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Overcrowding:.
There is still a good deal of overcrowding in the district,
chiefly caused by the high rents of the new houses, and also
owing to the shortage of houses. Tenants of small cottages
complain that they cannot afford the rents of the new houses and
in some cases this is true, but in others where high wages are
being earned I am afraid that no effect is made to move, as they
trade upon the fact that your Council has been naturally unwilling
to put pressure upon them owing to the shortage of accommodation.
If it were not for this shortage I should long ago have strongly
urged you to close the Upper Square Stanmore among other like
places in the district, and this is a matter which cannot be left
indefinitely.
There are 5 cases of overcrowding in Great Stanmore, 3 in
Edgware, 1 in Little Stanmore, 2 in Pinner, and 3 in Harrow Weald.
Fitness of houses.
The majority of the houses in the district are in good repair,
and the dilapidations have as a rule been made good, but there
has sometimes been unavoidable delay owing to tne scarcity of
material.
Unhealthy Areas.
There are still one or two unhealthy areas in the district,
by which I mean groups of cottages unfit for occupation - but
most of the houses reported under this heading last year have
been put in fairly good condition. There are still houses
requiring attention at Pinner and Great Stanmore.
Bye-laws.
There is no difficulty in the working of the existing Bye-laws
which are all that are required for the district.
In conclusion, ladies, and Gentlemen, I wish to take this
opportunity of thanking Mr. Webb and Mr. Johnson for their kind
assistance during the year, and also for their aid in compiling
this Report. May I also express my appreciation of the courtesy
and attention which I have always received from your Chairman and
all the Members of the Council.
I am, Ladies & Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully,
(Sgd) R.L. ROMER.
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