Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender - October 29th 2025 by CommunityMattersMedia

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Selected 2025 University Destinations

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University of Warwick Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics, Economics (MORSE)

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The

Greenwich & 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.

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Issue: GLW437

Pick of the Week

by Evie Flynn

The Smeds and The Smoos children’s show at Blackheath Halls:

An exciting adaptation of the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is coming to Blackheath Halls.

The play was nominated for an Olivier Award 2024 in the Best Family Show category. On a far-off planet, Smeds and Smoos can’t be friends. So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off into space together, how will their families get them back? It is brought to Woolwich Works by the company

who brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live on stage.

Suitable for aged 3 and up.

Date: Saturday 8 November

Time: 1:30pm

Location: 23 Lee Rd, Blackheath, London SE3 9RQ

Price: £17 per ticket, £15 for under 16s

New comedy night in Crystal Palace:

A new comedy night is bringing live stand-up comedy to Antenna Studios in Crystal Palace. Featuring local talent, big laughs and South London charm. Hosted by Eli James, an honorary South Londoner, the night features a stellar lineup including Phil Green, an award-winning comic and BBC Radio 4 regular whose hit Edinburgh Fringe shows earned four-star reviews from The Scotsman and The List.

Headlining is Alan Francis, winner of Channel 4’s So You Think You’re Funny and star of Psychoville, Alan Partridge and Big Impression. Known for his sharp, dark humour, Francis has also appeared with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre of Scotland. The show is being promoted by local theatre producer Alex Deacon, who hopes this will be the first of many comedy nights at Antenna Studios.

Date: Friday 7 November

Time: Doors open 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm

Location: Antenna Studios, 19 Haynes Lane, Crystal Palace, SE19 3AN

Price: £10.50, book here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ comedyattheantennastudios/1903616

A celebration of yarn and friendship for knitters at Woolwich Works:

Make joy is a day celebration of yarn and friendship, made for knitters, crocheters and makers. There will be a curated marketplace of local makers from London and further afield. Think hand-dyed and rare breed yarns. The day will feature free talks from designers and makers within the craft industry and make new friends in the Maker’s Lounge. As a new feature this year, there will be workshops, such as knitwear photography, crochet baubles, fixing mistakes and assigned pooling.

Date: Saturday 8 November, Time: 10am

Location: Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory 11, No 1 Street, London, SE18 6HD

Price: Adults £8.80, Under 18s free Book here: https://www.woolwich.works/events/make-joy-2025

An evening of country music with Glen Campbell’s daughter, Ashley Campbell:

Blackheath Halls will be a stop on country singer Ashley Campbell’s ‘The Goodnight Nashville Tour’. Daughter of country star Glen Campbell, Ashley has two solo albums under her belt with her forthcoming third album Goodnight Nashville set for release in June 2025. Ashley has carved her own path in country/Americana music after touring worldwide playing banjo and keyboard in her father’s band. Her original music has taken her all over the world, from China to Japan, to the main-stage at London’s The O2 arena to opening for Kris Kristofferson, the Bellamy Brothers, as well as playing at Carnegie Hall with songwriting legend Jimmy Webb.

Date: Saturday 8 November

Time: 19:30

Location: Blackheath Halls (The Hearn Recital Room), 23 Lee Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 9RQ

Price: £25 per ticket, book here: https://www.blackheathhalls. com/whats-on/ashley-campbell/

Lunchtime recitals at the Queen’s House:

Take an hour out of your day to relax in the beautiful surroundings of the Queen’s House and listen to the musicians from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. The FREE performances will be in the Great Hall, which will be at

gallery before or after the recital, you can book a free ticket online in advance.

Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF

205-home plans on New Eltham sports fields

Plans to build 205 homes on the site of a sports club in New Eltham have been submitted to Greenwich Council., writes Cameron Blackshaw, Local Democracy Reporter

Housing developer Sigma Strategic Land wants to build on green land currently occupied by STC Sports Club. The proposal would transform the 9.4 acre site—which is surrounded by homes and contains three football pitches—into a new residential neighbourhood with properties ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses.

Over half the units will be affordable, 70 being offered as affordable rent and 33 via shared ownership.

To offset the loss of STC Sports Club caused by the development, Sigma has committed to a £4million Section

106 package. This money will be used to improve and deliver new facilities across Greenwich, particularly in areas where a shortfall has been identified. According to Sigma there is a surplus of such facilities in New Eltham.

Kings Bowls Club which is also within the development site will be retained, and a new clubhouse will be built to replace the “tired shed like structure” the bowls club currently operates from. An additional vehicular entrance to the site is also being proposed via the empty plot of land between 83 and 85 Green Lane.

Sigma’s Group Land Director, Christopher East, said: “This application demonstrates how collaboration can achieve the very best outcomes in development, where good mixedtenure housing, well-designed public facilities, and meaningful community investment come together.”

