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Overcrowding of houses, while continuing to be a serious problem, did not appear to
intensify during 1959, but the amount of house building within the Borough was not large
and indeed cannot in the foreseeable future be very great unless upward building is undertaken.
An increased number of the overcrowded families on the Department's register
obtained better housing accommodation during the year, but with limited land available
for building, increasing restriction on the numbers who can be decanted to New Towns,
and as can be seen from the vital statistics a natural increase in population even if no immigration
occurs, the problem does not seem likely to lessen.
Much work was carried out in inspection and health education in food premises and
the general standard of hygiene in food shops and catering establishments in the Borough
is showing marked improvement. It is possible that the low figures for food poisoning and
dysentery in the Borough may be partly attributable to this.
Work on the survey and preparation for the making of Southall into a smoke free area
increased very greatly during 1959 and the first smoke control area was designated and
approved, inspection of the second being started immediately on the completion of the
inspections for the first. Special facilities were made available to the general public for the
explanation to householders of the requirements in a smoke control area. The figures for
the atmospheric pollution of the Borough for the past two years have been sufficiently
disturbing to emphasise the desirability of the rapid extension of smoke control.
Services for the welfare of old age pensioners continued to expand. Although these
are not statutory but are operated by voluntary associations, the Council give sympathetic
consideration to all applications from these associations for assistance, either for money or
for provision of meeting places; the Meals on Wheels service, particularly, expanded during
the year, and plans were made for an even greater expansion in 1960. An increase was made
in the number of old people (some for the first time for many years) sent for a short holiday
at the sea.
Health education continued throughout the year on many subjects, with particular
emphasis on home safety and food hygiene.
I would like to thank the whole of the staff of the Public Health Department for all the
good work done during the year and for their loyal support.
I am, Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
Margaret a. Glass
Medical Officer of Health.
Manor House, Southall.
Telephone Numbers:
SOU 3621-2.
SOU 5060.
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