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14
last four years and should provide interesting comparisons as the
programme for Smoke Control Areas proceeds. The latest information
on the supply position for smokeless fuels indicates that only
difficulties of retail distribution remain to be resolved as production
is now adequate to meet any demand, except perhaps for those who
may insist on some specific proprietary brand of fuel.
Complaints of pollution are confined to one or two installations
which have given trouble for years. It is hoped that the expected
replacement of these old furnaces with modern types will produce
final and complete remedies. Even with the introduction of modern
oil burning appliances, however, skilled and careful maintenance is
necessary to achieve maximum economic efficiency and freedom from
smoke.
A surprising number of inconsiderate traders and householders
continue to give offence to their neighbours by having regular bonfires
on their premises in circumstances where it must be obvious that a
nuisance is being caused.
SECTION 'D' — HOUSING
The programme for dealing with unfit properties, drawn up in
November 1955, has been brought nearer completion by the closing
and demolition of 12 properties during 1959. It is confidently
expected that the target set five years ago will be met in 1960, despite
difficulties in connection with re-housing.
Although there are many obsolete type dwellings left in the
Borough, nevertheless the lower standard of fitness laid down by the
Housing Act, 1957 requires only that houses shall be in reasonable
repair, free from damp and provided with the bare necessities for
cooking and sanitary accommodation. Under present conditions
houses are being vacated, sold and reconditioned, which formerly
would have been allowed to decay to the point where demolition was
the only answer. As a result of this policy, old houses badly designed,
of poor appearance, and often crowded together, are being given
disproportionate values, thereby hindering proper re-development.
It is evident that, despite the continuance of protective control
for the lower rated houses and flats, many tenants have become
nervous of complaining about items of disrepair and fewer notices
to repair have been served. To meet this, and to save certain blocks
of property from decline, routine house to house inspections will be
re-commenced as was the practice before the War.
The demand for accommodation in this District has led to the
re-occupation of many basement premises closed voluntarily in prewar
years. Many of these basements are dark and damp. Usually