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 Installation.

I took the photos above yesterday whilst attending the licensing and installation of Reverend Simon Archer as the Priest in Charge at All Saints Church, Belvedere, and the Commissioning of his wife Tasha Archer in the role of Anna Chaplain - which I understand is primarily a role involved with the welfare of the elderly, and those suffering from the various forms of Dementia. As you will see from the photos above (click on any for a larger version), the event was exceedingly well attended; in fact the reception, which was held after the service in the church hall was so packed at one point that movement in the hall was actually extremely difficult. Apart from local parishioners, the Bishop of Rochester and the Archdeacon of Bexley and Bromley were in attendance, as was the Mayor of Bexley, and Teresa Pearce, MP for Erith and Thamesmead. Prior to his installation in Belvedere, Simon was the Curate at Christ Church, Erith. 

Veteran readers may recall that I first talked about the forthcoming, what was then termed The London Paramount Theme Park back in October 2012. The London Paramount Theme Park was originally scheduled to open at the latest by 2020, but due to a number of factors - not least that of major partner Paramount dropping out of the project a couple of years ago, the whole affair looked like it was dead on the vine. Last week the new consortium behind the theme park - the London Resort Holding Company, announced a new partnership had been agreed with ITV as the content provider - a bit less ambitious than Paramount perhaps, but still worthy of attention. The theme park will be built on the site of the derelict quarry site at Swanscombe, which has got to be excellent news for the entire region, if not the country as a whole. The proposed site features Europe’s largest indoor water park, theatres, hotels, restaurants and all manner of themed rides, all in a site spread over approximately 110 acres in the core resort, with another 600 acres surrounding; allowing for typical British weather, over seventy percent of the attractions will be under cover. The bill (at least now, but it is bound to escalate) is estimated to be in the region of £3.2 billion, and the park will employ 27,000 people, many of them from the local area.  It will be a massive boost for the economy for the whole of North Kent and South East London. One downside - whilst a lot of ITV content will be used in the new park, along with rides and attractions based on BBC shows such as Doctor Who, one other content contributor announced last week that it soo was pulling out. Aardman Animations, the creators of Wallace and Gromit, and Shaun the Sheep said in 2015 that the deal would “bring a number of the nation’s favourite characters to the resort and introduce them to a whole new international audience”. However, last week a spokeswoman for Aardman announced that the company is “no longer involved with this project”. A spokesman for London Resort Holding Company said: “The partnerships are under continuous review and when the agreement with Aardman expired both parties decided not to renew the partnership.” The park will be a complete economic game changer for an area that will encompass a vast swathe of the South East of England. Once the park is built and running there will be all sorts of permanent jobs needed to keep the place ticking over – electricians, security, engineers, cleaners, administrators – the list is as long as your imagination. The concept is to produce an attraction so large and absorbing that it will take a visitor around three days to see everything. It seems that the planners have been very clever in their thinking; they realise that much of the new economic growth is coming from China and the Far East. They realise that tourists coming a long distance will think “we can go to Disneyland Paris and ITV London in a one – week holiday”. The planners chose Northfleet and Swanscombe, as the area has excellent road and rail connections, is only forty minutes or so by rail from the coast, and is on the rail route to London. It also helps that the land in and around Northfleet and Swanscombe is dirt cheap brown field stuff that would be excellent for a change of use as a theme park. According to the London Resort Holding Company (the organisation behind the project, now in conjunction with ITV) want to present a very British feeling amusement park experience – they are not trying to emulate Disney, rather to make something with a unique and British identity. I would imagine the success of the Harry Potter Experience may well have stimulated this approach, though the Potter park will be miniscule in comparison with the ITV London site. The London Resort Holding Company team did not select Swanscombe / Northfleet for its new theme park on the ground of aesthetics (the place is full of old gravel pits, and is currently somewhat of an eyesore).  They chose it as the area has excellent road and rail connections, is only forty minutes or so by rail from the coast, and is on the rail route to London. It also helps that the land in and around Northfleet and Swanscombe is dirt cheap brown field stuff that would be excellent for a change of use as a theme park. People who complain about the potential traffic congestion that a large influx of new residents will do to North Kent should consider the huge number or well paid, permanent jobs the developments will bring – initially in construction and associated support services (the builders will need to eat, for example) and later all manner of trades and professions will be required to run the theme park. When I mentioned this to one local a few weeks ago, I got the response “But I don’t want to work in a furry character suit!” The reality will be that whilst suitable individuals will be required to dress up in character costumes, these will in a tiny minority. Most of the jobs involved in running a theme park are in areas like facilities – cleaners, repair engineers, project managers, electricians, administrators, security and the like – and these will no doubt have a wide appeal. The ITV London Park and the Ebbsfleet garden city will, if properly developed and run, be a huge benefit to the entire region in terms of economic activity. The one thing that does concern me over the town will be the price of property – if it is too high, the whole project could wither on the branch. Local workers at the theme park and surrounding businesses are likely to be on the low to middle incomes; there is no point in having half million pound homes in the town, if the average wage is in the region of £20 - £30K range. Developers will need to be realistic regarding their target market for this to work. Other parts of the country need the same, but the spur to building a new town is the availability of work for those that are going to live there – this is where Ebbsfleet / Northfleet / Swanscombe win out. The place is in the right spot at the right time. The project planners conservatively estimate that the park would attract around ten million visitors in the first year, and around fifteen million a year by the fifth, when there are more rides on offer. By way of comparison, Thorpe Park pulls in about two and a half million visitors a year. On top of the money visitors will bring into the region, there are the aforementioned new jobs that will result both directly and indirectly from the park. It is estimated the beneficial financial impact of the park will stretch from Greenwich to Dover, with thousands of permanent jobs being created both in the park itself, and in industries that service both the park, and the park workers themselves. The down side to the project is the loss of Paramount, and the on boarding of ITV has affected the project plan to a pretty dramatic extent. The earliest the new park will now open is 2024, and that date is dependent on construction beginning at the start of 2021, and I suspect that this date will be about as accurate as the originally announced date for the opening of the Crossrail project. 

