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41
The question of rehousing was reported by the Housing Manager
to the appropriate Committee at their meeting on the 19th March.
The Housing Manager was authorised to offer temporary housing
accommodation to the tenants of Spring Lane on the condition that
they gave a written undertaking to return to Spring Lane as soon as
the premises were really habitable. It was agreed by the Committee
to rehouse permanent the tenants of Essex Wharf since these
premises were unfit for habitation and the owner gave an undertaking
that the premises would not be re-let.
The filth deposited by the flooding was cleared away by the
Public Health Department workmen. The floor boards were taken
up and disinfection carried out beneath the flooring.
The B.B.C. made a special announcement at approximately
mid-day on Saturday, 15th March, with regard to pollution of all
tap water in the borough since the flooding put out of action the
pumping machinery in the Metropolitan Water Board's Works on
the banks of the River Lea. Immediately this message was received
the Chief Sanitary Inspector got in touch again with the police, and
two loudspeaker cars were obtained from the police and the news
was circulated by this means throughout the Borough. At the same
time the Food Inspectors got in touch with the food dealers, such
as milk dealers and ice cream manufacturers, and the danger of
using unboiled water for cooling vessels or in any method of preparation
of food was emphasized.
Every affected house in the area was visited daily, and sometimes
more than once, by the Sanitary Inspectors who thus assured
themselves that everything possible was being carried out by the
Council staff to alleviate the distress.