Work to renovate and repurpose the historic old Carnegie Library in Walnut Tree Road is now fully under way. As you can see from the photo above, which I took last week, the scaffolding has now been fully erected, and now covers the entire building. I have been told that the first priority of the workers is to take off the current roof (which has been patched up over the years and is not in a great condition), then to put on a temporary roof, and then later replace the temporary roof with a bespoke new one, which will be designed to last a minimum of 25 years. My reliable source also informs me that the builders have also had a window survey done, identifying the repair need in advance of window repairs being carried out. Dealing with these two elements will make the building watertight, something that has not been the case for several years. When I visited the Carnegie Library during the open day last year, water was coming through several windows, and a couple of trees were actually growing inside the building! It is sad that the building has been neglected for over a decade, but at least now that is finally being put right. I will be covering the refurbishment of the old library in greater details in the months to come.
Approval has now been granted for the new privately run bus service that I have written about previously. The bus service will operate on weekdays only, and will run between Harrow Manorway outside of Abbey Wood Station, and Carlton Road in Northumberland Heath. The service will somewhat inappropriately be called The Nuxley Navigator - as previously covered, Nuxley Village does not exist - it is properly named Belvedere Village. The roads that the new private bus service will cover are 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 will be opening at Abbey Wood Station at the end of this year, and many of the roads covered by The Nuxley Navigator are currently not covered by any existing bus service. The Nuxley Navigator features a reserved seat and, in London, standard rides are £2.40. A standard bus fare is £1.50. Chariot works by being pre-bookable but with predetermined stops, similar to a bus route. The real reason for the service is 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 need so show that there are good commuting connections into London - something that The London Borough of Bexley has lacked up until now. 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 will 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 will be at least partially answered by The Nuxley Navigator - even if the name of the new bus service is inaccurate.
The photo above shows the current state of the redevelopment of the former Erith Riverside Bath site on the junction of Walnut Tree Road and Erith High Street; one of a number of housing developments currently in progress in the local area - click on the photo for a larger view. Following my article on the redevelopment of the former tram shed site adjacent to the London South East Colleges Bexley (yes, I know it is a dreadful, convoluted name) site last week, I have had a handful of readers making negative comments about the level of housing is being built all over The London Borough of Bexley; I merely report the news - I don't make it. It would seem that quite apart from the residential developments currently in progress that I have reported in the past, there are plans sponsored by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan for more housing. A consultation is currently taking place in respect of this, which is running until the 2nd of March. The part of the Greater London plan that affects The London Borough of Bexley contains the following proposals that may well cause concern for existing residents. In the draft plan, the Mayor of London proposes several measures to address the capital’s housing crisis, including: Increasing the borough’s housing targets four-fold, from 446 units a year to 2,145. Increasing the amount of housing coming from small sites, mainly in Bexley’s residential areas around stations and town centres, eight-fold from around 110 units a year to 856. Introducing a presumption that small housing developments (up to 25 units) will get planning permission, with considerations limited to privacy, heritage, biodiversity and safeguarded land such as green belt. Removing housing density ranges so proposals are considered individually, but recognising that the existing character of residential areas will need to change. Pressing for zero parking on developments in places considered to have good public transport, such as Bexleyheath town centre and Abbey Wood station. The draft plan also includes a range of other policies, in a bid to produce an integrated economic, environmental, transport and social framework for the development of London. The final version of the Bexley Growth Strategy, which forms part of the Greater London Strategy was published by Bexley Council on Thursday of this week; it is a sizeable document, which will take some considerable examination and study. I have taken a good look at it, and I am of the opinion that it contains a number of erroneous fundamental suppositions and basic flaws. Take a look for yourself and formulate your own opinion - you can download the PDF of the final version of the Bexley Growth Strategy document by clicking here.
