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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, 388 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 388 cases
discovered, however, 246 related to private drainage, and in these
cases a charge is made for the work undertaken. Accounts were
rendered for £184 17s. Od. for this work. The Smoke Testing of the
house drains of 3 properties was undertaken at the request of owners
and accounts were rendered for £6 6s. Od.
Infestation by Rats and Mice
Six hundred and sixteen complaints were received in 1962 of
which 58 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 £102 15s. Od. 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 1962 225 visits
were made to shops in the Borough,
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 1962, it was necessary to take action under this Section
on two occasions only.
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