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Area No. 3 is approximately that area bounded by Pymmes Brook
on the east, Longmore Avenue and East Barnet Road on the north,
the railway on the west and by Parkside Gardens, Avondale Avenue
and a short portion of Alverstone Avenue on the south. This area
contains 1,160 properties and 2,046 fireplaces require adaptation. The
estimated capital cost would be £16,524 if all the owners subsequently
apply for grant. In view of the experience gained in the operation
of the Orders in the first two areas this seems unlikely. A report,
together with the necessary forms and other information required by
the Minister, was presented to the General Purposes Committee at
their December meeting. The Committee approved the report and
made an Order which was sent to the Minister for confirmation.
On the 19th October a Public Meeting was held in St. Mary's
Church Hall with a programme similar to the meeting held in 1960.
There were about 150 people present, the hall being filled almost to
capacity. The Chairman of the General Purposes Committee opened
the meeting and films dealing with the subject of clean air were shown.
Unfortunately these films ran rather longer than was anticipated and
it was about 9.30 p.m. before the panel, consisting of the Chairman
of the General Purposes Committee, members of the Coal, Electricity
and Gas Boards, the Medical Officer of Health and myself could
assemble and questions invited from the audience. The questions
followed the same pattern as the previous meeting, and although they
were still forthcoming, the meeting had to be closed at 10.30 p.m. The
Eastern Electricity and Eastern Gas Boards both had exhibitions of
suitable fires and heaters in a small room adjoining the hall. This
exhibition was very well attended.
During the year the Council decided to participate in the scheme
for the measurement of air pollution. The necessary equipment has
been received and will be put into operation early in 1962. The
information derived from this equipment is forwarded to a central
laboratory and will form part of the scheme for the estimation of air
pollution in the Greater London Area.
The amount of work due to the operation of the Clean Air Act
has increased considerably over the previous year. This increase has
been particularly noticeable in the office due to the large increase in
the number of enquiries both in the public office and over the
telephone. Up to the present the Department has been able to cope
with the increase.
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