Pop - Up Cinema.

The photos above show the pop - up cinema in The Carnegie Library in Walnut Tree Road, Erith. The events are being held by The Exchange, the organisation who have taken over the former library building and are converting it into a community arts and education centre for local people. Building and restoration work is still under way, and the library is not officially opening for public use until February, but in the meantime, some of the areas on the lower ground floor are now ready for use, and the first event was held on Thursday evening. There are a series of film showings happening between now and Christmas, as a way of "soft opening" the newly refurbished building, and creating awareness of what is going on with local people. This is the first cinema to operate in Erith for 22 years, since the Odeon Cinema closed in 1996 - actually this is a bit of a cheat, as for at least the last two decades the place was open, it was purely a bingo hall, but you get the idea. Below you will find a programme of film showings, along with links to securely book tickets via the trusted EventBrite web site. As a Trustee of The Exchange, you should see me at all of the events - do say hello. 

Graphic novels: Persepolis

Thursday, December 13, 2018

7:30 PM  10:00 PM

Based on the celebrated graphic novels of Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis tells the story of the Iranian revolution seen through the eyes of a rebellious heavy-metal loving tomboy teen Marji. This black and white animated film co-won the Jury Prize at the Cannes 2007 film festival, and put the power of graphic novels firmly in the spotlight.

Adults: £4

Under-16s: £2

To book tickets to see this film, please click here.

PLEASE NOTE: This film is certified as a 12 - we are unable to allow any children under this age to enter the screening. Tickets are refundable up until 7 days before the event.

Dime store stories: Pulp Fiction

Friday, December 14, 2018

7:30 PM  10:00 PM

Tarantino’s masterpiece weaves three trash novels into a breathtaking and pacy cinematic ride; one of the most influential films of the 90s. Incredible performances throughout from John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Samuel L. Jackson, Harvey Keitel, Bruce Willis and Christopher Walken. 

“A delirious postmodern mix of Neo-noir thrills, pitch-black humour and pop-culture touchstones” Rotten Tomatoes.

Adults: £4

To book tickets to see this film, please click here.

PLEASE NOTE: This film is certified as an 18 - we are unable to allow anyone under this age to enter the screening. Tickets are refundable up until 7 days before the event.

Classics: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Saturday, December 15, 2018

2:00 PM  3:30 PM

Part of a Dickens Double Bill, this 1992 musical puppet-led comedy features Michael Cain as Ebenezer Scrooge alongside Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Fozzy the Bear in a remaking of the classic novella The Christmas Carol. We are now officially in Christmas season!

We are also showing Scrooged, another reimagining of the tale. Reduced rates if you buy tickets for both films.

Adults: £4

Under-16s: £2

To book tickets to see this film, please click here.

PLEASE NOTE: This film is certified a U.

Classics: Scrooged

Saturday, December 15, 2018

7:00 PM  9:00 PM

A classic of 80s comedy with Bill Murray at his peak in a modern twist on the Victorian Dickens novella A Christmas Carol. No Christmas is complete without it. 

Adults: £4

Under-16s: £2

To book tickets to see this film, please click here.

PLEASE NOTE: This film is certified a PG.

Poetry: The Nightmare before Christmas

Thursday, December 20, 2018

7:30 PM  9:00 PM

A stunningly original stop-motion musical animation based on a poem by Tim Burton. Follow Jack the Pumpkin King as he gets to grips with the snowier land of Christmas Town and its king Sandy Claws.

Adults: £4

Under-16s: £2

To book tickets to see this film, please click here.

PLEASE NOTE: This film is certified a PG.

Short story: It's a Wonderful Life

Friday, December 21, 2018

7:00 PM  9:30 PM

The final film in the programme and an all-time Christmas classic is based on a short story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern. It’s a Wonderful Life, directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, is one of the most inspirational American films of all time, and encapsulates the wonderful spirit of the season. 

Adults: £4

Under-16: £2

To book tickets to see this film, please click here.

PLEASE NOTE: This film is certified a U.

One landmark that dominates the Eastern skyline in Erith, Slade Green and Crayford is the giant chimney the used to form part of the former Littlebrook Power Station in Dartford. As I have written in the past, much of the former power station has been demolished over the last year or so, but the huge chimney, which still has red warning lights against low flying aircraft, is due to come down soon - the date is yet to be set. The entire site is to be redeveloped for dual purpose uses; part of the site will become a new electricity substation to serve the national grid, and to distribute power to the local area; the rest of the site will become a major logistics and warehousing hub to serve London and the South East. The 114 acre site could support the potential development of around 1.7 million square feet of other logistics buildings in future. Whilst this would be very good for local employment, there are concerns about the subsequent increase in heavy goods vehicle traffic in the local area, and the ensuing increase in congestion and air pollution. It may also have a further impact on the often extreme levels of traffic using the Dartford River Crossing, which are already at crisis levels. It is good to hear that the industrial brown field site is being productively reused, but there are concerns about the potential environmental impact to the local area that have not been properly considered. 

After publishing the Maggot Sandwich last Sunday, I went for a stroll into town. I was taking a leisurely amble through Erith Riverside Shopping Centre when my left leg was suddenly struck from behind, causing me to lose balance and almost end up on my knees. As I staggered, trying to remain upright, a woman riding a mobility scooter drove by whilst talking on her mobile phone, completely oblivious to the fact she had just mown me down, rode past. Fortunately I was not badly injured, with just a small bruise on my calf to show for the encounter,. These mobility scooters are a menace – they may have several humorous alternative names such as the "Nanbretta" or the "Frinton Ferrari" (an offshoot of the old saying “Harwich for the continent, Frinton for the incontinent"). This hides a sad story that quite a large proportion of mobility scooters can travel at substantially more than normal walking pace; when this is combined with the lack of compulsory training or the need to have third party insurance it does leave a legal minefield for both the operator of such a vehicle and also the members of the public than encounter them. I firmly believe that mobility scooters are a good thing; they enable people who otherwise might find it difficult to get out and about, and stay in contact with general society. The old situation with people becoming housebound and isolated when their ability to move under their own steam became impaired has become far less common. I think it vital for elderly and mobility impaired people to retain their independence. The problem is that a small minority treat the scooters as some kind of fairground ride – the lady who collided with me being a case in point – she was whizzing along oblivious to her surroundings whilst yacking on her mobile phone. The reason I did not chase and challenge her after she hit me was that I was acutely aware of what the situation would look like to a passer by who had not seen what had happened – it would look like I was harassing an innocent old lady. I think that there should be some kind of compulsory formal training for mobility scooter owners, on a similar basis to the (voluntary) cycling proficiency test, along with a compulsory insurance policy covering third party liability. Some mobility scooters seem to be capable of travelling much faster than the fifteen miles per hour limit that is meant to be applicable to such vehicles; indeed I have seen a couple of elderly ladies on the pavement beside the Erith Construction HQ (the former Job Centre) in Queen’s Road who were racing each other – it reminded me of the Monty Python “Hell’s Grannies” sketch. On Wednesday of last week, my Mother was in Bexleyheath Broadway and saw what appeared to be a husband and wife on fast mobility scooters in a race along the pavement of the Broadway; she said there would have quite likely been a collision or other accident had the area not been extremely quiet and lacking in pedestrians mid morning; it might well have been a different situation had the schools have turned out and hundreds of pupils been milling around close to Bexleyheath Clock Tower. It is only a matter of time before a mobility scooter rider, or a pedestrian is seriously injured unless some action is taken. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Some good news from the Police. After the closure of Belvedere Police Station some time ago, the presence of the Metropolitan Police has been much reduced in the local area; that is shortly about to change. As mentioned some months ago, the Met are moving their primary vehicle maintenance and repair facility from Vauxhall in central London to a brand new site in Crabtree Manorway North, on the location of the former NuFarm warehouse. Thanks to local source Flash22 for reminding me of the story. It will house workshops, storage, administration offices and fast charging facilities for new electrically powered Police patrol cars. What is also ironic is that Crabtree Manorway North has historically been one of the favoured locations for illegal meetings of Bike Life TV UK - the largest of the illegal biker gangs that are apparently behind much of the moped and bike crime in and around London. Now that the primary Police vehicle maintenance centre will be located in the road, I get the feeling the criminal bikers will have to look elsewhere to congregate. In a connected story (who says I don't plan these things?) A potentially serious issue has occurred only weeks after the Metropolitan Police were given the green light to ram scumbag moped and motorbike crooks off their bikes and arrest them. The tactic has already led to a marked decrease in the number of reported bike related crimes. However, something very worrying is being proposed following an incident where a Police vehicle intercepted a known criminal drug dealer and burglar from a notorious crime family in Eastern Way, Erith, at about 2:15 am on the 7th of November last year. The officer carried out the so-called tactical contact to stop the 17-year-old from riding dangerously. The boy, who was not wearing a helmet, was admitted to hospital with head injuries, but later discharged. A file of evidence gathered by the police watchdog is to be passed to prosecutors and Scotland Yard. If he is prosecuted, the officer could be charged with actual bodily harm or grievous bodily harm. The Met could also decide if there is a case to answer for misconduct, which could result in dismissal. The boy later pleaded guilty to five offences at the youth court, including theft, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence. It is my understanding that this was far from the first time the scumbag had been in serious trouble with the Police. I fail to see why a Police officer carrying out his duty should be penalised for doing exactly what they are supposed to do - in this case preventing a known criminal from carrying out a further criminal act. If the moped scrote had not been breaking the law, then he would not have ended up in hospital, and subsequently in court. Senior Police officers have defended the use of tactical contact, saying it was needed to stop dangerous chases and has helped reduce moped crime in London by more than a third. The manoeuvre has also recently been backed by Prime Minister Theresa May, who said a "robust" response was needed from police to what she described as a growing problem of people using mopeds to commit crimes such as bag and phone-snatching. The current official Police policy, called the Authorised Professional Practice (APP) states:- "It is in the public interest to protect life, prevent or detect crime, or to apprehend an offender. Staff must discontinue a pursuit as soon as the risk becomes disproportionate to the reasons for undertaking it. Motorcycle and quad bike pursuits clearly present higher risks for suspects than conventional vehicle pursuit. Where such vehicles are used to facilitate serious crime or used repeatedly as the mode of transport for organised crime groups then, to minimise risk to the public from criminality and to secure public confidence in policing, a pursuit may be justified." I know I am far from being alone in wanting to see robust and effective countermeasures being taken against these crooks, who until recently have seemed to act with impunity. One reader Emailed me to suggest an approach used by the Police in South Africa to deal with motorbike criminals who refuse to stop when challenged. The traffic cops are issued with pump action shotguns, but the cartridges fired by the guns are filled with rough rock salt crystals, rather than with shot pellets. When fired against criminals on the run (generally aimed at the back or legs) the blast of rock salt will penetrate clothing and cause painful but not life threatening injuries to the crooks. The salt makes the wounds agonising and temporarily debilitating, but the injuries heal within a few days. The reader said that the Police usually "aim at the crook's backside - then they can't sit down for a week". Cheap and apparently effective.

