[Report 1960] / Medical Officer of Health, Northampton County Borough.

Sanitary Circumstances (continued) Smoke Abatement and Atmospheric Pollution. During the past year it has not proved necessary to take any formal action in respect of the emission of dark smoke or grit. As the occasion demanded visits were made to various industrial premises and improvement effected by inter¬ views and discussions with the management and their employees about their problems. Advice was offered and accepted. Installation of mechanical stokers in connection with the burning of bituminous fuel and conversion of plant for the burning of oil have greatly assisted in the reduction of smoke emitted to the atmosphere. Plans deposited with the building inspector giving information of intended installation of new fuel burning appliances in connection with industrial premises have been examined to control the height and position of the chimney stacks in relation to the surrounding neighbour¬ hood as provided for under Section 10 of the Clean Air Act, 1956, but prior approval has not been given in respect of the fuel burning appliances and ancillary equipment. A large percentage of the smoke emitted to the atmosphere during the winter months is from domestic appliances and will so continue until effectually controlled. Much could be done if the public could be encouraged to replace old fashioned fire grates with new approved grates capable of burning the many excellent solid smokeless fuels now obtainable. The price of the fuels in comparison to coal is a deterrent and old prejudices are difficult to overcome. Swimming Baths. In accordance with the Minister’s request in paragraph (12) of Circular 1/61 the following information is given relative to public swimming baths in the district:— Northampton has adequate swimming facilities, both indoor and open-air. The Public Baths, Upper Mounts, is a modern establishment, whilst the open-air swimming pool, known as Midsummer Meadow Baths, is a large sheet of water with pleasant surroundings. The method of treatment at the Upper Mounts (indoor) Baths is by pressure sand filters with a turnover period of three hours with chlorin¬ ation and chemical treatment. At the Midsummer Meadow (open-air) Baths, heated water from the nearby Electricity Power Station is drawn through a Micro Strainer giving an approximate turnover period of twelve hours; chlorination and chemical treatment is also adopted. In Northampton, there is also an indoor bath at Barry Road School and a private open-air bath at the Town and County Grammar School for Boys. Disinfestation Service. Insect problems of all types are dealt with by the municipal disinfestation service. Gammexane and D.D.T. composi¬ tions are used and applied by a 30 lb. pressure spray and powder blower. Bedding, etc., is dealt with in a steam disinfector. Charges: For ordinary dwellinghouses, a flat rate of five shillings per room, with a maximum charge of £2 per house. For infestations of bed bugs and fleas, which are certified by the public health inspectors as requiring attention in the public interest, no charge is made.