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59
Pigeons
In 1958 the nuisance from pigeons, particularly in South Harrow,
had become so great that the Council authorised the destruction of the
birds at the Gas Works in Northolt Road and at the nearby Railway
Arches. This treatment resulted in a marked diminution in the numbers.
It was appreciated, though, that similar treatment would be necessary
periodically so long as these places are unguarded and provide facilities
for the pigeons roosting and brooding.
The Council asked the Association of Municipal Corporations to
press for the inclusion in the pending Public Health (Miscellaneous
Provisions) Bill of a clause to extend to Authorities outside London the
powers contained in clause 121 of the Public Health (London) Act, 1936,
under which action can be taken to abate or mitigate any nuisance caused
by the congregation of house doves or pigeons. The Association represented
to the Minister of Housing and Local Government that such
clause should be included.
Caravan Site
A proposal of the County Council to make a compulsory purchase
order for the land at North Lodge, Edgware, used as a caravan site and
which has for so long been a matter of concern to the Authority, prevented
any progress being made. The Council could not take steps to enforce
compliance with standards set out in the provisions of the Middlesex
County Council Act, 1944, as, in view of this Order being sought, the land
was so soon to cease to be used for this purpose. As part of their understanding
with the County Council, the Borough Council rehoused five
of the families. There was then much of an improvement as at no time
since have there been more than fifteen caravans on the site. The basic
faults though and the low standards of sanitation remain.