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8
Annual Report 1959
SECTION A:—STATISTICS AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS
OF THE AREA
A (1) Physical Situation and Amenities
Erith is situated in the north-west corner of Kent, and
is bounded on the north-east by the River Thames to which
it 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. In spite of continuous industrial
expansion, the Borough still retains in many
places picturesque aspects, and views from the many vantage
points in the district, afford evidence of its undulating
nature and the tree endowed areas of Belvedere and Abbey
Wood. The shopping facilities are advantageously situated,
and a copious and pure supply of water is maintained by
the Metropolitan Water Board.
The chief industries are light and heavy engineering,
edible oil refining, manufacture of chemicals, cable and
radio construction, coal shipping and lighterage, and the
production of building materials, i.e. glazed drain pipes,
plasterboard, and asbestos. The manufacture of television
equipmetnt and also toys is well established.
Industrial development at Belvedere marsh has steadily
progressed during the year, particularly at the sites of the
new electricity generating station, and the L.C.C.'s southern
sewer outfall works.
During the year, the town celebrated the 21st anniversary
of the granting of its Charter which provided Borough
status.