Following 18 months of “extensive community and stakeholder engagement”, Sigma made several changes to its initial proposals, including making the development less car dominated and increasing the amount of family housing and proposed green space.

Feedback from New Eltham residents also led to design changes. For example, the number of dwellings on the western edge of the site was reduced to provide greater space between the new houses and the rears of existing ones on Green Lane.

Mr East added: “We are very pleased with everything achieved so far and look forward to continuing our engagement with the London Borough of Greenwich, local stakeholders and residents as the planning application progresses. This project represents

more than just homes, it’s a long-term investment in place, people and the fabric of the local community.”

Residents can view the entry on Greenwich Council’s planning portal and submit their comments.

Consultation

launched on new express bus from Eltham to Clapham via West Dulwich

TfL is inviting residents to share their views on a proposed new Superloop bus service between Eltham stations to Clapham Junction, serving a limited number of stops in Streatham,

TfL’s Director of Public Transport Service Planning, said:

“The proposed SL15 route presents a valuable opportunity to offer quicker, more direct journeys, enhancing connectivity between communities and

key destinations across south London We encourage all stakeholders and members of the public to take part in the consultation and share their feedback.”

The consultation for SL15 can be found here: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov. uk/sl15-superloop

© Diana Jarvis via London Gardens Trust

Our biggest upgrade in 150 years

We’re replacing hundreds of miles of old pipes with brand new ones that will reduce leakage and last for generations to come

Met police raid Woolwich phone shop in ‘largest ever crackdown on organised shoplifting’

The Metropolitan Police raided 120 stores across the capital last week, including one in Woolwich, in their crackdown on shoplifting gangs reselling stolen items, writes Megan Norcott

Thousands of stolen electronics, branded food and other items have been recovered under Operation Zoridon, with 32 people arrested for the handling of stolen goods, drug offences or immigration violations.

Officers made seven arrests at a mobile phone store in Woolwich suspected of handling stolen goods.

Around 2,000 phones, the majority of which were believed to be stolen,

were seized for further investigation.

Officers discovered a secret room hidden behind a wall panel in the basement that contained a large number of mobile phones and electronic devices.

Another secret compartment was discovered containing an estimated £50,000 worth of gaming consoles.

Apple confirmed a number of phones, accessories and packaging that were counterfeit.

The raids conducted on 14 and 16 October came as shoplifting offences in London rose to nearly 90,000 last year, marking a 54 per cent increase from the 57,301 recorded in 2023.

Home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, responded to the raids

by pledging to deploy 3,000 more neighbourhood officers.

Speaking about long-term plans to combat shoplifting, policing and crime minister, Sarah Jones, said: “For too long shop workers have been devastated by theft and abuse, with prolific offenders stealing at will believing they are above the law.

“This stops now. The government is putting more officers on the streets and arming them with new powers, including a new offence for assaulting a retail worker and scrapping the £200 limit on shop thefts being investigated.”

One Bromley store targeted by officers was found to be selling more than 150 stolen items, including LEGO sets, earphones and speakers.

Luxury watches and £70,000 in cash were also discovered at an address related to the shop.

Almost all items seized in the raids are suspected to have been taken

illegally from high street retailers with thieves ‘stealing to order’.

Shop owners buying the goods often know that they have been stolen, selling them for a discounted price and pocketing the profit.

Operation Zoridon’s lead officer, Superintendent Luke Baldock, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime and the gangs involved are organised and have links to drugs and violence.

“Rogue shopkeepers who trade in stolen goods are funding criminal activity and driving up costs for everyone. They’re keeping thieves in business at the expense of hardworking, law-abiding retailers.”

Another shop in Willesden was found with around £1,500 worth of items believed to have been stolen.

These included Starbucks travel mugs, umbrellas from Waterstones and branded children’s toys.

Investigators were able to identify

businesses and organised crime groups involved in shoplifting operations by using a unique synthetic liquid called SelectaDNA painted on commonly stolen goods.

Marking the origin of the goods, the liquid helped trace stolen items taken from major retailers, and police hope it will strengthen evidence for prosecutions.

Most people arrested as part of the operation have already been bailed out, with Supt. Baldock adding: “We will now need the support of the courts to secure longer closure orders and shut down these illicit shops for good.”

James Lowman, the chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores said he welcomed the Met’s action and would like to see other forces around the country strengthen their approach to stopping shoplifting.

More than 300 officers took part in Operation Zoridon and nine stores were issued with closure orders following the raids.

Lewisham residents will be able to get rid of old mattresses for as little as £5

Lewisham residents will now be able to get rid of old mattresses for as little as £5 after the local council announced it would be reducing the cost of its bulky waste collections service in a bid to reduce fly-tipping, writes Ruby Gregory, Local Democracy Reporter

Lewisham Council has reduced its previous flat rate of £42 for up to four items to just £5 per item, which it hopes will make the service more affordable and fairer for residents. The cost of a fridge/freezer collection has also been reduced from £60 to £25.

