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3,341 initial visits were made to investigate complaints and on 992 occasions it was found that
conditions existed which warranted action under Part III of the Public Health Act 1936 to secure the
abatement of statutory nuisances. In 215 instances it was necessary to serve statutory notices.
Legal proceedings were taken on 10 occasions for failure to comply with the statutory notices and 5
abatement orders were made. A total of £27. 6s. Od. legal costs were allowed to the Council by the
Court. In 6 instances the necessary repairs were carriedout by the Council at the owners' expense,
where there had been failure to comply with the Courts' Abatement Orders or owners had requested the
Council to arrange for the repairs in accordance with Section 275 of the Public Health Act 1936.
Noise
357 complaints alleging noise nuisances were investigated during the year. Many of these
complaints related to the use of the industrial type of electric sewing machines in houses by persons
employed as outworkers. The noise and vibration penetrates to other floors in the house and through
the party walls causing considerable annoyance to neighbours, particularly when the machines are
kept in use over long periods and possibly extending into the evenings and week-ends when other
people are relaxing at home. The mounting of the machines on thick absorbent pads can help to
reduce the transmission of noise and vibration to other parts of the building, but it is often very
difficult to secure a satisfactory solution to the problem ana in many cases it is proving difficult to
secure amicable co-operation.
House Drying
Assistance is given when premises have been saturated, caused possibly by burst water pipes
or tanks or major roof defects. Powerful hot air blowers and dehumidifiers are taken to the premises
and greatly speed up the drying out process.
Accumulations of Refuse
The indiscriminate dumping of rubbish on vacant sites to which the public have access has
continued throughout the year. Not only is this detrimental to the amenities of the neighbourhood but
it may also provide harbourage for vermin. It is usual in such cases to advise the Cleansing and
Transport Department so that if possible action can be taken under Section 34 of the Public Health
Act 1961 to secure its removal.
Diseases of Animals Act 1950
The Council is the responsible local authority under this Act, but no local emergency arose
during the year which required special action in this respect.
Pet Shops and Animal Boarding Establishments
24 premises are licensed as pet shops and there is one licensed animal boarding establishment
in the Borough. Regular inspections are made by the public health inspectors to ensure compliance
with the Council's licensing conditions. In addition arrangements have been made for veterinary
supervision of the premises and animals to be carriedout by Mr. F.G. Buxton, F.R.C.V.S.
Performing Animals
One person is registered in respect of a performing dog which he exhibits. Supervision is
undertaken by the veterinary surgeon, Mr. Buxton.
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