I took the photos above last week. Click on either for a larger view; they show the former Belvedere Police Station now surrounded by wooden fencing; demolition work has already begun. Inevitably a block of residential apartments is to be built on the site. In essence, Belvedere Police Station was shut and sold off to save the Metropolitan Police £91,000 a year - only a little more than is paid to employ a single Chief Superintendent. I am not sure how this is meant to represent good value for money, but the decision has been made, and the current situation is a "done deal". What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
As regular readers will be aware, I have in the past benchmarked the activities (or indeed lack thereof) of Bexley Council against our close neighbours on the opposite side of the River Thames in the London Borough of Havering. The two boroughs are remarkably similar in many ways; both have a broadly similar population demographic, geography and council tax budget, yet it seems to me that Havering seem to get much more out of their finances than Bexley do, and this is not just me thinking that "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence". As an example, the News Shopper have ran a story last year about the anniversary of the cancellation of the very popular Danson Festival. It is now six years since the council cancelled the annual festival, erroneously stating that this was a temporary cancellation due to problems with the geology of the park, and drainage issues. In an interview with the News Shopper, a spoke person for Bexley Council said:- "Unfortunately Danson mid-park is not currently suitable for large-scale events such as the Danson Festival. The council saves approximately £150,000 from not putting on the festival. Whilst the festival has not been held for a number of years, we have recently increased the number of community and cultural events we have hosted and supported – and we continue to look at new opportunities to bring the community together to share experiences and celebrate". In reality a festival has been held in Danson Park since - but it has been run by a commercial events company called Oakleigh Fairs, who charge for admission. The fair is running this weekend, and entrance fees are £7 per adult, and £4.50 per child. Attractions include arts, crafts, food, drink, gifts, and trade stands. On Sunday, a Companion Dog Show, and a children's entertainer. This all rather contradicts the statement that the park could not be used due to drainage issues. The real reason is that Bexley Council do not want to spend £150,000 on the very popular event. It is my understanding that the free, council run festival in the past actually operated at a modest profit. This all does look rather poor in comparison with Havering, who run a huge event in Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch during the month of August. The very popular event, which is having its 41st anniversary this year, which will be held on August Bank Holiday Weekend, Sunday 25th and Monday 26th August 2019. Acts appearing include:- Aswad, Toploader, Alison Limerick, Eban Brown, Mr Soul, Livin' Joy, Oye Santana, Exposé, Tina Turner Tribute, Robbie Williams Tribute. There will also be a large Fairground, Fairkytes Live Stage, a Community Performance Stage, Licensed Bars, Street Food and Children’s Attractions. All this at a cost of £3 per adult, and children under 10 go free. Value - wise, the Havering Show looks like it beats the Danson commercial festival hands down - better acts, more stages, a wider variety of attractions and all for less than half the price of the Danson Show. This is not the only way in which public arts are better catered for in Havering; It also plays host to an arts festival, the award winning Romford Film Festival and a Havering in Bloom competition, to name but a few. Bearing in mind that Havering Borough Council has very similar demands and constraints to its budget as Bexley does, it does beg the question, how is it that Havering can offer popular arts and cultural events to its residents, but Bexley Council are unable, or more likely unwilling to? Effectively the arts offering in Bexley is outsourced to third parties, such as the excellent Exchange - a not for profit group who run the former Carnegie Library in Walnut Tree Road, Erith. Other than that, Bexley's offering to its residents is very poor in comparison to neighbouring boroughs such as Greenwich, who run the excellent - if pricey - Blackheath Festival over the weekend of the 13th and 14th of July, and which will feature acts such as Ali Campbell and Astro, Aswad, Brand New Heavies, Grace Jones, Incognito, Jacob Collier, James Morrison, Jamiroquai, Morcheeba, Rag n Bone Man, SG Lewis, Soul II Soul, Swing Out Sister, and The Roots. What do you think? Please feel free to leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
Former host of The Big Break and The Generation Game, stand up comedian and former Shooter's Hill resident Jim Davidson is a very familiar TV presenter for anyone in the UK. He has appeared on numerous programmes and advertising spots. His self-confessed bankruptcy woes before successfully bouncing back are why Jim Davidson has been swept up in the latest wave of BitCoin robot software scams. The advert above, which has been created to fraudulently look like it is on the entertainments section of the Daily Mirror website, has been linked to the News Shopper website, as one of their "click bait" articles. At least £41,000 on average was lost each day in the past year to Bitcoin scams, according to new figures. Consumer interest group Which? is renewing its warnings about the dangers of dodgy so-called cryptocurrency investment firms that use fake celebrity endorsements to lure victims. Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency which exists only online and doesn’t have a central bank or country of origin, so can be traded anonymously. Action Fraud figures given exclusively to Which? show in the year to 19 March 2019, more than 1,200 victims collectively lost £15,248,130 to scams involving Bitcoin. Some people found themselves the victims of a double scam after being tricked by bogus companies promising to get their money back, for a fee – only to realise they had been conned once again. To be clear, Jim Davidson never endorsed any of these products. The people behind them simply believe that the public will think he did. Unfortunately, Bitcoin robots are only of use to their owners, who make money from gullible people who trust obviously false advertising claims like this one. Be warned. If it sounds too good to be true, it normally is.
