Months have now past. The Guardians – supplied by a private firm – have given us loud music, disruptive behavior and damaged property. The council, despite their string of failed attempts, wants to try again on Avenue Road in Erith – what do you think?

Despite a significant amount turmoil caused to local residents, Bexley Council are continuing to push forward with their plan to convert Homeleigh Care Home into temporary – two year – homeless shelter.

Back in May 2015 Bexley Council sprung a consultation upon the location community – failing to inform residents within even their own meager 150 meter radius. Given the subject matter, the council were already on the defensive. Met with a frustrated audience the answers were blunt, and telling. Each question was further complicated by council members arriving late, leaving early and mumbling profanity.

As you can imagine this meeting was not progressive, residents tell me several Freudian slips later the Bexley Council had dug their heels in. What I find particularly disappointing is the council had already confused or worst, lied on their own application.

Jane – an alias given the subject matter – tells me during the initial consultation a council a female Councillor explicitly stated a substantial number of residents would be employed. She explained those residents had worked hard but unfortunately become temporarily unstuck. Sadly this poignant problem was dismissed in their application. Instead they chose to back-peddle and reaffirm the communities concern by highlighting most residents will be unemployed.

As it would turn out these oversights spread somewhat wider. During the consultation a poignant question was raised, what security will be on site? The council representatives pronounced two members of staff would be on site at all times. What they failed to mention is they are not security staff.  

Local residents of Erith have independently shown their displeasure. 36 of 145~ (145 is unconfirmed) is an absolute spectacular turnout.

Share your thoughts with us on Thursday 10th September 2015 in the Council Chamber at the Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, starting at 7.30pm.

If you would like to read more, please see the latest Council update

“It should be noted that the planning department were not privy to any neighbor consultations or meetings prior to this submission.”

– Bexley Council failing to inform their own