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We see so much in the media about anti-social behaviour and lack of respect that sometimes it takes a disaster to remind us that community spirit and good neighbourliness are alive and well. Yes there are problems of disorderly behaviour, vandalism and the like which need to be tackled, but perhaps we should be giving as much publicity to positive social behaviour.
As an MP, I meet many community groups and see the wonderful contribution that ordinary citizens make to improve the lives of others through voluntary action in a variety of ways - volunteers who help care for others, volunteers who run sports and recreational activities for young people, volunteers who raise funds for community groups, volunteers who help out at
playgroups, in schools and hospitals.
But when disaster strikes, as it did on 10th September when homes in lower Belvedere and other areas were severely flooded, we should celebrate the spontaneous acts of help and support from neighbours.
I was away when the flood happened, and my home was one of those affected. I am grateful for the efforts my neighbours made to ensure I was aware of the situation and to do what they could despite being even worse affected
themselves. I was in touch by phone that evening with my local ward councillor, Daniel Francis, who himself was out until the early hours assisting families, including a vulnerable elderly woman, together with the
Leader of the Council, Chris Ball.
I returned home the following day and became aware of, not only the extent of the damage, but the neighbourliness of residents not affected or less affected who had turned out with buckets and brooms to help bale out those who were flooded. I am sure I speak for all those when I say thanks to good neighbours. I am sure Gateway readers can tell of many acts of good neighbourliness that night.
The floods leave many questions unanswered. There was heavy rain, but why did the storm drains fail? And the big question for local residents is “Can it happen again?”. The local council and the Fire Service were quick to respond but do they have the resources and the right equipment to deal with events of this kind? And where was Thames Water? What is their responsibility and why did they not respond sooner, and why have they since put out misleading statements about their activity that night? Did their
pumps fail? Are the pumps adequately maintained? And has the large number of new homes and increase in population been taken into consideration or had an impact?
These recent events raise a number of questions about the scale of development proposed for the Thames Gateway, and whether sufficient account has been taken of potential and increased flooding risk, which is why I have asked the Deputy Prime Minister to carry out an investigation.
Residents of Erith and Belvedere will be aware of the very disturbing news about job losses at Ferndale Foods. This is a company that has employed many hundreds of local people for many years. I was very concerned to hear of so many job losses in one go. Clearly, the 500 or so who are personally involved will be the most affected, however on a wider view this will impact heavily on their families and the wider community.
I have written to Asda to try and encourage them to work with Ferndale Foods to bring business back, we await any further developments.
Bexley Council is working with Ferndale to provide an intensive programme of support, to help those made redundant find alternative employment. Help is being provided with CV’s, training and other advice.
People may not be aware that Bexley plays host to London’s second largest industrial area. Bexley, Belvedere and Erith, as well as Crayford have a long heritage of industry. It is well worth calling into the newly refurbished Central Library to look at some of the archive photo’s they have on our industrial heritage.
Bexley Council has a long term plan to develop our industrial base further. The Economic Development Unit works with local businesses and national organisations to bring new business to the borough.
We have also developed a scheme called ‘The Innovation Centre’; this will provide space for small businesses to set up and hopefully, with support, will enable them to thrive.
Erith Town Centre is also going to play host to a Foyer Scheme. This will be a venue for education and training for nearly 200 people, up to the age of 25, at any one time. It is important for the long-term benefit of all Bexley residents, that we continue to build our economic base.
Working with Bexley College, Greenwich University as well as excellent results in secondary schools, we are keen to raise the qualifications in Bexley. We need to further enhance our transport infrastructure, in both roads and public transport.
These kinds of changes take time and money but it will be effort well spent.
Although, it will not immediately help those who are struggling as a result of Ferndale Foods redundancies, I would like to wish all those people every success in finding new jobs as soon as possible,
Please can you make it clear, that the splash park is open only to children up to 12 years of age....
The park is open to all, but not the water feature...!!
This we found out when my daughter went to play there, and was abruptly told by the security guard, who i have to point out, had no control over the group of teenagers that flouted his request to leave...... Anon
Dear All, Just to inform you that many of the objector’s proofs of evidence, including reports from commissioned experts, are now on the Inquiry website at http://www.persona.uk.com/thamesgateway/index.htm
Click on Inquiry Documents and then on (D) Objectors Proofs of Evidence for those currently available.
AGAB have further proofs to submit & it is also possible to submit supplementary proofs up to a week before presenting evidence to the Inquiry.
Regards, Jacqui Wise
Action Group Against the Bridge (AGAB)
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