AS POLICE continue their hunt for the killers of a 22-year-old Abbey Wood man, more than 100 Thamesmead people were at a public meeting called to reassure them about their safety.

Borough police commander Chief Superintendent Tony Dawson, was among representatives from organisations who listened to people’s fears about their safety in the Tavy Bridge area of the town where 22-year-old Moses Nteyoho of nearby Chalcombe Road, was murdered.

A number of people were were critical of the police and their lack of response to 999 calls on the night of the murder on October 30.

The Tavy Bridge regeneration project has stalled in the credit crunch and many people criticised Gallions Housing Association for its current state and lack of lighting which, they said, had made them feel even more unsafe when walking at night.

People also asked for more police officers on the beat in the area.

Bexley Councillor Katie Perrior, cabinet member for community affairs, who attended the meeting with ward councillors, said residents had been vocal in their opinions.

She said: “People don’t want to leave the area. They like their community.

“But there are problems and they want them fixed.

Cllr Perrior said she would press again for a government minister to visit the area and will meet Erith and Thamesmead MP John Austin next week.

She explained: “We have been told this is not a priority area.

“Greenwich Council gets lots of money to tackle serious anti-social behaviour and as a result the feeling is these people are trickling into Bexley.”

Mr Dawson has promised to merge three of his safer neighbourhood teams in the area, to try and provide more officers on the streets.

Cllr Perrior said there would also be more outreach work with young people in their early 20s.

She has promised monthly meetings in Thamesmead and will make unannounced late-night visits to the area to test whether it is patrolled and properly lit.

Cllr Perrior said she was encouraged by the support of organisations such as the Bexley Business Academy and by the number of people volunteering to get involved in mentoring young people.

Police are appealing for help in tracing five black men in the area at the time of the murder at around 9.30pm.

Anyone with information should call 020 8345 3734 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.