The Pilgrim ferry.

Back in the 1980's, the Ford ferry from Lower Belvedere to the Ford car plant in Dagenham was in regular use; I can recall that several school friends had relatives who worked at the massive automotive factory, and who used to do the twice daily commute across the River Thames to go to and from their place of work. The ferry became a minor local landmark that had started back in 1933 when the Ford works was a relatively new creation. It used to make up to fifty trips across the river every day; each trip would take a little less than ten minutes, and many commuters found it to be invaluable. Ford paid the ferry costs, and the free trip was considered a perk of the job for Ford workers who lived on the South side of the river. When Ford ceased to make complete cars at Dagenham back in 2002, they converted the factory to make engines and gearboxes which were then transported to other Ford factories around Europe to be installed into vehicles made elsewhere. Ford senior management then decided that in order to cut costs, they would terminate the contract with the ferry operator. There was a great deal of opposition to this move, and it took a further two years, and a court case before the ferry service stopped running in February 2004. A free bus service was subsequently laid on by Ford, which had its pickup point in Nuxley Road, Upper Belvedere. This bus service then used the Dartford Crossing to get to Dagenham, and was regarded by its users as slow and unreliable when compared with the ferry service. Now the Ford factory employs far fewer people than it did in its heyday, and it does not dominate the local area in the way that it once did. Things may well be changing in the next couple of years though. There are plans, now well advanced to create the largest new film and television studio in the United Kingdom for many years in Dagenham, and construction work is due to get underway in 2019. In an article broadcast on Time 107.5 FM, it was announced that "The largest new film and media studios to be built in the UK for decades will be constructed and operated in Dagenham by Pacifica Ventures in partnership with Media Content Capital. Barking and Dagenham Council Leader Darren Rodwell said: “I take great pleasure in announcing Pacifica Ventures in partnership with MCC as our preferred partner. In the face of fierce competition, Pacifica Ventures – MCC emerged as the clear winner based on their track record and commitment to making the film and television studios a cultural and community asset for the borough, for London and for Britain’s film industry. The complex will be an exciting new visitor destination too – an east end epic – that will create thousands of quality jobs and educational opportunities in a huge range of disciplines. I am confident that it will make Barking and Dagenham more famous for films than Fords.” Dana Arnold, CEO of Pacifica Ventures, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Be First in the creation of a world-class film and television production complex that will become the pride of Dagenham and Greater London.” Sasha Shapiro, Managing Director of Media Content Capital, added: “We are excited to be making our London production home at the brand-new Dagenham Studios.” I understand that around four thousand jobs will be created in the new studio, and this will once again mean that people living in Bexley will need to travel across the Thames if they secure a job at the new studio. In an ideal world, construction of the much discussed proposed Lower Belvedere to Rainham river crossing would be under way, but there is serious doubt over whether this project will actually ever see the light of day. Also, the land which used to be the site of the old Ford ferry jetty and car park have now been built on, so it would not be possible to reinstate the old ferry service. One thing occurs to me; as you can see in the photo above, which shows a commemorative plaque in Erith Riverside Gardens that many local people are completely unaware of (hint - it is located on the wall adjacent to the wooden jetty which reaches out into the River Thames). It occurs to me that since the old Ford ferry cannot be resurrected, and the Belvedere to Rainham river crossing is unlikely to happen, an alternative way is needed to cross the Thames for the workers at the forthcoming Dagenham studio. It seems logical that the historic Erith to Rainham Pilgrim's Ferry could be restarted - either from the existing wooden jetty, or from a floating jetty attached to Erith Pier. It would be a shame that local people would be excluded from working at the forthcoming Dagenham studio due to a lack of cross river connections - as we all know, the Dartford Crossing grinds to a halt a couple of times a week at a minimum - besides which, we need to be encouraging alternatives to car use. what do you think? Would restarting the Pilgrim's Ferry with a modern vessel be something that would attract you to apply for a job at the new Dagenham studio? Leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Some good news; The Volunteer pub in Bexleyheath, that has been closed since December, is shortly to re - open under a new collaborative ownership. Fourteen local people have invested a total of £100,000 to buy out the pub lease and to refurbish the somewhat run down interior of the pub, which is located on the corner of Church Road and Queen Street. It has been under - invested for many years, something that is sadly becoming typical of what little is left of our local "back street boozers". I have to admit that when I visited the pub a few years ago, under the old ownership, my welcome was strongly reminiscent of the famous scene from the classic film "An American Werewolf in London" when the two American tourists enter the country pub filled with hostile locals. I am sure that now The Volunteer is under new ownership, that will not be an issue in the future. I wish the group well, and I hope to visit and review it some time after it reopens on the 7th April. 

