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72
CLEAN AIR
At the end of 1965 only three areas in the Borough were not subject to a
Smoke Control Order. During the current year further progress has been made
and two new areas came into operation; the Shoreditch (Moorfields) Order on
the 1st April, 1966 and the Hackney No. 10 Order on 1st September, 1966. The
last Order, the Hackney No. 11 Order,was awaiting confirmation at the end of the
year.
A joint conference of six neighbouring local authorities was held in
December and at this meeting each authority submitted maps and particulars of
their smoke control programmes. This Council's programme will be the first
to reach completion in 1967, whilst none of the other Council's anticipate completion
of their programmes until the 1970's, anoteworthy achievement for this
Council.
During the year 816 applications for grants in respect of the adaptations
to fireplaces serving private dwellings were approved at a total cost of
£17,697. 17s. 1d. In sixteen cases relating to eighteen adaptations payment
of 100% of the approved cost was made. There were also five applications for
approval of new furnaces under Section 3 of the Act.
There were 60 complaints in respect of emissions of smoke and each was
investigated but no statutory action was necessary.
Six atmospheric pollution stations, each of which is equipped with a
volumetric sulphur dioxide instrument with smoke filter attachment, are sited
as follows:
Municipal Offices, 380, Old Street, E. C. 1.,
Town Hall, Mare Street, E. 8.,
Lampard Grove Depot, N. 16.,
Rushmore Road Primary School, E. 5.,
Metropolitan Hospital, E. 8.,
Edwards Lane Depot, N. 16.
The Greater London Council maintains two stations, one in Victoria Park
and another at the Ambulance Station, Brooksby's Walk, E. 9.
The Clean Air Act, 1956, by authorising the making of smoke control areas
will have significantly dealt with the reduction of smoke in this Borough when
its programme is completed next year. There are a number of sources of atmospheric
pollution which cause some concern e.g. sulphur dioxide emitted from
chimneys, pollution from vehicles with petrol or diesel engines, fumes and dusts
from manufacturing processes, and the incineration of waste refuse from factories,
commercial premises and other establishments.
To make a further significant advance in establishing 'clean air' local authorities
need to be provided with additional powers designed to reduce and
control these pollutants.
ABOLITION OF UNNECESSARY NOISE
The growing number of requests for assistance and advice on matters of noise
control throughout the year is a positive indication of the increase in noise
consciousness of the general public.