View report page

43
resided there for years. Constant care is necessary to
keep this old house free from vermin, and the continual
user of the premises as a lodging house has been acquiesced
in only in the absence of powers to remove them from the
Register, and because they fill a very real need.
The new Public Health Act, 1936, which comes into
force in October, 1937, contains provisions which will enable
the Corporation to deal with this particular lodging house,
but when such action is taken it may be necessa'ry first
to consider what alternative accommodation can be provided
for the lodgers, as it is seldom that beds are vacant.
Eighteen visits were made to the registered common
lodging houses during 1936, and the arrangements for
disinfection of bedding etc. when occasion arises, which
have been adopted for several years, have been continued.
OFFENS1VE TRADES
The undermentioned trades which are established in
the Borough are classed as "Offensive" within the meaning
of the Public Health Acts
Leather Tanning and Fellmongering.
Rag and Bone Yards.
Fish Frying.
The first mentioned trade may be the source of a
pronounced nuisance if the raw hides are not stored
properly whilst awaiting treatment and if waste material,
consisting of trimmings, scrapings, etc. are not removed
frequently. Fortunately, complaints are seldom received
with respect to the Tanning Company's activities and it
is safe to assert that not many burgesses are aware that
one of the few remaining oak—bark tanneries in this country
is situated in the midst of the shopping and business part
of the town.
There is no change to record in the position regarding
Rag and Bone Yards. Constant observation is necessary
to prevent as far as possible nuisances from rats, mice
and flies.