Following on from last week's news article about the proposed redevelopment of the old Hainault maternity hospital site in Lesney Park Road - part of the area that I only half jokingly refer to as "The Beverly Hills of Erith". This week I have a response from a Lesney Park Road resident, who, due to the nature of the ongoing situation, needs to keep their identity concealed at this point. The anonymous contributor writes:- "Once again, it seems Bexley council have employed their usual arsenal of double speak, following "The letter of the law versus the spirit of the law". This I find incredibly frustrating particularly given how they handled the Homeleigh debacle (though in fairness that has improved ....somewhat, check the crime statistics). My primary gripe is the removal of effectively all of the mature trees that have grown on the site for decades, their literature explicitly states they intend to minimise the impact to the ecology of the site, yet even a cursory look at their plans vs. the existing site will tell you that is a complete lie. What I also found rather interesting is their statement of community engagement, supposedly I was explicitly consulted, along with the other properties in that part of Lesney Park Road - this is all rather odd as I only discovered this submission via the facebook community group. Neither I, not the neighbours I'd spoken to had any idea of the plans. Funnily enough I did a little research into the author of the post who was very pro-planning - turns out he had a part to play in the Erith Riverside Baths redevelopment. He wasn't terribly sympathetic to concern around the trees, but then again I don't pay his salary. Looking at the plans, I would also firmly bet it is a precursor to redeveloping the Homeleigh care home - it is no coincidence the road leads directly into that site. Oddly I'm not against the redevelopment of the two sites, but unfortunately as with most new-builds they are trying to cram as many people as possible into a small area irrespective of the character and ecology of the area or the residents themselves (see the size of the gardens they are proposing). This week has been particularly busy for me so I've not had time to deeply analyse the proposal, I've left a somewhat lacklustre counter-comment on the application essentially stating the above - I can't imagine it'll come to much given the work that's gone in to the application. My hope is they can scale it back sufficiently the estate retains the mature trees. If you read the Statement of Community Engagement they hosted a consultation with residents on the 18th July (Thursday) between 4pm-8pm - I work in central London and often don't finish to 6-6:30pm, for someone like myself this is a razor thin opportunity to offer key feedback to the application. Their literature even hints at the very fact people couldn't attend - mostly retirees at a guess. Reading further on in the document again the double-speak comes out to play using statistics and accurate, yet equally misleading comments such as "Figure 2 shows that the majority of residents (61 percent) support or strongly support the proposals for new high quality homes in Erith...". This is a complete mistruth, 37 people do not represent the entirely of residents in the immediate area (blimey, Homeleigh which backs directly on to the site must have more than 37 people residing in the property - speaking of which I wonder if they were consulted, if I read this document correctly - no). It all reads rather poorly and quite underhanded when otherwise it could have been a good idea. Given my personal experience with the planning team, hopefully they see through this nonsense. "If anyone wants to object, you still have a window. the planning permission reference is 19/02274/FULM | Demolition of the existing buildings and erection of 25 dwellings comprising 5 x 4 bed, 7 x 3 bed, 5 x 2 bed houses and 8 x 1 bed supported living apartments together with car parking and associated works. | Hainault 35 - 37 Lesney Park Road Erith Kent DA8 3DQ" And this can be done via https://pa.bexley.gov.uk/online-applications ". If you look at the graphic at the top of this article, you can clearly see that the current redevelopment plans for the Hainault site will be at the cost of a number of mature, healthy trees. I agree with the writer that this needs to be brought fully to both the proposed developer and the Council's attention as a matter of priority. We need more trees in the area, not less. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
