View report page

to be demolished in the near future as part of the redevelopment
scheme for the St. Mary's Area. Following the concentration of
Coroner's cases, the Borough Council made arrangements with the
Boroughs of Deptford and Lewisham for the provision of mortuary
accommodation for persons dying in the Borough.
STREET CLEANSING
There are 153 miles of roads to be cleansed, of which 15 per
cento are swept at least once daily, 20 per cento three to five
times weekly, 55 per cent. twice weekly and 10 per cent. 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 Eitham High Street.
Approximately 9,500 street gulleys are cleansed periodically
by mechanical gulley cleansing machines.
HOUSE AND TRADE REFUSE
During the year under review, 469148 tons of refuse were
collected by the Council's vehicles and 51,651 tons disposed of at
the Council's Refuse Destructor. The difference between the two
weights is largely the quantity of refuse delivered to the Refuse
Destructor from the Royal Arsenal and Army Barracks. Some 1,800
tons of scrap metal, 300 tons of waste paper and 150 tons of textiles
were salvaged and 3,000 yards of clinker sold during the year,
producing an income of £11,753.
PUBLIC CONVENIENCES
One additional convenience was opened during the year making a
total of 19 conveniences for men and a similar number for women
within the Borough. Hours of opening and closing vary with local
requirements - in the town centre the conveniences are open from
5o30 a.m. Generally, however, this service is available between
the hours of 6030 a.m. and 11 p.m. In all the conveniences the
waterciosets are available without charge.
FREE WASHING FACILITIES-PUBLIC CONVENIENCES
For the past six years the Council has provided free washing
facilities at the main public conveniences, including the provision
of paper towels, and this service continues to be used to an increasing
extent and is much appreciated by the publico However, some
members of the public still prefer the paid washing facilities which
-29-