The following article appeared in the “Woking News and Mail” on 19^th November 1965

STATE OF SCHOOL CANTEEN

COUNCIL ATTACK

Liberal member of Woking Urban Council, Mr. Cyril Codgbrook, alleged this week that breaches of food regulations at West Byfleet secondary School canteen are dangering the health of over 500 children there. He is demanding action and told the council that if a private restaurant broke food regulations the council would not merely say, “What are you going to do about it?”

Mr. Codgbrook, a solicitor, is a West Byfleet representative on the council, and the only Liberal member. He is also a governor of the school.

He made allegations of a breach of regulations at Tuesday’s council meeting, telling members: “This is a serious matter. I am told that at times the temperatures in the canteen has been 98 degrees and at that temperature salmonella poising can occur”. He claimed the education authority has been aware of conditions at the canteen for four years.

The chairman, Mr. Tom Leam, warning that Mr. Codgbrook’s comments were out of order. “I think you should leave this to the education committee”, he said.

The reason for Mr. Codgbrook’s disclosures was a paragraph in the minutes of the health committee.

The paragraph said; “The clerk submitted a letter from cclr Codgbrook concerning the condition of the canteen facilities at West Byfleet County Secondary School”.

Mr. Codgbrook said: “I am not too happy about the way the contents of my letter are reflected in the minutes.”

Then he went on to speak of a “breach of food regulations” in the canteen.

“If a private restaurant committed a breach of food regulations then they are prosecuted. You wouldn’t go and say “What are you going to do about it?”

No risk to the children

However, the education committee chairman, Mr. Robert Beldam, said that the parents could be assured that there is no immediate risk to children. The education committee were fully aware of the situation, he added, and improvements to the canteen had already been included in the minor works building programme.

Later Mr. Codgbrook told the “News and Mail”: “There were rats in the area up to a year ago, although this nuisance has now ended.

“And pressure cookers in the canteen can’t be used because pipes serving them are not large enough.

“In the summer the temperature there was 98 degrees Fahrenheit, conditions which can lead to food poisoning.”

Mr. Codgbrook said he had sent a letter on the subject to the clerk of the council, Mr. Michel Shawcross. The letter reads:

“I have recently had an opportunity of inspecting the annual report upon the hygienic conditions of the West Byfleet County Secondary School following a visit to that school of Dr. Grant, the assistant medical officer, on 5^th April 1965.

“Dr. Grant reports that the temperature conditions in the canteen do not comply with the Food Regulations 955. He also indicates in his report that the canteen is too small and inadequate for 520 meals which are prepared there daily. Furthermore, the report indicates that the ventilation is poor, and the cleanliness is only fair.

‘Unsatisfactory’

“It appears to me that conditions are being tolerated in the canteen at his school which would not be tolerated in the case of a restaurant or café preparing food. I understand that the unsatisfactory conditions at the school canteen have existed for a number of years. This very real danger to the health of over 500 children should not in my opinion be allowed to continue any longer.

“In these circumstances, I should appreciate it if you can arranged for the health committee to consider, as a matter of urgency, at the next meeting, authorising the institution of proceedings again the education authority in so far as any breach or breach of the Food regulations 1955 or any other relevant regulations or statute are occurring at this school canteen.

“I appreciate that one of the reasons why the situation has not been improved by the education authority is the restriction on the amount of money available. However, where there is such a substantial inherent danger to health, I regard it as essential that money should be made available to ensure that food prepared for the consumption of the children at this school should be prepared in satisfactory and hygienic conditions.

“It would be extremely easy for case of salmonella and other food poisoning to occur and if there were to be a large outbreak of food poisoning, there is no doubt that there would be a large[public outcry and there is no doubt whatsoever that justified criticism of the health authority for not taking action would be levelled at the urban district council.

‘Serious view’

“I was not aware until yesterday of the substantial threat o health which existed at this school and I hope that the speed with which I am bringing this matter formally to the notice of the health committee for attention will reflect the seriousness with which I view the situation. I have spoken to Mr. Barnett in the public health department and Dr. Karney, the medical officer of health, and am aware that they share my views as to the most unsatisfactory position which exists at the school and which of course continue to exist until drastic action is taken. I sincerely trust that the health committee will take such drastic action on the lines which I have suggested”.