The smoking gun.

Just for once the weather for the 2018 Bexley Beer Festival was excellent, as you can see from the photo above - click on it for a larger view. Unlike the last three years, where the majority of festival attendees ended up huddling in the marquee tent, as it was so cold outside. This year could not have more different; it was warm and sunny, and most of the festival attendees took advantage of the clement weather and stayed outside. The event was very busy; I have not seen the final figures but it seemed to me that attendance was up on last year. One major change to the usual arrangements was that the bar area went cashless; visitors had to purchase cards from a cashier desk. The cards, which to me resembled WWII era ration cards, were available in £5 and £10 denominations. After one had purchased however much credit one wanted, you selected the pint, half or third from the range racked behind the counter, asked one of the Bexley CAMRA volunteers for the beer of your choice, then handed over your card when the beer was delivered.  The volunteer would then use a marker pen to strike out a number of squares on the card which equated to the price of the beer purchased. It was a system that seemed to work well; my only concern that Bexley CAMRA had not publicised the new system in advance, and quite a few visitors - including myself - were quite perplexed by the unannounced changes. I can fully appreciate the advantages of a cashless system - it was quicker for the volunteers behind the bar, and it also eliminated cash handling errors. Another benefit for the organisers was that a fair proportion of visitors left the festival with unspent credit on their cards, having neglected to get a refund from the cashier desk. This is similar to the number of people who paid for a commemorative festival pint glass, but did not want to take it home with them at the end of the evening. It was possible to get a refund on the glass, but many did not bother - all extra profit for the organisers, and in a way a good move to ensure the continuation of the annual beer festival - which for me, and many others has become a clear favourite in the annual social calendar. I met with a couple of Maggot Sandwich readers that I had not encountered before, including one chap who recognised me as we both queued for the gents toilet! Unfortunately I did not get a chance to speak to him in any great detail, but it was a pleasure to meet someone who apparently has been a regular reader for some considerable time. 