Did you know that there is a connection between a former Plumstead based manufacturing company and the world famous actor and director Clint Eastwood? No? Then read on. Thanks to a long time reader and occasional contributor with a strong interest in local industrial history, who wishes to remain anonymous, and who supplied the following information. Associated Motor Cycles Ltd were a large and successful manufacturing organisation which was based in Plumstead for many years. They owned three major motor bike brands, namely Matchless, AJS and (latterly) Norton, which were designed, manufactured and assembled in their large factory in Plumstead. The founder of the firm that was eventually to become Associated Motor Cycles Ltd was Henry Herbert Collier, an ex Woolwich Arsenal engineering supervisor, who started manufacturing bicycles under the Matchless name at his home in Herbert Road, Plumstead in 1878. Henry Collier had three sons; Henry Albert (known as Harry) and Charles Richard (Charlie) from his first marriage, and Herbert William (Bert) from his second. It was not long until petrol engines were added to the pedal cycles and, when the two eldest joined him in the business, it became H Collier and Sons. There was a most significant change for the company when production outgrew the converted stables that it occupied in Herbert Road at the end of 1912. Business had been good and a new factory was built in a much more suitable location away from the select housing near the common and within easy reach of the Woolwich Arsenal Railway Station. The factory building itself was in Burrage Grove at the junction with Maxey Road. Burrage Grove (the Eastern end of which is now renamed Walker Close) runs parallel to the main Plumstead Road. New offices with a showroom were built fronting Plumstead Road which thus backed onto the new factory premises. The move was made early in 1913 and it proved to be a wise one indeed for these same premises, progressively expanded over the years, were to serve as the home for motorcycle manufacture until the factory finally closed its doors in 1969. At the time of the move Henry was recorded as being the Managing Director while Harry was the Works Manager and Charlie the Manager of the Finishing Department (presumably the Assembly Shop) but it is clear that Harry was becoming the prime designer of the products. During the 1914-18 war, the Plumstead factory was occupied on munitions and aircraft parts, the latter to a degree of accuracy one would expect from a firm whose trade mark had, for so long, been two hands using a micrometer. H H Collier (Senior) died in 1926 and the company became Matchless Motor Cycles (Colliers) Ltd in 1928. In 1928 Matchless expanded their activities by relocating their manufacture of sidecars to a separate factory at Mast Pond Wharf near the Woolwich Ferry. This had once been part of the old Woolwich Dockyard where it had formerly been the prison building. It is believed that the sidecar manufacture was managed by George Alfred Walker, father of AJS and AMC designer Philip Walker. They also made a small number of the Matchless 'Hawk' bodies for the Austin Seven there. In early 1930s, the AJS concern passed into the control of the Matchless company, the models of the old Wolverhampton factory being henceforth produced at Plumstead Road. In 1938, following the acquisition of Sunbeam, the Matchless enterprise, together with its other concerns became Associated Motor Cycles Ltd and in subsequent years James (1952), Norton (1953), and Francis Barnett (1957) came into the AMC fold. Harry Collier, the elder of the brothers, died in 1944 and Bert (the youngest) had been killed in a road accident earlier in the war, leaving "Mr Charlie" as the last of the firm's founders, who was taken ill, whilst still working in the factory, in 1954 at the age of 70, and then taken to his office where he died. The foresight of the Collier family in planning this building was impressive. It was at one time a two storey structure and may have initially only been just a single floor, but by the 1940's it consisted of four floors with an extension on the roof as well. The base structure must have been planned with potential expansion in mind from its inception. In 1966 AMC went bankrupt and was taken over by Manganese Bronze Holdings (who already owned two-stroke engine manufacturer Villiers) and formed Norton-Villiers Ltd to oversee operations. This company then formed a sub-division called 'Norton Matchless Ltd' to market the remaining models. For a couple of years, work at the AMC factory was limited to the production of the few remaining Matchless models and the new Norton Commando, the engines and gearboxes for which were shipped down from Wolverhampton. Then, in late 1968 the Plumstead works at Burrage Grove, were presented with a Greater London Council compulsory purchase order for a major road widening scheme, finally closing in July 1969, with the land that it occupied given over to a housing development. If you were wondering where the connection with Clint Eastwood is in all of this local history, then I suggest that you read the article below - click in it for a larger and more legible image.
Nowadays Norton are a successful independent upmarket motorbike manufacturer. The brand was relaunched in Lichfield in 1988, and in 1989 Norton made an emphatic return to racing when Steve Spray won the British Super Bike Championship on the all-black JPS bike, a victory repeated in 1994 by Ian Simpson on the Duckhams Norton. Norton moved to its current home at Donington Park in 2008 and in 2009 CEO Stuart Garner set the World Speed Record for a Rotary Powered Motorcycle (recording 173mph for a timed mile). You can read more about the modern incarnation of the Norton brand by clicking here for the company website.
