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Where possible practical help is given by the carrying out of
disinfestation work, but in certain cases reference is made to contractors
who specialise in control work.
The incidence of wasps was higher than in previous years. No
charge is made for the destruction of nests, but this work can only be
undertaken when the nest is readily accessible. If the number of
requests for assistance exceeds our capabilities, householders are
advised as to the best, and safest, methods of destruction.
Ponds, ditches and other mosquito breeding grounds were sprayed
with insecticide as found necessary, with satisfactory results.
Sixty-three complaints of nuisance or damage by ferral pigeons
were received. Pigeon traps were placed on suitable sites, giving
effect to a reduction in the number of birds. The situation regarding
the positive reduction in the number of pigeons is still very unsatisfactory
but, nevertheless, 344 pigeons, 148 eggs, and 19 nests were
destroyed as a result of action by the Department.
Pet Animals Act, 1951.
Thirteen licences to keep Pet Shops were issued during 1969.
Twenty-three visits were made to these premises to ensure compliance
with the conditions attached to these licences.
The Riding Establishments Act, 1964.
Three riding establishments continued to be licensed throughout
the year. One application for a licence was refused, and no appeal
was entered by the applicant.
Diseases of Animals Act, 1950.
No outbreaks of disease occurred within the Borough during
1969. During the period when Rabies Orders were in operation in
certain parts of Surrey, two complaints were received alleging dog
bites. Both of these instances were investigated, and the Ministry of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food was notified. In one case, a dog was
destroyed at the voluntary request of the owner. No case of rabies
was confirmed within the Borough.
Clean Air Act, 1956/1968.
During 1969, 110 complaints were received of smoke or grit
emissions and the necessary observations were made and remedial
action taken.
Twenty-seven notices of proposals to instal a furnace, to which
Section 3 (1) of the Act applied, were received and the installations
were inspected and recorded. In seven instances, plans which were
deposited for Building Regulation approval, showed in each case the
proposed construction of a chimney. After examination of the particulars,
opinions upon the height of the chimneys in relation to
Section 10 of the Clean Air Act, 1956, were sent to the Borough
Surveyor.
On 1st April, 1969, the provisions relating to heights of chimneys
contained in the 1956 Act, were superseded by Section 6 of the Clean
Air Act, 1968. The new Act authorised the Local Authority to approve
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