Page 60 - Archive in reverse date order

Please see attached marked-up maps at B (existing wards) and C (proposed new ward).

The principal changes to the present Cray Meadows Ward would be:

1. In the west and the south where we would lose:

(a) the residential areas west of the open land forming the Foots Cray Meadows and those west
of the bridge over the River Cray in Foots Cray, and

(b) the commercial area on the southern side the Maidstone Road; and

2. To the north where we would gain what is currently St Mary's Ward.

Important Note: We appreciate that the River Cray itself could be considered an obvious
geographical boundary for part of this proposed new ward. However, all other factors outweigh this
consideration as we have explained immediately below and in ‘Identifiable Boundaries’, page 3.

We have given considerable thought to these proposed changes and our proposals are based on our
firm view that we have no affinity, historical links or shared aims and interests with the residential
areas west of Foots Cray Meadows and Foots Cray Bridge – nor, indeed, with any part of Sidcup.

The proposed new ward we are suggesting would embrace the ancient and adjoining parishes of St
James (North Cray) and St Mary's (Bexley Village) which leads us to suggest an inclusive name for
the new ward: St James & St Mary's.

The reasons for our proposal include:-

~ shared history;
~ affinity between residents;
~ common leisure activities;
~ conservation goals;
~ shared transport links;
~ mutually supportive community groups;
~ shared interests.

SUPPORTING ARGUMENTS

Community History, Identity and Facilities

The villages of North Cray and Bexley not only have a shared history but, today, there remains a
closer affinity of identity between the residents of North Cray and Bexley than with Sidcup (albeit
our postal address is Sidcup). Sidcup’s town centre is further away and, unlike our area (which is a
mix of rural, semi-rural and residential), is quite different in character. Unlike Sidcup, Bexley
Village is just a short drive, cycle or walk away from North Cray. It is where we go for the doctor,
the dentist, restaurants and takeaways, pubs, the chemist, bank and post office, mini-supermarkets,
and a variety of other shops and services. In addition the Village provides different church
denominations, a minicab service, the weekly Farmers' Market, the Community Library and,
significantly, the nearest railway station; and where (unlike Sidcup and Foots Cray beyond the
bridge) there is adequate commuter and visitor parking.

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