The Dartford Raver.

The Maggot Sandwich has a lot of reader feedback and interactive comment this week, which I am very pleased to report; it is always nice to hear responses from readers, and to publish their thoughts on subjects of local interest. Reader Damion writes:- "Not sure if this is up your alley but while walking my dog along the Thames by the Riverside Gardens on Friday (the 1st) I spotted a seal resting on the mud of the river. When I got back to my flat (which overlooks the river)  I took the enclosed photo. It was not of the best quality unfortunately but it was the best I could manage. The seal happily basked in the mud until the tide came in and then it dived below the water, came up a few more times and then disappeared. From research I’m pretty sure it was a Harbour Seal. Shows the Thames is definitely the cleanest it’s been in a long time (what with the Humpback Whale being spotted a few weeks ago too)". Thanks Damion - I too have seen seals in the River Thames at Erith; I am led to understand that on a couple of occasions, seals seen in the river have been misidentified, and reported at people in difficulty in the river, and the RNLI has been called. I agree that seeing top tier predators in the River Thames does strongly indicate that the river conditions must be very good indeed, as the whole food chain must be present for seals and whales to enter the river in search for food. Seals are also commonly seen basking on the shores of the river adjacent to Slade Green Marshes. More on why seals are returning to the River Thames at the end of this update.

On Wednesday lunchtime, Simon Archer, the Priest in Charge of All Saints in Nuxley Road, Upper Belvedere announced:- "I am the Vicar of All Saints in Belvedere and I have just had someone come to the Vicarage needing help and when I turned away for a moment they stole my mobile phone off my desk. This was at about 10.10am. He was about 5’9”, claimed to be French and not speak much English. Mediterranean looking, Short black hair and black beard/stubble. He was wearing a denim jacket which had a bleached look to it. He used some A4 paper to cover what he was doing. Not looking to track him or my phone down but perhaps that might protect others from being targeted. The phone has been blacklisted, the number blocked and it will automatically erase as soon as it is switched on again (along with a message to the person who has taken it, polite of course! I am a vicar after all!). It is only a phone and everything is backed up so I’ve just lost a bit of glass and metal. Sadly as a priest I often get people in a great deal of distress or need turning up on my doorstep. I will not stop offering help, hospitality and welcome I might just be a bit more careful with my valuables next time!" Simon is somewhat more philosophical about the whole situation than I feel that many other people would have been under the circumstances. I know that many people have sympathised with him over the distressing incident. 

Following my article last week on Associated Motor Cycles Ltd, who in case you missed it, 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, as you can see in the photo above - click on it for a larger version. Long time reader and now contributor David tells of his memories of the AMC factory and the people who worked there. He writes:- "I went to Woolwich Polytechnic Secondary School from 1960 to 1965 During those early years I roamed Woolwich and the surrounding area (often classed as 'out of bounds'). One of the best places to go during the warmer days was along the back turnings to visit the factory. The bikes would be wheeled outside the factory by the workers to give the bikes the final polish and inspection. In hindsight I think it was probably to give the workers some time outside! They would let me have a look at the bike and explain many of their features. I wondered at these incredible engineering masterpieces. I can recall the lovely smell the bikes had; a combination of polish and engine oil and fresh paint. It was also an insight into a life outside of the restrictions of a school in the 1960's. I was treated as an inquisitive youth rather than being told to keep quiet (but maybe that's another story). It must have sparked something inside me as I left school at 16 and got an apprenticeship with one of the many companies that lined Woolwich Road. I'm sure it inspired many other callow youths who were allowed to view these bikes. Of course as an apprentice I never had enough money to buy one and by the time funds were available I had moved on to more appropriate modes of transport (a Vauxhall Viva that cost £127). But what those early visits meant was that I wanted to have a hand in designing something as meaningful. A career spent in many drawing offices working on projects such as the Thames Barrier, the onset of Optic fibres and the challenge of incorporating their use in the telecoms industry, and many years in the oil and gas industry. But I think it may well have started with those wonderful bikes". A fascinating account; I must admit until I did some further research into AMC and their factory, I had no idea just how huge the factory and associated outbuildings were. In researching the article last week, I came across the connection between the AMC factory and Oscar winning actor and director Clint Eastwood. Next week I will be writing about another Oscar winning performer who has links with Belvedere. Answers on a postcard please if you can name the person - a clue - gas holder; alternatively, please feel free to leave a comment below, or instead you can Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have noticed a lot of new graffiti on bus stops and in many public areas locally. Unlike the usual highly stylised "tags" the writing is fairly clear and easy to read. The script, written in what appears to be permanent marker reads: "YouTube the Dartford Raver". Unsurprisingly if you input this phrase into the search function of YouTube, the result produced is a channel owned and operated by an individual called Jermaine Kerr, who you can see in the photo above - click on it for a larger version. His videos consist almost exclusively of him dancing around the his bedroom at what appears to be his parents house. He occasionally raps very badly, and seems to be completely unaware of what a complete wazzock he portrays himself as. I really don't think it is some sophisticated satire, or the creation of a fictional online comedic character. He is what he is; and I don't think his campaign of illegal graffiti has been of any real impact. Most of his videos have fewer than a couple of hundred views. I am also aware by publicising this rather immature and silly individual I am giving him the very exposure he desires. You can make your own opinion of Jermaine Kerr, and his "The Dartford Raver" YouTube channel by clicking here. What action the Police or Transport for London will take over his graffiti is open to debate, but Kerr does not seem to have thought through the consequences of his actions.

The redevelopment and improvement of what Bexley Council refer to as "the public realm" - which basically means public open spaces is moving ahead, mostly due to grants and public funding. Some examples of this include, but are not limited to improvements to the entrance to Erith Pier to create a new welcoming Pier Square to create new seating, planting and space for events and recreation.In April 2019 a public consultation on proposed concept designs was undertaken and over the summer a Design Review process has taken place. The design team is now working on updated detailed designs that will respond to the comments made at these two events. The pedestrianised area of Erith High Street outside the former Learning and Enterprise College Units will be decluttered and improved to complement the conversion of the units into a shop and offices and animate an unwelcoming cut through’. Erith High Street improvements will include new street furniture, landscaping and footway materials to create a brighter and more inviting place with a greater sense of safety. The pedestrianised section of Pier Road between Cross Street and Erith High Street will see public realm improvement, strengthening the physical and visual link to the Riverside Gardens, Erith pier and surrounding streets. Spaces will be created for seating, informal play, and green infrastructure. This project is currently at concept design stage, the transformation of Pier Road will introduce a safe shared space experience for cyclist and pedestrians. The vacant unit above the Farm Foods shop on Pier Road has stood empty for a number of years. The Council owns the freehold of the building, the whole of which is on a long lease to Farm Foods. The vacant unit above Farm Foods provides a large space that is important for assisting with decant from other sites. A feasibility study is currently underway to review the capacity of the space and provide cost estimates for an office fit out. Discussions are underway with Farm Foods regarding the Council taking a lease and with potential pre-lets. This proposal would bring added footfall to the town centre adding to its economic vitality. Retaining the open space at Riverside Gardens remains a key priority for the Council and local residents. A project to rejuvenate and refurbish the Gardens has recently launched. With £1.3m funding from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund and additional funding from the council, Groundwork and Orbit, the project aims to upgrade this much-loved open space to improve visibility of and engagement with the river, creating opportunities for the community to use the gardens for play, leisure activities, planting and learning. It will also provide employment training through Groundwork’s Green Team. Designs will be developed in partnership with residents and community organisations, and the Council has commissioned Groundwork to lead this process. During the first stage of the consultation which has recently closed, Groundwork engaged with over 200 residents to hear about the views on the Gardens and gather ideas and aspirations to improve them. Procurement for a landscape architect team to develop the designs for the rejuvenated Gardens is nearly complete. 

