View report page

Water Supply
The water supply of the area ha3 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, 454 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 454 cases
discovered, however, 336 related to private drainage, and in these
cases a charge is made for the work undertaken. Accounts were
rendered for £287. 2. Od for this work.
Infestation by Rats and Mice.
Six hundred and thirty two complaints were received in 1964 of
which 40 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 £86. 7. 3d 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 half-holiday 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 1964,
401 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 1964, it was necessary to take action under this Section
on one occasion only.
- 33 -