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The implementation of the Council's Slum Clearance programme
continued. Ten Clearance Areas were declared during 1972, including
200 houses. 110 houses were demolished, 1 house closed, 2 Closing
Orders determined, and three parts of buildings closed (underground
rooms).
A Public Inquiry was held in March, 1972, into the making by
the Council of the London Borough of Merton Byegrove Road (Clearance
Area No. 1) Compulsory Purchase Order, 1972, which involved
11 houses and one shop. This Order was confirmed by the Secretary
of State for the Environment in July, 1972. One further Clearance
Area, namely 1-8 Railway Place, Hartfield Road, S.W.19, was resolved
by the owner in an unusual and public spirited manner, in that he
made a gift of the properties to the Council.
The total number of visits to premises of all kinds was 6,909.
SERVICES UNDER OTHER ENACTMENTS
Shops Acts, 1950-65.
The Shops Acts regulate the closing hours of shops and the
working hours of shop assistants. Shops in the Borough have been
kept under observation and contraventions have been remedied. Formal
action has also been taken in respect of general closing hours,
half-day closing, and Sunday trading. During the year, advice has
been given when required to the three Chambers of Commerce, and
to individual shopkeepers. Inspection records were added to and the
Shops Register kept up-to-date
The number of visits made during the year for all purposes of
the Shops Act, 1950-65, was 330.
Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963.
For many years there has been legislation to protect the health
and safety of employees in factories, but until 1964 only limited
provision was made in public health and shops legislation for those in
non-industrial employment. The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises
Act, 1963, and subsequent regulations make standards for health,
welfare and safety in offices, shops and certain railway premises.
Matters covered by the Act include cleanliness, overcrowding, heating
and lighting, sanitary facilities, safety and fire precautions. Responsibilities
for enforcing the Act are divided betwen local authorities, the
factory inspectorate and fire authorities.
The number of visits made for all purposes of the Act during
1972 in Merton was 1,479 and the co-operation of employers has been
most encouraging. No serious objection has been raised as to the
manner in which the enforcement of the Act is being carried out.
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