In a story that I feel is going to run and run ad infinitum, the plan to extend Crossrail / The Elizabeth Line from its terminus at Abbey Wood and along through Belvedere, Erith, Slade Green and Dartford then down to Ebbsfleet, an area where 15,000 homes are planned, seems to have got some official backing. Transport analysts have identified that once fully operational in December the Elizabeth Line will carry 200 million passengers a year, and boost the economy by £42 billion, according to TfL. The line will hit 41 stations across a 60 mile stretch running through the city, taking passengers from Abbey Wood to Paddington in just 28 minutes. Teresa Pearce MP said in an interview with the News Shopper that:- “C2E will deliver transformative growth to part of South East London, Bexley and Kent. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to tackle the poor connections to London and Kent that have held the area back for so long – evidenced by the fact that Bexley is one of the few boroughs without metro style tube or train services”. Extending Crossrail is an important (if not a foundation) factor in supporting Bexley Council’s growth strategy, which focuses on regenerating the North of the borough to build thousands of new homes, centred around having the Elizabeth Line and additional river crossings built. In another interview with the News Shopper, Dartford MP Gareth Johnson said: “What we are asking for is the Department for Transport to finish the job they started. The Crossrail project has been successful, but it stops approximately 10 miles short of High Speed 1, which is clearly an unsatisfactory situation. If Crossrail were to be extended out to Ebbsfleet and to High Speed 1, it would open up a whole range of opportunities for anyone using that service and give a huge boost to the local economy.”

A report was published last week that confirms something that many locals have known for quite some time. When comparing average house prices, distance and time taken to commute into central London, combined with local satisfaction levels have show that Erith has come fourth in the UK as a town which residents are happy to live in. The top three are 1) Purfleet, 2) Waltham Cross, and 3) Cheshunt.  Then comes Erith, which scored highly in the report, for the following key reasons - With a journey time into London of 38 minutes, average house price of £276,515, season ticket price of £2,016 and satisfaction ratings of 7.77, the town is considered one of the best for commuting to the capital. The opening of the Erith Quarry housing development will only accentuate this situation. Incidentally I have heard a rumour from an impeccably reliable source that the well known Erith Construction company, who have their main offices in the old Job Centre building in Queen Street are currently looking for new and expanded office space. I understand that they are contemplating demolishing the old offices and constructing some high - end apartments on the site. Some years ago the old and long closed Pop In Parlour was sold to an anonymous buyer. I have been reliably informed that the buyer was the Erith Construction Group, and that in order to get planning permission to construct the new luxury apartments on the old Job Centre site, they would need to also build some flats for affordable rent; my understanding is that the old Pop - In Parlour will be the location of the affordable flats. If you have any additional information regarding this, then please feel free to either leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Bexley council, like many others, has been fighting illegal fly tipping for years; unfortunately it never seems to really get a proper grip on the serious issue. It may well be worth the powers that be in Bexley council taking a leaf out of Havering Council's books, as they seem to have been able to take decisive and effective action against fly tippers on their side of the river. Havering Council has stamped out large-scale fly-tipping in the borough’s most notorious hotspots for organised rubbish dumpers. Fly-tipping in the area has seen a major decline since a joint operation, involving officers from Havering and Newham Councils, Environment Agency, police and HMRC Officers, which targeted a site on Aveley Road on 20 December. Since the raid on the premises, there have been no further incidents of large-scale fly-tipping in the area and the actions taken by the Council appear to have disrupted a well-organised and illegal waste operation. The reduction in organised environment crime has saved Havering Council around £50,000 in fly-tip clean-up costs since December. The area had become the target of large-scale fly-tipping of industrial waste. The fly-tipping was occurring practically every night and was well-organised environment crime. Following local intelligence, a vehicle yard in Aveley Road was suspected of being the base for the vehicles involved in the fly-tipping activity. A planned raid on the premises saw five vehicles including cars and a skip lorry being seized on suspicion of illegal waste activity. Three of the vehicles were later destroyed. Havering Council has crushed a number of vehicles linked to a traveller incursion and fly-tipping. Environment officers seized the vehicles after fly-tippers dumped a pile of household and building waste in the park in November last year. Investigations to track down the fly-tippers  are on-going. In an article on the Havering Council website, Councillor Osman Dervish (pictured above - click on the photo for a larger view), Cabinet Member for Environment, said:- “Fly-tipping is a serious crime which has a detrimental effect on residents, businesses and the local environment. Each year we’re left with an unnecessary clean-up bill of around one million pounds. This is money which could be better spent on critical frontline services and improving the lives of our most vulnerable residents. The Council would like to thank all the residents and businesses who are helping us to tackle this common threat, by coming forward with vital information. We ask everyone to continue to report any suspected fly-tipping to help us drive out organised waste gangs from Havering .” I feel that this aggressive, proactive approach to criminals who fly tip should be copied by Bexley Council, as it seems to be very effective indeed. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com. 

