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NOISE NUISANCES
Certain powers for dealing with noise nuisances contained in the Middlesex County
Council Act of 1944, have been strengthened by those of the Noise Abatement Act of
1960, which provide that noise or vibration which is a nuisance shall be a statutory
nuisance for the purposes of the Public Health Act, 1936. The Act of 1960 also limits
the hours during which a loudspeaker may be used in a street and prohibits its use
altogether for certain purposes.
No proceedings under this Act were necessary during the year, but 19 complaints
about noises of various kinds were received in the Department. These complaints
varied from noise arising from the use of a mechanical shovel to that from an extractor
fan in a restaurant, but were mainly concerned with factory processes and machinery.
All complaints were investigated by the Public Health Inspectors and informal action
was normally successful in securing improvements and a little more thought on the
part of some firms and individuals for the comfort and well-being of those living in
adjoining houses.

The arrangement made with the Hammersmith Metropolitan Borough Council in
1952, whereby articles to be disinfected by steam are dealt with at the Scotts Road
Depot, W.12, was continued during the year.