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29
hall was used as a British Restaurant during the day-time, and
for dances and other functions from time to time.
There is an adequate purification and chlorination
plant in connection with the swimming baths.
(b) Private. There are no privately owned swimming baths
or pools open to the public, in the Borough.
(viii) ERADICATION OF BED BUGS.
During the year it was necessary to take action
in respect of 29 premises, In each case the premises were
subjected to disinfestation processes appropriate to the
circumstances.
4. COMPLAINTS.
The year saw another marked increase in the number of
complaints received, the total being 833 compared with 532
for the previous year and a total for the year 1939 of 207.
There is no doubt that the continued increase in the number
of complaints received is due in part to arrears of house
repairs and maintenance. Very little in the way of repair
was possible during the latter war years, and war damage
repairs remained uncompleted. It is also true that owners of
properties, particularly those subject to pre-1914 controlled
rents, are reluctant to carry out repairs owing to the sharp
rise in the cost of building labour and materials, which
seriously affects the return on their investments.
The following is a brief tabular statement of the
various causes for complaint
Sanitary Defects 411
Rodent infestation 129
vermin infestation 21
Non-removal of refuse 19
Defective Ashbins 24
Drains and Sanitary Arrangements 131
Water Supply 9
Overcrowding 12
Unpaved Yard and Passage 1
Miscellaneous 74
Nuisance from Smoke 2
5. RODENT CONTROL.
In previous Reports reference has been made to the
marked increase in public interest in this subject, compared
with the pre-war period. This welcome interest was again
maintained during 1946. There is little doubt that war-time
conditions, such as the need for home food production, and
damage to drainage systems and to property due to enemy action
have encouraged rodent infestations.
Apart from treatment of business premises and dwelling
houses on behalf of occupiers, the Corporation sewers and refuse
tips were systematically baited during 1946 with good results.
The need for a review of the organisation for rodent
control became apparent during the year, and particularly the
question as to whether dwelling houses should continue to be
the subject of charge for services rendered, often these
amounted to a few shillings only and the cost of recovery