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The injunction granted was subject to the Council undertaking to find an
alternative site for the gypsy caravans. The Council was subsequently released from
this undertaking on the understanding that the case went for trial early in the new
term. By this time, however, the Council had considered the possibility of providing
a site in the borough, and had decided to use for that purpose, and as a temporary
measure, part of the land which was not required for immediate redevelopment in
Turkey Street.
In October, by agreement with the gypsies concerned, twelve caravans were
transferred to the new site at which a water supply, water-closets and drainage were
provided. The site being of a temporary nature, no access roads or hard standings
were made available. This made conditions difficult, particularly in winter months.
The general level of hygiene has been poor. The Housing Manager is responsible
for the collection of rents.
Other itinerants appearing in the borough in isolated numbers have been
persuaded to move on.
CANAL BOATS
Provisions in relation to health are made in Sections 249-258 of the Public
Health Act, 1936, as amended by Section 79 of the Public Health Act, 1961.
The River Lea Navigation runs through the eastern extremity of the borough
from north to south. The canal boats using this waterway for the transport of goods
are not residential and do not therefore require registration for public health
purposes.
SHOPS AND OFFICES
The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963, is designed to raise the
standards of working conditions in such premises so as to promote the health,
welfare and safety of the employees.
Broadly, the Act gives to the office and shop worker protection similar to that
afforded to the industrial worker by the Factories Acts. Enforcement of the provisions
of the Act is divided between Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate and local authorities.
Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate enforce the provisions in Crown property,
local authority premises, railway premises and offices and shops in factories covered
by the Factories Act, 1961. Responsibility in respect of all other shops and offices is
vested in local authorities.
Since the passing of the Act several Orders and Regulations have been made
prescribing standards for the provision of washing facilities, sanitary accommodation,
first aid equipment, etc.; and explanatory circulars have been issued.
Still the most common fault is inadequate lighting. The minimum standard
recommended by the Government department is, regrettably, appreciably lower than
the one adopted by the Council, i.e. the suggested standard of the Illuminating
Engineers Society.
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