[Report 1962] / Medical Officer of Health, Banbury Borough.

  • Banbury (Oxfordshire, England). Borough Council.
Date:
1962
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1962] / Medical Officer of Health, Banbury Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    28/40 (page 26)
    The emission of offensive odours and dust from one local factory, mentioned In my last report, appears to have been abated satisfactorily and many observations carried out during the year confirmed this view. At another local factory, how- ever, a recurrence of trouble from offensive smells was noted but, after action by the Inspector of Alkali Works and the co-operation of the firm concerned, certain Improvements to the plant were carried out and, at the time of preparing this report, It would appear that this action has virtually cleared up the trouble, HOUSING The report of the Medical Officer of Health gives a summary of the results achieved as a result of the Corporation's five-year Slum Clearance Programme and I would record my own satisfaction at the completion of this work together with my appreciation of the support accorded to the Department by the Council during the progress of this worthwhile task. As mentioned last year, there Is still a great deal to be done In the Borough In the field of Improving housing conditions and our future work In this regard Is likely to be directed towards three Important aspects of housing administration. The first of these Is the desirability of Improving the condition and amenities of a large mmiber of houses which, although not unfit, are of a comparatively low standard. To this end. It Is hoped to publicise the facilities offered by the Improvement Grants Schemes which, unfortunately, so far have not been utilised to any great extent by the owners of rented properties. Secondly, It Is Intended to take steps to secure the Improvement as regards general maintenance and amenities - of certain houses In the area which are let In multiple occupation. In this connection the Council has already approved a code of Standards of Facilities and a survey of the premises concerned Is now being carried out with a view to Implementing these standards. Thirdly, It Is now considered necessary to re-survey certain areas In the Borough having In mind possible future slum clearance work and It Is anticipated that such a survey will be carried out during the present year. These proposals emphasise once again the fact that housing work still continues to be one of the Departments major functions In spite of the fact that, looking back over the last few years. It Is possible for me to be able to report a distinct raising of the general standard of housing In the area as a result of the Council's vigorous post-war policies of slum clearance and the provision of new housing estates. The re-houslng of about 100 families from slum clearance areas took place during 1962 and, once again. It was very pleasing to me to hear many expressions of appreciation of their new homes from several former residents of areas dealt with under the slum clearance programme.