A report outlining the new changes to the service was formally agreed by Lewisham cabinet members on Wednesday evening (October 22). The council is also considering changing the opening hours of the Landmann Way Reuse and Recycling Centre to make it

easier and more accessible on weekends for residents to drop off their waste.

The centre is currently open Sunday to Friday from 8am to 3.30pm and from 8am to 11.30am on Saturdays. Under the proposals, the centre would open Wednesday through to Sunday from 8am to 3.30pm.

Louise Krupski, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Climate Action, said: “We have listened to residents and

because it’s just a perpetual cycle.”

have analysed the cost to our service of the horrendous fly-tipping occurring in our borough. Every day we are seeing waste being mindlessly disposed of on our pavements and green spaces –spoiling our borough for everybody.

“I personally am experiencing what it’s like to live near a fly-tipping hotspot. I can see it outside of my kitchen window every single day, it gets cleared up diligently by our waste services but it just gets filled up again and it really does cause you to feel quite demoralised

Cllr Krupski added: “The costs of this are huge and we should be spending this money on vital services or things that could bring us joy like new play equipment in parks or more cycle hangars.”

In April, the council increased the maximum fines for fly-tipping and littering to £1,000 and £200 respectively in an attempt to reduce the problem.

However in the last 12 months, the council received 38,137 reports of flytipping incidents through its reporting

app, Love Clean Streets, as well as through emails, letters and posts on social media. A cabinet report noted that this figure may not add up to actual flytipping incidents, as residents may have reported the same issue multiple times.

The council is also looking at piloting a “bulky waste amnesty”, which will allow residents living in Bellingham and Downham, two of the borough’s fly-tipping hotspots, to get their waste collected for free.

The council hopes the pilot will help encourage residents to use the online booking system, which can be accessed using the council’s website.

During the pilot period, the council will be closely monitoring the overall effectiveness of the service and its benefits, and will use its findings for any potential future borough-wide rollouts.

Cllr Krupski added: “We see this as an opportunity to get across our message that if you book a pick-up, it won’t cost you much and it’s convenient, but if you do fly-tip you will be fined accordingly.”

Two suspects in Operation Zoridon’s two-day raid on 16 October 2025. Credit: Metropolitan Police

Louise Krupski, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Climate Action, said fly-tipping is “spoiling our borough for everybody”

How to celebrate Bonfire Night safely

With Bonfire Night coming up next week (Wednesday 5 November), follow our tips and advice on how to celebrate safely.

The safest and most responsible way to enjoy fireworks is by going to an organised and professional display. If you can’t go to a professional display, please remember:

• It’s illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am (this is extended to midnight on 5 November).

• You must be over 18 to buy fireworks and only buy those with a mark from licensed retailers.

• Light fireworks at arm’s length, stand well back and never throw or relight them. Once used, soak in water and dispose of them the next day.

• Keep naked flames and cigarettes away and never use fireworks near animals – keep pets calm indoors.

• Always supervise children with sparklers, keep them at arm’s length and have a bucket of water or sand to cool them in.

• Let neighbours know if you’re planning fireworks or a bonfire.

• If you suspect the illegal sale of fireworks, you can report this to tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk .

Bonfires

• Bonfires are not permitted in Royal Greenwich parks, open spaces or housing estates.

• Build well away from buildings, fences, and hedges and check for wildlife first.

• Only burn dry grass, weeds, paper or wood – never use petrol or paraffin.

• Ensure the fire is fully out and surroundings safe before leaving.

Keeping our streets clear of leaves

Our dedicated teams will be clearing fallen leaves from pavements and major roads across the borough until 21 December. We’ll prioritise roads with heavy leaf fall and aim to sweep other residential roads as scheduled.

View the full schedule: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/leafing

Make the most of half-term

Half term isn’t over yet; there are plenty of free and low-cost activities for the whole family.

Take part in activities across the borough, including our leisure centres – plus free packed lunches from your local library, no forms no fuss.

Take a look at what’s on offer: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/holidaymeals

How should we get physically active in Greenwich

We want your thoughts on how we support and encourage people across Greenwich to move more, whatever their age, background, or ability. By taking part you will help shape our ‘Greenwich Get Active’ strategy.

Have your say before 11:59pm on Tuesday 18 November: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/get-active-survey

Blackheath fishmongers among six finalists for national Fishmonger of the Year awards

A family-run fishmongers in Blackheath Village, Rockpool, have been shortlisted for the prestigious Fishmonger of the Year 2025 award, despite only opening in March 2023, writes Evie Flynn

A hugely successful two years in business has seen them recognised in the upcoming awards, nominated by the National Federation of Fishmongers (NFF).

Last week, joint owners Paul Earles and Kevin Hughes were delighted to hear that Rockpool was shortlisted, among just six others in the country.

