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SWIMMING BATHS
There aire three open air and one indoor public swimming pools
in the borough. In addition there is a pool at the North East London
Polytechnic Barking Precinct and four of the schools are provided with
small pools. All swimming pools take their water from the mains of the
Jiissex Hater Company.
Regular samples were taken during the year and all results were
satisfactory with the exception of one which was from a School Pool.
The water had a high content of ammoniacal nitrogen with appreciable
organic impurity, substantial residuum of chlorine present and bacteriological
results were inferior for a swimming pool. The pool was
temporarily closed and re-opened after thorough cleansing.
HOUSING
Slum Clearance
The year showed a further reduction in the action taken to clear
unfit houses from the borough. The Council's comprehensive Slum Clearance
Programme drawn up in 1957 is now all but exhausted and the small areas
remaining present special features and difficulties which require careful
consideration before representation is made.
The worst slum conditions have now been swept away.
During this year one small clearance area comprising two dwelling
houses was represented and, in addition, representations concerning three
individual unfit houses were received by the Council.
A Public Local Enquiry was held during the year as a result of
an objection to the Council's proposal to compulsorily purchase a terrace
of 14 dwellings and shop dwellings considered to be unfit for human habitation.
The objection was subsequently upheld on the grounds that the
premises in question had lost its character as a dwelling house.
Incrovenent and Conversion Grants
During the year 55 improvement grants, 67 standard grants and one
special grant were approved.
Preparations for the declaration of two further General Improvement
Areas were continued. Problems in providing qualified staff to carry out
the surveys of properties are never completely overcome due to constant
demands in other fields. It is essential that experienced officers be
used for this work since they must be able to answer all questions arising
from the exercise and provide accurate information concerning items eligible
for grant.
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