[Report 1959] / Medical Officer of Health, Liskeard R.D.C.

  • Liskeard (England). Rural District Council.
Date:
1959
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1959] / Medical Officer of Health, Liskeard R.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    lies in a system which combining specially treated sewage sludge with selected parts of household refuse can produce an acceptable odourless and safe form of compost for use on agricultural land and in market and private gardens. This has the merit of helping to deal with two otherwise trouble¬ some end-products of human existence — sewage sludge, and household and trade refuse — and the conservation and return to the land of nitrogenous materials and humus which might otherwise be lost. The major drawback is the high capital cost of such a plant making it necessary in the case of smaller authorities for several to combine together to provide one on a joint user basis, and this in turn would involve expense in transporting household refuse and sludge from those parts of the district served which are remote from the plant. In spite of this the increasing difficulty of disposing of sludge and of finding sites for properly controlled disposal of household refuse may compel Councils to adopt this or some other system to solve their problems. With some easing in the demand for houses it has been possible for Councils to devote more attention to housing specifically designed for elderly people. As the drive to clear away old, unhealthy, sub-standard houses and cottages continues many instances of old persons living under very unsatisfac¬ tory housing conditions are coming to light. These old people are relieved of much worry if they feel that when the dwelling they live in has to be closed or demolished they can be rehoused in an old person’s flat or bungalow instead of having to go to a home or an instiution. In concluding this preface I should like to again express my thanks to all those who in any way have assisted and encouraged me in my work during the year 1959. 1 have the honour to be, Mr. Chairman, Mrs. Tregarthen and Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, P. J. FOX, Medical Officer of Health.