The 14th annual Bexley Beer Festival is taking place at the Dartfordians Community Sports Club War Memorial Club House, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent, DA5 1LW. It will be open on Thursday 9th May 2019 2pm-11pm, Friday 10th May 2019 11am-11pm, and Saturday 11th May 2019 11am-9pm. I hope to attend on the Friday, which is usually the busiest of the three days. The lower of the two images above shows the beer list for the festival - click on it to see a larger version.

Now, in an attempt for the Maggot Sandwich to be open, inclusive and neutral in reporting as possible, you can see the beer list above for the alternative Bexleyheath Beer Festival, which is being hosted at the Kentish Belle micro pub in Bexleyheath over the same weekend as the more established Bexley Beer Festival. I have had Emails from several readers with various opinions on the relationship between the Kentish Belle landlord Nick Hair, and Bexley CAMRA, which I am not going to go into here. Suffice to say that I refuse to get dragged into the disagreement. I wish to remain balanced and objective in my reporting. 

Following the Erith public space improvement public consultation, which I covered last week, Some output from both that event, and research carried out both by Bexley Council staff, and also by a couple of external consulting organisations has resulted in some initial conclusions, which I reproduce below for your information:- "Town centre users, business and stakeholders were asked about their ideas and priorities for improvement. Improving the retail offering topped the list (30 percent), followed by public realm improvements (28 percent), enhancing the connection with the riverside and regeneration (both 20 percent); and improving the culture and leisure offering (including restaurant and cafés). This feedback, combined with the wider evidence has led to the selection of the below key themes and suggested actions. The key themes for action arising from this vision are set out below: - Erith currently has limited place recognition and many people are unaware of its many strengths, including its interesting heritage and riverside assets. The Council, using its Greater Erith brand has been working to change this – and this brand is becoming associated with positive regeneration projects such as the Carnegie Building refurbishment and community events such as the Pier Festival. There are also a number of businesses and organisations operating locally which have an interesting marketing Erith to residents and visitors. However, there is a need for coordination of marketing efforts to ensure consistency of message and more efficient use of available resources. Part of place marketing is also to develop an inward investment pack to proactively market Erith to potential new occupiers to help deliver the improved offering demanded by town centre users. Accessibility and way finding – Linked to place marketing, the first view that many people have of Erith is from the A206 (Fish) Roundabout, which is not perceived by stakeholders to create a welcoming and attractive feel. Perceptions around way finding and signage have deteriorated since 2013. This needs to be addressed through both a review and rationalisation of the signage and improving the legibility for those who want to access the town centre by foot, bicycle and car. Work has already started on this aspect through the Erith Links project – which will improve linkages between the station and the town centre. Leisure and evening economy – In the town centre user survey Erith did not have any positive scores for the evening economy offer – and in fact the offer is extremely limited at present. Footfall data shows that there are very few visits to the town centre after the shopping centre closes at 5.30 (weekdays and Saturday). Whilst there are a number of takeaway outlets, a pub and a couple of restaurants, there is a distinct lack of diversity in the evening economy and the leisure offer more generally. Therefore there need to be short and long term measures to encourage a wider range of appropriate food and beverage and other leisure operators to locate in Erith – to build a more sustainable evening economy.  Events and markets – Linked to the Leisure and Evening Economy theme is the need to build a regular programme of special events to attract a diverse audience. These events can be used as a test trading environment for new businesses, and as trailblazers for new concepts, such as the London Borough of Bexley Town Centres Strategy - Erith Summary (Draft), Erith Lighthouse and Erith Kitchen events, which have demonstrated that there is a demand for evening food options in Erith. The first Erith Pier Festival was held in September 2018 and it is believed that this, and other events, could be developed in future to have a London-wide draw. Responses show that people miss the Erith Market and work needs to be done to investigate the feasibility of reintroducing a 21st century version into the town centre. Public realm – Erith scored the lowest of all of Bexley’s town centres with only 16 percent of respondents agreeing that it is an attractive place to spend time and only 20 percent thinking it had good quality public realm. The quality of the public realm needs to be improved and stakeholders want a greener town centre that has visibly improved connections to the river. Supporting businesses – There is a town centre forum that represents the views of businesses, residents and community organisations. However, participation by businesses in the forum is limited and the existing business community is small and relatively fragmented. There is also a limited offer in terms of work space. In addition to provision of a retailer-relevant business support programme – which is a borough-wide requirement – Erith would benefit from work to help kick start a business association, and the introduction of appropriate workspace in and around the town centre". Overall I think this assessment makes a lot of sense. Erith Town Centre is finally recovering after fifty years of under investment, and lack of attention from local government, all of which started with the demolition of the old town centre, and the construction of the horrendous, brutalist concrete shopping centre in the late 1960's and early 1970's. I can recall that as a child, my overall memory of the old concrete shopping centre was the smell of Jeyes fluid and stale wee - and I know that I am far from alone in that respect. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Another IT anniversary happened this week; the Nintendo Game Boy hit 30 years since it was launched. The Game Boy was the first handheld game unit that could use interchangeable cartridges. Up until this point, all hand held games came with just one game, with maybe a few variants of it. Nintendo had been a big player in the single game market, with a range called “Game and Watch” – you got a simple game like a Space Invaders clone, and it also showed the time. This market had slowed – and Nintendo were looking for a new product. Their head designer Gunpei Yokoi came up with a battery powered hand held unit that housed an 8 – bit processor manufactured by Sharp, along with a whopping 8K of RAM. This might sound laughably puny nowadays, but when it was launched, the hardware was way more powerful than anything else on the market. It had a grey scale screen (colour displays were still a few years off, and even then, they would have had a catastrophic drain on the batteries). The Game Boy was designed to fit in a child’s pocket, and could be brought out to play during car journeys and the like. What made the Game Boy so massively successful (it sold more than 64 million units in the ten years it was in production) was that not only were there a mass of great games available for it (estimates are that around 800 titles were produced, including classics like Tetris, Pokémon, Super Mario Land and Zelda) but that Nintendo continually released add – ons, such as a rudimentary digital camera and printer, as well as a cable allowing two Game Boys to share game content ensures that the system continued as a viable toy for many more years than the seemingly low technical specification would suggest. There have been many hand held games computers since the Game Boy, but none have had the success or longevity in the market.

