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33
WORK OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTORS
W. Haworth, F.A.P.H.I., Chief Public Health Inspector
I have the honour to submit a report on the work of the Public Health
Inspectors for the year 1971.
The year in question has been marked by increased activity in almost
all spheres of work coming within the province of the Section. This is indicated
to some extent by the increased number of visits overall, including
an increase of nearly 3,000 visits under the provisions of the Housing Acts
as compared with 1970.
An increase in the number of letters and other communications received
is a further token of the demands made on the inspectorate.
During the year on a report of the Borough Valuer the Housing (Emergency)
Sub-Committee approved a number of changes in the procedures for dealing
with Improvement Grant applications and the issue of Qualification Certificates.
The position now is that all schedules of repairs required in connection
with Improvement Grants and Certificates of Provisional Approval are dealt
with by the Borough Valuer and the Chief Public Health Inspector is solely responsible
for specifying repairs required in connection with Qualification
Certificates where no Improvement Grant is involved, together with the administrative
work in connection with the issue of the Certificates. By so doing it is
hoped that duplication will be avoided and the process expedited. The indications
are that this will be so.
At the same time an internal re-appraisal of clerical procedures has been
carried out with the object of speeding up so far as possible the compliance
with notices served under the Housing and other Acts. The benefits that will
accrue will I am sure become apparent in due course.
During the year five houses in Southbridge Road were the subject of
Clearance Order procedure and the Council subsequently purchased the properties
for demolition. Demolition or Closing Orders were made in respect of ten
houses and nine basements or other parts of houses were closed.
Continued expansion of the Town Centre and office concept has resulted
in a corresponding increase in food premises, catering forthe needs of office
workers and shoppers.
Maintenance of a satisfactory standard of food hygiene in many of these
premises is only achieved by regular routine inspections. Similar comments
are applicable to vehicles used for transport of food.
During the past 12 months also, there has been a considerable increase
in the deliveries of carcass and other meat in containers from Southern
Ireland to the Meat Depots in the town. This entails more detailed inspection
work formerly carried out at the port of entry.