Summer 2026
Bexley’s town centres are the engine room of our local economy and the heartbeat of our community. Success relies on a unified partnership way of working. By joining forces with our local businesses, community groups and partners, the Council is ensuring our high streets remain vibrant, safe and resilient places to work, live and visit.
A thriving high street directly powers local employment. Highlighting this collaborative spirit, the 2026 Bexley Business Awards were recently delivered in partnership with Bexleyheath BID at the Council-owned historic Hall Place & Gardens. This joint celebration shone a spotlight on the resilient independent shops and small businesses driving growth right on our doorstep.
In Erith, following our successful selection for the Mayor of London’s High Street Place Labs (HSPL) initiative, the Council Strategy and ETP Roadmap phase is now complete. The next exciting stage relies on cross-sector collaboration, as the Council works hand-in-hand with the Erith Town Partnership (ETP) to turn these documents into a shared reality, delivering a practical action plan to deliver the shared vision for our riverside town centre.
Our partnership approach also keeps our streets welcoming. We are actively tackling pavement blight in our Town centres using funding from the Chewing Gum Task Force, delivering targeted, specialist deep-cleans in high footfall areas.
Meanwhile, our independent BIDs continue to achieve incredible results for their areas; Sidcup Partners independently funded and managed the spectacular summer greening projects that recently secured them a prestigious Gold Award in London in Bloom.
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure, Cllr Cameron Smith said:
By investing in our high streets and backing strong local partners, we are building a stronger, prouder Bexley for everyone."
A bell was installed in the Bexleyheath Clock Tower in 1913.
Weighing 50kg, the bell dated from 1627 and was originally from the tower of All Saints Church, Canterbury. From 1914 bell ringing was banned due to the First World War.
Former Cllr and Mayor Sue Gower JP MBE recently called for the Clock Tower bell to be rung on the hour and for the clock to be reset.
Following some maintenance works the bell now sounds on the hour and remains a key part of the Broadway layout.
