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65
position. Perhaps some improvement would result if (a) more and yet
more publicity was given nationally to the evils of litter and dumping (b)
more publicity was given locally to the existence of the reception centres
to which all unwanted household material can be taken (c) all service
roads connected with new developments were taken over on completion
as highways (d) the programme for the taking over by the Council of
service roads was stepped up. Linked with rubbish and debris is the
problem of vermin and though the year saw a fall in the number of
complaints received the rat remains a serious menace.
The most encouraging features of 1972 in the environmental sphere
were the continued progress that was made with the Council's Clean Air
Programme and the interest shown in the control of "Noise". The acreage
covered by Smoke Control Orders being increased by 2,557 acres bringing
the total at the end of the year to 9,344.
As regards the control of Noise a start was made in this field and it is
hoped that during 1973 progress akin to that enjoyed with Smoke Control
Areas will be possible.
Food Hygiene
While the level of previous years in connection with the routine
inspection of premises where food is sold, prepared or stored could not
(owing to staff shortages) be maintained and the level of sampling also
fell short of previous years—reasonable standards were maintained. There
is however an urgent need for greater activity in this sphere. Details are
given later in this report of the 941 samples that were taken. Over the
same period 241 complaints about foodstuffs were investigated and
dealt with.
STATISTICAL SUMMARY
Inspections Made and Conditions Found
HOUSING