The historic photo above shows the magnificent Walnut Tree House, taken back in 1880. It was owned by the Parish family, who by the looks of it were not short of a bob or two – the place looked lovely. The patriarch, John Parish owned the ballast wharf in West Street, and the ballast pit in what is now the Europa Industrial Estate in Fraser Road. The very fine quality loam dug from the pit was taken to the wharf to be loaded onto freighter ships for transportation up to the great iron and steel forges on Tyneside, where it was used to make moulds for metal castings. I don't know what the Parish family would have made of the location nowadays, with 24 hour motor traffic using the De Luci fish sculpture roundabout, it would definitely be very different from when the house was occupied. As part of the Ex Libris Erith exhibition programme, local historian Ken Chamberlain from the Erith and Belvedere Local History Society will be giving a talk about the Walnut Tree House Estate, the land on which the Old Carnegie Library was built. The illustrated talk will include fascinating stories of the Carnegie gifted library, the tram shed and the electricity generating station. The talk will be taking place in the old library in Walnut Tree Road on Friday, May 24, 2019, between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM. The talk is free to attend, but to manage numbers you need to book places online by clicking here.

Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. The first report comes from Barnehurst ward:- "The team have been busy increasing Smart Water coverage on the ward. Beverley Road almost has full coverage as we are hopeful this will be complete this week. Once we have finished with Beverley Road we will be starting Westfield Road. If you live on Beverley Road and have not yet received a Smart Water kit then please get in touch. The team are actively patrolling Drug and ASB area's as stop and searches' have been conducted at Hampton House, Erith Road. One male was found in possession of cannabis. We will continue to patrol ASB hotspots as well as increasing our smart water coverage and street a week coverage". Belvedere ward:- "We have been chasing around these nuisance mopeds this week trying to catch the riders. At least one of the mopeds was stolen. Thanks to our colleagues in Slade Green the stolen one was found abandoned and locked in a garage in Erith. This will have forensics completed with a view to trying to identify the thief. If any suspicious mopeds are seen please try and note the registration plate and let the team know. Theft of mopeds is a regular problem throughout the UK. Please try and lock your moped, motorbike and bicycle up in a garage if possible. If not able to please secure it with a heavy duty chain. We are continuing an investigation into two males that we searched in Mary Slessor House a couple of weeks ago. One had a metal grinder in their backpack. One interviewed, the other to follow. We will look to charge both males with Going Equipped for theft. We arrested a male while helping out in Erith for a Domestic ABH. Took four of us to detain him due to his bulky stature but he was eventually placed in handcuffs and taken to custody. DV will not be tolerated. Our next drop in session will be on Tuesday 07/05/2019 at 11:00 at the Belvedere Community Centre". Bexleyheath ward:- "There was a reported burglary reported on Tuesday 30/04/2019 along Bellevue Road Bexleyheath. Suspect had gained entry from the rear UPVC patio door, items taken as well as the victims vehicle. There has been one report of an attempted burglary along Haslemere Road Bexleyheath on the 26/04/2019 – Suspect had tried to gain entry to the front door of the property using a crowbar. Also a shop along the Broadway had reported a burglary. Steel doors were cut open and cigarettes and cash was taken. We have had three reports of Theft from motor vehicles: Tuesday 30/04/2019 – Brantwood Road Bexleyheath; Monday 29/04/19 - 30/04/19 Heversham Road Bexleyheath Sunday 28/04/19 - Monday 29/04/19 Gravel Hill Close Bexleyheath. Also a catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle along Rossland Close Bexleyheath on Sunday 28/04/2019. A purse was reported as stolen from a shopping trolley whilst the victim was shopping on Monday 29/04/2019. Also there have been several push bikes stolen from a bike shed along Sovereign Court Sterling Road Bexleyheath. This was on Tuesday 30/04/2019. A group was stopped in the cinema carpark but had made off from Police. This particular group are known to us and further enquiries shall be made. During the dispersal zone on the Broadway, two males were stopped and one male was dealt with for possession of cannabis, the other male after a foot chase was detained and dealt with for assault on PC Laing and offensive weapon. Patrols have been and still will be conducted in and around the Premiere Inn car park and including the cinema car park to help tackle anti-social behaviour. 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. If you are after crime prevention advice, please look at the Met Police website which has lots of information that you may find useful. Remember in an emergency please dial 999 and 101 for non-urgent reporting". Crayford ward:- "There has been three reports of theft of motor vehicles: Wednesday 24/04/2019 & Thursday 25/04/2019 along Crayford Road / Town Hall; Tuesday 23/04/2019 - Mayplace Avenue; Friday 26/04/19 - Thames Road Crayford. There have also been five reports of Theft from motor vehicles: Tuesday 23/04/19 – Two reports made along Woodside Road. Between Friday 26/04/19 & Saturday 27/04/19 – Another two reports made along London Road, Dartford; 29/04/2019 – Mayplace Road East. The team has been conducting regular stop & searches on the ward. The team have patrolled known drug hotspots on the ward and two stopped for possession of drugs and investigations are on-going. The team have a drop in surgery planned for the Wednesday 8th May between 10am and 11am at the Vintage Lindy Lou's Waterside Gardens". Erith ward:- "We have had meetings with housing officers regarding ASB in areas, this will be ongoing for a while but hopefully we get some good results on this. Weapons sweeps around Erith including West Street; Stop and searches for drugs in the Erith area daily. We have been doing surveys along West Street with local businesses trying to get some feedback on any issues, a full update with be provided on this. Weekly crime update Burg Res Saturday 13/04/2019 Chandlers Drive; Burg - Bus / Com Friday 26/04/2019 West Street; Theft of MV Saturday 27/04/2019 Lower Road; Burg Res Tuesday 30/03/2019 Pembroke Road; Burg - Bus / Com Wednesday 01/05/2019 Rutland Gate. The next Contact Community Session is on Saturday 11th May, 2pm at Costa Coffee".