Now for the weekly safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly from Barnehurst ward:- "On several occasions a man has been seen lurking in the bushes close to the children's playground in Martens Grove park. Upon investigation (after he has left the scene) a bottle of Vodka has twice been found hidden in the bushes. The Neighbourhood Watch office have informed the Barnehurst Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team. Excellent news again for Barnehurst ward with no crimes of note reported for the fourth week running, long may it continue We are aware of reports of mopeds and quad bikes being ridden in an anti-social/dangerous manner around Marden Crescent, Mount Pleasant Walk, Hall Place Crescent and surrounding roads. The local policing team are actively investigating these reports to identify offenders. Please contact the Barnehurst Team if you have any information regarding this matter. Please join us for our community contact day on Thursday 5th April at 1pm at Barnehurst Golf Course. We will discuss any ward issues that you have and we will also provide residents with crime prevention advice". Brampton ward:- "We start this week with the good news of having no Burglaries on the ward . We have had a Theft from Motor Vehicle in Ambleside Road where an unknown suspect has stolen rear lights and the spare wheel from a vehicle. A vehicle passing through the ward was stopped by officers on Pickford Lane and the occupants were arrested for possession with intent to supply class B drugs, investigation ongoing. An unknown male stole a basket full of shopping from the Co–Op Brampton Road. A male was interviewed under caution by the team regarding allegations of Harassment, he was served a Community Protection Notice and given conditions not to contact victims. Are you aware of the boundary changes from when Brampton disappears after the local elections? The boundaries will then be split up and you will be with different wards. Once these have been decided we will let you know".  Christchurch ward:- "We have had one report of a burglary over the last week. On the 19/03/2018 a vehicle was stolen from outside an address along Lewin Road Bexleyheath and the keys were taken from inside the property. Over the last week we have had three reports of Robbery on the ward. Brief details: 22/03/2018 – Two victims were approached by a large group of females and one male. Force was used to take phone from one of the victims and had attempted to take other victims bag. This was along the Broadway Bexleyheath; 23/03/2018 - Outside McDonalds in the Broadway, the suspects had approached the victim and had threatened them with violence and items had been taken; 25/03/2018 – Outside the bowling alley Bexleyheath. The suspect had approached victim with a pair of pliers and had asked what was in their bag. The suspect had punched the victim as would not show what was in their bag; On the 22/03/2018 – There was a report of a purse being taken while it was left unattended at the library. Also in the 21/03/2018 a mobile phone was taken from the victims pocket whilst on the Broadway; On the 24/03/2018 – There was a report of a theft from motor vehicle. Number plates were taken from the vehicle whilst parked along Market Place Bexleyheath; On the 23/03/2018 There was an incident outside Pure where injuries were sustained and the matter is being investigated. Thank you to residents who have contacted us with information/CCTV relating to recent burglaries/crimes. Asda car park complaints have been received regarding vehicle ASB. If you notice any issues please contact 101 or 999 accordingly". Colyers ward:- "On Tuesday evening, staff at the Red Barn pub in Barnehurst Road called the police after a group of youths, some wearing white masks, chased some boys down the road who then went into the pub for help. The police arrived promptly and conducted an area search for the group and spoke to members of the public and workers in the adjacent shops. Contrary to reports on social media, there were no knives involved and there was no trouble inside the pub itself. With Easter just days away, the Easter Bunny isn’t just bringing a plethora of chocolate eggs to Colyers Ward, but also good news on the crime front. For both burglaries and motor vehicle crime, we have received zero reports in the last week which is fantastic news. Vigilance is the key here and we thank you all in your efforts in making things difficult for thieves, while we continue in our efforts of prevention. The main issue on the ward currently, continues to be the ASB/Drug problems at Hampton House. Work continues at the location, with intelligence reports collated and partnerships with both the ASB Panel and L and Q Housing to try and reach a solution. In the last week a stolen bike has been recovered there, as well as several stop and searches and one cannabis seizure. The good work continues. Have a great Easter from all at Colyers Ward SNT!" Crayford ward:- "On 22/03/2018 between 06.00-11.00 the front and rear number plates were stolen from a white Vauxhall Panel van outside 109 Maiden lane. On 21/03/2018 between 19.30-20.00 youths caused criminal damage to a fence in Dale Road On 20/03/2018 