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River Thames. During the summer months the Council made representations
to the London County Council and the Port of London Authority on the offensive
smells from the River Thames.
The Chief Engineer, London County Council, informed the Council that one
of the causes of the smells was the abnormal high average temperature experienced
during the summer months. The County Council recognised that the condition
of the effluents from the Northern and Southern Outfalls had an important bearing
on the matter and informed the Council that an improvement programme of capital
works at an estimated cost of £3,000,000 had been adopted and would be put in hand
as soon as necessary priorities could be effected. The Chief Engineer stated that
he was satisfied that the operational efficiency of the existing equipment at the
Outfalls could not be bettered and that no improvement could be attained until
the new works came into operation.
The General Manager of the Port of London Authority informed the Council
that the only permanent solution to the problem was by the complete treatment
of sewage prior to its discharge into the river. Representations were made by that
Authority to the County Council on these lines and consultations followed with
the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
Parks and Open Spaces. Woolwich is fortunate to have so many parks and
open spaces. The Borough has more open space per head of the population than
any other Metropolitan Borough, there being six acres of open space for each 1,000
of the population. The Council has always been very active in securing open spaces
for its residents. Sixteen open spaces, of considerable size, are maintained throughout
the area.
Woodlands. At Shooters Hill the Borough has a continuous expanse of
woodland, some 312 acres in extent, whilst Bostall Woods is one of the most popular
places in London.
Children's Recreation Grounds. There are 15 such recreation grounds in the
Woolwich area, which must play a considerable part in giving healthy outdoor
exercise and in keeping children off the busy roads.
HEALTH PROPAGANDA
In addition to the normal health education work of the Council's visiting staff
and Press publicity, some 500 copies of the journal "Better Health" were distributed
each month during the year. This journal is the official magazine of the
Central Council for Health Education. During 1949 its lay-out was revised in
order to increase its publication appeal. Its contents include articles on personal
health and hygiene from the public and personal points of view and it is a valuable
aid to public health in these matters.
Occasionally, informal talks on health subjects are given to local organisations
by the staff of the Department. During the summer months the Council
took part in a campaign to prevent nuisances caused by dogs on the footpaths and
in close proximity to foodshops. By means of Press publicity and with the cooperation
of local shopkeepers, much was done to make the public aware of this
nuisance. Posters were displayed in the Borough and 2,000 leaflets were distributed
during the campaign.
A series of posters provided by the Central Council for Health Education were
displayed during the year in prominent positions in the district and the subjects
covered were: "Flies," "Clean Hands," "Home Safety," "Early Treatment of
Tuberculosis," "Influenza," "Measles," etc. Other posters, both crown and double
crown, were in regular use in the Council's establishments.
INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION OF FOOD
Milk Supply. The number of registered distributors of milk in the Borough
is 71 and there are 5 dairy premises. The Council has also approved the registration
of a further 27 distributors of milk who are selling milk in the area from premises
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