An announcement has been made by prominent local figure Doreen Ives, who writes:- "Are you a fan of that addictive game SCRABBLE?  If you are, then why not become a member of Erith Vet’s Club (£20 a year) and join Julia Baker and I for a game on a Friday afternoon 2.30pm -3.30 pm at the Vets’ Club Erith.  It should be a sociable afternoon helping to keep our grey matter working without too much physical activity. We will also have tea and biscuits and probably some animated conversation! Julia and I are planning to start the club after Christmas, probably the second Friday in January and thereafter on the second Friday of each month. If you are interested and would like further information please speak to one of us.  My telephone number is 01322 345406". Doreen Ives

It would seem that a London tourist favourite, and part of "brand London" may be about to get the axe. Transport for London wants to cancel the daytime “heritage” service on route 15, which uses the 60-year-old RouteMaster buses between Trafalgar Square and Tower Gateway. Under the plans, the buses would appear only at weekends during the summer and on bank holidays. “Stakeholders” were asked to comment, but there has been no public consultation. No details were published on TfL’s website. Enthusiasts are dismayed that transport bosses and Mayor Sadiq Khan is prepared to kill off a “London icon”. Andrew Morgan, chairman of The RouteMaster Association, accused TfL of acting in a “secretive” way in an article published by the London Evening Standard. He said: “We should be keeping them to attract tourists, but tourists don’t know about them. They are London’s biggest secret.” Mr Morgan said leaving the RouteMasters unused in a garage was the “worst thing you can do with an old vehicle. They will get them out at the last minute and they will break down. From an operator’s point of view, it’s going to cost more. They have not repainted them in the last few years and they are looking very unloved and shabby. It’s obvious they are driving them into the ground. They don’t advertise them — there is no publicity anywhere.” TfL recently spent £200,000 refurbishing four of the buses. Last year the Mayor said: “They promote London as a key tourist destination.” Two heritage routes, shortened versions of routes 9 and 15, were launched in 2005 when RouteMasters were phased out by Ken Livingstone after 50 years of service. The 9 heritage route was axed in 2014. TfL says the proposal to cut the 15 heritage service comes alongside the Mayor’s proposed cuts to 33 bus routes in central London, and will save £800,000 a year.

Now for the weekly local safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association:- Firstly a report from Barnehurst ward:- "There have been two burglaries on Barnehurst Ward in the past week. On both occasions the doors have not been double locked. As your local policing team we have stressed time and time again to double lock front doors, please assist us with getting this message out. In Heath Way on Friday 30th November in the very early hours at 00.30 the victims woke to find the front door open and items had been taken from the property including a set of car keys. No one was seen or heard however victims retrieved a phone that had been stolen from the property down a nearby footpath. The second burglary took place on Tuesday 04th December, again early hours between 03.35 – 03.37 in Fairford Avenue. Victims witnessed their car, a blue Audi LX I6ZZB Model Q3, being driven off the drive way heading towards Barnehurst Avenue. House keys and other items were also taken. Tool marks were left on the front door, possibly a small screw driver was used to pop the door open. As already mentioned both of the front doors were not double locked. When doors are not double locked it will take a burglar seconds to pop open a door. On a good note we welcome two residents to Neighbourhood Watch who have volunteered to act as Coordinators for Westfield Road. The team have been concentrating on hot spot areas with regular patrols being carried out throughout the shift. If you would like to discuss anything with your local policing team or would simply like to come along to say hello please join us for our last community contact session for 2018 at 11.00am on Thursday 20th December 2018 at Barnehurst Golf Club". Belvedere ward:- "We have been receiving more reports of another beggar at ASDA, Lower Road. This time it is a scruffy looking male, brown hair, brown beard, aged in his late twenties. He has not been aggressive but is a pest. If seen or approached by this male please do not encourage him by giving him money. Please contact us if you do see him. If we do not answer then please leave details of the time and date you were approached. The team assisted with a call in Erith to prevent a breach of the peace while an eviction was taking place. No issues, male left. We also assisted North End SNT with a drugs warrant in Rayleigh Close, Erith. More team working now. We dealt with a shoplifter in Erith Town Centre at Wilko. The male was banned from the shop and centre. He was also arrested for failing to appear at Bromley Magistrates court in November. There was a burglary in Elstree Gardens overnight Sunday 2nd into Monday 3rd. Appears that the burglar entered via the front room window by forcing it open. He proceeded to steal over £3000 worth of goods, which includes a car. It happened in Elstree Gardens. If anyone has any information, heard something odd that night or has noticed any suspicious people cars hanging around the area recently please get in touch. There was also a burglary on the night of Saturday 1st December at Norman Road. Nothing was taken but the occupant was slightly injured. Again, if anyone has any information please get in contact. We have now merged with Greenwich and Lewisham and so have a new sergeant supervising the team. PS Martin Lockwood has taken over from PS Rob Jobson. On Wednesday 21/11/2018 we helped out Erith SNT by responding to a call at Matalan, Riverside Shopping Centre for a detained shoplifter. The female had stolen £64 worth of clothing, which was recovered intact. She was given a Community Resolution for her troubles. On Monday 24/11/2018 the team attended the All Saints Church Christmas Fayre. We had a stall with crime prevention advice and leaflets in the church hall. It was a very popular event with many people attending. Many a bacon roll was devoured. On Tuesday 25/11/2018 the annual Sikh Guru Nanak parade was held around Belvedere. The day went well, a few miserable people that couldn't wait for 15 minutes for the parade to pass but overall a success. Good show by the people taking part." Bexleyheath ward:- "We have had two reports of burglary on the ward. One was reported along Rochester Drive Bexleyheath, a vehicle was taken. Entry was gained via the back door of the property. The other was reported along St Audrey Avenue Bexleyheath, entry was via the rear kitchen door window. Regular burglary patrols are conducted by the team. Weapons sweep search back of ASDAS Broadway open green by the skateboard ramp, kitchen knife found concealed by the wall, knife taken back to Bexleyheath Police Station to be disposed. Car parks on the Broadway patrolled for anti - social behaviour and drug activity. Also patrols are conducted in the car park areas and the Broadway to reduce anti-social behaviour including Martens Grove Park. Regular patrols are conducted by the team along Gravel Hill because of children running out on the road causing a danger, team is liaising with school officers on the borough".  Crayford ward - no reports received this week.  Erith ward:- "Weapon sweeps have been carried out across the ward over the last week, in areas including West Street, Compton Place and around the town centre. We went along to the pop up kitchen (see photo above). For more info on events in Erith please see greatererith.com. We had a walk-in surgery in the BlackBerry Patch office at 7pm last week. This went well - look out for more dates. We are looking into doing this once a month. Upcoming dates – Erith Costa coffee 12th December 2018 at 12pm - feel free to pop in and buy us a coffee. I mean speak to us about any issues you may be having or if you need advice. Shoplift <£200 Friday 30/11/2018 Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, James Watt Way – Made off with goods; Theft of cycle Thursday 29/11/2018 Parkspring Court, Erith High Street – bike stolen from community area; Shoplift <£200 Friday 30/11/2018 James Watt Way – made off with goods; Theft from MV Wednesday 28/11/2018 Lesney Park Road – car door forced open items stolen; Theft from MV Friday 30/11/2018 Erith High StreetMorrison Supermarkets – filled up with fuel drove off no attempt to pay; C/Dam Vehicle U500 Thursday 29/11/2018, St. Fidelis Road – damage to car; Shoplift <£200 Tuesday 04/12/2018 11:30:00 Wilkinson , Town Square – made off with good from the store; Burg Res Saturday 01/12/2018 St. Francis Road – tv, ps4, dvd player stolen from flat, entry through the front door; Theft mail Tuesday 04/12/2018 Riverdale Road – mail stolen; Theft from MV Tuesday 04/12/2018 Larner Road – items taken from inside the car".  Northumberland Heath ward - no reports this week.

