London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Southgate 1947

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Southgate]

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Ponds and Rubbish Dumps.—There are now very few ponds or
rubbish dumps left in the Borough, although the number of the
latter has increased since the war. Ponds and rubbish dumps are
kept under as strict observation as is possible in the circumstances,
and the existence of any nuisance is brought to the attention of those
responsible for the upkeep of the ground on which the nuisance has
occurred. Ponds and rubbish dumps are sprayed regularly throughout
the summer season, in order to minimise the breeding of insects.
Water Supply.—The water of the district, which is almost
entirely supplied by the Metropolitan Water Board, remains satisfactory
in quality and quantity. The supply is from high pressure
mains.
All houses in the district are provided with a direct pipe supply,
the few remaining wells which previously existed having now been
discontinued. It was not necessary to carry out any bacteriological
or chemical examinations of the drinking water during the year.
There is no evidence of any plumbo-solvent action in the water.
Collection and Disposal of Refuse.—The Borough Engineer
and Surveyor, who is responsible for this service, reports that the
fleet of vehicles used in this connection consists of eight Scammell
Self-Loaders, one S. D. Freighter and one Lorry. A weekly collection
from all dwelling-houses in the Borough is now being carried out.
Minor complaints continue to be received and are dealt with by
the Borough Engineer and Surveyor's Department.
Fly nuisance, particularly around the Destructor, of which
complaints were received in previous years, has not assumed serious
proportions owing to the continual exercise of preventive measures.
The total tonnage of refuse collected and dealt with at the
Destructor during the year 1947-48 was 15,152 tons.
An important factor in connection with house refuse collection
is salvage of various materials. The following is the tonnage sold
during the year:
Mixed paper, books, etc. 704
Broken glass . 56
Non-ferrous metal 5
Rags '25
Baled tins 590
Bottles 85
Carpets 13
Sundries 14
Mixed Scrap . 65
Total 1,557 tons.
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