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43.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION (Contd.).
The First Smoke Control Area in Shoreditch.
The first Smoke Control Area in Shoreditch, on the Colville Estate
has now been in operation for two years, and whilst this area is made up
almost entirely of local authority flats provided with approved appliances
and gas ignition, it has been established that there is a positive trend
towards the use of gas and electric fires. Whilst in the early days a few
offenders, were to be found, visits by the Public Health Inspector have
revealed that either aged persons or those who had difficulty in understanding
the law were the offenders, and a little instruction and encouragement seems
to have solved the problems. During the recent year, no contraventions of
the Smoke Control Order from domestic chimneys were observed in this Area.
The problem of industrial smoke.
The major problem of Smoke Control in this Borough is undoubtedly that
of industrial smoke, produced by the occupiers of the numerous small wood
working factories burning wood shavings, saw dust and other wood waste as a
means of easy disposal and an economic means of space heating. Every effort
has been made to obtain the full co-operation of furniture and other wood
working manufacturers to secure the economical disposal of trade waste
without producing unreasonable atmospheric pollution. To this end a very
happy relationship has been established between the London and South Eastern
Furniture Manufacturers' Association and the Public Health Department.
Meetings are regularly being held and a great deal of harmony is being
enjoyed in attempting to solve this very difficult problem. Every effort
is being made by representatives of the local authority to assist and advise
at every opportunity those who have employed the traditional methods of
incineration of trade waste for many years, and are finding it extremely
difficult to depart from this tradition especially when this will involve
additional expenditure and no gain save that of affording cleaner air for the
community.
Underfeed stokers.
There are several underfeed stokers in the two recently confirmed Smoke
Control Areas, some belonging to the London County Council, some to the
Shoreditch Borough Council and others belonging to industrial premises. It
is recognised that these stokers, if provided with proper fuel, efficiently
operated and maintained can comply effectively with the requirements of the
Smoke Control Orders, and to this end the Public Health Inspectorate have
seized eveiy opportunity, to ensure that the underfeed stokers are properly
maintained and effectively operated before the Smoke Control Orders become
operative in June and September 1962.