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Tents, Vans and Sheds
97 visits have been made by ray staff, a decrease of 236 visits on
last year's figures.
As the figures show, the problem is still with us but to a much lesser
degree and, of course, due to rapid building on vacant sites gipsies have
increasing difficulty in finding a piece of land on which to settle.
It has been found, however, that once encamped on land the task of
moving the vans on has become much more difficult as a result of the
belligerent attitude of the van-dwellers.
LAUNDRY SERVICE
The service continues with a once weekly collection. The helpful,
co-operative attitude of the department's drivers and the laundry staff at
the Chadwell Heath Hospital in carrying out what is sometimes an unpleasant
task, ensures a very satisfactory service.
An average of 40 cases use the service at any one time, which shows
a slight increase on last year's figure and one wonders how much further
increase can be borne by the staff under the present arrangements.
NOISE ABATEMENT ACT, 1960
The number of complaints of noise nuisance received during the year
indicates that the public are becoming more 'noise-conscious' and that
conditions which would have been tolerated even a few years ago are no longer
acceptable. This is a welcome hardening of opinion, for only by public
pressure can the increasing noise levels of urban life be stemmed.
One example concerned complaints which were received from the
occupiers of an office block concerning noise arising from building operations
on a site adjoining which was being redeveloped. The complaints arose
from the use of a pile-driver, a cement mixing machine, a compressor and
pneumatic drills.
Investigations confirmed the existence of a nuisance and, following
discussions with the Contractors, a considerable reduction of noise levels
was effected by the use of acoustic screens, insulating pads and additional
silencers.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
No progress was made in respect of smoke control areas during the year.
The Council felt that the extension of smoke control areas in the borough
must be deferred again due to the continued financial crisis.