privately Controlled. The fact that there are extensive areas of
low lying land is an invitation to private contractors to take such land for the
purpose of tipping. This work creates serious nuisance unless it is well planned
and controlled. Where the land is being reclaimed by the owner it is usual for
greater interest to be taken in the type of filling and the general level of the filling
material but where the land is rented by the contractor, such contractor has little
regard for the ultimate condition and is opposed to any control work. In such
circumstances, tips so constructed require the constant care and attention of your
sanitary inspectors. There is an area, at present being developed, on the north
bank of the River Roding and another area north of the Tilbury Railway at
Rippleside. Both sites are being filled with material brought into the district and
the land is therefore subject to the operation of the Essex County Council Act,
1933. It is necessary that such land should be filled and the level raised in order
to make it more suitable for use but this will only be secured by constant
supervision.
ERADICATION OF BED BUGS.
In another part of my Report I referred to the general housing position in the
district. Examination of this report will show that the general sanitary conditions
existing are such that it should not be difficult for the average householder to keep
his house free from vermin. Such difficulties that do exist, however, have been
aggravated by the increased density of persons living in each house and the problems
associated with dual occupation. Whilst there has been an increase in the number
of cases reported, such increase has not been significant and the facilities available,
free to householders, have been adequate for the demand. The Housing Manager
reports that in connection with Barking Corporation houses the number of premises
found infested and treated was 40. The method of treatment provides for the
use of insecticide containing DDT. In the present acute house shortage there
is serious difficulty in using hydrocyanic gas.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION.
At the end of 1947, the proposed extension of the generating station of the
County of London Electric Supply Company, Creekmouth, did not proceed
sufficiently for new furnaces to be in operation. In consequence the expected
improvement in the operation of the existing furnaces was not achieved.
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