I love this country. But loving Britain also means being honest about where we are today. Britain is broken. Nothing works as it should anymore.
Fourteen years of Conservative Government broke Britain.They left us with higher taxes, uncontrolled immigration, high council tax, rising crime and a cost-of-living crisis that is hitting families hard.
Now Keir Starmer’s Labour Government is making things worse.
If you want to get rid of Keir Starmer and change the direction of this country, there is one way to do it: Vote Reform UK in the London elections on 7th May.
London needs Reform. It is one of the world’s great capitals. Yet these days Sadiq Khan’s London often feels lawless and unrecognisable to Londoners who can no longer afford to live in their own city.
Everywhere I go, people tell me the same thing.They are struggling with the cost of living. Energy bills and taxes are too high. Crime is rampant. And after years of broken promises, they feel let down by Labour and the Conservatives.
Above all, people tell me that Reform UK is now the last real hope for change. I take that responsibility very seriously.
We are the only serious challenger to Keir Starmer and his Chancellor, Rachel Reeves.The Conservatives no longer represent a credible alternative. Supporting them risks allowing Keir Starmer to remain in power.
If London and Britain are to move forward, it will only happen if people come together behind one movement that can actually deliver change.That movement is Reform UK.
Only Reform UK will put the British people first. We will stop illegal immigration, secure our borders and stand up for those who work hard and play by the rules. We will act on the cost of living, including removing VAT on domestic energy bills and easing the pressure on families.
Reform UK is the only party seriously committed to protecting pensioners by preserving the state pension triple lock. Our pensioners deserve security, dignity and respect and we will not take that away.
Where Reform UK has already taken control of local councils around the country, our record is extraordinary. Nine Reform-run councils have saved over £700 million by cutting waste, not frontline services. We are keeping council tax lower than other parties and fighting to stop taxpayers’ money being wasted on things like asylum hotels.That is what Reform UK in power looks like.
Now we are standing candidates in elections all over London on 7th May. For decades, the old parties assumed you had nowhere else to turn. Now you have. If you want real change, you will not get it by supporting the same failed parties.
We cannot do this without you. And London will only get the change it needs if you vote Reform UK on 7th May.
Vote for Change. Vote Reform - Get Starmer Out.
Yours,
Nigel Farage MP Leader of Reform UK
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The Renters’ Rights Act: giving tenants stronger rights
The new Renters’ Rights Act came into force on Friday 1 May.
If you’re a private tenant, there’s nothing you need to do, however it’s a good idea to learn what your rights are.
Here’s what the new law means:
• Assured shorthold tenancies are ending - your agreement will change from an assured shorthold tenancy to an assured tenancy, and you will have stronger rights. Your existing tenancy will continue on a rolling monthly basis, even if you’ve already signed a fixed term contract.
• No more ‘no-reason’ evictions. Your landlord will only be able to evict you if they have a legal reason, for example if you don’t pay your rent or are committing antisocial behaviour.
• If you want to end your tenancy, you’ll need to give a longer notice of two months instead of the current one month, unless you and the landlord agree a shorter notice period.
• Limits on rent increases - your landlord will only be able to increase rent once per year. They’ll also have to give you two months’ notice of an increase instead of one. If you don’t think the new rent is in line with market rent levels in your area, you’ll have six months from the start of your tenancy to ask a tribunal to review it.
• An end to blanket policies like ‘no pets’, no kids or nobody on welfare payments, meaning landlords must consider each request fairly.
• All private rentals will have to meet a national Decent Homes Standard. Councils will have enforcement powers if homes are unsafe or in poor condition.
If you’re a private landlord, you must pass on information about these changes to your tenants.
To find out more visit royalgreenwich.gov.uk/renters-rights-act
TheGreenwich & Lewisham Weekender is an independent weekly newspaper, covering the boroughs of Greenwich and Lewisham.
We publish every Wednesday, covering every postcode sector of the borough, and boasting, by far, the highest weekly circulation in Greenwich. Each week, we deliver our paper to every Greenwich neighbourhood, with further copies stocked at convenient public stands. We are also the highest distribution newspaper in Lewisham.
You can also view each edition online, as well as daily news and events, on our website: www.weekender.co.uk
The Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender covers all aspects of life in the boroughs, including music, theatre, comedy, film, events, and food and drink, as well as all your community events and campaigns.
Weekender
The Greenwich and Lewisham Weekender is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry).
