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33
Smoke Abatement. (Cont/n.)
One further case might be reported, this time in
connection with a Cinema in the town. The two boilers
were using solid fuel of definitely low grade and otherwise
unsuitable for that type of boiler. After careful consideration
of all the factors, it was decided to convert the
boilers to oil firing, and this work was commenced in December
1947.
(vii) SWIMMING BATHS AM) POOLS.
(a) Public. The Corporation Baths are situate in
Denmark Road and comprise two pools, one of which was in use
throughout the whole of 1947, whilst the other, which, during
the war years had been used for civic restaurant purposes, was
brought back into use for swimming in August. During the
Winter months this bath is converted for use as a Public Hall
for concerts, dancing, etc.
The purification and chlorination plant in connection
with the baths is modern in d design and quite adequate
for the purpose.
(b) Private. There are no privately owned swimming
baths or pools open to the public, in the borough.
(viii) ERADICATION OF BED BUGS.
The fact that there were nearly double the number of
verminous houses dealt with during 1947 compared with the
previous year must not be taken as an indication that this
loathsome condition is rapidly increasing generally. The actual
numbers were 56 houses in 1947 compared with 29 during 1946, and
appropriate steps were taken according to the circumstances of
each individual case, to destroy the vermin.
4. COMPLAINTS.
Once again there was an increase in the number of
recorded complaints compared with the previous year - 920 in
1947 as against 833 during 1946. It is true that the rise was
not, so sharp as in previous years, but when one remembers that
in 1939 only 207 complaints were received, the fact is brought
out clearly that we are a long way from complete recovery from
the devastation of the war years.
Whilst there was a decrease in the number of complaints
in respect of dwelling houses, this type of complaint will doubtless
continue at a high level for some years and until the arrears
of maintenance can be made good. The increase in the cost of
repairs and other overheads is placing a heavy burden upon owners
of property subject to controlled rents, and some just settlement
of this problem is overdue. In several instances which have come
to the knowledge of the Department, the owners of such properties
have actually paid out more for maintenance, etc. over a period
of years than has been received by way of rente Where there is
genuine hardship of this kind, it is not a simple task to effect
the necessary repairs and improvements.
The following is a brief tabulated list of causes for
complaints received during 1947 and the previous year:-