[Report 1911] / Medical Officer of Health, Bootle (Union) R.D.C.

  • Bootle (Lancashire, England). Rural District Council.
Date:
1911
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1911] / Medical Officer of Health, Bootle (Union) R.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    17/18 (page 15)
    A considerable proportion of the property is of the farmhouse type, together with the necessary farm labourers’ cottagers ; gener- ally speaking, the property is very old and nearly always requires some attention, either in the way of ventilation or repairs : small casement windows being the greatest defect found. I am pleased to say I have not yet had occasion to report any premises to the Local Authority with a view of closure, the owners being very willing to do all that is reasonable, without resorting to pressure ; although, sometimes, owners hesitate before expending money upon property in the agricultural districts, the rents obtain- able being so low do not warrant large outlays upon the cottage property, however, considerable improvements are being made in the properties inspected so far. Number of premises inspected... ... ... ... ... 54 „ informal notices served ... ... ... ... 41 for all of which the work is in hand, or satisfactory arrangements for the same to be done at suitable times have been made. In two parishes only, that of the Hill, Millom, and Eskdale, can it really be said that houses are adequate, although there is little or no overcrowding, but one never finds a cottage standing empty. The houses are usually kept clean, and have plenty of air space. An effort is being made at Waberthwaite to provide cottages for workmen by the owners of the Granite Quarry : here a start has been made to build eight cottages, these will replace some wooden huts, and will he a great improvement. There has been a great amount of work in the supervision of New Buildings : some 25 new buildings, or alterations to domestic buildings, having been erected during the year. Great attention is paid to this work, in each case the “ bottoms for the foundations,” “ the foundations,” ‘‘ the damp courses,” “ ventilation under the floors,” have all to be inspected in the course of the erection of the building ; instruction as to the laying of the drains, and the testing of these when laid, have also to be seen to: this has been the means of considerably improving the standard of work. Factory and Workshops Act.—There are some 41 work- places upon the register, and these are regularly visited during the year; generally speaking, the number employed are very small, perhaps one or two employees. Any amendments found necessary have always received attention without the slighest trouble. Three cases of premises requiring lime-washing were noticed, and these were all attended to.