The shop sits in the heart of Blackheath Village, just below Greenwich Park. The team of four full-time staff includes Kevin, Paul, Paul’s son Sam, and Adina.

Kevin said: ”Blackheath Village is a unique little gem in London, full of fantastic independent businesses,

‘Life imitates art’

By Michael Holland

You know the saying ‘life imitates art’, well a play coming to Greenwich next month is a case in point, Private View is a play about a priceless painting going missing – just as the world is still in shock over the €88m heist at Louvre Museum in Paris over a week ago.

Private View, written and directed by Marc Blake opens at Greenwich Theatre on Monday November 10th.

An established author and writer of ITV drama The Swap this is his first full length play, in which a billionaire art collector is loaned a priceless painting by a major museum only for it go missing. The lives and reputations of all those around him start to fall apart

purveyors of quality foods and an awesome farmers’ market.”

He says that Rockpool charges premium prices, but customers know they are receiving a premium service. Kevin says they would love to open another venue in the future, but for now they are focusing on the loyal pool of customers they continue to serve in Blackheath.

Kevin, who has been in the fish business for nearly 20 years, said: “I’m over the moon that the hard work of our team has been recognised by our peers and we are honoured to be included in a list of such good businesses.”

The small shop welcomes a loyal band of regular customers. He said: “I imagine that our customers will also feel as happy as we are, as they are as much of a part of this business as we are.”

The finalists for the award will face a panel of expert fishmongers from the NFF, an organisation formed to support and recognise the historic industry.

Other finalists include fishmongers in Bournemouth, Falmouth, and the Shetland Islands.

Last year’s winner, Bells Fishmongers, are located in Carlisle in Cumbria.

The finalists will find out who has been crowned the top fishmongers next week.

12 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath, London SE3 0TA

as the art collector - his second wife, his art dealer, an artist in residence and the curator of a national museum try to find out who he culprit is? Greenwich Theatre Studio, Crooms Hill, London SE10 – Greenwich Monday, November 10th – Saturday, November 15th 2025

– show starts at 7.30pm Matinees on Wednesday, November 12th and Saturday, November 15th at 2.30pm Tickets £20 (concessions £16.50) Box Office 020 8858 7755 Booking and full details: https://greenwichtheatre.org. uk/events/privateview

By Evie Flynn

Back for the first time in six years, the Blackheath firework display on Saturday November 1st is a funfilled evening for the whole family.

There will be award-winning entertainment, fairground rides and food and drink as around 30,000 people are expected to flock to the common.

Date: Saturday 1 November Time: Gates open and entertainment from 17:00. The fireworks start at 20:00 and the event closes at 10:30. Price: £16 adults, £11 youths (11-15), £5.50 children (0-10).

Family tickets are available for £13.20 for two adults and two children,

Location: Blackheath, London SE3 0TY

 Paul Earles fishmonger

 Adina, Rockpool fishmongers

 Left to right: Sam Earles, Paul Earles and Kevin Hughes

The forgotten ‘halt’ on the North Kent line

One of the things I’ve been writing about regularly are Iocal railway stations. I’ve been working my way down the line from Greenwich going via Charlton and Woolwich. This was South Eastern’s North Kent line, which had gradually been built in stages from London Bridge to Rochester. So every so often, every few weeks, I take the next one in order - the last one, which I did a couple of weeks ago, was Plumstead - and so that means I need to do the next station - and surely that is Abbey Wood which is the next station now... but, oh no!

There was a very, very short lived ‘halt’ in between Plumstead and Abbey Wood. So obscure was it and so short lived that it’s not even mentioned on the vast Kent Rail website, which seems to list every bit of railway infrastructure in Kent that you could possibly imagine - but there’s no mention of this one!

The Station - or Halt - concerned was called ‘Church Manorway’ and it was on the point at which the railway was crossed by the road of this name. But, beware - there is another Church Manorway a couple of miles further down the road at Erith. This one goes from Plumstead High Street down past the site of the ancient church of St Nicholas and then on into the marshes. In 1849 when the railway was built it crossed Church Manorway. These ‘manorways’ were footpaths whereby local people could go down into the marshes for whatever reason. Then in the early 1860s the Southern outfall sewer was built further down in the marsh than the railway and sort of parallel with it. On most maps Church Manorway apparently ended at the sewer. All of this is now covered by the town of Thamesmead.

Before and after the Great War and continuing there were numerous sports grounds in this area and near Church Manorway. Weekly there were football and cricket matches, and some other sports and the newspapers were full of them. Teams were coming from all over the place to play matches there. One of the interesting things is to see how many teams were local and how many were not and some of the bodies which were sending teams along. Just a few picked at random were -- ‘Rocket Factory; ‘Wesley Friendly’...Maybloom’... ’Plumstead Conservatives’. As I have said before in previous articles this whole world of works sports clubs in the early 20th century is a culture which we have only recently lost.