The photos above were taken back in June 2016, when local builder Mr Kulvinder Singh illegally demolished the Leather Bottle, a pub said to date from 1643. In 1783, when this was acquired by Taskers of Dartford, it was described as the leather Bottle at Chalk-Stile. There is evidence for the building back to 1751 and the licences are recorded for the pub of this name back to 1726. Despite this great age, according to some sources, the building was not even locally listed - why this never happened is beyond me. Other sources say that it was Grade II listed. Back in 2016, The developers of the site misled and outright lied to local residents - they said that they were merely clearing the car park and a small patch of land next to the historical pub - and their builders were extremely rude, aggressive and abusive to anyone taking photographs of the demolition work. Finally, over three years later, justice has caught up with Kulvinder Singh and his construction company Balmonza Ltd. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a prosecution agains both Mr Singh personally, and against his company, Balmonza Ltd, which was heard in Westminster Magistrates Court last Monday. The HSE found that no safe system of work existed at the time of the incident. There had been no asbestos survey done before the demolition work began, which meant any asbestos-containing materials present would, during the demolition, have caused asbestos fibres to be released and widely spread. The company had not arranged for gas and electricity supplies to be properly disconnected by the appropriate bodies, leading to a potential risk of explosion or of electrocution of people on site. There were no measures, such as hoarding or fencing, of the site to prevent access to the dangerous activity, or to prevent the ejection of materials from site. The building was on a busy road and pedestrians passing by, including primary school aged children going to and from a school 200 metres away, and traffic were all at risk. Mr Singh's company, Balmonza Ltd was fined £20,000 with £1000 costs for breaches to Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and Mr Singh was personally found guilty of serious breaches of Section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £5000. He was ordered to pay court costs of £1000. Personally, knowing the facts behind this case, and other instances where Kulvinder Singh has ridden roughshod over planning laws and other regulations, such as how back in June of this year another development by the Balmonza Ltd was refused retrospective planning permission after a long fought battle with local residents. The development at the rear of 238 Woolwich Road, which backed onto Abbey Wood was finally rejected, after multiple complaints from local residents and a blatant attempt by Kulvinder Singh to yet again break planning law. Balmonza Ltd had built a huge concrete platform at the rear of the house, and it appeared that they were trying to build an illegal block of flats, actually inside the Abbey Wood. Fortunately after a prolonged and concerted campaign by local residents, led by Malcolm Knight of the excellent Bexley is Bonkers Blog - links above to his photos, this has now been stopped. What remediation work will be undertaken is unclear at this point. I feel that he will treat this prosecution and the subsequent fines as merely the cost of doing business, and I very much doubt that it will deter him from other crimes in the future. All I can say as a summary to this affair is do not deal with Kulvinder Singh, or his company Balmonza Ltd. He is now a convicted criminal and a nasty piece of work to boot. You have been warned.
On a far more positive note, and another construction related story. The first local apprentices have been hired to help regenerate the Park East site in Erith as Wates Residential supports a further seven people with its Building Futures training programme, also held last week in Erith. The first two apprentices are Sam, 25 from Welling, and Sarah, 21 from Bexley, who both join the project as apprentice demolition operatives with Wates Residential’s site subcontractor – Erith Group. Commenting on his new role, Sam said: “This apprenticeship has given me a sense of belonging in society. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance to get my career on track and that I am moving in the right direction now.” The £95 million Park East project, which is being delivered by Wates Residential and Orbit, in partnership with the London Borough of Bexley, will deliver 320 new homes in Erith of which 80 per cent will for affordable rent and shared ownership. As part of the project, the partners have pledged to kick start training opportunities in the area by hiring at least 31 apprentices and at least 25 people in full time employment from the local area. The first two apprentices, as previously mentioned, are Sam and Sarah, pictured above - click on the photo for a larger view, who both join the project as apprentice demolition operatives with Wates Residential’s site subcontractor – Erith Group. Their responsibilities include removing the internal fittings the buildings before they are demolished and ensuring the waste materials are properly sorted and recycled. Sam explained: “Before starting this role, I didn’t realise how much gets recycled during the demolition of a building!” Sam had previously studied a bricklaying course at Bromley College, but decided on a career change soon after finishing his studies. He was encouraged to apply for an apprenticeship by Bexley Mind, who supported him throughout the process. Commenting on his new role, Sam said: “This apprenticeship has given me a sense of belonging in society. