[Report 1947] / Medical Officer of Health, Ashford U.D.C.

  • Ashford (Kent, England). Urban District Council.
Date:
1947
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1947] / Medical Officer of Health, Ashford U.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    19/30 (page 17)
    Samples. Monthly bacteriological and quarterly chemical samples are jtaken. These, during the year were Class 1 waters bacteriologically and were chemically or good organic quality. All the houses in the Urban District, excepting approximately 1% which are on the extreme boundary and distant from mains, have a constant supply from the mains. Drainage and Sewerage. The only major work completed during the year was an exten- ision of the Gas Works Sewer to include the Godinton Road Industrial Estate. Further work on a release sewer and extension to Maidstone Road district is contemplated. 3. Swimming Baths. The A.U.D.C. Public Bath was in full use during the season. [Reports from the County Laboratory on frequent samples of the Water showed very few organisms and B.coli (presumptive) absent in 100 ccs. in each sample, proving the efficacy of the Chlorination iPlant. A new Break-point Plant however is being installed to Ifurther ensure that chlorination is constantly maintained. The vater which is supplied from the mains is changed when considered liecessary. 1. Eradication of Vermin. (i) Bugs. 27 houses were found to be infested, of which 7 were Council [louses. (ii) Fleas. 7 houses were discovered to be infested of which 1 was a pouncil house. Infestation of houses by vermin is not of serious extent in this District, and thorough re-inspections prevent recurrence in previously nfested houses. Of interest were cluster fly infestations, several of which were bund in the roofs of secluded buildings such as churches. D.D.T. ised in smoke form was very effective in destroying the flies. Methods of Treatment. D.D.T. in liquid form has been found to be most effective in lestroying these vermin. The results are very satisfactory and recurrences of infestations are rare. (iii) Rats. A constant war is raged against these pests. The Refuse Dump (vt Bybrook is now practically cleared. Baiting with sausage rusk nd zinc phosphide has kept their numbers well within control.