After many false starts, delays and confusion, development work is finally to begin on the old Tram Depot site in Walnut Tree Road, Erith. You can see the brown field site in the photo above - click on it for a larger version. Part of the original depot site was built on a few years ago when Bexley College, (now renamed London South East Colleges: Bexley, which is somewhat of a mouthful at the best of times) was relocated from Tower Road to the new build campus next to Bronze Age Way and Erith Station. The other half of the site was left as wasteland; a plan had been hatched to build a hotel on the brownfield land, but that came to nothing, and the plot has been empty and unused for around the last forty years since the tram depot was demolished. Now a housing development is to be built as part of the planned redevelopment of Erith Town Centre. As previously mentioned, the redevelopment will mean the end of the much disliked underground pedestrian footway that links Erith Station with the town centre - which is better known as "The Tunnel of Doom" by locals. It has always been a magnet for graffiti and anti social behaviour, and I don't think that many locals will mourn its passing. The details of the new residential development are still very sketchy at present, but it is anticipated that it will consist of one or more blocks of flats. The architects for the project are a well known partnership called Ash Sakula, who have a very good reputation for both public and private building design; they have won a total of ten RIBA awards for previous designs. Ash Sakula is currently working on mixed-use projects in Hackney Wick, Southwark, Deptford and Newcastle, a car free development in Banbury, and a leisure scheme in Hangzhou, China. Their studio and office is based in a former 1930s workshop in the heart of London’s jewellery quarter. Cany Ash - Before setting up Ash Sakula in 1994, Cany Ash worked for the GLC Architect’s department and Burrell Foley Fischer as well as in New York and Berlin. She has taught at a number of architectural schools as a critic and studio tutor and is an External Examiner at Cambridge University. She is an experienced co-designer, leading design workshops with young people and many community groups. She has served on the RIBA Awards Group, as a CABE Enabler, a Client Design Advisor and a Civic Trust Awards Assessor. Currently she is member of the South East Design Review Panel. Robert Sakula - Prior to setting up Ash Sakula in 1994, Robert Sakula worked with Clough Williams-Ellis, David Lea, and DEGW. Robert is a Civic Trust Awards Judge, a RIBA Competitions Advisor and a RIBA Awards Jury Chair. He has taught and lectured at many schools in Britain as well as in Berlin, Stockholm, Oslo, Milan, Portland and Chongqing. He is a member of four design review panels. It would seem that the pedigree of the architects is above reproach; I am hopeful that whatever buildings they design for Erith will be worthy of the area, and not along the lines of the recent tower block built adjacent to Abbey Wood Station. It is too early to determine; I do understand that their preliminary designs will be open to public consultation later in the year, much in the way the development of the old Erith Riverside Swimming Baths site was a couple of years ago, though that development is completely unrelated to this newer one. This new project has been widely reported in the local media; both the Bexley Times and the News Shopper have covered the story, with varying degrees of accuracy. The News Shopper has not exactly covered itself in glory, unfortunately - once again the papers lack of local reporters has shown through. Walnut Tree Road is referred to as "Walnut Street Road" - when even a simple check on Google Maps would have corrected this fundamental error. I do not entirely blame the reporters - they are not locally based, and their knowledge of the area is limited at best. The big giveaway that the News Shopper reporters are remote from the area they write about is that many of the photos used in the paper and on their website are either stock images, or they are taken from Google. I understand that they often ask witnesses to events to submit photographs to the paper, as they no longer have a staff photographer. I fear that the paper is in a downward spiral. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
Regular readers will be aware of my opposition to Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBT) as deployed in betting shops around the country. FOBT's have been described as "The crack cocaine of gambling" due to their extremely addictive nature, and the ability for them to take bets of up to £100 every twenty seconds - meaning that problem gamblers can lose fortunes extremely rapidly. There have been calls for the gambling machines to have strong limitations placed, upon them, or for them to be banned outright. A government consultation which began in October last year has been investigating the effects of FOBT usage on gamblers, and also feedback from the gambling industry, which provides a huge amount of revenue to the government in the form of taxes. The government review of fixed-odds betting terminals, could see the maximum bet reduced to between £2 and £50, with many finding the machines addictive because bets of up to £100 can be played every twenty seconds. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, reportedly in favour of the most severe restriction - a cut to £2, said it believes current regulation is “inappropriate” and that changes to the maximum stake would help reduce “the potentially harmful impact on the player and their wider communities”. The proposals include encouraging the industry to take greater social responsibility. Betting shops are able to have four FOBTs in each outlet but there is concern the machines are clustered in poorer areas where there is more unemployment. Though the government has admitted being unaware of how many problem gamblers are receiving treatment on the NHS, the Gambling Commission warns that more than 2 million people in the UK are either problem gamblers or at risk of addiction. Certainly the number of betting shops in the North of Bexley is a worry. It has been said that FOBT machines are so profitable, they actually subsidise other forms of betting such as on horses or football. I understand that the proliferation of betting shops in the area and elsewhere is due to the legal limitation of only allowing four FOBT machines per shop; the law apparently says nothing about the number of shops allowed in any high street, leaving the decision to cash strapped local councils, who need the business rate income - and who are thus likely to permit additional shops despite the damage these can cause to local communities. Hopefully a change in the law will put a permanent stop to this.
It has been long known that the outer London boroughs of Bexley and Havering are the two least expensive places to buy a house or flat in Greater London. A recent report by estate agency Rightmove has confirmed this; Erith came second in terms of property popularity after Sidcup, which saw the biggest growth in Greater London property prices in the past year, with prices rising 8.3 per cent to an average selling price of £443,000 in January this year. The average asking price for a house in Erith is now said to be £321,000 is almost half of the London average. The average is a bit misleading, however, as most of Erith has house prices which are below three hundred thousand; the figures are skewed by the relatively small number of very high end houses located around Park Crescent, Victoria Road and Avenue Road - the "Beverly Hills" of Erith. There are some absolutely lovely houses in that area, and they do add to the average price in the town by quite a margin. Bexley consistently records positive house price growth, and zone six has seen the biggest rises of 2.3 per cent, compared to zone four which only rose by 0.8 per cent. The forthcoming opening of Crossrail and the Erith Quarry housing development will no doubt increase the attractiveness of the area to potential outside buyers.