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance to get my career on track and that I am moving in the right direction now.” He added: “I love the physical side of my role and the great team that I work with. Everyone at Erith and Wates Residential have been so supportive. The health and safety across the whole Wates site is outstanding and really shows that people care.” Thanks to his new position working with one of the largest demolition contractors in the world, Sam is now saving for his driving licence and aiming to move out of his parents’ home soon. “This is the best job I’ve ever had,” he added. “I am now excited for my future.” Describing her role, Sarah said: “I didn’t think I would progress as quickly as I have and feel truly grateful for the opportunity… Everyone on site has been great with me and it has really changed my perceptions as a woman working on a construction site.” Alongside her apprenticeship, Sarah was awarded her Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operatives and has received additional training in asbestos awareness, manual handling and abrasive wheel certificates. She plans to work her way up through the ranks and sees herself in demolition management in the future. In addition, another of the unique training and employment initiatives that Wates Residential has brought to Erith is its Building Futures programme, which helps unemployed adults gain valuable practical experience and employability coaching to reinvigorate their career prospects. On Friday 25th, seven students successfully graduated from the course. Their two-week training involved visits to both the West Street and Park East developments to gain hands on experience of a construction site. The graduation was celebrated with a certificate presentation ceremony attended by Managing Director of Wates Residential Developments Group David Brocklebank and Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, Cllr Teresa O’Neill. Paul Ellis took part in Building Futures in Erith last week. He described the experience: “I have really enjoyed my two weeks at the Building Futures programme. I have learnt new skills and the tutor from Ixion was so helpful. I would highly recommend that anyone considering a career in construction. I can’t believe how much Wates invests into this programme! I would like to thank them, as I now feel like I can kick start my career and am feeling positive for my future.” The redevelopment of Park East comes after partners Wates Residential and Orbit recently completed six years of work on the nearby Larner Road estate, transforming it into the award-winning Erith Park. Throughout Phase 1 and 2 of work, seven tower blocks were replaced with 587 medium-rise homes, including 329 homes for affordable rent, 114 for private sale and 144 for shared ownership.
The photos above were taken back in June 2016, when local builder Mr Kulvinder Singh illegally demolished the Leather Bottle, a pub said to date from 1643. In 1783, when this was acquired by Taskers of Dartford, it was described as the leather Bottle at Chalk-Stile. There is evidence for the building back to 1751 and the licences are recorded for the pub of this name back to 1726. Despite this great age, according to some sources, the building was not even locally listed - why this never happened is beyond me. Other sources say that it was Grade II listed. Back in 2016, The developers of the site misled and outright lied to local residents - they said that they were merely clearing the car park and a small patch of land next to the historical pub - and their builders were extremely rude, aggressive and abusive to anyone taking photographs of the demolition work. Finally, over three years later, justice has caught up with Kulvinder Singh and his construction company Balmonza Ltd. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched a prosecution agains both Mr Singh personally, and against his company, Balmonza Ltd, which was heard in Westminster Magistrates Court last Monday. The HSE found that no safe system of work existed at the time of the incident. There had been no asbestos survey done before the demolition work began, which meant any asbestos-containing materials present would, during the demolition, have caused asbestos fibres to be released and widely spread. The company had not arranged for gas and electricity supplies to be properly disconnected by the appropriate bodies, leading to a potential risk of explosion or of electrocution of people on site. There were no measures, such as hoarding or fencing, of the site to prevent access to the dangerous activity, or to prevent the ejection of materials from site. The building was on a busy road and pedestrians passing by, including primary school aged children going to and from a school 200 metres away, and traffic were all at risk. Mr Singh's company, Balmonza Ltd was fined £20,000 with £1000 costs for breaches to Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and Mr Singh was personally found guilty of serious breaches of Section 37(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £5000. He was ordered to pay court costs of £1000. Personally, knowing the facts behind this case, and other instances where Kulvinder Singh has ridden roughshod over planning laws and other regulations, such as how back in June of this year another development by the Balmonza Ltd was refused retrospective planning permission after a long fought battle with local residents. The development at the rear of 238 Woolwich Road, which backed onto Abbey Wood was finally rejected, after multiple complaints from local residents and a blatant attempt by Kulvinder Singh to yet again break planning law. Balmonza Ltd had built a huge concrete platform at the rear of the house, and it appeared that they were trying to build an illegal block of flats, actually inside the Abbey Wood. Fortunately after a prolonged and concerted campaign by local residents, led by Malcolm Knight of the excellent Bexley is Bonkers Blog - links above to his photos, this has now been stopped. What remediation work will be undertaken is unclear at this point. I feel that he will treat this prosecution and the subsequent fines as merely the cost of doing business, and I very much doubt that it will deter him from other crimes in the future. All I can say as a summary to this affair is do not deal with Kulvinder Singh, or his company Balmonza Ltd. He is now a convicted criminal and a nasty piece of work to boot. You have been warned.
