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Water Supply
The water supply of the area has been satisfactory in quality and
quantity, the Metropolitan Water Board supplying all properties in
the area by main.
Bacteriological examination has been regular, 36 samples being
taken during the year. All proved to be satisfactory.
Drainage
As will be seen from the Table of nuisances remedied, 294 instances
of choked drains were reported during the year. A great many of
these chokages related to public sewers, i.e. drains receiving wastes
of two or more houses.
The Council accepts as a legal responsibility, the clearance of
public sewers, and the work is undertaken without any charge being
made to the owners or occupiers of the properties. Of the 294 cases
discovered, however, 187 related to private drainage, and in these
cases a charge is made for the work undertaken. Accounts were
rendered for £130 18s. Od. for this work. The Smoke Testing of the
house drains of 6 properties was undertaken at the request of owners
and accounts were rendered for £12 12s. Od.
Infestation by Rats and Mice
Seven hundred and ninety-two complaints were received in 1961 of
which 78 related to business premises. A charge is made for the service
provided in respect of business premises, whereas private residential
property is served free of charge.
During the year, accounts for £121 19s. 6d. were rendered in
respect of business premises.
Baiting of certain sections of the main sewers known to be rat
infested, has been maintained during the year.
Shops Act, 1950
The duties of the Public Health Inspectors under this Act differ
very widely in character. The health and welfare provisions embrace
sanitation, heating, ventilation, rest facilities, etc., but the Inspectors
are also the Council's authorised Officers for enforcing the statute
so far as it relates to hours of opening and closing, the weekly halfholiday
and early closing day, Sunday trading, the type of goods
which are prohibited from sale at certain times, the employment of
young persons, and the keeping of records. During 1961 252 visits
were made to shops in the Borough, and 1 contravention remedied.
National Assistance Act, 1948
Burial and Cremation of Dead
Section 50 of this Act places responsibility on a local authority
for the burial of persons who have died, or been found dead, in their
area where it appears that no suitable arrangements for disposal have
been made.
During 1961, it was necessary to take action under this Section
on two occasions only.
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