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gnats, squirrels, or rabbits, yet when any of these pests become a
nuisance residents expect the Council to provide a free eradication
service, and get quite annoyed when it is explained that there is no
provision for expenditure on these pests to be defrayed out of rates.
Refuse Collection and Disposal.
The system of disposal of household and trade refuse by incineration
was reviewed by the Public Health Committee. A decision was
taken to demolish the obsolete incinerator and to introduce a new
system whereby all refuse, after a preliminary sorting, is transferred
to large transporter vehicles in which the refuse is taken to special
"controlled" tips outside the area. The scheme was devised and
executed under the supervision of the Borough Engineer and Surveyor.
During the interim period when the old works were being
demolished, and whilst the new Transfer Station was being erected,
it was necessary to have recourse to rather crude methods of transfer,
in the open air. There were a few complaints from residents who
chanced to see the accumulated refuse, but in effect the operation was
conducted with a minimum of nuisance and there was virtually no
trouble from rats, flies or smell.
The system of collection whereby refuse is transferred from
domestic dustbins to open skips, usually in back gardens, and then
carried out to the waiting refuse collection vehicle, came under review
by the Public Health Committee during the year. Whilst the system
is by no means ideal, it is the most economical, and there are surprisingly
few complaints received. In view of the heavy extra cost of
alternative methods, such as the paper sack system, no decision was
taken to alter the existing arrangements, but the officers concerned
have been instructed to report further in the event of a change
appearing to be practical and desirable.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION
Clean Air Act, 1956 — Smoke Control Areas.
The Third Smoke Control Order was made early in the year and
was confirmed, by the Minister of Housing and Local Government, in
May. It was scheduled to come into operation on the 15 th November.
Owing to the delay in confirmation only the minimum period of six
months was available for carrying out the necessary work. This,
coupled with the reluctance of local builders to carry out conversion
work at the prices allowed for grant purposes, and the tardiness of
applicants in submitting their applications, made it necessary to postpone
the coming into operation of the Order until 1st January, 1963,