Mystery surrounds the former Belvedere Police Station on the junction of Woolwich Road and Nuxley Road in Upper Belvedere. It was well publicised that the building had been decommissioned prior to being sold off; what most locals assumed was that the current buildings on the site would be demolished and the land used to build new flats. It would appear that in reality the situation is somewhat more complex. Estate agency Glenny now have the building up for rent in its current form. The advertisement says:-"The property comprises the former Belvedere Police Station which was constructed in 1968 and comprises a two storey flat roof brick building, with a third storey plant room. The property benefits from a reception leading to a central corridor and stairwell with a variety of individual rooms leading off. Internally the accommodation offers a mix of offices and storage space with male and female WCs. Externally there is private parking for 6-8 cars on a forecourt with additional parking and secure yard to the side of the property, offering further parking / storage plus a single storey workshop and covered store. The property presently has a Sui Generis use, being a former Police Station. As such, any alternative use will require a change of use planning application and we are of the opinion that the building would lend itself to a variety of uses including office, medical, community or leisure subject to receipt of a suitable consent". I must admit that I had to look up the meaning of "Sui Generis" which sounded like a character from "Game of Thrones", but I soon discovered that it means the following. The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order  1987 categorises uses of land and buildings. Developments may not be used for purposes that are not within the use class for which they received planning permission. Changing the use of a development from one class to another may require planning permission, although changes of use may be permitted without the need for a planning application for certain allowable uses (for example changing a restaurant into a shop). ‘Sui generis’ buildings are those that do not fall within any particular use class. The Latin term 'sui generis' means ‘of its own kind’. This stipulates that in terms of planning permission, if a use of land is to change within a use class, then this does not require planning permission. However, planning permission is usually needed where the change of use involves activities within the sui generis category. These include theatres, petrol filling stations, casinos, amusement centres, car hire businesses, and so on. There are, however, permitted development rights that allow movement between some sui generis uses and other uses. There is a common misconception that changing the use from an existing use class to a sui generis class always requires planning permission. Permission is only required if the sui generis use is materially different from the existing one. If there is any doubt, a lawful development certificate can be applied for. This must include a detailed and unambiguous description of the use, operations or other matter for which it is to be granted. The bottom line is that the current building owners see value in retaining the current structure, and are trying to monetise it directly, rather than demolishing it and building something new. This strikes me as being a rather ambitious and unusual strategy; the current building is fifty years old, and pretty much at the end of its life. It was purpose built as a Police Station, and I wonder how adaptable the building would be to other uses. I cannot imagine that many people would want to work in an office that used to be a cell, for example. I think the only local company that springs to mind who might possibly have an interest in the building might be The Erith Group; I have it on good authority that they are currently looking for a new head office. They have been based in the former Job Centre in Queen's Road in Erith for many years. I gather that they are looking to demolish the office building and construct a high end apartment block on the land, and to build some flats for affordable rent on the site of the former Pop in Parlour, just across the road, which they also own. The Erith Group have their other offices and yard on the Eastern end of Manor Road, but I am led to understand this site is already at capacity, and that a new head office building in the local area will need to be sourced. The old Belvedere Police Station would seem to be a match for many of their requirements, but I have doubts that it would be large enough, or offer enough car parking space for employee vehicles. I also have doubts over the internal configuration of the building - but I don't think this would be a problem for a construction company. Nevertheless, I think it far more likely that the building will lay vacant for yet more time, until a developer decides to knock it down and inevitably build more flats. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Another even more significant planning story has broken in the last week; I have long been of the opinion that Electricity House - the large 1930's low rise block on the corner of Bexley Road and Queen's Road in Erith - directly opposite the fish roundabout, was likely to form part of any regeneration of Erith town centre. I first wrote about it in August 2014, which you can read here. There has been controversy over the building and the occupants for several years, including several allegations of their playing "fast and loose" with the local planning regulations - you can read the details from November 2017 by clicking here. This week they have been posting promotional leaflets through local front doors. The leaflets are of very high quality - full colour printed on thick and glossy card, and must have cost a fortune to produce. The problem is, the leaflets misrepresent the venue located in the former snooker club on the upper floor of Electricity House. The very elegant place settings and rooms shown in the photos above (click on either photo for a larger view) were actually taken elsewhere, and not in Erith. The actual venue looks nothing whatsoever like the promotional photos, and nowhere near as nice. The website listed on the leaflet is at the time of writing is also not operational. As I wrote last November, there are a number of legal cases under way in relation to Electricity House and the church that operates it. All of this is somewhat moot, as it would appear that Bexley Council have plans for the building, along with several others in Erith town centre. I have seen a document sent to me by a couple of readers who wish to remain anonymous, which outlines the plans for several buildings in the town centre. The document includes the following information:- "

ERITH REGENERATION PROGRAMME - ACQUISITION OF FOUR PROPERTY INTERESTS IN ERITH TOWN CENTRE

BACKGROUND

The regeneration of Erith Town Centre will create new coherent predominantly residential riverside communities, which will provide a mix of housing, new and improved business premises, community uses, and public transport improvements within a framework of new residential streets with an improved public realm. Using funding from the Local Enterprise Partnership Growing Places Fund, TfL’s Major Schemes Programme and the London Regeneration Fund the Council is actively acquiring property interests in the town centre when they become available. Terms have now been agreed in respect of four property interests, thereby adding to the Council’s current landholdings in the town centre.

OPTIONS CONSIDERED

1. To acquire the interests now, when the vendors are willing to sell, or 2. Not to acquire at this stage and to await further authority to pursue powers of acquisition.

DECISION

On the principal terms set out in the Exempt Appendix, the Assistant Chief Executive, Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and relevant Cabinet Members, the Director of Finance and Corporate Services and the Chief Executive, authorises the acquisition of:-

1. The freehold interest in 1-9 Pier Road and 33 to 41 Bexley Road, Erith;
2. The long leasehold interest in 9 Pier Road, Erith;
3. The long leasehold interest in 35 Bexley Road, Erith
4. The freehold interest in 89 Erith High Street, Erith

And authorise the Head of Regeneration and Assets to finalise all necessary terms and the Head of Legal Services to take all necessary actions to complete the transactions. Was the decision taken following consultation with an Executive Member(s)?

Yes

If yes, does the Member have a conflict of interest in the subject matter?

No

REASONS FOR DECISION

The opportunity has arisen to acquire by private treaty four property interests in key properties in Erith Town Centre which will help to fulfil the Council’s strategic objects for this important town in the north of the Borough.

