Centrepieces.

Construction work of the Erith Baths development, adjacent to the Erith Riverside Gardens, seen in the drone photograph above, nears the end. Practical completion on the residential development is scheduled for the 31st December; in reality it will probably be a couple of weeks later, due to the Christmas and New Year holidays. The properties are intended to be for shared ownership - part buy, part rent; this is intended to keep them affordable for people on average incomes. However, in doing some research for this article I have found that a median price two bedroomed apartment in the main block would have an overall cost of £310,000. The minimum purchase share of such an apartment will be 35 percent of the overall cost - £108,500. To be eligible for this, a single purchaser will need to have an income in excess of £48,000 a year, or a couple will need a joint income of £43,000. On top of this, the 65 percent rental share of the agreement will add a further £462 per month to the bill. As well as this, a monthly service charge of £225 - £241 will be added, along with a £30 a month rental fee for a parking space - or a one - off outright purchase payment of £10,000. If this was not enough, the apartments come with a 250 year leasehold, which has a ground rent of £100 per year. This to me does not in any way sound affordable. If you would like to refer to the price list and buyer requirements, then please click here to see the complete cost breakdown of all of the apartments; unfortunately information regarding the town houses behind the apartments does not appear to be available at the time of writing. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

The photos above were taken on Friday afternoon in the former Carnegie Library in Walnut Tree Road. A charity art exhibition, followed by an auction of the exhibits is currently taking place. Art is to be sold at auction on Saturday the 1st December, produced by members of the Centrepieces mental health arts project. Hosted by The Exchange. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm, prior to the auction of the exhibits next Saturday, The Exchange say of the exhibition:- "Join us for the 18th Annual Exhibition and Auction of artwork created by artists from Centrepieces Mental Health Arts Project. The event raises money to help keep the organisation running, with 50% of sales going to the artists who are members of Centrepieces, all of whom have experienced mental health problems. This year’s Auction will take place at The Exchange on Saturday 01 December, with previewing times to be advertised leading up to the auction. Advanced bids can be made if people are unable to make the auction date. Centrepieces was founded in 1999 by a group of artists with mental health issues, living in Bexley and the surrounding areas. Originally established with a £5,000 Millennium Award from the National Lottery, Centrepieces was for many years supported by the Crayford Centre, which was part of the local mental health services. It moved in June 2014 to new premises in the Lodge at Hall Place in Bexley, financially supported by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust. Today, Centrepieces consists of 120 artists, many of whom volunteer to help run the project. Centrepieces exists to promote mental health recovery through the arts, creating opportunities for people to take part in art activities, and to exhibit and sell their work; it also tries to promote a better understanding of mental health in the wider public". This is the first public event to be held in the former library, which is currently undergoing conversion into a community centre / arts hub and bar / cafe operated by The Exchange. In December there will be a series of "Pop - Up Cinema" events - more on this next week.

As regular readers may be aware, I keep a close eye on the activities of Havering Borough Council, the London borough on the opposite side of the River Thames to the London Borough of Bexley. Havering is a borough with a very similar geographic layout, an almost identical population demographic, and very similar challenges to Bexley, but it seems to me that Havering seem to do far better in terms of management of resources than Bexley do; it has just been announced that proposals for what is likely to be one of the biggest road and pavement improvement programmes of any London borough have been published this week -  in direct response to what residents say is a major issue. In the 2019/20 budget proposals Havering Council is setting out plans to spend £30 million over the next three years on resurfacing roads and pavements and fixing potholes. This will be a significant increase on the current (2018/19) budget of £3.2 million. The proposed investment in improving Havering’s roads and pavements will see approximately 7.5 miles of roads being resurfaced, that's equivalent to the distance between Romford and the Olympic Park at Stratford, as the crow flies. In addition around 1,000 potholes will be repaired each year. Around 8.8 miles of pavements will also be resurfaced, that’s more than double the distance of the Grand National. The £30m proposed investment comes on top of a multi-million pound investment in sport and leisure facilities in 2018/19 which has already seen the Sapphire Ice and Leisure Centre open in Romford, with a new leisure centre and swimming pool due to open in Hornchurch in 2020. As part of the budget, Havering plans to maintain a weekly refuse collection for residents even when some councils have moved to a monthly collection. Around £250,000 has also been earmarked to improve CCTV to improve community safety. Councillor Damian White, the Leader of the Havering Council said in a recent interview:- "People told us that the quality of care and support for vulnerable people is incredibly important to them – we are protecting spend in that area. People told us that they are worried about the quality of roads and pavements – we are investing significantly to improve them. People told us that, even though we have less crime than most London boroughs, they are worried about safety after dark which is why we are planning to increase investment in better CCTV. People told us that the quality of refuse collection is important – we are one of a minority of councils to retain a weekly collection when others have moved to a fortnightly or even a monthly collection. This is a council that listens to our residents and acts in their best interests.” A somewhat different and refreshing approach when compared to Bexley Council.

Last July I wrote a fairly extensive article on the rather sensationalist leaflet which had been posted through the doors of residents of certain roads in Erith and Slade Green. The leaflet was a reaction to the proposed Bexley regeneration consultation project, which made local headlines last year. You can read the original article by clicking here. Since then, the person(s) behind the leaflet and the website Slade Green Together have been silent - the last update on their website is dated the 21st July 2017. Thus far none of their lurid claims have come to pass, and it has become increasingly evident that the sensationalist leaflet campaign and the website were nothing more than some well - meaning scaremongering. I think that whilst we always need to be vigilant against the more strenuous activities of Bexley Council, in this case the reaction was somewhat disproportionate. The problem is, next time some proposal comes from the council that does not chime well with the local population, there is the danger of a "cry wolf" situation arising.

The critically panned Queen biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody" has, as I predicted, defied professional reviewers to take over $411 million on a production budget of $52 million - a remarkable performance. The film is still showing in cinemas, so the gross takings figure is set to increase. It will also do very well when released on Blu Ray and DVD, along with online streaming. The Blu Ray and DVD releases with include around 25 minutes of footage cut from the cinema release - including songs missed from the Live Aid performance which ends the movie. I predict that the physical copy sales of the extended film will be very high indeed. If you have not already seen the movie, I would strongly recommend it.