Northumberland Heath ward:- "This week the team have continued target area patrols focusing around stop and search for drugs offences, this has led to multiple searches and a number of persons reported for drugs offences. Please continue to send us information regarding drug use and offences that are happening near you, some of your intel has led to successful stop and search incidents. There has been a spate of theft from motor vehicles as detailed below. Please do not leave belongings on display in your vehicles, especially sat nav cradles and phone chargers, this may lead to the belief that there could be items such as phones and sat nav's stored in your glove compartment. On Saturday 25th – Sunday 26th of April a vehicle was broken into overnight on Parsonage Manor Way; On Sat 25th – Sun 26th of April a vehicle was broken into overnight in Swanton Road; On Sat 25th – Sun 26th of April a vehicle was broken into overnight in Cartmel Road, DA7. On Sunday 26th April a Red Honda motorbike was stolen from Northumberland Park, DA8 between the hours of 17:30 -18:30. The good news is that we have had no reported burglaries on the ward this week". Slade Green and Northend ward:- "At some point between Saturday April 20th and Saturday April 27th, 2 garages were broken into. One at Sun Court, the other at Grange House. Both are very close to each other. A bicycle was taken from one and a moped stolen from the other. PC's Mark and James managed to recover the bike after seeing it being ridden close to Morrison's in Erith. Unfortunately the suspect got away after a chase but there has been some good forensics recovered from items left behind. 2 vehicle crimes to report. Number plates stolen from a car in Appold Street overnight on Thursday April 25. A vehicle was stolen from outside Northend Road overnight on Monday 29th April. Several good positive stop and searches have been made across the ward with fines issued as well as interviews and cautions given. 2 knives have been recovered during a weapons sweep in Manor Road/James Watt Way. One was behind a fence panel, the other was propped behind a windscreen wiper! Our next Community Contact Session is on Saturday May 11th at 9.30am in the Forest Road café. Our ward panel have this week chosen Off Road Bikes, Drug issues and ASB in Rainbow Road as our Promises for the next 3 months. If you require more information about our ward panel and how it works etc, please let us know". Thamesmead East ward:- "Unfortunately we have had six burglaries reported on the ward over the past week. Between Saturday 27th April, 2200 hours and Sunday 28th April 0300 hours, three burglaries occurred in Manordene Road. Also later in the day between 2000 – 2100 hours, two properties were broken into, Longworth Close, and a vehicle was stolen. The team will be conducting a street briefing during the evening of the 1st May to update any concerned residents. On Wednesday 1st May, the team attended Northwood Primary School offering bike security marking. We held our Ward Panel Meeting on the 30th April, with Inspector Hebdon, Councillors Amaning and Ogundayo in attendance. The priorities set for the next three months were as follows - Burglary, Anti-Social Behaviour and Bike nuisance. On Friday 26th April, the team visited a victim of crime for what appeared as a burglary. However through diligence and victim care it transpired there were serious safeguarding risks present. The victim was subsequently moved to another address, after discussions with Bexley Council, and Bexley Police safeguarding unit. Excellent piece of partnership working by all involved". West Heath ward:- "There were two reported burglaries on West Heath Ward between 24/04/2019 and 30/04/2019. In Elmstead Crescent the victim was away from 5.30am hours to 7pm hours Friday 26/04/19.On their return he was told told him that his house alarm had gone off between noon and 1pm. The side gate to the rear was open and the French doors were insecure and the lock damaged. There was no sign of search and at the time of reporting nothing is believed stolen. He believes that the suspects made off when the alarm sounded. In Brampton Road states that on Tuesday 30/04/2019 at 0415 hours a male was seen on doorbell CCTV trying to open the garage door and then he gives up. He then hears a car and the suspect hides behind a hedge. The suspect then walks off once the car had gone. There were two reported theft of motor vehicles between 24/04/19 and 01/05/2019. A white Audi Q5 index LS65 WGW was stolen from a driveway in Chessington Avenue, Bexleyheath between 0258 hours to 0310 hours on Friday 26/04/19. Also on Friday 26/04/19 overnight 2200 hours -0730 hours in Burcharbro Road a vehicle was stolen from the driveway. There were also 6 reported theft from motor vehicles. A victim reported someone breaking into her vehicle between 1300hrs on Thursday 25/04/19 and 0820hrs on Friday 26/04/19.The victim states there was no damage to the vehicle and she has the keys to the vehicle in the house...unknown how entry gained into the car and sat nav stolen. On Sunday 28/04/19 at about 1815hours the victim in Westergate Road had parked his car outside his friends address and a black suitcase stolen whilst he was insider. It is unsure if the car was locked. Car was broken into overnight Tuesday 30/04/19 between 9pm -6am in Selsey Crescent and various items stolen. Car was broken into overnight 4pm - 6am on Monday 29/04/19 in Cranbrook Road and speakers taken. Vehicle broken into overnight in Seaton Road overnight Monday 29/04/19 between 5pm -7am and 2 pairs of Designer glasses stolen Prada and RayBan".