The photos above show the "before and after" look of the completed refurbishment of the fascia of the White Hart pub in Erith High Street. The pub fascia has been restored with a replica of the original frontage now in place; the original historic front had been illegally ripped out and replaced by plate glass by the criminal owners of Potion - the cocktail bar / drugs den that you can see in the upper "before" photo, which was housed in the building for a number of years until they lost their licence after repeated Police raids and complaints from the public regarding fights and drug dealing in the place. Now the new owners, The Wellington Pub Company have responsibly carried out the instructions of the Council and recreated as close as to the original Victorian frontage as was possible, which you can see in the lower "after" photo. It is not one hundred percent accurate, but it is very close. Rumours still abound as to what business will occupy the ground floor, former bar area of the building; previously I had heard that it might become a Gelato shop, then yesterday someone mentioned to me that they had heard that it was to become a Meze Parlour. To be honest, I don't have any reliable information, and at this stage I am merely reporting conjecture. If anyone has some hard information, please let me know.
I can finally say that I told you so - a subject that I wrote in some length about, back in March of 2016, I wrote:- "When Sky launched their original analogue satellite based service back in February 1989, there was no broadband infrastructure in the UK (or anywhere for that matter), as the World Wide Web had yet to be invented by Tim Berners – Lee. Satellites were the only economic method of broadcasting to large areas of the planet. Now the use of satellites for broadcasting is soon to go the way of using hot air balloons for air travel – yes you can still do it, but why would you bother? Fibre optic broadband is the way forward. Mark my words, the age of Sky using hugely expensive satellites to broadcast will soon be at an end; they will either change their operating model and switch to online, or they will slowly die". Well, on Thursday of last week, Sky announced that they plan to make all their channels and content available online, meaning customers will no longer need a satellite dish on their property. Italy will be its first market to get all Sky channels online, followed by Austria, with the UK expected to follow in 2019. The story became one of the most widely read on the BBC News website. You heard it first from the Maggot Sandwich, nearly two years ago.
Now for the weekly safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association; beginning this week with Barnehurst ward:- "Barnehurst Ward has suffered four burglaries in the past week, one of these was a non-dwelling burglary. On 16th January at 09.25pm in Dorothy Evans Close a loud noise was heard by the residents. Suspects fled due to being disturbed by the occupants turning an upstairs light on. A rear window was found smashed and the locking mechanism to a side gate had been broken. Barnehurst Local Policing Team provided the victims with window alarms, personal attack alarms and a TV simulator for added security. On the same date 16th January a burglary took place in Mayplace Road East between the hours of 09.00pm and 10.15. On this occasion the lights were seen on by a neighbour who in turn called Police. Entry was gained through a rear door whereby a wooden panel had been forced. No items were taken from the property. Also on the 16th January a non-dwelling burglary took place in Mayplace Road East very close the burglary mentioned previously. At 07.00pm resident returned home and found the side gate open, on further inspection the victim noticed the shed door open and the padlock removed however nothing was taken. Barnehurst Local Policing Team provided the victim with a shed alarm. On 19th January a burglary took place between 07.50am and 07.55pm in Hall Place Crescent. The resident returned home to find lights on and an untidy search was found within the property. Entry was gained through a ground floor kitchen window, this had been forced open leaving tool marks on the window frame. In the early hours of the 20th January in Sevenoaks Close there was an incident of Arson. A garden bench was found burned out and due to the heat from the flames, damage was caused to the windows of the property. It is unknown how the fire started or how it was put out. Barnehurst Officers have been carrying out plain clothes patrols in an attempt to combat the increase of burglaries on the ward, please be vigilant and ensure door are double locked. If you have porches be aware of what you leave in the porch. Wheelchairs, walking sticks tell burglars this may be the home of someone vulnerable. The team have successfully applied for a warrant under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and will be visiting an address on the ward today with the RSPCA Inspectors and vet. We will update you next week as to what we find and any offences. If you can’t wait til next week to see what’s going on please follow our Twitter and Facebook for updates. A reminder that Coffee with cops will be held at Barnehurst Golf Club on Tuesday 20th February. Feel free to join us for a chat". Belvedere ward:- "This week the team have been making enquires with Bexley Council in relation to CCTV in the Nuxley Road car park as occupants of a nearby property reported anti - social behaviour by youths, with eggs being thrown at houses. We are hoping to visit any person involved in the near future once they are identified. PC Green and PCSO Worrall also visited all primary schools to arrange upcoming talks to pupils and parents on various subjects. There was also a recent attempted burglary in Regent Square – in response to this, the team provided crime prevention tips and literature to resident. During patrols of Clive Road, a group of 4 people were stopped and searched. Subsequently, one person was issued with a cannabis warning and a second was issued with a PND for possession of cannabis. In a separate incident, the team assisted with the arrest of a male for ABH and also have recently conducted a weapons sweep, involving several stops and searches in the Picardy Street area". Brampton ward:- "Brampton team have completed liaising with ward panel members (21st Feb) and almost every NHW coordinators (16th Mar) regarding upcoming meetings this will be completed this weekend . Please send me in your email address and confirmation that you are attending for our records and so we can contact more easily (thanks to those that have already replied) . Both meetings will be at St Peters Church Pickford Lane small hall which is to the side of the large hall, Thanks to rev Jim for the loan of the hall A school talk was completed at St Thomas more , pupils were shown what Police do and what kit we use along with a talk on Stranger danger . Crimes over the week were very low with a residential Burglary in Heversham Road, a rear ground floor window had been forced open , the victim had a jewellery box taken. The team completed a reassurance visit and gave out some security items. 