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SouthLondonWeekly. Community matters

Issue 25 ∙ 50p ∙ November 17 2023 www.southlondon.co.uk

74-year-old to skydive in aid of older people in poverty See pages 14-15

road rage

See page 3

ltn sign decapitated in streatham See page 5

Campaigners against reloCation of CHildren’s CanCer serviCes

- See Page 13

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SouthLondonWeekly. Community matters

Campaigners against reloCation of CHildren's CanCer serviCes

Issue 25 ∙ 50p ∙ November 17 2023 ∙ www.southlondon.co.uk

late late See sHow sport

road rage See pages 14-15

ltn sign decapitated in streatham See page 5

74-year-old to skydive in aid of older people in poverty See page 3

1984 murder of roman salaJko solved

See page 13

forest Hill residents demand gp praCtiCe

See page 15

4 NEWS

petition asking to restore “properly funCtioning” museum and arCHive serviCe in greenwiCH

The Greenwich Heritage Centre was closed in 2018

Contents NEWS Pages 2-15 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS Page 16 ARTS Page 19 HISTORY Page 20 CLASSIFIED Page 22

Woolwich Works, as shown in the Royal Arsenal area of Woolwich

PUBLIC NOTICES Pages 23-24

ByJoe Coughlan

We are a London Living Wage employer DO YOU HAVE A STORY

for our news team? Call 0207 231 5258 You can WhatsApp us on 07494 070 863.

Local Democracy Reporter A PEtition to restore Greenwich Council’s museum of the borough’s history has received over 1,000 signatures.

The council has been asked to restore a “properly functioning” museum and archive service to the borough in a recent petition. The council originally set up a museum for the borough’s history in 2003 by way of the Greenwich Heritage Centre, including a reading room for the council’s archives. However, the service was moved out of its building in the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich in 2018 to allow for a new cultural hub, Woolwich Works, to open in its place. The archive is now reportedly stored in Charlton and is available to access through

SouthLondonWeekly. Community matters

Editor: Kevin Quinn Reporters: herbie russell; isabel ramirez Sports Editor: John Kelly Sports reporter: Kiro evans Arts Correspondent: Michael holland Digital Transformation Editor: Katherine Johnston Media Partnerships: anthony phillips Advertising: clarry frewin, sophie ali Design: dan Martin, ann Gravesen Finance: em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758 Subscriptions/Announcements: Katie Boyd Managing & Commercial Director: chris Mullany Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn Published weekly at: community Matters Media ltd, Unit a202, The Biscuit factory, drummond road, Bermondsey, london se16 4dG. News and Sport: 020 7231 5258 Advertising: 0020 7232 1639 News/Advertising: hello@cm-media.co.uk Finance: em@cm-media.co.uk printed by iliffe print. Tel: 01223 656500 www.iliffeprint.co.uk

enquiring with the Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust (RHGT), who took over the running of the museum in 2014. The petition was started by Mary Mills, former Labour Councillor for Greenwich Peninsula, on behalf of the Greenwich Industrial History Society. She said in the petition: “A local history archive should form part of the council’s strategy to fight disadvantage and, also by demonstrating the diversity of its past, enhance the offer to visitors for local economic advantage. "It should also provide an educational facility where research skills can be learnt by all, from young children to elderly family historians. "We urge Greenwich Council to restore a properly functioning archive and museum service to enable everyone to celebrate and research our heritage.”

SouthLondonWeekly. Community matters

MULTI-MILLION REVAMP AT TWO LEISURE CENTRES

Issue 24 ∙ 50p ∙ November 10 2023 ∙ www.southlondon.co.uk

HODGE WANTS See MORE sport

FROM PECKHAM WITH LOVE See page 11

See page 4

NOTORIOUS FLATS TO BE BULLDOZED See page 2

BIN MEN'S HALLOWEEN FRIGHT See page 11

Couple on 007 mission for a million pounds

A VISIT TO COULSDON

See pages 16-17

A Greenwich Council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the authority works closely with the RHGT to allow access to heritage material and exploring options for a new public reading room. They added that 77 researchers use the archive through the trust each month. They said: “In 2018, the borough’s archives and collections were relocated from Woolwich to a new purpose-built site in Charlton, fitted to the highest standards of care and management. "For the first time in their 100-year history, Royal Greenwich’s collections and archive are now housed together.” They added: “Woolwich Works’ restoration rescued the buildings from being on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register and the venue has since become a cultural hub for our borough.

"A number of local, national and internationally-acclaimed resident artistic companies now call the Woolwich Works cultural district home including Punchdrunk, the Acosta Dance Foundation and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.” An RHGT spokesperson told the LDRS: “In 2018, the Heritage Centre closed. The council then provided an environmentally controlled facility on Charlton Riverside to contain the archive. "RGHT continues to offer a service through the archivist and team of volunteers, who enable researchers to access the borough’s archive via our enquiry service. "The trust is regularly in discussions about potential services, including a reading room for archive materials and intends to continue to consult with community organisations on these options.”

The South london weekly is an independent newspaper covering all of south London and beyond Community Matters Media has been running independent newspapers since 1987, and now boasts the weeklies: South london weekly, Southwark news and greenwich & lewisham weekender, as well as the lifestyle magazines the South londoner and Bermondsey Biscuit & rotherhithe docker. You can view all our content on www.southlondon.co.uk and sign up to newsletters to stay informed about news, lifestyle & events, people, sport and history. We believe in community and in balanced, independent and responsible journalism. As a south London business, we also work to support fellow local businesses. A dedicated team of staff work tirelessly to cover as much of what is going on as possible and strive to ensure that community-led, independent newspapers can survive and excel in a market dominated by national and multinational media groups.

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SPORT Pages 25-28

NEWS 5 By Isabel Ramirez a 74-year-old retired nurse from tulse hill, who was forced to give up work due to arthritis four years ago, is skydiving to raise money for older people in poverty.

Thabani Sithole will be taking her fundraising efforts to dizzying heights on Saturday, November 18 with a skydive to raise funds for Independent Age. The national charity provides advice and support to thousands of older people in financial hardship across the country every year. Thabani, who lives with her daughter in Tulse Hill, wants to raise awareness of the issues facing older people in financial hardship and the support Independent Age provides through its Helpline. Thabani herself has benefited from this support. Helpline advisers helped her to access additional financial support - including Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance and Council Tax Reduction - worth over £800 a month. Before contacting the charity, Thabani feared she would lose her home as her mortgage and other costs became unmanageable. She said: “Before I got the help from Independent Age it was a desperate, desperate time. "We had so many problems – where to get food from, how to pay the bills, gas and electricity going up and paying council tax too. The house was very cold – we wore extra clothes and covered ourselves in blankets. She explained that at seventy years old she was forced to retire from her job as a pediatric nurse because of her arthritis. “I felt so ashamed, I thought that people would think I had mismanaged

retired nurse is skydiving to raise money for older people in poverty my life," she said. "I was threatened with repossession after telling my mortgage lender that I couldn’t afford the payments." But she said when she contacted Independent Age, and they helped

her access the funds she was entitled to - Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance. "The people on the phone were so lovely, they listened to me, didn’t judge and understood as I explained why I couldn’t work.

