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still a problem, and the Council cannot undertake to dispose of such
material as builders' refuse, rubble, etc.
Pest control measures have proved quite effective. Very few
complaints have been received, and the number of rat infestations of
property has been markedly reduced. All stagnant pools and marshy
ground is treated early in the season. Places where animals are kept
are visited regularly, and no undue difficulty has been experienced in
preserving the amenities of the Borough.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
The Council has agreed to set up apparatus for measuring the
amount of pollution in the air. There is a Deposit Gauge, for ascertaining
the total deposited matter, a Daily Smoke Filter, which
continuously extracts a sample of the air, filters it, and determines the
amount of sulphur dioxide in the sampled air, and a Lead Peroxide
Instrument for estimating the extent of pollution. These are all
standard instruments and the results will be used in the nation-wide
survey which is now being undertaken. It is to be hoped that before
long some definite proposals will be issued so that uniform action
can be taken by all authorities in the London area to eliminate atmospheric
pollution. It would be possible to take certain action to establish
smokeless zones within small areas in which the Council control all
buildings, but this would impose some restrictions on the inhabitants
of these areas which may be considered as being unjustified. Perhaps
in the redevelopment schemes for the older parts of the Borough,
consideration may be given to this aspect of planning for the future.
SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL
The Richmond Main Sewerage Board is the authority for sewage
disposal. The work of modernising the disposal plant is almost complete,
but the final changeover is being held up by staffing difficulties.
Meanwhile, the Engineer and his staff have perforce to keep the plant
in operation as best they can. In spite of these difficulties no complaints
whatever have been received by this Department from the operation
of the disposal works. It is hoped that the new layout and plant will
be fully operational well before the end of 1954, when the full benefits
of reorganisation will be realised.
WATER SUPPLY
The water supply arrangements have remained unchanged,
a good supply, both as regards quantity and quality, being maintained
by the Metropolitan Water Board. Very few complaints were received,
and in no case was this due to the main supply. The Board exercises
close chemical and bacteriological analytical control. Many minor
complaints about defective fittings, bursts, etc. have been referred to
the Board, and then have invariably had prompt and efficient attention.