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Noise Abatement Act, 1960
A number of complaints were received during the year which were
mostly of a trivial nature, e.g. in one case, singing by young people in a
neighbouring house, together with the repair of a car owned by one of
the occupants; in another, the playing of a piano.
One complaint from the occupiers of a row of houses situated opposite
a large bakery caused the Committee and its officers some concern.
The bakery with a wide front extending along the arterial road bakes
bread all day and night, but it is at night that the large vans load in
readiness for early delivery to all parts of London and the Home
Counties. Occupiers of the houses alleged that the noise from (a) the
loading of racks or trays of bread into the vans and (b) the starting up
and driving off of the vehicles disturbed their rest and sleep at night.
At an evening meeting on 22nd June between representatives of the
residents and the Public Health committee chairman, one of the Ward
Councillors and the Chief Public Health Inspector, the residents
described the noise made at the bakery during the night and early hours
of the morning. They expressed strong feelings against the approval
given to the bakery under Planning powers to develop along the road
frontage.
Acting on the advice given by these representatives, the two Councillors
and the Chief Public Health Inspector made observation on a Friday
morning between 2 a.m. and 4.30 a.m. but found nothing which could
support the claim of nuisance. The occupiers stated that Friday night
—Saturday morning was the noisest time.
Thirty-two signatures submitted a petition to the Council in September
and as an outcome, they were informed that during visits made to
these premises at night by members of the Committee and by officers
of the Council, no undue noise was heard, having in mind the business
use of the premises and that under the circumstances, the Council could
take no action, further action could be taken by individuals under the
Act.
Further complaints were received on various occasions in 1962 and
into 1963, but one must wait for the report for 1963 to read of further
developments. It can be said, however, that although advised to do
so, the occupiers are reluctant to take action themselves against the
bakery.
Emission of Smoke from Diesel Engine Vehicles
There is nothing new to report on this subject, although one anticipates
some new law which will help prevent this nuisance. It can,
nevertheless, be mentioned that of late some improvement has been
noticed in the behaviour of these vehicles.
Pet Animals Act, 1951
One shop was added to the register of Pet Shops, making a total of
six. All are maintained in a satisfactory condition.
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