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42
New drainage and extensive reconstruction of old systems are supervised by
the Borough Engineer, but in all other instances by the sanitary inspectors.
During the year 62 complaints were received with regard to the defective action of
combined drains. On investigation, it was found that 313 houses in all were
affected. In every case the drains were cleared. In all the systems except 7 the
obstruction was of a temporary nature. In 28 instances choked interceptors were
found. Costs recovered from the owners amounted to £14 8s. 5d. In the following
7 instances reconstruction was necessary, and the work was carried out by the
owners after service of notices:—
2 to 22, Church Manorway, and 1 to 31, Camrose Street.
196 to 214, Wickham Lane.
7 to 21, Kingsman Street, and 1, Short Street.
1a to 7, Manor Street.
62, 63, 64, Plumstead Road.
187, 189, 191, Sandy Hill Road.
15, 17, 19, Glyndon Road.
Cesspools.—The number of cesspools in the Borough is 30, 20 being in Plumstead,
and 10 in Eltham. This is a decrease of one on last year. The cesspools in Eltham
are only to be found in isolated parts of the district. In Plumstead most of them
are to be found near the top of Shooters Hill, and during the year the Council
submitted a scheme for approval whereby a sewer would be constructed there and
would lead ultimately to the abolition of practically all these cesspools.
Action Taken with Regard to Smoke Abatement.—120 observations were
made of chimney shafts, and 1 notice was served. Four offences were discovered,
and warning letters were sent in each case. No legal proceedings were instituted.
Complaints.—During the year 1931 there were 2,080 complaints of nuisances
made to the Health Department and investigated by the Sanitary Inspectors of
the Borough. Notices for the remedy or abatement of the defects or nuisances
discovered were served upon the owner or person responsible under the Public
Health (London) Act, 1891.
Sanitary Inspection of the Area.—A summary of the inspections carried
out by the Sanitary Inspectors will be found in Table No. 26. In connection,
therewith, the number of Intimation and Statutory Notices served were 3,233 and
894 respectively. The Statutory Notices related to 711 premises and included
648 general, 139 ashpit, 57 water closet, and 43 paving notices. In addition to
these notices under the Public Health (London) Act, 1891, 4 notices were served
under the London County Council (General Powers) Acts and By-laws.