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| Artists impression of the old concrete barge at Greenhithe converted to new public fishing Pier |
It has been suggested by some local GMRA members that they would like to see the old concrete barge restored to community use, this is after all part of the areas rich maritime heritage. However, before taking on such a huge a restoration project as this we would very much first like to hear the views of the wider community, especially those residents living on Pier Road and Bendigo Wharf.
We are also interested in learning more about the history of the barge which can be seen from the public causeway on Pier Road Greenhithe just behind the Pier Hotel Pub.
Tell us what you think. Would you support a project to restore the concrete barge. What, if any, are your concerns and, if you have any objections please let us know know.
Also do you know who owns the barge?
Please get in touch via email gmra@greenhithemarina.com or leave a comment below.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Brief history from "Abandoned relics of war":
ReplyDelete"During the Second World War, steel was in short supply. Governments in the UK and the US ordered the construction of barges made of reinforced concrete. The barges now abandoned on the Thames mudflaps Rainham in Essex were towed across the channel as part of the immense project to create artificial harbours for the Normandy landings on D-Day. They formed part of one of the Mulberry harbours.
Then in 1953 they came to the rescue a second time when they were used to shore up the flood defences of the estuary which were damaged by a huge storm and surge tide. Towns along the river estuary were inundated and devastated by the worst Thames floods in living memory."
We've received the following message from Cllr Kieth Kelly via Facebook:
ReplyDelete"The barge was the subject of a number of meetings between Dartford councillors, The Port of London Authority and Swanscombe Greenhithe Town Council. We did try to trace the owner, also looked at removing the barge. Cost of removal was prohibitive. Dartford MP Gareth Johnson raised the issue to ministerial level as well".
Quick update before turning in we have located the former owner we think his wife may still be alive but as far as we can tell there is no registered owner. We are now in the process of writing to the council to see if the will allow the barge to be restored.
ReplyDelete