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19
Pig Food Collection.
The year saw the discontinuance of the Council's scheme of
collecting food salvage for pig food. 1 must admit to regarding this
as highly satisfactory, since however well conditions of collection may
be organised the very nature of the scheme makes it inevitable that it
will have as accompaniment conditions arising here and there which are
hygienically unsatisfactory. It will also effect a certain saving of time
in that the seasonal correspondence on the subject (which often ran on
the relatively constant theme that if a pig bin was necessary, it was
more necessary at somebody else's door) will now be obviated.
River Pollution.
A close watch continues to be kept upon the condition of our local
streams and the co-operation of the Essex River Board has ensured a
mutual exchange of information which enables the scene to be viewed
comprehensively instead of as could so easily happen parochially.
The condition of the River Thames is being dealt with on a longterm
basis by the authorities concerned although meetings of riverside
authorities have taken place with a view possibly to doing what they can
to expedite and ensure the adequacy of the remedial measures planned.
The river Ingrcbourne changes little as the years go by. It is still
unsatisfactory and it will always be unsatisfactory to reflect upon how
far its flow depends on the effluent of a neighbouring authority's sewage
works. The course of the river has been improved by straightening it
somewhat in parts and cleaning it out, but whatever may be the ultimate
effect of a regional sewage scheme coming into being, some disquiet is
bound to arise from time to time until a satisfactory scheme conies to
fruition. In the absence of actual disquiet only a sense of acceptance
born of experience enables the situation to be suffered.
Ponds.
During the year the water course adjacent to Parkland Avenue was
inspected in connection with the possibility that the water level might
be varied. On a general inspection no mosquito menace appeared to
exist.
The pond on the Ingrcbourne side of Haydock Close and adjacent
to the Council housing estate, was reported upon and as a result it was
agreed that it should be filled in and that the water be taken into the
Ingrebourne. I think this is a very wise step as ponds proximate to
housing development must be a source of considerable anxiety to the
parents of young children.
Swimming Bath.
Good progress was made during the year towards the provision of
a Swimming Bath suitable to the needs of the area, and although the
matter is as yet in its early stages, 110 time is being lost in pressing on
with it.
Crematorium.
Progress was made towards the establishment of a crematorium to
serve other authorities also and proposed to be sited near Upminster.