View report page

8
Annual Report 1958
SECTION A:—STATISTICS AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS
OF THE AREA
A (1) Physical Situation and Amenities
Erith occupies a riparian position in north-west Kent,
being bounded on the north-east by the River Thames to
which the town has a frontage of about 4 miles: on the
west by the Metropolitan Borough of Woolwich, and the
Borough of Bexley, and on the south by the Borough of
Bexley, and the Urban District of Crayford. Shopping facilities
are advantageously situated, and a copious supply of
pure water is provided and maintained by the Metropolitan
Water Board. The chief industries are light engineering,
edible oil refining, the manufacture of chemicals, coal shipping
and lighterage, production of stoneware drain pipes and
asbestos components. Deep sea cables continue to be manufactured
in the town, likewise television and radio equipment,
and toys.
Industrial expansion has continued throughout the
year, the new all-concrete jetty which projects 550 feet into
the River Thames providing much additional berthing accommodation
for colliers.
By the end of 1958, the erection of the new £60,000 coal
screening plant at Garden Wharf had progressed considerably,
and it is anticipated that the improved method of
screening will be in operation by the Spring of 1959. Every
effort has been made to install modern equipment which
will mitigate the emission of coal dust.
The new Royal Alfred Seamen's Home at Belvedere
is now rapidly approaching the stage of completion.
Extensive construction works comprising the extension
of the L.C.C.'s Southern Sewerage outfall, and the building