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Noise and vibration at night, which often passes unnoticed during the day,
causes particular annoyance.
Several complaints were received regarding nuisances from noise at newly established
self-service launderettes. Investigations were carried out and recommendations
made to the owners regarding the placing of pumps on sound absorbent pads,
flexible couplings on water pipes and general use of sound absorbing materials
which resulted in the abatement of the nuisance.
Following complaints of noise 392 visits were made and most of the problems
were ameliorated by ready co-operation. Industrialists are conscious of their
responsibilities and usually most co-operative but there are always exceptions.
DISINFESTATION
Powers to deal with filthy or verminous premises or articles and verminous
persons, are contained in Sections 83 to 86 of the Public Health Act, 1936, as
amended by Sections 35 to 37 of the Public Health Act, 1961.
Bathing facilities are provided at the Council's treatment centre for the cleaning
of verminous and scabetic persons. Facilities are also available at this clinic
for the disinfestation of their clothing. During the year, 150 persons were treated,
mainly for scabies.
Modern insecticides have reduced very considerably the incidence of domestic
infestation. Fleas, bed-bugs, etc., are comparatively rare today.
PEST CONTROL
The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, requires an occupier to notify
the local authority if his premises are infested by rats or mice, but it is the responsibility
of the occupier himself to take steps to destroy them. It is the Council's
duty to see that he does this. Nevertheless, best results are usually achieved where
the local authority undertakes rodent control as a public health service. In
Enfield householders and occupiers of business premises can have the assistance of
trained council staff, which ensures that suitable material and reliable techniques
are used, and that all the property involved in any infestation is dealt with. No
charge is made for this service to householders.
Most of the complaints received are attributable to defective drains and sewers.
When complaints are received adjoining premises are surveyed and, where necessary,
the drains tested. In addition to 8,150 visits to premises by the rodent control staff,
1,023 visits in connection with rats and mice were made by the public health
inspectors who visited 2,635 premises.
Warfarin, which when properly used presents little hazard to man or domestic
animals, is used almost exclusively for surface treatments. Although there is
evidence of a developed immunity to this poison in some local authority areas,
there is no evidence of this happening in Enfield.
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