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foxes in the area and to diminish the number of ferral pigeons which become
a nuisance in various parts of the Borough. More than 150 complaints were
received concerning foxes with the result that approximately 270 were destroyed
by shooting or gassing. Some 84 complaints were received regarding
ferral pigeons and, in this connection, 803 visits to premises were made
and 3,170 birds destroyed by shooting or trapping.
The control of rat and mice infestations has again required the constant
efforts of the field staff and during the year the three full time Rodent Operators
made 15,264 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. 2,869 such
notifications were received during the year and 2,450 infestations were confirmed
and treated. Mice infestations have again proved difficult to control
in some instances since this rodent has developed a degree of resistance to
the poison "Warfarin" and it is hoped that the Ministry of Agriculture will
produce an effective alternative to this poison in the near future.
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. No serious infestation of the sewer
system has been detected.
IMOISE ABATEMENT
There is an increasing awareness of the pollution of the environment by
noise and a significant proportion of the work of the Inspectorate is now
directed towards the prevention and reduction of noise nuisances. Preventative
measures include the scrutiny of all planning applications for industrial
premises or processes and advice is given on necessary safeguards to
prevent noise.
During the year 144 complaints were received regarding noise and in
124 cases action was taken to abate or reduce the noise complained of, in
7 cases no action was warranted and 13 cases are still under investigation.
Of the cases dealt with some 50% concerned mechanical noise from factories,
demolition and constructional work, ventilation and air conditioning plants,
refrigerator units, all night launderettes and noisy parties. It is to this type
of complaint that the statutory powers contained in the Noise Abatement Act,
1960 may be applied. The remainder of the complaints received concerned
domestic amplifying equipment, slamming of house and car doors etc., and
in these cases the Inspectors seek to persuade the individuals reaponsible
to have consideration for their neighbours.