View report page

The Cottages are of considerable age and are of a type similar to
back-to-back houses, some bedrooms at the back having a small window
looking out into a narrow, dark alley way. They consist of one room on
the ground floor and two rooms on the first floor.
Toilet and wash-house facilities exist at the end of the front gardens,
water is supplied by standpipes and access to the cottages is gained by a
narrow opening between the shops in the High Street.
During the year 8 properties were subject to notices requiring repairs
to be carried out and 15 properties were the subject of Demolition Orders.
of these 4 were demolished and 10 closed by agreement pending demolition.
In addition 4 other properties were closed by agreement, 2 formally and 2
inforrnally. As the result of these actions 16 families were rehoused in
more congenial surroundings.
Public Health Act
Fourteen premises were redrained and three Public Sewers were
repaired; this work involved expenditure on the part of the owners to close
on £100.
It was not necessary for the Council to take any cases of default to the
magistrates Court for hearing.
Housing and Public Health Acts. General Remarks.
Reference was made in the Report of the Medical Officer of Health for
1950 to the effect that works of repair were frequently held up because the
owners or agents wished to negotiate with the War Damage Commission,
Although another year has passed, it has to be recorded that similar
conditions still exist, in fact, seeing that the war ceased over six years ago,
one wonders just how the assessors of the Commission distinguish the
difference between damage due to enemy action and normal dilapidations.
Hopes were expressed in last year's report that property owners would
receive some assistance towards maintaining their premises in a reasonable
state of repair by legislation allowing for some increase in rent.
Yet another year has passed without such relief being in sight, although
Wages in the building industry have risen. Costs of material have also
increased, consequently the amount which can be set aside for repairs,
external decorations, etc., is reduced in value accordingly.
It is pleasing, when considering the Housing and Public Health Acts,
in record that the number of verminous premises remains very low, so low
in fact that they can be considered non-existent. The few cases reported
are mild in character and require no harsh efforts to eradicate bugs, etc.
Food Hygiene
Arrangements were made during the year for local cinemas to show
the film "Another Case of Food Poisoning". It is pleasing to report that
cinemas co-operated and thanks are due to them for showing the film.
15