You may not be aware, but the 13th of February has been declared World Radio Day by UNESCO. UNESCO’s Executive Board recommended to the General Conference the proclamation of World Radio Day, on the basis of a feasibility study undertaken by UNESCO, further to a proposal from Spain. Radio is the mass media reaching the widest audience in the world. It is also recognised as a powerful communication tool and a low cost medium. Radio is specifically suited to reach remote communities and vulnerable people: the illiterate, the disabled, women, youth and the poor, while offering a platform to intervene in the public debate, irrespective of people’s educational level. Furthermore, radio has a strong and specific role in emergency communication and disaster relief. There is also a changing face to radio services which, in the present times of media convergence, are taking up new technological forms, such as broadband, mobile phones and tablets. However, it is said that up to a billion people still do not have access to radio today. A wide consultation process started in June 2011, carried out by UNESCO. It included all stakeholders, i.e. broadcasting associations; public, state, private, community and international broadcasters; United Nations agencies; funds and programmes; topic-related NGOs; academia; foundations and bilateral development agencies; as well as UNESCO Permanent Delegations and National Commissions. Among the answers, 91 percent were in favour of the project. The objectives of the Day will be to raise greater awareness among the public and the media of the importance of radio; to encourage decision makers to establish and provide access to information through radio; as well as to enhance networking and international cooperation among broadcasters. The consulted stakeholders also proposed ideas for the programme of celebration: extensive use of social media, annual themes, a dedicated website enabling virtual participation, special radio programmes, radio programmes exchange, a festival involving key partners, and so forth. You can read more about UNESCO World Radio Day by clicking here.
Robert Turp was an officer in the British army during WWII. After Germany’s surrender, he was part of an army weapons intelligence team called MI-10 that travelled the British occupation zone examining captured German armaments. He was later the First Defence Attache to South Korea. After leaving the army, he purchased a firearms manufacturing and reconditioning workshop in Bexleyheath, just behind Bexleyheath Broadway; he later added an office in the City of London. He also had a warehouse in Belgium, where he stocked items that would have caused him legal problems with the authorities in the UK. Usually just known as “Major Turp”, in particular he sold weapons around Africa, developing something of a knack for supplying newly-independent nations on the continent. His arms company was called International Ordnance, and was registered in Jersey. The photograph above shows him in the Bexleyheath workshop posing with some of the weapons that he sold - click on the photo for a larger view. On a more grim note, he also had a knack for exploiting corruption in these new countries. He was attributed the quote “where arms are concerned, the newer and blacker the country, the greater the graft.”. This did not go unnoticed and in 1966, a petition to P.M. Harold Wilson suggested Britain ban private arms dealers entirely; with Major Turp specifically cited by name as an example why. Major Turp’s most public moment came when he refused to sell guns to 1970s Rhodesia. While he received accolades, his decision was rooted less in morality and more in self-interest: it appeared at the time that Britain and Rhodesia might come into conflict, and he was concerned about criminal charges that might be brought against him if guns he sold ended up used against British troops. Turp’s final notoriety came in 1992. A German arms dealer at the Sheraton hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria contacted Turp and inquired if he’d be interested in brokering a sale of weapons grade plutonium; presumably to Iraq. Turp declined and notified British authorities. A shady and morally dubious figure, he was a minor local celebrity who many would rather have not existed. Turp wrote a "tell all" book in 1972 which he called "Gun Runner" - about his life as an international arms dealer who based himself in Bexleyheath. There are indications that Robert Turp had some input into the design of "Project Babylon" - the Iraqi super gun that was being built for Saddam Hussein by renegade gun designer Gerald Bull, until he was murdered. Gerald Bull was assassinated outside his sixth-floor apartment in Brussels on March 22, 1990, by two assassins who pumped five 7.65mm bullets from a silenced gun into his neck and back and then escaped. It was believed that this was the work of Mossad who feared Bull’s super gun could be used against Israel using chemical and potentially nuclear projectiles. It has since been revealed that senior Israeli intelligence officials have claimed responsibility for the assassination, something that almost never is admitted. In 1985 Bull had been given the long-hidden designs of a legendary German super cannon of World War I. Called the Kaiser’s Paris Gun, it had been fired with devastating effect. At the war’s end, the Germans had dismantled it and hidden the plans. According to Robert Turp, Bull also had reconstructed British reports on two captured Nazi super guns of World War II, including the so-called “V-3,” envisioned by Hitler as a terror weapon to be used against England with the V-1 buzz bomb and the V-2 rocket. Built on the French coast, the V-3 was destroyed by RAF bombers before it could be used. Robert Turp said he and Gerald Bull spent long hours discussing the reports on the Nazi designs. It is thought that the Iraqi super gun design was based on the WWII German V3 gun plans which Turp had uncovered during his time in military intelligence just after the war.
Last week I wrote in some detail about the refurbishment of the former White Hart pub in Erith High Street, with "before and after" photos of the restoration work that has been carried out on the building, which is in a conservation area. In the piece I wrote that the building was owned by The Wellington Pub Company - an organisation with an excellent reputation for turning around problem pubs; in the last week I have learned from a reader that this is no longer the case. I have been reliably informed that The Wellington Pub Company sold the freehold title to the White Hart back in 2016, and that it may well have been sold on a second time since. It is not known who the current owner is, and tracing them via Bexley Council is proving difficult. If you have any inside knowledge regarding this, then please do let me know - you can stay anonymous, should you so wish. Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com with any information - many thanks in advance.
