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Many owners became aware of the proposed increases and extensions to
improvement grants and tended to delay making their applications in order
to benefit from the new provisions. As a result, the number of grants
dealt with during the year shows a reduction.
However, enquiries concerning the new provisions showed an increasing
enthusiasm among owners and provided the basis for confidence that a
comprehensive programme of Improvement Areas could succeed.
Systematic Area Improvement, together with a determined effort to root
out all unfit properties could result, in but a few years, in the disappearance
of the obsolescent dwelling lacking the amenities which were considered
luxuries in time gone by, but have now become recognised as essential to a
comfortable and healthy life.
The Public Health Inspector has a vital role to play in this bold attempt
to solve a difficult and long-standing problem. With his intimate knowledge of
housing conditions he can, with little difficulty, identify suitable areas.
In the detailed inspection work which must precede the declaration
of an Improvement Area he is able to make the often, critical judgement of
properties which merit either improvement or demolition.
Drawing on his experience of close relations with the public he is
able to discuss the merits of improvement and emphasise the benefits to be
derived from improved living standards, a more pleasant neighbourhood, the
security of at least thirty years life for the houses and the increased values
of individual dwellings.
Houses in Multiple Occupation
177 visits were paid to these properties during the year. No marked
difficulty has arisen during the year and multiple occupation has shown no
rapid increase. This may be attributed to the lack of houses of sufficient
size in the Borough.
All known houses were visited during the year and, where necessary, works
have been carried out under supervision to bring them up to standard.
In many cases the language barrier has proved the most difficult aspect
and it seems, even with a drive in education, this problem will remain for
some considerable time.
There are no Common Lodging Houses in the Borough.
Tents, Vans and Sheds
54 visits have been made by my staff, and although there continues to be
a decrease the problem is still one which needs constant surveillance.
Occupiers of houses are quick to complain should van dwellers encamp
on land close to their homes. It has been found that complaints are fully
justified in that a vacant site quickly deteriorates into a filthy, refusestrewn
quagmire when occupied by such persons. Action under the nuisance
sections of the Public Health Act, 1936 is difficult to envoke as one can never
identify the person by whose act or default the nuisance has arisen.
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