So the station on Church Manorway... This was very short lived and only existed during the Great War. It was built where the Manorway crossed the railway and a level crossing was installed. There is still today a footbridge at that site which is relatively new and it’s completely enclosed, so that there is no way you can get out onto the line. They should have been looking at something like this 130 years ago because in newspaper reports of the late 19th century there are many suicides. It was a quite an isolated area, although new building in the area was beginning to go ahead.

The level crossing was looked after by a crossing keeper and a house was provided on the south side of the crossing for him

Mary Mills

and his family. His job was to open the gate if a vehicle wanted to go through and there was a wicket gate always open for pedestrians, but vehicles needed the keeper to open the gate. One evening in 1888 Mrs Charlotte Talbot, the Crossing Keeper’s wife, was looking out of her bedroom window when she saw a man walking on the line. She told her daughter Lottie to run downstairs and tell her father that there was a trespasser on the line and to do something. Before he could react the man had laid down on the line and a train

built by the level crossing. Although I know it was there I have found no reference at all in the contemporary press to its existence and I assume that the Ministry of Munitions was working with the railway company to provide it and not involving the local authority and so nothing was reported. This lack of reporting makes it very difficult to find anything about it at all. I would congratulate Steve Peterson and the team behind the Royal Arsenal website and their Facebook page, who have managed

had run straight over him - clearly the driver had not seen him there. Bits of him were scattered all up and down the line in a vivid description given to the inquest. Finding bodies on the line was sadly not unusual.

As the Great War continued so the number of people working at the Arsenal increased and the already enormous factory began to spread further towards the areas around Church Manorway. There were various entrances provided for some of the new working areas set up for ammunition manufacturing in the Great War and at least one was near where the level crossing went over the railway. There was clearly a need for public transport for workers to some of these outlying areas.

This article was intended to look at the railway and the small station which was

to get together a set of pictures and some information about the line. Please look at it and give them some support. https://www.royal-arsenal-history.com/

The station or ‘halt’; is said to have opened in 1917. A picture on the Royal Arsenal History Facebook page shows a rather half hearted hut on a tiny platform area, although there is also a suggestion that there was a ticket office on either side of the line. Most interestingly they reproduce special forms and documents which will allow Arsenal workers in to get special cheap tickets to use this station.

In 1917 The Ministry of Munitions were however putting pressure on what was by then Woolwich Council to provide trams and buses to the site and had made arrangements with the London General

Omnibus Company to extend a number of ‘bus or omnibus services Nos. 75 and 91 now terminating at Woolwich’ to the level crossing at Church Manorway, Plumstead. They said that the omnibus company had undertaken to provide, on private property, an omnibus stand and turning point at the level crossing. The Council said they had written to the Ministry of Munitions to point out that the roads on which these new services would be expected to run did not have suitable surfaces for such large public vehicles. They sent the Ministry the Borough Engineer’s estimate for the costs of upgrading these roads and resurfacing them. Borough Council had received an order from the Road Board to reconstruct Church Manorway as a granite macadam road.

Meanwhile it transpired that the railway company had built a footbridge over the crossing and the wicket gate level crossing was closed to pedestrian traffic. However questions were being asked by councillors as to the inadequacy of the footbridge. They said that ‘at certain times of the day large numbers of Arsenal employees use this footbridge, which is only 4ft. wide, whereas the approach thereto on the north side of track is 2t wide, and on the south side 2ft; the bridge therefore forms a “ bottle-neck”, which is considered dangerous.’ I have never seen a picture of this footbridge built by the railway company and I would very much like to see what it was like. The only hint there is on maps is of something going straight over, not a zigzag formation as the bridge which is there now is. Was there only just ever the one Bridge built in 1917? Or was it later replaced before the current arrangements were put in? From evidence and people putting memories on Facebook some of them say it was a concrete bridge, but others are saying that it was wood. Do any pictures of it exist? What was it like?

To get back to the rather cross local Council. In 1917 it was said that the Town Clerk had spoken to the Superintendent of the Welfare Supervision Department of the Royal Arsenal and suggested that a much wider bridge should be provided, notwithstanding a substantially increased cost. They also felt that the level crossing gate should be open to Arsenal employees until a better bridge could be built. This seems to have been

agreed subject to proper police control.

There seems to be nothing said in the Council’s published minutes about the actual Station or halt.

After the war was over the railway Company announced their intention of closing Church Manorway Halt Station as from 1st January 1920. Local Member of Parliament, Will Crooks, asked the Minister if he was aware that very many East Plumstead residents used the station to reach their work at Erith and in the Royal Arsenal,’ as is proved by the fact that two, and very often three, ticket collectors are required to collect downline tickets in the morning... and whether he will approach the company on this matter in order to secure a reconsideration of the matter?’