The end video this week is from local historian Martin Barnes, and it shows the results of the great flood of Erith and Belvedere in February 1953, which caused so much damage locally. Please feel free to leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Interesting times.

No more than a couple of minutes after last weeks Maggot Sandwich update was published, I got an Email giving me a scoop on a significant local story. As the Blog update had already been published, the story has had to be held over until this week. As some will by now already know, Simon Archer, Curate at Christ Church Erith will shortly be starting a new role. Simon has been chosen to serve as Priest-in-Charge (Vicar) of All Saints, Belvedere. Simon is a very popular local personality, and I am aware that the congregation at All Saints were very keen for him to get the job. I know that one All Saints parishioner who was asked to become involved in the selection of the final three candidates for the Vicar role refused, as she said she wanted Simon, and could not provide an objective opinion on the matter. In the time Simon and his wife Tasha (shown in the photo above - click on it for a larger view) have been at Christ Church Erith, they have made a large and very positive impact on the local community, church going and otherwise. Simon has a very down to Earth background, having previously worked for Apple, and also had a stint as a pub landlord. Simon’s final service at Christ Church Erith will be on the 31st March, before he, Tasha and the family move to Upper Belvedere in early April. Simon’s licensing at All Saints will be at 2pm on Saturday, 4th May. I am looking forward to buying him a congratulatory pint in the Royal Standard in Nuxley Road very soon.

A Turkish restaurant in Bexleyheath has been shortlisted as one of the best kebab shops in the whole of the UK. Hazine, which is located at 288-290 Bexleyheath Broadway is one of the finalists in the British Kebab Awards, which take place on the 19th March in London. You can read more about the awards by clicking here. incidentally Hazine has a five star "Scores on the Doors" food hygiene rating. 