On a far more positive note, and another construction related story. The first local apprentices have been hired to help regenerate the Park East site in Erith as Wates Residential supports a further seven people with its Building Futures training programme, also held last week in Erith. The first two apprentices are Sam, 25 from Welling, and Sarah, 21 from Bexley, who both join the project as apprentice demolition operatives with Wates Residential’s site subcontractor – Erith Group. Commenting on his new role, Sam said: “This apprenticeship has given me a sense of belonging in society. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance to get my career on track and that I am moving in the right direction now.” The £95 million Park East project, which is being delivered by Wates Residential and Orbit, in partnership with the London Borough of Bexley, will deliver 320 new homes in Erith of which 80 per cent will for affordable rent and shared ownership. As part of the project, the partners have pledged to kick start training opportunities in the area by hiring at least 31 apprentices and at least 25 people in full time employment from the local area. The first two apprentices, as previously mentioned, are Sam and Sarah, pictured above - click on the photo for a larger view, who both join the project as apprentice demolition operatives with Wates Residential’s site subcontractor – Erith Group. Their responsibilities include removing the internal fittings the buildings before they are demolished and ensuring the waste materials are properly sorted and recycled. Sam explained: “Before starting this role, I didn’t realise how much gets recycled during the demolition of a building!” Sam had previously studied a bricklaying course at Bromley College, but decided on a career change soon after finishing his studies. He was encouraged to apply for an apprenticeship by Bexley Mind, who supported him throughout the process. Commenting on his new role, Sam said: “This apprenticeship has given me a sense of belonging in society. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance to get my career on track and that I am moving in the right direction now.” He added: “I love the physical side of my role and the great team that I work with. Everyone at Erith and Wates Residential have been so supportive. The health and safety across the whole Wates site is outstanding and really shows that people care.” Thanks to his new position working with one of the largest demolition contractors in the world, Sam is now saving for his driving licence and aiming to move out of his parents’ home soon. “This is the best job I’ve ever had,” he added. “I am now excited for my future.” Describing her role, Sarah said: “I didn’t think I would progress as quickly as I have and feel truly grateful for the opportunity… Everyone on site has been great with me and it has really changed my perceptions as a woman working on a construction site.” Alongside her apprenticeship, Sarah was awarded her Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operatives and has received additional training in asbestos awareness, manual handling and abrasive wheel certificates. She plans to work her way up through the ranks and sees herself in demolition management in the future. In addition, another of the unique training and employment initiatives that Wates Residential has brought to Erith is its Building Futures programme, which helps unemployed adults gain valuable practical experience and employability coaching to reinvigorate their career prospects. On Friday 25th, seven students successfully graduated from the course. Their two-week training involved visits to both the West Street and Park East developments to gain hands on experience of a construction site. The graduation was celebrated with a certificate presentation ceremony attended by Managing Director of Wates Residential Developments Group David Brocklebank and Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, Cllr Teresa O’Neill. Paul Ellis took part in Building Futures in Erith last week. He described the experience: “I have really enjoyed my two weeks at the Building Futures programme. I have learnt new skills and the tutor from Ixion was so helpful. I would highly recommend that anyone considering a career in construction. I can’t believe how much Wates invests into this programme! I would like to thank them, as I now feel like I can kick start my career and am feeling positive for my future.” The redevelopment of Park East comes after partners Wates Residential and Orbit recently completed six years of work on the nearby Larner Road estate, transforming it into the award-winning Erith Park. Throughout Phase 1 and 2 of work, seven tower blocks were replaced with 587 medium-rise homes, including 329 homes for affordable rent, 114 for private sale and 144 for shared ownership.
Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly the report from Barnehurst ward:- "In the past week Barnehurst ward has suffered one burglary in Merewood Road. This occurred on Thursday 24/10/2019 between 11.00am and 02.00pm. It is believed suspects were specifically searching for vehicle keys as other valuable property had been left in the property untouched. Drawers were found left open in the property and a blue California Ocean Volkswagen (Motor caravan) registration number KV68FJJ was stolen from the driveway. Also taken were vehicle keys to a Mini. Suspects gained entry by jumping over the rear fence and smashing a rear window. Between Sunday 20/10/2019 at 05.00am and Monday 21/10/2019 midday a blue challenge Mountain bike was stolen from outside Barnehurst Train Station in Station Approach. On Sunday 27/10/2019 overnight in Parkside Avenue there was a theft from motor vehicle whereby a wallet containing bank card was stolen. The suspect has then gone on a shopping spree using the victim's bank card. Investigations are ongoing. On Tuesday 29/10/2019 again overnight in Parkside Avenue number plates X571JMW were removed from a vehicle by person's unknown. The next community contact session will be held at Barnehurst Golf Club on Tuesday 5th November at 11.00am".