Further reader reaction from John who writes:- "Thanks as ever for the little bit of contact with my old home area. It was interesting to read your notes about the Hainault Maternity Home. I managed a visit for a final look at the place briefly in September when I was visiting the area. I was however very interested in the little end video you added to your blog last  week. When I looked through I was astonished to see someone I recognised. The little segment at about 1m 27s into the video showing a gentleman in a greenhouse being interviewed was immediately familiar to me. I believe the man being interviewed with the flat cap was Mr Brown, the then Parks Superintendent. He lived in a lovely house located on the corner of Stephen Road adjacent to the track leading to the parks depot and nursery in Barnehurst. He was the father of an old school and scouting friend, Robert Brown and his sister who I think was Ann Brown. I believe their Scottish father was originally employed in the Royal Estate at Balmoral as a gillie, but later worked at Sandringham where he met his wife. He was well known for playing his bagpipes and I often wondered whether there was any link between the family of the infamous John Brown (played by Billy Connolly in the 1997 film Mrs Brown). I lost contact with my school pal many years ago so it was lovely to see his Father once again in this little video. The house they lived in, along with two others in Stephen Road, were very sadly demolished at the end of 2010 and the site is now the Groveland Park care home. I have great memories of visiting my friend Robert Brown at this house which I believe was actually owned by the Parks Department and also had old steam heated greenhouses in the grounds. The parks department depot was behind their house, but I believe it is all now gone. I attach a snap I took of the house on 8th December 2010 (shown above) before it was finally demolished". Thanks for the information John - I am sure that my readers will find it to be of interest. 

Recently the London Evening Standard's property section ran a story on Erith Quarry - the new housing development on Fraser Road that will include a new primary school as part of the project. The Standard is frequently sniffy and rather condescending about any areas to the South of the River Thames, and the recent article is no exception. The leader reads thus:- "Erith, a somewhat bleak, south-east outpost with a high level of dull social housing in Bexley borough, is one of the few places in London where you can buy a new three-bedroom house for less than £400,000. But with so much Thames-side regeneration and the bonus of Crossrail stations opening next year at nearby Abbey Wood and Woolwich, the future promises better homes and neighbourhoods for priced-out Londoners. Currently the district is a 40-minute commute to London Bridge or Cannon Street. First up is The Quarry, an eco development of 470 houses and 130 flats plus a primary school, park and play areas for children. Prices start at £325,000 for two-bedroom houses, with the low deposit Help to Buy scheme available too". Describing Erith as "Bleak" and "Dull" is to my mind both inaccurate and insulting to local residents. There may have been a time in the 1970's and early 1980's, when the hideous brutalist concrete Erith Town Centre held sway, always smelling as I recall it, of Jeyes fluid and stale wee, but since those low days, things have improved immeasurably in my opinion. What do you think? Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

The Erith Think Tank have announced details of their next meeting, which will take place on Tuesday 12th November - 7.30pm - 9pm in the conversation room at The Exchange in Walnut Tree Road. All are welcome. The agenda for the meeting consists of a discussion regarding West Street ('small park' - photo of the park above - click on it for a larger version) - Proposal by Tina of an 'activation' to raise awareness of BexleyCo's development plans, and how they might be stopped and / or improved. Brainstorming session to produce an alternative vision, and how we can secure the funds to do it. A presentation from Johnny about his meeting with Anderson's (Tuesday last week) regarding the change in the masterplan of The Quarry development, and the large increase in dwellings proposed on the site. Lastly an informal 'hello' from Princess Adeosun, Community Partnership Officer from Bexley Council, introducing herself, explaining her role, and discussing how she and the Think Tank can work together.

Prior to the regular weekly Neighbourhood Watch reports, a special update from Dana Wiffen, the Chairman, Neighbourhood Watch Office. November is courier fraud awareness month:- "In most cases of courier fraud, a fraudster phones their victim and claims to be from their bank, the police or other law enforcement authority. They then con the victim into revealing their PIN and credit or debit card details. Sadly, the most common victims of courier fraud are the elderly. Examples of courier fraud include; A scammer calls you, claiming to be from your bank or a police officer. They tell you either that: • a fraudulent payment has been spotted on your card that needs sorting out • someone has been arrested using your details and cards You may be asked to call your bank using the phone number on the back of your card. This convinces you that the call is genuine. But the scammer has kept the line open at their end, so when you make the call, you're unknowingly connected straight back to them or their friends. They'll either ask you for your PIN or ask you to key it into your phone. No bank or other legitimate service will ever ask you for your PIN. The scammer then sends a courier or taxi to pick up the card from your home. Even the driver may not know they're being used as part of the scam. Once the scammer has both your card and PIN they can spend your money. A different version of this scam is where you're contacted and told there's a corrupt member of staff at your bank, post office or bureau de change and the police need your help to identify them. They ask you to withdraw a large sum of your money, which the police or bank will mark, then put back into the banking system. They say this will help them identify the corrupt person. Once you hand the cash over, the scammers simply take it. Another example is when a fake police officer phones or approaches you and asks you to buy an expensive watch or other high-value item, to try to find out if counterfeit goods are being sold. Once you've bought the item, the scammer tells you to hand it to a taxi driver for transfer to the police. The expensive item is, of course, taken instead to the scammer's partner. The latest variation is where the scammer contacts you and says your bank account has been taken over and you need to transfer all the funds into a ‘safe account'. Of course, the new account is operated by the scammers, who then steal the funds". On top of this, Dana warns against pick pockets who are targetting vulnerable people in Bexleyheath Broadway:- "As mentioned in previous weeks pick pockets are working Bexleyheath Broadway and they are targeting elderly shoppers. Last week Police reported 5 purses stolen from shoppers in the following shops Dorothy Perkins, Greggs, Cancer Research Charity Shop, Card Factory, & New Look, plus a wallet stolen in the Broadway. PLEASE remind your more vulnerable residents to be aware of their purses/wallets are at all times and to zip up handbags and put wallets in trouser pockets". Now for the regular weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. First the report from Barnehurst ward:- "Barnehurst has suffered two attempted burglaries over the past week. The first one occurred in Holmesdale Grove at 03.00am on Sunday 03/11/2019 where a male is seen attempting to pick the door lock. The male had his hood up and a scarf covering his face. Suspect walked towards Perry Street. The locking mechanism to the front door had recently been upgraded by a locksmith leaving it more difficult for the suspect to gain entry. The second attempted burglary happened in Parkside Avenue again on Sunday 03/11/2019 in the early hours 03.04am. Video footage shows a male approach the front door and was then seen turning the handle, he then walked away and was seen walking in the direction of Northend Road with two other people, one wore a jacket that had a fluorescent strip on the back. Vehicle crime has crept up again. In Cheviot Close on Sunday 03/11/2019 a Sat Nav was found stolen. No damage was found to the vehicle however suspects had to unwire the Sat Nav to remove it from the vehicle. Between Friday 01/11/2019 and Sunday 03/11/2019 in Taunton Close a van was broken into and items taken. On Sunday 03/11/2019 between 06.00am – 0615am in Penine Way suspects have opened the boot of a vehicle and taken items from within however this vehicle had not been securely locked. Not only do we ask you to look at your home security but to consider your vehicle to. Criminals will attempt to break in to properties to obtain keys to vehicles. If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your road especially in the early hours call 999 straight away. Our next community contact session will be held on Tuesday 19th November 2019 at 11.00am in Barnehurst Golf Club". Belvedere ward:- "Burglary update – There was a burglary in Morvale Close on Thursday 31st October. The resident had not fully secured the front door of his home and through the night entry was gained and a laptop and bag were taken. On Friday 1st November another burglary occurred in Battle Road, again overnight, where entry was gained by damaging the rear door of the property. It is as yet unknown what was taken from the location. The team have been busy over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, with assistance from officers of neighbouring wards (Erith, Northumberland Heath and Slade Green), visiting several wards to keep anti-social behaviour to a minimum. Several searches have been conducted on the ward during this period and drugs have been found. Community Resolutions as well as fines have been issued. PC Holmes and PCSO Worrall visited the Sikh temple last weekend to discuss the upcoming Sikh parade – which takes place on Sunday 17th November. We are continuing to have issues reported to us from a House of Multiple Occupancy on Barnfield Road (top end). If anyone is having issues with anti-social behaviour please contact us". Bexleyheath ward:- "Wednesday 30/10/19 Criminal Damage - vehicle in road being overturned. Wednesday 30/10/19 1555 Theft of BMW from Civic Offices Watling Street. Thursday 31/10/19 1800 – 1900 Palmer Crescent Criminal Damage to x4 vehicles by a group of 20 youths. Thursday 31/10/19 1900 – 1920 Burglary Church Road entry gained by way of smashed rear door – jewellery taken. Thursday 31/10/19 1315-1420 Theft of moped Albion Road car park. Friday 1/11/19 1600 Purse Stolen from bag hanging on bag of children's buggy in Card Factory. Saturday 2/11/19 2000 Royal Oak Road Theft of bus pass from person. Sunday 3/11/19 1800-2100 Theft of Motor Vehicle Long Lane Stolen Truck and Trailer. Monday 4/11/19 0140 Theft from Motor Vehicle Midhurst Hill van broken into and tools stolen – suspects arrested as CCTV images provided. Monday 4/11/19 2300 Theft From Motor Vehicle Number Plates Stolen. 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".