I was watching a documentary on Amazon Prime the other night; it featured an international convention of Beatles tribute bands – there were South Korean and Ghanaian Beatles covers groups, amongst a huge number of others. I did not realise that there is a shop in Liverpool that specialises in selling costumes, wigs and boots to Beatle tribute bands, it is that much of a lucrative market. The programme was light hearted and warm and followed a few of the bands as they visited the locations featured in so many Beatles songs. This got me thinking; The Beatles have spawned a huge tourist industry in Liverpool, with Beatles themed tours, events and shows all over the city, all eager to being in the cash from the tourists eager to explore the place that the band called home. Their major contemporaries have fared less well. When you mention The Beatles, you immediately form an association with Liverpool. When you mention The Rolling Stones, you don’t immediately think of Dartford, do you? Yet the band had their roots in Dartford, even though their music had more in common with the Mississippi Delta than the Thames Estuary. Apart from the excellent Mick Jagger performing arts centre, there is almost nothing to commemorate the band in Dartford – which is ironic, as unlike the Beatles, The Rolling Stones are still a (just about) going concern. I wonder if a lot of this is because the band abandoned the town to move to a house in West London as soon as they started to find success? There was a campaign to get a blue plaque installed on platform four of Dartford railway station a few years ago – where Mick and Keith first met after both visiting the West End to buy rare American blues records, where they discovered they shared the same musical passion, and the seeds of the band that would become The Rolling Stones were sown. Unfortunately nothing came of the campaign, which I think epitomises the rather ambivalent attitude some locals have to the group. The local area has been instrumental (if you will excuse the pun) in being home to Kate Bush (Welling), John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin (Sidcup) and David Bowie (Bromley). The musical influence this part of South East London / North Kent has had worldwide has had is huge; we just seem to be exceptionally poor at celebrating its’ success. Going back to The Rolling Stones, one thing which has been unclear for years is the actual origin of their name. Some think it comes from the Muddy Waters song of the same name, which may indeed be the case. The thing is, what exactly is a rolling stone? Well, according to a source I read, it is nothing to do with a stone rolling down a hill. The “rolling stone that gathers no moss” actually refers to a 16th Century carved stone garden lawn roller; so The Rolling Stones, with all of their “bad boy” image are actually named after something you would find in a garden shed...
Other famous local residents have in the past included Sir Roger Moore - Wansunt Road in Old Bexley Village, Bernie Ecclestone (Bexleyheath), Lennox Lewis (Danson), Nevil Shute (Hatherley Road, Sidcup), Delia Smith (Bexleyheath), Michael Crawford (Bexleyheath), Roald Dahl, (Hurst Road, Bexley), Sheila Hancock (Erith), Boy George (Shooter's Hill), and Sir Edward Heath (Old Bexley), and Steve Davis (Danson) All of these well – known and illustrious people have contributed to both the local and the national well-being in one way or another. One other local person was the late and much lamented comedienne, Linda Smith, who lived in Erith for many years.
Here is the outcome of the recent second meeting of the Erith Think Tank, a new group who seek the betterment of the local area. You can see their website here. The meeting notes read as follow:- "Thank you to those who were able to attend our second meeting, where we discussed together 'Why are we here?' and 'How can we achieve our aims?' so as to find common ground on the purpose of this Group. Each attendee was asked to answer these two questions, and to discuss their answers in small groups. Then each group was asked to write down the key responses on larger paper, which was pinned to the wall, and presented to the other groups. There was LOTS of positivity in the room for Erith and its future, and it's been a pleasure to read the responses. We have documented all the responses, and attached them, should you wish to read through. Based on this information, I have drafted the following manifesto. I hope you'll agree, it covers the big-picture issues discussed, and will provide a 'mission' for the group going forward. I invite you to email me back with thoughts, comments, suggestions for edits etc.
1. The Erith Think Tank is a place where members of the community can meet, get to know one another, and discuss issues pertaining to Erith.
2. We will meet regularly, and endeavour to understand each other.
3. We are passionate about, and wish to celebrate Erith, our community and our members.
4. We want to support positive change, and help Erith to realise its potential.
5. We will use the groups expertise and work together to achieve our aims.
6. We will create a 'register of assets' that celebrates Erith, its community and it's businesses.
7. We aim to give Erith a co-ordinated and strong voice that engages with and represents all aspects of the community.
8. We aim to inform, in plain language, about plans for Erith's present and future.
9. We will engage with and nurture a dialogue with decision-makers and the Council.
10. We will gain an understanding of how the Council works, how decisions are made, and by who, and translate/explain this to the group and wider community, with a view to influence these decisions.
11. We aim to understand, participate in and influence any regeneration.
12. We will propose ideas that improve Erith.
13. We will identify problems, and propose solutions.
14. We will create group Ambassadors, responsible for different topics (ie youth engagement, environment, planning).
15. We will create a support structure for 'projects'.
16. We acknowledge that trust and respect need to be built between us, the community and the Council, to create better dialogue.
17. We will develop a plan to attract and involve the community (including youth) through effective networking on a variety of platforms.
