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prevention of nuisances however is of less importance than
the prevention of disease and by preventing conditions under
which flies breed the risk of diseases which they are known
to spread viz. dysentery, typhoid, paratyphoid and epidemic
diarrhoea, and poliomyelitis, which they are suspected of
spreading, can be reduced to a minimum.
Rodent Control.
Treatment at dwelling houses is carried out free, but
a charge based on the cost of labour and materials is made
for treatment at business and industrial premises. All
complaints are investigated by the Public Health Inspectors
before treatment is carried out in order to find out whether
the infestation is the result of defective drains, accumulations
of refuse, improper keeping of animals etc.
Ditches, undeveloped sites, rubbish dumps and other places
where infestation is likely to occur, are subject to regular
routine inspection.
The sewers were test baited at 150 points in all parts
of the area for the presence of rats. Infestation was found
in only one small part of the district and poisoning quickly
eliminated the trouble at this spot.
During the year 354 treatments were carried out at
dwelling houses and 234 at business premises.
Ponds, Ditches, Watercourses, Etc.
These sites are regularly inspected for rodent infestation,
pollution, general nuisances and, particularly in
summer, mosquitoes. When adverse conditions are found
remedial action is taken.
PART II. AIR POLLUTION
(a) Smoke Control Areas
Last year I reported that the Council had approved in
principle the establishment of Smoke Control Areas and had
agreed to my suggestions for the method of their introduction.
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