"They even helped me fill out the forms which was a huge help. Now I get an extra £800 a month and I feel like I’m finally in control again." When asked about her upcoming skydive, Thabani said: “I’ve always

challenged myself to do new things. When I saw the opportunity to skydive while also raising money for a charity that has done so much for me, I knew I had to do it. "As well as raising money, I’m hoping to raise awareness. It’s so difficult for so many people right now with the cost of living and I think society sometimes forgets about older people. If anyone over 65 reading this is struggling with money, I encourage them to reach out to Independent Age." “They made me feel like I matter,” she added. So far, Thabani has raised over £300 and is hoping to reach her target of £1,000. Her skydive also coincides with the launch of Independent Age’s ‘A Life Worth Living’ fundraising appeal for the charity’s helpline, to help them support more older people in financial hardship like Thabani. Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age, said: “Thabani’s story demonstrates the plight of so many older people in this country, and I’m so glad we were able to help her access the support she is entitled to. “With 2.1 million older people already living in poverty and millions more facing financial hardship, our work has never been more important. Callers to the Independent Age helpline are missing out on average over £4,000 a year. "This is a life-changing amount of money. Nobody in later life should be facing money worries alone or feel ashamed of asking for help." To donate to Thabani’s skydive go to JustGiving.com. To donate to Independent Age go to independentage.org

DANIELLE & JImmY INVITE LOcAL BErmONDSEY pENSIONErS TO ENJOY A cOmpLImENTArY XmAS DINNEr

AT THE OLD BANK 14TH DEcEmBEr 12-2 pm

6 NEWS

Council scraps plans for borough-wide CPZ Exclusive

By Herbie Russell Southwark Council has scrapped its plans for a boroughwide controlled parking zone (CPZ) saying it “listened to residents' concerns".

CPZ-sceptic campaigners, whose petition had garnered more than 3,500 signatures, have declared a “great victory”. Southwark Council, which had proposed the schemes in a bid to reduce car ownership and pollution, could still consult on CPZs in smaller areas. The surprise decision came to light last Thursday, November 9, through an email a local councillor sent to residents. Cabinet Member Cllr James McAsh said: “Through the course of the consultation, residents in many areas told us that they

did not need or want controlled parking. "We listened to these concerns and undertook more work to understand parking pressure and traffic levels in these areas." He added: “The council’s previous proposals were not the right ones. We are learning the lessons from this and are sorry we got it wrong.” Southwark Council had recently consulted on CPZ schemes in Dulwich Hill, Dulwich Wood, Dulwich Village, Nunhead and Queen’s Road. This was ahead of the council’s plan to roll out residents’ parking schemes across the entire borough by August 2024. Southwark has now scrapped plans for CPZs in Dulwich Hill and Dulwich Wood. It will now consult on smaller CPZ zones within Queen’s Road, Nunhead and Dulwich Village. Scores of residents railed against

the consultations, which failed to give residents a ‘no' option. In Nunhead, local businesses feared the changes would close them down. Others said parking permits costing up to £300 were unfair during a cost-of-living crisis. Some residents, cycling campaigners and environmental advocates did praise the proposals. Many will be surprised by Southwark’s change-of-heart given it previously admitted that consultation responses wouldn’t prevent the roll-out of CPZs borough-wide. At a council meeting in August, councillors responded with a unanimous “no” when residents asked if there was “any way” to prevent the schemes. It had even set out plans to spend £4.4million on 48 traffic wardens and cameras to oversee the new CPZs. One of the campaign groups celebrating

Council says borough-wide CPZ is 'within the law' Southwark Council’s streets boss has said the council was “within the law” with its boroughwide CPZ (controlled parking zones) plans.

Cllr James McAsh's claim comes after the council scrapped its controversial plans to impose a parking permit system on the entire borough following vocal public outcry. Campaign group ‘Oppose the CPZ’, which argued the council’s consultations sidestepped legal guidelines, had raised £10,000 ahead of a possible legal challenge against the council. The Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Clean Air and Streets said: “As you’d expect we’re constantly making sure we’re within the law and I’m confident that we are within the law. “I understand that they’ve still got a legal fund but I don’t anticipate that being needed.” He added that Southwark Council had shown “flexibility” and “a willingness to listen” by heeding residents’ concerns. However Corin Burr, spokesperson for ‘Oppose the CPZ’, said he believed the looming legal challenge was “probably the deciding factor” prompting the council’s u-turn. The council’s change of heart means it’s now dropped CPZs planned for Dulwich Hill and Dulwich Wood. However, it will now consult on new CPZs within the Queen’s Road, Dulwich Village and Nunhead areas. Southwark Council is now finalising the boundaries of those proposed CPZs and will provide “evidence to justify” them. Residents have previously complained that CPZs didn’t give them an option to say ‘no’ to CPZs. In the upcoming consultations, Cllr McAsh said: “We will be including a question where people can very clearly say whether they support the proposals.” However, Cllr McAsh said these consultations were not “referenda”. Asked if an 80 per cent ‘no’ vote would be enough to prevent future CPZs, he said: “I’m not going into any hypotheticals because it would be based on a number of other different factors. “Resident feedback is one part of it but then looking at all the evidence that we’re gathering as well. That is all important.” Campaigners had long argued that controlled parking, which would have meant compulsory parking permits

Campaign group Oppose the CPZ pitched up in Nunhead to garner support against the council's plans

Cllr James McAsh in Southwark Council's Tooley Street offices costing up to £300, was not necessarily needed in some areas, including Dulwich Hill and Dulwich Wood. This stoked concerns that the council had failed to do enough research on parking pressures in those areas. Cllr McAsh could not say whether data on parking pressures had been gathered in those areas prior to announcing a borough-wide CPZ. Concerns have been raised over money spent on the consultation processes to date, as well as a £4.4 million outlay on 48 traffic wardens and new cameras to “enforce the wider controlled parking in the borough”. Cllr McAsh said the council would still go ahead with the £4.4 million spend saying

it was “unrelated to the expansion of controlled parking”. He added that consultations to date had been “very useful and the council was “committed to spending public money as if it was from our own pocket”. ‘Oppose the CPZ’ spokesperson Corin Burr said the money sounded like an “irresponsible use of taxpayers’ money” especially given that the CPZ coverage would now be significantly smaller. Cllr McAsh said the council’s principles of cleaner air and safer streets had “not changed one iota” as the council pushes for net zero by 2030. He said: “I think that in politics, including in local politics, you need two things and one of the things you need is a very clear vision. And I’m confident that… our residents know what we believe in and what we’re trying to achieve. “We want cleaner air, we want healthier streets, we want safe routes for our children to get to school, places for our communities to socialise, people want to be surrounded by tens of thousands of trees and that’s absolutely what we stand by and that’s what we’re doing. “Controlled parking is a way of delivering some of those things; reducing parking pressure, ensuring safe and free movement of cyclists, pedestrians and indeed motor vehicles. "As well as having a vision I think the other thing you need is flexibility and a willingness to listen and change your mind. We've not changed our mind on our vision… but sometimes it’s right to stop and to think ‘is this the right route to get there?’. And on this, clearly, we’ve been told that it wasn’t.”

The council’s previous proposals were not the right ones. We are learning the lessons from this and are sorry we got it wrong. - Cllr James McAsh

the turnaround is 'Oppose the CPZ'. As well as organising a 3,500-signaturestrong petition against the proposals the group started mounting a legal challenge against the council. 'Oppose the CPZ' previously told the News it had a £10,000 "war chest" and that its lawyers were ready to argue that Southwark Council had “no legal basis” for its proposals.

Corin Burr, a representative for 'Oppose the CPZ', today said: “It’s a great victory and finally the council have realised that they were pushing forward with what was a very unfair and badly consulted process.” However, with Southwark Council planning to conduct consultations on CPZs in smaller, more focussed areas, he said their campaign was “not over”

Southwark Council’s plans to impose a borough-wide CPZ were hugely controversial when they emerged last summer.

air pollution to prevent negative health impacts on children. Group member and Schools Lead Claire McDonald said: "We're very disappointed in Southwark's decision to pull back from a borough-wide CPZ. "We know that every car journey begins and ends with a parking space, and if they are harder to access, traffic reduces. This improves the air for everyone, but particularly children, who are more affected by air pollution, because they breathe more deeply and frequently than adults, and are closer to the emissions."

How have local groups reacted to turnaround? The Labour-run authority has now rolled back on its proposals, saying it shows its “willingness to listen” to residents. However, the change of tack has also proven divisive. We spoke to local groups to get their views.