18. We will prove that the group is an asset to the community and the Council.
19. We aim to challenge and provide alternatives to the current consultation process.
20. We will scrutinise decisions, and agitate when our demands are not met.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Johnny / Team Think Tank - you can contact the think tank at:- eriththinktank@gmail.com.
The technical press have been following up a story that I featured a while back relating to the Metropolitan Police running a series of tests of facial recognition technology. The Metropolitan Police have been trialing facial-recognition systems for a while now. The technology was rolled out to monitor partygoers attending the Notting Hill Carnival in 2016 and 2017, as well as at the Port of Hull docks and Stratford Transport Hub. Last year, it was estimated the technology had a whopping 98 per cent false positive rate. In January this year, it emerged that the Met had blown more than £200,000 on facial-recognition trials with little or no arrests to show for it. Privacy organisations such as Big Brother Watch, a British nonprofit, have urged the Police to stop using the technology. The Information Commissioner, UK’s data protection watchdog, has launched an investigation into how the police are using face-scanning and biometric systems. Facial-recognition technology is a contentious issue. Experts have been critical of its inaccuracies and biases. Now, an independent report has been published which raises serious doubts about the use of the technology. Researchers from the Human Rights, Big Data and Technology Project, based at the University of Essex Human Rights Centre, identified significant flaws with the way live facial recognition (LFR) technology has been trialled in London by the Metropolitan Police Service. Facial recognition technology trialled by the Metropolitan Police is highly inaccurate and its deployment is likely to be found "unlawful" if challenged in court, according to the reports authors; Professor Fussey and Dr Murray were granted unprecedented access to the final six trials, running from June 2018 to February 2019. From those, the authors found that just eight correct matches were made out of 42 suggested in total. LFR technology allows for the real-time biometric processing of video imagery to identify particular individuals. The software processes the images in order to identify any faces, creates a digital signature of identified faces, and then analyses those digital signatures against a database referred to as the "watch list". An alert is then issued by the police control room and may be available on officers' portable devices. However, accuracy of the watch list data also remains a challenge. Legacy data-handling systems meant data relevant to watch lists was spread across different databases and each watch list entry needed to be assembled by manually extracting and merging records from each of these locations, the University researchers found. The report noted it is possible for LFR software to be integrated into police body-worn cameras. That could be used to create a database of individuals' movements within a city, which in turn could be automated to identify any unusual patterns. Professor Fussey and Dr Murray are calling for all live trials of LFR to be ceased until these concerns are addressed. They noted it is essential that human rights compliance is ensured before deployment, and there be an appropriate level of public scrutiny and debate on a national level. Murray said in a recent press interview that-: "This report raises significant concerns regarding the human rights law compliance of the trials. The legal basis for the trials was unclear and is unlikely to satisfy the 'in accordance with the law' test established by human rights law. Ultimately, the impression is that human rights compliance was not built into the Metropolitan Police's systems from the outset, and was not an integral part of the process". In January this year, it emerged that the Met had spent more than £200,000 on facial-recognition trials with little or no arrests to show for it.
A new campaigning group has just been set up locally; the group's spokes person writes:- "The proposed second Cory incinerator in Lower Belvedere project has prompted the formation of a new group Greenwich-Bexley Environment Alliance. With encouragement from among others: The Crossness Nature Reserve, BNEF, Belvedere Ward Councillor Dave Putson, and Mark Alexander-Smale Head of St Augustine’s School we have formulated a petition and web site. The web site (NOT ANOTHER INCINERATOR IN BEXLEY) can be found at www.naiib.org and the petition initiated by Jenni White. I am sure your readers will be interested to know that The Cory Incinerator project is already opposed by among others: The Mayor of London, GLA members, the MPs for Thamesmead, Bexleyheath and Rainham. However as influential as their opposition may be, it may not be enough, as you may know HM Government will make the final decision. Today, schools in Bexley, Greenwich and Havering have been appraised by us of the petition etc. but in order to achieve success we need a wider audience. Time unfortunately is pressing, and the Planning Inspector is expected to make his decision on the project later this month". Jenni White, of Slade Green set up the petition partly due to living off the A206 main road, where pollution levels and traffic jams are already a daily problem; she reports that "One day I counted 8 lorries passing before I could turn onto the main road this was at 11.30 a.m!" Jon Cruddas MP for Dagenham and Rainham has launched a