View report page

15
significant number of complaints were received about noise, and
undoubtedly the number will rise in the years ahead as public opinion
reacts to this social evil.
Every effort is made to ensure that each complaint is investigated
within twenty-four hours of its receipt. Table 19 indicates the number
of informal and statutory notices served for the repair of premises and
the abatement of nuisances; in two instances legal proceedings were
taken against owners of dwelling-houses for failure to carry out
repairs. In one case the owner was fined £5 (and one guinea costs) at
the first hearing for failing to comply with a Nuisance Order made
under the Public Health Act, 1936, and at a second hearing the Court
imposed a daily fine of £1 for the sixty days in which the Order had
been outstanding. The imposition of the fine of £60 was quickly
followed by the completion of the works of repair which the Court
had required. In the second case, an owner was fined £4 for failing
to carry out drainage repairs.
5. Disinfection and Disinfestation.
There has been no increase in the treatment of premises after cases
of infectious disease or of bed-bug infestation. The fumigation of
clothing before being sent abroad is carried out to assist members of
the public to satisfy Post Office regulations, and a small charge is made
for the treatment.
A summary of the work done is contained in Table 21.
6. Atmospheric Pollution.
(a) Smoke Control Areas. The third Smoke Control Order
covering approximately 382 acres in the Petersham and Richmond Hill
area was confirmed by the Minister of Housing and Local Government
on 25th January, 1962, and came into operation on 1st October,
1962. Included in this area are 1,663 private dwellings, 214 Council
houses and 112 other premises.
The fourth Smoke Control Order was made by the Council on 17th
July, 1962 and was confirmed on 15th October, 1962. This order
covers an area of 122 acres, extending north from The Vineyard to
Twickenham Road and includes 1,035 private dwellings, 33 Council
houses and 485 other properties. The Order is expected to come into
operation on 1st October, 1963.
(b) Complaints of Smoke Emission. The number of complaints
received has remained low and they have referred to bonfires in