Bexley Police are trying to trace two cars which have been used in criminal activity - you can see photos of similar cars in the photo above. Please notify the Police if you see a car similar to the ones above that is being used to carry out illegal activity. Now for the weekly safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. First from Barnehurst ward:- "On Thursday 25th January the Barnehurst team with the assistance of Crayford SNT and the RSPCA carried out a warrant under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. What we discovered was truly heart-breaking and distressing, Dogs were found wet, cold, matted and covered in faeces. In total we seized 34 Dogs, 9 puppies and a large number of cats. All were examined by a vet on the day and are now in the care of the RSPCA. The investigation is ongoing and we will keep you updated with any results. If you have any concerns regarding animal welfare please contact either the local policing team or the RSPCA direct. Sadly we have had an attempted Burglary reported in Bowness Road. This incident occurred on Wednesday 31st January 2018. Between 8.30pm and 8.50pm, Three white males wearing gloves and face coverings have attempted to gain entry to an address by forcing open the front door when unsuccessful they have then gone to the rear of the property onto a flat roof and attempted to gain entry via a bedroom window again unsuccessfully but causing damage to the window. Suspects were disturbed and made off into Long Lane towards Erith Road where it is believed they had a black Audi A3 (or similar) vehicle parked. Please remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to police if you believe that a crime is happening call 999 immediately. As always for updates on what the team are up to and for crime prevention advice please follow us on twitter, @MPSBarnehurst and Facebook, Barnehurst police". Belvedere ward:- "The team were joined by housing officers from Orbit Housing late last week after reports of ongoing suspicious behaviour around Lumley Close. We had been given information that cannabis may have been being stored in one of the disused garages, which are owned by Orbit. Several of the garages were opened and nothing was discovered. We continue to patrol the area on a regular basis and urge any suspicious behaviour witnessed to be reported to Police. The team also responded to an incident on Thursday evening at around 5pm involving a vehicle collision in Picardy Street which subsequently became a lengthy chase around the Lower Belvedere area involving a silver car and a black car. This incident resulted in significant damage to one of the vehicles involved. If anyone witnessed this incident or has any information in relation to this, please contact the team. We have also been carrying out extensive CCTV enquiries in and around the Picardy Street/ Gilbert Road areas in relation to this incident. On Friday and Saturday nights PC Holmes/ PCSO Worrall were joined by officers from neighbouring wards and completed patrols in the north of the borough, in areas of Belvedere, Erith, Northumberland Heath and Barnehurst. During these patrols, a group of 4 youths were seen heading away from in Ruskin Road, Belvedere who were thought to have been using cannabis at the location. Officers were able to stop and speak to the group in Upper Abbey Road. We have two meetings taking place in the coming weeks – a community contact session taking place at Asda on Tuesday 6th February at mid-day and our next ward panel meeting is taking place on Thursday 8th February at the Belvedere Community Centre, beginning at 7pm". Christchurch ward:- "We have had reports of two burglaries recently on the ward and one attempted burglary to a local business , which is a vast improvement. One within The Grove, a shed was broken into and items had been taken and was reported on the 25/01/2018 The other Within Oakland’s Road. This was reported on the 27/01/2018 and entry was gained from the rear of the property via a door. The attempted burglary was reported on the 27/01/2018 which was a local business along Princess Street. When burglaries are reported we make sure the victims are visited , deliver crime prevention advise and leaflets , Cocooning and target hardening conducted to neighbours with team contact details provided. Where possible NHW coordinators contacted. We have also had a report of tools being stolen from Woolwich Road. The items were taken whilst the property was undergoing building work, this had accrued on the 24/01/2018 A mobile phone was reported stolen on the 30/01/2018, phone was stolen from inside NATWEST BANK. Had also report of a theft, victim had their bank card and oyster card taken from their purse. This had occurred along Geddes Place on the 25/01/2018. As mentioned previously we are always very keen to increase our NHW coverage and make it as active as possible. We want to work in close partnership with you all to keep our community safe and tackle concerns and issues together, so please keep those email address coming. The team had a fantastic day when they attended the Indian Republic Day Community Building Event , at Townley Grammar School. We had the opportunity to discuss community issues and the event was attended by esteemed guests from the Council and MP’s. Our Chief Inspector also had attended the event and we was also in a position to offer crime prevention advice. One youth was recently processed for possession of cannabis when they w ere stopped within the Premier Inn car park following your concerns with ASB issues within the area . On a daily basis, the team conducts ASB patrols around the ward depending where the issues