petition against the plans which will undoubtedly have a severe impact on air quality in his constituency, particularly Rainham and the Beam Park development area. On his website, Jon writes:- "Incineration is the least environmentally friendly form of waste disposal after landfill, and the energy produced by this scheme if approved is not enough to justify the negative impact it would have on the London Riverside Opportunity areas. Over the last five years recycling rates have stalled across the UK whilst government approved waste incineration has doubled. The Tories seem to have a complete disregard for our environment and the quality of air we breathe. Thermal Energy from Waste (EfW) plants do deliver large energy generation benefits however, they do this by destroying waste materials in a harmful way which releases air pollutants and greenhouse gases on an industrial scale. The use of EfW plants will also have an impact on recycling rates in London with much recyclable waste being redirected and incinerated. I am in complete opposition to the proposal and next year when these plans open up I hope that both local authorities in my constituency will join me in opposing the development. I will also be writing to the Thames Estuary Commission raising my concerns. The application fails to meet the Mayor of London’s key environmental and air quality policies included in the London Plan and draft London Plan, and as such the Riverside Energy Park is not supported by the Mayor of London. It is expected that in early 2019 local authorities will be able to respond to the proposals in the pre-examination period". What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly a report from Barnehurst ward:- "Once again there has been no reported burglaries during the past week however in Colyers Lane on Friday 28/06/2019 between 04.30pm and 06.35pm a small brick wall to a flower bed had been damaged in a rear garden and footprints were see near the rear window of the property, there was no sign of any attempt to enter the property. In Grassmere Road on Saturday 29/06/2019 at 05.50pm officers stopped two males after they were seen in Colyers Lane driving with hazard lights on. One male was found in possession with a substantial amount of cash. Drugs were found following a search of the vehicle which led to both males being arrested. The investigation is ongoing. The team continue to be proactive around the ward concentrating on areas that have recently been targeted for vehicle crime. Our next community contact session will be held on Thursday 18th July 2019 at 11.00am in Barnehurst Golf Club". Belvedere ward:- "There has been an increase in thefts from motor vehicles in the Belvedere Park Estate recently. It appears that cars have been targeted with a device that unlocks the car without using the key. Please be on the lookout for anyone acting suspiciously or out of place. If you see a crime being committed call 999 immediately, or if you suspect anyone please contact Police via 101 or our website. The team recovered a stolen motorbike on Monday in the alleyway next to St Augustines School. It was battered but in one piece. Stolen in May from Crayford. We will be conducting forensic examinations to see if a suspect can be linked. We also arrested a wanted burglar on Monday. They had recently moved to the area from central London, however an address was found and they have been brought in for questioning. PCSO Jay gave a personal safety and home security talk to the Evergreen Care Group. They are a charity that care for the elderly and will pass on the advice given to their clients, as well as taking on board what was advised. Jay also gave a crime prevention talk to the Asian Ladies Group, who meet weekly at the Community Centre. The group found the talk helpful, so much so that Jay has been invited back! If any other groups would like an input (formal or otherwise) from the team please get in touch. Garage burglaries have also increased recently. Latest is Mossdown Close sometime over the past week whereby several thousands of pounds worth of items were taken. A white van was involved in this theft and CCTV enquiries are continuing. Same advice as above, if anything suspicious seen call Police". Bexleyheath ward:- "Sunday 30/06/19 - There was a report of a theft of push bike along the Broadway, bike was locked up but still taken; Friday 28/06/19 – Report of a Theft of motor vehicle along Ennerdale Road Bexleyheath; Thursday 27/06/19 overnight into Friday 28/06/19 – Report of a theft from motor vehicle along Meadow Close Bexleyheath; Friday 28/06/2019 – Report of a theft of motor vehicle along Oakhouse Road Bexleyheath; On Wednesday 26/06/19 – A purse was reported stolen along the Broadway Bexleyheath at about 1230 midday. The team regularly conduct patrols along drug hot spot areas and ASB areas on the ward and conduct regular stops & searches where necessary. On Thursday 11th July – The team shall be holding a contact session between 10am and 11am at the Central Library Bexleyheath". Crayford ward:- "There has been three reports of theft from motor vehicles on the ward, brief details below: Wednesday 26/06/2019 – Bourne Road; Friday 28/06/2019 – Green Place Dartford – Number plates stolen; Tuesday 02/07/2019 – Outside Nando's Crayford Rd Tower Retail Park; Also there has been two reports of theft of motor vehicles reported: Monday 01/07/2019 – Alcock Crescent Crayford; Tuesday 02/07/2019 – Thames Road Crayford. There is a contact session that has been arrange for anyone that wishes to speak to the team at Crayford Library on Wednesday 17th July 2019 between 10am and 11am".