We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact 020 7231 5258. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk
Weekender Editor: Kevin Quinn
Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips
Advertising team: Clarry Frewin, Mandy Stong
Advertising support: Katie Boyd
Editorial: Michael Holland; Evie Flynn
Design Manager: Dan Martin
Design team: Ann Gravesen
Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758
Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany
Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn
Published weekly on a Wednesday at: Community Matters Media Ltd
FESTIVAL OF FAMILY EVENTS AT GREENWICH MARKET THIS MAY
Pick of the Week by
Evie Flynn
Greenwich Market will be hosting Love Your Local Market (LYLM) festival from Friday 15 to Sunday 31 May. Th festival will celebrate the historic Greenwich Market, which has been serving the community since 1737. There will be an exciting programme of events, including free musical performances, magic, and face painting on most days over the two weeks. The central hall in Greenwich will also be decorated for the festival, with a mixture of flags and bunting.
PROGRAMME:
Friday 15th May
Mycenae Crew featuring Annie Dehaney-Steven Time: 12:30pm to 4:00pm
Saturday 16th May
The Rock Band (Scholl of Rock and Pop) Time: 12 noon to 4:00pm
Sunday 17th May
The Mooches Band Time: 12 noon to 3:30pm
Thursday 21st May
Latin Ground (Columbian Music Band) Time: 12 noon to 3:30pm
Friday 22nd May
Rosie Webb with the Soho Jazz Knights Time: 12.30pm to 4:00pm
Saturday 23rd May
Emma (Miss Em) Vintage Singer Time: 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Sunday 24th May
Manouche Re-imagined featuring Hope Augustus Time: 12 noon to 3:30pm
String Duo (Josie and Jessica will play a blend of classical and pop repertoire) Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Saturday 30th May
Stretto Music World Folk String Duo (Aliyah and Sophie will play folk music from around the world) Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Sunday 31st May
Captain Fantastic (Magic) Time: 12 noon to 3:30pm
Marta Face Painting Time: 12 noon to 2:00pm
Greenwich Market, Greenwich, London, SE10 9HZ
SPRING PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP AT GREENWICH PENINSULA
Spring into Action is a three-hour-long photography workshop at The Photography Foundation in Greenwich Peninsula on Thursday 14 May (6pm – 9pm). Led by photographer and CTRL+CREATE mentor Safeen James, the session helps participants explore the art of visual storytelling through photography. Open to both beginners and experienced photographers, the workshop focuses on using composition, styling, mood, and intention to create compelling photographic narratives. The evening will begin by looking at examples of storytelling in photography, followed by creative exercises. Participants
will then have the opportunity to put their ideas into practice by photographing two professionally set-ups featuring flowers, fabrics, and textured props. All equipment will be provided, and participants will receive copies of the images they capture during the workshop.
LISTEN TO MUSIC FROM THE SPANISH RENAISSANCE AT THE OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE
Head to the Old Royal Naval College on Tuesday 12 May for The Choral Pilgrimage, which celebrates music from the Spanish Renaissance. The choral ensemble The Sixteen are set to explore the historic music in their latest tour Lead, Kindly Night. Led by Associate Conductor eamonn Dougan, the programme featires works by Spanish composers Cristóbal de Morales and Sebastián de Vivanco. The tour also includes two contemporary works inspired by the writings of St John Henry Newman.
Date: Tuesday 12 May. Time: 7:30pm – 9:15pm
Location: Chapel of St Peter & St Paul, Old Royal Naval College, London SE10 9NN
Tickets: £18 – £40.
Midsomer Murders in Bromley
Guy Unsworth’s stage adaptation of Midsomer Murders: The Killings at Badger’s Drift is now on tour until 13th June with a stop at The Churchill Theatre, writes Michael Holland..
Based on the book by Caroline Graham, The Killings at Badger’s Drift, and the television series Midsomer Murders, it stars Daniel Casey as Inspector Tom Barnaby and James Bradwell as Sergeant Gavin Troy.
When well-loved spinster Emily Simpson is found dead in the picturesque village of Badger’s Drift, her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to accept it was an accident. DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy are called in to investigate, uncovering a world of hidden passions, longburied secrets, and deadly rivalries.
With eccentric villagers, shocking twists, and an unforgettable reveal, The Killings at Badger’s Drift is a classic whodunit that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Bringing to life the wit, charm, and chilling suspense of the beloved television series and original series of books, this gripping and thrilling new show will entrance theatre audiences.
After playing DS Gavin Troy on
Midsomer Murders for a six-year stint, Daniel Casey is now back in the UK’s most dangerous county (fictionally speaking, at least) as DCI Tom Barnaby. He says, ‘It’s a massive promotion, going from a detective sergeant to a chief inspector. I’ve certainly earned my spurs.’
