THE National Trust's decision to buy William Morris's Bexleyheath home will boost the council's tourism hopes.

The Red House is the first National Trust property in the borough and through the trust, with its three million members, Bexley Council is now likely to get national publicity for the borough and its other heritage attractions.

Bexley Heritage Trust, which is responsible for managing two other historic houses in Bexley, has been involved in the negotiations with the National Trust over the sale of the Red House and in "behind the scenes" discussions with it over the future of the building.

Martin Purslow, director of the heritage trust, said he was looking forward to working with the National Trust on a joint venture involving the Red House and nearby Danson Mansion.

The Grade I listed mansion in Danson Park, Welling, is managed by the heritage trust.

It is being restored by English Heritage at a cost of £3.5m and another £1.2m of lottery cash is being spent on its gardens.

It is due to open to the public next summer for the first time in nearly 40 years for guided tours and commercial and private functions including weddings.

The heritage trust also manages Hall Place in Bexley, a 16th-century Grade I listed country house set in award-winning riverside gardens.

Planning work is about to begin on the redevelopment and restoration of the house and grounds at Hall Place, which will go out for public consultation in the summer.

Bexley is also home to the ruins of the 12th-century Lesnes Abbey, in Abbey Wood, built by Richard de Lucy as penance for his involvement in the events which led to the murder of Thomas A'Becket in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170.

Bexley Council cabinet member for town centres, industry and regeneration Councillor Margaret O'Neill said: "The National Trust's conservation expertise will be of tremendous benefit to the borough while its marketing and publicity will, in time, help attract more visitors to Bexley."l See Page 10

January 27, 2003 18:00