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43
houses, required payment in respect of services in connection
with, business premises. That these services are appreciated
by all sections of the community is shown by the correspondence
files, which contain many expressions of thanks and satisfaction
from occupiers of both commercial and private premises.
Sewers. There can be little doubt that sewers, particularly
in an old town such as this Borough, constitute a
common habitat for rodents. It is not an uncommon experience
to find that rodent infestation of premises has been due to
local infestation of sewers, and the rats have entered the
premises by way of old disused drain connections. These connections
were doubtless improperly sealed off at the time the estates
were developed, probably with stoppers made with wood. In course
of time, the wood has rotted, thus allowing free means of egress
for the rodents. Where more permanent means of closing the
openings has been used, it frequently happens that defects have
developed over the course of years. In all such cases, notice
is given to the Borough Surveyor, and the old drain connections
to the sewers have been properly sealed off with concrete.
During 1948, the sections of public sewers treated
were, in the main, those in which evidence of rodent infestation
was found during 1947. In March and August a total of 253
sewer manholes were baited. In those cases where it was definitely
established that a connection existed between infestations in
sewers and neighbouring surface premises, the areas were subjected
to what is known as 'vertical control'.
Statistical Statement - 1948.
Private Dwellings.
Number of premises inspected 355
" " " found to be infested 241
" " infestations treated 297
" " visits for treatment and re-inspections 2301
Business Premises.
Number of premises inspected 185
" " " found to be infested 135
" " visits for treatment and re-inspections 4669
Total Number of premises inspected during 1948.
Private Dwellings 355
Business Premises 185
540
Number of Visits - Private Dwellings 2,301
" " " -Business Premises 4,669
6,970
The co-operation of neighbouring authorities has been
sought and has been readily given when premises on the boundary
of the Borough have been the subject of treatment, Similar cooperation
has been met with when properties belonging to
statutory undertakings have been involved.
l5. INSECT PEST CONTROL.
This comparatively new feature of departmental
activity consists, in the main, of treatment of food premises
and large buildings such as blocks of flats for the eradication
of cockroaches, steam flies, beetles, etc.
This service fills a much wanted need and is run in
conjunction with rodent control work with the same staff for
both services.