arise". Colyers ward:- "It’s been a relatively quiet week this week with 1 burglary on Monday 29.01.18 in Northumberland Way where the rear door was forced and an untidy search conducted, unknown if any items were taken and 1 theft of number plates from a car in Frinsted Road on Sunday 28.01.18 sometime between 0300 and midday. Also worth a mention is a male chased from a motorbike in Hampton House who ran on seeing officers. The male was found hiding in a nearby road hiding behind a car, the bike turned out not to be stolen and there were no offences. There was also a suspicious male in Conniston Road Bexleyheath seen paying attention to a property doing building work, possibly looking for scrap metal. Colyers Officers did 2 weapon sweeps this week in the Dell and around Ramsden Road and Frinsted Road Footpath and pleased to say nothing was found. Ward officers have also increased their patrols around the footpath between Heath Way and Northumberland Way due to reports of ASB from bikes and drugs". Erith ward:- "Erith Team carried out a weapon sweep in Compton Place which resulted in a drug find. A warrant was carried out on the ward on which we has the help from TSG (Territorial Support Group). 2 more roads where signed up for NHW. Erith team will be patrolling parts of the ward next week with one of our councillors. Patrols carried out in Erith High Street at school closing time as a lot of schools seem to meet up around the town and McDonalds area, Contacting the school and parents if needed. Action on youths riding bikes around Erith in an unsocial manner". Lesnes Abbey ward:- "Burglary - Between the hours of 10:00 am and on Thursday 25/01/18 and 10:00 am on Sunday 28/01/18 a burglary occurred in Abbot's Walk. Entry to the property was gained through the bathroom fanlight window had been smashed by means of a stone being thrown at it. A glass panel at the bottom of the back door had a part of a paving slab also thrown through. Motor vehicle crimes - On the 23/01/18 a motor vehicle was damaged outside Wyfold House, Wolvercote Road. Theft of a motor vehicle occurred outside Clewer House, Wolvercote House on the 24/01/18. Also on the 24/01/18 a motor vehicle which was parked in Manorside Close had the windscreen smashed, object believed to have been thrown from Harrow Manor Way, linked to the same area a construction vehicle on the bridge near to the train station was also damaged. On Thursday 25/01/18, early hours of the morning a motor vehicle parked in New Road had the windscreen smashed and the rear window scratched. Do you know any friends or family who reside on the Lesnes Abbey ward interested in joining Neighbourhood Watch? Please ask them to contact the NW office. Date for your diary. Police surgery on Tuesday 13/02/18 4:00pm until 05:00pm at the Bostall Library Community Group, King Harold's Way". North End ward:- "We have had two separate overnight damage to vehicles reported in Frobisher Road over the last week. One car had paint poured over it but the suspect was seen and has since been arrested, the other was scratched and dented but no clues at this time. There was also a motorbike stolen, overnight, from Slade Gardens on 30th January. We are checking the normal hidden places where bikes get dumped to see if we can recover it for the owner. PCs Mark and James have again been productive with 6 stop and searches in the last week with one cannabis seizure resulting in the suspect coming in for an interview next week. They also assisted Erith officers in two weapons sweeps in the last week with some class A drugs discovered in a wall in Compton Place. Our surgeries are now referred to as Community Contact Sessions (CCS) and these are now a chance for anyone to come along and use it as a means to report crime. They are still in the café, library etc but will have a police officer in attendance, should a crime need reporting". Thamesmead East ward:- "Good piece of proactive work this week by PC Nana and PC Moore. On Saturday the 27th and while on routine foot patrol, North of the ward, they came across a male riding a motorbike, that had been reported stolen earlier in the week. Enquiries led them to an address close by, the property was searched. Unfortunately the rider was not present. During the search, cannabis was discovered, as well as clothing. Enquiries are ongoing. On Sunday 28th, PC Pruden and PC Nana, assisted the RSPCA, in relation two horses identified to be neglected, that had been left in a small field, near to Sporting Club Thamesmead. After examination by a vet, who declared neglect, PC Pruden seized the two horses under S18 (5) of the Animal welfare act 2006, and handed them over to the RSPCA, who arranged for the horses to be transported to a place of safety. Hopefully a better life awaits. The RSPCA will be investigating, regarding any prosecution in relation to the owner(s) Between the 26th and the 29th January, building equipment was stolen from a storage area at Parkway School. The school is currently in the process of development. Any information please let us know. On the 26th January, a motor vehicle was stolen from outside an address in Mangold Way. Date for the diary, On Tuesday 13th February, between 1415 and 1515 hours, we are holding a Police surgery at The Thamesmead Library, opposite The Link. Any issues, please come and tell us. We are always interested in recruiting new Neighbourhood watch co-ordinators for the ward. Please ask your family and friends if they would like to set up a Neighbourhood watch in their road. Please spread the word to any family and friends in the Borough - they can contact us on 020 8721 2049 or Thamesmead.SNT@met.police.uk for more information".