2 x Harassment in Bristow Road, by the same person to the same victim on separate days , investigation ongoing to obtain an Harassment warning . We conducted our first Community Contact Session at St Peters this week , this will be an ongoing feature to the ward .At present we only have the one venue, so if anyone knows of a small hall that we can use for an hour please get in touch. NHW coordinator in Dunwich road has asked the team to give out some security advice to residents in the road , this will be held in their home on February 8th , if anyone else would like us to attend to give a small talk or anything, also please get in touch. We will be attempting to recruit more NHW coordinators in those roads that do not have any over the next few weeks Please follow us on Twitter @MPSBrampton and Facebook : Brampton Police and on the met police website www.met.police.uk , place in your area , put in your road and you will go to the Brampton page". Christchurch ward:- "A vigilant neighbour called the police on Saturday 20 January at approximately 11.45pm. He had observed 2 cars park at the end of Sandford Road, occupants get out and dress with jackets, hoods and balaclavas and set off down Sandford Road. An occupant remained in each car. When the police arrived, they arrested one of the occupants and impounded both cars. The belief is that the arrest was for ‘being equipped’". Colyers ward:- "A busy week for Colyers again with 2 attempted burglaries, 1 aggravated burglary, 2 theft of motor vehicles and 1 theft from motor vehicles. The attempted burglaries were in Barnehurst Avenue on Friday 19th January at around 1am where a male attempted entry via an open ground floor window light but made off when disturbed by the home owner and the other was in Windermere Road on Thursday 18th at around 8pm where a rear window was smashed but entry not gained. On Friday 19th January at around 8-8.30pm in Hornbeam Lane an aggravated burglary took place where 2 armed males smashed the front panel and threatened the occupant in an attempted to steal goods within but made off on realising the next door neighbour had called police. In the early hours of Wednesday 17th January an Orange Duke motorbike was stolen from outside an address in Colyers Lane. Another car was stolen on Monday 22nd January at around 2.30pm in Frinsted Road. Unfortunately the victim had left their car door open and keys in the ignition with the engine running whilst they loaded their car. Please do not leave your car vulnerable in this way. We also had 2 persons stopped for possession of Cannabis, one in Colyers Lane and the other in Bexley Road". Crayford ward:- "Sadly, last week was too good to be true and we have had four burglaries in this last week. Between 22.00 on 17/01/2018 and 06.00 on 18/01/2018 entry was made via the front door of a property in Heath Road. A handbag on the stairs was stolen containing cash, cards and keys. The UVPC locking system was faulty and had not been securely locked, this has now been repaired. The resident there was concerned that the burglar had intended to steal the car keys to steal the car, the bag including cards was found locally. On 20/01/2018 between 17.30-23.55 entry was made via the front door of a property in Crayford Road. All the rooms were searched and English and American currency was stolen. On 19/01/2018 between 17.00-21.00 burglars smashed the glass panel of a door to the rear of a property in Valley Road, an untidy search took place but nothing was stolen, the resident believes that the burglar may have been disturbed. On 20/01/2018 between 20.00-23.00 burglars (captured on nearby CCTV) entered a property in Crayford High Street, by forcing a rear door after smashing a security light. There was an extremely untidy search of the property (furniture overturned, bath panel removed) resulting in a high value of Asian gold being stolen. One thing that all these properties have in common is that there is no Neighbourhood Watch. If you have friends / relatives in these areas perhaps they could be encouraged to establish a watch in their road? A number plate was stolen from a vehicle parked outside an address in Woolbrook Road between 05.00-18.30 on 19/01/2018, it is always best to report a number plate being stolen. On 22/01/2018 at 23.25 a motorcycle was stolen from Tanners Close. On 19/01/2018 between 19.00-22.45 a vehicle was reported stolen from Mayplace Avenue. The vehicle was involved in a fail to stop accident in Crayford town centre that same evening and the vehicle was seized. On 23/01/2018 thieves on mopeds attempted to steal a vehicle parked in Barnes Cray Road, as it had additional security they managed to move it a short distance before abandoning it. A robbery took place in Kennett Road on 23/01/2018 at 19.35. Several males with tools chased after two victims and then stole their vehicle which was located later, the victims were taken to a place of safety by a local business and unfortunately there are no details known about the victims or why this robbery occurred. Our team attended Walker Close on 23/01/2018 as we were made aware that a motorcycle stolen from Midhurst Hill in Bexleyheath on 14/01/2018 was parked and covered up in the car park there. The registered keeper came to collect it, damage amounted to £200 but the gentleman was delighted to get it back. We have visited most of the above victims, completed door to door enquiries and delivered crime prevention advice to the areas close to the burglaries. We have been able to provide more foot patrols for reassurance in the recently affected areas as well as utilising the Pulse Patrol bus for mobile patrols. On Thursday 25/01/2018 we will be holding a crime prevention/drop in for a chat event at the Ellenor shop in Crayford Road between 11.00-13.00, it would be lovely to see you. Our quarterly Ward Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday 30/01/2018 from 19.00 at the Europa Gym, Vimm Way (just off Maiden Lane). If you would like to come along, or know anyone who would like to represent their local community, we would be delighted if you would join us". Erith ward:- "Thank you to all that attended the Erith Ward Panel meeting last week. That was one of our biggest attended. Dates for your diary – Next Ward Panels for 2018 - Thursday 26/04/18, Monday 23/07/18 and Wednesday 17/10/18. At the moment these are all at 7pm Erith Pier Road. Street briefing in Christchurch Avenue. 25 residents attended and we recruited NHW coordinators in the street. Weapon sweep in Compton Place which resulting in a lot of finds you can see images of these on our Twitter @MPSErith. Some Crimes on the ward: Theft of MV (Motor Vehicle) 17/01/2018 Maximfeldt Road; C/Dam (Criminal Damage) 16/01/2018 22:00:00 Compton Place; C/Dam Vehicle 17/01/2018 Car park, St Fidelis Road; Theft from MV 19/01/2018 St Fidelis Road; Shoplift <£200 21/01/2018 Riverside Shopping Centre; Burg Res (Residential Burglary) 21/01/2018 Christchurch Road; Making off 23/01/2018 13:45:00 Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, James Watt Way. Burg Res 23/01/2018 18:00:00 Chandlers Drive; Theft from MV 23/01/2018 Avenue Road". Lesnes Abbey ward:- "Attempted burglary occurred in Harvel Crescent, between the 22/12/17 and 04/01/18, damage to wooden back door and UPVC window. On Friday 19/01/18 between the hours of 3 : 00pm and 11:00pm a burglary occurred in Lensbury Way, no sign of forced entry to the UPVC door. Between Sunday 21/01/18 at 5 :20 pm and Monday 22/01/18 at 01:00 am a burglary occurred in Woolwich Road, entry was gained through the rear garden window which was smashed. Update from recent burglaries - Encouraging turn out regarding a burglary street briefing that took place on Sunday 21st Jan, Woodland Way. Despite the persistent rain approximately fifteen