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Clean Air
At the beginning of the year the Minister of Housing & Local
Government issued a circular No. 5/59 on the formation of Smoke
Control Areas and requested councils in "Black Areas" to prepare
a programme for the establishment of Smoke Control areas
over the next five years.
As it was not clear whether this Council's area was within
the "Black Areas" around London, an enquiry was addressed to
the Ministry who indicated that the Council need not regard their
district as being in one of these areas for the purpose of making a
report under the above circular.
Having at the same time considered a comprehensive report
on the subject, setting out the action being taken or proposed by
neighbouring authorities and the position regarding the supply of
solid smokeless fuels the Council decided in the circumstances to
take no action in the matter for the time being.
Later in the year on the recommendation of the Planning New
Streets and Buildings Committee, the Council agreed to make a
Building Byelaw to provide for the installation in new buildings
of appliances for heating or cooking which are suitably designed
for burning smokeless fuels.
In the absence of direct control, householders can still make
a valuable contribution to the cause of Clean Air by the use of
approved appliances and smokeless fuel. Although there may be
shortages from time to time of the more reactive smokeless solid
fuels, supplies of open fire coke complying with the British Standard
Specification and more reactive than some ordinary cokes
are becoming more readily available.
It is important, however, that with this latter type of fuel only
improved grates, preferably with gas ignition, should be used and
with spacing of the bars of the bottom grate.
During the year a number of complaints of smoke nuisance
was received and investigated. Most were of a minor character
only and were remedied following representation to the persons
concerned.
There is little or no industrial smoke in the district.
Hairdressing Establishments
Byelaws are now in force in the district which provide for
securing the cleanliness of premises and the instruments, towels,
equipment and materials used in the premises.
Heating Appliances (Fireguards) Act, 1952
Inspections are carried out, as necessary, to ensure that
domestic heating appliances offered or exposed for sale are fitted
with proper guards complying with standards prescribed in regulations
made under the Act.
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