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60
6. SHOPS ACT. 1950.
The provisions relating to closing hours, half-holidays, hours of
employment of young persons and Sunday trading are administered by the
department.
7. OFFICES. SHOPS MP RAILWAY PREMISES ACT. 1965.
During the year 399 registered premises received one or more general
inspections, these included inspection of all the 77 newly registered
premises. The total number of registered premises at the end of the year
was 1,702. All premises known to the department have received a thorough
general inspection. The total number of inspections carried out during
the year was 2,099.
There is close co-operation with the Borough Planning Officer which
enables the department to see all plans submitted in respect of new construction
or alteration to premises to which the provisions of the Act
apply. It is thus possible to approach the persons responsible at an
early stage in the development and ensure that, when completed, the
premises will comply with the requirements of the Act. This service not
only simplifies administration but is appreciated by the managements
concerned.
The need for regular inspection of the district is emphasized by the
fact that of the 77 new registrations recorded during the year nearly all
were found by inspection and very few as the result of applications for
registration.
8. NOISE.
One hundred and two complaints regarding alleged nuisance from
noise were received during the year and fifty-four nuisances were confirmed.
Fifteen arose from industry, eight from commercial undertakings,
twelve from domestic sources and fifteen from building works.
Forty-six of these nuisances were abated following informal action
and four abatement notices were served.
Eight complaints regarding the level of sound arising from loudspeakers
were received and these were all remedied informally.
The increasing use of mechanical equipment is causing a rise in
noise levels in and around our homes, which must be resolutely tackled.
Present legislation is inadequate to deal effectively with the situation
and the report of the working group on the Noise Abatement Act, entitled
"Neighbourhood Noise" points the way ahead. It recommends improvements