residents attended and voiced their concerns. Excellent work by Bexleyheath Officers where due to joint teamwork, a male has been charged and remanded in custody in relation to two burglaries at Abbots Walk and Woodland Way. While on routine patrol, PC Pruden identified a vehicle abandoned. Checks revealed that the vehicle was stolen by means of a burglary on the 12th January, and was subsequently used in further burglaries in the Bexleyheath area. The vehicle is currently at Charlton car pound where it will be forensically examined. Burglaries which have occurred on Lesnes Abbey, jewellery has been taken. Crime Prevention (Jewellery) - You can help to protect yourself from losing your valuable heirlooms by photographing your jewellery and keep copies of the images somewhere safe - with your insurance documents in case you are unfortunate to suffer a burglary. Make sure the jewellery is included on your insurance forms, in case you ever need to make a claim. Invest in a good quality home safe - consider the value of the items you want to protect when buying a safe. Speak to your bank to see if they provide safety deposit boxes. If anyone has friends or family in the Ward that is interested in being a NW Coordinator, please contact us". North End ward:- "It has been brought to our attention that an email has been received by several residents in our ward claiming to be from the Inland Revenue stating that there is an outstanding tax refund in your name awaiting a claim. It then asks to click the link to make the claim. This email is a SCAM and should be deleted. Please do NOT click the link as it will ask for all of your banking details etc. Please mention to friends and family. You can email us and ask any further questions if you have them. No burglaries this last week which is good. One crime of note was Criminal Damage to Motor vehicle in Howbury Lane last Thursday evening around 9pm. A bit of road rage escalated into an incident and lead to wing mirrors being kicked off the drivers car. Investigations are ongoing to find the suspects. PC’s Mark and James have had a busy week. 6 stop and searches were made in Grange House leading to a cannabis warning and all of the suspects removed from the communal stairwell after recent reports of drug issues inside the block. A stop and search was carried out in Boundary Street, again leading to a cannabis warning for the individual. They also made an arrest for a Domestic ABH, found a stolen motorbike in Lincoln Close which was reunited with the very happy owner, and extra patrols of The Nursery are ongoing after the recent knife point robberies at Erith Food and Wine shop at the location. Added to this they have been out with colleagues from other SNT’s on the patrol bus which included a weapon sweep in Compton Place whereby a Samurai style sword was found in some bushes. Finally, we have a surgery on Monday 29 Jan from 11am at Forest Road café. Hope to see you there for a coffee and a fry up!" Northumberland Heath ward:- "We have had some good results this week. We were conducting proactive plain clothed patrolling in Mill Road, when a disqualified driver pulled up in a car, who we recognised as being wanted for a burglary. We ran over to the male and after a three minute struggle were able to safely detain him. We arrested the male for suspicion of burglary, disqualified driving and possession of cannabis. The vehicle being driven was seized by police and permanently taken off the streets. We have also conducted a number of stop and searches throughout the ward and a further cannabis warning has been issued. We continue to stop and advice youths seen cycling in a careless manner, which is a ward panel priority. This has resulted in a parental home visit on one occasion and several youths having been given words of advice in the streets. On another positive note, having conducted three parental home visits at the start of the year and having delivered letter’s to local residents in Dickens Close and Byron Drive, we are pleased to report we have had no further incidents of anti-social behaviour in this area. Unfortunately in the last week we have had three burglaries on the ward and one garage burglary. The first burglary took place overnight Last Wednesday January 17th in Colindale Avenue. Thankfully the elderly resident was asleep throughout the incident, but is understandably very shaken and distressed by what happened. Tool marks were found on the front door and an untidy search took place, the resident had £55 stolen from her handbag. The second burglary was in Belmont Road on Saturday January 20th at approximately 5.45pm. The occupant returned home and was unable to enter the property by the inner door. He saw several people running down the stairs and they exited by the rear sliding patio door. It is unclear exactly what, if anything was taken at this stage but it is believed the victim may have been targeted for theft of Asian gold. The third burglary was in Nurstead Road and took place between Saturday and Sunday of last weekend. The occupant was away on holiday and the property was being checked daily by a family member who discovered footprints on the hall carpet when entering the property. The rear double glazed UPVC door was forced and the locking mechanism was damaged. The suspect stole an IPad and a Rotary watch. Power tools were stolen from a garage in Winchelsea Avenue on Monday evening this week. The occupant was in the lounge at approximately 9.45pm when she heard a noise coming from the garage. The resident is currently having building work done to the property and the builders put a Yale lock on the garage which had been removed. He tools were over £400 in value. One criminal damage to motor vehicle this week in Sussex Road. On Sunday 21st January the victim was woken up at 01.20 by the sound of a car horn going off. The victim went outside and discovered the offside middle window to her car had been smashed. Nothing was taken but it is believed that an attempt was made to steal the vehicle as plastic casing around the steering wheel was damaged". Thamesmead East ward:- "One burglary to report this week that occurred at Kingfisher Close, on Wednesday 17th January at 1900 hours. Kitchen window smashed, entry gained and expensive watches stolen. As a result the team have been patrolling the location and surrounding streets. A vehicle was stolen from Kale Road, on Thursday 18th January, however it had been notified off road. During the early hours of Monday 22nd January a motor vehicle was broken into (smashed passenger window) and a handbag was stolen. Just after midnight on Tuesday 23rd January, local officers stopped a male who was acting suspicious in Glendale. A search revealed 14 wraps of white powder, which is believed to be cocaine. The male was arrested, enquiries ongoing. The team have been busy over the past couple of days, attempting to recruit new Neighbourhood members by posting leaflets in various streets around the ward. Register your property for FREE and improve your chances of getting it back if it is lost or stolen and help reduce property crime, register at: https://www.immobilise.com . We are always interested in recruiting new Neighbourhood watch co-ordinators for the ward. Please ask your family and friends if they would like to set up a Neighbourhood watch in their road. Please spread the word to any family and friends in the Borough - they can contact us on 020 8721 2049 or Thamesmead.SNT@met.police.uk for more information".