Crayford ward:- "It has been a very busy week for the team with Halloween and Fireworks night. Our police officers have been on late shifts dealing with anti-social behaviour and crime in the local area. Several youths have been identified and are now in the process of being referred for intervention for some, home visits and parental contact have been made for others to make their parents fully aware of the trouble and upset they have caused. Anti-social behaviour has included egg throwing, knocking stock over in shops and being a general nuisance to name just a few issues. A lady has reported that her bank card had been removed and used by a person unknown to withdraw £950 from her account over a few days. She does not know how they got her pin number, this is a timely reminder to keep PIN numbers secret, never disclose them to another person and keep the keypad covered when making a payment or withdrawing cash. On Sunday 27/10/2019 at 03.00 a Mercedes Vito van (RAC) was broken in to in Heath Road and cash and company credit card were stolen. On Friday 1st November a white Suzuki GSXR, number plate FY03USC which had a steering lock and disc lock through front wheel was stolen from Woodside Road, it is believed the bike was lifted. On Sunday 27th October it was reported that a padlock was smashed off a garage in Claremont Crescent and entry gained. Two Gents mountain bikes, a set of golf clubs, bag and electric golf trolley, petrol strimmer and petrol lawn mower were stolen. Diagnostic equipment and a silver BMW, registration S100PON was stolen with keys by two IC3 males from the rear of 31 Crayford High Street on Friday 1st November at 16.28, stolen whilst the mechanic wasn't looking. A black Carrera electric bicycle with accessories which was locked up outside Sainsburys was stolen on Saturday 2nd November between 04.00-07.50. Passenger tyres were slashed on a white Ford Galaxy in Iron Mill Lane between 21.00 on Thursday the 31st October and 08.50 on Friday the 1st November. Other vehicles were also targeted in a similar way but not reported to police. Number plates NL61LKF were stolen off a white Ford Transit it Lower Station Road between 17.30 on Saturday the 2nd November and 09.13 on Sunday the 3rd November. A catalytic convertor was stolen from a blue Honda Jazz onFriday the 29th October between 15.00-17.00 whilst parked in Bourne Road. A black Carrera bicycle with green lines was stolen from Serco at Thames Road on Saturday the 23rd October 06.10-06.30. A burglary occurred at Gable Close on Wednesday the 4th November between 04.00-04.30, two IC3 suspects aged between 15-20 years “popped” the UVPC door and gained entry and searched through coat pockets before leaving empty handed, facial images captured on home CCTV. Please ensure your doors are securely locked when retiring for the night and when leaving your property. More information on how to keep your home secure can be found on www.met.police.uk/burglary It will have been noticed on social media that an incident occurred Crayford High Street on Tuesday the 5th November at about 12.30. What started as a road rage incident observed by police led to the male passenger running from police and the driver of the vehicle attempting to make off with a vehicle being in collision with a police vehicle and street sign. The driver was arrested for several offences not linked to the road rage incident. The victim of the road rage incident was unharmed. Two vehicles were broken in to in the church car park in Old Road on Wednesday the 6th November between 18.45-19.45. A small holdall was stolen from one containing clothes and the other vehicle had a backpack containing a purse, gift cards, credit cards, door keys, glasses, employee smart card as well as other items". Erith ward:- "This last week we had a bike marking event outside Pier road police office. 8 bikes where marked and registered with bike register. I am looking at carrying out some more of these soon, Please email Adam from Erith SNT if you would like to be informed on new dates. Across Erith we are looking at increasing our NHW coverage, IF you know anyone who wants to be a NHW member in Erith let us know Theft from M/V is at a zero this week, best it has been for a good few months". Northumberland Heath ward - no report this week. Slade Green and Northend ward:- "A burglary occurred overnight in Newbery Road on Mon – Tues, 4th – 5th November. Keys were taken to the owners vehicle and subsequently the vehicle was driven away. Access was probably gained by using a gadget put through the letterbox and removing the key or lifting the door handle. If you have a UPVC door please ensure you lift the handle, turn the key and then remove it from the lock. In the early hours of October 31st, 3 vehicle crimes took place across the ward. A moped was stolen from Slade Gardens, a motorbike taken from The Nursery and there was an attempted theft of 2 motorbikes from Lincoln Road. The stolen motorbike was recovered in Bridge Road by our team. All the crimes took place during the same night. A male was arrested in Craydene Road for Failing to Appear in court on other charges. He has since been bailed to allow for further enquiries. Police officers from our team, North Heath SNT and Erith SNT have been working until midnight over the last couple of weeks doing mobile ASB (Anti-Social Behaviour) patrols across all 3 wards and there have been many groups dispersed, stopped and searched". Thamesmead East ward:- "During Halloween, a property in Maran Way had paint thrown at the front door, which cleaned off. Another property in Dalberg Way had a firework put through the letterbox, singeing the draught excluder and slight damage to the door, thankfully nobody was injured. Good news - On Thursday 31/10/19 a male, the team believe to have been responsible for the recent thefts from motor vehicles on the ward was given a 9 months prison sentence. On Tuesday 05 /11/19 PC's Pruden and Quarshie-Awuah arrested a female for failing to appear at court. At another incident, The 2 PC has also conducted four Positive stop and searches for drugs.Sunday 03/11/19 PCSO Hobbs was made aware by dog walkers of an abandoned motor vehicle on the Thames path, behind properties in Greenhaven Drive. The vehicle had been stolen. The owner, contacted by PCSO Hobbs remained with the vehicle until the owner arrived. 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". West Heath ward:- "A surprisingly quiet week on the ward in relation to reported crime. We have had no motor vehicle crimes which is fantastic news .One shed burglary in Woolwich road which took place on Wednesday October 30th at approximately midnight, a black and red hybrid pushbike was stolen from a shed. The team have been working long shifts covering both Halloween and Bonfire night this week. One arrest by officers from the team for actual bodily harm".

As mentioned at the start of this week's update, the end video is a short film from BBC London's "Inside Out" current affairs show, and an item on why seals are now coming back to live in the River Thames. Please feel free to contact me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

The camper van.

The photo above shows the marine dredger vessel the Sand Fulmar as it travelled up river past Erith, with a load of dredged seabed sand, as it was heading towards the Angerstein Wharf facility in Charlton. Angerstein Wharf is an industrial area and location of a marine construction aggregate and an associated cement facility and freight station in the Port of London, operated by the Cemex company, located on the South bank of the River Thames. The dredged sand is used in the construction industry. Erith gets a lot of passing shipping traffic, and occasionally you will see ship enthusiasts on Erith pier with their cameras and binoculars, especially when a ship of particular interest is scheduled to pass by. If you are interested in learning more about what ships are travelling up or down river, you can visit The Port of London Authority ship movement website here.

Last week the Metropolitan Police announced that they had identified and removed a debit card skimming machine from a cash machine (more properly known as an Automated Teller Machine, or ATM) in Bexley village. Where one has been found, it is highly likely that others will follow. So what exactly is a card skimming machine, and what does it do? A type of fraud which occurs when an ATM is compromised by a skimming device, a card reader which can be disguised to look like a part of the machine. The card reader saves the users' card number and pin code, which is then replicated into a counterfeit copy for theft. ATM skimming is like identity theft for debit cards: Thieves use hidden electronics to steal the personal information stored on your card and record your PIN number to withdraw cash or they illegally copy your account details from the chip or magnetic strip on your credit or debit card when you use an ATM. The fraudster then uses your details to create a fake or ‘cloned’ card to withdraw money from any ATM. The fraud requires two pieces of information, and they have to be gathered separately.  Firstly the scammer needs the card ID details, which used to be stored on the cards magnetic strip, but nowadays in most countries (including the UK) are more commonly stored on the card's embedded chip. A card reader placed over the ATM's real card slot. When you slide your card into the ATM, you are unwittingly sliding it through the counterfeit reader, which scans and stores all the information on the chip. However, to gain full access to your bank account on an ATM, the thieves still need your PIN number. That is where cameras come in - hidden on or near the ATM, tiny spy cameras are positioned to get a clear view of the keypad and record all the ATM's PIN action. The Police advise that users always pay attention to objects mounted on the ATM or located close by. A pinhole or off-colour piece of plastic could give away the camera's hiding place. Some ATM skimming schemes employ fake keypads in lieu of cameras to capture PIN numbers. Just like the card skimmers fit over the ATM's true card slot, skimming keypads are designed to mimic the keypad's design and fit over it like a glove. Be warned.

