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CLEAN AIR ACT, 1956
The first of the Council's Smoke Control Areas came into operation on the
1st April, 1962, and was put to a very stringent test by the severe weather
conditions of the winter of 1962/3, when supplies and deliveries became difficult.
Generally, however, the area has operated quite smoothly and the effect of the
Smoke Control has been noticeable.
Immediately after the coming into operation of No 1 Area, work was commenced
on the survey for area No. 2 comprising over 3,600 properties, covers approximately
463 acres adjoins No. 1 Smoke Control Area and extends south-west for
approximately l1/3 miles to the Urban District boundary in the vicinity of Erith
Road, The area is bounded on the south side by the British Railway's line
to Barnehurst, and on the north side by the Urban District's boundary with the
Borough of Erith It may be of interest to note, that to date, a much larger
proportion of householders favour appliances other than those using solid fuel,
A further point noted is that there has not been the same reluctance on the part
of occupiers to lose their old fashioned open coal fires.
It is not out of place to mention that with such a complex problem as the
establishment of Smoke Control Areas, I have found my task made considerably less
difficult by the ready and willing co-operation from other Departments of the
Council. I would also like to express my appreciation to the District Public
Health Inspectors whose endeavours and tactful approach have greatly assisted
operations, and as a consequence, most satisfactory progress has been made with
the present Scheme.