Corin Burr - Spokesperson for ‘Oppose the CPZ’

Oppose the CPZ spokesperson Corin Burr, whose group had started mounting a legal challenge, said: “It’s a great victory and finally the council have realised that they were pushing forward with what was a very unfair and badly consulted process.” He added: “I believe the threat of the legal challenge was probably the deciding factor that switched the council’s decision. Without that, I believe they would have just pressed forward." Addressing the council’s plans to spend £4.4 million on 48 new traffic wardens and parking cameras, he said it “sounds like an irresponsible use of taxpayers’ money given that it isn’t likely to be as large a CPZ scheme as first envisioned”.

Simon Saville - Coordinator for Southwark Cyclists

Southwark Cyclists Coordinator Simon Saville, whose group encourages local authorities to prioritise sustainable transport methods, said: “Overall, [we're] disappointed." He added: "If the council is to meet its ambitious climate action plans of net zero by 2020 it’s going to have to help people shift towards sustainable travel in an active way and controlled parking is a way of encouraging that to happen.” However, he also said: “Broadly, the council is doing what it can, with the funds available, to encourage active travel and we encourage that as much as we can.”

Claire McDonald - Mums for Lungs

Mums for Lungs is a volunteer group founded in Brixton that aims to reduce

Cllr Graham Neale - Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson

Cllr Graham Neale, Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson, said: "The Southwark Liberal Democrats have always said that meaningful change requires listening to people and working with them. “Labour ignored residents' concerns about CPZs and, once again, they have been forced into an embarrassing U-turn. “This could have been avoided with honest consultation and proper scrutiny. Now all we’re left with is yet more delays to the kind of action needed to tackle the climate emergency here in Southwark. “Labour must learn from this experience, and work with communities to make Southwark more sustainable."

Christine Wallace - Conservative Greater London Authority (GLA) candidate for Lambeth and Southwark

Christine Wallace, Conservative Greater London Authority (GLA) candidate for Lambeth and Southwark, said: "I'm relieved these plans were withdrawn after the efforts of residents and local Conservative activists. This just one of many examples of Labour councillors in Southwark taking residents for granted and ignoring what is clear and obvious feedback from the community. We need Conservatives in Southwark council to hold them to account.”

NEWS 7

Council vows to prosecute vandals who decapitated LTN road sign in Streatham Remains of a no motor vehicles sign dumped in planter in Streatham

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter © Robert Firth

A South London council has vowed to prosecute vandals after a road sign informing motorists of restrictions on travelling down a street in a controversial low traffic neighbourhood [LTN] was decapitated.

Stump remaining of the no motor vehicles sign decapitated on Valley Road in Streatham will gather all available information and seek to prosecute.” Since October most drivers have been banned from travelling down Valley Road as part of the Labour-run council’s £450,000 Streatham Wells LTN, which aims to improve road

By Charlotte Lillywhite

padel courts, a lounge space, warm up area, showers, changing facilities and another café. The planning statement said Neon would provide 5,000 free tickets for local schools to attend exhibitions, along with 1,000 free tickets to local charities, community groups and youth groups. It added that Rocket Padel would provide three free taster sessions a week at the proposed leisure facility and offer local schools two hours of free coaching every week. The statement said the temporary facilities would bring “much-needed activity” to an otherwise underused site, create “an attractive and vibrant area for residents, workers and visitors, as well as helping to form the character and distinctiveness of a new place to the east of the power station”. It added: “The proposed development is highly accessible by public transport, walking and cycling routes which will be able to accommodate the expected capacity.” The first phase of the power station redevelopment, known as Circus West Village, was completed in 2017 and includes hundreds of new homes, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities. The restored Grade II* listed power station opened to the public in October last year under the second phase of the scheme. It has hundreds of shops, a cinema, a food hall, a glass chimney lift and more homes. The council will make a decision on the temporary facilities proposed for phase six of the redevelopment site in due course.

safety and reduce pollution in the area. But the restrictions have fiercely divided locals. Some residents have praised the LTN for making the streets in the area quieter and safer to cycle down. Others believe the traffic scheme has pushed

vehicles onto already busy main roads, doubling journey times and worsening pollution in certain locations. The restrictions, which cover Leigham Avenue, Culverhouse Gardens, Conifer Gardens, Valley Road and Gleneldon Road, will initially be in

Battersea Power Station reveals plans for Marvel exhibition and indoor sports hub Local Democracy Reporter A temporary immersive exhibition space and courts for the racquet sport padel could open at Battersea Power Station under new plans.

The facilities would be in place for five years while permanent plans for the site are brought forward, as part of the £9billion redevelopment of the power station. The plans from developer Battersea Project Land Company Limited, submitted to Wandsworth Council, would see the temporary facilities built at phase six of the 42-acre redevelopment site on Cringle Street. The overall scheme has been divided into eight phases and aims to create a new riverside neighbourhood in South London, with homes, shops, bars, restaurants, cafés, offices and more than 19 acres of public space. The proposed exhibition building would host interactive digital and physical exhibitions with different themes. It would be operated by Neon and have a café. There would be two exhibitions a year, running for a total of five years, and the themes would range from historical to entertainment, according to a planning statement submitted with the application – including Jurrasic World, Machu Picchu, Mummies and Marvel. An indoor sports facility operated by Rocket Padel is also planned, with four

CGI of the proposed temporary facilities at Battersea Power Station

CGI of the proposed padel courts at Battersea Power Station

The ‘no motor vehicles’ sign in Streatham was sliced off its post on Valley Road and dumped in a nearby planter on the street earlier this week. Lambeth Council said the sign would be “fixed as soon as possible,” adding that “where damage is committed we

place for 12 to 18 months. The council says it will monitor traffic and air pollution levels in the area and collect feedback from residents during this period. On Tuesday, November 7, Malcolm Clark, Labour councillor for Streatham Wells, said he was “disappointed” how the council had managed the first two weeks of the LTN in a statement posted on X. He wrote: “The council does not seem to have done as well as many residents expected either in implementing the physical infrastructure of the LTN, or in communicating about the LTN since launch. I am disappointed about that.” Cllr Clark added that he was working to ensure the LTN was properly signposted and was focused on reducing the impact of other road works in the area on traffic. A Lambeth Council spokesperson said: “The Streatham Wells Low Traffic Neighbourhood trial is now live and aims to make the area safer, more sustainable, and give everyone in Lambeth more equal access to their local streets. “All the signage is out, being monitored and updated as and when it’s needed. "Where infrastructure is damaged, it will be fixed as soon as possible. Damaging public property is a criminal offence and where damage is committed we will gather all available information and seek to prosecute.”

8 NEWS

Man injured in Peckham shooting

Police find body in car boot during search for missing man Justin Henry By Herbie Russell

By Isabel Ramirez A man has been rushed to hospital after being shot in the arm in Peckham.

Police were called to Lyndhurst Grove after receiving a report of a man with a firearm, at 1:45 pm on Tuesday, November 7. Specialist firearms attended the scene and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his arm. He was rushed to hospital where his injuries were deemed non life-threatening. Police say their enquiries are ongoing and there have been no arrests. A Met Police spokesperson said: "Police were called at around 13:45hrs on Tuesday, 7 November to a report of a man with a firearm on Lyndhurst Grove, Peckham. "Officers, including specialist firearms officers, attended the scene. One man was found with a gunshot wound to his arm and was taken to hospital. His injuries were not life-threatening. "Enquiries are ongoing; no arrests have been made."

Police investigating the disappearance of Justin Henry have found a body in the boot of a car.

Justin Henry, 34, was last seen in person at his partner’s address in Brixton on Sunday, October 15. Police have said that two men have been charged with Justin’s murder. Detectives discovered the body in the back of a Red Nissan Almera in Purley, South London, on Monday, November 6. A post-mortem examination was conducted last Thursday, November 9, but did not establish a formal cause of death. Further tests will be carried out. The body hasn’t been formally identified yet. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Webb, from the Met's Specialist Crime Command, said: "My heart goes out to his family who have suffered weeks of anxiously waiting for news. Justin's family are understandably very upset. "While we have charged two people with Justin's murder, we would still like anyone who has any information of the red Nissan's movements in the days following Justin's disappearance to call police.”

