[Report 1918] / Medical Officer of Health, Lyme Regis Borough.

  • Lyme Regis (England). Borough Council.
Date:
1918
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1918] / Medical Officer of Health, Lyme Regis Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    To the LYME REGIS BOROUGH COUNCIL. Gentlemen, I beg to present to you my Annual Report on the Health and Sanitary Condition of the Borough during the year 1918. Area—1237 acres. Population ■ i.374 for Bntli-late and 2119 for death-rate as supplied from Geueial Register Office, Somerset House, W.C. Report of the Borough Observer.—Rainfall, 3436 inches. Temperature.—The mean readings for the year were : Maximum, 56 6 ; Minimum, 44'2 ; Dry Bulb, 51'8, Wet Bulb, 49.1; Dew Point, 46.1 ; Relative Humidity, 87‘0°jo; Force of Aqueous Vapour, '317 inches. Water Supply,—This has been constant throughout the year, except during August and September, our population being then greatly increased by visitors, when a constant supply could not be maintained. This caused some inconvenience in Silver Street and Sherborne Lane. An analysis was made of two samples of the town water taken from taps at the Cobb and Coombe Street in May. Both of these were, in the opinion of the County Analyst, satisfactory and showed no evidence of contamination with animal matter. Drainage and Sewerage.—In January a new sewer was laid in Broad Street behind Mr. Staples’ butcher’s shop. This was necessary on account of some drains adjoining becoming choked. There were no extensions of sewers carried out during the year. Closet Accommodation.—The system prevailing in the town is the W.C. These are connected with drains and sewers when within a reasonable distance. Those which are not so connected (12 or 15) are situated in the outskirts of the town and discharge into cesspits. Flushing tanks are fitted to those W.C’s which are inside the house. Scavenging.—This is carried out by the Corporation carts and men thrice weekly in the town and twice weekly outside. The refuse is carted to a tip heap on the edge of the cliffs about half-a-mile to the E. of the town. There are no houses near this tip heap. In the hot weather a disinfecting powder is dusted on refuse and receptacles when collecting from the houses. Sanitary Inspector’s Report.—Number of inspections, 162; informal notices, 19 (complied with, 19); Statutory notices, 4 (complied with, 4). Premises Controlled by Bye-laws.—The Common Lodging-house is always found to be kept in a most satisfactory manner and has good sanitary arrangements. There are neither van nor cellar dwellings in the town. Schools.—There are two school buildings, one for boys and girls and the other for infants. The sanitation of both buildings is satisfactory. Milk Supply.—The quantity has been sufficient and the quality good. In March enquiries were made at some 50 houses where there were babies or young children as to the quantity of milk they were able to obtain, with the result that over 40 of those were satisfied with the amount they could get. In April the milk from two extra farms in Uplyme was brought into the town. Three milk-shops were opened in the town during the year—two in Broad Street and one at the Cobb. Dairies and Cowsheds.—There are seven cowkeepers who retail milk on the Register. The six cowsheds are generally well managed. The dairies are not much used as the milk is usually all sold out. Slaughter-houses.—There are three slaughter-houses registered and licensed : they are generally well managed, but are badly situated, being in the town and close to dwelling-houses. Housing.—There are no empty habitable cottages in the town at the present time, which is an indication that more are required. During the last two years great difficulty has been experienced in getting repairs done. Action under H. & T. P. Act, 1909, Section 17.—It was not found necessary to issue any closing orders during the year. Action under Section 15 of the above Act.—Notices to repair were issued to 23 owners of cottages : all were complied with. General repairs were done at 15 cottages, repairs to drains at 7, and repairs to roof at 1.