It was reported last week that The Financial Conduct Authority are finally taking action against companies such as Brighthouse and Perfect Home - "rent to buy" companies which charge customers small amounts each week, from just £3.50, but customers often end up paying back up to three times more than an item is worth. The FCA is also considering banning the sale of extended warranties by BrightHouse and Perfect Home, which could save consumers up to £7.7million per year. BrightHouse's Black Friday sale promotion promises customers its “best deals ever” - but its PS4 bundle with FIFA 19 and Assassins Creed costs more than three times more than buying exactly the same product from Curry's. The APR interest rate Brighthouse quote for the deal is 99.9 percent. I was reading an article recently, in which Karl Dayson, an academic who specialises in the study of affordable finance said that “I can think of no better marker of social deprivation than having a Brighthouse store open in your area”.  If you have not heard of the BrightHouse  stores before, let me explain. Brighthouse are a chain of retailers specialising in household goods such as furniture, washing machines, televisions and cookers. Their unique selling point is that you can purchase goods on credit with no deposit, and with very low weekly repayments. The store is designed to appeal to young families – the aisles between goods on display are wide enough for a child’s buggy to be wheeled easily along them. BrightHouse offer credit to those who would otherwise be unable to qualify for it – mainly people on benefits. This all sounds great – helping those otherwise unable to afford the basics of a home to get what they need. The downside of it is the eye wateringly high interest rates that BrightHouse charges. Several debt charities have expressed dismay at the high charges. A basic washing machine that costs £399 in Curry's will cost £1,560 from Brighthouse, albeit broken down into “affordable” £10 weekly payments at an interest rate of 69.9 percent APR. Just like the notorious pay day lenders, the poorer you are, the more you pay for goods and services. Debt advisor Anne Young, who has advised many former Brighthouse customers said “These companies are preying on people who cannot afford to go anywhere else. I do think that they are robbing the poor, when you look at their prices. They are charging a ridiculous amount for goods you can buy on the high street for a third of the price”.  To give an example, a small television which costs £99.99 in Argos would cost a total of £606.84 paid over a total of 156 weeks. BrightHouse argue that their TV is covered against malfunction and accidental damage over the course of the repayment period, but this needs to be set against the fact that you could buy six similar televisions for that amount of money elsewhere. BrightHouse claim that if you can find an identical product anywhere on the high street, that they will match the price. This is actually quite difficult, as BrightHouse have a lot of “own name” brands, such as Baird; these are simply not available anywhere else; they also include a number of options that other retailers on the high street don’t, and the pricing structure is so bewilderingly complex that direct comparison is rather difficult. They plan to open another four hundred stores to add to the 288 that they currently operate, which are usually located in areas with high levels of poverty. The demographic for BrightHouse customers is fairly straightforward; a majority are women between 26 and 45 years of age; they earn less than £13,000 a year, and around fifty percent are receiving at least part of their income in the form of benefits. You can really view BrightHouse as a cross between somewhere like Argos and loan company – and its’ customers are overwhelmingly people who do not qualify for a credit card or score too lowly for a conventional, lower interest loan. The kind of goods that the company sells (furniture / consumer electronics) do tend to depreciate over the course of the loan period, to the point that by the time the loan is fully paid off, the goods are essentially worthless. On top of this, BrightHouse have a policy of repossessing goods if payments are not met, even if the customer is only one or two payments away from completing the purchase. Normally a court order is required to repossess goods when more than a third of the credit payments have already been met. BrightHouse have a nasty habit of sending round bailiffs without such legal niceties – exploiting the fact that many of their customers are ignorant of the law. All in all, BrightHouse succeed because they can – their target customer does not qualify for a loan from a conventional source, and is not aware of low cost resources such as credit unions. They rely on the customer being sucked in to the colourful, brightly lit and shiny shop with the promise of low repayments, even if they do end up paying for what seems like half a lifetime. The appeal of the “here and now” rather than waiting and saving to buy from a store that offers no credit, but a consequently far lower purchase price is something that BrightHouse encourage – many of their customers have little academic education, and don’t necessarily realise that they may only be paying back a tenner or so a week for their flat screen television, but doing so for several years means it is costing them a pile more money than it should. In my opinion, BrightHouse operate a legal business; whether they operate a moral one is open to debate. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

One subject that is allied to the piece on BrightHouse is the whole vexed subject of people on a low income who have a very large flat screen television. Some academic studies have been carried out on the subject, and the results have been actually quite surprising. It has been noted for some years that wealthier, middle class people tend to have fewer televisions in their houses, and they tend to be older models with smaller screens.  The reason for this is thought to be that middle class people generally spend less time watching the television, as they are likely to attend theatre, cinema, sports and the arts, as well as eating out and socialising on a regular basis. The television is regarded as an incidental item. Researchers found that people with lower incomes tend to be more home – centric; their social lives are more likely to revolve around their living rooms and the television; they tend not to go out much, and when they do, it is more likely to be local to them – to a friend or neighbour living nearby. Thus they place a far higher value on items for the home like a large television or games console, which is their principle source of leisure and entertainment. This certainly seems to make sense – and would no doubt drive the Daily Mail into a frenzy should it come across the story.  I suppose that there are exceptions to this though;  the world has changed greatly in the last decade or so; fast broadband connections mean that all sorts of media content can be streamed to the home; you no longer need to go to the inconvenience of a cinema visit, when you can see the movie in full HD quality in the comfort of your own home. I personally have little time for the theatre, and all of the hassle that it entails. I do like a live gig every so often, but nowadays it has to be something really special to entice me out of Pewty Acres on a cold and wintery evening.

The striking photo above was sent to me by a reader who prefers to remain anonymous. It shows the view out over the River Thames from one of the apartments above the Erith Riverside Shopping Centre, complete with an accompanying rainbow. The photo was shot from above the Erith Riverside Fish and Steak Restaurant - a lovely venue with some great food. The problem, as I have stated before, is that the restaurant is very under - used. I was talking to a reader last week, and he and a small group of friends visited the restaurant on a recent Friday evening - apart from his group, the place was empty, at what many would consider to be potentially their busiest time. It would seem that the fish and chip takeaway side of the business is doing adequately, but the sit down restaurant business is struggling - I have walked past on multiple occasions to see the place empty at times when one would expect it to be bustling. It is a great shame, as my own experience eating in the Riverside Fish and Steak Restaurant was extremely good. I think part of the problem is that Erith residents don't go out to socialise in the town in the evening. If they want to go for a drink and something to eat, they go to Bluewater, Dartford or Bexleyheath - the evening socialisation culture just does not currently exist locally. It does not help that Erith town centre does not have a pub worthy of the name - The Running Horses in Erith High Street is a shadow of its former self that struggles on with a small handful of customers, as I have written about at some length in the past. If a new owner would come along and invest in the run - down establishment, I feel that it would do much to reinvigorate the place, but I don't see this happening any time soon.

Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly a report from Barnehurst ward:- "One crime of note to report this week which is a burglary. On Thursday 15th November in Westfield Road between 12.30am – 6.30am. Suspect(s) have entered a semi-detached property whilst the occupiers were sleeping. Tool marks were discovered on the front UPVC porch door and the suspects have used the wheelie bin belonging to the property to aid climbing into the back garden, the rear French doors were found to be open. Property taken was a bag containing an iPad and personal documents. It is believed that suspect(s) were looking for the keys to the car parked on the driveway. If you are able, try and store all wheelie bins in the back garden, consider using a padlock and chain to secure to a fence or wall away from the house. Traditionally burglaries increase country wide this time of year, with Christmas approaching and the darker nights. Let's not make it easy for them. Secure your property as best you can, always double lock UPVC doors and windows. The team will be happy to pay you a visit to offer crime prevention advice. We will be holding a series of street briefings over the coming weeks to reach as many people as possible in regards to crime prevention. Invites will be delivered by the team a couple of days prior to the event informing residents of time and location. Please follow us on twitter @MPSBarnehurst for all the latest updates and crime prevention advice". Belvedere ward:-"After our recent ward panel meeting, it was decided that the team will be concentrating our efforts around burglary, road safety/ traffic and also ASB (Anti-Social behaviour) offences. This week the team have been making enquiries in relation to the recent burglary in Lower Road, calling at neighbouring properties in an effort to gain CCTV images of those responsible. There were further burglaries on the ward at the start of the week, on Sunday 18th in Heron Hill and Monday 19th in Ripley Road. PC Holmes has assisted officers from the neighbouring Erith ward in dealing with an assault in Erith Town centre and a shoplifter in Erith shopping centre. The team attended a strategy meeting with Bexley Council in relation to a troubled youth who lives on the ward. This was a positive meeting with various plans put in place to assist and provide support to the youth and his family. As a follow up to the recent warrants undertaken by the team, PC Holmes this week interviewed 3 people in relation to drugs offences. All three gave full admissions and were given cautions". Bexleyheath ward:- "We have had a burglary reported that happened on Monday 19/11/2018 along Dorothy Evans Close Bexleyheath, a rear window was smashed to gain entry to the property. Also, on Tuesday 20/11/2018 – there was another burglary reported along Latham Road Bexleyheath with little information. We have had received information recently that one resident had heard a bang at the front of their property and had noticed a male running away early hours in the morning. If you do notice any suspicious behaviour, please make sure Police are called.Saturday 17/11/2018 – There was a report of theft along the Broadway Bexleyheath. Saturday 17/11/2018 – Theft from motor vehicle along Highfield Road Bexleyheath. Items taken from inside the vehicle. There was an arrest made for possession of cannabis in the Marriott Car Park, also a vehicle was stopped with no insurance. The team conduct regular hi-visibility patrols. Also patrols are conducted in the car park areas and the Broadway to reduce anti-social behaviour including Martens Grove Park. We also attended the Christmas Tree Lights being turned on along the Broadway recently. If you do wish to pass on information to Police then please contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111. Please do not hesitate to contact us via Twitter, Facebook, email and the ward phone. Remember, in an emergency please dial 999 and 101 for non-urgent reporting". Crayford ward:- "We are sorry to report there has been an increase in burglary in the Crayford area this last week. Between 19.30 on Friday 16th November and 18.30 on Monday 19th November a burglary occurred at Hall Place Crescent. The property had been locked and secure and entry was made via a rear bedroom window, an untidy search and unknown at this stage what may be missing. On Monday 19th November between 11.00-16.00 entry was made to a property in Crayford Way by smashing a rear patio door, items had been disturbed within the property, it is believed the suspect (s) were disturbed. There have been two burglaries in Green Walk. The first occurred between 07.00-20.25 on Monday 19th November, the victim came home to find the kitchen window open and signs of entry, rooms had been disturbed but at the time of reporting it was unclear if anything had been stolen. The second occurred between 07.30 on Friday 16th November and 07.30 on Tuesday 20th November, the victim came home to find a front window open, entry was via the rear kitchen window and jewellery was stolen. Please make your home look like someone is at home, lights on, timer lights, 'fake TV', radio on are just a few suggestions. Ensure windows and doors are securely closed and locked. Maybe consider having CCTV or a burglar alarm installed. For more information please look at www.met.police.uk. A silver Honda 125 was stolen from a rear garden in Marden Crescent overnight on Thursday 15th November. A large quantity of food items were stolen from Greggs on Friday 16th November at 14.40. The suspect was described as a white Female wearing a burgundy track suit and she had a baby in a pram with her. Body panels, front number plate, front grill and front bumper were stolen from a van parked in Glebelands between 20.45 pm Thursday 15th November and 06.30 on Friday 16th November. A silver Citroen Berlingo LV68KPE was stolen from the forecourt of Wilmoths Citroen Dealership in London Road, it was noted that the keys had been stolen too, they had been in the showroom. On Friday 16th November number plates ML09UPV were stolen from a vehicle parked in Mill Place. The correct vehicle they should be attached to is a white Vauxhall Combo 1700. There have been many reports of anti-social behaviour by youths in the town centre, riding bicycles at people and traffic, throwing stones, taking what is not theirs, abusive and intimidating behaviour. This is not acceptable and we would like to identify these young people to make their parents aware. We are also reviewing CCTV and will refer these youths for intervention once identified". Erith ward:- "Burglary on Bexley Road. A male entered front door and stole cash, we have spoken to all residents in this area and gave them some advice. We have been working with Bexley collage and have some joint plans for later in the year. Remember people have started Christmas shopping so if you have, make sure you do not leave items on show when you leave the house and overnight or even in your car. You will see us in Erith High Street a lot in the run up to Christmas so make sure you say hello. Crime this week - Criminal Damage U£500 Tuesday 30/10/2018 Butler Drive - By unknown suspects smashing Victims vehicle rear window. Shoplift <£200 Thursday 15/11/2018 16:25:00 Erith High Street - Suspect hit victim on the legs with a walking stick due to being annoyed with his playing; Theft of cycle Friday 16/11/2018 Avenue Road - By unknown suspect(s) removing pedal cycle from venue without consent of owner; Making off Saturday 17/11/2018 15:36:00 Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, James Watt Way; Burg Res Friday 09/11/2018, Lower Road – entered through back door and items stolen; C/Dam Vehicle U£500 Saturday 17/11/2018 Park Crescent; Shoplift <£200 Saturday 17/11/2018, Erith High Street – goods taken; Criminal Damage U £500 Wednesday 20/11/2018 West Street – car window smashed; Theft Thursday 21/11/2018, St Johns Road - Unknown suspects have climbed through an open window and conducted an untidy search whereby property have been taken. Our next Contact Session is Wednesday 28th November 1300 - 1400 at Costa Coffee, Erith. Feel free to pop along".