In a very interesting development, Secretary of State for international trade, and president of the board of trade, MP Liam Fox met with Bexley councillors on the 18th of January to discuss the need for the extension of Crossrail from Abbey Wood to Ebbsfleet. Bexley Council leader, and controversial figure Teresa O'Neill said in an interview with the News Shopper that:- "Given the scale of investment in Crossrail to date, C2E represents a fairly modest investment that can release valuable housing land and connect growth areas along the Thames with fast, reliable metro-style services. It is inconceivable that Bexley and West Kent will not be served by Crossrail services in the way that Essex and Berkshire will be – particularly given the region’s critical role as the country’s gateway to Europe". The Councillor makes one assumption in her opinion regarding an extension to Crossrail from Abbey Wood, down into rural Kent, and that is that the former London Paramount Theme Park development will still go ahead, despite Paramount having pulled out of the deal last year, and to date no new intellectual property partner being appointed. One of the primary justifications of any Crossrail extension into Kent was to provide a fast rail link to and from the proposed theme park and into London. Now that the whole project is in some doubt, the same must be said of the proposed rail extension. Secondly, Teresa O'Neill says that the rail extension is vital given Kent's role s the gateway into Europe. This may well be true, but there are doubts as to how that may or may not change once Britain leaves the EU - nobody knows for sure, as this kind of thing has never happened before. I think that Teresa O'Neill is confusing what she would like to happen with what actually may happen - in my opinion the whole situation is in such doubt and flux that it is impossible to make any accurate prediction at this point. I know that many of the proposals outlined in the Bexley Growth Strategy document rely on the assumption that the extension of Crossrail from Abbey Wood to Ebbsfleet will go ahead. I have always said that this was the single biggest flaw in the strategy document, amongst many smaller ones. Time will no doubt tell. Who says that I don't plan these things? The end video this week explains how the Crossrail system will open, and it is not as straightforward as you might think; not only is the whole new railway going to be renamed as The Elizabeth Line when it opens, but the opening is being done in phases over the course of a year - not as many had assumed all at once. The video below explains exactly what will happen, and when. Please feel free to leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
It has been long known that the outer London boroughs of Bexley and Havering are the two least expensive places to buy a house or flat in Greater London. A recent report by estate agency Rightmove has confirmed this; Erith came second in terms of property popularity after Sidcup, which saw the biggest growth in Greater London property prices in the past year, with prices rising 8.3 per cent to an average selling price of £443,000 in January this year. The average asking price for a house in Erith is now said to be £321,000 is almost half of the London average. The average is a bit misleading, however, as most of Erith has house prices which are below three hundred thousand; the figures are skewed by the relatively small number of very high end houses located around Park Crescent, Victoria Road and Avenue Road - the "Beverly Hills" of Erith. There are some absolutely lovely houses in that area, and they do add to the average price in the town by quite a margin. Bexley consistently records positive house price growth, and zone six has seen the biggest rises of 2.3 per cent, compared to zone four which only rose by 0.8 per cent. The forthcoming opening of Crossrail and the Erith Quarry housing development will no doubt increase the attractiveness of the area to potential outside buyers.
The photos above show the "before and after" look of the completed refurbishment of the fascia of the White Hart pub in Erith High Street. The pub fascia has been restored with a replica of the original frontage now in place; the original historic front had been illegally ripped out and replaced by plate glass by the criminal owners of Potion - the cocktail bar / drugs den that you can see in the upper "before" photo, which was housed in the building for a number of years until they lost their licence after repeated Police raids and complaints from the public regarding fights and drug dealing in the place. Now the new owners, The Wellington Pub Company have responsibly carried out the instructions of the Council and recreated as close as to the original Victorian frontage as was possible, which you can see in the lower "after" photo. It is not one hundred percent accurate, but it is very close. Rumours still abound as to what business will occupy the ground floor, former bar area of the building; previously I had heard that it might become a Gelato shop, then yesterday someone mentioned to me that they had heard that it was to become a Meze Parlour. To be honest, I don't have any reliable information, and at this stage I am merely reporting conjecture. If anyone has some hard information, please let me know.
I can finally say that I told you so - a subject that I wrote in some length about, back in March of 2016, I wrote:- "When Sky launched their original analogue satellite based service back in February 1989, there was no broadband infrastructure in the UK (or anywhere for that matter), as the World Wide Web had yet to be invented by Tim Berners – Lee. Satellites were the only economic method of broadcasting to large areas of the planet. Now the use of satellites for broadcasting is soon to go the way of using hot air balloons for air travel – yes you can still do it, but why would you bother? Fibre optic broadband is the way forward. Mark my words, the age of Sky using hugely expensive satellites to broadcast will soon be at an end; they will either change their operating model and switch to online, or they will slowly die". Well, on Thursday of last week, Sky announced that they plan to make all their channels and content available online, meaning customers will no longer need a satellite dish on their property. Italy will be its first market to get all Sky channels online, followed by Austria, with the UK expected to follow in 2019. The story became one of the most widely read on the BBC News website. You heard it first from the Maggot Sandwich, nearly two years ago.
