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Factories and Workplaces. The number of inspections made
to premises registered under the Factories Act, 1937 was 221.
Defects relating to sanitary conveniences, ventilation and other
sanitary matters were dealt with at 25 premises. The table on
page 55 gives details of action taken during the year.
Water Supply. Five samples of water from domestic taps
were submitted for chemical or bacteriological examination. The
reports on each sample were satisfactory.
Water Courses. Thirty-four inspections were made of the
water courses in the district, particularly of the River Wandle, and
Beverley and Pyl Brooks for the purpose of detecting pollutions
and samples were obtained and sent for chemical analysis. Two
instances of pollution were discovered during the year and
appropriate action was taken.
Mosquitoes. A number of complaints were received from
residents and spraying of water courses, ditches and stagnant
ponds was carried out particularly in the vicinity of the Council's
recreation grounds and open spaces during the breeding season.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919 — Infestation Order,
1943. The Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act is administered
by the Council, the Surrey County Council having delegated
their powers to the local authority. A Rodent Operator is
employed and a free service is provided for householders but a
charge is made according to an agreed scale when work is
undertaken at business premises. During the year 722 visits were
made to premises where infestations were known or suspected
and at 127 premises the infestations were cleared.
Treatment of the Council's sewers in the older parts of the
district was carried out and an average number of 70 manholes
were treated per day. Periodic treatment of the Council's refuse
tip at Garth Road was also carried out during the year.
Noise Nuisances. A number of complaints were received
from householders, alleging nuisances from excessive noise arising
at factory premises. The Council has limited powers under the
Merton and Morden Council Act, 1936, to deal with such noise
nuisances and at two factories, improvements were made by the
occupiers to reduce noise to a minimum.
Smoke Abatement. A number of complaints were received
relating to excessive smoke emitting from certain factory chimneys.
25 observations were made and in 4 instances, the nuisances
were satisfactorily abated.
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