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

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Willesden 1926

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]

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28
Sundry Nuisances abated—continued:
Water supply reinstated 62
Washhouse floors repaved 391
Fireplaces and stoves repaired 554
Decayed brickwork repaired and repointed 308
Sinks provided or replaced 65
Additional light and ventilation to staircases 6
Larders or food cupboards provided 3
Gutters and rainwater pipes repaired 880
New sash cords and glass provided to windows 2,199
Smoke observations 244
Miscellaneous 770
Inspections of Premises where Food is prepared:
Butchers', Provision, and General Shops 563
Fish shops 152
Eating houses 50
Greengrocers' shops 209
Ice-cream premises 92
Stalls 447
Canal Boats Acts, 1877-1884.
The number of boats inspected during the year 1926 was 25 (40 inspections).
On one boat the Master was without his certificate and in one instance there was overcrowding.
Notices were sent to the owners respecting these infringements and complied with.
No legal proceedings were taken during the year.
No case of infectious disease has been notified or traced and no boats were detained for cleansing
or disinfection.
During the year, H.M. Canal Boats Inspector drew attention to the condition of children on
board the boats used for conveying household refuse and suggested the Council should insert a clause
in any contract prohibiting children on boats carrying this class of cargo.
This was reported to the Council in November, 1926, when they adopted the following report
of the Health Committee:—
"We are of opinion that the Minister of Health should frame and issue regulations under
the Canal Boats Acts, prohibiting the employment or permanent residence of children on barges
or canal boats, and therefore recommend that the Minister be approached with a view to such
regulations being made and issued. We further recommend that a clause be inserted in future
Council contracts for the barging of refuse that children of school age shall not be employed
or live on any barge used in connection with the carrying out of the contract."
Smoke Abatement.—Nuisances caused by the emission of black smoke were more numerous
than in former years due to the difficulty in obtaining suitable fuel for steam raising. There was a
marked improvement towards the end of the year.
Houses Let in Lodgings.—The Council has after much careful deliberation and considerable
correspondence with the Ministry of Health approved draft bye-laws for Houses Let in Lodgings
and now await their confirmation by the Ministry before they can be put into operation.
The powers contained therein will be helpful in improving the general sanitary condition
and amenities for the occupants of the class of property to which they are applicable.
Offensive Trades.—There are 8 Rag and Bone dealers carrying on this business within the
district, all complying with the Bye-laws. No other Offensive Trade is established.
Underground Sleeping Rooms.—There are 723 houses with basements and approximately
400 rooms are used as sleeping apartments. The Regulations of the Council governing this class
of property are for all practical purposes in abeyance pending the provision of alternative accommodation
suitable for and within the means of what these occupiers can pay.
HOUSING.
The total number of houses in Willesden is 25.357.

The following table shews building activities during the period stated:—

Table No. 14.

Year.For working classes.Not for working classes.Total.
Houses erected by the Council.Houses erected by private enterprise.Houses erected by private enterprise.
1921-25261659091,235
1926129122462713
Total for 6 years3901871,3711,948