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114
Conditions of Employment
Failing to allow assistants proper intervals for meals 3
Failing to keep records of Sunday employment 2
Failing to allow holiday in lieu of Sunday employment 1
Warnings were given in respect of all the above matters and also
fifty-six other instances of failure to either keep records or exhibit notices,
as required by the Acts.
One trader was prosecuted for selling non-exempted goods on Sundays
and was fined £9, plus £5 costs.
VERMIN AND OTHER PESTS
Pigeons
The services of the contractor engaged during 1964 to deal with feral
pigeons in the Borough were retained. Regular treatment was carried out in
various parts of the district and the number of birds was reduced and kept
within reasonable limits.
Though at the end of the year the problem had by no means been
resolved, it is hoped that by regular treatment and the taking of action in
respect of roosting sites, that further improvements will be possible.
Rats and Mice
During the year 1,846 complaints were received about either rats or
mice and infestations were found at 1,569 premises.
These figures represent an increase on those for 1965 and almost
equal those for 1964—a record year for complaints.
No evidence was found of any major infestations in the Borough
and a survey of the complaints received does not suggest that one part
of the district is more badly affected than another. Two factors, however,
undoubtedly play an important part in so far as infestations are concerned.
One is the haphazard and careless manner in which many people scatter
food scraps for birds. The second is the cover provided by those householders
who allow unwanted material to accumulate behind garden sheds
around untidy compost heaps and in the various nooks and crannies
that are to be found in so many gardens.
It is appreciated that many householders find the disposal of debris
and unwanted material, other than house refuse, a matter of difficulty
and that this is the reason for much unwanted material being retained.
The cover, plus the food scraps, provide the rat with ideal conditions
and until the problems associated with these two points have been
resolved, there is little likelihood of the rodent population in the district
being reduced,