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Overcrowding. One case of overcrowding was reported to the
Public Health Committee concerning a family from India who found
accommodation in one room in a house of a fellow countryman. The
necessary notices were served, with the result that the owner
obtained posesssion of the room. The family were later housed in one
of the "half-way" houses under control of the Council.
Once again close co-operation existing between the Public Health
and Housing Departments can be recorded; this is most helpful when
dealing with rehousing of families from unfit houses.
In dealing with matters in connection with clearance areas and
unfit houses it is unusual to receive letters of appreciation from
families rehoused. However, in March a letter was received from a
tenant whose house came within the scope of a clearance area,
expressing appreciation for help given by the Council. The services
of the Local Authority and their Officers are so often accepted as a
matter of fact.
Offence under the Public Health Act, 1936
A complaint was received from the occupier of a house whose
neighbour kept chickens in a glasshouse at the rear of his garden.
The glasshouse was only a matter of some five feet away from the
complainant's flank wall. Upon inspection it was found that about
three dozen chickens were kept in this glass and wood structure—
which measured approximately 10ft. by 8 ft. the interior of which
was in a filthy condition. Appeals to the owner of the birds to reduce
their number and to cleanse the interior of the structure proved
to be futile, so the Council had no alternative but to take action
against him in the magistrates' court. An order to abate the nuisance
was granted and costs were allowed amounting to two guineas.
Essex County Council Act, 1933, Section 109.
This section makes it an offence to place or keep on land a moveable
dwelling without the previous approval of the Local Authority.
One application to place and keep on land a caravan was received
the application being deferred so that an inspection could be made
by the Medical Officer of Health. Before further consideration could
be given to the matter the applicant obtained alternative living
accommodation and removed the caravan.
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