Bexley Council recently sold off the small green space / park in West Street Erith to a developer. Compared with some of the other open spaces sold off by the council, the West Street site did not raise a lot of objections, I presume as the main users of the small park are street drinkers and people engaging in anti social behaviour. On Monday, some technicians were seen in the park, along with a couple of vans and some towed equipment. At the time of writing the vans and the towed equipment is still on the site. They were carrying out a geological survey of the park, presumably prior to a developer submitting plans to redevelop the site. If you have any detailed information regarding this, please let me know. 

Thank you to the readers who answered my request last week for information about the mysterious old camper van that had been parked outside of the front entrance of Erith Hospital for a number of weeks. I had four people respond with valuable information, and one source, who wishes to remain anonymous was able to supply me with some very detailed and helpful information, which they sent me in a series of Emails on Monday morning. They wrote:- "You'll be happy to know this person has gone. Unfortunately he left behind his human waste. It seems he was just living there, it has been reported to police several times, the council also got told, as did DVLA more than once, it was without tax, MOT and insurance. I believe he was just using it as a base, as they had another van (never there during the day) that would park up and he would sleep in the RV at night. So, mystery solved. In total I believe he lived there for 6 weeks. He has been known to live in a car park in Thamesmead for up to 9 months! I first reported the vehicle to police when I did a search on the internet and found out the RV was without Tax and MOT, the same with his other white van, I reported both to DVLA and nothing much was done, so I called the police, when I did I was told he was the same with other locations, he moves place to place and it seems he only moves when people or himself can't stand the smell! He lets his waste pile up under the RV, it's extremely obvious what it is. The police told me it's known and is uninsured. 2 weeks then passed and still nothing had been done apart from a letter being sent to the home address the RV was associated with, asking for him to tax and MOT the vehicle. Other neighbours complained to all the same places too. My final call was last week, back to the council and they put me through to environmental health, they couldn't do anything. Yesterday while the sun was shining, my son who is 11 was out playing on his bike, he came in and said to my husband "there's a really bad smell coming from that RV, what is it?" Confused, husband went and looked and said it had completely over spilled. I got worried knowing that it's outside a hospital, a doctors surgery as well as the primary school down the road, everyone is at a risk, I was going to call and demand something happen to it today, but I woke up this morning and it made our Monday morning SO HAPPY, seeing he had finally left! Hopefully he won't return. Especially as we now know what we will be in for. When I left home this morning, a road cleaner happened to be driving down, I got so excited, I asked he use his machine to go over that corner where all his "left overs" are, he said he will do his best!" Great news, and thanks to the anonymous reader who also provided the covertly taken photo above of the camper van preparing to leave late on Sunday evening. I know some readers think that somehow I know everything that is going on in the local area, but this could not be further from the truth; I rely on information from readers. Any information on newsworthy issues will always be credited to those who supply it, unless you would rather be anonymous, as the camper van source above has chosen to do. You can contact me in complete confidence by Emailing me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

For many years the former Belvoir Tavern next to Belvedere Station - which was once known as "Belvedere's fighting pub" has lain empty and unused. Efforts to convert it into an African restaurant and night club were thwarted after the place lost its licence in 2010 after a series of pitched battles between rival drugs gangs from Peckham and Deptford which took place both inside the restaurant and in the street outside; on a number of occasions over a hundred people were involved. Shortly after the loss of licence, there was a mysterious fire which destroyed the upper floor of the building; indeed for many months the building was open to the elements, as the roof had been almost completely destroyed. Eventually the insurance paid up, and a new roof was installed and the building repaired. As far as I am aware it has been used as a residential dwelling since, and the bar area has been boarded up and unused. Now the building is due to be demolished after it has been acquired by Christ Chapel Ministries - a church which has been based in Charlton. The church plan to build a two-storey building with two hundred seats on the ground floor, along with a mother and baby room, and one hundred seats on the first floor with associated offices. Five car parking spaces, one disabled parking bay, and five cycle parking spaces are also set to be provided. Whilst it will be good to get the site put to some use after being mostly unused for the best part of a decade, I am aware that some locals have concerns over noise and parking congestion once the new building is open to users. I also wonder how the new Church building will fit in with Bexley council's long term plans for Lower Belvedere, and their desire to have a brand new town centre adjacent to the railway. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

A message from The Exchange, the not for profit group who are restoring the old Carnegie Library in Walnut Tree Road, Erith:- "To celebrate The Old Library’s 113th year we are hosting an anniversary weekend on 6th-7th April! There will be a whole host of activities including a party, embroidery and textiles master classes and tile-making. To celebrate The Old Library’s 113th year we are hosting an anniversary weekend on 6th-7th April! Entertainment will include music from eight-man brass band Don’t Problem". For further information on this, and other events taking place in the former library, please click here.

You may recall that last week in the section of the Blog update dedicated to the Neighbourhood Watch reports I mentioned that one particular observation by a Neighbourhood Watch member who saw some suspicious activity in the Erith Pier Gardens / Wharfside Close whilst he was approaching his parked car. I am now able to expand and explain what the person saw. The individual, who chooses to remain anonymous, wrote to me with the following account:- "A rather peculiar event occurred near Erith Pier Tuesday night I thought your audience would be interested to read. As I approached Morrison's car park I spotted a man in a high-vis jacket apparently setting fire to documents and other paraphernalia just off Wharfside close. This went on for quite some time as he gathered more materials from the back of his old vehicle, walking casually back and forth. I became particularly alarmed when he pulled what appeared to be a Jerry can at which point I thought it best to call the fire brigade just in case it escalated to something more serious. I'm unsure of what he was trying to achieve, or why he would do it in such a high trafficked area - nothing particularly jumped out at me for a justification. I have to say this is one of the more unusual events I've experienced in north-Erith. I have attached a video still I took, hopefully they can frame the scene for you". Thanks to the anonymous contributor; the event was certainly concerning, and it makes one wonder about the mental state of the person setting the fire only a few metres away from residential housing.

Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly from Barnehurst ward:- "Good news, no burglaries to report on Barnehurst Ward. There have been two theft of motor vehicles. The first one occurred on Thursday 21/03/2019 between the hours of 07.00pm and 09.00pm in Hurstwood Avenue however Police spotted this bike being wheeled out of a property in Belvedere and subsequently seized the vehicle to return to its original owner. On Saturday 23/03/2019 in Pennine Way a white Ford Transit registration number YR57 JZM was stolen. Also reported was a theft from motor vehicle in Midfield Avenue on Monday 18/03/2019 which occurred overnight. Tools and a bunch of keys were taken from the vehicle. On Thursday 4th April 2019 at 4.00pm in Barnehurst Golf Club we will be holding a community contact session. We are keen for residents to come along to hear about what we do day to day on the ward and would like to encourage residents to join our ward panel meetings. The team will be happy to explain what this meeting entails should anyone be interested". Belvedere ward:- "On Thursday 21/03/2019 the team discovered a house had been broken into on Getrude Road. The rear door glass had been smashed and entry gained. An untidy search had taken place with drawers pulled out. The occupants were on holiday at the time. We have had reports from B and Q and ASDA about a group of youths causing a nuisance inside and in the car park of both stores. It seems like the youths are one and the same judging by CCTV images. We have managed to catch up with five of the youths. They were searched as it was suggested that one of them may be carrying a weapon. No weapons were found. The others are still being a nuisance. We are trying to time our patrols to catch these annoyances. If anyone has issues in either store please either contact the security teams in each or call Police on 101. A motorbike was stolen from an address in Caldy road on Monday 25/03/2019. The motorbike was found the following day by Erith SNT in Church Manorway and reunited with its owner. Our next Community Contact Session will be on Wednesday 10/04/2019 at 13:00 inside Starbucks, Clydesdale Way". Bexleyheath ward:- "We have had one residential burglaries on the Ward this week, in Leysdown Avenue, Bexleyheath, where tools were stolen from a shed at the bottom of the garden. the suspects were disturbed and dropped the tools nearby as they ran off. Please see the link below regarding keeping sheds or garages secure. https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/non-residential-burglary/secure-shed-garage/ . We had a vehicle stolen in Heathfield Road, where a staff member took a vehicle without company permission. The driver was arrested for drink driving, no insurance and taking a vehicle without permission. We had a theft from Motor vehicle in Long Lane, where number plates were stolen from the rear of the vehicle. Some good news, a vehicle was reported stolen from outside an address in Belvedere Road the owner then contacted police stating they had found the vehicle parked in a street nearby, they had forget where they had parked the vehicle. There was a GBH in Christie Close, where male had a single stab wound to his leg, no suspects have been identified for this as yet. A young man was dealt with for possession offensive weapon, where he was arrested after a fight, the male was seen to be swinging a belt during the fight. The Premier Inn and cinema car parks continue to be an issue with youths causing damage and smoking cannabis, the team take a robust approach in the area and this week there has been at least (10) ten stop and searches for cannabis and article to cause criminal damage. Smart Water - the team has been in Wenvoe Road offering residents Smart Water property marking kits, this area recently suffered from a spate of shed burglaries. Two males have been arrested in connection with these burglaries". Crayford ward:- "This seems to have been a week for criminal damage to motor vehicles for which there seems to be no obvious reason. On Tuesday 19th March between 07.35 and 17.30 the window of a vehicle was smashed whilst parked in Old Road close to St Josephs primary school. On Thursday 20th march between 18.50 and 19.10 all the windows of a vehicle were smashed whilst parked in Bexley Lane. On Saturday 23rd March between 11.00-14.30 a vehicle had “bulls eye” damage to the windscreen whilst parked in the underground car park at Town Hall Square. The front off-side window was smashed and the driver's door forced open on a silver Ford Puma whilst parked at Woodfall Drive. On Tuesday 26th March at approx. 20.00 masked Males were seen trying to gain access to a black BMW X5 whilst it was parked at Alcock Crescent, they were disturbed so their intention is not known. Front and rear number plates were stolen from a Fiat Jet whilst parked at Church Hill between 15.00 on 22nd March and 13.00 on Sunday 24th March. A catalytic converter was stolen from a Honda whilst parked outside Miller and Carter at Bourne Road during the daytime of 25th March. A white Seat Leon with the number plate KR68HKJ was stolen between 18.00 on Thursday 21st March and 10.00 on Friday 22nd March whilst parked in Burgate Close, the vehicle was believed to be locked and secure. Between 18.00 on Monday 18th March and 07.00 on Tuesday 19th March a large quantity of building materials were stolen from 94 London Road. An attempted burglary occurred at Lea Vale, date unclear, the owner had difficulty opening and locking the front door and believed it had been tampered with. It is believed that entry was made to a flat at Keats House in Bexley Lane through an open window, nothing stolen or disturbed on 19th March. We will be at the Age Concern meeting at Crayford Library on Friday 5th April between 11.30-12.30 giving some crime prevention advice".

Erith ward:- "Good news - A Stolen motorbike recovered from Erith industrial estate (image above) and owner has been informed. Our next Community Contact Session is Friday 29th March, 2pm at Costa coffee Erith. Around the Sandcliff Road area we have had 2 burglaries and one attempted, all where from gaining access from rear alley way through the garden in to the house – you can make your house a lot more secure by having a motion light solid back fences or even cctv, you do not have to spend a load of money, have a walk around your garden and try to spot any weak points. We are always happy to come around to anyone's house and offer security advice, just contact via email - erith.snt@met.police.uk" Northumberland Heath ward:- "Good news this week no burglaries have been reported to us. One report of criminal damage to a motor vehicle in Mill Road at 2am on the morning of Sunday March 24th. The vehicle was driving in Mill Road when the car was approached by a group of males, believed to be drunk. One of the males kicked the wing mirror and a bottle was thrown at the vehicle causing damage to the windscreen. The team assisted with immigration and environmental officers with a warrant at Darent Industrial Estate this week. Arrests were made for immigration offences. A metal structure has been fixed to a wall in Northumberland Heath Recreation Ground. This specific area has been a hotspot for drug and ASB crime for years and its hoped the structure will help in deterring large groups from using this area as meeting place. This is just one tool which may help deter this issue as we have already had CCTV in the area and increased patrols and stop and search here".  Slade Green and Northend ward:- "One crime of note in the last week was in Canterbury House, Boundary Street. The whole estate is pretty much empty as re-development starts very soon but over the weekend suspects gained entry to Canterbury House and took old piping and wiring from 60 of the 70 flats inside. We are working closely with Orbit Housing to try and identify anyone involved and to prevent the other blocks from being targeted before the building work commences. 3 positive stop and searches in the last week resulting in drugs being confiscated plus 2 Community resolutions issued and 1 is due back for interview soon. A knife was found close to the garages at the back of Alexandra Road and handed to one of our officers by a resident. There is no indication that this was used in any crime but it is now safely locked away. PCSO Mark assisted PCSO Adam from Erith SNT in recovering a stolen motorbike found in bushes on the Thames pathway at the rear of Tesco.Com in Erith. The bike has been taken to be forensicated (I guess this must be Police speak, as I have never heard of the word until now) before being reunited with its owner. PC James and PCSO Mark have given a personal safety talk at Inspire Community Trust in Whitehall Lane which is a day care centre for people with disabilities. 20 or so attendees enjoyed the talk and were given some tips on how to keep their belongings safe as well as themselves. If you would like a copy of the Little Book of Big Scams which has advice on all these matters, please let us know. PC James arrested a male in Frobisher Road on Weds evening who was in possession of a large quantity of drugs. He was later charged with possession with intent to supply (PWITS). Our next Community Contact Session is on Saturday April 6th from 9.30 in the café in Forest Road". Thamesmead East ward:- "Good News - The male who was awaiting sentencing for criminal Damage and Public order offence last week has been given a Community Order for 12 months- unpaid work for 80 hours, to pay the total of £300 costs to Crime Prevention Service and £85 to Victim Services. No Burglaries this week. Crimes This Week - Theft of Motor Vehicle: Mangold Way Wednesday 20/3/19 between 5pm and 9am Victim stated the vehicle was stolen and she no longer has the keys no further information; Criminal Damage to Motor Vehicle: Southmere Drive. Tuesday 19/3/19 between 10pm - 6:45pm Wednesday 20/3/19 victim believes someone has deflated car tyre; Criminal Damage to Motor Vehicle: Seacourt Road Saturday 23/3/19 between 3pm – 1pm Sunday 24/3/19 scratches surrounding the entirety of victims car causing significant damage to the paintwork; Arson to Motor Vehicle: Mangold Way Saturday 23/3/19 between 5pm – 1am Sunday 24/3/19 Victim informed by the fire brigade that vehicle was set alight deliberately by suspect/s unknown; Theft from Motor Vehicle: Lensbury Way Tuesday 26/3/19 between 11:30am – 2:35 pm. Suspect/s have cut part of the exhaust system from vehicle victims Catalytic Converter removed".  West Heath ward:- "We are very pleased to say we have had no reported burglaries and only one theft of a hand power tool from a van in First Avenue overnight Monday 25th to Tuesday 26th March between 8pm and 11am. If you would like a copy of our DIY Home Security Survey please email us on westheath.SNT@met.police.uk or call on 020 8721 2885. Further crime prevention advice is available on https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention. We held a street briefing in Heath Avenue at the junction with Marley Avenue where the issues raised were drug dealing from vehicles late at night, off road bikes in West Heath Recreation Ground during school holidays and the large volume of learner drivers in the area".

The end video this week features a family who have recently moved into one of the large houses on the new Erith Quarry housing estate. Please feel free to leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

The Nuxley Navigator ends.

Recently I was talking to someone who was visiting Erith from Charlton. I showed her around the Erith Riverside Gardens, and the view of the River Thames. She remarked that it was amazing that more people were not aware of the gardens and the stunning horizon to horizon views that can be seen. I feel that the river is an under used asset locally. More on this subject further on in this weeks update. Who says I don't plan these things?

