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The persistent nuisance in bakehouses caused by the common cockroach
(Blatta orientalis) has been successfully combated using viscous insecticides
with benzine hexa-chloride fortified by a high pyrethrum additive.
The income from pest destruction has reached the surprising total of
£113 13s. 3d.
KEEPING THE BOROUGH CLEAN
18
I am obliged to Mr. A. S. Knolles, the Borough Surveyor, for the following
report about drainage, sewerage and public cleansing:—
Drainage and Sewerage.
No works of major improvement have been possible because of the continued
restriction on capital expenditure, but following certain flooding as the
result of a rather exceptional storm last August, the Committee have agreed to
construct short lengths of relief sewers during 1953.
There is continued evidence of the pollution of the surface water system
from material which should be connected to the foul water system, and although
certain factories have been disconnected from the surface water system further
investigation is being carried out to try and improve the position.
Public Cleansing
(a) Streets. Due to the continued difficulties regarding the engagement
of adequate labour and the high cost of the street orderly system, experiments
have been carried out with a view to reducing labour by the introduction of
pedestrian-operated electric vehicles, to augment the street sweeping arrangements.
This experiment having proved satisfactory, it is proposed to bring the
new system into operation during the coming year.
(b) Refuse Collection. The Dennis Paxit vehicles are still proving satisfactory.
The public are very appreciative of the individual household collecting
bin system we are operating in the Borough and an extension will be
contemplated in the near future.
(c) Refuse Disposal. Work on the new Charlton Plant has commenced
and the works should be completed in 1954.
WATER SUPPLY
I am indebted to Lt.-Col. E. F. W. Mackenzie, Director of Water Examination,
Metropolitan Water Board, for the following report:—
The water supply to the Twickenham area is abstracted from the River
Thames at Wraysbury, Laleham and Walton, purified in the storage reservoirs
at Staines, Littleton and Walton and at the filtration works at Hampton.
After filtration the water receives a small dose of chlorine and adequate
contact is provided to ensure complete action of the chlorine before the water
is pumped into supply. It is therefore possible to provide a water of consistently