Slade Green and Northend ward:- "Unfortunately there has been 4 motor vehicle related crimes on the ward this week. Overnight between Wed 28th / Thurs 29th November number plates were stolen from a vehicle parked on Wallhouse Road. Overnight between Thurs 29th / Fri 30th November a window to a vehicle was found smashed (nothing taken) on Betsham Road. Between Fri 30th November and the Mon 3rd December a vehicle was stolen from an industrial premises on Manor Road and finally overnight between Sun 2nd / Mon 3rd of December tools were stolen from vehicle parked on Willow Road. Please remember not to leave any valuables on display – in our experience this will dramatically reduce the chances of you being a victim of motor vehicle crime. In more positive news, there have been no burglaries on the ward over the past week. The team have been involved in some proactive work such as: executed two drugs warrants on the Frobisher Road Estate, we have recovered a knife near Erith Town Centre and we have ‘stop & searched' three individuals on the ward. Finally, PCSO Mark visited Slade Green Christmas Fair as Father Christmas!"  Thamesmead East ward:- "No Burglaries again this week. Criminal Damage - Wolvercote Road Thursday 29/11/18 between 11am-12pm Lock on rear garden gate broken by person/s unknown; Thamesbank Place Friday 2/12/18 9pm Paint thrown over victims car by person/s unknown; Theft from Motor vehicle - Hinksey Path Thursday 29/11/18 between 9:15 - 9:20am. Delivery driver left van secure with items on show. On his return the window was smashed all items removed by suspect; Baylis Avenue Friday 30/11/18 between 4pm – 8am by an unknown suspect stealing the exhaust from the victim's car while it was parked in the street overnight; Sidney Road Sunday 2/12/18 between 7:10 – 7: 24pm Nurse left work bag on rear seat. On her return the rear door was wide open with bag removed by suspect unknown; Carnouiste Close Monday 3/12/18 between 1pm – 4pm Catalytic converter stolen from the vehicle. Our next Community Contact Session is Tuesday 11th December at Lakeside Medical Centre 1-2pm. Please feel free to drop in". West Heath ward:- "Over this past week West Heath has suffered 5 burglaries 2 attempted burglaries and 2 vehicle crimes. The burglaries occurred in Priory Road on Wednesday 28/11/8 between 0900-0915hours where a window was smashed to gain entry. On the Friday 30th November there was a burglary in Bedonwell Road in the early evening between 1700-2000hours. Suspects gained entry by smashing the glass in the front door. There was an untidy search and cash and other items taken. There were 2 burglaries in First Avenue, one during the day of Friday 30/11/18. The glass in the rear door was smashed followed by an untidy search, it is not known at this stage if anything was taken. The second burglary in First Avenue happened the following day on the Saturday 1/12/18. The residents returned home at 1900hours to find a male in their house, the male subsequently ran off in the direction of Madison Crescent. Entry had been gained by smashing the glass in the door to the rear of the property and then using the keys that were in the back of the door to get in. An untidy search followed but nothing taken. Last but not least there was a burglary in Malvern Avenue overnight Thursday 29th November to 30th November between 2200 hours and midnight. A handbag, documents taken and the car stolen from the driveway. There was a possible attempted burglary in Woolwich Road in the early hours of Friday 30th November where 3 males were seen on the driveway and a second possible attempted burglary in Budleigh Crescent where people seen trying door handles on Saturday 1st December in the early evening. A car was stolen in Stapleton Road overnight Friday / Saturday 29th – 30th November and items were taken from a vehicle in Glenview Road the same evening".

The end video this week features the Bexleyheath model railway show from last weekend. The event was organised by Selkent Model Railway Group, and held at Bexleyheath Academy in Graham Road. Please feel free to leave a comment below, alternatively you can Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Local elections.

With the local council elections now looming, the local political parties are jockeying for position on numerous issues which are of particular concern to residents. From the feedback that I get, the number one local concern is related to law and order, and especially in respect of the motorbike and moped criminals that I have written about extensively in the past, and no doubt will do so again in the near future. A second area of concern is to do with the large number of Homes of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) which are in the area. Data shows a big increase in rented property in Bexley, with a 103 per cent increase in the number of private rented households between 2001-2011; more recent figures are currently unavailable, but it is thought that the number of privately rented properties in the borough will have increased yet further. To monitor and control this, Bexley Council have announced that they are introducing a licencing scheme for private landlords. The scheme will target specific areas in the borough; those initially listed include North Thamesmead, Abbey Wood and Erith - specifically the area in and around Manor Road. These areas are said by the council to be the worst for complaints about rogue landlords. Speaking at a cabinet meeting on April 10, councillor Brad Smith said: “The intention is to address the impact of poorly managed rented properties to improve housing conditions. It requires landlords to come forward and be licensed, rather than being reliant on complaints. This will help improve conditions for our most vulnerable residents by providing additional regulatory control of the sector in problem areas.” The scheme will mean landlords will be monitored and rogue landlords renting poorly managed properties would be targeted and prosecuted if they are not licensed. I applaud the sentiment of the scheme, and the proposals to roll it out to the whole borough, and not just the trouble spots listed earlier; I do however see problems. The kind of landlords the licencing scheme is designed to highlight and control are the very ones who won't register, not just because of the considerable fee involved - but also because the unscrupulous landlords operate "under the radar" and don't want to be noticed by the relevant authorities.  It will be a real challenge for Bexley Council to identify and bring the unscrupulous landlords to heel. I get the feeling that this story will develop further over the next few months.

Further to the forthcoming local government elections, which take place on Thursday the 3rd of May, some important news if you are a resident of the Slade Green and North End ward of the London Borough of Bexley. As you may be aware, some changes have been made to the electoral wards recently, which is reflected in the overall reduction of the numbers of local councillors. For many years the polling station in the Slade Green and North End ward was located in a temporary Portakabin  in Frobisher Road, adjacent to the Frobisher Road housing estate. The council announced a few weeks ago that due to the boundary changes, the location of the polling station was being moved to Aveley Close, off Crescent Road, and very close to Morrison's car park. I understand that some local residents objected to this, and subsequently the location of the polling station has been moved again. It will now be located in Reddy Road, off Alexandra Road. Personally I think this is a bad move for any local resident with mobility problems, as it is a lot further away than either of the other locations. The local elections normally have a fairly low turnout, and these polling station changes will do little to remedy this; I would hazard a guess that a significant number of voters will turn up at the old location in Frobisher Road, not having read the letter that has been posted to residents in the Slade Green and North End ward (a copy of which is featured above - click on it for a larger version).  I hope that a sign redirecting them to the new location in Reddy Road will be set up. As much as possible needs to be done to encourage people to vote in local elections; key issues such as recycling, bin emptying, street lighting and funding for the less advantaged in local society are all decided at a local level, and your vote, whoever it is for, can and does make a difference. 

