Collapsed sewer forces Elmstead Lane closure

Elmstead Lane is being unavoidably closed later today to through traffic to allow Thames Water to repair a collapsed sewer.

The collapsed sewer in Elmstead Lane is located on or near the roundabout, at the junction with Sundridge Avenue, with inevitable congestion expected when the works take place.  The repair work is expected to take around four days and whilst local diversions will be in place, motorists are being advised to seek alternative routes and allow extra time for journeys as local congestion is expected.

“There is clearly an environmental health issue that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.  Motorists and local residents can be assured that we are pressing Thames Water and their contractor, H²O Metrorod, to finish this job as quickly as possible.  We understand and reluctantly accepted the need to close the road to enable repairs to go ahead and will be closely monitoring progress that is made” said Councillor Colin Smith, Executive Councillor for Environment.

Elmstead Lane is scheduled to close to through traffic after the Wednesday evening peak traffic hours to allow work to start, with the intention that the work would continue over the weekend, but not overnight.  Residents or motorists who need more information can called H²O Metrorod, the Thames Water contractor on 0845 1687719 or 0845 1687718.    

Courier Fraud Again

Click on this image to enlarge it.

This is a particular type of fraud targeting elderly people which is on the increase across London. The average age of the victim is 70 years old. The average loss is £4,000. The method varies but usually a victim is telephoned by a person who claims to be someone of authority such as from the police, bank or the Serious Fraud Office. The caller tells the victim there is a problem with their bank account or credit card and that their bank card must be collected.
If the victim is unconvinced that the call is genuine they are told to hang up and call a genuine number – such as 999 or the telephone number on the rear of their bank card. The suspect keeps the telephone line open and so the call goes straight back to the fraudster who then asks for their account number and their pin.
Believing they are talking to someone genuine the victim is then happy to reveal their bank details, namely the PIN.

An often unwitting courier or taxi driver is sent to collect the victim’s card. The card is delivered to a second person who then passes it on to the fraudster. The fraudster then empties the bank account.

Never give anyone your PIN or bank card – the police and banks will never ask for them. If you have elderly relative, neighbours or friends please warn them about this scam.

If you have been a victim call the police on 101 or in an emergency by dialling 999.

World Book Day Story Time at Burnt Ash Library

Burnt Ash Library is holding a World Book Day Story Time on Saturday 9th March at 11.00 am. There will be a reading of The Gruffalo amongst others.

World Book Day is the biggest celebration of its kind, anywhere. Millions and millions of book vouchers given out, great free books for kids, excitement everywhere (on blogs, in newspapers, on TV and in schools, libraries and, of course, bookshops), people coming together (including lots and lots of young readers) in a big, loud, happy celebration of reading. And we really do want you to help make this March 7th 2013 the best World Book Day ever.

For more details contact Burnt Ash Library on 020 8460 3405 or go to the World Book Day website at:- http://www.worldbookday.com/

Free NHS Health check and cholesterol test

NHS Bromley are providing free Health and Cholesterol checks at Burnt Ash Library on Thursday 7th March and Saturday 9th March. They will ask simple questions about your general health then measure height, weight and blood pressure. They will also give a finger prick blood test to measure your cholesterol level. Finally will provide advice on maintaining good health.

Further details can be viewed by clicking on the images below to view the leaflets or by calling Marloes van Duuren on 0207 863 3098. (After viewing click on the dark area to return to this page.)

Elmstead Lane collapsed Sewer

Thames Water have a collapsed sewer at Elmstead Lane junction with Sundridge Avenue/Logs Hill.

 

At the moment they are having to pump out the sewer by tanker every day and they are not sure what damage is being done under the surface.

 

The point of collapse is in the centre of the road at the mouth of Elmstead Lane at the junction and the required excavation will result in the closure of Elmstead Lane and diversion of traffic.

 

This is obviously going to cause huge problems for local residents / station access and commuters. Diversions are likely to be via Sundridge Avenue (temporary removal of width restriction) Yester Road - Walden Road / Willow Grove - High Street. 

You are advised to avoid the area like the plague!

Local Business 3 - Minn's Stores

This is the third of a series of articles which will be published at regular intervals about local businesses. While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information, it is for information only and does not imply any endorsement by LERA for the businesses or their products.

Minns Stores is a family-run hardware shop at 89 Burnt Ash lane Bromley that has been serving the community for over forty years.  They are members of the British Hardware Federation

They sell a wide array of items such as ironmongery, garden tools, DIY supplies , security products, paint, china and glass , gifts, cookware, plastic storage boxes builders supplies and many many more things tucked away in little drawers, nooks and crannies and suspended from the ceiling.  The shop is open on Mondays to Saturdays from 8am to 5pm and from 10am to 2pm on Sundays.

A lot of products are packed into their little shop and it is always worth while going in to ask if they have that unusual item you could not find anywhere else. My experience is that they will almost always have it or can order it for you. They can also deliver goods to local addresses and always have service with a smile and you will enjoy your visit.

For 2013 they are expanding their pet department and now stock various cat treats such as Dreamies, Whiskas or Dentabits. They have tripe sticks back in stock and the old favourite "sausages". Dogs are known to drag their owners in for their favourite beef sticks.They also have a selection of pet beds and travel boxes from budget cardboard to luxury plastic.

History
Minns stores is thought to have started around the 1920's. Ruby Silverthorne started working there in the late 1950's. When the then owner (a Mr Beaumont, we believe)  retired, Ruby and her husband Lester bought Minns in 1962. In 1964 Ruby's son Robert joined in the running of the store. Robert's wife Lynne joined in the late 60's and the three of them and various part-timers ran the shop until 1980 when the younger brother Steven joined the team. 

Steve Silverthorne

 A dazzling array of local children served as "Saturday Boys" in the shop and gained their first experiences of working life. They all are likely to treasure memories of working in this unique shop. A new shop front was put in place in 2007 to offer more security for the thousands of treasures stored within and also to open up the interior to provide a lighter, more spacious environment.

In 2010 Robert semi-retired and handed the reins of running the shop to Steven and his wife Marie, although the old man can still be seen many days of the week working for his payment of fat balls (sold at a very reasonable price in the shop!).

The store's website is at http://www.minnsstores.co.uk/ where there are more details and some stunning videos of their products as well as pictures of Snoodles. Snoodles has now become Sweep!

Plaistow and Sundridge SNT surgery

The Plaistow and Sundridge police team will hold a drop in surgery  at the Brook Lane Community Hall on Thursday 21st February between 3.00pm and 5.00pm.