Stepping into the role played on TV by John Nettles for 13 series, Daniel has advice for the actor who takes on his former role of Troy on stage: ‘Make it your own and enjoy it.’ Adding, ‘He’s such a lovely character to play, and I’m excited to see what someone else does with it.’
The residents of Midsomer are played by an ensemble of actors: Nathalie Barclay, Chandrika Chevli, John Dougall, Julie Legrand, Rupert Sadler, Chris Agha, and Rhîan Crowley-McLean.
Churchill Theatre, Bromley from May 12th – 15th.
Booking and full tour details: https:// midsomeronstage.com/
On 2026
Enso-inspired painting and calligraphy
‘The Cosmos Within’ exhibition will be exploring the idea that the universe exists not only around us, but also within us and therefore reconnecting visitors to themselves, others and the world, writes Michael Holland..
The interdisciplinary exhibition will feature Enso-inspired abstract paintings and contemporary calligraphies, performance video and photographs as well as the Japanese brush used during the performances as a site installation in the gallery. and Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) award (2025).
There will be a series of workshops running at The Firepit Gallery – all designed to help visitors connect with their inner cosmos. This will include breathwork and creative
more details on how to book.
Kamila is a Polish-British interdisciplinary artist working across performance (physical theatre, aerial dance, live art), abstract painting and Zen calligraphy.
Inspired by transformative journeys to Japan in 2018 and 2019, Kamila studied at the Slade School of Fine Art and developed a Zen calligraphy practice centred on the meditative Enso circle.
her visual art practice.
Her intuitive and visionary approach is influenced by Zen and Eastern philosophy. Central themes in her work include the human experience — particularly the duality and cyclical nature of existence — as well as interconnectedness,
England grants, including a National Lottery Project Grant (2026) and Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) award (2025).
Her work has been exhibited and performed in the UK featuring Riverside Studios (‘25), Camden Fringe (‘24) with Cockpit Theatre, Affordable and internationally in Italy, France, and the US. Kamila’s paintings are part of private collections in the UK, US, Canada, Mexico, France, and Poland.
Kamila lives in Lincoln and continues to work in the UK and internationally. www.firepit.org.uk/
You need photo ID to vote in the elections in England
Check accepted forms of ID at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID
Greenwich local election manifestos
The Greenwich Labour Party have offered every child £150 to buy a bike if they retain power next month, while Reform want to abolish Greenwich’s status as a Borough of Sanctuary, writes Cameron Blackshaw, Local Democracy Reporter...
The five main political parties in the South London borough have now all revealed their plans if they come to power and control Greenwich Council following the local council elections on May 7.
Labour is expected to keep power in Greenwich, which has been a red stronghold in the capital for years. However, polling also predicts that the Greens will make massive gains in the borough, greatly reducing Labour’s current number of 47 of the 55 available council seats.
The Conservatives are also hoping to grow their number of councillors from 4, and Reform and the Lib Dems are hoping to make a foothold in Greenwich as well. Read more about all of their commitments below.
LABOUR
Below are some of the key policies and commitments Labour have made in Greenwich if they retain control of the council next month. You can read their full manifesto here.
Children and young people
Offer a £150 voucher for every child and young person in the borough to help them buy a bike or scooter and safety equipment
• Provide affordable, accessible childcare and early years services for all families
• Expand the number of free childcare places available to working parents
Deliver two new youth hubs, launch a new youth service and develop a £1.6m youth opportunity grant
• Invest £36.4m in SEND and disabilities provision and create a new £15m adult SEND learning centre
Housing
Deliver 6,000 council, social rent and low rent homes over the next decade
• Build a new town in Thamesmead
• Provide access to ultra-fast
broadband for council tenants
• Invest £278m in council housing to make the stock more energy efficient
• Introduce policies to prevent the the rise of excessive numbers of HMOs in any neighbourhood
Communities
• Continue to impose £1,000 fines on fly tippers and reward residents with £100 for information that leads to fly tippers being fined or prosecuted
• Double the number of Community Enforcement Officers on Greenwich streets
Create a new community hub in Coldharbour
• Explore options for a new leisure centre and library in Thamesmead
Health
• Partnering with the NHS to create the first fully integrated health and social care service in England
• Investing over £200k to support unpaid carers
Finance
Establish Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) across Greenwich
• Launch an apprenticeship scheme that will create hundreds of apprenticeships
• Create mandatory parking bays for delivery bikes in town centres and shopping parades
• Create an events programme in Eltham to increase footfall in the town centre
Establish a fund to upgrade and repair the borough’s heritage sites
• Transport and the environment
• Work with partners to deliver the DLR extension to Thamesmead
• Invest over £8m to resurface roads and fill potholes
• Create at least 200 dockless bike parking bays across the borough
• Install at least 2,000 EV chargers
GREEN
The Greens currently have two councillors in Greenwich and are hoping to make big gains with their promises. You can read their full manifesto here.