Another property related story is being reported in the local press, but in this case I feel that there has been a degree of misunderstanding which needs to be clarified. As regular readers will be aware, I have covered the planning and evolution of the Erith Quarry housing development in some detail over the last couple of years, from when it was a long unused brown field site, to where it is today, with the first houses about to go on sale to the public. The Bexley Times published an article last week which said:- "As the first of batch of a 600-home development go up for sale this weekend, concerns have been raised over the price tags currently on offer. The Erith Quarry development will bring 470 houses and 130 apartments to the town, with the first 27 going on sale this weekend. Each of the homes on sale from September 2 will be available under the shared ownership scheme, with a 50 per cent share of a two-bed maisonette costing residents £165,000 and the same share of a three-bed house costing £220,000. From September 16, would-be homeowners will have to pay £400,000 for a three-bed home and four-bed homes will be going for £525,000. An online search revealed a three-bed semi-detached house elsewhere in the town was taking offers upwards of £250,000". The claim that a three bedroomed semi detached house can be found in Erith for £250,000 is stretching things a bit, to say the least. Whilst the town is the second most affordable place to purchase property in Greater London after Dagenham, just across the River Thames, to get a three bed semi for quarter of a million would mean that it would need considerable renovation. Secondly I know that several local councillors, including Danny Hackett have expressed concern regarding the lack of affordable housing in the new Quarry development. Whilst I completely agree with the sentiment, from the previous discussions I have had with the developers, the whole aim of the Quarry site is not to aim to sell to existing local residents, but rather to attract people from outside the area to move into Erith. This is one of the reasons the houses on the site are predominantly three and four bedroomed; they are not aimed at first time buyers, rather at people who already have, or are planning on starting a family. I understand that a typical buyer profile at the Quarry would be a young professional couple who currently own a one bed flat in somewhere like Brockley, and are thinking of having children. They cannot afford a large house in somewhere like Brockley or Penge, and instead look further out into South East London - to somewhere which will shortly be close to the Crossrail / Elizabeth Line. This is where The Quarry comes in - whilst the houses on the development are relatively expensive in the local market, they are relatively affordable compared to areas closer to the centre of London. This is one of the reasons that virtually all of the advertising for The Quarry has been done in papers like The London Evening Standard - the developers are not  trying to appeal to local residents, rather they are looking to attract comparatively wealthy middle class people into the area, the thinking being that if wealth moves into the area, it will "trickle down" when the new residents start using local services, and take part in the local economy. The danger for the developers, London and Quadrant, is if people new to the area start to look around at the existing housing market and discover that they can get better value for money in the existing housing market in Erith, Northumberland Heath and Barnehurst. As always, the market will decide. It is without doubt that a greater amount of affordable housing is required in the local area - something that is true for most if not all of the South East. The problem is there is little incentive for developers to create affordable properties when they can still easily build full price housing for those with the ready money - even if these are absentee owners from China or Russia, investing / laundering their money in a "safe" country where the government is extremely unlikely to confiscate it. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com.

Last Tuesday marked a historic moment in computing history; it was the fortieth anniversary of the release of the ground breaking Apple II Computer. It debuted on the 17th April 1977, at the West Coast Computer Faire, positioning Apple at the forefront of the looming personal computer revolution. The company’s first mass-market computer, the Apple II boasted an attractively machined case designed by Jerry Manock (who later went on to design the first Macintosh). It also packed a keyboard, BASIC compatibility and, most importantly, colour graphics. Fuelled by some marketing savvy from Steve Jobs, the Apple II made quite a splash at the San Francisco Bay Area’s first personal computer convention. Right from the start of his career, Steve Jobs realised the importance of a good product introduction. With no special media event to introduce the Apple II, he used the West Coast Computer Faire to perform the same function. Apple occupied the four booths directly facing the building’s front entrance. The strategic positioning made Apple the first of 175 companies at the Faire that customers saw when they arrived. At a time when money was short, Apple splashed out on a backlit Plexiglass display featuring the new logo of a rainbow hued apple with a single bite taken out of it. The eye-catching setup showcased a dozen Apple II computers for visitors’ inspection. Unbeknownst to customers, these were unfinished prototypes, since the actual computers would not be ready until June of 1977. The Apple II, the company’s second computer, and its first mainstream model, became an enormously important product line. The year it debuted, it brought in $770,000 in revenue. That figure increased to $7.9 million the following year and a massive $49 million the year after that. Apple continued producing some version of the Apple II until the early 1990s. Long term readers may recall that the Apple II was the subject of the very first ever "killer app" in the form of the first electronic spreadsheet, called VisiCalc. I wrote at some length about it here. 

Now that the excellent local micro pub has opened, it is now settling into a routine. Several readers have asked me about its opening hours - hence the poster above. I have visited it on a couple of evenings in the last week, and it has been consistently busy with a wide variety of customers, all of whom seem to enjoy the superbly kept and served real ale and convivial company. The Bird and Barrel has yet to be awarded a "Scores on the Doors" hygiene rating, but I predict it will get a 5 star rating. Bexley Council seem to have done a pretty creditable job of getting the restaurants and takeaways in the borough to improve their health ratings over the last couple of years; there was a point when Bexley came the bottom of "Scores on the Doors" ratings for the entire country, and Erith came bottom in the borough. I am pleased that this has now very much changed for the better. Overall the ratings are improved beyond the expectations of many - there are however a few exceptions to this, which show there is still scope for improvement. Two of the worst offenders are located in Nuxley Road, Upper Belvedere - not a place one would readily associate with poor quality catering or low hygiene standards. Both K's Cafe and the Belvedere Tandoori have been awarded one out of five star hygiene ratings in the council's most recent round of health checks - a rating which I strongly feel should mean that they should be closed with immediate effect until substantial remedial works are carried out.  I don't know about K's Cafe, but the Belvedere Tandoori has been struggling for several years, and has been up for sale for some considerable time. It voluntarily surrendered its drinks licence some while back - something which has further hurt its trade considerably. I have heard rumours (unsubstantiated at this point) that it may become a Turkish restaurant. If you have any information regarding this, please drop me a line in complete confidence to hugh.neal@gmail.com.

It is not yet widely known, but British Telecom are planning to replace all existing old fashioned copper line telephones with VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) over the next handful of years. The closure of the public switched telephone network (PSTN) is part of plans by BT toward internet-based voice calls via a fibre network. As such it will be looking to close a chunk of exchanges. The telecoms giant would prefer to provide only internet services, and let customers use them for voice calls. The Telegraph reported that BT wants to move "all domestic and business customers to internet-based voice calls within a decade," but is prevented from doing so by Ofcom, which requires it to offer basic PSTN/POTS voice connections alongside internet ones. Expecting customers to eventually migrate to a portfolio of "all IP" services, including broadband, television, and voice, BT is upping the pressure on Ofcom in anticipation of its once-a-decade review, due later this year. "BT believes all IP services will be used nationwide by 2025 and we think Ofcom's review is an opportunity to roll back obsolete rules in this area to create a level playing field," a BT spokesperson told journalists recently.  Regulation has not kept up with the massive growth in competition and rapid pace of technology change over the last decade, whilst there are many overlaps between British and European laws which could be removed and simplified. Such measures would improve efficiency, stimulate competition, and encourage investment in the UK's connected future.

