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There were no alterations in the methods of cesspool emptying
or the disposal of refuse during the year under consideration.
House refuse is disposed of partly by incineration at Kenley
Works and partly by means of controlled tipping. Cesspool
contents are emptied into the sewer.
Charges are made for the removal of trade refuse and for cesspool
emptying.
The charges for cesspool emptying at private properties were
reviewed during the year.
The Public Health Committee were of the opinion that the
existing charges were uneconomic and that they should be increased,
especially in the case of newly erected properties at which
the Committee felt the construction of new cesspools should not
be encouraged. Accordingly, as from the 1st April, 1958, the
charge for emptying existing cesspools at private properties was
increased to 10/— per load for the first 12 loads in any year, the
charge for any additional loads in the same year being 15/- per
load.
As from the same date, a standard charge of 15/- per load
was approved for the emptying of cesspools constructed on or
after that date at newly erected properties in the district.
The charge for emptying cesspools at commercial premises
remains at 25/- per load.
RIVERS AND STREAMS.
The only water courses in the District are those provided by
the intermittent Bourne flows. These present no difficulties apart
from occasional rat infestation along the banks.
INSPECTION OF THE DISTRICT.
It is the statutory duty of a Public Health Inspector to inspect
and have a thorough knowledge of the sanitary circumstances of
the district in order that action may be taken if necessary to abate
conditions that give rise to nuisance.
Under the following headings comment is made on particular
aspects of this work, concluding with a summary of the complaints
received, visits made, notices served, works carried out and defects
remedied during the year.
Camping Sites.
In view of the rural character of much of the Council's district,
a close watch has to be maintained for unauthorised siting of movable
dwellings.
Control is exercised mainly through planning powers although
prohibition orders obtained in 1951 in respect of two areas in the
district under the provisions of the Surrey County Council Act
have continued to prove effective in preventing nuisance arising
from itinerant gypsy encampments. No serious difficulties have
been experienced during the year.
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