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There was a heavy fall in the number of persons using the open-air pools
during 1956 and the figure showing the maximum number using the baths on any
one day to be 2,655 as compared with 4,163 the previous year, marks that the
weather was so consistently cold throughout the summer that open air swimming
never became really attractive to the members of the public.
The purification of the water of these pools is by intermittent chlorination
and the amount of free chloride aimed at is 0.6 parts per million. Water
samples are taken daily throughout the season.
Other Facilities in the Borough for Open Air Recreation
Privately owned open spaces and sports grounds 111.71 acres
Council owned open spaces and sports grounds
leased to private clubs etc. 67.94 "
School playing fields 50.50 "
Gunnersbury Park (owned jointly by Acton Brentford
& Chiswick and Ealing Councils) 186.00 "
Public Baths and Washhouses
Brentford:-
In Clifden Road. Brentford, the Council maintains premises containing 21
slipper baths, 14 for men, and 7 for women. The total number using the baths
during 1956 was 25,784 persons.
Chiswick: -
In Belmont Road. Chiswick the Council maintains premises containing 31
slipper baths, 22 for men, and 9 for women
In addition, 2 hip baths are available particularly for the use of elderly
persons. The total number using the baths during 1956 was 45,431 persons.
In these premises are also 30 washing compartments comprising 30 coppers,
a rinsing section, 30 drying horses, hot air drying compartments and 2 mangling
machines. Ratepayers are entitled to use these washing facilities at a small
charge of 6d. per hour, and during 1956, 2 107 persons took advantage of the
service.
It is interesting to note the increase in the use of the slipper baths
and of the clothes washing facilities. With the gradual demolition of slum
property and provision of housing with suitable toilet facilities, the number
of houses in the Borough not containing baths is slowly decreasing, yet an
increased demand for use of slipper baths, as found, seems to indicate an
increase in the general standard of personal cleanliness. Community facilities
for clothes washing are becoming increasingly popular as is evidenced
by the spread of launderette facilities everywhere, and the figures suggest
that the cheapness and facility of the community services supplied in the public
washhouses, is becoming more apparent to many housewives.
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