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number of infestations by bugs dealt with but these were of no
particular significance and eradication was effective and final.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION.
The Clean Air Programme passed the halfway mark with the
coming into operation of the No. 4 Smoke Control Area on 1st
September, 1964 and the No. 5 Area on 1st December, 1964.
Bearing in mind the rather drastic change in policy which
occurred just as the last area was confirmed, in connection with the
type of smokeless appliances being advocated for smoke control areas,
the conversions were carried out with relatively little trouble.
Fortunately nothing succeeds like success and the performance of
the new types of room heater is such that they are usually well
recommended by their users. There is now a comprehensive range of
appliances burning all types of fuel, which should suit all tastes and
conditions.
At the close of the year the Ministry announced that, in future,
grants will not be payable on direct acting electric heating appliances
because the use of such appliances could create an undue strain of
power resources during peak periods. Fortunately this announcement
came at a time when the majority of approvals had already been issued
for the No. 5 Smoke Control Area and householders in the new areas
can be warned in good time of this change in policy.
The Council made the No. 6 Smoke Control Order in December
and it is expected that this area will come into operation on 1st
December, 1965. It is worthy of note that relatively few people are
now desirous of retaining an open fire, given freedom of choice, and
this should lead to a better position as far as the availability of fuel
supplies is concerned.
Considerable difficulty was again experienced in agreeing the
estimates of local builders for conversion works, and the Department
was sometimes placed in the regrettable position of having to refer
applicants to building firms outside the district for more reasonable
estimates.
The results of observations carried out by the apparatus for
measuring atmospheric pollution in East Sheen indicate that no
further improvement in the cleanliness of the atmosphere of this part
of the Borough can be expected until the adjacent residential areas
are brought under smoke control orders. Even so the weight of smoke
has been halved since the passing of the Clean Air Act, 1956. The
weight of sulphur dioxide has been reduced by almost one-third in the
same period.
SECTION 'D' — HOUSING.
The most notable trend in housing conditions in the area was the
accelerated modernisation of obsolescent properties. As each house
becomes vacant, by the death of the statutory tenant or other circumstances,
the property is promptly sold and reconditioned. The
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