between 19.35-19.50 a grey Peugeot 308 was keyed in the car park at Sainsbury's whilst the owner was in the store. On 22/03/2018 at 16.00 Crayford officers saw a male acting suspiciously and attempting to evade police at Optima Park near Thames Road. There was a strong smell of cannabis from the vehicle and the occupant was searched and issued a community resolution. On 25/03/2018 at 02.30 a Male was seen on CCTV breaking in to two vehicles parked on a drive in Bascombe Road, the Male stole a set of car and house keys from one vehicle. Number plates were stolen from a vehicle parked at Crayford BR Station on 26/03/2018 between 14.10-19.30. On 25/03/2018 at 14.10 there was an accident on London Road between a car and cyclist, it is believed the cyclist was pulling a wheelie and there was an altercation that was amicably resolved. It was reported that girls were seen fighting on 26/03/2018 at 15.30 after school. We have seen a reduction in reported crime this week so have used our resources effectively to have additional patrols in the Crayford area. We would like to wish our residents a happy Easter break and a gentle reminder that if you are going away to be sure to lock your home securely and make it look like you are at home to deter any unwanted callers. We will be at the Ellenor Charity shop in Crayford Road on Wednesday 4th April between 11.00-12.00, please come along and say hello, it would be lovely to see you". Erith ward:- "Due to recent events in Erith town centre over the last few weeks, which involved groups of youths fighting we are putting in place a dispersal zone on Thursday 29/03/18 from 1400 to 1800, which will be policed at them times and groups of kids will be asked to leave. Some crimes from the last week: Residential burglary on 25/03/2018 19:30:00 in Galleon Close. An unknown suspect entered the property and stole a PS4 from the kitchen. There was another residential burglary on 27/03/18 from a property in Erith Road, a tool was used to gain entry to the front door and jewellery was stolen. An attempted residential burglary took place on 26/03/2018, in James Watt Way. A suspect(s) unknown attempted to gain entry to property by removing door handle. On 23/03/18 there was a theft of a mobile phone in Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, James Watt Way. There were two incidents of shoplifting #1. took place on 27/03/2018 in Iceland Foods Plc, Town Square .#2. took place the same day in Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, James Watt Way - The suspects involved with the Iceland shoplifting have been caught and found in possession of goods".  Lesnes Abbey ward:- "Burglaries - No burglaries this week. . However remain vigilant at all times. Remember lock windows and doors. UPVC front doors Lift it, lock it. Motor Vehicle Crimes - Between the hours of 10:00 pm on Monday 26/03/2018 and 08 :00 am and Tuesday 27/03/2018 a vehicle parked in Harvel Crescent which was left locked and secure had the rear windscreen wiper pulled off causing £500 of damage. A vehicle parked in Lensbury Way was stolen between the hours of 10:00pm on Friday 23/03/18 and 10:00am on Saturday 24/03/18". North End ward:- "3 vehicle crimes to report unfortunately. Criminal damage to vehicle in Craydene Road. Around 6.30pm on Thursday 22nd March, a group of males were seen to run past and damage a few cars although at this time only 1 has reported any damage. Overnight on Weds 21st March paint was thrown on a car in Rainbow Road near Sapphire Court. A vehicle was stolen from Frobisher Road in the evening of Thursday 22nd March. All 3 crimes are ongoing investigations. There was an attempted break in up at the Howbury Grange house out in the fields near Moat Lane last Tuesday evening (21st March). Luckily entry wasn’t gained and there is a good cctv image of the persistent suspect. No positive ID at this time. PC Mark Brookes-Smith stopped and searched a group of 6 males and 1 female down near to Erith Pier on Saturday afternoon after noticing a strong cannabis smell. It turned out to be a negative search but some of the group were very vocal in their disapproval in being searched. PCSO Mark Pigott attended the Slade Green Big Local Easter Market on Saturday with Louise from Neighbourhood Watch. A large number of people attended with some good contacts made along with some good information gained and lots of leaflets given out from the Crime Prevention table that Louise brilliantly set up. PCSO Mark also attended a Dementia awareness pop up event run by Orbit at one of their sheltered schemes in Belvedere. All other Orbit Schemes are invited and Mark had a good time with residents making Easter cards and decorating eggs as well as afternoon entertainment provided by a singer. A good time was had by all". Northumberland Heath ward:- "Good news this week no burglaries reported to us! Two criminal damage to motor vehicles, one in Streamway on Wednesday March 22nd between 9am – 11.20am, and one in Brantwood Avenue overnight on Monday March 26th.One theft of a motorbike in Hythe Avenue on the evening of Friday March 23rd. Coral bookmakers in Bexley Road had a window smashed by a disgruntled customer on Saturday March 24th. Police are