[Report 1952] / Medical Officer of Health, Bradford & Melksham R.D.C.

  • Bradford and Melksham (Wiltshire, England). Rural District Council.
Date:
1952
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1952] / Medical Officer of Health, Bradford & Melksham R.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    25/42 (page 23)
    In 1951, the Council posted notices of the Wiltshire County Council’s byelaws as to the control of caravan dwellers on Nor- rington and Broughton Commons, Broughton Gifford. The gypsy nuisance has practically disappeared, but it is worth remembering that this nuisance is mainly a police matter rather than one of public health. in May, 1952, a site licence for six caravans was issued with conditions as to the distance between caravans, main water stand- pi]>es, sanitary conveniences, a drainage system, dustbins and fire- fighting appliances. The site was quickly filled, and we continue to get applications for isolated caravans. The Council consider thc.se applications on planning and health grounds, with the realisation of the housing shortage. RODENT CONTROL Number of visits made by Rodent Operator ... ... 982 Estimated number of rats destroyed ... ... 3,547 Estimated number of mice destroyed ... ... 18 The Rodent Operator now spends two weeks out of four on rodent control for this Council, and steady progress is being made. Ready co-operation with the Pests Officers of the Agricultural Executive Committee is appreciated, and leads to a smooth public service. It is gratifying to mention that there were no developments following our intensive work in one Parish after a case of Weil’s disease (rat jaundice) in a farm worker during 1951. All three sewerage systems have been test-baited. Further l)aits and poison were necessary in one branch sewer, but other- wise there was no evidence of rats. Details, in the form required by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, are given in Appendix “ E. REFUSE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL This service, with a mainly weekly collection, has been maintained throughout the year with remarkably few complaints. Credit is due to the driver and loaders for this satisfactory record. One man left our service, but as the Council agreed to offer housing accommodation when advertising the vacancy, a suitable applicant was appointed without the difficulties experienced in the past.