Now for the weekly safety and security updates from Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association:- Firstly a report from Barnehurst ward:- "An excellent week for Barnehurst Ward with no burglaries to report. On the morning of Friday 13th Police acted quickly following reports on social media of a bike that had been stolen in Martens Grove Park. The victim was contacted and a detailed description was given of the bike. Whilst on patrol Barnehurst Officers spotted the bike being ridden not far from Martens Grove Park. The bike was seized, youth detained and the bike returned to a very happy and grateful owner. On 14th April 2018 a robbery took place in Pelham Road between 06.30am - 07.00am. Victim was walking home after visiting a friend and was approached by 5 to 6 black males. An Armani bag containing a mobile phone and travel card was grabbed from the victim. Unfortunately the victim was too shocked at the time to get a detailed description of the males involved. Good news after a lot of door knocking this week Barnehurst Officers have nearly achieved 100% Neighbourhood Watch coverage with only two more roads to go. We aim to achieve this by next week, update to follow. Join a member of the team at Barnehurst Golf Club on Wednesday 25th April 2018 at 11.00am to discuss any local issues that may be concerning you or simply come along and say hello". Belvedere ward:- "We are continuing to receive reports of anti-social behaviour in Draper Close. Youths are reportedly causing a nuisance to residents, shouting swearing etc. if anyone has suffered or has any information please get in contact. There is a particular off road motorbike, red and white, being ridden by a white male wearing a balaclava. He is normally spotted around the Picardy Street area. If anyone knows who this person is please let us know as he is committing several road traffic offences as well as driving dangerously. On the subject of off road bikes the team have issued another Section 59 warning to a male riding in Franks Park. We have not taken over this area yet but we are trying to make an early dent in this biking trend to at least ease it for the upcoming summer months. There was an attempted burglary on 17/04/2018 around 1030 hours on Barnfield Road. A male was reportedly pulling on the door handle of an address. The owner returned and the male ran off towards Nuxley Road. Our upcoming surgeries: 25/04/2018 – ASDA car park, from 1600 hours until 1700 hours. We will be giving out anti-theft number plate screws with the assistance form the AA and 04/05/2018 – ASDA Café, 1400 hours until 1500 hours". Brampton ward:- "Yet another good week on Brampton Ward with only a handful of crimes reported, and only two of those of interest to our residents. Unfortunately, we had a burglary reported in Long Lane where entry was gained by breaking the living room window. An untidy search was conducted and an amount of jewellery was taken. This burglary occurred whilst the residents were away on holiday so now would be a good time to remind our residents to take extra care while away with holiday season approaching. There is plenty of crime prevention advice on the Met Police website. There was also a shoplifting from Sainsbury’s in Brampton Road. Brampton officers are continually patrolling ASB hotspots with vandalism being reported in the Bursted wood surgery area and our off road motor cycle team are also patrolling the woods in an attempt to deter anti-social motor cycling which seems to increase as the weather improves. Only two weeks now until the Ward boundaries change". Christchurch ward:- "Below are some of the things that we have been up to over the last week. We are pleased to say we have no reports of any burglaries on the ward over the last week as well as any motor vehicle related crimes. On the 15/04/2018 - A bag was reported stolen whilst victim was out with friends at Frankie and Benny’s on the Broadway. Also another theft from person was reported on the 14/04/2018. A shoulder bag was taken from an elderly female that was on the back of a trolley. Another report of a purse was taken on the 12/04/2018 from the victims hand bag whilst shopping in Primark. On the 11/04/2018 - There was a report of a bag taken from an elderly female whilst on the Broadway, bag was taken from victims trolley. A shop windows was smashed along the Broadway on the 11/04/2018 with an unknown object. Also fire alarm set off in the Marriot Hotel as youths had smashed the glass to set it off. The team have been recently conducting plain clothes patrols in unmarked vehicles as well as the usual high visibility patrols the team conducts daily, we also recently held our contact point yesterday at the Central Library. If you do speak to anyone who lives on the ward who does not have NHW set up on their street. Please put them through to us if they are interested in maybe joining. If you would like to contact us, please feel free to make contact via email, twitter or over the phone. For crime prevention advice, please look at the Met Police website which does have information that you may find useful". Colyers ward:- "On Wednesday 4th April at 8.40 pm a woman knocked on my door saying that she was trying to raise sponsorship money for a charity football match in aid of a boy who had been knocked down in a nearby road. She was well spoken, smartly dressed with long dark hair, slim, quite short and aged around 30 years. The Colyers Safer Neighbourhoods Policing Team confirmed that there had been no reports of any child having been run over in the area. Over the last week we are happy to say there have been no reported burglaries on the ward. Unfortunately we have had two motor vehicle crimes. One was in Frinsted Road on the 14th April where a car was taken from the driveway but returned the following day. A car was broken into on the 16th April in Mortimer Road, unfortunately we have no further details than that. The team stopped a male with cannabis yesterday in Hornbeam Lane near Barnehurst Train Station. The cannabis was seized and a cannabis warning issued. For our ASB hotspot in Hampton House the team have completed several recorded home visits and ABC’s to individuals we recently stopped there with more to follow next week. Unfortunately our police surgeries in Cupacakes Bakery on Colyers Lane have had to be cancelled as the shop has closed. The team are busily looking for a new venue but until then subsequent surgeries will be held in the Blackberry Patch Community Centre on Badlow Close. The next session will be on Saturday 28th April at 4pm. On a sad note the team held the last ever Colyers Ward Panel meeting last night before the ward boundary changes come into effect on the 4th May. The team would like to wish all our co-ordinators well on their new wards". Crayford ward:- "Some tools were stolen overnight from a van in Festival Close on Thursday 12th April. A moped was stolen overnight from Britannia Close on Sunday 15th April. Fortunately the bike was found the next day in Erith. PC Mark and PC James arrested a suspect involved in a Domestic incident on Monday, this investigation is ongoing. 2 males were stopped and searched close to Erith Town Centre last Thursday and cannabis was found on both resulting in 2 cannabis warnings issued. Last Wednesday we held a multi-agency meeting with Bexley Council, Erith Yacht Club and various companies from the Darent Industrial estate in regards fly tipping issues in Ray Lamb Way as well as off road bike issues out on the Thames Path. The meeting was successful in the fact that all parties are now in full contact with each other plus various means of enforcement and prevention were discussed including CCTV. There are various agencies responsible for various areas of the land and all have agreed to be more responsible in their reporting, prevention and reporting it to the council. Patrols will be continued by officers in regards off road bikes at the location and moves are already underway to secure the main access points to the Thames Path. We have a Community Contact Session on Monday 23rd April from 11am at the café in Forest Road, please come and say hi if you are around". Lesnes Abbey ward:- "Burglaries - Good News - No burglaries this week. However with this glorious weather we’re experiencing at the moment. Remember to close and lock all windows and doors even if you are only going out for a short period. UPVC front doors - Lift it  and Lock it. Motor Vehicle Crimes - Between the hours 10:00pm on Tuesday 10/04/11 and 07:15 am Wednesday 11/04/18 a vehicle locked and secure was taken from Canberra Road. During the early hours of Tuesday 10/04/18 a vehicle parked locked and secure in Wolvercote Road had the rear passenger window smashed and loose change was taken. Between the hours of 07:00pm Sunday 08/04/18 and 09:00am Monday 09/04/18 a vehicle parked in West Heath Road had both door mirror glasses taken. Crime prevention - Did you know your vehicle is like a shop window? If you can see ANY property left on view then so can a thief. Take it with you or put it out of sight. Other News - After the local council elections on 3rd May, The ward boundaries will then be split up, Lesnes Abbey will go and you will be with different wards. Once these have been decided we will let you know". Northumberland Heath ward:- "The team held a crime prevention event at the BP garage in Bexley Road on Saturday April 14th. With assistance from the AA we handed out anti-theft number plate screws. Some were fitted by the AA mechanic and those who were in a hurry took them home to fit themselves. A cannabis warning form was issued to a male following the stop of a vehicle in Becton Place over the weekend. One attempted commercial premises burglary in the Tesco Store in Bexley Road late on Monday April 16th. CCTV shows four males pull up in a vehicle with their faces covered. The four males tried to cut the padlocks from the outer gate and entry was attempted via the fire exit by using a long pole to break the handle on the door. A sledgehammer was then used to try to gain entry but as the alarm went off the males left empty handed. No residential burglaries this week. Two motor vehicle crimes reported to us over the last week. The first incident took place at the Pantiles were the victim has had several vans broken in to previously. The van was left overnight locked and secured on Friday April 13th and was found on Saturday morning when the rear door was open, the lock on the door had been forced but nothing was taken from the vehicle. The second motor vehicle crime reported to us was in Limewood Road, again on the evening of Friday April 13th. The lock was tampered with but entry was not gained. The next drop in Police Surgery will be held on Wednesday 25th April at 11am". Thamesmead East ward:- "One burglary to make you aware of that occurred on Tuesday 17th April between 1700 and 2200 hours, Dexter House, Kale Road. The victim returned home to discover their front door open/damaged and all lights to the flat were on. Not believed that anything was actually stolen. During the early hours of Saturday 14th April, number plates were stolen from a motor vehicle that was parked outside Timothy House, Kale Road. On Wednesday 18th April, during the afternoon, a motor vehicle was stolen from Eastgate Close. The team have recently received reports of two males smoking cannabis, in an alleyway, St Michaels Close. On Saturday 14th April, two males were searched after they were seen to be loitering in the alleyway. No cannabis found, but intelligence gained. Patrols around the area will continue. On Friday 13th April, PC Nana arrested a female for fraud offences. PC Nana interviewed the female who fully admitted that she had done wrong. Due to the female’s previous good character, she received an adult caution. On Thursday 12th April, the team worked with Sam from the AA in fixing anti-theft screws to members of the public car number plates. Although we was only at the BP petrol garage for a hour and half, Sam was kept very busy, with 15 vehicles having new screws fitted. Hugely enjoyable and successful event, which we plan to arrange again in the future".

