London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Woolwich 1958

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Woolwich]

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The new requirements were also explained in writing and all the
managements invited to approach the Health Department for any further
information or assistance required.
Only one application for formal approval under Section 3 of the
Act to the installation of a new furnace was received during the year,
although a number of formal notifications under Section 3 were also
received.
Smoke Observations
During the year 218 smoke observations were made of factory
premises in the Borough, and regular observations were also carried
out in the operative smoke control areas, at St. Mary's and the Abbey
Estate.
Smoke emissions from an Abbey Wood factory
Several complaints were again received from residents in the
Abbey Wood area of emission of smoke and fumes from anneabby Wood
factory. Following repeated visits to the factory by the Public
Health Inspectors, the firm were informed that the Council intended
that the provisions of the Clean Air Act should operate fully
throughout the Borough, and that the Council would take all necessary
steps to this end. The firm subsequently appointed a speeialist
combustion engineer to deal with their problems, and in June
considerable improvement was noticeable in the operation of the plant.
Three of the four small brick kilns which had been a frequent source
of complaint were demolished. However, following further smoke
nuisance, notices were served by the Smoke Inspector for smoke
accompanied by acrid smell, and for another smoke nuisance from a
refining pot. The firm carried out further modifications to their
plant during the Summer holidays, and this produced a distinct
improvement.
Smoke from River Traffic
A number of complaints have been received during the year of smoke from
river traffic, and as this work is solely within the jurisdiction of
the Port Health Authority, arrangements have been made with the Port
Authority for speedy notification of complaints to be telephoned to
their office as and when they are received.
Smoke nuisance in Royal Arsenal
Following representations by the Council to the Ministry of
Supply that serious smoke nuisance was being caused by the burning
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