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to an extent which rendered their improvement uneconomical.
Area Number of Properties
West Hendon, N.W.9. 439
Lichfield Road, N.W. 2. 43
Ridge Road, N.W.2. 22
The Hyde, N.W.9. 20
Church End, N.W.4. 129
SLUM CLEARANCE
In 1956, local authorities were requested by the Ministry of Housing and
Local Government to resume slum clearance work, which work had ceased at the
outbreak of war in 1939, and had not been recommenced in the post-war years
because of the general shortage of houses.
Since the work was resumed on 1st January, 1956 the following unfit houses
or flats had been dealt with at 31st August, 1961.
By Demolition Orders 62
By Closing Orders 89
By Certificates of Unfitness issued under the
Housing Subsidies Act, 1956 or the Housing
(Financial Provisions) Act, 1958 172
By acceptance of undertakings not to use for
human habitation 6
TOTAL 329
A further survey carried out during the year showed that there remained (at
31st August, 1961) another 96 houses to be dealt with. It is estimated that the
appropriate action in respect of these will have been completed by 31st March,
1963. It is unlikely, however, that this will be the end of slum clearance in
the Borough. Properties continue to deteriorate and become obsolete and, as in
pre-war years, their removal will be a continuing function of the Department.
The worst housing conditions, however, now undoubtedly exist in houses let
in multiple occupation and increasing attention must be given in the future to
improving conditions in these houses.
OVERCROWDING
The following report on overcrowding for the year ended 31st December, 1961
50