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As its title implies this section of the department is concerned
with the health of the Borough in all matters relating to the
environment in which we live.
It will be the policy of the section to pursue a progressive
outlook towards the problems associated with higher standards of
living, for maintaining high standards where they exist and for securing
improvements where they are necessary. In the past the problems
associated with dirt and disease have been the main concern of the
Health Department but in the future we will be concerned with health
education,, the improvement of those houses which lack those amenities
which in the 1970s will be regarded as essential, the maintenance of
basically sound houses, the elimination of the pollutants from the
atmosphere from whatever source they may emanate, the reduction of
noise to ensure maximum enjoyment of leisure time and better conditions
at work, improved standards in the techniques associated with the
handling and presentation of foodstuffs and encouraging an awareness
of the need for a high standard of comfort for workers in industrial
and commercial premises.
In the field of health education, much can be done by co-operation
with the organisations in the Borough and it is hoped that those concerned
with education and community welfare will take advantage of the
services we can provide.
The Council. being aware of the policies of the former Royal
Borough of Kingston upon Thames and the Borough of Maiden & Coombe,
decided to continue with the introduction of Smoke Control Areas as
decided by those Authorities, and it has now been decided to extend
this policy to the whole Borough,, This is a progressive step which,
when completed by 1978 will have virtually eliminated pollution of the
atmosphere by smoke from the area, made a valuable contribution to the
campaign for cleaning the atmosphere in the Greater London Area and, so
far as tho3e parts of the Borough which have little or no pollution,
preserved for them the advantages of clean air which they now enjoy.
According to the 1961 census there were 45,624 dwellings in the
Borough; of these 1,384 were shared;, 4,641 lacked a hot water supply and
3,928 a fixed bath. Whilst many of these houses may not be suitable for
improvement by reason of their age and condition, those which are
basically sound should possess the essential amenities and an intensive
campaign is to be pursued during 1966 to encourage the owners of such
property to take advantage of the Council's improvement grant schemes.
In recent years there has been a considerable change in marketing of
food stuffs and this will continue, particularly with regard to the distribution
of milk. The Council is aware of the hazards associated with the
processing of food stuffs and will continue to pursue its policy of
requiring a high standard of cleanliness in food premises and has recently