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KEEPING THE BOROUGH CLEAN.
I am obliged to the Borough Surveyor for the following report about
drainage, sewerage and public cleansing:—
'' Drainage and Sewerage.
Apart from a short length of surface water sewer to relieve flooding in
Fulwell Park Avenue, no works of major importance have been carried out
due to the embargo placed by the various Ministries on the execution of any
major improvements to sewers.
Repairs of a routine nature, flooding-inspection and investigation into the
entry of foul sewage into surface water sewers have been carried out, in addition
to the extensions of sewers at Butts Farm for the growing housing estate.
Public Cleansing.
(a) Streets. Shortage of labour has meant that the standard of past years,
although maintained, has not yet reached pre-war level.
(b) Refuse Collection. Due to the difficulty in supply of materials, etc.,
it was disappointing that the new " Paxit " vehicles were not delivered during
1949, although it is anticipated that a considerable number will be available
in the forthcoming year, so that new and modern refuse collecting vehicles
will take the place of those already operating in the Borough.
Salvage and refuse has continued to be collected weekly with generally
satisfactory results.
(c) Refuse Disposal. As in 1948, the three old Destructors have been kept
fully in service during 1949, but owing to their limitations, increasing recourse
has had to be had to controlled tipping. The Ministry of Health held a
Public Enquiry into the proposed new Destructor at Sunbury, for the joint use
of Twickenham, Sunbury and Staines, and the revised cost of the scheme is
now £207,000. Arrangements for the purchase of the land are in hand and
field experiments are being carried out on the possibility of depositing screenings
and refuse in water, with a view to incorporating certain economies in the
Plant."
GENERAL.
Health Education.
During the year continued use was made of various health education
methods, including propaganda by posters, leaflets and lectures illustrated by
films or lantern slides.
Laboratory Work.
The usual arrangements were continued during the year and worked
satisfactorily.
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