Belvedere ward:- "Today officers from across South East BCU lead by officers from #Bexley Safer Neighbourhoods conducted a disruption operation at #Belvedere BR Station with officers from the British Transport Police. Officers have used knife arches and stop and search and have made 4 arrests. • A 24 year old male has been arrested for possession of an offensive weapon (knife) • A 16 year old male has been arrested for possession of an offensive weapon (Police Style extendable baton) • A 36 year old male wanted for non payment of fines at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court • A 25 year old male wanted to failing to appear at Ealing Magistrates Court after an offence at Heathrow Airport. These operations are conducted at random and without warning across South East London". Bexleyheath ward:- "Wednesday 23/10/19 1515 Purse stolen from handbag in Dorothy Perkins. Sunday 27/10/19 1530 – 28/10/19 1430 Glass taken from wing mirror Martens Avenue Monday 28/10/19 – 2100 Theft From Motor Vehicle Goals Car Park. Monday 28/10/19 – 1530 Purse stolen from handbag Greggs Broadway. Tuesday 29/10/19 – 1225 Purse stolen from handbag Cancer Research Shop Bexleyheath Broadway. Tuesday 29/10/19 – 1200 Purse stolen from bag inside New Look. Ensure that doors and windows to properties are locked and secured with keys where applicable – revisit home security and lighting now the dark lights are coming. Please be careful with purse/wallets whilst out shopping, make sure they are secured inside your bags with a zip type handbag. Wednesday 16/10/19 2050 – 2120 Long Lane Co Op – loop device found on cash machine, removed and reported. Thursday 17/10/19 2015 – 2150 Goals Graham Road. Theft From Motor Vehicle. Thursday 17/10/19 1215 The Card Factory – Elderly female has purse taken from handbag – CCTV now in store and images with police. Saturday 19/10/19 1415 – 1420 Broadway rear of shops – Vehicle parked and went shopping, it was blocked in by another vehicle and driver damaged vehicle – arrested at scene. Saturday 19/10/19 overnight – Theft of Number Plates Broadway near Trinity Church. Sunday 20/10/19 2020 hours Males attempting to steal motorbike from drive Park Grove. Sunday 20/10/19 2040 hours Males interrupted whilst opening car doors Sevenoaks Close. Wednesday 23/10/19 1215 Theft of wallet from 93 year old male Broadway Bexleyheath. There has been several businesses targeted over this week for takings left on the premises. Front glass windows have been smashed but CCTV has picked the offender up in one shop and police are tracing suspect. Ensure that doors and windows to properties are locked and secured with keys where applicable – revisit home security and lighting now the dark lights are coming". Crayford ward:- "On Saturday 19th October between 18.45-18.50 a tall IC1 male stole two bottles of Smirnoff Vodka from Crayford Wine in Crayford High Street. The male walked around the counter and reached over the shopkeeper to do so before leaving the shop. At 3.09am on Friday 25th October two males attempted to burgle a home in Buckley Close. The door was opened causing some damage but the residents were alerted by their dog and chased after the suspects who are described as being IC1, both very tall with their faces half covered, they ran off towards Wyatt Road. A silver Vauxhall Vectra was found nearby with the door open, enquiries are ongoing. On Thursday 24th October at 21.00 a man returned to his blue Ford Fiesta parked in Crayford Arrows car park after playing football to find that it had had the rear passenger window smashed, nothing was stolen. Similarly, on Monday 28th October between 19.00-20.00 an I-phone 6 was stolen from a locked glove compartment in a locked Peugeot 307 parked in Perry Street, the driver's door had been forced. A silver Toyota number plate SC06YJD was stolen from Maiden Lane between 16.30 on Thursday 24th October and 6.10 am on Saturday 26th October. A catalytic convertor was stolen from a black Landrover at 1.06am from Optima Park at Thames Road. The suspects were driving a white Ford Fiesta, the incident was captured on CCTV. Number plates were stolen from a silver Nissan Micra between 17.15-19.15 whilst parked in Mount Pleasant Walk, number plates not given on report at this time. Between 16.30 on Friday 25th October and 7.30 on Monday 28th October, suspect(s) have climbed over hoardings and broken in to an electrical cupboard on a building site in Crayford Way. They stole 2 Powerfactor 0.93 Elite Transformers. (1 x 5KVA and 1 x 3 KVA) A Portakabin was broken in to overnight between 18.30 on Monday 28th October and 08.30 on Tuesday 29th October in the Lok'n'store car park at Optima Park, Thames Road, the window was broken and there was an untidy search. Property was stolen from a Mercedes whilst parked in Crayford Road at 15.00 on Sunday 27th October. Three bicycles were stolen from Crayford Retail Park on Tuesday 29th October. The first one was a Red Carerra and was locked up by Sports Direct and stolen at about 14.05. The other two had been left outside Smythes and unfortunately not been