View report page

Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act, 1960.
The number of sites at 31st December, 1972, which were subject
to licence or consent was four, and the permitted number of
caravans was 29; this figure including those kept on two sites occupied
by members of the Showmen's Guild. The four sites are:—
33 South Road, Wimbledon, S.W.19.
Consent on 2.2.61 for seven caravans.
46 Deburgh Road, Wimbledon, S.W.19.
Consent on 2.2.61 for two caravans.
Swing's Yard, 37a Western Road, Mitcham.
Licensed on 27.1.61 for four caravans.
Gray's Yard, 230-232 London Road, Mitcham.
Licensed on 27.1.61 for sixteen caravans.
The Caravan Sites Act, 1968.
The periodic survey of sites occupied by caravans without licence
or consent was continued.
During the year the Council provided a caravan site with 15
pitches at Durnsford Road, S.W.19, for gypsy families in the District.
All the pitches were occupied, with one of the occupiers acting as a
paid supervisor. There was one family only on an unauthorised site at
the year's end. An application to the Department of the Environment
for designation under Section 12 of the Caravan Sites Act, 1968, has
been made.
Registration of Hairdressers and Barbers.
The Council have adopted the provisions of the Greater London
Council (General Powers) Act, 1967, insofar as they relate to the
registration of Hairdressers and Barbers. At the end of the year 157
premises were registered and 67 visits were made during the year.
CONCLUSION
The establishment of Public Health Inspectors was considerably
changed during the year. Four Inspectors left and three others retired,
including my predecessor, Mr. G. H. Cockell. Of the vacancies
created, whilst I was able to fill senior posts, only one Inspector was
appointed to replace five District Inspectors, leaving four vacancies for
most of the year. Three Pupil Inspectors were under training at the
commencement of the year, and a fourth was appointed during the
year. All are making satisfactory progress.
The shortage of Inspectors puts a considerable strain on the
remaining staff of the Environmental Health Section and if continued
over a long period, will result in a lowering of the standards of hygiene
maintained throughout the Borough. This is particularly true in the
case of food premises, where it is important that regular visits are
made if standards are to be maintained and improved. It is my intention
during the coming year to consider what changes could be made
in the manner in which our functions are carried out, in the hope that
the Inspectors' time can be used most effectively.
1973 will be the final year in which the Health Department exists
in its present format. The Medical Officer of Health, together with the
79