Northumberland Heath ward:- "The team have been conducting violent crime disorder patrols throughout the weekend, specifically targeted in hotspot areas across Erith. This has been a proactive and preventative initiative by Bexley Police and not in response to any specific intelligence or incident in the area. During the patrols, PC Smith from the North Heath team arrested an elderly male, who had struck a young child with a walking stick in the Riverside Shopping Centre. This matter was fully investigated and the male was reported for common assault and he has received a Community Resolution as a result of this. We also spent much of the weekend patrolling through Northumberland Heath's current ASB and crime hotspot area's. In all of the areas patrolled, late into the evening's all appeared well. We have unfortunately had a few incidents of note reported this last week. Residential burglary in Mortimer Close on 17/11/2018 between 12pm - 10pm. A glass panel at the rear of the property has been smashed and entry gained. An untidy search of the entire property has taken place and mainly jewellery items and some cash has been stolen. Attempted burglary in Avenue Road on 17/11/2018 between 4:30pm – 8:30pm. An attempt has been made to force entry to the side door of the property. The house alarm which sounded appears to have disrupted the offenders and no entry was gained. Two further burglaries have also been reported in Brook Street and Eastry Road but both appear to be of a civil dispute in nature and no property appears to have been taken. A van has been broken into and tools stolen from within on Frinsted Road at some points between 19th – 20th November.  A suspicious incident of robbery / GBH has also been reported to have taken place in Hind Crescent on 18/11/2018 at approximately 12:30am. If you have any information in relation to any of these incidents please report this to the police and continue to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or activity you see. . I would like to also remind you that the Bexley SNB/ BCSP public meeting on ‘tackling violent crime' is being held at King Henry School, Avenue Road on 29/11/2018 between 7pm to 9pm". Slade Green and Northend ward - no reports this week. Thamesmead East ward:- "Good News Story - On Thursday 15/10/18 PC Nana came across 2 youths with 2 motorbikes the two males made off, leaving behind one bike they were unable to get started. Also left at the scene was personal property belonging to the suspects these have been sent to forensics. On Friday 16/11/18 Working in partnership with Peabody wardens 2 stolen bikes were recovered victims updated. Wednesday 14/11/18 between 10pm-2am Theft of Number Plates Kale Road; Friday 16/11/18 Burglary Turnberry Close between 5-9pm Entry through rear UPVC door; Saturday 17/11/18 between 10pm-11am Theft of Number Plates Kale Road; Tuesday 20/11/18 between 3am-12pm Criminal Damage Hinksey Path to fence panel". West Heath ward:- "During the week commencing 14th November we have been working with our neighbouring teams to carry out high visibility burglary patrols across our three wards. The ward has had one attempted burglary - in Leckwith Avenue on Wednesday 14th November at 0430 hours. The house alarm was activated whilst the residents were sleeping. On Wednesday 14th November between 0529 – 0530 hours in Axminster Crescent a vehicle and keys were stolen, entry was gained via an insecure door. Between 1955 – 2015 on Friday 16th November in Lodge Hill patio doors to the property were smashed, an untidy search was conducted and jewellery stolen. In Leckwith Avenue on Monday 12th November between 0500 – 1430 hours a vehicle had its windscreen smashed. Between 0100 – 0430 hours a vehicle was stolen in Gypsy Road, no keys were taken. Our next community contact session will be on Friday 30th November in Brampton Road between 3 – 4pm. We look forward to speaking to you about any issues which may be of concern to you".

Further to my prediction in the summer that the Metropolitan Police were about to change their strategy when dealing with motorbike and scooter criminals, an announcement was made on Friday in this respect. Normally I never feature stories that have made the national news, as there is no point in duplicating information from other, more professional sources, but in this case the story was actually broken locally, and historically only later became of national importance. It just goes to show that something that originally started as a local crime and anti social behaviour issue centred around Thamesmead, Abbey Wood, and Lower Belvedere but now creates interest nationally. In an interview published by Time 107.5 FM on Friday, the following information was made public:- The head of the Met’s Operation Venice Team says they will be pursued even when they ride dangerously and discard their helmets. Moped crime has been in the headlines after a spike in the last few years. Police say there’s been a large reduction with 44 percent fewer moped crimes January 2018 to October 2018 than the same 10 months of 2017. There was also a 38 percent drop in moped thefts in the same period. Police say moped crime can happen at any time of the day or night. Victims are often targeted as they come out of tube stations or at transport hubs. Thieves also snatch handbags, high-value watches, and other items. Police are using a range of tactics across Greater London to tackle offenders, including DNA "Smart Water" forensic tagging and the use of automatic tyre deflation devices. Commander Amanda Pearson said: “There is a perception that if you remove your helmet or fail to stop for police when requested to do so we will not take any further course of action. This is untrue. The public quite rightly expects us to intervene to keep London safe. Our highly trained police drivers weigh up the risks and decide upon the most appropriate tactics in those circumstances.  Offenders on mopeds and motorcycles who attempt to evade the police are making a choice that puts themselves and others at risk. So our message is clear: we can, we will and we do target those involved in moped and motorcycle crime at every opportunity.” Footage released on Friday by the Met shows the tactics that specially trained drivers are able to use to reduce the need for pursuits and prevent injury occurring to offenders and members of the public. You can see the results in the video embedded below. Metropolitan Police drivers successfully ramming scumbag illegal scooter and motorbike riders off the road - something that they should have been allowed to do a very long time ago. I just wish they would adopt best practice from the Brazilian Police. In parts of Brazil, If an illegal bike rider does not come to a halt immediately upon order, the Police ram the bike off the road, then reverse back over the rider just to make sure the job is properly done. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

The Carnegie Playhouse.

