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While it is true that a great deal of opinion is expressed
in favour of a home which stands on the ground, it is also true
that the ground space for this can be ill-afforded in Surbiton
today. Therefore if present needs are to be served the planned
programme must include not only houses of 3 to 4 bedrooms for
families, but also housing for special groups such as flatlets
and bungalows for the old people; a few specially planned or
adapted houses for handicapped persons, aiso some accommodation
of small self-contained flats for single persons.
Last but not least a small percentage of tenants prove to be
destructive and are bad tenants in the real sense of the word.
The Authority has a duty to these as to the sick which in a sense
they are, at least, socially. This problem is not solved by
making special unbreakable houses but by social welfare and
constant supervision by qualified staff, and this is where the
Housing Department and the Medical Social Department join.
Sometimes the family is reclaimed and the children grow up to be
decent tenants after years of education.
There are also those tenants who can but will not pay the
rent; these are best dealt with by court action before the arrears
accumulate; but however unsatisfactory tenants may be, every
effort should be made to keep the family as a unit, preferably
placed in individual houses where their behaviour will affect
their normal neighbours as little as possible.
Staff: The details of the staff of the Public Health Department
are set out on page 1. There was one change during the year.
Mr. J.M. Weaver, the junior clerk was transferred to the Borough
Treasurer's Department, and Mr. M.L, Thompson was appointed in his
place.
I am pleased again to record my thanks to the Chairman and
Members of the Public Health Committee for their support and
encouragement throughout the year, and to Mr. Eldridge, the Chief
Public Health Inspector and his Inspectors, Mr. Elms and the
clerical staff and to Dr. W.H. Kinstrie, the Deputy Medical
Officer of Health.
I have the honour to be Mr. Mayor,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
J.W. STaRKEY
Medical Officer of Health
4.