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Pet Animals Act, 1951.
The number of licences granted to persons enabling them to keep
a pet shop remained at four.
Three of the licences were renewed on the existing conditions,
but, following an inspection by a Veterinary Surgeon to the fourth
premises, the Public Health Committee placed a restriction on the
number of puppies the proprietor could keep there at any one time,
bearing in mind the staff available for their welfare. The proprietor
subsequently made representations against this restriction, and after
interview at the next meeting of the Committee, she was granted a
licence containing only the usual conditions. The Committee asked,
however, that the cleanliness of the kennels be improved.
Rag Flock and Other Filling Materials Act, 1951.
The only premises registered in the borough since the commencement
of the Act closed down owing to expiration of the lease.
Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928.
67 licences were issued during the year, of which 56 were renewals,
8 new licences were granted to cover total storage of 873½ gallons
and 3 garages increased their capacity by 10,400 gallons.
262 visits were made by the inspectors.
The Home Office recommendations with regard to the provision of
flameproof fittings and limiting devices to existing pumps were
considered by the Public Health Committee. It was resolved to
require that such fittings and devices be fitted by the 1st January,
1960, and all the firms concerned were accordingly notified by the
Town Clerk. Four firms requested and were granted an extension of
time to enable them to carry out the necessary works.
A proprietor of a shop and filling station discontinued the use of
his storage facilities without taking the requisite step of notifying the
local authority ten days before such discontinuance. A breach of the
conditions of the licence was thus created and reported to the Public
Health Committee. Proceedings against the firm were authorised
the case being heard at Stratford Magistrates' Court where a conviction
was obtained and a fine of £5 imposed with one guinea costs.
The Town Clerk was authorised to take action against another
owner of a filling station who carried out alterations in connection
with the storage of petroleum without notifying the local authority.
In view of the highly inflammable and explosive nature of petroleum
and its vapour, the Public Health Committee (acting for the Council)
regarded the matter seriously. Developments will be recorded in the
Annual Report for 1960.
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