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In dealing with complaints of noise nuisance throughout the
year it was not found necessary in any instance to take statutory
action to secure abatement.
RODENT CONTROL
During the year 8l8 complaints of rats, and 371 of mice, were
received, and in addition to the investigation of these complaints
the systematic inspection under the "block control" system was
continued.
A total of 10,043 premises were inspected, and of these 8,581
were under "block control". Thirty "block control" schemes were
carried out during the year. The number of properties found to be
infested by rats or mice was 1,557, which included 140 business or
industrial premises.
Treatment is carried out by the Council free of charge at all
private dwellings; for industrial and business premises a charge
is made.
Where defects of a structural nature are found to be causing
or aggravating an infestation the remedy is pursued with the owner
of the property.
A total of 22 drains suspected of being defective were smoke
tested by the staff of the Department, and in 12 cases the tests
showed the drains to be defective. Following informal action by
the Department, the defects so discovered were subsequently remedied
by the responsible owners, and it was not found necessary to serve
any formal Notices during the year under the provisions of the
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949.
With the co-operation of the Borough Engineer's Department,
a new system of sewer treatments was instigated; this involves the
use of the poison Sodium Fluroacetamide,which is deposited in the
sewers four times a year. On the treatments carried out this
year the results so far indicate that there is likely to be a
considerable reduction in the number of 'takes' compared with
previous treatments.
HAIRDRESSERS AND BARBERS SHOPS
The Council have made Byelaws to secure the cleanliness of
hairdressers and barbers' shops and the equipment used therein. In
addition, all persons carrying on the business of hairdresser or
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