Justin was reported missing to police on Monday, October 16. He has links to areas around SE23 and Forest Hill. Police are still trying to establish his movements, in particular late on Sunday, October 15, and in the early hours of Monday, October 16. CCTV captured Justin buying food at a McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant on London Road, Croydon, at around 9.50pm on Sunday, October 15. Police believe Justin drove from there to nearby Waddon New Road where his vehicle, a silver Mercedes E Class, remained for approximately two-and-a-half hours. His car was later found on Monday, October 16, on Kingswood Drive, Dulwich, near the Kingswood Estate. Having viewed the CCTV footage, police said Justin’s family stated it wasn’t him who drove it there. Officers have conducted forensic examinations of an address in Croydon and Justin’s car, as well as extensive CCTV and phone inquiries. A 29-year-old man and a 28-year-old man have been charged in connection with the investigation. On Wednesday, October 18, a 27-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping. She has since been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in mid-

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NEWS 9

famous kennedy's butCHer's in walwortH road gets restored By Herbie Russell

CPaul Raferty

A 1920S Walworth butcher's that once served South londoners with steaks, saveloys and sausages has been lovingly restored.

London Bridge could become a London Overground station

By Herbie Russell tranSport For london (tfl) could extend the london overground to london Bridge station to reduce crowding on rush hour trains.

However, TfL has said there is “no timeline on when any decision will be made” and that it’s one of two options being considered. It is part of TfL’s ongoing effort to alleviate excessive commuter traffic on the Sydenham corridor after Southern reduced trains to two per hour last September. Last month, in a response to Lewisham Council, TfL wrote: “We acknowledge that there is severe crowding on the Sydenham corridor during the height of the AM Peak.” The response goes on to say one option

F.A.A.

being considered is operating additional services between Crystal Palace and London Bridge during peak periods. “This would represent a new routing for London Overground services that would necessitate significant changes to operational arrangements and driver training,” TfL wrote. The second option being considered is operating additional services between Crystal Palace and Dalston Junction or Highbury and Islington via Canada Water. Rory O’Neill, TfL’s General Manager for London Overground, said: “We are currently looking at options to help reduce crowding on weekday peak London Overground services between Crystal Palace and New Cross Gate. No final decisions have yet been made on these.”

Grade-II listed Kennedy’s Butchers at 305 Walworth Road, now home to a Chinese restaurant, has been rejuvenated thanks to a £33,975 donation from Historic England. The much-loved business was a Mecca for Walworth’s meat-eaters for almost 100 years until Kennedy’s closed its remaining shops in 2007. Its iconic signage and original interior had deteriorated since its heyday but a lick of paint means the shop is shining once again, bringing a touch of nostalgia to passers-by. The restoration means Art Deco-style Kennedy’s has been removed from Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register, although 599 buildings remain on the list. Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is so heartening to see a number of significant heritage sites removed from the Heritage at Risk Register in London, and given a new lease of life as part of their local communities and places.” Kennedy’s opened its first-ever shop at 140 Rye Lane, Peckham in 1877 and later expanded to Camberwell,

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For almost a century, customers would crowd into Kennedy’s for pork sausages, steaks, pasties, bacon and egg pies. But in 2007, Kennedy’s closed all its stores, including the Walworth Road branch with Chinese restaurant LaoDao later moving in. In total, there are now 599 entries for London on the Heritage at Risk Register in 2023 - 32 fewer than in 2022.

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10 NEWS

Benedict Birnberg

Benedict Birnbeg went on to become the pre-eminent lawyer of his era

By Herbie Russell Benedict Birnberg, the trailblazing civil rights lawyer who defended anti-Apartheid politicians and Black civil rights activists, long before it was fashionable, has died aged 93.

Considered one of the greatest lawyers of his era, Birnberg represented an electric procession of clients, ranging from the family of the unfairly executed Derek Bentley to gay artist David Hockney. Believing access to justice was a human right, along with healthcare and education, he even represented Moors Murderer Ian Brady. Ultimately, he inspired the nation with his tireless pursuit of progressive justice, conducted from his law firm’s office on Borough High Street. Following his passing, politicians, colleagues and family have paid tribute to the great man, who was “gentle”, “fearless” and “understated” in equal measure. Benedict Birnberg was born on September 8, 1930, in Stepney, east London, to maths teacher Jonas Birnberg and school leader Naomi Birnberg. His mother founded the Carmel Court school in Kent, notable for taking Jewish refugee children who’d escaped Nazi Germany. Ever the eccentric, she would read them Mein Kampf “to better know the enemy”. But former students would say how much they benefitted from her methods, and she seemingly embued her son with the compassionate, progressive values that would characterise his career. Birnberg studied History at Cambridge University. His daughter Ariadne says he didn’t discuss his collegiate years very often. But black-and-white photos of a smiling Birnberg, looking “a bit like Buddy Holly”, suggest he enjoyed his time there.

Following university, he completed a year’s National Service. In charge of ordering food for the troops, he put his colleagues on a strict ethical vegetarian diet, much to their dismay. Nephew of the famous British barrister and Attorney General of Mandatory Palestine Norman Bentwich, Birnberg always said law was “in the family” and started working as a solicitor in London in the late 1950s. But he said he “hated it” and decided to set up his own company operating from "cramped offices" in Borough High Street. Over the next thirty years, Birnberg would establish himself as the UK’s preeminent civil rights lawyer. One of his most high-profile clients was Iris Bentley whose brother Derek Bentley was hanged in 1953 after his accomplice murdered a policeman. Thirty-five years after the execution, Birnberg’s legal team proved that Derek’s trial had been unfair and that the judge had misdirected the jury, ensuring Derek’s murder conviction was quashed. Tragically, Iris died of cancer a year before the Court of Appeal’s verdict. But she always had a special place in Birnberg’s heart. His daughter Ariadne said: “Their family’s fight struck a chord with him. I can’t tell you just how much he admired Iris in particular.” Despite being constantly inundated with work, Birnberg would always instruct his team to “never keep Iris waiting”. Derek Bentley’s case captured the national imagination but it was one of many. Birnberg represented exiled ANC politicians who were fighting against the Apartheid government of South Africa. In 1970, he helped secure acquittals on the most serious charges for the Mangrove Nine, the Black British activists accused

Legendary civil rights lawyer passes away

of inciting a riot against police in Notting Hill. It resulted in the first-ever judicial acknowledgment of racial hatred within the Met Police. There were also defences of artist David Hockney when he was found carrying homosexual magazines through Heathrow in 1968 and even Moors Murderer Ian Brady. Birnberg would later describe the latter, who he ensured was housed in a psychiatric facility, as one of his more “unfashionable clients”. While that case may have been less popular with the British public, Birnberg’s willingness to take it on was a symptom of his personal philosophy, that “access to justice is as vital as health or education”. Former lawyer and MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark Sir Simon Hughes worked on the Derek Bentley case with Birnberg and often referred constituents to his office. He said: "Ben was a man of almost limitless determination, energy and resolve and used his intellect, skill and unwavering commitment to justice successfully to challenge established British views throughout his long life. To his family, I add my warmest appreciation for all Ben did for so many for so long." Birnberg also helped with the Save the Borough Market Area Campaign which was set up by local residents in the 1990s to fight plans to drive a new railway viaduct straight through the Borough High Street Conservation Area. They were unsuccessful in their efforts. But Jackie Power, member of the Save the Borough High Street/Market Area Campaign, said: "I believe if it were not for Ben’s help we would have seen far less care during the several years of construction and more buildings demolished." Birnberg would become famous for his kooky, sometimes dishevelled appearance,

but it was belied by a “steely strength,” his daughter says. She said: “He was a hugely tenacious individual even if you wouldn’t know it straight away because one of his main attributes was his gentleness. He was quite mild-mannered but with a steely core.” His former colleague Paul Boateng described him as an "unlikely colossus" with "a passion for justice that has caused him to tower over his contemporaries for more than four decades". While many who enjoy such glittering careers are narrowly obsessed with their craft, Birnberg always had time for his family and the pursuit of hobbies. Ariadne, his only child, said: “He was lovely. He was very encouraging and very supportive, always quite eccentric and

Benjamin Birnbeg pictured with his wife Felitsa

very playful.” That playfulness could manifest in any number of ways. A lover of poetry, his family were used to his impromptu renditions of Edward Lear and Lewis Carroll. He never tired of hearing Ariadne play Mozart sonatas to him on the piano and loved walking. He even took his family on an ambitious, ultimately doomed hike up 451-metre-high Cat Bells despite being 88-years-old. “He had ambition to the point of sacrifice,” Ariadne laughed. Birnberg passed away from pneumonia in King’s College Hospital on October 13, 2023. He is survived by his wife Felitsa, daughter Ariadne and grandsons Jonas and Theo.

