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Section I of the Act makes noise or vibration which is a nuisance, a statutory nuisance
under the Public Health Act, 1936. Eight complaints received during the year were
in respect of private dwellings; these were mainly concerned with noisy neighbours.
A complaint in respect of a loud speaker operating from a shop was satisfactorily dealt
with. Complaints emanating from a small industrial estate were being dealt with at the
end of the year; some improvement had been obtained but conditions were not altogether
satisfactory.
Section 2 of the Act restricts the operation of loudspeakers on the highway. This
is dealt with by the Council's Shops Act Inspector. During the year legal proceedings
were instituted in 20 cases. The Council were successful in each case; fines totalling
£85 were imposed and £28 in costs awarded. It would not be proper, however, to
convey the idea that all offences, trivial or serious, are automatically dealt with by way
of prosecution. The key-note of the Council's enforcement policy is to assist and advise
traders.
RAG FLOCK AND OTHER FILLING MATERIALS ACT, 1951
Three premises which have been registered under Section 2 of the Act have operated
during the year. One licence for the manufacture and one licence for the storage of
rag flock have been issued during the year.
Samples continue to be taken regularly at the three factories in the Borough where
filling materials are manufactured.
30 informal samples were taken during the year; one sample of cotton felt was
unsatisfactory. The details are as follows:—
No. of samples
Material submitted for analysis
Rag Flock 6
Layered Flock 3
Cotton Felt 9
Coir Fibre 4
Kapok 6
Sisal 2
PET ANIMALS ACT, 1951
Four licences authorising the keeping of pet shops have been renewed. The
conditions attached to the licences are those approved by the Association of Municipal
Corporations; no serious breach of the conditions occurred.
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949
Disinfestation of rats and mice is carried out under the supervision of the district
inspectors by the manual employee attached to the department. Service is free to
householders but a charge on a time and material basis is made for business premises.
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