View report page

Disinfection.—The disinfection of bedding, etc. is done at South Middlesex Infectious Diseases
Hospital while the disinfection of homes is carried out by the disinfectors on the Health Department
staff. In 1946, after considering a report on the subject, the Council decided to stop terminal disinfection
of rooms and bedding "except in cases of smallpox or where the Medical Officer of Health considers such
disinfection to be advisable." Twenty-three rooms were disinfected during 1947.
Food Poisoning.—No outbreak of food poisoning occurred in the Borough during 1947. Strict
personal hygiene by all persons handling and cooking food is the most important matter in the prevention
of such outbreaks.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES
Water Supply.—The water supply of the Borough is derived almost wholly from the Metropolitan
Water Board. A small portion of the Cranford area is supplied by the South-West Suburban Water Company.
There are 51 shallow wells in use in the Borough, and at 18 of the premises an alternative supply
from the mains is available. In 1946, water samples from six wells were found to be unsatisfactory and
action was started with a view to providing a supply from the mains. The following work in connection
with water supplies was carried out during the year:—
Supplies provided or reinstated 40
Cisterns, cleansed, repaired, etc. 43
Draw-off taps connected direct to main 6
Service pipes or taps repaired 102
Cases where mains supply substituted for well supply Nil
Samples taken from wells for analysis Nil
Wells abolished 1
Drainage and Sewerage.—The drainage and sewerage of almost the whole of the Borough is
arranged on the separate system and forms part of the West Middlesex Sewage Scheme. A few houses on
the outskirts of the Borough drain to cesspools. The following work was carried out during 1947:—
Drains exposed for examination 82
Drains unstopped, repaired, etc. 392
Waste pipes repaired, trapped, etc. 75
Soil pipes repaired, etc. 13
Ventilating shafts repaired, etc. 9
Fresh air inlets repaired, etc. 6
Rainwater pipes disconnected from drains Nil
Gully traps inserted or repaired 114
Disconnecting traps inserted or repaired 5
Disconnecting and inspection chambers provided 19
Disconnecting and inspection chambers repaired, etc. 91
Drains constructed or repaired 67
Total length (ft.) of drain pipes laid—
(a) 4 in. 1,971
(b) 6 in. 56
Drain tests applied 123
Other works executed 7
Cesspools emptied or repaired 1
Cesspools abolished Nil
Rivers and Streams.—The supervision of the rivers and streams in the Borough is carried out
by Middlesex County Council. No complaint of pollution was made to the Health Department during
1947.
Closet Accommodation.—The closet accommodation of the Borough consists almost wholly of
water closets connected to the sewers. A few water closets drain to cesspools, and several houses on the
outskirts of the Borough have pail or chemical closets. The following works were carried out during
the year:—
Water closets constructed or rebuilt 16
Water closets provided in substitution for dry receptacles 2
Water closets where walls cleansed 55
Water closets fitted with new flushing apparatus 55
New pans or pedestals provided 128
Water closets repaired or improved 172
Water closet blockages unstopped 19
Other closets provided or repaired 3
Public Cleansing.—The cleansing of streets and the collection and disposal of refuse are carried
out under the control of the Borough Engineer. Refuse is disposed of by controlled tipping and the
collection of house refuse is carried out weekly. Through action by the Health Department 149 new
dustbins were provided during 1947.