As many local residents will have found to their cost, the recent 60 tonne landslide on the railway between Bexleyheath and Barnehurst stations has caused major disruption to commuters into London, and has also affected many businesses located near railway stations on the Bexleyheath line. One person whose business was adversely affected is Nick Hair, the landlord of the excellent micro pub, The Kentish Belle, which is located adjacent to Bexleyheath Station. Nick Emailed me recently to express how frustrated he felt over the ongoing problems experienced by rail travellers and businesses located near to the line. He writes:- " I sat down and decided the only way we can get passenger representation and make our line better is to form a community rail partnership. Therefore, on Monday, I got a constitution and a set of documents together that form the basis of the Lewisham & Bexleyheath Community Rail Partnership. It will focus on all stations from Lewisham - Barnehurst. Supporters so far include Councillor Charlie Davis (Con, Eltham), David Evennett MP and Councillor Brenda Dacres (Lab, Lewisham). We have invited all of the MPs on the route, all relevant ward councillors (well, the ones who sit on council transport committees) and a few other interested parties. The first meeting will be held on Monday, March 4th at 14:00 at the Kentish Belle where refreshments will be supplied. Those who are interested in the future of the line or who wish to volunteer for better stations should come along. Some of the local politicians etc will also be attending. Membership for passengers who wish to be involved in the AGM process etc will also be available for a nominal £1/year". This sounds like an excellent approach, and will hopefully mean that the rail service providers and those behind the rail infrastructure will become more accountable to members of the public that rely on their services. I have been aware of a few rumours about services and new trains from December 2022 since November 2017, but conflicting information has now finally been resolved, and a clearer picture has emerged from a trusted and very well informed local source, who has elected to remain anonymous. As many commuters into London will be aware, the train franchises for the Dartford to London Via Greenwich, and the Bexleyheath lines are both up for tender. My confidential source has inside information as to exactly what has been going on, and it will involve some pretty remarkable changes. The source writes:- "An announcement on the new Southeastern franchise will finally be made at the end of March. Originally, an announcement was to be made on Christmas Eve by the DfT and it was widely felt this was to be unpopular (hence doing it before Christmas where it would be suddenly forgotten). Sadly, all three bids (from Govia, Stagecoach / Alstom joint and Abellio / Japan Rail joint) were non-compliant. This was felt likely to be due to various other franchise issues such as First / MTR renegotiating the South Western franchise once they started as a result of Network Rail not providing infrastructure enhancements and the collapse of Virgin East Coast again due to Network Rail not improving infrastructure to allow more trains; the latter case resulting in less fare revenue against the requirement to still give the same premiums to a Government. Bidders should rightly feel protected against the likes of Network Rail not delivering especially as they are now a Government subsidiary (basically). The new franchise is expected to deliver a number of overall improvements including new direct services from Maidstone West to Cannon Street or Charing Cross via Abbey Wood and Woolwich Arsenal (a coup for Maidstone in getting a Crossrail connection); and also a new timetable meaning that instead of irregular departure times (example Charing Cross to Bexleyheath at 1700, 1721, 1743, 1808) everything will be uniform and in quarter-hourly increments. Services from Victoria to Lewisham will go up to quarter-hourly all day with these trains going to Hayes (half-hourly) and Dartford via Sidcup (also half-hourly). Whilst the idea of this was unpopular on the Bexleyheath line and got the big petition, it is sensible to stop trains pounding across the crossovers at Lewisham and ‘cutting each other up’ as they try and go from various London stations to various routes in the Metro area. Definitely the single biggest point of interest, however, is the rolling stock strategy. Due to expected continued growth, there will need to be either more high speed units purchased or some sort of better fleet utilisation. The Metro fleet, however, is expected to have the biggest ‘shake up’. I am reliably informed that the Class 707 trains currently operating on South Western Railway will he heading our way as their 10 coaches are perfect (especially with their low-density seating and plenty of standing room) for the Woolwich line. Woolwich Dockyard is also 10 coach only due to short platforms between the tunnels. I am also told that the Class 376 trains, deeply unpopular on Southeastern from Day 1, will be going to Southern and their rolling stock owner is planning to fit them with battery technology (!) and re-fit then so that they can be used in 5 or 10 car formation between London Bridge and Uckfield. If this is the case, this is an incredible use of battery technology in Britain as trials with the Class 379 (Anglia) and old District Line stock (VivaRail) is proving the technology very solid and the Class 350 trains are likely to be converted similarly when they come off lease from London North Western Railway out of Euston. The Class 465 and Class 466 fleet used on Southeastern Metro is likely to head for the scrap pile which, in some ways, is a shame because whilst they don’t look too smart around 97 of the 4 car units (built at York) are in sound technical condition and just need a good interior refurbishment to make them like new. That said, politically new trains are the way to go. We are likely to also see a wider fleet cascade with other trains coming into the region to bolster capacity on routes from Charing Cross and Victoria to Ashford, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Faversham: watch this space as I have two conflicting reports here. The Bexleyheath line looks set to re-open on Monday morning after a devastating week-long closure where many local businesses, and at other stations en route report huge trading losses. For many independent businesses, avoidable events such as these are terrible and threaten many.  I can think of 2 for which this has caused serious issue. Network Rail must, without any doubt, work to fix the embankments and cuttings on the Bexleyheath line once and for all especially as their own videos show their Geo-Technical Engineer saying they know it’s a problem area! A three month closure might be needed to fully excavate, stabilise and weather-proof / landslide-proof the Barnehurst to Bexleyheath corridor; but most importantly what this event has shown is how a lack of turn back facilities on the Bexleyheath line is so incredibly ludicrous and needs to be addressed. To give an example of this, on the Woolwich line trains can start or terminate at Charlton, Plumstead or Slade Green. During the Crossrail works, many weekends have seen trains from London finishing at Plumstead and then going back - meaning Woolwich and Greenwich among others at least keep a solid service. On the Sidcup line, peak extras terminate at Sidcup and trains can also reverse at Lee if needed. During engineering work at Lewisham one weekend they even operated trains from Dartford to Bromley North (!) and Orpington via Sidcup and Grove Park so Sidcup line passengers had a plethora of journey options. The Bexleyheath line previously had turnback facilities at Falconwood and Kidbrooke but these have both been taken away! This week it would have been a mammoth benefit to even operate trains between London and Falconwood to relieve pressure on Erith and Sidcup line diversions for people in Welling, Bexleyheath and Barnehurst. I am extremely disappointed. What this proves, more than anything, is that a London-facing crossover at Bexleyheath which could be installed for minimal cost could have saved various people time and money by allowing trains to get down to Bexleyheath, turn around, avoid the Landslip area and get back to London. All the stations on the way would have had a near-full service and with some intelligent planning they could have maximised the number of 12 carriage trains going along that route. Instead, we got nothing. Crossovers such as these are not only extremely useful in times of service disruption (fatalities, emergency engineering work, weekend engineering work, train failures) but also could be used for other purposes such as the Sidcup peak turn-arounds". I know a number of transport enthusiasts are regular readers of the Maggot Sandwich; please feel free to comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

The Bookstore Cafe in the former Carnegie Library in Walnut Tree Road, Erith has had a very busy first week of operation. The new cafe and bar is open on the following days and times:- Wednesday - Friday 8am - 4.30pm; 6 - 10.30pm. Saturday 8.30am - 10.30pm. Sunday 9am - 4pm. The Bookstore Cafe is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. I was in the cafe on Wednesday afternoon, when local Councillor Danny Hackett (Labour - Thamesmead East) popped in for something to eat and drink. We had a very good chat (he's a Maggot Sandwich reader) and I happened to mention in passing the state of disarray in current national politics. He agreed, and the conversation was left at that. I now discover from fellow local Blogger Malcolm Knight that subsequent to my conversation with him, Danny Hackett has now resigned from the Labour Party. You can read Malcolm's article on the Hackett resignation case, including a copy of his letter of resignation by clicking here. We are definitely living in interesting times.