Erith ward:- "Theft from motor vehicles is increasing. Please see my crime prevention advice in the top half of this email to help reduce this. Theft of Motor Vehicle Monday 24/06/2019 14:40:00 Compton Place; Burg - Bus / Com Friday 28/06/2019 Bexley College - Walnut Tree Road – Window broken to the café food items stolen; Burg Res Saturday 29/06/2019 17:00:00 Bexley Road – entered via window; Theft from Motor Vehicle Sunday 30/06/2019 Lower Road; Theft of Motor Vehicle Monday 01/07/2019, Lower Road; Burglary Residential Monday 01/07/2019 Cricketers Close – Entered via rear door; Theft from MV Monday 01/07/2019 15:30:00 Parkspring Court, Erith High Street; Theft from MV Monday 01/07/2019 17:00:00, Hawthorn Place; Theft of MV Sunday 30/06/2019 07:00:00 Carlton Road; Theft from Motor Vehicle Tuesday 02/07/2019 Callender Road Theft of MV Sunday 30/06/2019 05:00:00 Fire Station, Erith Road; Theft from Motor Vehicle Sunday 30/06/2019 16:30:00 Queen Street Baptist Church, Queens Road. The next Community Contact Session in Erith is on Friday 12/07/19 at Costa Coffee Erith at 1pm". Northumberland Heath ward:- "This week the team say goodbye to PC Tom Smith who will now be joining the Barnehurst Team. We look forward to meeting our new PC - PC Lucy Butler when she joins the team in a couple of weeks. The team continue to target ASB on Bexley Road and surrounding Alleyways, working together with the schools and local authority. Very pleased to say, there have been no burglaries, and no Motor vehicle crime on the ward this week. Our next community contact session is on Friday 12th July at 4pm in the Mill Road Library. Please do come along and meet a member of the team and discuss any issues or concerns you have, or just pop in and say hello". Slade Green and Northend ward:- "One burglary to report between Thursday June 20th and Thursday 27th - jewellery was stolen from a house in Manor Road while the owners were on holiday. Entry was forced through the back door with no neighbours reporting seeing anything during the time frame. PC's Mark and James assisted our sergeant who had caught a male in Erith causing criminal damage to a vehicle and James arrested the male. After a short chase on Saturday, Mark and James caught a male in Appold Street who was found in possession of drugs. As he was a minor, he is due back for interview next week. PCSO Mark attended Peareswood school (Friday 5th July) and Monday 8th. Friday is for a year 6 personal safety talk before they move on to secondary school and Monday is to assist them at Erith Sports Centre as the whole school takes part in their Race For Life event. Our next Community Contact Session is from 1130 on Tuesday July 9th at St Augustine Church to make up part of their Welcome café which starts at 11am". Thamesmead East ward:- "Burglary: Sydney Road Tuesday 2/7/19 between 2pm – 11pm Victim's room in a house of multiple occupancy was broken into causing damage to the door. An untidy search was conducted by suspect/s unknown, nothing reported removed at this time; Lensbury Way Wednesday 3/7/19 at 9am victim had been alerted by a resident that a suspicious male was seen in his garage and had got into a vehicle and driven off. When victim went to the garage both padlocks had been removed and a petrol lawn mower had been removed. Theft from Motor Vehicle: Grange Crescent Wednesday 26/6/19 between 11:30pm - 9:10am Thursday 27/06/19 victims vehicle was broken into by suspect/s unknown various items stolen from within; Hartslock Drive Friday 28/6/19 at 11:50am victim walked away from the vehicle for 5 minutes leaving a handbag and mobile phone in full view. When victim returned to vehicle a male suspect was seen smashing the vehicle window both items had been removed without victims consent; Sydney Road Friday 28/6/19 between 4pm – 11am Saturday 27/6/19 victim's vehicle was parked on victims drive an untidy search was carried out by suspect/s unknown nothing reported stolen; Kale Road Tuesday 20/6/19 – 2/7/19 Victims vehicle has been broken into while victim was on holiday; Landridge Road Tuesday 2/7/19 at 1245pm Victims vehicle windscreen smashed and mobile phone removed from vehicle without victims consent by suspect/s unknown. Theft of Motor vehicle: Southmere Drive between 16/3/19 – 29/6/19 victim's motor bike was removed without consent. Criminal Damage: St Andrews Close Saturday 29/6/19 at 11:12PM a brick was thrown through the living room window of the victim's property. No suspects seen or heard running away; Mangold Way Monday 1/7/19 between 9pm – 10pm Victim stated his neighbour had caused damage to his fence resulting in several glass jars to smash. Good News. An area which was reported to us for drug taking was patrolled routinely. 3 males were stopped by PC's Nana and Pruden they were searched, cannabis was found. One male was given a warning in the form of Community Resolution. There will be a street a week on Tuesday 9/7/19 at 7pm in Sydney Road. A social network called Nextdoor has been launched which aims to encourage social interaction between neighbours and make people aware of crime in their area. The social network has already been trialled in 500 neighbourhoods across the UK. Thamesmead East will be putting crime updates on Nextdoor weekly". West Heath ward:- "One reported shed burglary in Longleigh Lane on Sunday June 30th between 1.30am and 07.30am. It was believed to have been committed by a family member. A number of tools were stolen. We have had a number of motor vehicle crimes reported to us again this week; On Saturday June 22nd between midnight and 7am, a handbag containing credit cards and personal items was stolen from a vehicle parked on a driveway in Lansdowne Avenue; Vehicle number plates were ripped off a vehicle parked in New Road On Thursday June 27th between 7.45am and 6.15pm. The victim left the vehicle to travel by train to London, when she returned to her vehicle she noticed that they had been placed underneath her car; A handbag containing a mobile phone, passport, driving licence and other items were stolen from a vehicle in Oakhampton Crescent on Friday June 28th at 11.50am. The victim left her car briefly for a few minutes before returning to the vehicle to discover a window had been smashed and her bag stolen. The suspect was believed to be a white male wearing a black top and riding a bicycle; A number of equestrian equipment was stolen from a vehicle parked in Pembury Road between Monday July 1st at 2am and 3pm the following day. The victim had left the car locked and secure but discovered the boot and the vehicle open. There was so sign of forced entry. PC Gill Couzens arrested a male on Saturday June 29th for the possession of a large quantity of drugs which is a great result for the team!"
The end video this week features the Erith Playhouse - the largest theatre in the London Borough of Bexley, and home to many amateur productions.
