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Land charge searches
During the sale of any premises, the solicitor
acting for the prospective purchaser requests
that the Land Charge register be searched to
ascertain whether any notices have been
served upon the property- 5581 searches were
made during the 12 months.
Rodent control
Details of the work carried out by the rodent
control team is set out in table 24.
It had been the practice of the council to
enter into agreements with various firms
throughout the borough to maintain a control
over any rodent infestations. This often
necessitated visits to premises which were
free of rodents and was wasteful of manpower
It also placed the council in a difficult
position when it came to enforcing the owners
responsibi lities.
A proposal was accepted by the council
that these agreements should cease although
everv assistance would be given upon request
The manpower thus saved could be directed
towards a positive system of inspection and
treatment of infested sewers. By the end of
the year a programme of sewer treatments was
being drawn up in conjunction with the borough
engineer and surveyor who is responsible for
sewers.
In addition to the rodent operatives visits
the public health inspectors made 8 655 visits
in connection with rodent control inspection
in food premises and other establishments.
Other pest control work
During the year 371 complaints were made to
the department concerning insect pests and 27
concerning pigeons.
497 pigeons were either trapped or shot
during the year.
The council agreed to cease chaging for
the treatment of insect pests. The charge had
been known in some cases to deter people
from applying for help.
100
Mortgage Applications
Again where applications are made to the
council for a mortgage the public health
inspectors inspect the property 204 houses
were so inspected during the year
Certificates of disrepair
One application was received for a certificate
of disrepair.
Rehousing on medical grounds
Where the medical officer of health has been
requested to give medical priority for rehousing
and the condition of the applicant s dwelling
is not satisfactory, the public health inspectors
are requested to report on the conditions
existing, 51 such reports were given during the
year,
CounciI housing
Concern has been expressed over the conditions
prevailing in some of the accommodation
provided by the council both for the normal
council tenants and also concerning the
accommodation provided for homeless families
In the latter case one house was found to be
overcrowded and lacking in the necessary
facilities. Discussions with the appropriate
departments resulted in improvements to the
house and a reduction of the number of families
housed there-
Following complaints from council tenants
228 visits were paid to 76 council properties
with subsequent recommendations to the
director of housing. Three units of accommodation
were declared unfit for human habitation.
General improvement areas
Detailed discussions between various council
departments has continued on the proposed
South Street general improvement area. A public
meeting was held with the residents of the
area and the council authorised the preparation
of a detailed scheme, Discussions are also
proceeding on the other suitable areas