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Rivers and streams
As from 1st October, 1952 the newly established Essex River Board
Bassumed statutory responsibility within its area for the prevention of river
pollution and other functions conferred upon it by the River Boards Act,
1948, and the Rivers (Prevention of Pollution) Act, 1951.
It is hoped that the Board will do much to restore the wholesomeness of
our rivers by preventing the contamination to which I referred in my last
It is pleasing to note that certain major improvements are projected at
Loxford Water and the Mayesbrook in the year 1953.
DUTBIN OWNERSHIP BY THE CORPORATION
The supply of dustbins by the Corporation has been a subject of much
concern. Whilst the number of premises on record as premises where dustbins
are supplied and maintained in accordance with Section 75(3) of the Public
Health Act, 1936, has increased, a number of premises in one ownership,
owing to default It on the part of the owners in maintaining their payments,
have created new problem. Towards the end of the year the Council
decided that ir future action should be taken in accordance with Section 75(1)
instead of Section 75(3) of the Act.
I realise this action was taken to meet the difficulties experienced following
the increase in the dustbin charges to 5s. per annum.
I regret the need for this change and would add that this dustbin problem,
in my opinion, w ill not be resolved until the supply is one for the Corporation
only and the cost borne as a rate charge.
PUBLIC CLEANSING AND REFUSE DISPOSAL
During the year, 62,638 yards of refuse were collected and disposed of
by tipping at Jenkins Lane tip, the average weight being 5.58 cwts. per yard,
and the total weight 17,434 tons.
In addition, 46,446 tons of refuse from outside the Borough was also
deposited at the Corporation tip.
Tipping is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Essex
county Council Act, 1933 (Third Schedule).
ERADICATION OF BED BUGS
The standard of cleanliness in dwellings continues to improve. I am
pleased to report that only 25 bug-infested properties called for action on
the part of your officers and of these a number were minor infestations.
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