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69
WELFARE OF THE AGED

In addition the Borough Council was allocated 40 beds in
Kingsmead, Richmond, a large general establishment administered by
the London Borough of Richmond. Two other residential homes
situated within the borough, 45 Langley Avenue, Surbiton, 31 beds,
and Maiden Homes, Percy Gardens, Worcester Park, 110 beds, were
allocated to the London Boroughs of Croydon and Sutton respectively,,
All the establishments taken over are converted houses of
about 60 to 80 years standing, and were originally acquired by the
Surrey County Council for evacuees during the early war years.
Although a certain amount of adaptation had been carried out they
were in poor condition, and inconvenient for the purpose for which
they are being used.
Shortly after the new borough came into being a full
inspection of all the homes was carried out by a Ministry of Health
Regional Welfare Officer, who reported that all the establishments
were overcrowded by Ministry standards, and stated that an overall
reduction of 14 residents, including 7 ground floor female beds,
would be required at the earliest possible time. It was indicated
that the report to the Minister would include a recommendation that
the most sympathetic consideration should be given to any
applications for loan sanction to improve the conditions and provide
additional accommodation.
Waiting List
On the 1st April 1965. 26 men and 66 women were awaiting
admission to residential accommodation. During the year 11 men and
47 women were admitted to homes administered by the Borough Council,
and at 31st December 1965, there were 25 men and 71 women awaiting
admission. Many of these have been on the list for two or more