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31
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION.
Richmond (Surrey) No. 1 Smoke Control Order, 1959.
In accordance with the Council's decision that the whole of the
Borough should be covered by successive Smoke Control Orders made
under the Clean Air Act, 1956 within a ten-year programme, a survey
was carried out during the year, of the first area.
The area selected was in the south-west corner of Ham, some 85
acres in extent and comprising :
268 Council dwellings.
70 private dwellings.
3 other premises.
To enable smokeless fuels to be used in this area, it was estimated
that 447 firegrates would need to be renewed or adapted, together
with the provision of 63 additional gas points, at a total cost of £2,286.
The Exchequer contribution towards this sum would amount to £914,
while the Rate Fund and the householders would each bear £686 of
the cost.
Preliminary approval for the scheme was given by the Minister of
Housing and Local Government and by the end of the year the Order
had been made and submitted for the Minister's confirmation. It is
anticipated that the Order will come into operation on the 1st
October, 1960.
The Health Committee also considered Clean Air publicity during
the year, and organisations in the Borough were reminded by letter
of the Council's willingness to provide a speaker at meetings to discuss
all aspects of the Clean Air campaign.
It is pleasing to record that another member of the staff has been
able to attend a course on the use of smokeless fuel appliances held
at the Coal Utilisation Council Centre.
Complaints of Smoke Emission.
During 1959 forty complaints were received concerning smoke and
fume emission. The growing number of complaints of bonfires in
private gardens suggests that members of the public are becoming
more conscious of the sources of unnecessary smoke and more
aggrieved at the thoughtlessness of their neighbour. The redevelopment
of building sites in Richmond produced other complaints of the
nuisance caused by demolition contractors who are unwilling to