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In all other cases suitable advice on how to deal with the infestation is
given by the Public Health Inspectors.
The furniture, bedding and accommodation of families who are to take up
occupation of Council houses or flats, or who are to be transferred to other
Council-owned accommodation, is also inspected by the Public Health Inspectors
prior to removal to ensure that they are vermin-free.
During the year the following were dealt with-
Wasps nests destroyed 355
Bug infestations eradicated 4
Plea infestations eradicated 3
Inspections prior to removal to
Council accommodation 292
409 visits were paid to premises by the Public Health Inspectors in connection
with the above.
The Public Health Act, 1961 gave the Council new powers to take steps to
abate or mitigate nuisances caused by pigeons, and at the close of the year
steps were being taken to remove pigeons from the girders and buttresses of
railway bridges where they were roosting and causing nuisances to passers-by.
PREVENTION OP DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949
RODENT CONTROL
Rodent control at dwelling houses and business premises is carried out by
a foreman, three whole-time and one part-time operatives working under the
supervision of the District Public Health Inspectors and in accordance with
recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food. The foreman
and operatives attend refresher courses arranged by the Ministry from time to
time to ensure that they are properly aware of the latest methods, and poisons,
etc. in use.
Treatment of sewers is carried out by the Borough Engineer & Surveyor's
Department.
In the case of dwelling-houses, treatment is undertaken by the Council free
of charge. In the case of business premises, a charge based upon time, cost of
materials and overhead expenses, is made. An estimate of the cost is prepared
and submitted to the occupier of the business premises and it is open to him to
either accept it, engage a private specialist firm or undertake the work himself.
Almost invariably the Council's estimate is accepted. Should an occupier elect
to do the work himself, the District Public Health Inspector ensures that the
treatment is successfully carried out.
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