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CLEAN AIR.
The first smoke control area to be
established in Friern Barnet came into being on
the 1st. September 1960. In the early stages
a few contraventions were observed and investigations
shewed that the smoke resulted either from
the burning of remaining stocks of bituminous
coal or as a result of the lighting of fires with
paper and wood.
This first area covers 44 acres and contains
250 dwellings and a school.
In following the programme to establish
smoke control areas throughout the District a
start was made on the survey of a second area
(bounded by Friern Barnet Lane, Myddleton Park,
Pollard Road, Manor Drive and the boundary with
East Barnet). It became clear early on during
the survey that because of other demands on the
Department the programme could not be pursued with
any continuity of action by the existing staff,
and the Council agreed to the appointment of an
assistant to work primarily in this field. This
has accelerated progress very considerably.
Measurements of smoke and sulphur gases in
the atmosphere continued throughout the year and
the results, which are shewn in the accompanying
graphs, were sent to the Warren Springs Laboratory
of the Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research for use in connection with the national
survey of atmospheric pollution. Generally,
the figures are high, which might be expected in
a built up area such as Friern Barnet. As
smoke control is extended, however, there should
be a progressive and substantial reduction in the
level of pollution.
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