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30
The publicity which preceded the Regulations materiallyassisted
in their enforcement,, Owners of food businesses
realised that improvements were essential and desirable and
co-operated to a considerable extent. This in spite of the
fact that the expense involved had to be met at a time when
costs had increased as a result of the re-rating of business
propertieS.
During the year reconstruction and considerable improvements
were carried out to cafes, butchers', grocery, and fish
shops and a bakery.
Some l40 Notices were served relating to 216 defects, of
which 151 had been remedied by the end of the year.
With regard to the Ancient Market, work is proceeding on
the adaptation of the Market House to provide washing facilities
and sanitary accommodation for the use of the stall holders.
Where plans were submitted for new buildings, it was
possible to incorporate recommendations based on the requirements
of the Regulations,, Not all existing premises have yet
been dealt with, and the long view was taken where it would not
be good policy to press at this stage for minor improvements
when major works were anticipated,.
With possibly only two exceptions, the work has been
carried out with every co-operation on behalf of the proprietors,,
It is to be hoped that improvements in premises will be matched
by corresponding standards of personal hygiene on the part of
those employed in handling food.
Whilst some improvement has taken place, attention must
still be given to the protection of food in transit. With
regard to the meat trade, although some progress has been made
by the more enlightened and progressive firms by the provision
of approved vehicles, the trade in general appears to be slow
to adopt measures better calculated to protect the meat during
its journey from abattoir or market to the shop.