Following the Cambridge Analytica fiasco and the subsequent government investigations, it would be expected Facebook would be more mindful about the information it compiles on its users. A new report suggests otherwise, accusing Facebook of acquiring information that users would not typically expect to share with the company willingly. According to tests performed by the Wall Street Journal, Facebook's software collects data from numerous apps within seconds of it being entered by the user, without any sign of a prominent or specific disclosure by the app. In these cases, it was also found the data was transmitted to Facebook if the user didn't log into Facebook for authentication, or even if the user didn't have a Facebook account in the first place.  At least 11 popular apps across both iOS and Android mobile ecosystems were found to report data back to Facebook, with the apps downloaded tens of millions of times in total. Facebook is currently in negotiations with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission over a privacy violations fine relating to the Cambridge Analytica scandal and its subsequent fallout. The talks, aimed at avoiding legal action, could result in a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission that extends to billions of dollars, far exceeding the current FTC settlement record holder Google's $22.5 million payment. 

The Neater Neighbourhoods project is a new Bexley Council  initiative to encourage residents to take pride in their neighbourhoods, improve neighbourly relationships and take action on eyesore gardens. The Bexley Tidy Garden Standard considers gardens untidy if any of the following applies:- If the garden is overgrown and creates an eyesore. If there is accumulated household waste, including but not limited to bags of rubbish, broken toys, broken garden furniture. If there are bulky household items, including but not limited to white goods, sofa, mattresses, fences, gates, sheds are in disrepair. If there are scrap cars or car parts in the garden. If there is accumulated building waste. Gardens which fall outside this standard will be visited by the Neater Neighbourhoods team; they will then discuss with the property resident the steps that need to be taken to make the necessary improvements. The Neater Neighbourhoods team will be working closely with other agencies, community groups and charities to offer assistance to residents where there are clear barriers to keeping their gardens within the Tidy Garden Standard. I am fully behind the concept of encouraging local residents to take pride in their environment and to keep their properties neat and tidy, but I do have concerns about the scheme. Elderly and / or infirm people, or residents with physical or mental disabilities may find clearing their gardens a real challenge, and a visit by the Neater Neighbourhoods team may be regarded as intimidating and threatening - I suppose it all depends on how sensitively the matter is handled by those involved. Conversely I have  concerns for the members of the Neater Neighbourhoods team when dealing with the small number of "problem" households in the area; I can foresee physical threats being made to the team by known criminal households. It will be instructive to see how the scheme pans out; I will be keeping an eye on it.

I have a rule on the Maggot Sandwich; I don't comment on stories that have been featured on the national news. The reason for this is that normally there is little point - readers will already be aware of the story, and it would be pointless in me re - telling a story that had already been covered by a "proper" journalist. Just for once I am breaking this rule, as I think the story has passed quite a few people by. Earlier in the week, the BBC News website carried an item on a nightclub in Bexleyheath that is holding monthly nights for people with learning disabilities and their carers. You can see the video the BBC released on the story by clicking here. Nyne Lounge, which is located at 267 Broadway, Bexleyheath has been hosting these special events for a couple of years now. The night club is situated inside the former Bexleyheath Snooker Club building. You can see photos of the place by clicking here. Nyne’s Shine event is on the second Tuesday of every month from 7pm to 10.30pm. The venue is wheelchair accessible and carers get free entry. So many organisations talk a good talk about diversity and inclusion, but actually do little in practice; it is good to see a local company really "putting their money where their mouth is" and actually taking positive action. I would imagine that the next Shine event at the Nyne Lounge will be even better attended than before, following the national exposure by the BBC.

The People's Question Time is coming to the London Borough of Bexley. Join Mayor, Sadiq Khan, and members of the London Assembly who will be talking to Londoners about their plans and priorities for the city. Gareth Bacon, Assembly Member for Bexley and Bromley will chair the event. Topics up for discussion will include: - Transport, Safety, Air quality and environment, Housing, Growing London's economy, Other (culture, education). The event is free to attend, but visitors need to book tickets in advance. You can book your place online by clicking here.

Now for the weekly safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly from Barnehurst ward:- "Fantastic news this week with no crimes of note reported. The team have continued to work some later shifts in response to the recent increase in motor vehicle crime, patrolling the ward in both uniform and plain clothes. We believe this has had a positive effect on crime figures with no burglaries or motor vehicle offences being reported during the week. These patrols will continue. We are always looking for intelligence around crimes and those who commit them. If you have any information or suspicions of criminal activity please let the team know and we will look into it. If you feel uncomfortable talking to the police consider calling CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 this is completely anonymous and you do not have to give any personal detail. The team also attended Woodside School, Colyers Lane and gave a presentation to both the primary and secondary pupils about what we do, Stranger Danger and how to keep safe, both personally and online. The talk was very well received and we enjoyed meeting the children and joining them in the playground before the assembly. A member of the team will be at Barnehurst Golf course on Friday 8th March at 1pm. Please come along for an informal chat about any concerns or issues that you may have or just pop in to say hello. A big thank you to all our Twitter followers we have passed the 700 mark with 709 followers. We can be found on Twitter @MPSBarnehurst and also on Facebook at Barnehurst Police". Belvedere ward:- "The team are continuing our Street-a-Week initiative, and since our last update, we have visited both Stanmore Road and Kentish Road. There are many more streets to visit over the coming weeks, please keep an eye on Twitter or our website to find out where these will be taking place. On Thursday 14/02/2019, Valentine's Day, the new Lidl opened on the Belvedere Park Estate, on Clydesdale Way. It had only been open for a few hours when security guards at the store detained a shoplifter! The offender was dealt with by a banning order. Big on quality, Lidl on shoplifters. The team have also recovered two stolen vehicles from around the Battle Road area, both on Wednesday 13th of February (at different locations). More drug use is being reported to us by people congregating along Parkside Road, near to Stanmore Road and Gordon Road. Please contact us if you see anything suspicious with time, date and any descriptions. There was a burglary on Gordon Road on Monday 18/02/2019. The suspects entered via the rear door by smashing the glass. Please be on the lookout and report anything suspicious". Bexleyheath ward:- "There has been six reports of a burglary along Wenvoe Road Bexleyheath on the Friday 15/02/2019, sheds and garage broken into by breaking locks. Door to door knocking Burglary leaflets posted through letter boxes advised on crime prevention and enquiries made. The team also called as part of our street a week campaign a local initiative to visit at least one street a week and meet as many residents as possible across the ward. Between Wednesday and Thursday13/02/ - 14/-02/2019 between 2100hrs – 1500hrs - Rydal Drive garage broken into by cutting hole in roof items taken. Two males stopped Premier Inn car park Bexleyheath for possession of cannabis. On Wednesday 13/02/2019 – 0630hrs along Erith Road theft from motor vehicle. On Sunday the team door knocked on ST AUDREY and presented Met Trace a smart water to deter burglary. The officer who delivers your Met Trace pack will talk you through how to register your details and use smart water to mark your property. A theft of purse was report on the Wednesday 13/02/2019 – 1400hrs along the Broadway Bexleyheath The team has received reports of males on bikes causing ASB in the carpark area at the Premiere Inn, patrols are conducted daily. 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. If you are after crime prevention advice, please look at the Met Police website which has lots of information that you may find useful. Remember in an emergency please dial 999 or 101 for non-urgent reporting". Crayford ward:- "Our apologies for a very brief message. We are pleased to say that there have been no residential burglaries in Crayford in the last week. We carried out a 'street a week' in London Road on Wednesday the 20th. We attended a meeting at Town Hall Square Community Hall with our partners from Peabody Trust, local Councillors and residents from Town Hall Square to discuss issues including anti-social behaviour. We will be visiting many addresses around Bourne Road in the coming days to ask residents their thoughts on their local area".

