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CLEAN AIR
This year has been one of intense activity with the first two Smoke
Control Areas coming into operation on the 1st October, and the Order
for the third area submitted to the Ministry for confirmation.
Although one can hear and read of the considerable advantages of
Smoke Control Areas in other districts, there is bound to be a feeling
of "Will it work?" when the first areas come into operation in our
own district.
I am happy to report that in my opinion the scheme is working well
and tours of the areas during cold winter spells showed a very favourable
comparison with other parts of the borough.
The residents within these two areas are to be congratulated on their
co-operation. Whilst many, before the Orders came into operation,
mourned the loss of their coal fire, after a winter's experience they are
now converted and in many cases show a considerable enthusiasm for
the scheme. In fact, it is quite common to hear a person say that they
cannot understand why they had not changed to smokeless fuel before.
It is anticipated that the enlightened in the existing areas will spread
their enthusiasm to others, and it is already noticed that enquiries from
all parts of the borough are increasing.
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government decided that notification
of the decision in principle to make a Smoke Control Area was
not now necessary, and it is hoped that this minor relaxation in Ministry
requirements is the forerunner of more drastic simplification of the
present complicated system.
I give below details of applications received and grants approved
and paid for Nos. 1 and 2 Smoke Control Areas: -
Smoke Control Area No. 1
Applications for approval of works 434
Grants approved £2,978 18 2
Claims received 331
Amount of claims paidz £1,992 12 3
Smoke Control Area No.2
Applications for approval of works 847
Grants approved £7,354 18 1
Claims received 403
Amount of claims paid £3,592 7 6
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