It would appear that someone in Upper Belvedere has taken a marked dislike to the proposed plans for the redevelopment of the former Belvedere Police Station in Nuxley Road. It has come to my attention that an anonymous person has been posting leaflets through the letter boxes of Belvedere houses highlighting what they perceive as the faults in the proposed redevelopment. Their main areas of concern are that the proposed apartment block to replace the former Police station will be five stories high, and it will have insufficient parking for the residents of the block. The anonymous individual obviously feels strongly on the subject, to have gone to the expense and trouble to print and deliver leaflets around the local area; what does concern me is that they have not included any contact details on the leaflet - it is not possible to respond to the individual who has posted it. You can read the leaflet by clicking here. Personally I don't have very much of a problem with the proposed design of the apartment block - it is a very generic design, similar in many ways to the Erith Baths development on the corner of Walnut Tree Road and Erith High Street - of which I am also fairly ambivalent. I think the anonymous protester has some valid points, but to be honest, the existing former Police station building is not exactly pleasing to the eye - it was built for function rather than form, and now that the function has ceased, it has little purpose as it stands. The developer needs to make a return on their investment, and the housing density may be higher than should be desired - I am not an expert on the subject. I suppose my surprise is that the relatively minor issues of design and specification would cause someone to get so upset that they would start a leafletting campaign - to my mind there are far more weighty issues to get concerned about. Replacing one minor local eyesore with another is hardly the most pressing of issues - it is happening all over the country after all. The fact remains that the land the former Police station stands on is now worth far more than the current building, and it would be impractical to refurbish or modify the current structure, so it must be replaced. The objector goes on to ask a rhetorical question as to where locals will go for a GP visit once the Cairngall Medical Centre (diagonally opposite the former Police station site) will go after the scheduled closure of the practice. It is my understanding that the Belvedere Medical Centre in Albert Road has more than sufficient capacity to take all of the former Cairngall patients. As previously mentioned, I had been a patient at the Cairngall Medical Centre since birth, and I recently transferred to the Belvedere Medical Centre very easily indeed - all you need to do is fill out a form and return it to the new surgery - they then write to you confirming your change of GP - all very straightforward indeed.

My article last week on Fireworks and the current state of the law has provoked quite a bit of reader feedback. One regular reader, and occasional contributor who chooses to remain anonymous writes:- "I just thought I would take up your offer of contacting you regarding your piece on fireworks. I have to say I am in 100 percent agreement with your view that they should be confined to professional public displays. I would just add that if firework displays are really wanted at private parties (weddings, birthdays, etc) they should only be allowed to be carried out by a certified professional, trained in all aspects of their use, and in all safety matters. I have been banging (no pun intended) on about this subject for many years. Seemingly, sad to say, to deaf ears. The usual response being that I am just a miserable old git who has forgotten what it's like to be a child. That may be so, but I have never forgotten some of the unnecessary injuries suffered by children (and others) who have been scarred for life, or even blinded by fireworks, or bonfires, over the years. When I was a child, we made our guy about a week or so before November 5th and tried to coerce cash out of stressed looking commuters leaving our local train station in the evening. However, any cash we could manage to force out of them invariably went on sweets, and not fireworks. These were usually provided by Dad, and he would never let us touch them. Only he would set them off, mostly, one at a time in the back garden. Nowadays the explosions, on a par with a First World War barrage, start around mid-October as a precursor to that American travesty, Halloween. The cacophony then drags on through Guy Fawkes Night, which now should be called Guy Fawkes Week. It continues on through Diwali until it reaches its climax when New Years Eve arrives. As a young teenager I, and my equally stupid friends, would cause all manner of mayhem with, mainly, banger type fireworks around the streets of Erith, and Slade Green. The only excuse I can offer is that we did not know any better. We were lucky that none of us suffered any major injuries, although there were a few minor mishaps. Looking back, it seems incredible to me that adults, who supposedly wished no harm to their own, or other people's children, should countenance the selling of such explosives to kids. Yes, we all know that there was, and remains, an age limit for the purchase of such items. However, we also all know, that those laws have always been flouted. Were such deadly items only to be the preserve of qualified professional people, there would still be the enjoyment, and excitement of firework displays. But without the heavy risks of serious injury. Of course, even at organised events, there is always the possibility of something going wrong. However, that is rare, and allows compensation to be sought in cases of negligence. There is no such recourse to law for the 10 year old who blows his hand off, or the 12 year old who gets blinded by the illegal use of fireworks". Another regular reader who contacted me was Nick Hair, the landlord of The Kentish Belle micro pub in Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath. He wrote:- "On Halloween itself a group of 30 youths stood outside the Kentish Belle and let off fireworks. Some, like multiple-shot rocket sort of things, were left in the road which began firing in the direction along the floor of the Co-op and therefore at the feet of commuters walking home. We immediately called the Police who spent the next 4 hours (they all finally stood down at circa 22:30) in 3 vans, 3 police cars and 1 unmarked car looking for groups to disperse them. A separate incident (albeit relevant) involved a gang of oiks on bikes cycling down residential streets kicking peoples’ car wing mirrors off - not at all useful. The reality is that whilst I am yet to say I wish to see fireworks banned outside of displays, the singular point we can all agree on is that it’s about education and respect for the fireworks’ capabilities and dangers. Parents who give children fireworks (or anyone over 18 buying them and then giving / selling them to kids) are the problem". so there you have it - views on fireworks from two prominent local residents.

