London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Sutton 1971
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Sutton]
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4.1 POLLUTION CONTROL
Pollution in all its forms continues to be an active concern to Public Health
Inspectors and a subject, not only of international importance, but of considerable
local interest.
The Council's Smoke Control Programme has been one of the quiet success
stories, judged by the gradual decrease in smoke levels measured daily at the three
test points. Unfortunately the indication of improved sulphur-dioxide readings of
the atmosphere is now showing signs of levelling out.
Many complaints regarding noise levels, accumulations, odours and effluvia,
and the condition of ponds and streams, were received and investigated.
4.2 SMOKE CONTROL ORDERS
During the first quarter of 1971 eight Smoke Control Orders were in a state
of suspension due to the shortages of solid smokeless fuel. Fortunately few people
seemed to have great difficulty with regard to their supplies.
The work towards the declared objective of a Smoke Control Borough by
1975 was continued energetically. Visits of inspection, advice, and to agree the
payments of grants, took place mainly in the following areas:-
LOCATION
| Approximate Position | Order Confirmed | Order In Force | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area 21 | Cheam | 21. 5.70. | 1. 7.71. |
| Area 22 | North Sutton & Rosehill | 21. 5.70. | 1. 9.71. |
| Area 23 | Carshalton | 6.10.71. | 1.10.72. |
| Area 24 | St. Helier North | 23. 9.71. | 1. 7.72. |
| Area 25 | Hackbridge | - | - |
| Area 26 | South Cheam & Belmont | - | - |
4.3 INDUSTRIAL FURNACES AND CHIMNEYS
Industrial boiler houses were visited both with regard to flue gas, and grit and
dust emission. Notices were received relating to the installation of three new furnaces
and two applications for the approval of chimney heights. In one case alterations
were required.
4.4 OBNOXIOUS EFFLUVIA
Forty-nine complaints were investigated and acted upon. Many of these related
to domestic bonfires which had been lit without proper neighbourly consideration.
Such action is not merely anti-social but involves a considerable amount of officer
time, and is therefore a charge on the rates.
All the infringements of the dark smoke regulations noted were dealt with
informally.
4.5 ACCUMULATIONS
Inspections were made following the receipt of seventy-four complaints.
Informal Notices were served for the removal of twenty-five accumulations or deposits
Nineteen people complained about the condition of neighbours gardens. Formal action
in these cases is only possible where noxious accumulations or harbourage for rats
occurs.
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