But he was told by the minister ‘the halt was provided as a war measure only, in view of the large numbers employed at the Royal Arsenal. The halt is within easy reach of Plumstead station, and he regrets that he cannot recommend its continuance, as it would involve serious financial loss.’

In 1921 after the Station had closed the South East and Chatham Railway locked the large gates, and removed the wicket gates which had existed’ from time immemorial at that spot’. A census was taken by the Borough Council, and it revealed the large numbers of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles using it during that period. Representations were made to the company for a restoration of pre-war conditions, but the railway company said it purely an ‘occupational road’, and not a highway. The Borough Council expressed concern for allotment holders who experienced great difficulty in getting manure and other produce across the line – and of course not to mention all the sportsmen!

The future story of this crossing is clearly long and complex. This saga of the station happened over 100 years ago and if you go to the site now there is still no access across the railway for vehicles and there is just a very strange looking footbridge. I suspect that over these 100 years there have been attempts by the local authority and local people to get vehicle access across the the line restored with a proper road bridge. It hasn’t happened!

Current bridge for pedestrians over the railway at Church Manorway

www.discovery.greenwich.sch.uk information@discovery.greenwich.sch.uk

Site Manager

We are looking for a self-motivated and skilled individual who shows initiative to be our new Site Manager.

• School: Discovery Primary School

• Start Date: 1st January 2026

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• Applications Close: 3rd November 2025

If you can show a ‘Sense of pride’ in ensuring that Discovery Primary School premises are maintained to the highest standards and that the children and staﬀ are working in a clean safe environment, you could be the person we are looking for.

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience of buildings management, health and safety regulations and be able to show commitment to providing high standards of security and cleanliness.

• Handyman skills to carry out minor repairs and decorating tasks.

• Computer literacy skills in order to maintain records, order supplies and maintain communication with colleagues.

• The ability to build positive relationships with the whole school community.

• A ﬂexible approach and a positive commitment towards the ethos, goals and values of our school.

You may be someone currently in a similar Site Manager role, but we are happy to consider applicants from both within and outside the Education sector.

You will need to be:

• Reliable and well organised,

• Flexible and able to juggle priorities

• Self-Motivated with a ‘can do’ attitude.

For an application pack please email: thennessy@discovery.greenwich.sch.uk

Or alternatively visit our website to download an application pack: www.discovery.greenwich.sch.uk

Closing date: Monday 3rd November 2025

Interviews will be held: w/c 3rd November 2025

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) LASSELL STREET PLANNED DIRECTIONAL 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 Thames Water who need to install a main connection.

2. The Order will come into operation on 3rd November 2025 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 5 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), in Lassell Street at the junction of Trafalgar Road and Lassell Street will be converted into a one-way street operating from the junction of Orlop Street to Trafalgar Road.

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 Communities, Environment and Central on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 01/10/2025

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) MILLENNIUM WAY PLANNED LANE CLOSURE (ORDER)

2. The Order will come into operation from 3rd November 2025 to 24th November 2025 and from 1st June 2026 to 30th September 2026 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 1 year. 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 making the following movements at the junction of Millennium Way and Edmund Halley Way,

a. No left turns - from Edmund Halley Way into Millenium Way, from 3rd November 2025 to 24th November 2025.

b. No left and right turns - from Edmund Halley Way into Millenium Way from 1st June 2026 to 30th September 2026.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Communities, Environment and Central on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.

The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 12/08/2025

INTERNAL REF - EM/ LA488580 FN808 /LIC No 74448 ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) BRAMBLEBURY ROAD INTENT OF PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)

1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich INTENDS this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by BT /Openreach who need to carry out ROAD CLOSURE FOR SAFE ACCESS TO POLE REPLACEMENT

2. The Order will come into operation on 10/11/2025 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 1 DAY. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.

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: 14/08/25

INTERNAL REF - LA/491153 / FN 817 /LIC No 74461

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) MARLBOROUGH LANE, INDUS ROAD AND GRENADA ROAD PLANNED ROAD CLOSURES (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 Southern Gas Networks who need to carry out gas main upgrades.

2. The Order will come into operation on 10th November 2025 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 16 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), in Marlborough Lane and Grenada Road at their junctions with Shooters Hill Road, and from entering, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), in Indus road at its junction with Shooters Hill Road. Indus road will be closed at its junction with Shooters Hill Road following the completion of the works on Marlborough Lane and Grenada Road.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Communities, Environment and Central on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated :22/08/2025

INTERNAL REF - EM/ LA490012, 490024 & 490024 FN 810 /LIC No 74517

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) MAURITIUS ROAD PLANNED 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 Falcon Tower Crane Services Ltd who need to carry out a mobile crane operation for dismantle a tower crane.

2. The Order will come into operation on 15th November 2025 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 2 days with backup dates of 22nd – 23rd November 2025 and 29th – 30th November 2025. 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), in Mauritius Road at the junction of Blackwall Lane.