You may recall that I broke a story back on the 28th of October, that the Bright Steps children's nursery located at 33A Bexley Road, Erith (see the photo directly above - click on it for a larger version) had lost a legal appeal to the withdrawal of their licence to operate by official regulator Ofsted. The nursery had been closed after a member of the public witnessed a staff member smacking a child. Ofsted and Bexley Police immediately launched an investigation into the incident, which involved examining CCTV security video recordings made in the Bright Steps nursery. It was eventually established that the owner and operator of the nursery, Mr. Saula Ogunkoya had deleted the video footage in order to cover up the assault. The Judge, when summing up the case, said:- "We find as a fact that:- (i) the Appellant failed to identify risks of harm, issues of health and safety, and to implement appropriate and safe child-handling practice; (ii) the Appellant repeatedly failed to manage children’s behaviour appropriately; (iii) the Appellant repeatedly failed to meet the requirements in relation to child protection procedures and safeguarding; his approach to the investigation into CO in 2016 and the allegation in 2018 is indicative of an inability and/or an unwillingness to learn from past mistakes and to prioritise the needs of the children in his care; (iv) the Appellant has historically and repeatedly failed to meet the learning and development requirements of the EYFS; (v) the Appellant failed to ensure the suitability of staff, specifically his sister CO in 2016; (vi) the Appellant failed to notify Ofsted of the police investigation into CO in 2016 and delayed suspending her; (vii) the history demonstrates that the Appellant is unable or unwilling to sustain compliance with requirements imposed by the regulations. (e) We find that the Appellant has been untruthful both to the Respondent, the Police, the Tribunal and all others involved in the investigation of the incident on 3/1/2018. His failure to co-operate mirrors his unwillingness to co-operate in November 2017. His lack of integrity and his failure to work openly and in collaboration with the Respondent results in the sad conclusion that he is not suitable to provide nursery provision. We therefore dismiss the appeal and there shall be no order as to costs". A very clear message from the court in relation to Saula Ogunkoya's suitability to operate a children's nursery. I, along with many local people had considered the matter now closed, but evidence has emerged over the last few days which gives further cause for concern. Not only is the former Bright Steps nursery website still up and active, it still incorrectly states that the nursery has Ofsted registration - which you can see by clicking here. More worryingly, a new website has gone live within the last week, which names a new nursery on the same site at 33A Bexley Road, which is about to open. The new nursery is called The Carnegie Playhouse - you can visit the website by clicking here. Contacts with Ofsted confirm that no application for a licence has currently been made by the operators of The Carnegie Playhouse, and the new websites' use of stock photo images rather than actual photos of the real site, along with a very suspicious recommendation"- "Yasmin loves being in the care of Sarah – I have noticed such a difference in her behaviour and the way she interacts with other children since being with her at the weekends. She has gained so much confidence" - bearing in mind the new nursery has not yet opened, how could such a favourable reference have been solicited? Additionally no details relating to the supposed nursery manager "Sarah Carnegie" can be located; I suspect that the person is entirely fictional, taking their surname from the nearby former Carnegie Library in Walnut Tree Road.

 I have Emailed the contact address for The Carnegie Playhouse, asking the following questions:-

1) Can you please let me know your Ofsted registration number?
2) What certification and insurances do your staff have, and have they got enhanced DBS checks?
3) What connection do you have with the former Bright Steps nursery, which until recently was based in the same premises?
4) Do Mr Saula Ogunkoya or Dr Chris Ogedengbe have any connection whatsoever with The Carnegie Playhouse?

At the time of writing I have not had a reply from The Carnegie Playhouse. I have strong suspicions that The Carnegie Playhouse is an underhand attempt to rebrand and relaunch Bright Steps. If my suspicions turn out to be correct, then this action could well prove to be illegal, as Saula Ogunkoya has been legally disbarred from running children's nurseries. If it is a genuine new group attempting to launch a new business, then they are going about it in a very opaque and deceitful manner. Either way, this story will no doubt develop over the weeks to come; I will update readers when additional information becomes available. If you have any information on the subject, then please contact me as a matter of priority - any information you can supply will be treated in the strictest of confidence. You can Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

A final update from local resident and amateur historian Roy Hillman, who has been undertaking research into local men who served in the First World War, and who have been commemorated on the Slade Green war memorial. Roy writes:- "We’re pleased to say that one of the trickier service records of men on the Slade Green War Memorial has been resolved, that of Leonard Dudley. Leonard was born Leonard Whiffen (sometimes Whiffin) in 1887, the son of Eliza Jane Whiffen. Eliza was brought up at 1 Farm Cottages, Slade Green (her father was a farm labourer) and as a teenager Eliza worked as a servant in the household of George Davis, a boot maker at 3 Crayford High Street. She was 21 when she gave birth to Leonard. By now Eliza’s parents are living at Killicks Cottages in Slade Green, next door are the Dudley family and in 1889 John Raven Dudley marries Eliza and they move into Norfolk Cottages, Hazel Road, Slade Green. A number of half brothers and sisters for Leonard follow - Eliza, John, Alfred, Walter, Annie, Arthur, Charlotte, Lucy, Cyril, Ethel and Edith plus 1 other - and at various times the family moves to other houses in Hazel Road – first 8 Castle Terrace and then Garden Cottage (which was probably No. 51 as the census record has it between No. 49 and No. 53). By 1901 Leonard has taken the Dudley surname and is working locally as a brick maker. He joins the Royal Garrison Artillery as a Gunner quite a while before World War 1, in 1908, and in 1911 he is garrisoned in Hong Kong. Unlike many professional soldiers he managed to survive the early years of the war. We're not sure how they met, but he married his wife Rosalie in 1916 at St James Church on the island of Jersey. Early in 1918 he received gunshot wounds to his back and was discharged from the army in February 1918, after which he returned to England. Sadly he never recovered from his wounds and died on 13th September 1918 and was buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery in Surrey".