Now for the weekly safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association; beginning this week with Barnehurst ward:- "Barnehurst Ward has suffered four burglaries in the past week, one of these was a non-dwelling burglary. On 16th January at 09.25pm in Dorothy Evans Close a loud noise was heard by the residents. Suspects fled due to being disturbed by the occupants turning an upstairs light on. A rear window was found smashed and the locking mechanism to a side gate had been broken. Barnehurst Local Policing Team provided the victims with window alarms, personal attack alarms and a TV simulator for added security. On the same date 16th January a burglary took place in Mayplace Road East between the hours of 09.00pm and 10.15. On this occasion the lights were seen on by a neighbour who in turn called Police. Entry was gained through a rear door whereby a wooden panel had been forced. No items were taken from the property. Also on the 16th January a non-dwelling burglary took place in Mayplace Road East very close the burglary mentioned previously. At 07.00pm resident returned home and found the side gate open, on further inspection the victim noticed the shed door open and the padlock removed however nothing was taken. Barnehurst Local Policing Team provided the victim with a shed alarm. On 19th January a burglary took place between 07.50am and 07.55pm in Hall Place Crescent. The resident returned home to find lights on and an untidy search was found within the property. Entry was gained through a ground floor kitchen window, this had been forced open leaving tool marks on the window frame. In the early hours of the 20th January in Sevenoaks Close there was an incident of Arson. A garden bench was found burned out and due to the heat from the flames, damage was caused to the windows of the property. It is unknown how the fire started or how it was put out. Barnehurst Officers have been carrying out plain clothes patrols in an attempt to combat the increase of burglaries on the ward, please be vigilant and ensure door are double locked. If you have porches be aware of what you leave in the porch. Wheelchairs, walking sticks tell burglars this may be the home of someone vulnerable. The team have successfully applied for a warrant under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and will be visiting an address on the ward today with the RSPCA Inspectors and vet. We will update you next week as to what we find and any offences. If you can’t wait til next week to see what’s going on please follow our Twitter and Facebook for updates. A reminder that Coffee with cops will be held at Barnehurst Golf Club on Tuesday 20th February. Feel free to join us for a chat". Belvedere ward:- "This week the team have been making enquires with Bexley Council in relation to CCTV in the Nuxley Road car park as occupants of a nearby property reported anti - social behaviour by youths, with eggs being thrown at houses. We are hoping to visit any person involved in the near future once they are identified. PC Green and PCSO Worrall also visited all primary schools to arrange upcoming talks to pupils and parents on various subjects. There was also a recent attempted burglary in Regent Square – in response to this, the team provided crime prevention tips and literature to resident. During patrols of Clive Road, a group of 4 people were stopped and searched. Subsequently, one person was issued with a cannabis warning and a second was issued with a PND for possession of cannabis. In a separate incident, the team assisted with the arrest of a male for ABH and also have recently conducted a weapons sweep, involving several stops and searches in the Picardy Street area". Brampton ward:- "Brampton team have completed liaising with ward panel members (21st Feb) and almost every NHW coordinators (16th Mar) regarding upcoming meetings this will be completed this weekend . Please send me in your email address and confirmation that you are attending for our records and so we can contact more easily (thanks to those that have already replied) . Both meetings will be at St Peters Church Pickford Lane small hall which is to the side of the large hall, Thanks to rev Jim for the loan of the hall A school talk was completed at St Thomas more , pupils were shown what Police do and what kit we use along with a talk on Stranger danger . Crimes over the week were very low with a residential Burglary in Heversham Road, a rear ground floor window had been forced open , the victim had a jewellery box taken. The team completed a reassurance visit and gave out some security items. 2 x Harassment in Bristow Road, by the same person to the same victim on separate days , investigation ongoing to obtain an Harassment warning . We conducted our first Community Contact Session at St Peters this week , this will be an ongoing feature to the ward .At present we only have the one venue, so if anyone knows of a small hall that we can use for an hour please get in touch. NHW coordinator in Dunwich road has asked the team to give out some security advice to residents in the road , this will be held in their home on February 8th , if anyone else would like us to attend to give a small talk or anything, also please get in touch. We will be attempting to recruit more NHW coordinators in those roads that do not have any over the next few weeks Please follow us on Twitter @MPSBrampton and Facebook : Brampton Police and on the met police website www.met.police.uk , place in your area , put in your road and you will go to the Brampton page". Christchurch ward:- "A vigilant neighbour called the police on Saturday 20 January at approximately 11.45pm. He had observed 2 cars park at the end of Sandford Road, occupants get out and dress with jackets, hoods and balaclavas and set off down Sandford Road. An occupant remained in each car. When the police arrived, they arrested one of the occupants and impounded both cars. The belief is that the arrest was for ‘being equipped’". Colyers ward:- "A busy week for Colyers again with 2 attempted burglaries, 1 aggravated burglary, 2 theft of motor vehicles and 1 theft from motor vehicles. The attempted burglaries were in Barnehurst Avenue on Friday 19th January at around 1am where a male attempted entry via an open ground floor window light but made off when disturbed by the home owner and the other was in Windermere Road on Thursday 18th at around 8pm where a rear window was smashed but entry not gained. On Friday 19th January at around 8-8.30pm in Hornbeam Lane an aggravated burglary took place where 2 armed males smashed the front panel and threatened the occupant in an attempted to steal goods within but made off on realising the next door neighbour had called police. In the early hours of Wednesday 17th January an Orange Duke motorbike was stolen from outside an address in Colyers Lane. Another car was stolen on Monday 22nd January at around 2.30pm in Frinsted Road. Unfortunately the victim had left their car door open and keys in the ignition with the engine running whilst they loaded their car. Please do not leave your car vulnerable in this way. We also had 2 persons stopped for possession of Cannabis, one in Colyers Lane and the other in Bexley Road". Crayford ward:- "Sadly, last week was too good to be true and we have had four burglaries in this last week. Between 22.00 on 17/01/2018 and 06.00 on 18/01/2018 entry was made via the front door of a property in Heath Road. A handbag on the stairs was stolen containing cash, cards and keys. The UVPC