4. Whilst the Order is in operation no traffic diversions will be required as this is a dead-end road. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians and cyclists will be diverted via the placing of appropriate signage.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Communities, Environment and Central on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 19/09/2025

INTERNAL REF - EM/ LIC 74562 FN827 /LIC No 74793

ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) NORMAN 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 Tideway East - CVB who need to carry out the DLR bridge bearing works.

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), in Norman Road at the railway bridge. A full road closure will be in effect daily from 21:00 to 05:00 hours and a southbound lane closure will be in effect daily from 05:00 to 21:00 hours.

7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Directorate of Communities, Environment and Central on 020 8921 6340.

Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport.

The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ

Dated: 06/10/2025

INTERNAL REF - EM/ LA483585 FN838 /LIC No 74943

Royal Borough of Greenwich Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (AS AMENDED) Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (AS AMENDED) Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 (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: 29/10/2025

Victoria Geoghegan

Assistant Director - Planning and Building Control

List of Press Advertisements - 29/10/2025

Publicity for Planning Applications

Applicant: Miss Legon Fordingbridge PLC 25/2288/F

Site Address: JOHN ROAN LOWER SCHOOL, WESTCOMBE PARK ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7QR

Development: Installation of an open sided timber canopy in the school court yard to provide covered learning and outdoor dining space

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH

Applicant: Mrs Garcia 25/2372/HD

Site Address: 84 WOODHILL, LONDON, SE18 5JF

Development: Replacement of all window and doors with double glazed UPVc windows and doors to match existing.

Conservation Area: WOOLWICH COMMON

Applicant: Morden College 25/2947/F

Site Address: CULLUM WELCH COURT, ST GERMANS PLACE, BLACKHEATH, SE3 0PW

Development: Installing new entrance and canopy, along with entrance signage above and internal ground floor changes to provide entrance lobby with improved access to internal residents lift.

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH

Applicant: Our Lady Help of Christians RC Church 25/2951/F

Site Address: ST MARYS HALL, CRESSWELL PARK, LONDON, SE3 9RD

Development: Replacement of existing windows and doors to Church Hall. (These works are adjacent to the listed buildings of Presbytery to East of Our Lady Help of Christians RC Church and Our Lady Help of Christians RC Church)

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH PARK

Applicant: Morden College 25/3000/F

Site Address: MORDEN COLLEGE, 19 ST GERMANS PLACE, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 0PW

Development: Conversion of single storey garage/storeroom to security office and post room; external alterations including the replacement of existing garage door with timber glazed entrance door, installation of two

Licensing Team, 1st Floor, Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ. Tel: 020 8921 8018; Fax: 020 8921 8380; Email: licensing@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE - LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice is given that: Keonbae Kidbrooke Ltd. of 4.01 A 20 Royal Crest Avenue, London, E16 2PR, has applied for the Grant of a Premises Licence for the following premises: Keonbae Kidbrooke, situated at 4 Plowden Road, London, SE3 9JR.

A record of this application may be inspected by appointment. Other persons may make representations to the Council on this application by no later than 18th November 2025

Representations can be made in writing, by email or fax using the contact details above. Representations can only be made on the grounds of one of the four licensing objectives, namely:

● Prevention of Crime and Disorder

● Prevention of Public Nuisance

● Public Safety

● Protection of Children from Harm.

Any person who makes a false statement in connection with an application is liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of £5,000.

It is proposed that the following licensable activity will take place at the premises: The sale of alcohol on the premises and the provision of regulated entertainment (the playing of recorded music).

Proposed hours of operation:

Monday - Thursday: 12:00 - 15:00 and 17:00 - 22:00

Friday: 12:00 - 15:00 and 17:00 - 23:00.

Saturday: 12:00 - 23:00

Sunday: 12:00 - 22:00

Applicant: Mr Alji 25/3276/F

(This

to the perimeter

which is Grade II listed)

Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH

Applicant: J. Brady 25/3061/HD

Site Address: 26 KINLET ROAD, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 3BY

Development: Demolition of the existing side/rear extension, and construction of a single-storey side and rear wrap around extension, including replacement of existing gates with new gates and associated works.

Conservation Area: SHREWSBURY PARK ESTATE

Applicant: Leon Lui 25/3191/HD

Site Address: 29 GLOUCESTER CIRCUS, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 8RY

Development: Construction of a garden room in rear garden.

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH

Applicant: Ms Renisha David 25/3231/HD

Site Address: 2 HEATH VILLAS, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 1PG

Development: Retrospective rear dormer roof extension and associated works.

Conservation Area: PLUMSTEAD COMMON

Applicant: Ms Daria Cybulska 25/3233/HD

Site Address: 29 BUSHMOOR CRESCENT, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 3EG

Development: Replacement of roof tiles to main dwelling and garage in like for like fashion, and restoration of chimney to the rear with associated works.

