[Report 1951] / Medical Officer of Health, Meriden R.D.C.

  • Meriden (England). Rural District Council.
Date:
1951
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1951] / Medical Officer of Health, Meriden R.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    16/28 (page 14)
    The Council have accepted the principle that steps should now be taken to secure the removal of the houses which were condemned before the late wai and have authorised the demolition of seven houses in a clearance area at Coleshill. The work w^as carried out early in 1952 and all the tenants were re-housed. Existing condemned houses at the end of 1951 numbered 78, and are listed in Table II at the end of the report. In a few instances, condemned houses have been bought by people who have spent considerable sums of money in reconditioning them regardless of the clearance orders and wrarnings from the Council. Owing to the shortage of houses the Council have issued licences under the Defence Regulations authorising temporary reoccupation, but the housing position is improving and 1 think the practice ought now to be brought to an end. In the event of these houses becoming vacant in the future, licences for fresh occupation should m my opinion be refused and demolition insisted upon. The Council have decided to release the various requisitioned houses as soon as practicable, and have already released 10 of the 30 originally taken. Eight of those remaining aie condemned and most of the occupiers are due for early re-housing. WATER SUPPLIES. Samples taken during the year were reported on as follows Chemical Analysis. Satisfactory. Old wells ... 6 New wells ... — Springs ... ] Mains ... 2 Bacteriological Examinaticm. Old wells ... 2) New wells ... — Springs ... l Mains ... 2 Unsatisfactory. Unfit. Total 32 4 42 — — — — — 1 2 45 31 2 53 1 — 1 — — 1 — — 2 57 Unsatisfactory and unfit samples were followed in all cases by written advice to boil the water before use for human consumption. Action to secure the cleaning out and improvement of existing wells was taken in a few instances, but is was hoped to secure a remedy in many others by providing piped supplies, schemes for which were prepared. FOOD INSPECTION Inspections of food premises numbered 127 and 78 visits were made for food examination purposes. The following articles of food were condemned and voluntarily sur¬ rendered for the reasons stated : 7