View report page

68
It should not be thought that the examination of particular
items of food takes place only when complaints are made. Some
1,109 routine samples have been taken of which 46 were found to
be in some degree unsatisfactory. In these cases deficiences were
taken up with manufacturers and agreement reached.
Amongst the food samples obtained some were examined for
the residues of pest control chemicals. If these pesticides should
be present beyond a certain minimum they can be dangerous to
health. This work was carried out as part of a survey undertaken
by other London Boroughs, and no undue concentrations were
detected.
Chaffinch Brook
By a considerable number of ratepayers 1966 will be
remembered as the year during which the appalling nuisance arising
from the malfunctioning of the Sewage Works of an adjacent
authority was largely abated. Since the last war this antiquated
and dilapidated installation had given rise to an increasing number
of justified complaints from persons living in the vicinity of the
plant and along the banks of the Chaffinch Brook into which it
discharged a heavily polluted effluent. Not only was the smell
intolerable but the frequent flooding of the stream into gardens
and even houses left a layer of diluted sewage when the water
subsided.
Constructional works leading to the virtual cessation of sewage
treatment at South Norwood were completed and a massive project
by the Greater London Council will deal with the River Ravensbourne
and obviate flooding.
As to the future, the section is likely to be involved more and
more in the all important question of housing. The redevelopment
of Penge and North-west Beckenham is likely to proceed with
quickening pace. We are involved in three important aspects of
this venture. Firstly, Public Health Inspectors will be in the spearhead,
as the first stage must be clearance of existing slums.
Secondly, the establishment of proper standards in houses let in
multiple occupation for it is in these large old buildings that the
lowest standards of all are to be found. Although such houses are
scattered throughout the Borough, and a departmental estimate
puts the total figure at over 5,000, there is a particularly bad concentration
of such houses in Penge. The abatement of overcrowding
and the provision of a sufficiency of essential facilities is urgent.
The third, and by no means the least important feature of housing,
is the improvement, with the aid of a grant, of those dwellings
which, although lacking certain amenities, are, nevertheless,
structurally sound and will constitute an important part of the