The end video this week may be a bit of an eye opener to some readers. The video below demonstrates just how much information a mobile phone gives out during normal operation. For me personally, mobile phone ownership has more negative aspects than positives, which is the reason I don't have one. Of course your own experience may differ greatly. Please feel free to leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
The photo above shows the current state of the redevelopment of the former Erith Riverside Bath site on the junction of Walnut Tree Road and Erith High Street; one of a number of housing developments currently in progress in the local area - click on the photo for a larger view. Following my article on the redevelopment of the former tram shed site adjacent to the London South East Colleges Bexley (yes, I know it is a dreadful, convoluted name) site last week, I have had a handful of readers making negative comments about the level of housing is being built all over The London Borough of Bexley; I merely report the news - I don't make it. It would seem that quite apart from the residential developments currently in progress that I have reported in the past, there are plans sponsored by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan for more housing. A consultation is currently taking place in respect of this, which is running until the 2nd of March. The part of the Greater London plan that affects The London Borough of Bexley contains the following proposals that may well cause concern for existing residents. In the draft plan, the Mayor of London proposes several measures to address the capital’s housing crisis, including: Increasing the borough’s housing targets four-fold, from 446 units a year to 2,145. Increasing the amount of housing coming from small sites, mainly in Bexley’s residential areas around stations and town centres, eight-fold from around 110 units a year to 856. Introducing a presumption that small housing developments (up to 25 units) will get planning permission, with considerations limited to privacy, heritage, biodiversity and safeguarded land such as green belt. Removing housing density ranges so proposals are considered individually, but recognising that the existing character of residential areas will need to change. Pressing for zero parking on developments in places considered to have good public transport, such as Bexleyheath town centre and Abbey Wood station. The draft plan also includes a range of other policies, in a bid to produce an integrated economic, environmental, transport and social framework for the development of London. The final version of the Bexley Growth Strategy, which forms part of the Greater London Strategy was published by Bexley Council on Thursday of this week; it is a sizeable document, which will take some considerable examination and study. I have taken a good look at it, and I am of the opinion that it contains a number of erroneous fundamental suppositions and basic flaws. Take a look for yourself and formulate your own opinion - you can download the PDF of the final version of the Bexley Growth Strategy document by clicking here.
You may not be aware, but the 13th of February has been declared World Radio Day by UNESCO. UNESCO’s Executive Board recommended to the General Conference the proclamation of World Radio Day, on the basis of a feasibility study undertaken by UNESCO, further to a proposal from Spain. Radio is the mass media reaching the widest audience in the world. It is also recognised as a powerful communication tool and a low cost medium. Radio is specifically suited to reach remote communities and vulnerable people: the illiterate, the disabled, women, youth and the poor, while offering a platform to intervene in the public debate, irrespective of people’s educational level. Furthermore, radio has a strong and specific role in emergency communication and disaster relief. There is also a changing face to radio services which, in the present times of media convergence, are taking up new technological forms, such as broadband, mobile phones and tablets. However, it is said that up to a billion people still do not have access to radio today. A wide consultation process started in June 2011, carried out by UNESCO. It included all stakeholders, i.e. broadcasting associations; public, state, private, community and international broadcasters; United Nations agencies; funds and programmes; topic-related NGOs; academia; foundations and bilateral development agencies; as well as UNESCO Permanent Delegations and National Commissions. Among the answers, 91 percent were in favour of the project. The objectives of the Day will be to raise greater awareness among the public and the media of the importance of radio; to encourage decision makers to establish and provide access to information through radio; as well as to enhance networking and international cooperation among broadcasters. The consulted stakeholders also proposed ideas for the programme of celebration: extensive use of social media, annual themes, a dedicated website enabling virtual participation, special radio programmes, radio programmes exchange, a festival involving key partners, and so forth. You can read more about UNESCO World Radio Day by clicking here.
