Erith – What people really think of the Thameside town

Strong feelings have resurfaced, as residents and former locals share sharply divided views on Erith following our story on the Thameside town.

Following renewed discussion about the 1960s redevelopment that reshaped the town centre, more than 100 readers took to Facebook to reflect on what Erith was, what it became and what it could still be.

For many, memories of the old town centre remain vivid.

Sandra Davis said: “It was a lovely little place in the 1950-1960s."

Jennifer Turner, who grew up locally, described a childhood that feels far removed from today’s streetscape.

She feels the new pier "spoilt" the town.

She said: "I was brought up in Erith 1944-65 when I got married.

“It’s changed so much.

“The old pier was our playground.

“We had lovely shops, Mitchell’s department store, Woolworths, a market every week, but now it looks like concrete jungles.

“No TV or computers, just kids running around and having fun."

Others pointed to the later decades as stronger years for the high street.

Panicos Panayi said: "Erith was a busy area back in the 80s and 90s with shops and a market to be proud of."

Linda Sulphur recalled weekend rituals at the cinema.

She said: "I used to go to the Odeon cinema on Saturday mornings for children's cinema, boo the baddies, and always a sing along before the pictures as we called them."

Teri-Jayne Bigger described the pier as a place of solace.

She said: "It's lovely to sit there and watch the sunset.

“There's a group of Sikh men that sometimes go for a walk and meet up there and they are a lovely bunch of people; I always say hello to them.

"When my mum was ill, that place was a godsend to me.

“Sometimes I just couldn't face going home after putting her to bed, felt so overwhelmed.

“I'd go and sit there just to have a bit of peace."

Francis E. Nathan added: "I walk along the pier for exercise and get to watch ships passing by on some occasions; if I am lucky.

“Get a view of Essex on the other side."

However, not all views were positive.

Tracey Kember said she lives and works in Erith, and has concern about crime while Nicholas Vousden called the town "a dump".

Yet some believe the town still has strong foundations.

Craig Jenkins said: "Erith is a bit of a ghost town, but it has good bones.

“Send Lizzie line there and it will flourish."

Sandra Fox suggested greater use of the waterfront.

She said: "Need to make more use of the pier!

“Could have a market there, they have stalls along there when it’s Erith Pride festival, shame it’s not used all year!"

Several residents called for stops from Uber Boat by Thames Clippers at Erith Pier.

Kelly Kempster said: "Would be great if the Thames Uber could stop there."

There was also debate about geography and identity.

Mandie White said: "Erith is in the London Borough of Bexley," while Tim Carson added: "I still think of Erith as Kent."

The responses show a town that continues to divide opinion.