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46
CERTIFICATES OF DISREPAIR
While the operation of the provision of the Housing Act relating to
certificates of disrepair has resulted in the improved maintenance of
many rent controlled properties few tenants took advantage of the provisions
of the Act. It appears that some have difficulty in understanding
the procedure to be followed while others find even the listing of defects
too much for them.
The following is a summary of the applications received during the
year:—
Number of applications for certificates of disrepair
Number of undertakings accepted from owners 14
Number of certificates cancelled upon application 3
Number of applications for a certificate as to the remedying
of defects 93
SUPERVISION OF OTHER PREMISES
It will be seen from the statistical summary at the commencement
of this section of the report that a great number of visits were made by
the Public Health Inspectors to factories, offices, shops, hotels, clubs,
schools and premises of entertainment.
To-day much of the work of the Inspector lies in the field of prevention
and the objective of these visits was not only to see that standards
were being maintained but to advise on ways and means of improving
them. A good deal of help and advice was in fact given.
In the report for 1963 reference was made to the progress and
changes that were to be seen throughout the district and it is pleasing to
be able to report that generally throughout 1964 standards continue
to rise.
At the same time there were disappointments and it is necessary to
report that the dumping of rubbish and unwanted household articles on
pieces of undeveloped land and in accommodation roads remained a
serious problem and I make no apologies for repeating what I had to
say on this matter in my report for 1963.
ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE
"The dumping of refuse and unwanted household articles in accommodation
and service roads and on parcels of undeveloped land continued
throughout the year and gave rise to many complaints. That these
were justified cannot be questioned for the evidence of this selfish
unneighbourly and unhygienic practice was to be seen throughout the
Borough. No ward was immune and in each from time to time could
be found the discarded bottle, tin, tank, cistern, mattress, cardboard
carton, box, metal frame, pile of garden waste or household article.