Robert Turp was an officer in the British army during WWII. After Germany’s surrender, he was part of an army weapons intelligence team called MI-10 that travelled the British occupation zone examining captured German armaments. He was later the First Defence Attache to South Korea. After leaving the army, he purchased a firearms manufacturing and reconditioning workshop in Bexleyheath, just behind Bexleyheath Broadway; he later added an office in the City of London. He also had a warehouse in Belgium, where he stocked items that would have caused him legal problems with the authorities in the UK. Usually just known as “Major Turp”, in particular he sold weapons around Africa, developing something of a knack for supplying newly-independent nations on the continent. His arms company was called International Ordnance, and was registered in Jersey. The photograph above shows him in the Bexleyheath workshop posing with some of the weapons that he sold - click on the photo for a larger view. On a more grim note, he also had a knack for exploiting corruption in these new countries. He was attributed the quote “where arms are concerned, the newer and blacker the country, the greater the graft.”. This did not go unnoticed and in 1966, a petition to P.M. Harold Wilson suggested Britain ban private arms dealers entirely; with Major Turp specifically cited by name as an example why. Major Turp’s most public moment came when he refused to sell guns to 1970s Rhodesia. While he received accolades, his decision was rooted less in morality and more in self-interest: it appeared at the time that Britain and Rhodesia might come into conflict, and he was concerned about criminal charges that might be brought against him if guns he sold ended up used against British troops. Turp’s final notoriety came in 1992. A German arms dealer at the Sheraton hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria contacted Turp and inquired if he’d be interested in brokering a sale of weapons grade plutonium; presumably to Iraq. Turp declined and notified British authorities. A shady and morally dubious figure, he was a minor local celebrity who many would rather have not existed. Turp wrote a "tell all" book in 1972 which he called "Gun Runner" - about his life as an international arms dealer who based himself in Bexleyheath. There are indications that Robert Turp had some input into the design of "Project Babylon" - the Iraqi super gun that was being built for Saddam Hussein by renegade gun designer Gerald Bull, until he was murdered. Gerald Bull was assassinated outside his sixth-floor apartment in Brussels on March 22, 1990, by two assassins who pumped five 7.65mm bullets from a silenced gun into his neck and back and then escaped. It was believed that this was the work of Mossad who feared Bull’s super gun could be used against Israel using chemical and potentially nuclear projectiles. It has since been revealed that senior Israeli intelligence officials have claimed responsibility for the assassination, something that almost never is admitted. In 1985 Bull had been given the long-hidden designs of a legendary German super cannon of World War I. Called the Kaiser’s Paris Gun, it had been fired with devastating effect. At the war’s end, the Germans had dismantled it and hidden the plans. According to Robert Turp, Bull also had reconstructed British reports on two captured Nazi super guns of World War II, including the so-called “V-3,” envisioned by Hitler as a terror weapon to be used against England with the V-1 buzz bomb and the V-2 rocket. Built on the French coast, the V-3 was destroyed by RAF bombers before it could be used. Robert Turp said he and Gerald Bull spent long hours discussing the reports on the Nazi designs. It is thought that the Iraqi super gun design was based on the WWII German V3 gun plans which Turp had uncovered during his time in military intelligence just after the war.
Last week I wrote in some detail about the refurbishment of the former White Hart pub in Erith High Street, with "before and after" photos of the restoration work that has been carried out on the building, which is in a conservation area. In the piece I wrote that the building was owned by The Wellington Pub Company - an organisation with an excellent reputation for turning around problem pubs; in the last week I have learned from a reader that this is no longer the case. I have been reliably informed that The Wellington Pub Company sold the freehold title to the White Hart back in 2016, and that it may well have been sold on a second time since. It is not known who the current owner is, and tracing them via Bexley Council is proving difficult. If you have any inside knowledge regarding this, then please do let me know - you can stay anonymous, should you so wish. Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com with any information - many thanks in advance.
