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The 1,313 infestations dealt with during the year were a slight increase
on the figure of 1,264 in 1953. The complaints over the years do not
fall in a set pattern. It cannot be felt that the problem is really being
got on top of because although for a while fewer complaints may be
received, this period is followed by one in which complaints are again
more common.
Wasps
The rodent operatives dealt with 278 nests during the summer and
autumn. The destruction of a wasps' nest presents little difficulty when
the nest is accessible. Many, however, are found in roof spaces, under
floors, behind tile hung bays and in cavity walls. Dealing with these
can be very difficult, it being necessary sometimes to remove flooring,
tiles or other parts of the structure to be able to get at the nest. The
work sometimes entails evening visits, with overtime payment. The
Public Health Committee considered whether a charge should be made
for this service, but decided it should continue to be free.
Caravans
The two plots on which there were caravans are still being used for
this purpose. On town planning grounds application for permission to
use the site on the Watford by-pass as a caravan site had been refused.
The proposers appealed but their appeal was dismissed by the Minister
of Housing and Local Government. A further application was made
by the promoters, but it was again refused by the Plans Sub-Committee
on the grounds that the development would be prejudicial to the amenities
of the surrounding locality, that the provision of sub-standard dwellings
would increase the number of persons eventually to be rehoused in the
county and that the site is in an area allocated for green belt in the county
development plan. At the end of the year the outcome of a further
appeal to the Minister was being awaited. The position in regard to the
North Lodge, Stonegrove, site is also unsatisfactory. The County
Council had indicated their desire to acquire the site, but were reluctant
to proceed on these lines until they knew from the results of the enquiry
of the County Development Plan that the purpose for which they had in
mind to use the site would be agreed to. In the meantime persons are
occupying caravans on both these sites and are living under most unsatisfactory
conditions.
The Planning Committee who had been asked by the Public Health
Committee to consider the possibility of a caravan site being provided in
the district to obviate the indiscriminate use of land as caravan sites were
not favourably disposed towards the extension of caravan sites in the
district. In their view the provision of authorised sites would not result
in any diminution in the use of unauthorised sites.
Noise Nuisance
Noise is one of the annoyances or nuisances to which up to this
little enough attention has been paid whether considering that affecting
the person at work or in his home. There is no questioning the seriousness
of the effect of some noise on some people. Unfortunately, noise is
very difficult to control. Legislation gives relatively little help. Amongst