View report page

19
In August the Council received the Minister's provisional
approval to the proposed No. 1 Smoke Control Area and subsequently
decided to proceed with the detailed survey.
The proposed area consists of the whole of the district
north of the Staines Road, embracing some 2,050 houses and
120 other premises and covering 1,398 acres.
A phased programme was adopted which envisaged
dealing with the whole district by 1972.
Pollution of the atmosphere by fumes and smoke from
diesel engines is undoubtedly increasing. Whilst not encountered
so much on the quieter residential road, on through
roads, including shopping areas, they were often most apparent
and quite apart from any possible effect upon health these
fumes are unpleasant.
The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations
prohibit the emission of smoke, visible vapour, grit, sparks,
ashes, cinders or oily substance but only if it is likely to cause
damage to property or injury or danger to persons, on or likely
to be on the road.
It appeared that in respect of many vehicles the regulations
were not being observed.
Rodent Control
The control of rat and mice infestations in accordance
with the methods advocated by the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food was continued. The Council's refuse tip
was kept under regular observation and any sign of rat activity
dealt with immediately. It was not considered necessary to
test bait the public sewers.
Previous reports on rodent control have covered the
financial year period, this report deals with the nine months
period to 31st December, 1959, and future reports will relate
to calendar years.
Complaints received of infestations numbered 186 and
these, together with cases discovered by members of the staff,
involved the inspection of 841 premises. Rat infestations were
found at 147 premises and mice infestations at 32 premises.
Of these 171 treatments were undertaken by the department,
the remaining eight being carried out by the occupiers.
For treatments carried out by this department on behalf
of occupiers, a standard charge of five shillings was made in
the case of private dwellings and the full cost of the treatment
was recovered in the case of business premises. In certain
cases of hardship the standard charge was waived. Where the
occupiers elected to carry out the treatment themselves, advice
and supervision was given to ensure that the treatment was
effective.