A report was published last week that highlighted the security loopholes and outright failures that can be found in the cash till machines used by most high street banks. The cash machines, more correctly termed Automated Teller Machines, or ATM's can be hacked in many ingenious ways. In order to understand this, a basic understanding of how an ATM works is required. An ATM consists of two main parts: cabinet and safe. The cabinet (main body) contains the ATM computer, which is connected to all the other devices: network equipment, bank card reader, keyboard (PIN pad), and cash dispenser (the dispenser itself is in the safe, but the connector is not). The cabinet is practically unprotected, with only a plastic door secured by a trivial lock. What's more, manufacturers usually use the same lock for all ATMs of the same series. Keys for these locks can be purchased easily online, although attackers can also pick them or drill through the flimsy plastic. The safe is more robust, being made of steel and concrete, and contains only the cash dispenser and cash acceptance module. The computer usually runs on Windows, in a special embedded version designed specifically for ATM use. Only administrators should have access to Windows; other users should not have such access. This is why user-facing applications run in kiosk mode. These applications provide all necessary functionality to the user: this is the interface that we see during normal ATM use. To do its job, the application must communicate with ATM peripherals: get card information from the card reader, obtain user input from the keyboard, and send commands to the cash dispenser. This communication takes place using XFS (eXtensions for Financial Services), a standard for simplifying and centralising banking equipment control. With XFS, a hardware manager makes an API (Application Programming Interface) available to all Windows applications and forwards requests to devices. Commands to each XFS-connected device are sent via the corresponding service provider (device driver).  An ATM never decides to dispense cash all by itself. When processing a transaction, it contacts the bank's processing centre. This connection is either wired or wireless (for example, via a mobile data network). It is important to secure the connection against data interception. In most cases, software or hardware Virtual Private Network (VPN) clients perform this task. So that is the basics of the ATM operation; now what of the exploit that have been found by crooks? Well the security report found that when their team of ethical hackers were let loose on some typical high street ATM units, they found that 15 were found to be still running the long unsupported Windows XP. 22 were vulnerable to a "network spoofing" attack where an attacker connects locally to the machine's LAN port and conduct fraudulent transactions. Such an attack takes around 15 minutes to complete. 18 were vulnerable to 'black box' attacks where an attacker physically connects a device to the machine and tricks it into spitting out cash. Positive notes these attacks can be carried out in about ten minutes with aftermarket computer boards (such as a Raspberry Pi). 20 could be forced to exit out of kiosk mode via a USB or PS/2 connection. From there, an attacker could access the underlying Operating System of the machine and execute additional commands. 24 had no data encryption in place on the hard drive, allowing an attacker who had access to the drive to pull any stored data and configuration info from the machine. In general, the research found that, for the most part, the protections used by ATMs to prevent theft and tampering were more or less superficial, and anyone who really wanted to get into a machine could often do so in under an hour. "More often than not, security mechanisms are a mere nuisance for attackers: our testers found ways to bypass protection in almost every case," the researchers said. Since banks tend to use the same configuration on large numbers of ATMs, a successful attack on a single ATM can be easily replicated at greater scale. One of the top recommendations the report made to banks is to harden up the physical security of the machines themselves. By physically securing the cabinets to lock away access to the inputs and compute hardware of the machines, many of the techniques used in the study could be thwarted. Additionally, the researchers recommend banks keep on top of logging and monitoring security events on their networks. At this year's DEF CON hacking conference one researcher explained how he'd approached banks about flaws in their ATMs, only to be told such things weren't possible. It was only when he told them he was going public with the research that the flaws were fixed by the banks.

Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly from Barnehurst ward:- "Two crimes of note to report this week both are burglaries which occurred to neighbouring properties in Parkside Avenue on Friday 9th November between 6.20pm and 8.15pm. Access was gained to both properties via an alleyway running along the at the back giving access to rear gardens. Entry to the first property was by suspect(s) forcing open a substantial wooden door, an implement similar to a crow bar would have been used. The house was searched but no property is believed to have been taken Access was gained to the second property next door by suspect(s) smashing a glass panel in the rear UPVC door a thorough search was conducted resulting in extensive damage within and a large quantity of cash and jewellery was stolen. We believe that this property was specifically targeted and the first property potentially entered in error. Please take time to check the security at the back of your property make access to rear gardens as difficult as possible, Think about how you would get into your own garden if side gates etc were locked and then make it as difficult as possible, plant spiny/prickly bushes against walls and fences, do not leave bins against walls or near gates as these can be used by suspects to climb over. Consider security lighting and install an alarm. The team are more than happy to pay you a visit and give advice regarding preventative security measures, just contact us and we will make an appointment to see you. The team received a commendation last week presented by our new SE BCU Borough Commander Chief superintendent Dobinson. The award was acknowledging our work in regards to an animal welfare warrant we conducted earlier this year in conjunction with the RSPCA which resulted in the closing down of a puppy farm and the rescue of 34 dog 18 cats and 9 puppies and dealing with the horrific scene of animal cruelty. A big thank you to the RSPCA who have now successfully prosecuted the persons involved one of which is still awaiting sentencing after having been found guilty this month. As always, please follow us on twitter @MPSBarnehurst for all the latest crime prevention advice and to find out what the team have been up to". Belvedere ward:- "Over the course of this week, PC Holmes and A/PS Green have interviewed a female in relation to supplying Class A drugs. A bag of white powder and drug dealing paraphernalia were recovered from a warrant we conducted at an address at the beginning of this month. We are sending the drugs to the lab to be identified before any charges are brought against the female. PC Holmes and PCSO Worrall issued a Harassment Warning to a male that has been abusing staff at Corals, Picardy Street. If his behaviour continues then he may be arrested and charged with harassment. We will continue to monitor the situation. There have been two burglaries on the ward, both on Wednesday 7th November – in Lower Road and also Carrill Way. The team have visited both locations to offer support, reassurance and crime prevention advice to the victims and neighbouring residents. PCSO Worrall discovered a stolen vehicle in Hattersfield Close which had been taken from an address in Bexleyheath. The vehicle has been recovered by Police and is currently being examined. Finally, we have received reports of possible drug dealing around Albert Road. If anyone has any information or sees anything suspicious then please get in contact". Bexleyheath ward - from a Neighbourhood Watch member:- "On Monday morning, when I went to get into my car, I found that someone had stuck matchsticks in all of the tyre valves, and they were all flat. The BBNWA office says that this would be classed as vehicle interference and should be reported to the police". Crayford ward, from a Neighbourhood Watch member:- "I just wanted to raise awareness of 3 in their twenties behaving in a suspect way today at 7:35 between Crayford station and Sainsbury's, in the block of flats area. They stopped in front of me and one approached me with the line 'it might sound embarrassing, but your fly is quite low' the other two were trying to stop me from moving forward. They got interrupted in their intentions by other people coming from behind me, so I quickly moved on. I thought I may raise this just in case anyone gets hurt".