NEWS 11

By Herbie Russell The family of a young man who was stabbed to death in the street is taking donations to cover his funeral costs.

Keelen Morris Wong, 22, was tragically killed in front of shoppers on Coldharbour Lane just before 5pm on Tuesday, October 3. A 23 year old man from Merton, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court charged with his murder and possession of an offensive weapon on Saturday, October 7. A message posted to the family’s Crowdfunder page, apparently written by a friend of the family named Chantelle, said: "Keelen Morris Wong was a beloved Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin and Friend. “Keelen’s life was tragically taken too soon on the 3rd October 2023. To say hundreds of people are devastated

Blackfriars station WiFi is being used in search for missing people By Herbie Russell A train company will use its WiFi to help find missing people and has marked its search by painting footprints on the floor of Blackfriars railway station.

Victim Keelen Morris Wong would be an understatement, many hearts are broken. “We can only pray that the people responsible will be brought to justice and we will continue to pray for all those suffering at the loss of such a kind, funny and handsome 22 year old man. “My aim is to raise funds to help his family with the day that every parent never wants to endure. "Please support them in reaching or exceeding this target, so Keelen can have the best send off that he truly deserves.” At the time of writing, over £2,000 has been raised from over 90 donations. One donor wrote: “No family should have to go through this kind of devastation.” To donate to the fundraiser visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ourbeloved-keelen-morris-wong

From now until January, customers logging into the Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) WiFi will see a different photo of a missing person each week. To remind commuters that 40 people are reported missing every hour, GTR has painted 40 sets of disappearing footsteps around Blackfriars station. Suzi, whose brother Shaune will appear on GTR’s WiFi login page as part of the campaign, said that she’s grateful for anything that could help to find her brother. “It’s hard to comprehend the feelings you experience when someone you love goes missing. My brother went missing six years ago after a medical appointment in Eltham,” she said. “That’s six years of not knowing where he is or if he’s okay. When he went missing, he was a brother to four, a father to five and a grandfather to one. I just want to know that he's okay.” GTR said it decided to partner with the charity Missing People after seeing a 20 per cent increase in vulnerable people at its stations. Laura Campbell, GTR’s Safeguarding Manager, said: “Over the past year, we’ve seen a concerning increase in reports about vulnerable people on our network. “We know that winter can be a tough

GTR

Family of Keelen Morris Wong who was stabbed to death asks for help with funeral costs

Govia Thameslink Railway has painted footprints around Blackfriars station to mark its search for missing people

time for many, so it’s really important we’re looking out for those most at risk. “We hope that together with our passengers, we can positively contribute to the vital work of Missing People and help reunite families with loved ones this winter.” The partnership comes after GTR awarded Missing People £25,000 as part of its community fund to support local causes across its network. The funding will help increase awareness of Missing People and its helplines, with posters and station announcements in place at GTR’s busiest station – East Croydon. There will also be digital posters at selected sites across the entire network. Anyone who is affected by someone going missing or is thinking of going

Shaune Jones from Eltham is one of those who will appear on people’s smartphones when they log in to GTR WiFi missing can contact Missing People on 116 000.

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12 NEWS

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A wheatear seen in Crossness Nature Reserve

A reed bunting seen in Crossness Nature Reserve

The Cory Group has revealed plans to build two carbon capture plants on Crossness Nature Reserve in Bexley borough. The new plants have been designed by the waste management company to capture carbon dioxide from the two waste processing facilities run by the group in the area. Planning documents said the two waste facilities are predicted to process 1.5million tonnes of non-recyclable waste a year, with the new plants aiming to capture 1.3million tonnes of carbon dioxide produced by the facilities annually. CPRE, the Countryside Charity, said in a statement that residents were “furious” about the new plans, which they claimed would build upon six acres of grazing marshland habitat in the nature reserve. Laurence Pinturaunt, 61, is a local resident and a member of the Friends of Crossness and Erith Marshes group. She said she has previously worked on fundraisers to preserve marshes in South East London, with Crossness Nature Reserve including barn owls and kestrels among its wildlife. Ms Pinturaunt told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “The Thamesmead marshes, which are made up of Erith Southern Marsh and Crossness Nature Reserve, are part of the last remnants of grazing marshes in South East London. As such, they are very significant. That is a habit that has been disappearing very fast and most of the sites have been lost to industrialisation.” She added: “They have very rich wildlife. There are water invertebrates, they have ditches which are full of water voles and are homes to kingfishers. The marshes also provide mud flats, which are really important habitats for waders and water birds, some of which travel thousands of miles from Africa to come and breed and forage on those sites.” The resident said that Crossness Nature Reserve has over 600 members who regularly visit the area, including birdwatchers, joggers, and residents taking their horses to graze. She said locals were “hugely worried” about the project, fearing local waterways could be contaminated by chemicals on the site, and that the carbon capture plants will become a “white elephant” for the community. She said: “These incinerators have reduced recycling rates in London for the last 20 to 30 years. We haven’t been recycling as much as we should have, because we have these incinerators burning rubbish on our doorstep.” She added: “The main thing for us is the loss of biodiversity which cannot be replaced once it is destroyed. "Already the marshland sites in South East London are very fragmented and degraded. We cannot afford to lose any more.” Planning documents from the Cory Group said the project would result in a net increase to the area of Crossness Nature Reserve by six hectares, which would be retained as green space. They added that key stakeholders such as the Friends of Crossness Nature Reserve were being consulted on the development. They added: “We need to mitigate for the loss of land within the Crossness

loCals ‘furious’ at plans for Carbon Capture plants on nature reserve

A barn owl seen in Crossness Nature Reserve

South london residents are “furious” at plans to build a pair of carbon capture plants on a local nature reserve, claiming the area cannot afford to lose any more land.

By Joe Coughlan

NEWS 13

A sign for Crossness Nature Reserve

Nature Reserve and impacts to areas of open land. "In addition, we would like to provide improvements to both biodiversity in the local area and access to open spaces for local people. There are a range of opportunities within and around the site and in Thamesmead.” Richard Wilkinson, Cory’s Project Director, told the LDRS that carbon capture technology was the best way for energy from waste facilities to reduce CO2 emissions by storing them under

the North Sea. He said the project would be carbon negative overall and was in line with the Government’s plans to reach net zero emissions by 2050. He said the current facilities on the site process non-recyclable waste to generate electricity and prevent such waste being exported overseas or sent to landfill. He said: “A project with this level of ambition doesn’t come without challenges, and while it will use land

owned by Cory, part of our project currently requires building on paddocks that form part of the Crossness Nature Reserve and are situated immediately adjoining the energy from waste facilities that would be decarbonised. "Our plans include the opportunity to enhance existing land within the managed nature reserve as well as increasing its overall size, growing it from its current 25 hectares to 31 hectares. Our proposals also include opportunities to improve green spaces

in the local area.” He added: “To ensure that our proposals take into account the views of the local community, we are running a public consultation on our plans until November 29, which includes engagement with local organisations such as Crossness Nature Reserve. "I would encourage people to learn more about the project and provide feedback to our consultation. "You can do this by visiting corydecarbonisation.co.uk.”

Getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines ahead of winter are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe. If you have your winter vaccines, you’re more likely to have milder symptoms and recover quicker if you do catch the viruses. If you are eligible, you may have received an invitation from your GP. Please respond and book for your vaccine. Pharmacies across Southwark are offering free flu and COVID-19 jabs to anyone who is eligible. Check if you are eligible and book your appointment by visiting www.nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations or find a walk-in pharmacy at selondonics.org/southwark-walk-in-clinics

NEWS 15

By Herbie Russell A man who killed a Kennington pensioner - and evaded justice for decades by stealing a dead Welshman’s identity - has been convicted of murder.

Paul Bryan, 62, was found guilty of murdering Roman Szalajko, 62, on Tuesday, November 7. The conviction comes 39 years after Szalajko was stabbed to death at an address on Seaton Close. Bryan was finally brought to justice thanks to detectives who uncovered a DNA match while reviewing the case in 2013. DCI Kate Blackburn said the investigation showed the Met was committed to “refusing to give up on families who have lost loved ones”. Bryan killed Szalajko back on February 7, 1984. At the time, officers discovered fingerprints at the scene but there was no match on the national database so the case was closed. Unbeknownst to police, Bryan had applied for an emergency passport using the identity of a dead Welshman who shared his name, just days after the murder. Police said he would go on to spend the next few decades evading justice, travelling around Europe using his false identity. In 2013, officers reviewing the case looked at the fingerprints again and this time discovered a match with the real Paul Bryan - who had been arrested in 1997 over a drug-related offence. Officers set about tracing Bryan but there were no traces of ID documentation or an employment footprint since the 1980s. But police were undeterred and further enquiries established that the killer had married a woman named Sylvia Bryan. But police noticed that Bryan had falsely put his date of birth down as 1955 on the marriage certificate, compounding their suspicions. It dawned on police that he had stolen his namesake’s identity and used his 1955 birth date on documentation. Their investigation led them to work out that he’d registered a driving licence and passport in Portugal using those details. Detectives established Bryan was living in Spain but his fingerprints at

Killer Paul Bryan then and now

Finally convicted of Kennington murder after 'posing as a dead Welshman for 39 years' Seaton Close, Kennington

Roman Szalajko

the crime scene, although significant, weren’t enough to extradite him. Police then used family genealogy to trace Bryan’s mother. They found she’d died but did locate her former husband. He gave officers a hairbrush which contained her DNA profile. It was a solid match with DNA found on a telephone at the crime scene in 1984. Police officers apprehended Bryan when he landed at Stansted Airport on a flight from Spain on November 19, 2022. Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, the Senior Investigating Officer for the investigation, said: “Finding Paul Bryan has taken my team

years, but thanks to advanced forensic technology, enhanced police tactics, and the unwavering dedication of my officers, the Met has brought him to justice. “I’m pleased that Mr Szalajko’s family finally have the answers to what happened to their father and grandfather almost 40 years ago. “My team have worked relentlessly on this investigation over many years and their professionalism and dedication has resulted in the guilty verdict today. They exemplify the finest homicide investigators we have. “This case is an example of the Met refusing to give up on families who have

lost loved ones. No matter how much time has passed, we will continue to pursue those who commit violent crime and seek justice for the families of those who have died.”

By Herbie Russell A Bermondsey man who sexually exploited girls through false offers of modelling work has been jailed for thirteen-and-ahalf years.

Benjamin ‘Marshay’ Agyemang, 45, “lured” young teenagers to his flat where he and paying ‘clients’ would sexually assault them. Police began their investigation into the historic offences when a victimsurvivor stepped forward a decade after enduring the abuse, ultimately identifying three victims. Agyemang was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, November 9, after pleading guilty to multiple child sex offences. Detective Constable Kate Orr said: “The fact offences may have taken place a long time ago does not make investigating them any less of a priority. “I hope this investigation will

encourage victims of sexual offending to come forward to police.” A two-year police investigation covering a twenty-year period revealed the shocking nature of Agyemang’s crimes. The court heard how he would invite girls, aged fourteen to sixteen, back to a flat he was living in at the Elephant and Castle with the offer of modelling work. In 2021 a woman reported offences of sexual assault and exploitation that took place in 2008 when she was fourteen years old. She revealed that Agyemang had first approached her on the street saying he could get her into music videos. The court heard she started staying at his flat for weeks at a time where, manipulated and unable to leave, she was sexually abused by Agyemang and multiple paying ‘clients’. While there, she said she witnessed him sexually exploiting other girls and young women. She realised how

damaging her situation and in 2012 she was able to escape the abuse. Agyemang was arrested following the report and officers realised he may have committed further offences so they set out to identify other victims. The school friend of the first victimsurvivor was identified and contacted by officers. It was revealed that, as a fifteen-year-old, she had gone to Agyemang’s flat on two occasions where she was sexually abused by a ‘client’. Another victim-survivor was later identified. She described how, aged sixteen, she had attended Agyemang’s flat on the promise he could make her a model. The court heard he took her to a bar and introduced her to an older wealthy man who he suggested was important in the modelling business. Instead, Agyemang “sold” her as an escort without her knowledge. She was taken to the man’s house and seriously

sexually assaulted. In June 2022 Agyemang was further arrested and charged with offences against all three victim-survivors. He was found guilty of one count of attempting to procure a girl under the age of 21 to have unlawful sexual intercourse, two counts of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence and four counts of sexual activity with a child, on Wednesday, September 27. If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape or you have information about an offender, contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency – there are specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed. Further information, including details of agencies and charities that can offer support can be found on their website. As part of A New Met for London plan, the Met is putting more people and focus into the team’s protecting

Jailed for thirteen-and-a-half years after he sexually exploited teenage girls

:Benjamin Agyemang women and children from violence and going after predatory men who commit those crimes.

16 NEWS

campaigners against relocation of children’s cancer services

Parents Jenny and Steve with their son Lewis and daughter Ella

By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter Thousands of people have thrown their support behind parents campaigning for a children’s cancer centre to remain at two South London hospitals, with families “terrified” at proposals which could see services moved to Central London.

NHS England is proposing to move the centre providing specialist children’s cancer treatment services based at The Royal Marsden Hospital, in Sutton, and St George’s Hospital, in Tooting, to one location. The NHS is consulting the public on two options for the future location of the centre for children aged 15 and under which covers South London, Kent, most of Surrey, Medway, East Sussex, Brighton and Hove – St George’s and the Evelina Children’s Hospital in Lambeth. Services are not expected to move before 2026. Parents of children who have been treated at the centre have launched a campaign against both options as they mean services would move from The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer specialist hospital. More than 6,800 people have signed a petition supporting the campaign, which says children’s cancer services in South London and much of the South East are at

