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100
Severe Flooding.
Flooding in parts of Kingston, Surbiton and Maiden was serious
following heavy rainfall in September and staff were fully engaged in
helping and advising those affected and in addition it was possible to
assist Esher Urban District Council whose flooding problems were much
worse than our own. It is in the interest of both public health
and the maintenance of property that preventive measures be adopted
without delay.
The River Dwellers.
In recent years there has been much publicity concerning the
plight of the caravan dwellers but little has been said about those
who live in potentially more hazardous accommodation - the small boat.
During the year a survey of the river boat population was carried out
and where necessary action taken to secure improved conditions.
This is an aspect of Kingston riverside which could deteriorate if
any of those concerned fail to appreciate the needs of river users.
In general terms, small boats are eminently suitable for recreation
and pleasure but are unsuitable for bringing up a family, with
inadequate facilities, narrow gang planks and the ever present water.
Port Health Work.
An additional responsibility wa3 passed to the Public Health
Inspectors with the Imported Food Regulations which now permit containers
of food to pass direct from the port of entry to Kingston
for inspection and unloading. The effect is to give this authority
responsibilities similar to those of a sea or air port.
Houses into Homes.
Housing continues to hit the headlines of the press and programmes
on television such as "Cathy Come Home" stimulated further public concern
for the problem. The white paper Old Houses into New Homes is
a statement of government policy of changing emphasis from the elimination
of slums - a task which has largely been completed, to the
conservation of those houses which are basically sound and improving
their environment and facilities. Since 1949 when improvement grants
were introduced hundreds of houses have been provided with baths, hot
water supplies and indoor water closets. The Bill which has now
been published envisages a broader approach which takes into