Bexley Police are trying to trace two cars which have been used in criminal activity - you can see photos of similar cars in the photo above. Please notify the Police if you see a car similar to the ones above that is being used to carry out illegal activity. Now for the weekly safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. First from Barnehurst ward:- "On Thursday 25th January the Barnehurst team with the assistance of Crayford SNT and the RSPCA carried out a warrant under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. What we discovered was truly heart-breaking and distressing, Dogs were found wet, cold, matted and covered in faeces. In total we seized 34 Dogs, 9 puppies and a large number of cats. All were examined by a vet on the day and are now in the care of the RSPCA. The investigation is ongoing and we will keep you updated with any results. If you have any concerns regarding animal welfare please contact either the local policing team or the RSPCA direct. Sadly we have had an attempted Burglary reported in Bowness Road. This incident occurred on Wednesday 31st January 2018. Between 8.30pm and 8.50pm, Three white males wearing gloves and face coverings have attempted to gain entry to an address by forcing open the front door when unsuccessful they have then gone to the rear of the property onto a flat roof and attempted to gain entry via a bedroom window again unsuccessfully but causing damage to the window. Suspects were disturbed and made off into Long Lane towards Erith Road where it is believed they had a black Audi A3 (or similar) vehicle parked. Please remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to police if you believe that a crime is happening call 999 immediately. As always for updates on what the team are up to and for crime prevention advice please follow us on twitter, @MPSBarnehurst and Facebook, Barnehurst police". Belvedere ward:- "The team were joined by housing officers from Orbit Housing late last week after reports of ongoing suspicious behaviour around Lumley Close. We had been given information that cannabis may have been being stored in one of the disused garages, which are owned by Orbit. Several of the garages were opened and nothing was discovered. We continue to patrol the area on a regular basis and urge any suspicious behaviour witnessed to be reported to Police. The team also responded to an incident on Thursday evening at around 5pm involving a vehicle collision in Picardy Street which subsequently became a lengthy chase around the Lower Belvedere area involving a silver car and a black car. This incident resulted in significant damage to one of the vehicles involved. If anyone witnessed this incident or has any information in relation to this, please contact the team. We have also been carrying out extensive CCTV enquiries in and around the Picardy Street/ Gilbert Road areas in relation to this incident. On Friday and Saturday nights PC Holmes/ PCSO Worrall were joined by officers from neighbouring wards and completed patrols in the north of the borough, in areas of Belvedere, Erith, Northumberland Heath and Barnehurst. During these patrols, a group of 4 youths were seen heading away from in Ruskin Road, Belvedere who were thought to have been using cannabis at the location. Officers were able to stop and speak to the group in Upper Abbey Road. We have two meetings taking place in the coming weeks – a community contact session taking place at Asda on Tuesday 6th February at mid-day and our next ward panel meeting is taking place on Thursday 8th February at the Belvedere Community Centre, beginning at 7pm". Christchurch ward:- "We have had reports of two burglaries recently on the ward and one attempted burglary to a local business , which is a vast improvement. One within The Grove, a shed was broken into and items had been taken and was reported on the 25/01/2018 The other Within Oakland’s Road. This was reported on the 27/01/2018 and entry was gained from the rear of the property via a door. The attempted burglary was reported on the 27/01/2018 which was a local business along Princess Street. When burglaries are reported we make sure the victims are visited , deliver crime prevention advise and leaflets , Cocooning and target hardening conducted to neighbours with team contact details provided. Where possible NHW coordinators contacted. We have also had a report of tools being stolen from Woolwich Road. The items were taken whilst the property was undergoing building work, this had accrued on the 24/01/2018 A mobile phone was reported stolen on the 30/01/2018, phone was stolen from inside NATWEST BANK. Had also report of a theft, victim had their bank card and oyster card taken from their purse. This had occurred along Geddes Place on the 25/01/2018. As mentioned previously we are always very keen to increase our NHW coverage and make it as active as possible. We want to work in close partnership with you all to keep our community safe and tackle concerns and issues together, so please keep those email address coming. The team had a fantastic day when they attended the Indian Republic Day Community Building Event , at Townley Grammar School. We had the opportunity to discuss community issues and the event was attended by esteemed guests from the Council and MP’s. Our Chief Inspector also had attended the event and we was also in a position to offer crime prevention advice. One youth was recently processed for possession of cannabis when they w ere stopped within the Premier Inn car park following your concerns with ASB issues within the area . On a daily basis, the team conducts ASB patrols around the ward depending where the issues arise". Colyers ward:- "It’s been a relatively quiet week this week with 1 burglary on Monday 29.01.18 in Northumberland Way where the rear door was forced and an untidy search conducted, unknown if any items were taken and 1 theft of number