London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Surbiton 1960
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Surbiton]
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COMPLAINTS.
During the year 1,250 complaints were received with
regard to the undermentioned matters, were duly investigated,
and any necessary action taken.
Choked and defective drains and sewers 370
Insanitary or dilapidated conditions of premises. 50
Dampness 29
Defective or insufficient W.C. accommodation 19
Defective water pipes or fittings 4
Insufficient or defective refuse bins 1
Offensive smells from various causes 31
Nuisances from animals improperly kept 2
Offensive accumulations 12
Unwholesome food 24
Infestation with bugs or fleas 11
Infestation with wasps 115
Infestation with other insect pests 21
Infestation with rats or mice 429
Smoke nuisances 17
Flooding 69
Water supply 1
Pollution of watercourse 1
Noise nuisances 1
Miscellaneous 43
TOTAL:- 1,250
The number of complaints received in the Department during the previous ten years was:-
| 1959 | 1,518 | 1954 | 905 |
| 1958 | 1,251 | 1953 | 1,037 |
| 1957 | 1,230 | 1952 | 1,093 |
| 1956 | 1,210 | 1951 | 1,059 |
| 1955 | 1,157 | 1950 | 1,083 |
VISITS MADE BY INSPECTORS
Number of dwellings inspected for housing
defects (under Public Health and Housing Acts) 162
Number of dwellings visited for purposes
other than housing defects 1343
Number of visits to premises other than houses 2260
Premises re-inspected 1616
Visits to works in progress 466
Visits re. rats and mice 6164
Visits re. Rent Act 73
Miscellaneous visits 717
Total:- 12,801
25.