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Parishes

As mentioned above, the proposed new ward would incorporate two ancient parishes: St James (in
North Cray) and St Mary's (in Bexley). The ward we are proposing is largely based upon these two
adjoining parishes.

Shared Interests

Both North Cray and Bexley have residential areas which are suburban in character, although the
character of North Cray is mostly one of open spaces and semi-rural in nature. However, both
communities are ones where the residents are predominantly owner occupiers, i.e. people with a
stake in ensuring that their community remains largely residential, unspoilt by inappropriate and
intensive development, where their open spaces and Green Belt land are protected and where their
‘built-heritage’ is similarly protected and preserved. Many of our members are also members of
Friends of Foots Cray Meadows, an activity-driven local society dedicated to the protection of the
biodiversity features of the Meadows.

Local Consultation

Through the medium of our website, and our new GroupMail service to all those who have so far
signed up to it (over 60%), we have outlined our proposal for the new ward to our members. Their
response has been overwhelmingly positive.

The Electoral Position

We understand that the electoral figure for the proposed new ward comes to around 8,500,
providing an electoral balance and coming close to the average of two councillors of 8,408.

We do hope you will take our views into full consideration.

Yours sincerely,

David H Cook

D H Cook
Chairman, North Cray Residents Association

Copies To:
James Brokenshire, MP for Old Bexley & Sidcup
Cllr. Donald Massey (Cray Meadows Ward)
Friends of Foots Cray Meadows
Coldblow Residents Association
Bexley Civic Society
Development Control, Bexley

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