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to be classified as a nuisance. The management of the factory were
very concerned that complaints should have been received and have
indicated their willingness to take all reasonable and practical measures
to reduce the noise. A change from the present oil fired furnaces to the
use of gas as a fuel for smelting would probably solve the problem of
noise and it is to be hoped that it will be possible to make this change
in the not too distant future.
In the case of the second complaint residents in flats over a roundthe-clock
self-service launderette complained of noise and fumes
from the washing and drying machines. After taking readings with a
sound level meter the owner of the launderette was met on the site and
showed considerable co-operation in assisting to reduce the noise.
This matter is still being dealt with consequently a final report cannot
be made.
CLEAN AIR ACT, 1956
During the year 1963 the Council continued with its programme
under the Act. At the end of 1962 there were three smoke control
areas operative which made 2,891 domestic dwellings subject to Smoke
Control Orders and a fourth area was awaiting the approval of the
Ministry. This order was approved without modification and immediately
the approval was received the necessary forms and explanatory
memoranda were sent to all owners and occupiers in the
area covered by the Order. The Order became operative on 1st
October, 1963, and the number of applications received for approval
of works under the Act was about 60% of the number of houses
estimated to require works of adaptation. This, however, has been a
feature of the areas which are now operative, and very few contraventions
of the Orders have been noted. The usual procedure when a
contravention is found is to visit the premises and to write the offender
a letter pointing out the offence. This has usually had the desired effect
and up to the present no case has arisen in which it has been ncessary
to take legal action.
Since the Act came into force and the Council decided to institute
a programme which will make the whole of the Urban District
smokeless in a period of twelve years the general attitude of the
public has been one of co-operation. This co-operation has undoubtedly
made the work of the Department much easier and if it had not been
forthcoming would have resulted in a complete breakdown of the
programme for the District.
At the end of 1963 the area of the District which is the subject of
Smoke Control Orders is the area bounded by Longmore Avenue from
the railway bridge, East Barnet Road to Cat Hill, Cat Hill to Park
Road, then northwards along Park Road and northeasterly along
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