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97.
are occupied by two or three. This is an unhealthy and
uncomfortable state of affairs and leads to differences
between the various parties.
Underground Rooms.
There is a considerable number of underground
rooms in Fulham. These are to be found mainly in the
West Kensington district and also in the Lillie and
Walham wards and in other parts of the Borough.
In the West Kensington district there are 7 streets
where underground rooms, not adequately lighted or
ventilated are to be found:—
Baron's Court Road.
Castletown Road.
Charleville Road.
Beaumont Road.
North End Road.
Fairholme Road.
Perham Road.
It is becoming the practice in West Kensington for
basements to be let separately, and as the back rooms
which are level with the yard are in most cases more
suitably fitted up for use as kitchens and living rooms,
the underground front rooms become used as sleeping
places though totally unfit for the purpose.
The rents charged for these basements vary from
25s. to 35s. per week in most cases. The families
occupying these basements are quite capable of paying
these rents and it is only the shortage of more desirable
accommodation which forces them to inhabit the
basements.
Where the families occupying undesirable basements
have been accommodated elsewhere steps have
been taken to prevent the underground rooms from beingre-let
as sleeping places.
The lack of alternative accommodation prevents
action from being taken to remedy matters. If accommodation
were available it would be possible gradually