Conservation Area: SHREWSBURY PARK ESTATE

Applicant: Mr Robert Gratwicke 25/3245/HD

Site Address: 73 COLERAINE ROAD, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 7PF

Development: Replacement of front door and enclosing of existing front porch, installation of ground floor side-facing window and external AC unit with associated works.

Conservation Area: WESTCOMBE PARK

Licensing Team, 1st Floor, Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ. Tel: 020 8921 8018; Fax: 020 8921 8380; Email: licensing@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE - LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice is given that The London Padel Club (t/a ¡Padel Padel!), 193a Livingstone Road, Thornton Heath, CR7 8JZ has applied for the GRANT of a Premises Licence for the following premises: Former Police Station, 20 Well Hall Road, Eltham, SE9 6SF

A record of this application may be inspected by appointment. Other persons may make representations to the Council on this application by no later than 20th November 2025

Representations can be made in writing, by email or fax using the contact details above. Representations can only be made on the grounds of one of the four licensing objectives, namely:

● Prevention of Crime and Disorder

● Prevention of Public Nuisance

● Public Safety

● Protection of Children from Harm.

Any person who makes a false statement in connection with an application is liable on summary conviction to an unlimited fine.

It is proposed that the following licensable activities will take place at the premises: Between the hours of 07:00 and 23:00

Sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises only Provision of recorded music indoors, limited to the areas covered by installed speakers; amplified music will comply with

assessments carried out at planning stage.

Site Address: 318 PLUMSTEAD COMMON ROAD, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 2RT

Development: Change of use from single dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a six-bedroom HMO with a maximum capacity of six persons (Use Class C4) with associated cycle parking and waste storage.

Conservation Area: PLUMSTEAD COMMON

Applicant: Mr and Mrs Ahmed and Wahlsten 25/3380/F

Site Address: 8 HOLLYMOUNT CLOSE, LONDON, SE10 8TH

Development: Change of use from single-family dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a short-term holiday let (Use Class Sui Generis).

Conservation Area: WEST GREENWICH

Applicant: Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula Theatre Ltd 25/3391/F

Site Address: Land to the east of East Parkside, south of Edmund Halley Way and west of Olympian Way, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10

Development: Temporary use of land for the installation of a demountable structure to be used as a theatre and venue for filming and non-movie and theatre shows (Use Class Sui Generis), restaurant (Use Class E(b)) and drink establishment (Use Class Sui Generis) together with associated enabling development, landscape works and ancillary facilities.

Further information not forming part of the formal description of development provided for consultation purposes:

The temporary use of the land is up to 10 years

Applicant: Mr Matthew Moran 25/3406/HD

Site Address: 61 PELTON ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9AH

Development: Replacement of first floor front and rear windows, replacement of roof like for like, with installation of three rooflights and associated works. Conservation Area: EAST GREENWICH

Applicant: Ms Claire Wilmann 25/3417/HD

Site Address: 81 LEE ROAD, LEWISHAM, LONDON, SE3 9EN

Development: Demolition of

£4.4million to make Greenwich safer day and night

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is investing £4.4million to make our borough safer for everyone, day and night.

The one-off sources include cash we’ve negotiated from building developers and ring-fenced grants that can’t be spent to offset any future deficit in our operating costs but can be used to get things done and help us deliver savings in the future.

We know safety is a huge priority for residents and that’s why we’re using cash we’ve secured from developers along with grants to:

• Double the number of Community Safety Enforcement Officers

• Fund two extra local police officers on the streets

• Upgrade our CCTV network alongside eight new mobile units that can be stationed wherever residents feel unsafe

• Improve street lighting

• Work with businesses to stamp down on shoplifters

• Increase fines for anyone caught making misogynistic comments to women and girls.

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, said:

“Keeping our borough safe is our main priority. Residents have told us that crime and anti-social behaviour was a big issue, and we hear you. That’s why we’re using money we’ve negotiated from developers to get things done in Greenwich and make our borough safer, day and night. From more community safety officers to extra police on our streets and better cameras, we’re rolling out a huge package to keep our borough safe.”

Cllr Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet

Member for Community Safety and Enforcement,

said:

"We’re one of the few boroughs in London actively investing in public safety for women and girls, now we’re going to fund more work to tackle misogyny. Women and girls should never feel unsafe in the towns they call home, but the sad reality is that they do. That’s why we’re getting things done to fix this – more officers, more education, more cameras – we’ll do whatever we can end male violence against women and girls.”

Thanks to our Getting Things Done drive, this funding will help us continue identifying locations where women and girls feel unsafe and developing targeted solutions, including interventions and education programmes aimed at men and boys to challenge toxic masculinity and misogynistic attitudes.

This investment comes from ringfenced grants and agreements with developers, securing £60 million that can be used to focus on the things that matter most to residents. This money cannot be used to fill funding gaps.