chained up, they were stolen by two IC1 suspects who rode them away past Nando's towards Crayford Road. The bikes stolen were a black Carrera Vengeance and a Halford's black B'Twin. Please note that authorisation for Dispersal has been given between 10.00 on Thursday 31st October and 10.00 on Friday 1st November to deter anti-social behaviour on Halloween and officers will be patrolling the town centre, Town Hall Square and Waterside Gardens area of Crayford. Please call 101 if there is anything we should be aware of. Our next community contact session will take place on Friday 8th November at Crayford Library between 10.00-11.00am, please come along and say hello if you are in the area". Northumberland Heath ward:- "The team continue to patrol in and around Sussex Road to tackle anti-social behaviour. A set of number plates has been taken from a parked and unattended vehicle in Brook Street. If you happen to see registration number WU07BXA please contact police so further enquiries can be made. Should you wish to protect your vehicle from this type of offence drop us a line and we may be able to provide appropriate anti-theft devices. Thanks go out to everyone who attended the ward panel meeting on Tuesday".
Slade Green and Northend ward:- "A burglary took place at around 4am on Friday 25/10 in Chesworth Close. The suspect was disturbed by the resident and ran off. 2 cupboards were left open but nothing was taken. It is unclear how access was gained as no tool marks were left at the scene but the front door was open. If you have a UPVC door please ensure to lock it by making sure that the handle is turned up AND the key is turned. Our police officers have been working with neighbouring wards covering as many areas as possible in Autumn Nights patrols. Several groups have been moved on in the Forest Road and Rainbow Road areas of our ward. These patrols will continue for the next week or so and extra officers are out and about across the borough during Halloween. Our next CCS (community contact session) is not until Saturday 09/11/2019 from 6pm at our SNT Base in Pier Road. At the Ward Panel meeting on Weds evening the promises chosen by the panel were ASB (anti-social behaviour) Rainbow Road, Drugs and Vehicle Crime. These will be in place for three months". Thamesmead East ward:- "Between the 19/10/19 and 27/10/19 , a pedal cycle chained up ,had the frame ,wheel taken and another wheel taken from another bicycle .Suspect/s believed to have climbed over the back gate. Bexley Crime Survey - The Bexley Community Safety Partnership includes the Council, Police, Fire Brigade, Health and Probation who work together to reduce problems of crime, anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol misuse. To help us decide what should be the partnership's priorities for the next year please tell us what crime and disorder issues cause you most concern in the area you live or work in Bexley by completing the online survey at www.bexley.gov.uk/crimesurvey. it will only take two minutes to complete and is completely anonymous. GOOD NEWS - While out on routine patrol ,PC Pruden found a stolen Audi A3 was discovered abandoned in Walsham Close, SE28. Checks revealed that it had been stolen, July 2019, Lewisham. The Audi was on false plates, the true identity was established via a Vehicle Identity Number check. The vehicle was recovered to Charlton Car Pound, victim updated. Report crime by calling 101 or in an emergency call 999. Remember, you can also report crime online on our website: https://www.met.police.uk/ To find out more information about our updated privacy practises and how we process your data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 please visit our Privacy Notice on the Met Police website https://www.met.police.uk/privacy-notice". West Heath ward:- "Unfortunately we have had a burglary in Gipsy Road this week. The victim was away between Saturday October 19th and returned on Friday October 25th just before midnight when they discovered damage to the conservatory door and sliding doors. Thankfully entry not made inside the property and nothing was taken. One attempted burglary in Bedonwell Road on Tuesday October 29th at 04.20am. The occupants were asleep when they were disturbed by the burglar alarm going off. A male was seen on the driveway by the occupant before running to a silver Vauxhall Vectra and making off at speed. One theft of a white transit van on Monday October 28th from a driveway at the Quadrant. The victim was still in possession of the keys. One report of criminal damage to the windscreen of a motor vehicle in Amberley Road on Monday October 28th at 2.30pm. A group of youths threw something at the vehicle which caused chips to the windscreen. This week we teamed up with our neighbouring ward officers to visit shops that sell knives of any description, kitchen knives Stanley knives etc and asked them to sign a responsible retailer agreement in relation to the storage and sale of these items. The team made two arrests this week. One for harassment, and one failure to appear for court attendance".
