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110
During the year survey work was started on Area 14 in the
Kings Road, Kingston locality and Area 15 in the Elm Road, New
Maiden locality with a view to the making of Orders which should
become operative on the 1st October, 1969.
Fireplace conversions in 14 areas comprising 2,128 acres
and 12,227 dwelling houses in the Borough have now been completed.

Noter The numbering of areas was not consecutive prior to
the formation of the new Royal Borough,,
Air Pollution Complaints.
There were 110 complaints from the public about nuisance
from smoke and grit. Sixty-two of these concerned bonfires,
21 smoke from factory chimneys, 18 smoking domestic chimneys and
9 grit and smuts. There has been an increase in recent years
in the number of bonfire complaints which is indicative of the
growing concern of the public about the problem. The Department
distributes leaflets to residents in smoke control areas
giving advice on how to reduce smoke from bonfires and avoid complaints.
Advice and assistance are also given verbally and by
letter when specific complaints are under investigation. The
complaints about smoke, grit and smuts from factory chimneys were
the result of defects in plant or operation and the majority were
quickly rectified. A nuisance from fumes in the vicinity of a
large plant was traced to a defective flue which was affected by
severe corrosion necessitating extensive repairs. Repeated
heavy smoke emissions from a large incinerator of good design
were found to be due to lack of care in operation of the equipment.
It is difficult to recruit intelligent personnel for such
a menial task.