Welcome to the Gates of Hades

It might sound dramatic to liken Dartford to the Gates of Hades but this summer Dartford Heath and the marshes along the River Thames have truly paid a high price for soaring temperatures. Along with other places in the country, we witnessed the unfortunate consequences of this on the local environment.
To put this into context, the UK Met Office released its first ever red warning for heat. The two hottest days were 18th and 19th July with the highest temperatures reaching an unprecedented 40°C. It would be hard to argue in the face of this that global warming isn't real and it is worrying to see the profound impact at a local level.
These photos were taken along the flood plain on Saturday 20th August. You get some sense of the scale of the fire.

On Wednesday 24th, along with other areas of the country, a host pipe ban will be enforced following the driest July on record since 1935.

Sources:

New Scientist - Climate change made UK 40°C heatwave at least 10 times more likely

Kentlive.news- Kent hosepipe ban Thames Water announces exact date for hosepipe ban for Dartford and Sevenoaks

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The History of Bluewater

Bluewater is an out of town shopping centre located in Greenhithe just outside of Dartford. In May 1996 building of the Shopping Centre began at the site of a former chalk quarry. Tunnels were excavated under Bean Road to join the Eastern and Western Quarries allowing sand to be transported to the site. Its lakes were partially drained in preparation for construction of the basement levels and the cliffs were remodelled to permit vehicular access to the site. It is built across 20 hectares of lakes and parkland. Bluewater opened on 16th March 1999. The layout is a triangular design with a flagship store at each corner; Marks&Spencer, John Lewis and House of Fraser. This layout is considered easier for navigation. To reflect the surrounding lakes swathes of glass are incorporated into the architecture. The ventilation system is based on the traditional oast house with fresh air brought through rotating aluminium vents on th...

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My Secret Dartford

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