The end video this week is a bit of a flash back to last year, when local arts commissioning group The Exchange ran The Erith Lighthouse - promoting local artists and social activities in the daytime, and turning into a pop - up restaurant in the evenings. The Erith Lighthouse was planned to be a "one off" event, but I have heard rumours that more may well be seen of this unique, landmark structure in the future, though the details are still somewhat vague. 

The Bird and Barrel opens.

The much anticipated launch of The Bird and Barrel micro pub happened on Friday evening. The new micro pub is the first licenced premises owned by The Bexley Brewery. It is located in the parade of shops in Barnehurst Road, Barnehurst, close to the 229 and 99 bus routes, and about two minutes walk from Barnehurst railway station. The Bird and Barrel occupies the former shop unit previously used by Aquacadabra - the tropical fish specialist shop, which closed some years ago. Work has been under way for some time to convert the former shop into a pub, and I understand further work is going to take place. An invitation only "soft launch" took place on Thursday night, which I attended, along with around twenty other guests, and a great time was had by all. I don't think anyone was expecting the number of people who turned up on the Friday - as you can see from the top photograph, dozens of guests spilled outside, as things got quite cramped in the main bar area. It was interesting to see the number of commuters passing on their way home from the station - many peered through the glass windows, wondering what was going on, and I spoke to one who came in to ask, and ended up buying a drink and staying for a chat; I suspect this will be a common occurrence over the next few weeks as locals realise that a friendly micro pub has opened close to their homes. The Bird and Barrel is the brewery tap for The Bexley Brewery, but it does not just serve Bexley beers - there are a wide selection of guest ales available, as well as cider, numerous wines, single malt scotch and boutique gins, as well as some posh soft drinks. The place is ideally situated, not just for public transport, but also for a number of nearby restaurants and takeaways. Like other micro pubs, The Bird and Barrel serves snacks such as crisps and other nibbles, but does not serve meals, but hungry drinkers have a number of choices with nearby restaurants, so this is not really an issue. As one would expect, the real ales served in The Bird and Barrel are extremely well kept and perfectly served. Cliff and Jane Murphy, along with their son Cameron (Cliff and Cameron are shown behind the bar in the middle photograph above - click on any photo for a larger version) have put in a huge amount of work to get their micro pub up and running, alongside keeping the successful brewery business operating, and supplying their many resellers around the region. Click here to see a map of all the places that sell Bexley Brewery beer. I have in the past heard some concerns that the close proximity of the large Red Barn pub might cause competition issues for The Bird and Barrel - from experience, I think if anything it will be the other way around. To be honest the two places cater for vary different sectors of the market. The Red Barn is basically a sports pub selling large quantities of chilled, gassy and flavourless lager to people who just want to shout at a TV screen when the football is on. In contrast The Bird and Barrel serves locally hand crafted real ales to a discerning clientele who prefer conversation to other distractions. I can see a few curious Red Barn regulars coming for a pint at The Bird and Barrel, liking what they find and defecting, but I really do not see any customers from The Bird and Barrel ending up in The Red Barn.  Have you visited The Bird and Barrel yet, if so, what did you think? Please feel free to leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com. 

I took the photo above last Sunday afternoon, not long after I published the last Maggot Sandwich update. It shows the recycling centre behind Morrison's supermarket in Erith, and a huge pile of recently fly - tipped material, which appeared to be a mixture of domestic and building waste that had been illegally tipped there some time on Sunday morning. I sent the photo, along with a second, taken from a different angle, to the head of Bexley Council anti fly - tipping team, and the waste was duly removed for proper disposal on Monday. I then went back round to the recycling site on Monday afternoon, only to find a fresh new pile of illegally tipped waste in exactly the same position! I understand from a document sent to my by one of my most reliable sources, that Bexley Council have finally debated the purchase of some CCTV cameras specifically designed to be used to combat the criminals who fly tip in the borough. The proposal for the purchase of the security surveillance cameras was accepted, amongst a number of other proposals designed to improve how waste and recycling was undertaken in the borough. The proposals can be broken down as follows:- "RECOMMENDATION 1a – The Council should improve its marketing and promotion of the bulky waste collection service and reuse and recycling centres. Agree with recommendation. Timescale 6 months. RECOMMENDATION 1b - Enhance marketing around the location of reuse and recycling centres in areas of the borough where there are high fly-tipping incidences e.g. Thamesmead. Agree with recommendation. Timescale 6 months. RECOMMENDATION 1c - JC Decaux boards should be used advertising reuse and recycling centres and opening times.Agree with recommendation but slots for access to these advertising panels is limited and would need to be prioritised with other services. Agree with recommendation but slots for access to these advertising panels is limited and would need to be prioritised with other services. Timescale 12 months. RECOMMENDATION 2 – Easier and more prominent web link for accessing ‘Report fly tipping’ on the London Borough of Bexley website. Agree with recommendation however liaison with the Web Team would be required to agree any timescale. Timescale provisionally 12 months. RECOMMENDATION 3 – Increase communications on fly tipping penalties and residents’ responsibilities. Agree with recommendation. Timescale 12 months. RECOMMENDATION 4- The Council should consider additional fly tipping prevention measures at fly-tipping hotspots, in particular Ray Lamb Way which is the worst fly tipped area in the borough; for example, use of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Agree with recommendation subject to available funding and compliance with traffic regulations. Timescale 12 months. RECOMMENDATION 5 – Greater liaison with partner agencies especially the Environment Agency. Agree with recommendation. Timescale 6 months and ongoing. RECOMMENDATION 6- Planning informatives should be appended to all applications granted to remind residents to check for contractor’s ‘Waste Carrier licence’. Agree with recommendation subject to consultation with Development Control. Timescale 6 months". Whilst I wholeheartedly agree with the proposals outlined above, I feel that they have missed an even greater opportunity to reduce the level of criminal fly tipping in the borough. According to Government statistics, local authorities reported 852,000 cases of fly-tipping last year, and almost 98 per cent of fly-tipping prosecutions resulted in a conviction. From my own experiences investigating fly – tipping, the proponents are well aware of what they are doing is illegal – but they just don't care, as they think the chances of them being caught are minimal at best. It is a cynical and exploitative attitude from criminals who should (and indeed sometimes do) get jailed for their activities. On Thursday morning I had a conversation with a very pleasant and friendly chap who was clearing fly - tipped waste from the Morrison's recycling site. His experience was that he felt that around thirty percent of the material left at the various recycling centres around the borough was due to the hoppers not being emptied nearly often enough - he used the example of the cardboard and paper hoppers in Morrison's car park, which were rammed full to the brim for over a week without being emptied. Law abiding people bring their waste to be recycled, only to find the recycling hoppers full. The people are hardly likely to want to take their waste back home with them. This got me thinking – Why do certain individuals fly tip in the first place? I think that there are several factors involved. Firstly I think there is a degree of ignorance – some of the fly tippers do not have English as a first language, and may assume that since there are recycling bins and hoppers, such as those found in Erith Morrison's car park, that anything can be deposited there. Of course this precludes those who tip anywhere at any time – there can be no excuse for that. Other tippers may be lazy and not bothered to go to the official council tip in Thames Road, Crayford. I think the biggest reason is down to cost. Commercial operators (basically any person not in a private car) get charged heavily for legal tipping. A single Transit – type van full of waste can be charged over £120 for a single tipping visit. I have spoken to the Council about this. I understand that when illegally tipped waste is cleared up, it is done by a council subcontractor, who charges the council over £300 for the work. Basic arithmetic would dictate that it would be cheaper for the council to allow waste dumping to be carried out by traders for free, rather than to have to clear up the illegally tipped waste at a later stage. I would propose a six month trial period where commercial waste tippers were not charged for using the Crayford dump; in all other ways they would still have to comply with the existing waste disposal rules, and the content of their loads, the company name and vehicle registration number would still be recorded, but no money would change hands. If at the end of the trial, the amount of fly tipped waste had substantially reduced around the borough, then the scheme would be judged a success. I think a pragmatic approach may be worth trialling, as the current system does seem to be failing, and the amount of council tax payers money spent on clearing up after the illegal tippers could be far better spent elsewhere. Don’t think I am opting for a soft approach to criminal activity – I am still strongly of the opinion that catching and prosecuting fly tippers should be a high priority, but a mixture of both carrot and stick, rather than stick alone may deliver better results for both the environment and the council taxpayer. What do you think? Leave a comment below, or alternatively Email me at hugh.neal@gmail.com. 

