[Report 1968] / Medical Officer of Health, Ashton-under-Lyne Borough.

  • Ashton-under-Lyne (England). Borough Council.
Date:
1968
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1968] / Medical Officer of Health, Ashton-under-Lyne Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    34/64 (page 30)
    Area in which there is a high concentration of itinerants, it appears to me that extreme difficulties will be experienced in locating sufficient and suitable sites to meet all requirements. Unless a sufficient number of sites is provided in close proximity to the areas in which these people carry out their respective trades, the problem will be perpetuated, since most of the itinerants with whom we come into contact operate permanently in the Manchester area. Two further complications present themselves, namely, the reluctance of residents to have camps situated near to their homes and on the other hand, the reluctance of some itinerants to use authorised sites because of (i) the necessity to pay a rent, and (ii) the fear of having to conform to the conventions of normal society to which they would be required to contribute in the form of taxes, national insurance contributions, etc. Whilst it is hoped that the Act will provide a solution to the problem, 1 feel that it is more pious than real. In concluding this prologue, 1 wish to record my appreciation of the support and encouragement which I have received from Alderman Gleave and the Members of the Health and Cleansing Committee, and to express my thanks to officers of other departments for their willing co-operation. 'I'o Mr. I). I). Jagger, and all the staff of the Health Department, I wish to pay tribute for their loyalty and unstinting support. I have the honour to be, Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, H. HOULDSWOR I'll, Chief I’tihlic Health Inspector.