View report page

49
DRAINAGE
2,619 visits of inspection were made to premises where underground
drains were in course of repair.
There are now 40 cesspools serving premises without main drainage.
POLLUTION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS
During the year 5 inspections were made to ascertain if any evidence
of pollution or obstruction was apparent in the water courses within the
Borough and in addition samples of the waters were taken for analysis.
PEST CONTROL
During the year the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food ceased
to undertake the destruction of foxes which have now become common in
suburban areas where they have access to a varied supply of food. Opinions
differ on the subject of the fox as a pest but it is generally accepted that
some control is necessary to limit their numbers and such measures are now
the responsibility of this Department. A Pests Officer was appointed during
the year and he will undertake the destruction of Foxes and also supervise
the destruction of rodents and other pests.
In an area the size of Croydon the control of rat and mice infestation
requires the constant efforts of field staff in order to deal effectively with
known infestations and during the year the three full-time Rodent Operators
made more than 13,000 visits to premises to carry out treatment. The Prevention
of Damage by Pests Act requires the occupier of any premises to
notify the Local Authority if such premises are infested with rats or mice
and 2,871 such notifications were received during the year and in 2,516
cases the premises were found to be infested. Mice infestations have sometimes
proved to be difficult to control as this rodent has developed a degree
of resistance to the poison "Warfarin" thereby invoking the use of more
acute poisons which are less attractive to the mouse. The Ministry of Agriculture
is undertaking research which, it is hoped, will produce an effective
alternative to "Warfarin* which itself is harmless to humans and domestic
animals.
Regular inspections are made of premises where food is prepared or sold
and particular attention is given to methods of prevention of rodent infestation.
Corporation owned premises, including sewage works depots, school
kitchens and serveries etc., are periodically inspected for the presence of
rodents and appropriate action is taken if the premises are infested.
Periodical testing and treatment of the sewer system is undertaken especially
where a persistent surface infestation might be associated with the
presence of rats in the local sewers.