Other famous local residents have in the past included Sir Roger Moore - Wansunt Road in Old Bexley Village, Bernie Ecclestone (Bexleyheath), Lennox Lewis (Danson), Nevil Shute (Hatherley Road, Sidcup), Delia Smith (Bexleyheath), Michael Crawford (Bexleyheath), Roald Dahl, (Hurst Road, Bexley), Sheila Hancock (Erith), Boy George (Shooter's Hill), and Sir Edward Heath (Old Bexley), and Steve Davis (Danson) All of these well – known and illustrious people have contributed to both the local and the national well-being in one way or another. One other local person was the late and much lamented comedienne, Linda Smith, who lived in Erith for many years.
Here is the outcome of the recent second meeting of the Erith Think Tank, a new group who seek the betterment of the local area. You can see their website here. The meeting notes read as follow:- "Thank you to those who were able to attend our second meeting, where we discussed together 'Why are we here?' and 'How can we achieve our aims?' so as to find common ground on the purpose of this Group. Each attendee was asked to answer these two questions, and to discuss their answers in small groups. Then each group was asked to write down the key responses on larger paper, which was pinned to the wall, and presented to the other groups. There was LOTS of positivity in the room for Erith and its future, and it's been a pleasure to read the responses. We have documented all the responses, and attached them, should you wish to read through. Based on this information, I have drafted the following manifesto. I hope you'll agree, it covers the big-picture issues discussed, and will provide a 'mission' for the group going forward. I invite you to email me back with thoughts, comments, suggestions for edits etc.
1. The Erith Think Tank is a place where members of the community can meet, get to know one another, and discuss issues pertaining to Erith.
2. We will meet regularly, and endeavour to understand each other.
3. We are passionate about, and wish to celebrate Erith, our community and our members.
4. We want to support positive change, and help Erith to realise its potential.
5. We will use the groups expertise and work together to achieve our aims.
6. We will create a 'register of assets' that celebrates Erith, its community and it's businesses.
7. We aim to give Erith a co-ordinated and strong voice that engages with and represents all aspects of the community.
8. We aim to inform, in plain language, about plans for Erith's present and future.
9. We will engage with and nurture a dialogue with decision-makers and the Council.
10. We will gain an understanding of how the Council works, how decisions are made, and by who, and translate/explain this to the group and wider community, with a view to influence these decisions.
11. We aim to understand, participate in and influence any regeneration.
12. We will propose ideas that improve Erith.
13. We will identify problems, and propose solutions.
14. We will create group Ambassadors, responsible for different topics (ie youth engagement, environment, planning).
15. We will create a support structure for 'projects'.
16. We acknowledge that trust and respect need to be built between us, the community and the Council, to create better dialogue.
17. We will develop a plan to attract and involve the community (including youth) through effective networking on a variety of platforms.
18. We will prove that the group is an asset to the community and the Council.
19. We aim to challenge and provide alternatives to the current consultation process.
20. We will scrutinise decisions, and agitate when our demands are not met.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Johnny / Team Think Tank - you can contact the think tank at:- eriththinktank@gmail.com.
A new campaigning group has just been set up locally; the group's spokes person writes:- "The proposed second Cory incinerator in Lower Belvedere project has prompted the formation of a new group Greenwich-Bexley Environment Alliance. With encouragement from among others: The Crossness Nature Reserve, BNEF, Belvedere Ward Councillor Dave Putson, and Mark Alexander-Smale Head of St Augustine’s School we have formulated a petition and web site. The web site (NOT ANOTHER INCINERATOR IN BEXLEY) can be found at www.naiib.org and the petition initiated by Jenni White. I am sure your readers will be interested to know that The Cory Incinerator project is already opposed by among others: The Mayor of London, GLA members, the MPs for Thamesmead, Bexleyheath and Rainham. However as influential as their opposition may be, it may not be enough, as you may know HM Government will make the final decision. Today, schools in Bexley, Greenwich and Havering have been appraised by us of the petition etc. but in order to achieve success we need a wider audience. Time unfortunately is pressing, and the Planning Inspector is expected to make his decision on the project later this month". Jenni White, of Slade Green set up the petition partly due to living off the A206 main road, where pollution levels and traffic jams are already a daily problem; she reports that "One day I counted 8 lorries passing before I could turn onto the main road this was at 11.30 a.m!" Jon Cruddas MP for Dagenham and Rainham has launched a petition against the plans which will undoubtedly have a severe impact on air quality in his constituency, particularly Rainham and the Beam Park development area. On his