View report page

Public Health Department,
Town Hall, N.15
18th July, 1961.
To The Worshipful the Mayor,
Aldermen and Councillors.
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I submit herewith the Annual Report of the Health Services for the year ended 31st December,
1960.
The population as estimated by the Registrar General continued to showa decrease, which
at the time of writing is confirmed by the Census figure, now 113,126.
The birth rate of 16.75 was the highest since 1948. The number of illegitimate births, 1 in
12, was regrettably the highest ever recorded in Tottenham; and twice the rate recorded before
the last World War. The infantile death rate was 23.84 compared with 24.72 in the previous
year.
The Health Department continued to press forward its slum clearance programme, and during
the year clearance procedure was initiated in respect of areas comprising 201 unfit houses.
Two local Public Inquiries were held into representations made in the previous year; and three
Orders affecting 144 dwellings were confirmed. To meetthese rehousing requirements and general
housing needs, 237 new units of accommodation were completed and a further 507 were at various
stages of building at the end of the year.
In order to achieve maximum density of development on the limited sites available, providing
space for garages and allowing sufficient surrounding land for landscaping, it has betcome
necessary to provide more multi-storey housing accommodation. The illustration facing page 26
shows ten storey blocks of flats under construction in the White Hart Lane and Love Lane area.
Schemes too are going forward for thirteen and seventeen storey blocks in the Markfield and
Albert Road areas respectively.
In planning future housing needs the Borough Council is conscious ofthe special facilities
required by handicapped persons, and has agreed that two per cent of the accommodation be
specifically designed for the purpose, in addition to the provision made over many years for the
special needs of the elderly.
During 1960 the report of a consultant firm in Organisation and Methods was adopted with
certain modifications by the Council. After their visit to Departments it was gratifying to note
their general satisfaction with productivity, quality, and output reached by the staff, and the
efficiency and devotion to duty by all grades of employees. By streamlining the work ofthe
Health department it has been possible, without addition to staff, to integrate the very considerable
increase of functions introducedby the Clean Air Act. Further additional duties must be expected
in the near future inconsequence of the Noise Abatement Act, Offices Act, I960, and the Housing
and Public Health Bills now before Parliament.
The second Smoke Control Order embracing more than 4,000 dwellings was confirmed during
the year, which may be regarded as another stage in bringing the clean air of the countryside
back to Tottenham; and in line with public health measures to ensure clean water and clean
food available to its citizens .