It has been brought to my attention by a reader that the long - ailing News Shopper local paper and website may be under new difficulties. The News Shopper is part of a larger media group called NewsQuest, which is in turn part of an American owned media corporation called Gannett. News has recently broken that Gannett is in talks with a rival media group called MNG Enterprises about a possible takeover. In a report in the Press Gazette, a spokesperson from the National Union of Journalists was quoted as stating that gannett was:- "being pursued by the most predatory of vulture capitalist corporate raiders who are far distant from the needs and responsibilities of a modern media company”. Gannett owns USA Today and hundreds of local newspapers in the US, as well as Newsquest, which is the UK’s second largest regional publisher and has been expanding its portfolio in the past year. Newsquest’s daily titles include the Herald titles and The National in Scotland, the News and Star in Cumbria, the Northern Echo, Bournemouth Daily Echo, Oxford Mail, and Isle of Wight County Press. It also owns a number of local weekly newspaper series in London, including the News Shopper and Bexley Times. MNG is owned by New York hedge fund Alden Global Capital. It publishes about 200 newspapers in the US including the Denver Post, Boston Herald and San Jose Mercury News. Federica Bedendo, of the National Union of journalists said:- "The the union is really concerned about what the potential acquisition would mean for local newspapers in the UK. Journalists within Newsquest already think this company has hit rock bottom and the prospect of being acquired by an organisation that’s renowned for cost cutting and job slashing isn’t going to do anything to benefit our titles or indeed our working conditions. We already operate on a shoe-string, morale is at an all-time low, stress levels are through the roof and we lose more and more talent each day due to the way that Newsquest operates. What angers us most is that Newsquest is financially in a very enviable position compared to other publishers, yet its top bosses seem to be prepared to do anything for profit. NUJ members are being driven away from the newspaper industry by these money-chasing operations.” What do you think? Do you have any insight into what is going on? Please feel free to Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com in complete confidence if you have some inside information. 

I have an apology to make to the person who sent me an Email on Friday afternoon with a follow - up query to the piece I wrote last week about the Violet Club nuclear weapons which were constructed at Woolwich Arsenal in the 1950's. I have accidentally deleted your Email - could you please resend it and I will get back to you? In my defence I get well in excess of 120 Emails each and every day, and on rare occasions mistakes such as inadvertently deleting a valued message can, and do occur.

You may recall that back in November 2017, I wrote a piece about a new private bus service which was then about to commence. The service was aimed at residents of parts of Upper Belvedere, Northumberland Heath and Erith. The bus service was to operate on weekdays only, and run between Harrow Manorway outside of Abbey Wood Station, and Carlton Road in Northumberland Heath. The service was somewhat inappropriately called The Nuxley Navigator - as previously covered, "Nuxley Village" does not exist - it is properly named Belvedere Village, or Nuxley Road, Upper Belvedere. The roads that the new private bus service covered were as follows:- Towards Abbey Wood Station (mornings only) - Carlton Road, Brook Street, Parsonage Manorway, Swaylands Road, Matfield Road, Stream Way, Bedonwell Road, Orchard Avenue, Bedonwell Road, Glenview, West Heath Road, Brampton Road, Knee Hill, Harrow Manorway. Towards Erith (afternoons only) - Harrow Manorway, Knee Hill, Brampton Road, West Heath Road, Glenview, Bedonwell Road, Orchard Avenue, Bedonwell Road, Stream Way Matfield Road, Swaylands Road, Parsonage Manorway, Brook Street, and Carlton Road. The Crossrail service which was meant to be opening at Abbey Wood Station at the end of 2018, and many of the roads covered by The Nuxley Navigator were not covered by any existing bus service. The Nuxley Navigator featured a reserved seat and, in London, standard rides were £2.40, though the introductory price was £1.60. A standard bus fare is £1.50. Chariot was supposed to work by being pre-bookable but with predetermined stops, similar to a bus route. The real reason for the service was to connect the Erith Quarry housing development with Abbey Wood Station. The developers of Erith Quarry are aiming the new development primarily at second or third time buyers who want larger, family sized houses - for people who intend to "put down roots" in the area. In order to attract middle class professional people into the local area, they needed so show that there were good commuting connections into London - something that The London Borough of Bexley has historically lacked. The fact that we have no DLR or Tube services in the Borough has been a factor that has discouraged some people from moving into the area. Providing a purpose built mini bus link between the Erith Quarry site and Abbey Wood Station was supposed do much to convince people that they should move into the area, as housing is significantly cheaper than in other parts of London, and the commuting issue was intended to be at least partially answered by The Nuxley Navigator - even if the name of the new bus service was inaccurate. Fellow local Blogger and "proper" journalist Darryl Chamberlain of the excellent 853 Blog has broken a story which I am using with his full permission. Darryl discovered that Chariot - the company behind both the Nuxley Navigator and the Shooters Hill Shot private bus services is to pull out of the market on Friday the 25th of January. Back in October I reported that:- "The problem has been that 1) Crossrail has been significantly delayed, 2) Erith Quarry has not yet opened, and 3) there is very little local awareness of the private bus service. On top of this, it is a bookable service, not a "hop on, hop off" service as per a normal bus ride. Lastly the service can only be booked via a mobile phone app, and one cannot use Oyster cards. The lack of passengers on the Nuxley Navigator is, I am led to believe, causing the operator, Chariot, and their sponsor, Ford to consider closing the service". My prediction turned out to be totally correct, and the service to to close before the end of the month. I have had reports from readers that The Nuxley Navigator was a very patchy service, with often only one mini bus on the entire route, and very few people used it - a local source (who wants to remain anonymous) told me that she had seen people trying to use their Oyster card on the service, and being annoyed when they could not. I feel that Chariot - and their sponsors car and van producers Ford - have really dropped the ball with this one. The announcement on the Chariot US website reads:- "Today, we have important news to share about Chariot services. Following significant consideration, we have decided to close the Chariot operation. Friday, January 25th is the last day we will offer service on commuter routes in the U.K., and Friday, February 1 will be the last day we will offer service on our commuter routes in the U.S. We will cease all operations across the US and in the UK by the end of March. In today’s mobility landscape, the wants and needs of customers and cities are changing rapidly. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause Chariot’s riders and our enterprise customers. We are committed to ensuring our customers are aware of the decision and have time to make alternative transportation arrangements. We are truly grateful to our commuters, enterprise customers, and partners for your support over the past five years. Chariot was built on a commitment to help reduce congestion, ease the commute and improve quality of life in cities, and since our start, we have provided our customers with more than 3 million rides. In addition, we helped Ford build their mobility business, and their experience with Chariot continues to inform their mobility efforts and design decisions for the future. In addition to our customers, our priority during this transition is to ensure we support our employees. We are thankful for their hard work and dedication to bringing Chariot to where it is today". No doubt once - eventually - Crossrail / The Elizabeth Line opens, and the Erith Quarry development is fully up and running with residents, some other transport operator will take over the route, when there is actually a chance of attracting paying customers to it. The whole Nuxley Navigator / Shooters Hill Shot project has been an utter shambles. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Another transport related story; work has begun to increase the number of Thames Clipper ferry terminals on the River Thames. A new terminal is being constructed at Silvertown, on the North banks of the Thames - by the end of this year a derelict jetty will be replaced by a 427ft public promenade stretching far out across the river, with a cantilevered timber roof and a public viewing deck, as well as docking stations for Thames Clipper boats offering services to Canary Wharf in 14 minutes. Journeys to London Bridge will take 26 minutes, while Waterloo will take 34 minutes. Silvertown is already served by Pontoon Dock DLR station, but for many commuters a short boat trip is a welcome alternative to starting the day on a packed train. What this will mean for the long proposed use of Erith Pier as a stop for the Thames Clipper service is currently unclear. Back in September 2017 MBNA Thames Clippers carried out series of test voyages into London from Gravesend and back. Public reaction to the experimental service was extremely positive, and the CEO of the Clipper company, Sean Collins said in an interview at that time:- "The trial has been a total success so far, passengers have been asking a lot of questions to find out when a permanent service could be up and running and how much it will cost. These questions are the reason we are running this trial, I set up this company 18 years ago, and two years later people were asking me about a Gravesend service, the only reason we haven’t done anything sooner is because we’ve been working on other projects across London. We need to set out a full business case, it could take up to two years to start up a service, it would be great to see it stop at other places, such as Erith, Greenhithe, Dagenham and Thurrock." Since September 2017 things have been very quiet, and no official announcements have been made. In the intervening period, some questions have been asked about the practicalities of running a service from Erith Pier. As previously mentioned Erith Pier does not project straight out into the river, in the way that for example Southend Pier juts out into the Thames Estuary. Instead a majority of its length is in a "dog leg` that runs parallel to the shore line. There is also a short spur that projects out to the left side of the main part of the pier. The spur is where I am of the opinion any free floating pontoon would need to be located. Whilst the central channel of the River Thames at Erith is more than sufficiently deep for large ocean going vessels to navigate, the sides of the river are actually rather shallow, and dry out at low tide. A free floating pontoon would enable a Thames Clipper ferry to dock despite a low tide. It would require some extensive alterations and re - engineering of the pier spur. I know that Morrison's supermarket - who own the pier, are not keen on it being used as a ferry terminal, as they don't want commuters using their supermarket car park, but if enough pressure comes to bear from local government, Transport For London, The Mayor of London's office and our local MP, Teresa Pearce (who has backed the use of Erith Pier for a ferry service for a very long time), then things may happen. Bearing in mind the growth of Erith as a residential area, and the relative paucity of public transport links into central London that currently exist, it would seem to me that a regular ferry service to and from London is a "no brainer". What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Local resident Doreen Ives has submitted the following story:- "Vet's Club Scrabble group. We had a very successful first meeting of our Scrabble group on Friday 11th January. Everyone who came along enjoyed the challenge of the games and the jovial company.  If you like playing this stimulating board game then you are very welcome to join us. The group meet at the Veterans Club in Park Crescent just behind Christ Church Hall. Parking is easy so no worries there. To be a member of the Veterans Club will cost you £20 a year and you then have access to participating in all the many leisure activities on offer there, for a charge of £1.50 per session. Alternatively you can participate in activities as a non-member at a charge of £2.50 per session. At the Scrabble group we have tea/coffee and biscuits halfway through the two hour session, all included in your fee.  The next session is on Friday 8th February 2pm-4pm". 

