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During the year, the Council decided to cease the collection and processing
of kitchen waste which had been carried on since 1941. This decision was largely
due to the falling off in demand for the processed meal, following an increased
availability of the traditional feeding stuffs. Since 1941, over 100,000 tons of
kitchen waste have been processed by the Council.
Public Conveniences.
Sixteen conveniences for men and a similar number for women are maintained
throughout the area, hours of opening and closing varying with local requirements.
In the town centre, for example, the conveniences are open from 5.30 a.m. Normally,
however, this service is available between the hours of 6.30 a.m. and 11 p.m. These
conveniences were inspected regularly throughout the year. In all the conveniences
water closets are now free.
Free Washing Facilities—Public Conveniences.
The Council has, for the past four years, provided free washing facilities at
main public conveniences. This service continues to be used and appreciated by
the public, although some people still prefer the paid washing facilities which include
the supply of a linen towel. The average number of paper towels per convenience
used weekly is approximately 300.
Public Baths and Washhouses.
The Council has four bathing establishments in the Borough. A full description
of this service, which includes swimming baths, slipper baths, Turkish baths, public
laundry, and the use of the premises for social and sporting activities during the
winter months, was included in my Annual Report for the year 1952.
At the end of the year the Council considered the desirability of modernising
the public washhouse at the Plumstead Baths, one of the hand washing bays being
worn out and in need of replacement. In order to improve this service the Council
has decided to instal two mechanical washing machines, together with four new
hydro extractors. The mechanical washing machines will be self-operated and will
be available for booking by the public at charges to be fixed by the Council.
Alterations have also been carried out to the electrical apparatus which drives the
mangles.
Recently, an indoor cricket school has been established at the Eltham Baths,
and has proved to be very successful. The Council provided the money for equipping
the school, and the organisation of the attendance of Cricket Clubs at the school is
carried out by the Association of Kent Cricket Clubs (Metropolitan Area).
The Baths Administrative Officer has informed me that during the twelve
months ended 31st March, 1954, there was an increase of 46,579 compared with
the previous year in the total number of attendances. Attendances during that
period were as follows:-
Swimming 408,774
Slipper Baths 150,274
Turkish Baths 11,607
Public Laundry 11,503
Free baths to old age pensioners and unemployed 4,478
Tents, Vans and Sheds : Byelaws.
The administration of Byelaws made by the Borough Council in respect of
tents, vans and sheds is the responsibility of the Department, and a total of 238
inspections of these types of dwellings was carried out.
During the year two informal notices were served for the remedying of some
9 defects to caravans. It was not necessary to resort to any formal notices.
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