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Health Department received more than 300 applications from tenants
for the issue of Certificates of Disrepair, which, if granted, have
the effect of preventing an immediate increase of rent by the landlord.
Despite the intricate procedure to be observed, and the
large number of applications received in a very short period, all
applications for Certificates were dealt with promptly. Immediately
on the introduction of the Rent Act the Council determined to give
all possible help and information to the parties concerned, and
arranged for special sessions to be held at the Information Bureau
at the Town Hall for this purpose.
The effects of the Council's slum clearance policy are now very
noticeable, more particularly in the St. Mary's Area of Woolwich,
which has been transformed following the demolition of many old
buildings and the erection and occupation of nearly 300 new dwellings
by the end of the year. Since redevelopment commenced in 1952,
1,330 persons have been taken from slum properties in this area.
The last completed bouse on the Coldharbour Estate was occupied
during the year, an event which was celebrated by the visit of Her
Majesty the Queen Mother during the month of May. In addition the
Council also declared the first part of its Ann Street Clearance
Scheme, comprising 100 unfit properties, and a further 60 properties
on adjoining land which will also be acquired in order to obtain
a cleared site of convenient shape and size. The London County
Council are also making progress in the development of the large
new Abbey Estate on the Abbey Wood Marshes.
Daring the year much time has been devoted by the Council and
its Officers to the preliminary work connected with the declaration
of the first Smoke Control Areas in the Borough. Immediately on
the passing of the Clean Air Act, the Council resolved to implement
fully its provisions, particularly those relating to smoke control
areas and industrial premises. In November the Borough's first
smoke control areas were declared, the Orders relating to areas at
Abbey Wood, Middle Park and a portion of the St. Mary's Redevelopment
Area. It is the Council's aim to make the whole of the
Borough of Woolwich smokeless at the earliest opportunity, and whilst
realising the effort and expense involved, the Council are determined
to see that this is achieved, if possible within the next 12 to 15
years. There can be no doubt as to the ultimate beneficial results
of this work to a Borough such as Woolwich. The co-operation of
the householder is of vital importance, and a great deal of time has
been devoted to visiting and discussions with residents in the
proposed smoke control areas. The problems involved include conversion
of domestic appliances and the correct use of smokeless
fuels. There are 715 dwellinghouses in the Abbey Wood Smoke Control
Area requiring conversion, and 1,614 in the Middle Park Area.
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