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Out of sight, out of mind ; not a watchword that the Public Health
Department can afford to adopt with regard to this important function.
I am pleased to report that the service has operated efficiently throughout
the year. As before much work has been done without fuss. All complaints
leceived from the general public continue to be dealt with as soon
as possible. It is a happy thought to realise that so far as rodent control is
concerned the public is very much on the alert and is most co-operative
with the Local Authority in its efforts to control this particular pest.
One appreciates that this branch is but one small cog in the wheel of
public health service to the ratepayers but it plays its part in no small
measure in maintaining the well-being of the inhabitants of the district.
Your sewers are still being treated bi-annually by the specialist firm
who have now carried out this control for the past three years. I am happy
to say that the general level of infestation in the sewers is low ; this despite
the added load of new housing estates, but none the less vigilance is maintained
and it is only through sustained effort by the department, that the
rat population is kept down to a low level.
Compared to the previous year the incidence of infestations throughout
the district remains about the same. It goes withoui saying that the
surveillance of your tips is regarded as of the utmost importance and
routine checks are made as a matter of course.
As in previous years infestation control of the banks of the Duke of
Northumberland's river is carried out on behalf of the Middlesex County
Council.
Once again I am pleased to report that it was not necessary in any instance
lo carry out statutory action in connection with a reported infestation.
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