website, Jon writes:- "Incineration is the least environmentally friendly form of waste disposal after landfill, and the energy produced by this scheme if approved is not enough to justify the negative impact it would have on the London Riverside Opportunity areas. Over the last five years recycling rates have stalled across the UK whilst government approved waste incineration has doubled. The Tories seem to have a complete disregard for our environment and the quality of air we breathe. Thermal Energy from Waste (EfW) plants do deliver large energy generation benefits however, they do this by destroying waste materials in a harmful way which releases air pollutants and greenhouse gases on an industrial scale. The use of EfW plants will also have an impact on recycling rates in London with much recyclable waste being redirected and incinerated. I am in complete opposition to the proposal and next year when these plans open up I hope that both local authorities in my constituency will join me in opposing the development. I will also be writing to the Thames Estuary Commission raising my concerns. The application fails to meet the Mayor of London’s key environmental and air quality policies included in the London Plan and draft London Plan, and as such the Riverside Energy Park is not supported by the Mayor of London. It is expected that in early 2019 local authorities will be able to respond to the proposals in the pre-examination period". What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly a report from Barnehurst ward:- "Once again there has been no reported burglaries during the past week however in Colyers Lane on Friday 28/06/2019 between 04.30pm and 06.35pm a small brick wall to a flower bed had been damaged in a rear garden and footprints were see near the rear window of the property, there was no sign of any attempt to enter the property. In Grassmere Road on Saturday 29/06/2019 at 05.50pm officers stopped two males after they were seen in Colyers Lane driving with hazard lights on. One male was found in possession with a substantial amount of cash. Drugs were found following a search of the vehicle which led to both males being arrested. The investigation is ongoing. The team continue to be proactive around the ward concentrating on areas that have recently been targeted for vehicle crime. Our next community contact session will be held on Thursday 18th July 2019 at 11.00am in Barnehurst Golf Club". Belvedere ward:- "There has been an increase in thefts from motor vehicles in the Belvedere Park Estate recently. It appears that cars have been targeted with a device that unlocks the car without using the key. Please be on the lookout for anyone acting suspiciously or out of place. If you see a crime being committed call 999 immediately, or if you suspect anyone please contact Police via 101 or our website. The team recovered a stolen motorbike on Monday in the alleyway next to St Augustines School. It was battered but in one piece. Stolen in May from Crayford. We will be conducting forensic examinations to see if a suspect can be linked. We also arrested a wanted burglar on Monday. They had recently moved to the area from central London, however an address was found and they have been brought in for questioning. PCSO Jay gave a personal safety and home security talk to the Evergreen Care Group. They are a charity that care for the elderly and will pass on the advice given to their clients, as well as taking on board what was advised. Jay also gave a crime prevention talk to the Asian Ladies Group, who meet weekly at the Community Centre. The group found the talk helpful, so much so that Jay has been invited back! If any other groups would like an input (formal or otherwise) from the team please get in touch. Garage burglaries have also increased recently. Latest is Mossdown Close sometime over the past week whereby several thousands of pounds worth of items were taken. A white van was involved in this theft and CCTV enquiries are continuing. Same advice as above, if anything suspicious seen call Police". Bexleyheath ward:- "Sunday 30/06/19 - There was a report of a theft of push bike along the Broadway, bike was locked up but still taken; Friday 28/06/19 – Report of a Theft of motor vehicle along Ennerdale Road Bexleyheath; Thursday 27/06/19 overnight into Friday 28/06/19 – Report of a theft from motor vehicle along Meadow Close Bexleyheath; Friday 28/06/2019 – Report of a theft of motor vehicle along Oakhouse Road Bexleyheath; On Wednesday 26/06/19 – A purse was reported stolen along the Broadway Bexleyheath at about 1230 midday. The team regularly conduct patrols along drug hot spot areas and ASB areas on the ward and conduct regular stops & searches where necessary. On Thursday 11th July – The team shall be holding a contact session between 10am and 11am at the Central Library Bexleyheath". Crayford ward:- "There has been three reports of theft from motor vehicles on the ward, brief details below: Wednesday 26/06/2019 – Bourne Road; Friday 28/06/2019 – Green Place Dartford – Number plates stolen; Tuesday 02/07/2019 – Outside Nando's Crayford Rd Tower Retail Park; Also there has been two reports of theft of motor vehicles reported: Monday 01/07/2019 – Alcock Crescent Crayford; Tuesday 02/07/2019 – Thames Road Crayford. There is a contact session that has been arrange for anyone that wishes to speak to the team at Crayford Library on Wednesday 17th July 2019 between 10am and 11am".
