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15
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CHIEF PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTOR
for the year 1956
Town Hall,
Anerley Road, S.E.20.
27th May, 1957.
To the Chairman and Members of the Urban District Council of Penge.
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In presenting the Annual Report of the work of the Public Health
Inspectors for the year ended 31st December, 1956, I desire at the outset to
refer to the retirement on health grounds on the 30th September of Mr. R. T.
Pearce, who has guided the department in the capacity of Chief Inspector since
1928. Mr. Pearce's retirement severed a most happy official relationship between
him and the writer since the year 1930, and I feel that not only the department,
but I also owe a debt to him for his wise administration and guidance.
The year has been a particularly difficult one for the department. Mr.
Pearce was absent during the greater part of the year prior to his retirement,
and in addition Mr. C. W. Briggs was admitted to hospital and the department
was without his services for over four months.
The vacancy in the department caused by Mr. Bell's promotion to Deputy
Chief Inspector was not filled during the year.
I am indebted to Mr. Bell and Mrs. A. L. Sheppard for their co-operation
by which it was made possible to overcome in a large measure the difficulties
arising from shortage of staff.
The shortage of staff is reflected in the reduction of visits compared with
those carried out during 1955.
During the year 785 complaints (excluding those in connection with rodent
infestation) were received, the great majority being concerned with housing
defects and nuisances. All complaints were investigated and appropriate action
taken when necessary.
Applications for certificates of disrepair were received and granted in respect
of four premises, and two applications for revocation certificates were received
and granted.
In addition to verbal intimation of defects in premises 536 written informal
notices and 67 statutory notices were served under the Public Health Act, 1936.
Five hundred and ninety-two intimation notices and 37 statutory notices were
complied with.
The Local Authority, in default of the owners, had carried out works
required by 9 statutory notices under Sections 39 and 453 Public Health Act
1936, two notices served under Section 75 and two notices served under
Section 94.
The Council also did the work required by 8 notices served under Section
24, Public Health Act, 1936, respecting defective public sewers (previously
known as combined drains) at 9 premises.
The amount of work done following action taken by your Inspectors will
be seen on reference to the summary of work executed.
Every endeavour is made informally to have notices complied with before
statutory action is taken.