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28
FACTORIES
(Factories Acts 1957 - 1959)
Number of factories in Shoreditch l,26l
Number of (a) basic routine visits required according to programme 2,522
(b) basic routine inspections made 1,085
(c) re-inspections made 755
Total number of inspections made 1,858
Number of Notices served 52
The basic industries in Shoreditch are the manufacture of furniture, and
clothing, with most of the industry concentrated in a variety of factories,
the majority being converted premises never designed for the purpose, in the
Southern Section of Shoreditch. This increases the work of the Department
considerably in ensuring reasonable standards of Sanitary Accommodation,Hygiene
and Cleanliness, and often a great deal of ingenuity has to be employed in
suggesting ways and means of complying with Statutory requirements where floor
space is at a premium.
Mention may be made of the completion of many modern factories during the
year and it is encouraging to witness vacant sites, so often detracting from
the amenities of the neighbourhood, disappearing and modern factories taking
their place.
One of the largest factories in the country producing currency for
countries all over the world, and a very fine example of modern factory design,
was completed this year.
A significant problem which is rapidly becoming apparent in Shoreditch as
the Smoke Control Area programme develops is the provision of alternative means
of space heating and the disposal of wood wastes from the numerous small
woodworking factories in the Borough.
It has been the practice of using wood wastes as an economic means of
producing heating, at the same time being a cheap method of disposal, in
unsuitable fireplaces and stoves, but as the Smoke Control Area programme
extends, this vital problem must be considered. This subject is further
expounded under the Prevention of Atmospheric Pollution on pages 45 - 48.
Constant supervision of Factories under the Prevention of Damage by Pests
Act is maintained, many factory premises being under contract with the Local
Authority. Please refer to Rodent Control on page 50.