Housing
• Hold the council to account on home maintenance
• Encourage affordable, quality home schemes
• Ensure developers pay their fair share and commit to investing
Transport
• Push the council to lobby TfL to extend the Superloop to run between Eltham and Woolwich, and undo the cuts to the 386 and 486 routes
• Push for easier cross-river crossings by bike and press the council to make sure the foot tunnels are maintained
• Support plans to reduce car traffic in residential areas
Business
• Open up empty council-owned spaces for community uses
• Push for a renewed business support policy that promotes employment and entrepreneurship, prioritising businesses which contribute to the community.
• Work with neighbouring boroughs and commercial organisations to find opportunities to boost our local economy and provide quality jobs
Representation
• Promise better local representation as the Green party is not subject to a whipping system like other parties
• Hold regular ward surgeries to engage with residents on issues
CONSERVATIVE
in local infrastructure Environment
• Push for stronger rules to protect existing green spaces and create new ones, especially in areas that lack themPush the council to develop plans so that housing is ready for the impacts of increased flooding, heatwaves, freezing weather and gale-force winds
Maximise solar power to reduce energy costs on council buildings
• Make the council report how it is doing on its own zero carbon plan
Communities
• Bridge the gap between the council and communities by encouraging the creation of residents’ associations
• Preserve and develop community and youth centres and push for more advice hubs to help those in a crisis
• Tackle street cleaning and flytipping aggressively to ensure our neighbourhoods feel looked-after.
Crime
• Lobby for more visible police officers
• Push for better community support services for victims of crime
• Invest in youth services to keep young people out of crime
The Conservative opposition group has made six key commitments in Greenwich ahead of the election on May 7. You can read their full manifesto here.
Policing
• Campaign for more police officers on Greenwich streets
• Resist attempts to close local police bases
Campaign for fairer deployment of mobile CCTV cameras
Housing
• Campaign for tougher planning policies to restrict the rise of HMOs and protect family homes
• Seek an increase in the inspection of existing HMOs to crackdown on rogue landlords
• Keep pressure on the council to improve the turnaround of repairs service
Transport
• Campaign for a local resident exemption to the East and West Greenwich LTNs Campaign against traffic and parking schemes that do not have widespread public support
• Pressure the council to improve its road maintenance
Environment
• Press the council to introduce stronger planning policies to prevent building on local green spaces
Call for a new fund to support projects in Greenwich parks and open spaces
• Littering
• Campaign for the council to introduce tougher penalties on fly tippers and littering
• Lobbying the council to increase street cleaning
Finance
• Continue to campaign against wasteful council spending
• Oppose Labour’s plans to introduce charges for garden waste collection
• Lobby the council to restore its 100 per cent Council Tax Support Scheme
LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
The Lib Dems have outlined their plans ahead of May 7. They currently have no Greenwich councillors. You can read their full manifesto here.
Cost of living
• Keep council tax increases
as low as possible
• Targeting help to those who need it most
• Building genuinely affordable housing to improve life for people living in Greenwich
Business
• Keep business rate increases as low as possible
• Support independent businesses and start-ups
• Promote affordable workspace and hubs for creative and green industries
• Safer and cleaner Greenwich
• Tackling fly tippers and cleaning up litter
• Repair pavements and roads
• Campaign for visible neighbourhood policing Communities
• Support youth clubs and toy libraries and increase out of school hours provision
• Safeguard libraries, leisure centres, parks and play areas
• Ensure housing developers are paying for and building new community spaces and play areas
Housing and transport
• Lobby for increased frequencies on bus routes
• Build homes safe from fire and flooding
• Retrofit substandard housing
• Prioritise family homes
REFORM UK
Reform does not have individual manifestos for all the London boroughs in which it has candidates standing next month. Below are some of their plans if they make gains in Greenwich:
• Abolish Greenwich’s status as a Borough of Sanctuary which is a commitment to welcoming refugees, asylum seekers and migrants
• Fight to stop inappropriate HMOs in Eltham Town and Avery Hill as well as in Mottingham and Coldharbour
• Ensuring value for council money by stopping rip off charges from private council contractors
• Encourage more local infrastructure to be built while not building on the borough’s green spaces Tougher planning policies to ensure new housing is attractive and spacious for families
Following the Upper Kid Brook stream to Blackheath Village
A couple of months ago I said that I would start to write a history of Kidbrook - a very neglected area of Greenwich history and not seen as having an industrial past. I wanted to show that that is not true. I began by saying that I would follow, one by one, the three Kid Brook streams which ran from the Shooters Hill slopes down towards the river Quaggy, the river, Ravensbourne – and on to the Thames and the sea. I started with the Upper Kid Brook which really formed the northern boundary of the Kidbrook area. In two articles I followed it from the Hervey Sports Field going parallel with Shooters Hill Road crossing Kidbrook Park Road and others, gradually moving southwards and west to provide the northern boundary of Morden College’s gardens.
