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It was reported that a similar scheme was operating successfully in two other
London Boroughs where the work is provided mainly by local manufacturers as
" hand-outs," the operations being adjusted as far as possible to meet the needs
of each worker.
The Health Committee considered this matter in some detail, and invited the
views of the Old People's Welfare Committee, who reported that they were of opinion
that such a scheme would be valuable in preserving the health in body and mind of
elderly people, although it was recognised that the scheme would not be economical
and would be limited in its appeal. They fully supported the establishment of a
pilot scheme in the Borough, preferably in the lower Plumstead area. Some
apprehension was felt by representatives of the National Federation of Old Age
Pensions Association, who thought that old people should not be asked or expected
to go on working after retirement age, although it was explained that the scheme
was " occupational therapy " rather than " work."
Whilst the scheme would undoubtedly be of benefit to the old people from the
community point of view, in view of the initial cost and the problematical response
which the Woolwich Council of Social Service had ascertained, after careful consideration
the Council decided that no further action be taken for the time being.
Burial of the Dead.
During the year the Council made arrangements for the burial of five deceased
persons under the provisions of Section 50.of the National Assistance Act, 1948,
where it appeared that no other suitable arrangements were being made for their
burial.
The total expenses in these cases amounted to £46 15s. 0d., of which £21 5s. 6d.
was recovered by the Council from the Estatea of the deceased persons.
Public Houses.
The supervision of the hygienic conditions in public houses is an important
duty of the Health Department. There are 148 licensed premises in the Borough,
36 of which also serve main meals. 177 inspections were made during the year, and
as a result 47 defects were found requiring the service of 17 informal notices and
two formal notices. All these defects were subsequently remedied.
Excellent co-operation continues to exist between the brewery companies and
the officers of this Department, which has resulted in the maintenance generally of
a good standard of hygiene in both premises and equipment.
It was necessary during the year to serve three informal notices and one formal
notice in respect of the insanitary conditions which were found in the urinals attached
to the public houses.
Theatres and Cinemas.
The routine inspection of the sanitary accommodation, etc. at all the cinemas
in the Borough was continued during the year. The standard of cleanliness remained
satisfactory, and it was only necessary in four instances to serve informal notices.
Street Cleansing.
Each main thoroughfare is cleansed daily, secondary roads twice weekly, and
district roads once weekly.
There are 86 street sweepers employed on the work and, in addition, a mechanical
sweeper and sprinkler is used to sweep the roads in the shopping areas adjacent to
Powis Street, Plumstead High Street and Eltham High Street.
Over 9,000 street gullies are cleansed periodically by mechanical gully-cleansing
machines.
Recording and Measurement of Atmospheric Pollution, 1955.
During the year monthly readings of the amount of sulphur and deposited
matter (grit) collected at the five stations set up by the Council for measuring and
recording air pollution were maintained. The Public Analyst conducts the detailed
analyses and the results are made available to the Department of Scientific and
Industrial Research.
The results of the monthly readings during 1955 were as follows :—
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