Erith ward;- "This week our patrol and community engagement took us via the Bookstore Café (see photo above). It looks very nice inside and well worth checking out. Other activity - Weapons sweeps have been carried out in west Street, Compton Place and Erith High Street Team have had a meeting with Bexley Council at the civic offices and with MOAT housing officers, which resulted in 2 joint visits to residential addresses with the housing officers. Theft of MV (Motor Vehicle) Thursday14/02/2019 Avenue Road - Victim left engine running on driveway when he popped in to get his coat and when he returned the car was gone; Theft of MV Thursday 14/02/2019 Erith High Street - unknown suspect has stolen the vehicle from the location; Shoplift <£200 Friday 15/02/2019 Farm Foods - suspect entered store and placed legs of lamb in his jacket and left without paying; Theft from MV Friday 15/02/2019, Erith High Street - By suspect taking victim's car keys, entering the vehicle, starting the car before being disturbed and making off with the keys; Shoplift <£200 Monday 18/02/2019 Farm Foods - Shoplifting by suspect unknown at location on said time and date shown; Making off Monday 18/02/2019 Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, James Watt Way - drives off the forecourt making no attempts to pay; Burg Res Monday 18/02/2019 Tower Road - Residential Burglary gained entry through the front door but didn't take anything untidy search of the house; Criminal Damage Sunday 17/02/2019 at a newsagent in Pier Road - By suspect attempting to shoplift before causing damage to door. Community Contact Session for this upcoming week:- Friday 29th February at the Library - 1pm". Thamesmead East ward - no report this week. West Heath ward:- "The ward has had no burglaries this week. We have however suffered six motor vehicle crimes. A motorbike was stolen from outside a house in Denton Road overnight on Friday 15th - Saturday 16th February. Number plates were taken from a car in The Pantiles in the early hours of the Sunday 17th February and in Preston Drive three cars were broken into overnight Sunday 17th - Monday 18th February and various sundry items such as sunglasses, small change tobacco and a dashcam were taken. There was no damage caused to any of the vehicles and it is not known how entry was gained. Lastly, number plates were taken from a vehicle in Glenview overnight Monday 18th - Tuesday 19th February. The team held a street briefing in The Pantiles on Friday 15th February which was very well attended. Issues raised were the ASB and drug activity in the alleyway behind the shops and lighting. The team have been concentrating our patrols in The Pantiles and will be contacting the landlords to discuss the issues. Our next street briefing is in Brampton Road at the junction with Shakespeare Road at 1pm on Tuesday 26th February".

Regular readers may recall that not long ago I featured a short piece and video about the pedestrian crossing across the Angerstein Wharf Branch Line which is located between Charlton and Westcombe Park Stations. The freight trains one sees on a fairly regular basis travelling on the North Kent line almost exclusively transport sand and gravel to various sites in the region. They load up at Angerstein Wharf. There is a branch line which connects to the main line just outside of Charlton station on the London bound side. This branch line is believed to be the oldest privately owned standard gauge siding in the world. Angerstein Wharf was built and opened by Russian born Charlton landowner John Angerstein in 1852 in order to get rail access to the to Angerstein Wharf on the River Thames; it also ran deep into the old East Greenwich gas works. Nowadays it is purely used for freight. Many of the ballast and gravel trains one sees passing along the North Kent line divert onto the Angerstein Wharf Branch Line. Gravel and sand that has been dredged from the sea is collected by the freight trains for use in the construction industry. No passenger trains run on the branch line, with the notable exception of the very rare special trains run by railway enthusiasts. When I previously featured a video of the pedestrian crossing over the single rail line, I got a lot of very positive feedback from readers. Today I feature a brand new video of the same location, which was created by well known broadcaster and transport enthusiast Geoff Marshall. Give the video a watch, and feel free to either leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.