“huge risk of failing” if facilities are moved. It comes after a new national service specification in 2021 outlined very specialist children’s cancer treatment services must be on the same site as a paediatric intensive care unit and other specialist children’s services. The Royal Marsden does not have a paediatric intensive care unit on site, meaning a small number of children with cancer requiring intensive care are transferred safely by ambulance from the hospital to St George’s every year. In the petition, parents argued moving services from The Royal Marsden would cause “far more complications, inconsistencies in treatment and potentially hugely lengthy increases in travel times and logistics for families, at what is already a terrifying and incredibly stressful time for them”. They said there is no guarantee the new service would exceed, or even meet, the level of care provided at The Royal Marsden. The parents added future children’s cancer treatments could minimise the need for paediatric intensive care, while patients who need radiotherapy would still need to travel to another hospital. They want a risk-adapted model to be put in place instead, which would see patients deemed likely to require intensive care services upon diagnosis receive specialist care at St George’s to minimise any need

for transfers, while the remaining patients would continue to receive specialist treatment at The Royal Marsden. Jenny Houghton’s 14-year-old son Lewis was diagnosed with cancer just before his sixth birthday in 2015 and treated at The Royal Marsden. He has been in remission for eight years. Ms Houghton is part of the parent stakeholder group opposing the proposals, which has been involved in the consultation process since 2019. The 45-year-old told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) parents of children receiving treatment at the centre are “utterly terrified” at the proposals, while the group is also “terrified for the families who have children yet to be diagnosed who are going to be affected”. She said the group had continually raised concerns about the proposals in meetings prior to the public consultation. She told the LDRS: “We feel very much like we’ve been part of this process as a tick-box exercise to show that they can say they’ve been listening to parents. They absolutely haven’t and they’ve shut us down at every point because they disagree with what we say.” NHS data shows 84 out of the 1,373 children treated by the centre in 2019/20 had intensive care – 15 came from The Royal Marsden. The centre treated 536 children as inpatients that year, with 335 of these

children from outside of London. Ms Houghton said parents of criticallyill children are “beside themselves at the prospect of having to travel into Central London” for treatment and that it is “not a feasible option and is incredibly dangerous” for many, particularly given how many patients live outside of the capital. Immunosuppressed children, she added, “can’t be around their closest family members in case they catch a cold which could be fatal – they absolutely can’t travel on a Tube and a train”. She told the LDRS: “I’m based in Ewell. When my son was in treatment, we could get to The Royal Marsden in six minutes. For us to get to the Evelina you’re looking at around an hour, let alone the additional costs that it would take. It just doesn’t add up, it’s not justifiable.” Ms Houghton described The Royal Marsden as “incomparable” and the prospect of services being moved from the hospital as “terrifying”. About the campaign, she said: “We’re doing this because we know what it’s like to go through this and we don’t want anybody to have anything less than the care that you receive at The Royal Marsden.” She added: “It’s been really emotional, really frustrating and exhausting being part of this for so long but there’s no part of me that feels I can stop until we have gone as far as we can to get this heard and hopefully get this rethought.”

St George’s previously said it plans to build a new centre housing “fantastic medical facilities, state-of-the-art research facilities and recreational, educational and therapeutic spaces”, along with family accommodation, if successful in the consultation. It said families would be able to drive to the centre and park in dedicated spaces, which would eliminate the “risk of infection to vulnerable kids from public transport”. A St George’s spokesperson said: “We understand that this is a really difficult time for families of children with cancer and we share the view that building on the experience of the current service is critical to the future, which is why it is front and centre of our proposals. We encourage everyone to complete NHS England’s consultation to share their views formally.” A spokesperson for Evelina London Children’s Hospital said its proposal is the only option that would mean the centre is based at a dedicated children’s hospital, bringing the region in line with international best practice. They said leading children’s cancer experts would work with the hospital’s world-class specialist children’s teams, researchers and facilities. The spokesperson added: “We understand that the parents of current patients may have concerns about some aspects of the proposed changes. As part of NHS England’s proposals, the vast majority

NEWS 17

Forest Hill residents without GP surgery demand new practice

Forest Hill in Lewisham

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter Residents in a South London neighbourhood without an NHS surgery are going private to avoid hour-long phone queues and month-long waiting times to see a doctor.

Parents Jenny and Steve with their son Lewis on the day they received the news he was in remission in June 2016 of the current expert clinical team will also move to the new centre. That means that most children and their families will continue to be supported by the clinicians they already know and trust, providing consistency and continuity in their care. “If successful with our bid, we are committed to working closely with the current teams at the Royal Marsden and St George’s, and with families and children, to ensure this continuity of care and to create the comprehensive children’s hospital our region needs and deserves. “This would include the provision of free, dedicated parking for the new children’s cancer centre in addition to the existing ‘home away from home’ free accommodation for the families of children being treated at Evelina London in the dedicated 60-bedroom Ronald McDonald House, the largest in London.” An NHS spokesperson said: “We understand that people are passionate about services for children with cancer and we welcome all feedback on our proposals. "To provide the very best care for children with cancer, specialist children’s cancer services and children’s intensive care need to be on the same site. Currently these services are on different sites and the NHS is consulting on bringing these services together either at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Lambeth or St George’s Hospital, Tooting. “The consultation is aiming to hear from

as wide a range of voices as possible about where the future cancer centre should be located. "We are asking people to tell us their views on the good points and drawbacks of each option, as well as ideas for making these proposed changes go smoothly. We would like to encourage all those with an interest in our proposals to visit our website, find out more and share their views with us.” A spokesperson for The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust said it is important any parent who wishes to share their views on the consultation can do so. Professor Nicholas van As, medical director at the trust, added: “The current service at The Royal Marsden is assessed as high-quality and safe, and a third of children treated in the hospital are able to access clinical trials through our world leading Oak Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology Drug Development Unit. "It’s important that the benefits currently available to children at The Royal Marsden are retained in the future.” The consultation closes on December 18. The link to the consultation documents, including the questionnaire where members of the public can provide their views, is www.transformationpartners. nhs.uk/childrenscancercentre The NHS will make a final decision after reviewing feedback and considering all information.

The 16,000 people who call the leafy Lewisham suburb of Forest Hill home have to trek to nearby areas like Sydenham, Dulwich and Perry Vale to see a doctor. But residents say they’re ‘increasingly struggling to get hold of a GP’ and complain of long waiting times and poor service. Locals say the time has come for Forest Hill to finally get its own GP, which they believe will allow them to see a doctor quicker and take pressure off existing nearby surgeries. Ali Barnes, who moved into the area recently with her husband Philippe, said she was told she couldn’t be seen for a month when she tried to book an appointment at one nearby surgery. She said: “We tried a local one and it was horrible. It was hard to get an appointment. Appointments took a month [to get].” The experience was so bad the couple have given up on local surgeries altogether and instead use Babylon Health, a service that lets people book and see a doctor on their phone, if they need a GP appointment. Mrs Barnes added: “It’s good that you

Chris Crouch said Lewisham borough needed a new GP surgery to relieve pressure off the existing practice

don’t have to wait on the phone to get an appointment to see someone. But it’s annoying that if you do want someone in person, you have to do the phone call first.” Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said her poor experience of trying to get a GP appointment in the area had pushed her to sign-up for private healthcare. The woman, a mum with a young daughter, said: “I’m having to be on hold for an hour and getting on to a receptionist and being asked ‘but is it urgent?’ "I’ve lived in London since I was a teenager and previously I could call my GP and he knew my family. I have private healthcare now.” Labour-run Lewisham Council has agreed to ask the council’s health and wellbeing board to consider plans to increase the number of doctors in the area. But the power to make this happen rests with the South East London Integrated Care Board, the body responsible for planning NHS services locally. In the meantime, pressures on nearby GPs are unlikely to ease. Over 200 new homes are expected to be built in Forest Hill in coming years and another 60 have recently been completed. The Vale Medical Centre in Perry Vale, a 20-minute walk from Forest Hill, said the number of patients on its books had increased due to the area’s growing population.

Riaz Jetah, who runs the surgery, said the practice was providing more appointments than ever before in order to deal with the extra patients. Carolina Garcia, 43, who has used The Vale Medical Centre for nine years, said it was clear the practice was struggling to deal with the number of patients signing up. She said: “I’ve been with them for nine years now and it has definitely got worse. I think we need one [another GP surgery]. You can tell its oversubscribed.” Chris Crouch, 59, said the pressure on GPs around Forest Hill was also being felt across the rest of the borough. Mr Crouch, who is signed up to Morden Hill Surgery in Lewisham, said: “You have to ring at eight in the morning and you can wait up to an hour on the phone. You can get a same-day appointment but it takes that hour to get through. “I think the area [Lewisham borough] definitely needs another surgery. We’ve got lots of new blocks with thousands of people and there’s no more allocation for doctors.” Local resident Pauline West had one idea. Pointing to the former home of Wetherspoon Forest Hill that shut its doors last month, she said: “This would make a nice doctors. We could have quite a few doctors and nurses. I think it’s a good place to have one. Even if they made it a walk-in clinic, that would be great.”

