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8
convinced himself that the houses were unfit for habitation and gave
the tenants notice to quit, No further proceedings were taken in
the matter and the houses are all unoccupied.
Nos. 74 and 75, High Street. These houses were reported
upon. Certain repairs have been carried out and the houses are
now occupied.
Nos. 29, 30, 31 and 32, Catherine Wheel Yard. I reported
that these houses were unfit for human habitation being back to
back with some houses which were closed several years ago. In
accordance with a resolution of the Council the owner was communicated
with and requested to close the houses. I am pleased
to say he readily acquiesced, and the houses remain unoccupied.
In addition 8 houses in Pottery Road, known as Pottery Cottages,
and 10 houses in Brook Road, North, known as Crane's Cottages
have been reported upon. The owners have expressed their
willingness to carry out the necessary works in order to put the
houses in habitable condition.
It will be seen from the above that something has been done
to remove the black spot from Brentford, but very much more will
be required before the Town can be modernised. There are scores
of back to back houses very old and dilapidated which ought to be
closed, some are built chiefly of wood which are extremely
dangerous in case of Fire. The difficulty I find in dealing with any
of these properties is the organised delay which is adopted. After
I have inspected the houses a letter is written to the owner who
promises to do everything required. He is so leisurely in doing
this, that he is pressed to make a beginning. Then he sends in a
specification of what he thinks is necessary which is always quite
inadequate, and so the ball is kept rolling. Meanwhile it is hoped
that this business will occupy my attention and that I shall not
worry the owners of other property as bad as this one. Although
progress is thus slower than I could wish I am determined to
continue my efforts, and in the end overcome the passive resisters.