BLACKADDER and Time Team star Tony Robinson was in town last week.

He was visiting Thamesmead to launch the ambitious Gallions Ecopark project.

The scheme will create 39 new homes incorporating the latest in environmental technology, together with a visitors' centre and a “naked house” showing the technology behind the scenes.

The houses include 13 two-bedroom houses (six adapted for disabled people), 17 three-bedroom houses and eight with four bedrooms.

Among their environmentally-friendly features will be:- solar collectors to pre-heat water; low temperature under-floor heating; water recycling; low-flush toilets; high insulation; super insulating windows.

Gallions Housing Association, which is behind the development, is also talking with Greenwich Council about ways to recycle rubbish.

The visitors' centre will cater for people interested in the environment.

It will have information on how to reduce energy consumption by designing sustainable homes and changing everyday habits, as well as details about features in the Ecopark homes and similar developments in other countries.

There will also be talks and demonstrations for organised visits. In the “naked house”, visitors can find out how the energy-saving houses operate.

Gallions has a number of partners in the project, including Tilfen and the Housing Corporation.