investigating an incident which took place in Brook Street on Monday evening this week, where a fight broke out between occupants in two vehicles passing through Northumberland Heath. No further details are known at this time. We have had numerous reports of youths riding motorcycles in the recreation ground in Northumberland Heath over the last few evenings. The team have viewed comments made on social media in relation to this and have seen the images and videos uploaded. From these images we have already identified two youths, who we will be taking action against in response to this. We have already previously dealt with these two youths for ASB in North Heath. We did respond to this, and patrolled the park within twenty minutes of the call being made to us but the bikes and riders had already moved on .We are patrolling the recreation ground as often as we can and we will be conducting both uniformed and plain clothed patrols in order to identify those responsible for this anti-social behaviour. We will be requesting extra police off road motor cycle patrols of the park and will be working with the council to tackle this issue". Thamesmead East ward:- "Residential burglary between 9.05am – 4pm Fieldfare Road - Victim states she returned home to find the back gate open and someone had been in her flat, however nothing has been taken. The victim also informed police that she kept a spare set of keys in her back garden in case she gets locked out. The spare keys are no longer there; Theft of pedal cycle between 9pm – 8am Grange Crescent - Victim stated that he arrived home at 9pm and put his bike in the garden (the garden gate had a latch on it, no other locks). The garden gate was open and the bike was gone at 8am.; 24/03/18 - Theft - between 1030am – 10:49am Redpoll Way - victim was unloading, no suspects seen, two bags went missing, no CCTV. The bags contained Clothes and paperwork; 26/03/18 - Theft from motor vehicle between 8pm – 7am Mangold Way - Victim left her vehicle parked locked and secure in a communal car park area outside her home address. When she returned to the vehicle at 7am she noticed that her front and rear number plates were missing; Criminal damage to motor vehicle - between 4:30pm - 8:30am Hartslock Drive - Victim parked her vehicle in the parking bays O/S Oakenholt House, SE2 Victim returned to the vehicle to find that the front passenger tyre has been punctured. During parts of last week, the team have being patrolling parts of the ward ,conducting weapon and drug sweeps, as part of our ongoing commitment to reduce violent crime and drug dealing. Good piece of work, Officers discovered cannabis plants at an address in Thamesmead, after assisting the London Fire Brigade due to reports of a water leak at the property. No person was present. Enquiries continue to trace owner." Now for a special message from Dana Wiffen, the Chairman of Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association:- "Bexley-NW AGM -The Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Annual General Meeting takes place at Geddes Place United Reformed Church, Geddes Place, Bexleyheath on Friday 8th June 2018 at 7.30pm. All Coordinators are warmly invited to attend. We are planning to apply the same theme as last year with the first half focused on NW business and the second enabling Coordinators to network with each other as well as police and other guests. Refreshments will be available. An agenda will be sent out nearer the time. Please RSVP by replying to this email or calling the NW office on 020 8284 5537. Please remember to keep all your information about criminal/suspicious activity around your covered area coming into us, all DWOs are contributing more detailed information and we would like to mix this with plenty of information including positive feedback from you all. REMINDER - ST. GEORGE'S DAY QUIZ NIGHT Just to remind you if you have not applied yet that we are having our fund raising quiz night on Monday 23rd April 2018 - 7pm at The Conservative Club in Bexleyheath Broadway. There is a number limit and last year we were oversubscribed so don't delay! Please contact the office for tickets, they are £8.00 per person teams of 8 would be preferable but not essential, food and drink is available from the club bar.  We would like to congratulate all those ward teams that have worked hard to give informative and positive information for our members, the increased content and information that is being offered for our weekly reports, has not gone unnoticed. I am sure that all our NW-Coordinators that receive this information on Thursdays appreciate the hard work put in by the relevant DWO's in ensuring their ward reports are informative. While we need to see burglary, attempted burglary, car crime, ASB etc.. it's good to see arrest information and surgery dates as well".

The end video this week is a follow - up to the recent one showing the Erith Lighthouse pop - up restaurant, which was located initially in the Erith Riverside Gardens, and later moved to Erith Pier last year. This is a time - lapse video showing the construction of the eye - catching temporary structure. I understand that we may well be seeing more of it in the future.