Signed: Jane Richardson Date: 26 April 2018
Assistant Chief Executive, Growth and Regeneration".

This would seem to be the "Smoking Gun" in respect of Electricity House, as the ownership of the freehold for the entire building would be the predecessor to the Council then submitting a compulsory purchase order, then engaging a developer to demolish the existing building and replace it with something new. As I have previously written, I have been of the opinion for quite some considerable time that the owners of the church, the creche, and the former snooker hall now being used as an events centre in Electricity House have been fully aware of the likelihood of the entire building being compulsorily purchased and redeveloped, and that they have been making the place look as plush as possible in order to get as much money as they can when the place gets compulsorily purchased. They have been engaged in a "land grab" over the last couple of years, to ensure that they own as high a percentage of the very large building as possible. It is obvious that the building, which opened in 1938 is now at the end of its useful life, and it cannot be generating very much in the way of viable rent. All of the shops on the Pier Road side of the building are pretty run down and not used by very many customers; as I have previously written, the only real income generator for Electricity House nowadays are the mobile phone masts and repeaters that are located on the roof at the Western end of the building. I am also aware that Bexley Council plan to sell off the old Erith Council Office site on the opposite side of Bexley Road, as the office space is now little used, as the council tax administration that used to be undertaken in the building is now merged with that of Bromley Council. Time will tell - and many of the issues discussed here are still in flux, and therefore subject to change. More information as it becomes available. 