Before I begin I must apologise to the late Neil Rhind, or possibly his executors, because almost everything in this article is taken from his various works on Blackheath. I wish it were not so and I would certainly normally use a variety of source material. But his work is so intense on the Upper Kid Brook area that I have very little room to look elsewhere.
The last article I did on this ended at the actual entrance to Morden College – their lodge at the corner of Morden Road. The line of the stream was followed by the Greenwich Parish boundary in the section which runs along the southern edge of what was the gardens at the rear of the Paragon. It was therefore included in the series of articles I did here about the 1853 civic procession around the Parish boundary.
I felt that I should now continue to follow the Upper Kid Brook on its route to the Ravensbourne, although its flow continues almost entirely in Lewisham Parish.
Following the Upper Kid Brook from the Morden College Lodge can be very difficult. There is no sign of the stream on the
ground, although the direction of slopes and dips in the road can reveal much. Map based evidence is often conflicting or non existent. The North Kent railway’s line which has run from Lewisham station to Charlton since 1849 defines the area we are looking at. Neil Rhind said that the railway company bought the land along the length of the stream as a convenient place to lay the line. If this is so it gives us a way of following the waterway which has been underground for almost 200 years.
It seems most likely that the stream crossed Morden Road slightly to the south of the Morden College lodge and north of the present day Fullthorpe Road. In this area and slightly to the north on the west side of the road, was once Cator Lodge built for the Cator Estate. This and the gate across Morden Road indicate one of the entrances to the Cator Estate which is still privately owned and managed. The lodge was destroyed by bombing in 1940.
From Morden Road the stream apparently continued to the rear of The Paragon on land used as gardens. There was at
least one pond. Its route is followed by the Borough boundary and the account of the civic procession in 1853 describes the house nearest to Morden Road with a ‘garden ... in which there is a water course or brook’. We must assume the procession followed it ‘through some asparagus beds to another stone, and from there over Mr Hobart’s stabling - on each side of which is placed a stone in the wall.’ It went from there to a junction of three parishes.
This area, at the rear of the Paragon is now the site of council housing built in 1954. I am very, very confused by this estate. Half of it is in Greenwich Borough and half in Lewisham, on either side of Pond Road. It was designed by architect Albert Richardson, commissioned by the London County Council. Such estates were passed from the Greater London Council to the Boroughs in 1974 and this makes sense because the estate would have been split and added to the relevant Borough’s housing stock in each case - something similar happened in Deptford with the Pepys Estate. However Neil Rhind, writing about the estate in two separate books, says that it was a Lewisham Housing estate and that Richardson was commissioned by the London County Council on behalf of Lewisham. Now this doesn’t make a lot of sense - because if that is so how is it that half of it now is in Greenwich Borough and managed by their housing department? However, to complicate things further the Running Past blog says that the land was purchased by Greenwich Council from the Cator Estate, with no mention of Mr Richardson. I would welcome some enlightenment on this.
The next feature on the route of the Upper Kid Brook is the pond which once stood in Pond Road. Its site is very easily recognised as a large circular area to the left as you travel south down Pond Road and is now called Pond Close Green. One of the most important features of this area was the huge and very grand Wricklemarsh House which stood slightly to the south near to the
site of St Michael’s church in Blackheath Park. The pond appears to have been an ornamental water for the house. It is said to have survived as an overflow tank for the Kid Brook. It was eventually filled in and there are apparently some willow trees remaining.
