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58
It is the disposal of debris that gives rise to the most difficult of these
problems and it would help if all who have any unwanted material to get
rid of would dispose of it through the services that are available and not
allow it to remain where it could provide cover and a possible breeding
ground for rats and mice or flies.
The bird lovers too could help by placing any food put out for the
birds on a bird table or roof out of reach of the rats or mice.
Pigeons.
There was a marked increase in the number of complaints about the
fouling of gutters, footways and buildings by these birds and there is no
doubt that the nuisance caused by pigeons in the Borough is now considerable.
Early in the year action was taken through a firm of specialists to
deal with the pigeons that for many years have roosted under the railway
bridges in South Harrow. Between 300 and 400 were taken and though in
this area the position improved, there are signs that it is now beginning
to build up again.
Wealdstone, Rayners Lane, North Harrow and parts of the centre of
Harrow, are the areas from which most of the complaints are received.
Section 74 of the Public Health Act, 1961, empowers Local Authorities to
"take steps for the purpose of abating or mitigating any nuisance,
annoyance or damage caused by the congregation on any built up area of
housedoves, pigeons or of starlings or sparrows. The Local Authority
may take reasonable steps to seize or destroy, or sell or otherwise dispose
of any doves or pigeons which in their belief have no owner".
Further action to deal with this problem is to be taken during the
coming year.
Wasps.
Complaints about wasps received during the year totalled 453 and
in respect of the majority of these the work of destroying the nest was
undertaken by the Department. There were occasions when by reasons o
the numbers to be treated there was a delay of several days before the
complaints could be dealt with and as in previous years when this has
occurred householders were given the addresses of firms prepared to
undertake work of this kind. The year was in fact for Harrow an average
one for wasps; the largest number of complaints ever received being
in 1959 which followed a record low of 111 during 1958. The figure
1960, 1961 and 1962 being 647, 450 and 244 respectively.