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41.
HOUSING (contd.).
Loans and. Grants:
1 application for loan to repair was received and approved.
13 applications for Standard Improvement Grants were received and
12 approved
3 applications for Discretionary Improvement Grants were received and
approved.
Underground Rooms :
During 1960 representations were made to the Public Health Committee
resulting in
23 Closing Orders being made
4 undertakings being accepted not to relet until premises rendered fit.
- undertakings specifying works of repair accepted.
- undertakings specifying works of repair not accepted.
2 Underground premises made fit.
Clearance Area Sites:
The most important duty of the Public Health Inspector concerning areas
to be demolished is to ensure that details of drainage systems are recorded
before demolition takes place. This entails much work in obtaining accurate
information and preparing plans of the existing drainage systems in order that
all disused drains may be abolished and where possible effectively sealed off
in the sewer. The important reasons as to the significance of this work well
done is amplified in 'Rodent Control' on pages 50-51.
Before demolition takes place the Contractor is supplied with plans
indicating details concerning the effective abolition of disused drains. He is
also instructed that all disused drains must be abolished or effectively
sealed to the satisfaction of the Public Health Inspector and, before filling
in, notice must be given to the Public Health Inspector requesting him to
inspect the work and approve it.
Dumping on sites:
Derelict sites very quickly become uncontrolled refuse dumps - one of the
most difficult problems associated with the Public Health Inspector's work.
He has little legislation to assist him in effecting improvement although he
can attend to nuisances as defined in the Public Health Act. Dereliction
and unsightliness are beyond the Public Health Inspector's official capacity
although it is surprising what he achieves sometimes, by devious means, even
without the force of Law behind him.
The dumping of unwanted mattresses and furniture as a cheap means of
disposal has now, to some extent diminished due to a free removal of these
by the Cleansing Department, on the instruction of the Council.