From the late 18th century a nursery stood in Blackheath Village on the site which is now Blackheath Grove. It became extremely prosperous in the early 19th century and in 1831 was taken over by John Halley, who built staff housing on the site which is now that of the Post Office. The nursery was watered by a canal - an overflow basin for the Upper Kid Brook. John Halley cleaned it up and turning it into a swimming pool. ’Tastefully laid out with gardens and nursery ground’. He built greenhouses and did many exotic plantings with gardens on either side of the main road and a little wooden bridge. The gardens were open on a regular basis and were a big attraction in Blackheath Village.
Problems began when the railway was built in 1848. It took land from both sides of the road and also the swimming pool had to go. The Upper Kid Brook went into a conduit and the ground between Blackheath Village and Pond Road was cleared for building. The new site was called Blackheath Grove and developed with houses and public buildings at the post office.
The Upper Kid Brooke continued to flow along the path of the railway although
severely constrained by the work of the railway engineers. And also in various houses alongside the railway but largely on the north side with a series of lagoons and pondsmost of all of which have now gone and most of which were used as ornamental water. Neil Rhind commented that the ‘former route of the Brook is almost certainly hidden beneath the 1970s Lewisham council housing of Hurren Close, and then crossing Heath Lane (formerly Lovers Lane) to St Joseph’s Vale.”
There may have been a small tributary joining the Brook. There is a small valley clearly shown on OS maps. ThIs ran from The Orchard up on the Heath, with an obvious dip in Eliot Vale. Its course following Baizdon Road to the stream.
A major site in Belmont Hill is The Cedars where a big house with extensive grounds has been converted to other uses and much new housing. The railway split its grounds. The northern part of grounds had been laid out by architect George Gwilt in the late 18th century. The then owner was Samuel Brandram, a paint and chemicals manufacturer whose business was based in Rotherhithe. The Upper Kid Brook was dammed to form a pair of ornamental lakes, big enough for boating. A bridge connecting it the area to the house in Belmont Grove, was built at the same time as the railway. The estate later became the home of local engineer, John Penn. The lakes were filled in by a future owner, Penfold, who probably rented land here in the Great War and bought it along with the stables in the 1920s. Their carting business led them to fill the lakes with rubbish before selling the site on for housing development in the 1980s - it is now called St Joseph’s Vale.
Another small lake existed in 1893, where the brook had been dammed - the site of new housing. It was at the end of the grounds of a house called Belmont, built for the architect George Ledwell Taylor around 1830. The Upper Kid Brook joins the river Quaggy near St Stephen’s church in Lewisham.
Blackheath post office
Mary Mills
1860s pond in Pond Road
1860s ponds in grounds of The Cedars
Aerial shot site of pond in Pond Road
Charlton mark 2025/26 Upbeats Day
Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) enjoyed a jampacked day on Saturday, April 25th, as the club marked its 2025/26 Upbeats Day.
The day began at Sparrows Lane, where 200 walkers gathered before setting off on the sevenmile Upbeats Walk fundraiser, which finished at The Valley. Charlton legends Peter Garland, Colin Walsh, Paul Mortimer, John Humphrey, Kim Dixson and Simon Webster all took part alongside family members of the Upbeats and Addicks fans.
After completing the walk, participants were led onto the pitch by the Upbeats ahead of kick-off.
The Upbeats then took centre stage once again ahead of Charlton’s clash with Hull City, serving as flag bearers as the teams entered the pitch, while lifelong Addicks fan and Upbeat Tom Hawkins had the honour of leading the sides out.
At half-time, the Upbeats returned to the pitch for a lap of honour and received a warm reception from both Charlton and Hull supporters,
before heading back to the stands to watch Nathan Jones’ side secure a crucial victory.
You can still donate to the Upbeats Walk by scanning the QR code.
Self-storage, right round the corner
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Royal Borough of Greenwich
Town & Country
Regulations 2007 (AS AMENDED)
Notice is hereby given that application(s) have been made to The Royal Borough of Greenwich in respect of the under mentioned premises/sites. You can see the submissions and any plans at http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/planning.
If development proposals affect Conservation Areas and/or Statutorily Listed Buildings under the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Area) Act 1990 (As Amended) this will be shown within the item below.
Anyone who wishes to comment on these applications should be made in writing to Development Planning within 21 days of the date of this notice.
Please quote the appropriate reference number.
Date: 06/05/2026
Victoria Geoghegan
Assistant Director - Planning and Building Control
List of Press Advertisements - 06/05/2026
Publicity for Planning Applications
Applicant: Cat Emporium LTD
26/0330/F
Site Address: 29 & 30 KING WILLIAM WALK, LONDON, SE10 9HX
Development: Change of use of the existing premises from retail Class E) into a Cat Cafe (Class Sui Generis) and associated works.
Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Cummins 26/0755/F
Site Address: 36 CROOMS HILL, LONDON, SE10 8ER
Development: Conversion of existing garage into a self-contained residential unit, replacement of rooflights and front door, addition of windows, Juliet balcony and rear elevation door, partial blocking up of existing garage door, various repair and refurbishment works, and construction of boundary wall, and all associated works.
Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH
Applicant: 63 Shooters Hill Road Management Co Ltd 26/0849/F
Site Address: 63 SHOOTERS HILL ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7HS
Development: Replacement of existing pitched roof coverings to main (central) roof.
Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH
Applicant: Mr Mark Winegarten 26/0884/F
Site Address: 697 SIDCUP ROAD, LONDON, SE9 3AQ
Development: Change of use from a single dwelling house (Class C3) to a 9-person HMO (Sui-Generis) including the demolition of the existing rear extension and construction of a new single-storey rear extension, conversion of the garage into habitable room, hip to-gable roof conversion and rear dormer extension with front roof lights and provision of refuse and cycle storage.
Conservation Area: IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
Applicant: Industrial Property Investment Fund 26/1040/F
Site Address: LAND AT 71-73 NATHAN WAY, THAMESMEAD, LONDON, SE28 0BQ
Development: Erection of industrial warehouse buildings for flexible uses within Use Classes E(g)(iii), B2 and B8 with ancillary offices, access and servicing arrangements, vehicle and cycle parking, landscaping, external amenity area, roof mounted photovoltaic array, measure of enclosure including secure fencing and gates, substation, bin stores and associated works.
Conservation Area: IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
Applicant: The Go-Ahead Group 26/1046/F
Site Address: 18-20 PURLAND ROAD, THAMESMEAD, SE28 0AT
Development: Change of use of the existing site from Use Class B8 (Storage and Distribution) to a new bus garage and associated ancillary uses (Use Class Sui Generis) including the provision of hardstanding for the parking of 132 buses. Erection of a single storey building incorporating an ancillary vehicle workshop with additional mezzanine floor. Construction of altered access from Purland Road on the northern boundary and construction of associated layby. Provision of electrical vehicle charging infrastructure, electricity sub-station; fuel storages, bus wash equipment. Associated provision of bin storage, bike storage, lighting, paths, fencing, gates, landscaping and all associated external alterations.
Conservation Area: IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
Applicant: Mr Mark Winters 26/1114/HD
Site Address: 51 MANOR WAY, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 9XG
Development: Construction of a first-floor side extension, loft conversion featuring two rear dormer windows, four rooflights and a side roof window, changes to fenestration, construction of a rear outbuilding, removal of an existing chimney, construction of a new boundary wall with access gate to the side and gates to the front of the property, with other associated works. [Amended Description, Re-consultation]
Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH PARK
Applicant: Wiebauer 26/1259/HD
Site Address: 77 MYCENAE ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7SE
Development: Demolition of existing rear conservatory and construction of a single storey rear extension with associated lower ground floor extension and patio, installation of three conservation-style rooflights, installation of air source heat pump to the rear, replacement of existing front door, construction of a new front boundary wall incorporating parcel storage and widened driveway access, and insertion of new door and window openings to the rear of the existing garage in connection with its conversion to a utility room.
Conservation Area: WESTCOMBE PARK
Applicant: Carly Carter 26/1304/HD
Site Address: HOLLY CORNER, 39A FOXES DALE, LONDON, SE3 9BH
Development: Installation of an Air Source Heat Pump to the side of the dwelling.
Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH PARK
Publicity for Listed Building Consent.
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Cummins 26/0756/L
Site Address: 36 CROOMS HILL, LONDON, SE10 8ER
Development: Conversion of existing garage into a self-contained residential unit, internal reconfiguration, replacement of rooflights and front door, addition of windows, Juliet balcony and rear elevation door, partial blocking up of existing garage door, various repair and refurbishment works, and construction of boundary wall, and all associated works.
Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH
Listed Building: Grade 2
Applicant: Jonathan Wheeler 26/1058/L
Site Address: TRAFALGAR COTTAGE, GEORGETTE PLACE, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8QA
Development: Internal alterations to the north-east wing only. Removal of the following: internal partitions, ceiling joists, sanitary fixtures. installation of the following: new rafter ties, new ceiling linings, new sanitary fixtures, new joinery, new floor finishes, new wall finishes. and all associated works.
Development: Internal alterations and refurbishment.
