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Complaints.
During the year 1,800 complaints were investigated by the Sanitary
Inspectors. Of these 507 arose from blocked or defective sewers or
drains, 35 from accumulations of rubbish, 20 from dirty pig bins and 46
from nuisances from animals or birds. 414 related to housing defects of
which 123 were defects in plumbing, 85 from dampness and 37 from
defective water-closets. Complaints as to rats and mice numbered 208,
and as to insect and vermin infestation 97; 235 complaints were of
defects in or absence of dustbins; 50 were regarding dirty premises and
84 alleged overcrowding; 34 complaints were received regarding such
matters as flooded gardens and air raid shelters, burning of garden refuse,
dangerous trees, fouling of footpaths by dogs, defective fences and noise
from wireless sets.
Informal action in 1,575 instances was followed by the abatement
of the nuisances in 1,443 cases. During the year 85 statutory notices
under the Public Health Acts were served, 65 being complied with,
though in 4 instances the work was executed in default by the local
authority. Under the Housing Acts 5 statutory notices were served,
3 being complied with.
The continuance of the war indirectly adds to the annoyance to
which the householder is subject. Although a properly cared for house
refuse-bin should not become a nuisance even though it is emptied only
fortnightly, this extended interval permits of the hatching of maggots
which otherwise would not have reached the adult stage in the proximity
of the house. To increase the number of pigs reared, local authorities
are exhorted by the Ministry of Food to arrange for the collection of
waste food. These pig-bins have been the cause of many complaints.
The wind or animals dislodge the covers or upset the bins, resulting in the
strewing of the contents on the ground. Little care seems to be taken
in the cleaning of the bins so that they constitute a prolific breeding
ground for maggots. These bins must of necessity be placed near houses
so that householders have to put up with something which may be very
unsightly, is a breeding ground for flies and is an encouragement for rats.
Other enthusiasts during salvage drives collect heaps of light metals at
their dumps and ignore, in selecting these positions, the fact that their
proximity to habitations will subject the tenants to annoyance from
flies and smells.