locking system was faulty and had not been securely locked, this has now been repaired. The resident there was concerned that the burglar had intended to steal the car keys to steal the car, the bag including cards was found locally. On 20/01/2018 between 17.30-23.55 entry was made via the front door of a property in Crayford Road. All the rooms were searched and English and American currency was stolen. On 19/01/2018 between 17.00-21.00 burglars smashed the glass panel of a door to the rear of a property in Valley Road, an untidy search took place but nothing was stolen, the resident believes that the burglar may have been disturbed. On 20/01/2018 between 20.00-23.00 burglars (captured on nearby CCTV) entered a property in Crayford High Street, by forcing a rear door after smashing a security light. There was an extremely untidy search of the property (furniture overturned, bath panel removed) resulting in a high value of Asian gold being stolen. One thing that all these properties have in common is that there is no Neighbourhood Watch. If you have friends / relatives in these areas perhaps they could be encouraged to establish a watch in their road? A number plate was stolen from a vehicle parked outside an address in Woolbrook Road between 05.00-18.30 on 19/01/2018, it is always best to report a number plate being stolen. On 22/01/2018 at 23.25 a motorcycle was stolen from Tanners Close. On 19/01/2018 between 19.00-22.45 a vehicle was reported stolen from Mayplace Avenue. The vehicle was involved in a fail to stop accident in Crayford town centre that same evening and the vehicle was seized. On 23/01/2018 thieves on mopeds attempted to steal a vehicle parked in Barnes Cray Road, as it had additional security they managed to move it a short distance before abandoning it. A robbery took place in Kennett Road on 23/01/2018 at 19.35. Several males with tools chased after two victims and then stole their vehicle which was located later, the victims were taken to a place of safety by a local business and unfortunately there are no details known about the victims or why this robbery occurred. Our team attended Walker Close on 23/01/2018 as we were made aware that a motorcycle stolen from Midhurst Hill in Bexleyheath on 14/01/2018 was parked and covered up in the car park there. The registered keeper came to collect it, damage amounted to £200 but the gentleman was delighted to get it back. We have visited most of the above victims, completed door to door enquiries and delivered crime prevention advice to the areas close to the burglaries. We have been able to provide more foot patrols for reassurance in the recently affected areas as well as utilising the Pulse Patrol bus for mobile patrols. On Thursday 25/01/2018 we will be holding a crime prevention/drop in for a chat event at the Ellenor shop in Crayford Road between 11.00-13.00, it would be lovely to see you. Our quarterly Ward Panel meeting will be held on Tuesday 30/01/2018 from 19.00 at the Europa Gym, Vimm Way (just off Maiden Lane). If you would like to come along, or know anyone who would like to represent their local community, we would be delighted if you would join us". Erith ward:- "Thank you to all that attended the Erith Ward Panel meeting last week. That was one of our biggest attended. Dates for your diary – Next Ward Panels for 2018 - Thursday 26/04/18, Monday 23/07/18 and Wednesday 17/10/18. At the moment these are all at 7pm Erith Pier Road. Street briefing in Christchurch Avenue. 25 residents attended and we recruited NHW coordinators in the street. Weapon sweep in Compton Place which resulting in a lot of finds you can see images of these on our Twitter @MPSErith. Some Crimes on the ward: Theft of MV (Motor Vehicle) 17/01/2018 Maximfeldt Road; C/Dam (Criminal Damage) 16/01/2018 22:00:00 Compton Place; C/Dam Vehicle 17/01/2018 Car park, St Fidelis Road; Theft from MV 19/01/2018 St Fidelis Road; Shoplift <£200 21/01/2018 Riverside Shopping Centre; Burg Res (Residential Burglary) 21/01/2018 Christchurch Road; Making off 23/01/2018 13:45:00 Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, James Watt Way. Burg Res 23/01/2018 18:00:00 Chandlers Drive; Theft from MV 23/01/2018 Avenue Road". Lesnes Abbey ward:- "Attempted burglary occurred in Harvel Crescent, between the 22/12/17 and 04/01/18, damage to wooden back door and UPVC window. On Friday 19/01/18 between the hours of 3 : 00pm and 11:00pm a burglary occurred in Lensbury Way, no sign of forced entry to the UPVC door. Between Sunday 21/01/18 at 5 :20 pm and Monday 22/01/18 at 01:00 am a burglary occurred in Woolwich Road, entry was gained through the rear garden window which was smashed. Update from recent burglaries - Encouraging turn out regarding a burglary street briefing that took place on Sunday 21st Jan, Woodland Way. Despite the persistent rain approximately fifteen residents attended and voiced their concerns. Excellent work by Bexleyheath Officers where due to joint teamwork, a male has been charged and remanded in custody in relation to two burglaries at Abbots Walk and Woodland Way. While on routine patrol, PC Pruden identified a vehicle abandoned. Checks revealed that the vehicle was stolen by means of a burglary on the 12th January, and was subsequently used in further burglaries in the Bexleyheath area. The vehicle is currently at Charlton car pound where it will be forensically examined. Burglaries which have occurred on Lesnes Abbey, jewellery has been taken. Crime Prevention (Jewellery) - You can help to protect yourself from losing your valuable heirlooms by photographing your jewellery and keep copies of the images somewhere safe - with your insurance documents in case you are unfortunate to suffer a burglary. Make sure the jewellery is included on your insurance forms, in case you ever need to make a claim. Invest in a good quality home safe - consider the value of the items you want to protect when buying a safe. Speak to your bank to see if they provide safety deposit boxes. If anyone has friends or family in the Ward that is interested in being a NW Coordinator, please contact us". North End ward:- "It has been brought to our attention that an email has been received by several residents in our ward claiming to be from the Inland Revenue stating that there is an outstanding tax refund in your name awaiting a claim. It then asks to click the link to make the claim. This email is a SCAM and should be deleted. Please do NOT click the link as it will ask for all of your banking details etc. Please mention to friends and family. You can email us and ask any further questions if you have them. No burglaries this last week which is good. One crime of note was Criminal Damage to Motor vehicle in Howbury Lane last Thursday evening around 9pm. A bit of road rage escalated into an incident and lead to wing mirrors being kicked off the drivers car. Investigations are ongoing to find the suspects. PC’s Mark and James have had a busy week. 6 stop and searches were made in Grange House leading to a cannabis warning and all of the suspects removed from the communal stairwell after recent reports of drug issues inside the block. A stop and search was carried out in Boundary Street, again leading to a cannabis warning for the individual. They also made an arrest for a Domestic ABH, found a stolen motorbike in Lincoln Close which was reunited with the very happy owner, and extra patrols of The Nursery are ongoing after the recent knife point robberies at Erith Food and Wine shop at the location. Added to this they have