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LOCAL LAND CHARGES ENQUIRIES
During the year enquiries were received from the Town Clerk in respect of
3,379 properties. These related to action being taken under the Public Health,
Housing or Rent Acts, inclusion in Smoke Control Areas or in Housing Areas. The
necessary searches were made and the information supplied
POLLUTION OP WATERCOURSES
As a result of unsatisfactory samples taken by the Middlesex County Council
Main Drainage Department from the outlets of surface water sewers discharging
into watercourses, and of complaints regarding the presence of detergents on
the water in the watercourses, a general survey was made during the year of properties
in the Borough for the presence of sink and lavatory basins the waste
pipes from which had incorrectly been made to discharge into surface water
drainage systems.
294 such contraventions of the Public Health Act, 1936 were found and
appropriate action taken to have the waste-pipes diverted so as to discharge
into the soil drainage systems or, alternatively, to have the waste-pipes and
fitments removed.
PEST AND VERMIN ERADICATION
Each year sees an increasing number of requests being received from householders
for advice on the best means of eradicating a wide range of insect
pests from their homes. The public health inspector of 20 - 30 years ago found
himself dealing almost daily with bug and flea infestations but to-day, due to
improved standards of domestic living, such infestations are infrequently met
with. Not only would the modern housewife not tolerate their presence but she
now seeks advice and assistance in eradicating any form of insect life she finds
in her home.
During the year requests were received for advice on (a) the identification
and (b) the best means of eradicating ants, autumn flies, bees, book-lice, bugs,
carpet beetles, clover-mite, cockroaches, fleas, flies, furniture mites, larder
beetles, mosquitoes, moths, silverfish, wasps, wood boring beetles, and wood
lice.
Where bug or flea infestations are found, assistance is given to the householder,
spraying with a suitable insecticide being carried out by the Council's
operative.
Wasps nests are also destroyed free of charge, a service which is very much
in demand during the months of August and September. The work is carried out by
one of the Council's rodent operatives.
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