London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Kingston upon Thames 1932
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kingston-upon-Thames]
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These housing records contain, in addition to details of
the structure of the houses, the requisite information regarding
general conditions, tenancy, ownership, etc., and are
invaluable for future reference.
Sixteen of the houses were found to be so dangerous or injurious to health as to be unfit for human habitation. Their situation, and action taken by December 31st, 1932, are shown below :—
| Situation. | Number. | Action Taken. |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Road | 9 houses | Demolished |
| Denmark Road | 2 „ | Awaiting demolition |
| The Bittoms | 1 „ | „ „ |
| Oaklea Passage | 2 „ | „ „ |
| St. James Road (part of house) | Vacated | |
| Ashdown Road ,, | „ | Closing Order made |
The twelve unfit houses found during the year 1931 were dealt with during 1932 as below :—
| Situation. | Number. | Action Taken. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Bittoms | 2 houses | Demolished | |
| Acre Road | 1 „ | „ | |
| The Bittoms | 4 „ | Vacated and"Undertaking" given by owner | |
| „ | 2 „ | Demolition Order made | |
| Oaklea Passage | 1 | „ „ | |
| The Bittoms | 2 „ | Vacated pending further action | |
OVERCROWDING.
The position so far as serious overcrowding is concerned
may be regarded as satisfactory. It is true that
considerably more cases were discovered during 1932, compared
with 1931, but nevertheless the amount of overcrowding
is far below the average for similar districts. This may
be due to several causes, but no doubt the chief reason is
the comparatively small area of the Borough and the opportunity
for acquiring a really intimate knowledge of the
district and its inhabitants.