been out with colleagues from other SNT’s on the patrol bus which included a weapon sweep in Compton Place whereby a Samurai style sword was found in some bushes. Finally, we have a surgery on Monday 29 Jan from 11am at Forest Road café. Hope to see you there for a coffee and a fry up!" Northumberland Heath ward:- "We have had some good results this week. We were conducting proactive plain clothed patrolling in Mill Road, when a disqualified driver pulled up in a car, who we recognised as being wanted for a burglary. We ran over to the male and after a three minute struggle were able to safely detain him. We arrested the male for suspicion of burglary, disqualified driving and possession of cannabis. The vehicle being driven was seized by police and permanently taken off the streets. We have also conducted a number of stop and searches throughout the ward and a further cannabis warning has been issued. We continue to stop and advice youths seen cycling in a careless manner, which is a ward panel priority. This has resulted in a parental home visit on one occasion and several youths having been given words of advice in the streets. On another positive note, having conducted three parental home visits at the start of the year and having delivered letter’s to local residents in Dickens Close and Byron Drive, we are pleased to report we have had no further incidents of anti-social behaviour in this area. Unfortunately in the last week we have had three burglaries on the ward and one garage burglary. The first burglary took place overnight Last Wednesday January 17th in Colindale Avenue. Thankfully the elderly resident was asleep throughout the incident, but is understandably very shaken and distressed by what happened. Tool marks were found on the front door and an untidy search took place, the resident had £55 stolen from her handbag. The second burglary was in Belmont Road on Saturday January 20th at approximately 5.45pm. The occupant returned home and was unable to enter the property by the inner door. He saw several people running down the stairs and they exited by the rear sliding patio door. It is unclear exactly what, if anything was taken at this stage but it is believed the victim may have been targeted for theft of Asian gold. The third burglary was in Nurstead Road and took place between Saturday and Sunday of last weekend. The occupant was away on holiday and the property was being checked daily by a family member who discovered footprints on the hall carpet when entering the property. The rear double glazed UPVC door was forced and the locking mechanism was damaged. The suspect stole an IPad and a Rotary watch. Power tools were stolen from a garage in Winchelsea Avenue on Monday evening this week. The occupant was in the lounge at approximately 9.45pm when she heard a noise coming from the garage. The resident is currently having building work done to the property and the builders put a Yale lock on the garage which had been removed. He tools were over £400 in value. One criminal damage to motor vehicle this week in Sussex Road. On Sunday 21st January the victim was woken up at 01.20 by the sound of a car horn going off. The victim went outside and discovered the offside middle window to her car had been smashed. Nothing was taken but it is believed that an attempt was made to steal the vehicle as plastic casing around the steering wheel was damaged". Thamesmead East ward:- "One burglary to report this week that occurred at Kingfisher Close, on Wednesday 17th January at 1900 hours. Kitchen window smashed, entry gained and expensive watches stolen. As a result the team have been patrolling the location and surrounding streets. A vehicle was stolen from Kale Road, on Thursday 18th January, however it had been notified off road. During the early hours of Monday 22nd January a motor vehicle was broken into (smashed passenger window) and a handbag was stolen. Just after midnight on Tuesday 23rd January, local officers stopped a male who was acting suspicious in Glendale. A search revealed 14 wraps of white powder, which is believed to be cocaine. The male was arrested, enquiries ongoing. The team have been busy over the past couple of days, attempting to recruit new Neighbourhood members by posting leaflets in various streets around the ward. Register your property for FREE and improve your chances of getting it back if it is lost or stolen and help reduce property crime, register at: https://www.immobilise.com . We are always interested in recruiting new Neighbourhood watch co-ordinators for the ward. Please ask your family and friends if they would like to set up a Neighbourhood watch in their road. Please spread the word to any family and friends in the Borough - they can contact us on 020 8721 2049 or Thamesmead.SNT@met.police.uk for more information".
In a very interesting development, Secretary of State for international trade, and president of the board of trade, MP Liam Fox met with Bexley councillors on the 18th of January to discuss the need for the extension of Crossrail from Abbey Wood to Ebbsfleet. Bexley Council leader, and controversial figure Teresa O'Neill said in an interview with the News Shopper that:- "Given the scale of investment in Crossrail to date, C2E represents a fairly modest investment that can release valuable housing land and connect growth areas along the Thames with fast, reliable metro-style services. It is inconceivable that Bexley and West Kent will not be served by Crossrail services in the way that Essex and Berkshire will be – particularly given the region’s critical role as the country’s gateway to Europe". The Councillor makes one assumption in her opinion regarding an extension to Crossrail from Abbey Wood, down into rural Kent, and that is that the former London Paramount Theme Park development will still go ahead, despite Paramount having pulled out of the deal last year, and to date no new intellectual property partner being appointed. One of the primary justifications of any Crossrail extension into Kent was to provide a fast rail link to and from the proposed theme park and into London. Now that the whole project is in some doubt, the same must be said of the proposed rail extension. Secondly, Teresa O'Neill says that the rail extension is vital given Kent's role s the gateway into Europe. This may well be true, but there are doubts as to how that may or may not change once Britain leaves the EU - nobody knows for sure, as this kind of thing has never happened before. I think that Teresa O'Neill is confusing what she would like to happen with what actually may happen - in my opinion the whole situation is in such doubt and flux that it is impossible to make any accurate prediction at this point. I know that many of the proposals outlined in the Bexley Growth Strategy document rely on the assumption that the extension of Crossrail from Abbey Wood to Ebbsfleet will go ahead. I have always said that this was the single biggest flaw in the strategy document, amongst many smaller ones. Time will no doubt tell. Who says that I don't plan these things? The end video this week explains how the Crossrail system will open, and it is not as straightforward as you might think; not only is the whole new railway going to be renamed as The Elizabeth Line when it opens, but the opening is being done in phases over the course of a year - not as many had assumed all at once. The video below explains exactly what will happen, and when. Please feel free to leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.