You may have seen the adverts above on the News Shopper website recently; the upper picture, which shows a very badly Photoshopped image of Dragon's Den investor Deborah Meaden apparently with a bruised eye. This was the "click bait" used to encourage web surfers on the News Shopper website to click on the link; when they did so they ended up on a website depicted in the lower of the two images above. It purports to be a Bitcoin trading system which states:- "Appearing on BBC Two's hit show, Dragons' Den, two best friends from university pitched their idea for an automated bitcoin trading platform, called Bitcoin Code. The idea was simple: allow the average person the opportunity to cash in on the bitcoin boom. Even if they have absolutely no investing or technology experience. You simply follow the Auto Suggestions in the system and place your trades. A user would simply make an initial deposit into the platform, usually of £250 or more. The user should open a position on Bitcoin and let the trend do the work for him. The entrepreneurs intend to make money from their platform by charging a small commission on only the profits a user generates. They asked the Dragons for £200,000 for 25% of the company, valuing the company at £800,000. To demonstrate the power of their company's platform the entrepreneurs had Deborah Meaden deposit £250 live on the show. "I've heard about Bitcoin and the massive amount of money you can make from it, but I've never bought any. I no idea where to start. This was really easy, I can just use my credit card to deposit money and it buys them for me." Deborah said. After her initial deposit of £250 was made using Bitcoin Code, account management helped her opened up a position on Bitcoin so she could buy low and sell high. All the Dragons were immediately impressed by how easy it was to make money. The platform handles all the trading work automatically and because the price of Bitcoin is quite volatile, there are numerous opportunities to profit. "Bitcoin is so hot right now and if even somebody like Deborah, no offence Deborah, can make money from it, I'm all in. I need to have a piece of this. I'm going to make a huge offer, £2 million for 25% of the company." Peter Jones said. Before the entrepreneurs even had a chance to respond to Jones's offer, Deborah Meaden interrupted and said with a smile on her face: "I've gone up to £398.42 after just 8 minutes".  Needless to say the TV show has never featured The Bitcoin Code, and none of the investors have ever had any involvement with the alleged trading system, which is of course actually a criminal scam. Adverts for The Bitcoin Code have appeared briefly on a number of major websites, including the Guardian and The Daily Mail, but have mostly been taken down after it became clear that they were fraudulent. I have done some fairly in depth investigation into the con, and it would appear that the confidence tricksters behind it have targetted their attentions at vulnerable people in various countries - there is an Irish themed version of the Dragon's Den story, as well as an Australian one, each featuring the stars of the popular TV franchise for that particular market. In fact, one of the Irish Dragon's Den investors has launched a campaign to try and stop the criminals from using his image in their fraudulent adverts. In an interview with the Irish Mirror, businessman Gavin Duffy said:- "It’s very convincing. When I read it I laughed because I know it’s not true. You can laugh about it but imagine if you were in the UK reading this. It reads well and it sounds legit, that the investment happened and this thing is doing very well. What’s very concerning is when you try to get it taken down or point out to news organisations that on their news pages they have an ad about a Bitcoin scam, you would have thought they would react, take it more seriously and do something about it. But that doesn’t seem to be the case at all. It’s down off the BBC site now but maybe it was only booked for a day - it’s on the Guardian’s site today and maybe another one tomorrow. Maybe that’s how the people behind this scam are organising it?". A word of caution, this financial scam has nothing to do with any form of cryptocurrency, least of all Bitcoin. This is a vile plot which is was contrived by unethical online promoters with the sole intent of defrauding and stealing money from unsuspecting opportunity-seekers. These rip off artists are particularly successful because they are exploiting the recent surge of Bitcoin popularity, and in this context employing a kind of piggyback strategy designed to get you to drop your guard and buy into this Bitcoin cryptocurrency scam. You have been warned.