plates from a car in Frinsted Road on Sunday 28.01.18 sometime between 0300 and midday. Also worth a mention is a male chased from a motorbike in Hampton House who ran on seeing officers. The male was found hiding in a nearby road hiding behind a car, the bike turned out not to be stolen and there were no offences. There was also a suspicious male in Conniston Road Bexleyheath seen paying attention to a property doing building work, possibly looking for scrap metal. Colyers Officers did 2 weapon sweeps this week in the Dell and around Ramsden Road and Frinsted Road Footpath and pleased to say nothing was found. Ward officers have also increased their patrols around the footpath between Heath Way and Northumberland Way due to reports of ASB from bikes and drugs". Erith ward:- "Erith Team carried out a weapon sweep in Compton Place which resulted in a drug find. A warrant was carried out on the ward on which we has the help from TSG (Territorial Support Group). 2 more roads where signed up for NHW. Erith team will be patrolling parts of the ward next week with one of our councillors. Patrols carried out in Erith High Street at school closing time as a lot of schools seem to meet up around the town and McDonalds area, Contacting the school and parents if needed. Action on youths riding bikes around Erith in an unsocial manner". Lesnes Abbey ward:- "Burglary - Between the hours of 10:00 am and on Thursday 25/01/18 and 10:00 am on Sunday 28/01/18 a burglary occurred in Abbot's Walk. Entry to the property was gained through the bathroom fanlight window had been smashed by means of a stone being thrown at it. A glass panel at the bottom of the back door had a part of a paving slab also thrown through. Motor vehicle crimes - On the 23/01/18 a motor vehicle was damaged outside Wyfold House, Wolvercote Road. Theft of a motor vehicle occurred outside Clewer House, Wolvercote House on the 24/01/18. Also on the 24/01/18 a motor vehicle which was parked in Manorside Close had the windscreen smashed, object believed to have been thrown from Harrow Manor Way, linked to the same area a construction vehicle on the bridge near to the train station was also damaged. On Thursday 25/01/18, early hours of the morning a motor vehicle parked in New Road had the windscreen smashed and the rear window scratched. Do you know any friends or family who reside on the Lesnes Abbey ward interested in joining Neighbourhood Watch? Please ask them to contact the NW office. Date for your diary. Police surgery on Tuesday 13/02/18 4:00pm until 05:00pm at the Bostall Library Community Group, King Harold's Way". North End ward:- "We have had two separate overnight damage to vehicles reported in Frobisher Road over the last week. One car had paint poured over it but the suspect was seen and has since been arrested, the other was scratched and dented but no clues at this time. There was also a motorbike stolen, overnight, from Slade Gardens on 30th January. We are checking the normal hidden places where bikes get dumped to see if we can recover it for the owner. PCs Mark and James have again been productive with 6 stop and searches in the last week with one cannabis seizure resulting in the suspect coming in for an interview next week. They also assisted Erith officers in two weapons sweeps in the last week with some class A drugs discovered in a wall in Compton Place. Our surgeries are now referred to as Community Contact Sessions (CCS) and these are now a chance for anyone to come along and use it as a means to report crime. They are still in the café, library etc but will have a police officer in attendance, should a crime need reporting". Thamesmead East ward:- "Good piece of proactive work this week by PC Nana and PC Moore. On Saturday the 27th and while on routine foot patrol, North of the ward, they came across a male riding a motorbike, that had been reported stolen earlier in the week. Enquiries led them to an address close by, the property was searched. Unfortunately the rider was not present. During the search, cannabis was discovered, as well as clothing. Enquiries are ongoing. On Sunday 28th, PC Pruden and PC Nana, assisted the RSPCA, in relation two horses identified to be neglected, that had been left in a small field, near to Sporting Club Thamesmead. After examination by a vet, who declared neglect, PC Pruden seized the two horses under S18 (5) of the Animal welfare act 2006, and handed them over to the RSPCA, who arranged for the horses to be transported to a place of safety. Hopefully a better life awaits. The RSPCA will be investigating, regarding any prosecution in relation to the owner(s) Between the 26th and the 29th January, building equipment was stolen from a storage area at Parkway School. The school is currently in the process of development. Any information please let us know. On the 26th January, a motor vehicle was stolen from outside an address in Mangold Way. Date for the diary, On Tuesday 13th February, between 1415 and 1515 hours, we are holding a Police surgery at The Thamesmead Library, opposite The Link. Any issues, please come and tell us. We are always interested in recruiting new Neighbourhood watch co-ordinators for the ward. Please ask your family and friends if they would like to set up a Neighbourhood watch in their road. Please spread the word to any family and friends in the Borough - they can contact us on 020 8721 2049 or Thamesmead.SNT@met.police.uk for more information".
The end video this week may be a bit of an eye opener to some readers. The video below demonstrates just how much information a mobile phone gives out during normal operation. For me personally, mobile phone ownership has more negative aspects than positives, which is the reason I don't have one. Of course your own experience may differ greatly. Please feel free to leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
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