A report was published last week that re - ignites an old discussion regarding the use of mobile phones. New figures released by The Office of National Statistics show that the incidence of the brain cancer known as Glioblastoma in England soared from 983 to 2,531 between 1995 and 2015. The rise was across all age groups and came as cases of lower-grade tumours fell. Experts say “widespread environmental or lifestyle factors” are likely to be responsible for the trend, with mobile phones a potential suspect. Study leader Alasdair Philips, of Children with Cancer UK, said in a recent interview that:- “We found a sustained and highly significant increase in GBM throughout the 21 years and across all ages. Interestingly, we found the highest rise in incidence in frontal and temporal regions of the brain. This raises the suspicion that mobile phone use may be promoting gliomas". Typically, only a third of patients are still alive two years after being diagnosed with Glioblastoma. Most survive just 14.6 months. Critics warn the study only identifies a trend in tumour diagnosis rates and does not provide sufficient evidence that mobile phones are actually to blame. However, in 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified mobile phones for the first time in their 'gold-standard' rating system. While they said the devices could "possibly" cause cancer in humans they decided that "there was not enough evidence to come to a clear conclusion". What is rather more clear are the mental health challenges the misuse of mobile phones can cause - especially amongst the young. Phone addiction and social media addiction are closely intertwined, especially for younger people, who probably are not playing chess on their phones or even talking on them—they are on social media. According to a growing number of studies, it is looking more and more like this pastime is addictive. Even more concerning is the fact that this addiction is linked to some serious mental health risks. Another study, presented last month at the Radiological Society of North America conference, looked at the brains of teenagers who fell into the category of smartphone or internet addiction. The authors found some differences in the chemistry of the reward circuits of the brain, particularly in the ratio of the neurotransmitter GABA to other neurotransmitters. Interestingly, when the teens went though cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for their addiction, their brain chemistry changed and looked more like non-addicted controls. Earlier studies have also looked at activity in the addiction circuits of the teenage brain when they're actually interacting with social media. It found that cells in one of these areas, the nucleus accumbens, were activated when participants viewed Instagram pictures with more “likes". 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:- "A fantastic week for the ward crime wise, with only one crime of note reported (we do not include domestic-related offences in this bulletin). This was a theft from motor vehicle which occurred on the 30th April between 7.30am – 9.45am at Hall Place Car Park where the front and rear number plates were stolen from a Citroen car. The team are planning to hold a crime prevention roadshow in the car park shortly where anti-theft screws will be available. The date will be finalised next week and will be advertised on twitter and Facebook as well as Emails to Neighbourhood Watch Coordinators. We have received reports and noticed an increase across the ward of nitrous oxide canisters being discarded especially around the garages at Braeside Crescent, Sevenoaks Close and Oakwood Drive. We are actively patrolling these areas but would like your help. If you see cars parked up using these canisters or other drugs please call 101 at the time giving as much information as possible or report on line. This information will help us to patrol at the relevant times". Belvedere ward:- "The team held a motor vehicle crime prevention surgery in the car park at Asda in Lower Road recently offering crime prevention advice and the opportunity for drivers to have anti-theft number plate screws fitted to their vehicles for free by an AA mechanic who kindly agreed to join us for the afternoon. Having now delivered letters to over 4000 addresses across the ward, we have most recently been able to create a new NHW in Waterfield Close. The team have also been conducting patrols of the streets around Franks Park as we are soon to take over from the Erith SNT once the ward boundary changes take effect. Details of how to contact us have been delivered to residents in this area". Brampton ward:- "A slightly busier week on the Ward this week 4 crimes of relevance to our residents. There was a theft of motor vehicle on Friday 27th from Mayfair Avenue. There was also a burglary in Mayfair Avenue on Sunday 29th where entry was gained via the front UPVC door which had not been double locked. A valuable watch was taken and car keys but no vehicle was taken. On the 30th there was a shoplifting from the Co-op in Pickford Lane. On the 31st in Melanie Close number plates were taken from a vehicle. Brampton SNT continue patrolling the Ward robustly in an attempt to deter and disrupt potential crimes. Anti – social behaviour seems to be under control on the Ward at the moment but with the summer holidays and lighter nights approaching we will continue to be as highly visible as we can be and continue gathering intelligence in the fight against crime". Christchurch ward:- "We are happy to mention that we have no reported burglaries on the ward over the last week. We have had a report of a theft from motor vehicle that was reported on the 01/05/2018, vehicle was parked at Oakland’s Car Park in the Broadway at the time. Also number plates were stolen from a vehicle along Paddock Road on the 27/04/2018 . We had an attempted theft from motor vehicle along Albion Road area. Suspects had tried to take items from passenger seat but was stopped by the driver of the vehicle, this was on the 01/05/2018. We have had two reports of mobile phones being stolen. One was reported on the 26/04/2018 along Market Place Bexleyheath and the other reported on the 28/04/2018, mobile phone was stolen from victim when helping someone during a fight on the Broadway. A purse was reported stolen on the 26/04/2018 whilst the victim was shopping in Pound land Bexleyheath. Our next contact point shall be held on the 9th May at the Central Library Bexleyheath for one hour starting at 10am. Please feel free to come along and speak to us if any of you get a chance. Numerous reports have come our way in relation to beggars - rough sleepers on the ward. We are actively looking for them and hopefully deal with them as needed. Last Friday night, we have been out on the Broadway conducting licencing checks and showing a presence to help prevent any Anti-Social behaviour etc., as well as the day after on Saturday. Also on Friday night the team had helped deal with an incident where someone had got hit by a car which