From PCSO Joyce Barlow of the Crayford SNT:- "Firstly, an excellent result! On Saturday 10th November, Crayford SNT ably assisted by Bexleyheath team carried out a Section 23 Drugs warrant at an address in Halcot Avenue where a large amount of drugs and cash were seized. This is an ongoing investigation. Crimes of note this week. Outside McDonalds in Crayford on Saturday 10th November at about 17.15 a male was approached by a large group of youths, they threw a drink over him, he later found that his mobile phone, a gold Samsung S7 with a cracked screen had been stolen. On Monday 12th November there was a burglary at The Marlowes between midnight and 09.00. Entry was made through the UVPC front door, the car keys and an Apple Mac computer were taken from the dining table. The car outside was stolen but later recovered locally, locked and secured. Three Males were seen acting suspiciously in the area between 4-5am. On Monday 12th November there was an attempted break in of a vehicle parked in Alcock Crescent at about 5.30am, two wing mirrors were stolen, the victim does have CCTV of the incident, it has also become apparent that two neighbours also had thefts from their vehicles at about the same time. On Saturday 3rd November between 14.28 and 14.59 a Male stole a 100kg steel beam from a business in Acorn Industrial Estate, again there is CCTV. Officers from Crayford and Barnehurst SNT were presented with commendation certificates on Thursday 8th November for assisting the RSPCA with the closure of a puppy farm and the rescue of fifty plus dogs, puppies and cats in January 2018. We will be at Beano's café in Mayplace Road East on Wednesday 21st November between 1-2pm for a community contact session, please come along and speak to us if you have any concerns you would like to discuss, we will be seated to the rear of the café". Erith ward - no reports received this week. Northumberland Heath ward:- "The team have been conducting violent crime disorder patrols this last week, specifically targeted in hotspot areas across Erith. This has been a proactive and preventative initiative by Bexley Police and not in response to any specific intelligence or incident in the area. We have also been continuing our work patrolling Northumberland Heath's ASB hotspot area's and have in the last week changed several of our shifts to have a visible patrolling presence late into the evenings. Over the last week we have searched several people for drugs and have reported three people for possession of cannabis in Mill Road, Limewood Road and in West Street, Erith. We unfortunately had a burglary committed in Byron Drive. The front door to a residential property was forced open, some property taken including car keys and the occupants car from the driveway. This incident has been allocated to a CID officer who is currently investigating the incident. Other incidents reported to police include criminal damage to a motor vehicle and theft of number plates from another vehicle. None of these incidents appear to be linked. Please continue to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or activity you see". Slade Green and Northend ward:- "A male was arrested by response officers in the early hours of last Friday (16th November) after being seen trying car door handles in Rainbow Road. After enquiries were made with evidence he was further arrested for attempted burglary after being seen to try several door handles on residents' front doors. On a sad note, especially as it was discovered just before Armistice Day, the memorial plaque at Slade Green BR station has been vandalised. Graffiti has been sprayed over the plaque which tells the story of some local Slade Green heroes during WW2. We have attached the poster appealing for help with any information relating to this despicable act. 2 vehicle crimes to report, on Sunday 11/112018 between 11am and 2pm, a catalytic converter was stolen from a car in Beacon Road. On Monday 12/11/2018 between 7am and 7pm a car had its passenger window smashed and door scratched in Oak Road, nothing was taken from inside. PC's Mark and James have made more than 10 Stop and Searches across the ward in the last week, 2 of which resulted in cannabis being seized and the relevant warnings given. On Remembrance Sunday we attended the memorial service at St Augustine's in Slade Green Road and it was nice to see the church with standing room only and a really good service took place with a lovely display in the church grounds". Thamesmead East ward:- "Tuesday 06/11/18 Alsike Road 9:30 – 10:00am Theft Wallet stolen from work van; Thursday 08/11/18 Yarnton Way 9:15 – 10:00am Criminal Damage to Motor Vehicle suspect unknown has smashed rear windscreen of vehicle using unknown method nothing stolen; Thursday 08/11/18 Seacourt Road 7am – Friday 09/11/18 1:50pm Criminal Damage/Vehicle Interference windscreen smashed damage to ignition where wires pulled out to try and hot wire the car, however the car had an immobiliser. Nothing taken from vehicle; Friday 09/11/18 Dolphin Close 9:30-8am Saturday Attempted Burglary A loud noise heard between times stated victim thought it was the washing machine when leaving the house the following morning two footprints were seen on the front door; Friday 09/11/18 Leatherbottle Green 7:45pm – 21:15pm Criminal Damage to Motor vehicle. Car has been damaged by chunks of tarmac ( nearby road repairs) The tarmac has been thrown car causing dents and scratches to the paintwork on the driver's side door and to the driver's side window; Saturday 10/11/18 Manordeane Road 12pm Vehicle Interference driver's side window was smashed, and an untidy search had been carried out inside the vehicle; Monday 12/11/18 Sydney Road 08:00-20:30 Burglary victim returned home to find the property locked from the inside untidy search of house. Entry gained through the rear". West Heath ward:- "Unfortunately during this week the ward has suffered several burglaries and one attempted burglary. In Berkeley Avenue the front door of a property was forced on Wednesday 7th November between 0830 – 1930 hours no property was taken but an untidy search was conducted. On Sunday 11th November between 2300 – 0645 hours the front bedroom window was smashed in Cumberland Drive, no entry was gained into the property. Between 1630 – 0024 hours on Sunday 11th November the conservatory door of a property was smashed in Denton Road and an untidy search was conducted. In Axminster Road between 0530 hours on the Wednesday 14th November entry was gained into the property where vehicle keys and a motor vehicle were stolen. There have been four thefts from motor vehicles and one theft of a motor vehicle. In Westgate Road on Tuesday 6th November between 1900 – 0900 hours a webcam and parcels were stolen from the vehicle. Between 0130 – 1200 hours on Wednesday 7th November in Axminster Road there was a theft from motor vehicle, a radio and personal items were taken. In Woolwich Road on Friday 9th November between 1000 – 1100 hours property was taken from a motor vehicle. A catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle on Saturday 10th November between 1600 – 0000 hours in Preston Drive. On Saturday 10th November between 2200 – 2215 in Kings Harold's Way a vehicle was stolen. Please ensure that you conceal any personal property out of sight. The team will be conducting a Community Contact Session on Tuesday 20th November at Knowle Avenue between 1100 – 1200. Please be aware of males knocking and offering building works to properties".

The end video this week comes courtesy of fellow Blogger Darryl Chamberlain of the excellent 853 Blog. He filmed the footage of the brand new Woolwich Ferry, the Ben Woollacott undergoing some early manoeuvrability tests in the River Thames at Woolwich last week. Currently there is no ferry service at Woolwich; the two new vessels are due to begin operation in the New Year, once modifications to the two landing jetties have been finished, and ferry testing has been completed.  Please feel free to leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.