Conservation Area: ASHBURNHAM TRIANGLE
Listed Building: Grade 2
Applicant: Executors of Kate Owen's estate 26/1167/L
Site Address: 142 OLD WOOLWICH ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9PR
Development: Application seeking retrospective approval for heritage sensitive and 'like for like' repairs of the timber structure, replacement of roof covering in natural slates, installation of timber facia, soffits and lead flashing to all roof. Building control approval reference: 13/04761/BN.
Conservation Area: EAST GREENWICH
Listed Building: Grade 2
Publicity For Advertisements.
Applicant: FRANCO MANCA 26/0904/A
Site Address: 29-31 GREENWICH CHURCH STREET, LONDON, SE10 9BJ
Development: Painting the shopfront and hand painted new signage including 2 x externally illuminated main fascia signs, 4 x non illuminated text and 1x non illuminated projection sign.
Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH
ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1)
THOMAS STREET & WOOLWICH NEW ROAD PLANNED DIRECTIONAL ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)
1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Thames Water who need to install a new customer connection, and UKPN who are installing a new power connection.
2. The Order will come into operation on 23/05/26 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 7 days. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.
3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, exiting, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), into Thomas Street northbound at the junction with Woolwich New Road, and Woolwich New Road beside Tescos and London Square development.
4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will be diverted via the placing of the appropriate signage. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible.
5. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to vehicles being used in connection with the works.
6. The restrictions described above will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by traffic signs as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.
7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.
Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.
The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Dated: 21/04/26
INTERNAL REF: PL /LA 495662 / Lic. No: 75561
ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - Section 14(1) CREEK ROAD
PLANNED CYCLE LANE CLOSURE (ORDER)
1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Telent Infrastructure Services who need to install 28 meters of polyduct.
2. The Order will come into operation on 26/05/2026 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to be completed by 28/05/2026. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.
3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles and cyclists from entering, exiting, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), in Creek Road, Deptford, Greenwich - Outside 191 to rear of 9-11 OF CLARENCE ROAD ON CREEK ROAD SE8 3BU.
4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will be diverted via the placing of the appropriate signage. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are diverted via signage, and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible.
5. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to vehicles being used in connection with the works.
6. The restrictions described above will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by traffic signs as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.
7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich Directorate of Communities and Environment and Central via email to street.works@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
INTERNAL REF - EM/BC410LO00000500354928902-01/LIC No 75894 / LA 500247 / FN 896
ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(1) VICARAGE ROAD PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)
1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich makes this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Rosses Civils Ltd who are installing a new sewer connection.
2. The Order will come into operation on 11/05/26 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 11 days. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.
3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), Vicarage Road outside 1.
4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will be diverted via the placing of the appropriate signage. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible.
5. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to vehicles being used in connection with the works.
6. The restrictions described above will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by traffic signs as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.
7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Regeneration, Enterprise & Skills on 020 8921 6340.
Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Dated: 24/04/26
INTERNAL REF: PL / Lic. No:76371
Your vote matters: everything you need to know for the local elections
This Thursday, 7 May
Tomorrow, Thursday 7 May, residents across the Royal Borough of Greenwich will head to the polls.
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. Whether you are voting before work, during the day, or in the evening, plan ahead to help make the process easy, quick and straightforward.
You must vote at your assigned polling station. This is shown on your poll card or you can find your polling station at: wheredoivote.co.uk. Don’t worry if you can’t find your polling card, you don’t need to bring it with you to vote.
Don’t forget your photo ID
To vote in person, you must bring an accepted form of photo ID. You will not be able to vote without one.
Accepted forms include:
• A passport
• A UK driving licence (full or provisional)
• A Blue Badge
• A Freedom Pass or Oyster 60+ card
• A Voter Authority Certificate (VAC)
You can use an expired photo ID if the picture still looks like you.
Postal and proxy votes
If you have a postal vote, it must be completed and received before 10pm on Thursday 7 May.
If it is too late to post it, you can hand it in at a polling station in the borough. You may be asked to complete a short form when handing it in.
If you have a proxy vote, your chosen person will vote on your behalf. They must attend your polling station and bring their own valid photo ID.
Last but not least:
Voting is private and confidential, and polling staff are there to guide and support you throughout the process.
You can ask for help at any time or bring someone with you if you need assistance. Mobile phones are allowed, but photos must not be taken inside the voting booth.
Polling stations are set up to be accessible, with support including trained staff, large print ballot papers and tactile voting devices available. Polling stations have wheelchair access.
Please follow instructions from staff and treat them with respect to help ensure the process runs safely and smoothly for everyone.
Find all this and more: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/elections
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