Last week the results of an extensive survey were published, and the results make for somewhat disturbing reading. Three quarters of US Facebook users unaware their online behaviour gets tracked; whilst the survey covers Facebook users in the US and not the UK, I think that the UK results would be very similar, if not almost identical. The US survey found that most Facebook users have no idea that the advertising business compiles data profiles of their online activities and interests, according to research conducted by the non-profit Pew Research Center. That is not altogether surprising given that Facebook appeals to people disinclined to concern themselves with the minutiae of digital technology, which is to say most people. It is worth recalling that a decade ago, Google representatives stopped people on the street in New York City to ask "What's a web browser?" and almost no one could answer correctly. The finding nonetheless underscores the privacy cost, unrecognised though it may be, of relying on an ad platform for media and messages rather than wrestling with the complexity of self-administered communications software. After surveying 963 US adults last year between September 4th to October 1st, Pew researchers found that 74 per cent of Facebook users said they were unaware the social advertising business tracks their traits and interests. Facebook makes such data available to users through the "Your ad preferences" page, but about half of the survey respondents didn't like what they saw once they were made aware of their data trail. Fifty-one per cent of those surveyed said they were not comfortable with Facebook compiling this information. It seems doubtful however such unease will translate into account cancellation. Expressing discomfort in a survey is easy and doesn't necessarily correlate with willingness to abandon Facebook. A study published late last year found "the average Facebook user would require more than $1,000 to deactivate their account for one year." The Pew survey says 88 per cent of Facebook users found data about themselves in their advertising preferences page. Of these individuals, 59 per cent said the data reflected actual interests while 27 per cent said the data either partially or fully misrepresents them. The disconnect between Facebook's categorisations of people and the way they see themselves is also evident in the context of the political designations and racial/ethnic "affinities" the social data business applies to users. About half of survey respondents had been assigned a political label by Facebook. Of those labeled liberal, conservative, or moderate, 73 per cent agreed with their designation while 27 per cent said assigned political classification was not accurate. Reports of misclassification came more frequently from self-described moderates (36 per cent) than they did from those calling themselves liberals (20 per cent) or conservatives (25 per cent). What the results would be in the UK are unclear, but I strongly suspect that they would be very similar. It seems that worldwide, many Facebook users either don't know about the fact that the giant corporation extracts information about them, or that they plain just don't care. 

An article by guest contributor and transport enthusiast Dana Wiffen. Dana writes:- "Here is short piece on the double decker train, with a good news update and 2 photos, some Erith commuters might remember seeing this train normally on platform 2 or 3 of Charing Cross Station at around 6pm. I travelled on it many times between 1970/71 when it was removed from service. This experimental EMU (electric double decker train) came into service in 1949 running on the Dartford to Charing Cross line mainly on the Bexleyheath Line. Two sets of 8 cars were built and their seating capacity was 552, really a split level train the half upper deck enabled additional passengers to sit but with no door and poor ventilation as the small upstairs windows did not open, there were not popular especially in the summer. Following an attack on a woman that was kept in the upper section by the attacker, a female only carriage was introduced on the service to reassure female travellers. With additional weight, height and poor cornering these handsome looking trains managed to be kept in service until 1971, sadly only 2 carriages survive today they seem to have been left and not restored by the owners as heritage railways are  reluctant to take them for use as passenger carriages because of the additional weight and height. The photos above show an old picture of the double decker train in service (courtesy of John Kennett) while the other photograph (courtesy of Keith Littlewood) shows one of the two remaining carriages no 13004  in poor condition at the Northampton and Lamport Railway in 1994, it has since been moved to the Northampton Ironside Railway. This is one of only the two cars that survive today the other 13003 is in sidings at Sellinge in Kent. Good News;-Bullied EMU Double Decker Train no: 13003 has recently been purchased by a group that want to restore the two remaining carriages, they are called The Bullied 4DD Group, and there aim is to start work on this train at Sellinge, Kent  as soon as possible, where it has been in a siding since 1999. They will continue to try and purchase 13004 from the owner, their attempts so far have been unsuccessful" Fascinating stuff; In addition, I gather that the ventilation of the upper deck was by constantly running electric fans, as the windows couldn't be opened. The train was higher than other trains so care had to be taken which routes to use it on. The Dartford routes were ideal and no alteration had to be made to the  track and bridges. Bearing in mind many people smoked on trains back then, the fug on the upper deck must have been terrible, especially in summer. The other problems with the double decker train was that the seats were cramped, hard and uncomfortable, and the time taken to get on and off the double decker carriages was significantly longer than with a conventional train. Other European countries successfully deploy double decker trains, but they are fully air conditioned, there is no smoking, and comfort is considerably better; they also tend to be deployed on longer distance routes, rather than suburban "start and stop" journeys. 

Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly from Barnehurst ward:- "We are pleased to report there have been no burglaries for the past week however there have been three incidents of vehicle crime. On Friday 04th January 2019 there was a theft of motor vehicle in Eversley Avenue. This vehicle was stopped and recovered on the M25 after being followed by Police. Two occupants were detained, passenger was dealt with for possession of drugs and the driver dealt with for theft of motor vehicle and possession of drugs. On Friday 11th January 2019 victim returned to his vehicle to find the door ajar and a small amount of change taken. There was no damage to the vehicle. In Grassmere Road on Thursday 10th January 2019 between 10.00am and 01.00am a vehicle was broken into and photographic equipment taken. Barnehurst officers carried out a routine patrol to Cheviot Close on Wednesday 16th January 2019 and came across white Ford transit van parked and unattended in the garaged area. Police checks revealed this vehicle had been stolen from Sidcup and was therefore recovered. This area of Cheviot Close is highly patrolled by Police. The team met with the Barnehurst ward Councillor yesterday to discuss council related issues on the ward, one being the delay with the proposal from Orbit to install a bollard at the entry point to the garages in Cheviot Close, we hope this issue will be resolved soon as this will deter unwanted visitors from dumping rubbish and stolen vehicles. Barnehurst team will be at the Barnehurst Golf Club on Thursday 24th January 2019 at 11.00am. Please join us to discuss any matters of concern in and around the ward". Belvedere ward:- "We have had no burglaries reported on the ward over the past week. We had a theft of number plates from a Hyundai car on St Thomas Road overnight on the Sat 5th into the Sun 6th January. On Friday 11th, Monday 14th and Wednesday 16th the team visited St Augustine's Primary school and gave a road safety talk to years 1-5. The children were very engaging and seemed to take on board the safety message. A kitchen knife was found by the estate manager at Lesnes Abbey Woods on the 15th. The knife has been seized and will be destroyed". Bexleyheath ward:- "Below is a quick glance of the burglaries/attempted burglaries that have been reported: Sunday 13/01/2019 - Burglary at North Street Bexleyheath, garage was broken into and items taken as well as motorbikes. This was over a two day period; Monday 14/01/2019 – Burglary along Long Lane Bexleyheath. Access was via the kitchen door and entry was gained; Thursday 10/01/2019 – Attempted Burglary along Tudor Walk. Side window was smashed and the suspect was disturbed; Saturday 12/01/2019 – Rochester Drive, suspect tried to gain access to property by attacking lock. Seems to have happened overnight; Tuesday 15/01/2019 – There was a report of a theft of motor vehicle along Martin Dene; Thursday 10/01/2019 – Two suspects had tried to break a lock of a motorbike at the civic offices and they were disturbed; Wednesday 09/01/2019 – There was a report of criminal damage to motor vehicle along the Broadway; Friday 11/01/2019 – A theft from motor vehicle was reported along Rydal Drive Bexleyheath. There was a report of a theft of purse on the Broadway whilst the victim was walking along, this was on Wednesday 09/01/2019. Also in WH Smiths along the Broadway there was a report of suspects stealing money, cards and other personal items and cards being used. This was reported on the Monday 07/01/2019. A purse was also reported stolen from a bag in Primark Bexleyheath on the Wednesday 09.01/2019 at about midday; Thursday 10/01/2019 – A mobile phone was report stolen from the victims pocket whilst in the Broadway area. There was also a report of two cash machines on the Broadway at Barclays Bank, where skimming devices were used. So please be careful when using the machines, if the there is anything unusual please do not use the machine and advise others not to use and inform the bank or the Police as soon as possible. Please be careful who is around when using the machines and always shield what you type on the keypad. The team are regularly conducting targeted patrols for burglary and anti-social behaviour. Also there was stops made in the ASDA car park in Bexleyheath, this was in relation to vehicles with drives causing anti-social behaviour. The team have been delivering free smart water kits to areas of the ward that have been identified that are at a higher risk of being burgled. So far last weekend they have delivered 115 kits on the ward and more shall be delivered soon. Also it seems that youths are re-appearing along Iris Avenue causing ASB. If there is any issues, please call Police on 101 or 999 where appropriate. If you do wish to pass on information to Police then please contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111. Please do not hesitate to contact us via Twitter, Facebook, email and the ward phone". Crayford ward:- "On Monday 9th January between 21.00 - 21.30 a coke can was thrown at an address in Swale Road causing the glass in the door and to the side to be smashed. The can was retained for forensics. On Wednesday 9th January between 01.00-7.00 an iPod was stolen from within a white Citroen van whilst parked near to 160 Maiden Lane, this is the junction to Beech Walk. Between 15.40 on Tuesday 8th January and 20.10 on Wednesday 9th January a front number plate GK57 OSF was stolen from a vehicle parked at the top end of Iron Mill Lane, this plate should be on a silver Toyota Yaris. A theft from a blue Ford Transit occurred overnight between 18.00 on Wednesday 9th and 06.00 on Thursday 10th January whilst parked in Maiden Lane junction with Barnes Cray Road, the items stolen included power tools, it is not known how the vehicle was entered as no damage was done. There have been multiple incidents of shoplifting from the smaller shops in Crayford Road recently, always the same suspect, believed to be aged between 30-40 years, white male, medium build. Although small items are stolen it is having an impact on the local businesses. If you know who this person may be please let us know. Between 18.00 on Sunday 13th January and 8.30 on Monday 14th January, three tyres were deliberately slashed on a silver C180 Mercedes whilst parked in Iron Mill Lane towards Thames Road. Between Saturday 12th and Monday 14th January three large batteries were stolen from vehicles parked on the Acorn Industrial Estate. Incidentally, 32 batteries used to light up traffic lights were stolen from the rear of a white Fiat van whilst parked close to McDonalds in Crayford on Tuesday 15th January between 20.00-20.15. The suspects would have needed a vehicle to remove these items as they are the size and weight as car batteries. We will be at the Ellenor Hospice shop in Crayford Road on Wednesday 23rd January between 12.00 and 13.00 if you would like to come along to say hello or for crime prevention advice". Erith ward:- "We have our ward panel meeting this week, I will give a rundown update in next week's update. No burglaries over the last week, but a theft of and from motor vehicles is still on the rise. I have been out trying to sign up some more NHW members, at this time it looks as if I have 7 new people that are interested, their info will be passed to the NHW office as they all would like a little bit more information regarding the role". Northumberland Heath ward:- "A fairly quiet week on the ward in relation to crime. We are pleased to say that we have had no burglaries reported to us. One theft from two vehicles belonging to the same person in Beechfield Road. This took place overnight on the evening of Sunday January 13th between 11pm and 6.20am on Monday January 14th.Vehicle one was on the road outside the house, a window was forced open entry was gained but nothing was taken. The second vehicle was parked on the driveway and the rear bar was pulled off with the lock. Seats were pulled down and the plastic cowling under the steering wheel was pulled off and wires were left exposed. A child's scooter was stolen from the boot but was later found in the porch of a neighbour's house. One theft from motor vehicle in Nurstead Road again on Monday January 14th between 6.45pm and 6.40am the following morning. Some loose change was taken, and the glove compartment emptied. Last Friday the team executed a search warrant for drugs in Northumberland Heath and have continued to stop and search individuals either seen, or believed to be using drugs. Several cannabis seizures have been made over the past week. The next drop in Police surgery will be held in the Library in Mill Road next Wednesday 23rd of January at 2pm".  Slade Green and Northend ward:- "Sadly there was an aggravated burglary at 1.30pm on Wednesday 16/01 in Slade Green Road. 3 men in balaclavas and with a large knife have forced entry into an address and demanded that something was handed over. The 'something' was unknown to the scared victims and after a quick search the suspects fled into Rainbow Road. Fortunately there were no injuries. Response officers arrived quickly but an area search proved to be negative. The investigation is ongoing as to who may be involved and reassurance patrols and visits will be carried out by ourselves this week. If you have any concerns, please let us know so we can give any necessary reassurance wherever needed. Only one other crime of note to report in the last week. Criminal damage to motor vehicle occurred around 1230pm on Sunday 13/01/2019 in Canada Road whereby the victim's car was scratched and damaged. Good news: After good intelligence received from a resident, 3 stolen vehicles have been found and recovered in and around Hollywood Way in the last week. One of the vehicles had a large sword inside among other items. Investigations are underway in regards who is involved in this suspicious activity and we are working with the relevant Housing Association to get these issues stopped. Extra patrols will be ongoing on the estate and it will be flagged as a ward promise at our residents panel meeting next week. Our new watch is now up and running in Larkswood Close. We will let everyone know when any future watches are set up". Thamesmead East ward:- "Distraction Burglary - Parkway Sunday 13/1/19 between 9:10pm – 9:20pm two males have presented themselves as plain clothes police officers to gain access into the property taking a number of items; Theft - The Link Bazalgette Way Thursday 10/01/19 between 5:45pm – 6:30pm Suspect/s have entered unlocked changing room and stolen 3 mobile phones; Criminal Damage to Motor Vehicle Lensburt Way Sunday 13/1/19 between 10pm – 10:45pm. Suspect/s have snapped of both wing mirrors and bent windscreen wipers; Theft from Motor Vehicle - Parkway Thursday 10/01/19 between 6am – 615am Suspect has stolen victims vehicle registration plates; Good News - What started off as a low level noise complaint between neighbours turned into a challenging situation for the team. After conducting extensive research working with multi-safeguarding agencies the male is being given the appropriate medical help and support needed". West Heath ward:- "This week the ward has had no reported burglaries. There has been theft from motor vehicles in Gipsy Road and Lansdowne Avenue both overnight on Fri 11th - Sat12th January. The team took part in a Burglary reduction initiative with other teams from Bexleyheath delivering free Smartwater kits to residents. Smartwater is a solution used to mark property. Each bottle has a unique chemical make- up that is registered to a specific address making any stolen items traceable. The kit comes with Smartwater stickers for your windows. Smartwater is available through your Neighbourhood watch at a discounted rate and we encourage you to contact the NW office for details. We had a successful ward panel meeting on Saturday 12th January which was well attended. The new Promises for the next three months are Burglary, Motor vehicle crime and ASB around drugs. Remember you can follow us on Twitter for more frequent updates. Our next Community contact session will be on Tuesday 22nd January in Hadlow Road Welling at noon followed by Plymstock Road on 30th January at 2pm".

The end video this week features vintage photographs and film footage taken in and around Erith, Crayford, Welling and Bexleyheath, mainly in the 1950's, and is of some considerable historical interest. do give the video a look. 

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