The end video this week is a bit of local social history. It shows a series of interviews with local people in and around Bexleyheath in 1984. You might even see someone that you recognise. Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
Slade Green and Northend ward:- "A burglary took place at around 4am on Friday 25/10 in Chesworth Close. The suspect was disturbed by the resident and ran off. 2 cupboards were left open but nothing was taken. It is unclear how access was gained as no tool marks were left at the scene but the front door was open. If you have a UPVC door please ensure to lock it by making sure that the handle is turned up AND the key is turned. Our police officers have been working with neighbouring wards covering as many areas as possible in Autumn Nights patrols. Several groups have been moved on in the Forest Road and Rainbow Road areas of our ward. These patrols will continue for the next week or so and extra officers are out and about across the borough during Halloween. Our next CCS (community contact session) is not until Saturday 09/11/2019 from 6pm at our SNT Base in Pier Road. At the Ward Panel meeting on Weds evening the promises chosen by the panel were ASB (anti-social behaviour) Rainbow Road, Drugs and Vehicle Crime. These will be in place for three months". Thamesmead East ward:- "Between the 19/10/19 and 27/10/19 , a pedal cycle chained up ,had the frame ,wheel taken and another wheel taken from another bicycle .Suspect/s believed to have climbed over the back gate. Bexley Crime Survey - The Bexley Community Safety Partnership includes the Council, Police, Fire Brigade, Health and Probation who work together to reduce problems of crime, anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol misuse. To help us decide what should be the partnership's priorities for the next year please tell us what crime and disorder issues cause you most concern in the area you live or work in Bexley by completing the online survey at www.bexley.gov.uk/crimesurvey. it will only take two minutes to complete and is completely anonymous. GOOD NEWS - While out on routine patrol ,PC Pruden found a stolen Audi A3 was discovered abandoned in Walsham Close, SE28. Checks revealed that it had been stolen, July 2019, Lewisham. The Audi was on false plates, the true identity was established via a Vehicle Identity Number check. The vehicle was recovered to Charlton Car Pound, victim updated. Report crime by calling 101 or in an emergency call 999. Remember, you can also report crime online on our website: https://www.met.police.uk/ To find out more information about our updated privacy practises and how we process your data in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 please visit our Privacy Notice on the Met Police website https://www.met.police.uk/privacy-notice". West Heath ward:- "Unfortunately we have had a burglary in Gipsy Road this week. The victim was away between Saturday October 19th and returned on Friday October 25th just before midnight when they discovered damage to the conservatory door and sliding doors. Thankfully entry not made inside the property and nothing was taken. One attempted burglary in Bedonwell Road on Tuesday October 29th at 04.20am. The occupants were asleep when they were disturbed by the burglar alarm going off. A male was seen on the driveway by the occupant before running to a silver Vauxhall Vectra and making off at speed. One theft of a white transit van on Monday October 28th from a driveway at the Quadrant. The victim was still in possession of the keys. One report of criminal damage to the windscreen of a motor vehicle in Amberley Road on Monday October 28th at 2.30pm. A group of youths threw something at the vehicle which caused chips to the windscreen. This week we teamed up with our neighbouring ward officers to visit shops that sell knives of any description, kitchen knives Stanley knives etc and asked them to sign a responsible retailer agreement in relation to the storage and sale of these items. The team made two arrests this week. One for harassment, and one failure to appear for court attendance".
The end video this week is a bit of local social history. It shows a series of interviews with local people in and around Bexleyheath in 1984. You might even see someone that you recognise. Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
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