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ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
SMOKE CONTROL AREAS
The bringing into operation of Smoke Control areas continues to be an important contribution
to the reduction of atmospheric pollution and it was interesting to note that a report issued
during the year indicates that the reduction of smoke concentration in Central London appears to
have increased the duration of sunshine since 1958 by about 50% during the months of November
to January.
Subject to certain procedures, a householder who needs to carry out works of adapting or
replacing heating appliances in order to comply with the Smoke Control Order may obtain a grant
towards the costs involved.
At the commencement of the year 9 Smoke Control Orders were in operation and a further
Order in the Blackfen and Lamorbey areas was awaiting confirmation by the Minister. This Order
was duly confirmed and action was taken throughout the year to bring it into effect.
In the second half of the year local authorities were advised by the Minister of Housing &
Local Government that in certain areas there would be a shortage of solid smokeless fuel during the
winter of 1970 and 1971. With a view to recommending a course of action in the London area
this matter was considered by the London Boroughs Association and as a result of their advice
and discussions held with other interested parties, the Council asked the Minister to suspend during
five winter months 4 Smoke Control Orders covering approximately 40% of the premises
contained in Smoke Control areas. Steps were taken to defer until the 1st April 1971 the operative
date for the Smoke Control Order due to come into operation on the 1st December 1970.
At December 31st 1970, 9,589 acres covering some 28,500 premises were subject to Smoke
Control Orders. These figures include the four Orders temporarily suspended but do not include
the Order deferred. The total number of premises shown is an aggregate of the number of premises
contained in the Smoke Control areas at the times when the Orders were submitted for confirmation
by the Minister and should, therefore, not be directly compared with the total premises in
the Borough.
DISTRICT HEATING - THAMESMEAD
Reference was made in the previous Annual Reports to the fact that a district heating system
with its resulting benefits in terms of atmospheric pollution control was in operation in the
Thamesmead area. Heating is provided from a central boilerhouse temporarily situated near the
Northern end of Harrow Manorway. The boilerhouse will be re-sited North of the main sewer bank
as the development of Thamesmead continues.
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