Now for this weeks local safety and security updates, courtesy of Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association. Firstly Barnehurst ward:- "Another very good week crime wise across the ward this week with only one crime of note to report which is sadly another burglary. The offence occurred on Friday 6th April between 6.20pm and 10.20pm where suspect(s) have gained entry to a semi-detached property in Woodside Road by smashing a glass panel in the rear kitchen door. Property taken included jewellery, cameras and a number of sunglasses. Regarding reports of mopeds riding in an anti-social manner in and around the area of Hall Place and Marden Crescent. We have identified one of the riders involved and he will be receiving a home visit this week. We use several tactics in an attempt to combat anti-social behaviour which in this case have included plain clothes patrols and the deployment of our off road motor cycles, However our biggest asset is you. You can make a difference in your area by letting us know who is causing issues in your street. If you have any information please contact your local policing team or alternatively call crime stoppers on 0800 555 111. Please join us on Wednesday 18th April at 1pm, Barnehurst Golf Course for an informal chat with a member of the Barnehurst team about any local issues and crime prevention advice. Please also give us a follow on twitter @MPSBarnehurst and Facebook Barnehurst police". Belvedere ward:- "There have been reports of potential drug dealing around the Upper Abbey Road area, in the small car park with the path that leads up to the play area. Apparently a silver car with black males have bene parking in the car park and dealing. We have no set days or times for this so if anyone does notice any suspicious activity then please let us know. We have also been made aware of anti-social behaviour and drug usage next to the football area on Monarch Road. By all accounts a group of about five teenagers are gathering near to the entrance to the football area and causing a nuisance by being loud and abusive. They are also reportedly smoking cannabis. Again if anyone has any information about this group (names etc) or can give us further information on when they gather, please get in contact - see details above. Or you can contact Neighbourhood Watch [by replying to this email] or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111". Brampton ward:- "Another great week for Brampton with only 3 crimes reported in the last 5 days, and no burglaries. There was a shoplifting from Sainsbury’s Brampton Road. A road rage incident occurred on the 5th April on Bristow Road which resulted in a GBH but involved no Brampton residents. On the 9th April there was a theft of motor vehicle where a van was taken off a drive in Brampton Road, however the van had been left unlocked and running while the owner (a window cleaner was working) Brampton continues to be one of the safest wards on the Borough. Remember all ward boundaries change on May 3rd". Christ Church ward:- "We have had one report of a residential burglary, this was on the 06/04/2018 at Glengall Road Bexleyheath. Entry was gained via the front of the property and personal items taken. There has been one report of theft of motor vehicle on the ward which took place on the 10/04/2018 at ASDA carpark. Number plates were been taken off the vehicle. On the 03/04/2018 – There was a report of theft of mobile phone on a bus along the Broadway Bexleyheath. Victim had either been pick pocketed or the phone was dropped and then stolen. On the 09/04/2018 – Money was taken from victim that was put on a table outside a coffee shop whilst sitting outside and victim not looking. The team did hold a traffic operation recently on the ward, this was mainly to target burglary offenders travelling on the ward. As a result of this two vehicles had been seized. The team are also conducting high visibility patrols in our burglary hotspot areas, which is mainly the streets between Townley Road & Upton Road. Car parks are also incorporated for issues with anti-social behaviour. If you do speak to anyone who lives on the ward who does not have NHW set up on their street, please put them through to us if they are interested in maybe joining [or reply to this email quoting 'Christchurch SNT Team']. If you would like to contact us, please feel free to make contact via email, twitter or over the phone - details above. For crime prevention advice, please look at the Met Police website which does have information that you may find useful". Colyers ward:- "Having had no reported motor vehicle crimes for three weeks in a row this past week has seen two vehicles stolen in Northumberland Way. A motorbike was stolen from a driveway overnight Thursday 5th - Friday 6th April despite being undrivable and waiting to go to the skip. The other was a stolen overnight Sunday 8th into Monday 9th April, taken without the keys but no further information available at this time. An elderly resident in Fairford Avenue has been scammed out of cash by people pretending to be from a bank investigating their employees even handing over their cards and pin numbers. Please do not allow yourself to become a victim. A bank will never call you up and ask your personal details or to withdraw cash to be picked up by a courier for whatever reason. Unfortunately there was an attempted burglary in Frinsted Road the evening of Wednesday 4th April. The house was locked and secure residents returned home to find their rear patio door damaged and slightly ajar. Nothing was taken and it is believed that the intruders were disturbed by the next door neighbour's dogs. An old air rifle has been seized from an address in our ASB hotspot Hampton House and the team assisted Northend DWO's with a drugs warrant in Canterbury House where drugs were seized and a fine issued". Crayford ward:- "Front and rear number plates were stolen from a vehicle parked in Medway Road between 18.30 on 3rd April and 07.15 on 4th April. On 10th April between 01.00 and 01.37 suspects tried to steal a Land Rover and two other vehicles in Ridge Way. They were disturbed and made off toward Ridge Avenue and getting in to a vehicle and driving away, no description of this vehicle unfortunately. In the early hours of 7th April a 21 year old male had his Android phone and bag stolen whilst in an alleyway near Thames Road, he did not report being injured. Between 20.00 on the 6th April and 18.15 a resident in Crayford Way reported that someone had tried to prise a door off their Honda Civic whilst parked on the drive way. There have been shoplifting offences reported by Currys on 6th April, Smyths Toys on 7th April and Hobbycraft on the 9th April. Between 19.00 on 6th April and 12.00 on 7th April a vehicle was broken in to whilst parked outside a property near 222 Iron Mill Lane, items were strewn around the vehicle and a pair of spectacles were stolen. On 10th April at 11.49 CCTV shows that used lorry/large vehicle batteries were stolen from outside a business on the Acorn Industrial Estate, a white Ford Van was used for this and it was reported that the vehicle has been seen on the estate previously committing a similar crime. It has been a busy week for our team. Last Friday our team made a routine vehicle stop. It then became apparent that the vehicle had no insurance, no MOT, a bald tyre and that the driver was using a provisional licence. The driver was processed and the vehicle was seized. Initially, as the vehicle was stopped, this driver was going to be advised about their speed as this is a ward priority in the Iron Mill Lane area. On Monday 9th April Crayford officers executed a warrant leading to the arrest of a male in connection with knife point robberies. On Thursday 5th April a vehicle was observed driving without due care and attention, weaving in and out of vehicles at high speed in Thames Road. This was captured on our body worn camera, other factors prevented us giving chase but later our checks showed this vehicle also had no MOT. The driver’s prize was a process ticket at his front door (3 points and a fine) as well as a section 59 notice. Several youths with vehicles have been causing anti-social behaviour near Crayford railway station and we have been speaking to local residents to gather information to assist in identifying these youths. Our partners at London Borough of Bexley have agreed to allow a camera to help us further with identification and dealing with this anti-social behaviour, local residents will be advised when this is placed. Meanwhile, there have been foot patrols as well as mobile patrols in the local area. We have received some reports of anti-social behaviour and possible drug dealing near Green Walk and Hill Rise, if you have seen any of this behaviour we would be happy to speak to you in total confidence, please call us on 0208 721 2584 or email Crayford.SNT@met.police.uk or alternatively via www.met.police.uk or by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 for which your call would remain anonymous'. Erith ward:- "We have actively been patrolling the full ward of Erith. Conducted a weapons sweep in the areas of West Street and Compton Place 11 youths where stopped and all there details were taken as they were causing ASB in Parkspring court. PCs Gill and Tom carried out arrest enquires across Erith this week PCSO Adam had a meeting with Mandy from Sherwood House regarding upcoming events, working with residents in residential housing about staying safe, PCSOs Adam and Mark ( from North end ward ) are hoping to visit all the schemes in the north of Bexley over the coming months to chat to all residents. Dates for you diaries - 25/04/18, 7pm Erith pier road police offices – Erith Ward Panel meeting. We hit 1000 followers on twitter thanks top the efforts of PS Young feel free to follow us for the latest policing news in Erith twitter @MPSErith" Lesnes Abbey ward:- "Burglaries - Burglary occurred in New Road between the hours of 5:00pm on Tuesday 03/04/18 and 1:00 pm on Friday 06/04/18.the garage was broken into a pedal cycle and motor cycle taken .The motor cycle was later found and the owner made aware. On Tuesday 10/04/18 at 10:41 am a burglary occurred in King Harolds Way. The front wooden door was forced open and an untidy search occurred. Local residents made police aware. The home owners were out of the property ta the time. Motor Vehicle Crimes - Overnight from Tuesday 03/04/18 to Wednesday 04/04/18 a vehicle locked and secure parked in Lensbury Way damaged. Other News - After the local council elections on 3rd May, The ward boundaries will then be split up, Lesnes Abbey will go and you will be with different wards. Once these have been decided we will let you know. Date for your diary. Have a say On Thursday 19/04/18 between the hours 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm at the Lesnes Lodge". North End ward:- "There was a burglary overnight Saturday/Sunday in The Nursery. Entry was made through the back door and an expensive Brompton fold up bike was stolen. Nothing else was taken so it may be that this was deliberately targeted for the bike only. There was also a burglary during a five day period at the start of April in an empty property at the far end of Frobisher Road. The boiler was taken leading to water damage within the property. The flat is owned by L and Q housing and they have secured the door. Over recent weeks there has been several attempted break ins in the tower blocks in Boundary Street. They are being targeted as the blocks are gradually being emptied of all residents before redevelopment at the location next year. At our upcoming Ward Panel meeting next week (April 18th) we will be suggesting the area as a ward promise so we can assist Orbit in stopping any criminal damage before the blocks are pulled down. An update on the panel meeting will be sent in the next week or two. 3 males were stopped and searched at the back of Canterbury House on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in a cannabis seizure and warning given. A drugs warrant was executed this morning (Wednesday) in Canterbury House. A quantity of drugs were seized and the suspect was issued with a fine". Northumberland Heath ward:- "Good news this week. We have identified three youths from images sent to police. As a result of this, they all received a visit from us. Two youths identified riding the motorcycles in the Northumberland Heath Recreation Ground were issued with a Section 59 warning notice. One not seen riding a bike was given words of advice. We also issued a Section 59 warning to a motorist driving erratically. We are delighted that there have been no burglaries or motor vehicle crime reported to us over the last week. The team are conducting weapon sweeps in out crime hotspot areas following the recent tragic knife incidents across the capital. Our message to the public to help us to tackle this issue is to report anything they see or hear that could help us take more weapons off the street". Thamesmead East ward:- "Pleased to report that no burglaries have been reported so far this month. During the early hours of Saturday 7th April, a vehicle was damaged in Middle Way, by someone slashing the tyres. Please make sure you lock your vehicle doors at all times, (even for a short amount of time) as a mobile phone was taken from a car that was parked in Chadwick Way. While out on routine patrol, PC Pruden came across a vehicle with a punctured tyre that was parked up in New Road. Checks revealed that the vehicle had been stolen from an address in Sidcup, March 2018. PC Nana assisted Bexley Council regarding securing a property that had a squatter living at an address in Pointers Close. As part of a drive to curb violent crimes among young people, PC Nana has been visiting and engaging with young people that she has identified to be at risk of getting involve in violent or drug related crimes. Working in Partnership with the Peabody youth engagement team, two males have currently been referred to their apprenticeship / employment programmes".

The end video this week shows something that many local people may not be aware of. The British Gypsum Technical Training Academy is located in Church Manor Way, Erith. It teaches dry lining and plastering skills to members of the construction industry. It is the longest serving training facility in the UK, delivering Thistle plasters and drywall systems training since it opened in 1966. Watch the short video below, and leave a comment should you so wish.