also included road closures. A dispersal zone was put in place last Sunday to help reduce any ASB on the ward as there was reports of general ASB Saturday night. We are keen to set up more Neighbourhood Watches on our ward". Colyers ward:- "We are pleased to announce that in the final week of Colyers Ward there have been no reported burglaries on the ward. We have had one theft from a motor vehicle in Butler Drive on Erith Park Estate some time over the previous two weeks. Small tool marks were found on the drivers door and some small change was missing from the central console. Unfortunately there were no witnesses or CCTV. Colyers executed a drugs warrant in Hampton House on Wednesday, with the aid of neighbouring wards and a dog unit. An amount of cannabis and suspected class A drugs were found along with a quantity of cash". Crayford ward:- "A silver Saab was stolen from an underground car park in Tanners Close on 30/04/2018 between 15.00-18.30. The owner still has the keys but had reported that a side window had been broken a few weeks ago. Hobbycraft reported a shoplifting offence on 01/05/2018 . It seems to have been a week for assaults, counter allegations of assault and domestic incidents. On 23/04/2018 a male was seen walking along carrying what was believed to be a handgun. He was followed from a safe distance and a running commentary was given as to where he was going. Police arrived at the male’s home address and he was arrested. This will be an ongoing investigation. On 24/04/2018, four males were arrested at Tower Retail Park by armed officers from the National Crime Agency. We are not aware of the details of this incident but are aware that there was a video clip on Facebook. Please be assured that Crayford is a safe place to live, serious events like this are unusual and treated as priority. On Friday evening a male was processed for no insurance. 6 points and £300 fine if found guilty. Please ensure that your car insurance covers you for business use. In this instance the male was making a take away delivery. In the event of an accident, he may not have been covered by his domestic car policy. On Wednesday, a lady was processed for using her mobile phone whilst driving her car. 6 points and a £200 fine. Is it really worth it and risking someone’s life? On Friday evening, assisted by Christchurch team, we patrolled Crayford ASB hotspots and stop and accounted several youths. On Saturday evening we returned the favour and assisted Christchurch team when a large group of youths were causing anti-social behaviour in Bexleyheath, several of the youths spoken with were from Crayford, a little local knowledge ably assisted with dispersing them away on to buses to keep them out of trouble".  Erith ward:- "Last week we had the Erith ward panel meeting, we got a nice turnout of 18 people. The meeting was chaired by Jerry Martin, everyone had a chance to talk about issues in their area, The priorities that were chosen were: Drugs across the ward and ASB in the High Street. The date of the next meeting was set for Wednesday 25/07/2018. We have also set up around 5 new NHW areas in Erith over the last week". North End ward:- "Unfortunately, we have had a robbery. A 14 year old was followed on the bus from Bluewater to Slade Green. He was approached by 2 males in Forest Road who took him behind the shops and demanded money and his phone after showing him a knife. They got away with his phone. His dad contacted us and PC Mark and James were fortunately working and went and took the report. The investigation continues in finding these individuals as another parent has since come forward and her son was also followed from Bluewater in similar circumstances but he got away. We assisted the Colyers team in a successful warrant this week with drugs seized at the property. Last Friday we spent 2 hours at the Shell garage on Northend Road with the AA giving out anti-theft number plate screws, free, to anyone interested. There were 15 people who signed up and had them fitted there and then. Please let us know if you need any of these screws and we will try and get them to you. Last week PCSO Mark popped into Bexley Deaf Centre Lunch Club at the Inspire Centre on Whitehall Lane. This was to arrange future regular visits with the group. While he was there they taught him how to use sign language so when he next attends he can show them “coffee with no sugar”. We have a Community Contact session this Saturday at our office in Pier Road from 7pm. PCSO Mark will be attending the Slade Green Big Local Stakeholders Conference next Wednesday, hopefully he will be back in time to give an update next week". Northumberland Heath ward:- "Great news this week - we have had no burglaries reported to us! PC Tom Smith is currently investigating a criminal damage to a motor vehicle in Collindale Avenue that took place last week when a windscreen of a motor vehicle was smashed. A local resident alerted us to a phone scam on Monday of this week. The informant, who lives in Oakdene Avenue, received a telephone call on Monday morning informing him that he was due a PPI refund of £5,000, but would need to purchase a payment card for £125 from a local shop with a code number that he needed to supply to cover government tax on the refund. Fortunately the informant did not follow the instructions he was given, although the caller was insistent, a police car was waiting nearby as a courier was due to attend his address but thankfully no one attended. Please be aware of any unsolicited phone calls you may receive, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. As you may be aware from Thursday May 3rd the Council Ward Boundaries are changing, we are gaining some roads on the Colyers ward and losing some of our roads which will be covered by another team". Thamesmead East ward:- "The team are pleased to say no Burglaries again this week. Between 17th - 30th April, Theft – Hartslock Drive. Trailer Unit Stolen from location between date stated; 25th April - Theft  – Leatherbottle Green. Three neighbours state that plants were stolen from front door step overnight. PC Pruden investigating the theft recovered the plants and returned them to their rightful owners; 28th April - Criminal Damage – Kale Road. Victim states person/persons have cut the virgin media cable leading into the victims property; 30th April - Criminal Damage – Mangol Way between 30th April – 2nd May. The victim noticed that the passenger side front door had a number of scratch marks, approximately two inches in length. F. The team will be at Lakeside Medical Centre in Yarnton Way between 1-2pm on Friday 11h May".

The end video this week shows two of the new British Rail Class 345 trains which are currently undergoing testing on the Crossrail / Elizabeth Line at Abbey Wood Station. If you visit the station and happen to see any train testing going on, I would be grateful if you could get a photo or two - you can send them to me at hugh.neal@gmail.com - and you can have full credit, or alternatively be completely anonymous, as you see fit.