Erith ward:- "Theft from motor vehicles is increasing. Please see my crime prevention advice in the top half of this email to help reduce this. Theft of Motor Vehicle Monday 24/06/2019 14:40:00 Compton Place; Burg - Bus / Com Friday 28/06/2019 Bexley College - Walnut Tree Road – Window broken to the café food items stolen; Burg Res Saturday 29/06/2019 17:00:00 Bexley Road – entered via window; Theft from Motor Vehicle Sunday 30/06/2019 Lower Road; Theft of Motor Vehicle Monday 01/07/2019, Lower Road; Burglary Residential Monday 01/07/2019 Cricketers Close – Entered via rear door; Theft from MV Monday 01/07/2019 15:30:00 Parkspring Court, Erith High Street; Theft from MV Monday 01/07/2019 17:00:00, Hawthorn Place; Theft of MV Sunday 30/06/2019 07:00:00 Carlton Road; Theft from Motor Vehicle Tuesday 02/07/2019 Callender Road Theft of MV Sunday 30/06/2019 05:00:00 Fire Station, Erith Road; Theft from Motor Vehicle Sunday 30/06/2019 16:30:00 Queen Street Baptist Church, Queens Road. The next Community Contact Session in Erith is on Friday 12/07/19 at Costa Coffee Erith at 1pm". Northumberland Heath ward:- "This week the team say goodbye to PC Tom Smith who will now be joining the Barnehurst Team. We look forward to meeting our new PC - PC Lucy Butler when she joins the team in a couple of weeks. The team continue to target ASB on Bexley Road and surrounding Alleyways, working together with the schools and local authority. Very pleased to say, there have been no burglaries, and no Motor vehicle crime on the ward this week. Our next community contact session is on Friday 12th July at 4pm in the Mill Road Library. Please do come along and meet a member of the team and discuss any issues or concerns you have, or just pop in and say hello". Slade Green and Northend ward:- "One burglary to report between Thursday June 20th and Thursday 27th - jewellery was stolen from a house in Manor Road while the owners were on holiday. Entry was forced through the back door with no neighbours reporting seeing anything during the time frame. PC's Mark and James assisted our sergeant who had caught a male in Erith causing criminal damage to a vehicle and James arrested the male. After a short chase on Saturday, Mark and James caught a male in Appold Street who was found in possession of drugs. As he was a minor, he is due back for interview next week. PCSO Mark attended Peareswood school (Friday 5th July) and Monday 8th. Friday is for a year 6 personal safety talk before they move on to secondary school and Monday is to assist them at Erith Sports Centre as the whole school takes part in their Race For Life event. Our next Community Contact Session is from 1130 on Tuesday July 9th at St Augustine Church to make up part of their Welcome café which starts at 11am". Thamesmead East ward:- "Burglary: Sydney Road Tuesday 2/7/19 between 2pm – 11pm Victim's room in a house of multiple occupancy was broken into causing damage to the door. An untidy search was conducted by suspect/s unknown, nothing reported removed at this time; Lensbury Way Wednesday 3/7/19 at 9am victim had been alerted by a resident that a suspicious male was seen in his garage and had got into a vehicle and driven off. When victim went to the garage both padlocks had been removed and a petrol lawn mower had been removed. Theft from Motor Vehicle: Grange Crescent Wednesday 26/6/19 between 11:30pm - 9:10am Thursday 27/06/19 victims vehicle was broken into by suspect/s unknown various items stolen from within; Hartslock Drive Friday 28/6/19 at 11:50am victim walked away from the vehicle for 5 minutes leaving a handbag and mobile phone in full view. When victim returned to vehicle a male suspect was seen smashing the vehicle window both items had been removed without victims consent; Sydney Road Friday 28/6/19 between 4pm – 11am Saturday 27/6/19 victim's vehicle was parked on victims drive an untidy search was carried out by suspect/s unknown nothing reported stolen; Kale Road Tuesday 20/6/19 – 2/7/19 Victims vehicle has been broken into while victim was on holiday; Landridge Road Tuesday 2/7/19 at 1245pm Victims vehicle windscreen smashed and mobile phone removed from vehicle without victims consent by suspect/s unknown. Theft of Motor vehicle: Southmere Drive between 16/3/19 – 29/6/19 victim's motor bike was removed without consent. Criminal Damage: St Andrews Close Saturday 29/6/19 at 11:12PM a brick was thrown through the living room window of the victim's property. No suspects seen or heard running away; Mangold Way Monday 1/7/19 between 9pm – 10pm Victim stated his neighbour had caused damage to his fence resulting in several glass jars to smash. Good News. An area which was reported to us for drug taking was patrolled routinely. 3 males were stopped by PC's Nana and Pruden they were searched, cannabis was found. One male was given a warning in the form of Community Resolution. There will be a street a week on Tuesday 9/7/19 at 7pm in Sydney Road. A social network called Nextdoor has been launched which aims to encourage social interaction between neighbours and make people aware of crime in their area. The social network has already been trialled in 500 neighbourhoods across the UK. Thamesmead East will be putting crime updates on Nextdoor weekly". West Heath ward:- "One reported shed burglary in Longleigh Lane on Sunday June 30th between 1.30am and 07.30am. It was believed to have been committed by a family member. A number of tools were stolen. We have had a number of motor vehicle crimes reported to us again this week; On Saturday June 22nd between midnight and 7am, a handbag containing credit cards and personal items was stolen from a vehicle parked on a driveway in Lansdowne Avenue; Vehicle number plates were ripped off a vehicle parked in New Road On Thursday June 27th between 7.45am and 6.15pm. The victim left the vehicle to travel by train to London, when she returned to her vehicle she noticed that they had been placed underneath her car; A handbag containing a mobile phone, passport, driving licence and other items were stolen from a vehicle in Oakhampton Crescent on Friday June 28th at 11.50am. The victim left her car briefly for a few minutes before returning to the vehicle to discover a window had been smashed and her bag stolen. The suspect was believed to be a white male wearing a black top and riding a bicycle; A number of equestrian equipment was stolen from a vehicle parked in Pembury Road between Monday July 1st at 2am and 3pm the following day. The victim had left the car locked and secure but discovered the boot and the vehicle open. There was so sign of forced entry. PC Gill Couzens arrested a male on Saturday June 29th for the possession of a large quantity of drugs which is a great result for the team!"
The end video this week features the Erith Playhouse - the largest theatre in the London Borough of Bexley, and home to many amateur productions.
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