Bexley Council has responded what it describes as 'scaremongering' and 'Chinese whispers' among community action groups who are opposing its draft growth strategy.

The council has extended its consultation on the growth strategy - which sets out a range of principles to guide long-term growth in the borough over the next 20 to 30 years - to July 28 following the establishment of these action groups.

At a meeting last night, the council's cabinet member for growth and regeneration, councillor Linda Bailey said that the massive change had had cross party support.

She said: "I am saddened that I have heard a community group have gone out into the community with pretty nasty stuff and frightening residents.

“Personally one I heard from over the weekend was petrified was told the house was going to be taken in a couple of month’s time.

“This has got to be stamped on, it is just ridiculous.

“I know Chinese whispers but we really do have to do something about that. I want to reiterate this growth will be happening but over many years. It is not going to be happening straight away and it won’t be happening without proper infrastructure that is road transport and health provisions.

“As with all other major development there will be consultation and subject to the proper planning procedures.”

Council leader Teresa O’Neill, also expressed her concerns about “scaremongering in the Slade Green and Crayford.”

She said: “One would hope residents in those areas realise that our proven track record shows a maturity to provide the right results and that we are seeking to provide and bring forward sustainable communities for the future with the right infrastructure and that realistically, the alternative is more scary.”

A spokesman for Bexley Council said: “We all know the borough is growing and to maintain our communities to enable investment and regeneration it is essential that we look at how we manage that growth for the good of all our residents.

“To do otherwise would be to invite bad growth which will see poor quality development and unsupportable pressures on local services.

“In this context, the Growth Strategy has strong support from Members across the Council.

“Scaremongering among community groups does not help anyone and it is disappointing that action groups are forming as the Council is still very much formulating its approach.”

The spokesman said any major development will only happen if there is significant investment in public transport improvements and other key infrastructure and phased over a long period of time.

They said: “The current document has no legal standing at this stage and will be amended as a result of the consultation before going on to inform the formal Local Plan for the borough.

“Any development proposals will be subject to planning permission and the usual statutory consultation.”

You can read full and summary versions of the draft Growth Strategy online and give your views a www.bexley.gov.uk/growth by 28 July. Copies are also available in all Bexley libraries.