Carolina Garcia said it was obvious her local surgery was oversubscribed

18 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Birthday

Dorothy Sullivan (Knowles) happy 100th Birthday Mum & Nan

We all love you so much. From Pauline, Denise, Jeff and Jill, Grandchildren and all the family.  xxxxxx Memorial

Jessie Julia murphy

Treasured memories of our very precious Mum, who fell asleep November 27th 2015. We miss you so very much. Now together with George. From your loving Family. xxx

To place a family announcement in the paper please email katie@cm-media.co.uk announcements must be placed with us by 12 noon on the Tuesday before Thursday’s publication

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Meeting your accessibility needs This brand new development offers a range of spacious one bedroom apartments, all with outdoor balcony space and access to parks and new public realm spaces. These units can be easily adapted to assist you with all of your accessibility needs. It compromises of an open plan kitchen / reception room, breath-taking views across London whilst still giving you room to move about with spacious corridors and large rooms. Amenities The development will include a roof garden, a library, as well as a medical centre (tbc). Transport Just a short bus ride from Elephant & Castle station, on the Northern and Bakerloo lines as well as Overground connections to City Thameslink, Farringdon, and Kings Cross.

THE BOSCO FC is a Charity run community football club, which aims to provide a positive environment for all to express themselves, continue their development and to reach the highest level they can achieve both in, and out of football. Since forming the youth section five years ago, the club has gone from strength to strength, more than doubling in size and now has nine teams, eight youth teams and one senior side for this 2023/24 season, from u7s up to u14s. As well as delivering a Saturday football training academy. It's a huge achievement, given the size of our organisation, and is something we are extremely proud of. DUE TO the impact of Covid19 outbreak, we decided to form our senior side. Made up of local young people aged between 16-23 years old. Many, who had previously dropped out of football due to financial difficulties, lack of positive opportunities, amongst other reasons. In the last two seasons, the senior side has continued to improve and with two semi-final appearances and finishing strong last season, they will be looking to go one better this campaign. And have started the 2023/24 season in fine form, with 6 wins from 6 games in the league and cup. AS A charity organisation, we are always looking to network with like-minded organisations within the community, which is why, The Bosco Football Club are so grateful to Millwall Community Trust CEO, Sean Daly, for allowing us to use the pitch at St Paul's sports ground for our home fixtures and training venue for our senior team, along with several of our youth sides. Millwall offers the use of the Lions centre for our youth teams training, help with equipment and organising opportunities for several of our youth teams to participate in the Guard of honour at Millwall home fixtures at The Den. It was an amazing experience, which will live in our players memories forever. THROUGH THIS partnership, our senior and youth teams have been able to utilise the high-quality pitches to their advantage in the Woolwich and Eltham Sunday Football Alliance, and Selkent leagues. Through the kindness of Millwall Community Trust, we have been able to provide local footballing opportunities to the members of the Bosco FC, and our sports students at the Bosco Centre College on Jamaica road. – Millwall Community Trust continue to support Bosco to maintain their commitment to the community by providing a safe, consistent, and local home ground for our members.

AVERAGE STARTING PRICE – ONE BEDS £1,875pcm www.foliolondon.co.uk

WE EXTEND thank yous to all at Millwall and St Paul's sports ground, we look forward to continuing our partnership throughout the 2023/24 season. We would also like to invite all the local community down to St Paul's sports ground on matchdays, to get behind the team. As we know, it’s what the people in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe do best, and the boys will do their best to bring you entertainment and success on the pitch.

‘Pupils are rightly very proud of their school. They really enjoy their learning and talk with enthusiasm about the school’s culture of mutual respect and inclusivity.’ Ofsted 2023 Kingsdale is Outstanding in every area (Ofsted 2023) and presents extraordinarily rich opportunities to challenge students of all abilities including providing options to study Latin, Economics and Psychology. There is also the choice to learn two languages from the start of Year 7 for gifted & talented linguists. Kingsdale attracts many able students and operates a diverse, expansive curriculum to meet the particular needs and aspirations of all of our students and their families. The school offers a wide variety of academic subjects including 4 or 5 optional courses selected by each child in addition to co-curricular activities every day. ‘Pupils achieve exceptionally well in a wide range of subjects and attain highly at GCSE and A level.’ Ofsted 2023 Kingsdale is rated as a very high performing non-selective school. It has a very impressive track record of being one of the foremost schools, in the locality, for outcomes at Key Stage 5 with some truly outstanding academic results.

‘Leaders aim to nurture the talents of pupils through their scholar programmes in mathematics, music, art and sport.’ Ofsted 2023 ‘Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary…At break times, pupils use the space available to them sensibly. They chat with friends, have lunch together, read or play sports outside.’ Ofsted 2023 Subsidised excursions to amazing destinations such as Malaysia, Namibia, Brazil, the USA and the French Alps are an essential element of the school’s Trips of a Lifetime programme. Kingsdale is a dynamic, remarkably popular and progressive school that has invested over £30 million to develop an award-winning educational learning environment.

Kingsdale had an incredible history of regularly producing the top achieving individual student in the country at GCSE during the pre-pandemic period! The school has one of the best pupil to teacher ratios of any mainstream secondary school in South London.

Harnessing Sixth Form Talent Take advantage of the chance to visit Kingsdale Foundation School’s purpose built Sixth Form Site. See for yourself how we bring the best out of our students and why our post 16 provision is so popular and so heavily oversubscribed. We invite you to apply for a Sixth Form Scholarship worth up to £1,000 per annum. For more details email: sixthform@kingsdale.southwark.sch.uk Our Year 12 Sixth Form Open Day for 2024: Wednesday 29th November 2023 1.30-6.30pm Visits by Appointment Only. Virtual tours will be taking place and broadcast live during each event!broadcast live during each event!

For further information, please visit www.kingsdalefoundationschool.org.uk

ARTS 21

what’s on

Tiger on the Loose in Clapham Going to see a show about grief does not feel like the obvious choice for light entertainment on a cold, damp autumn night but Tiger by Joe Eyre looks to bring laughter to the fore as his play gets a run at Omnibus Theatre, writes Christopher Peacock...

Tiger is about Alice (Poppy AllenQuarmby), a stand up comedian who is struggling after the loss of her father and although caring and doting partner Oli (Luke Nunn) is a doctor, the pain and suffering Alice is going through cannot be healed by him alone. They decide to advertise for a roommate to move into the spare room to help the financial burden as Alice is not gigging but also in the hopes that the change could help lift Alice's spirits. Enter Tiger. Played by Meg Lewis, Tiger is an eccentric livewire and their entrance into the fold certainly changes the dynamic and goes some way to help restore Alice's hope and playful mood. Eyre’s script is heavily laden with gags, not just from the kooky Tiger, and with straight stand up material from Alice there are plenty of laughs not necessarily of the dark humour you would expect from a play about grief.

Hazel Low’s set design has the couple’s flat staged in traverse with every surface covered in pink faux fur and this does help play on the surreal elements of the show and the strangest of strangers at the dramatic core of the show. Director Myles O’Gorman does well presenting this piece in a staging that could prove awkward. Performances from all the cast were pretty faultless. Without ever overplaying the comedy the cast handled the more dramatic moments with care, giving great balance to this ‘dramady’. The show runs for over two hours and with a play light on plot, some of the scenes could be tighter, plus, the many slow scene changes drop the energy. As a comic exploration of the complex nature of grief, Joe Eyre’s Tiger is a fun and engaging piece; thought-provoking and charming the show does offer the light at the end of the tunnel, much needed in these dark November nights. Omnibus Theatre, 1 Clapham Common Northside, London SW4 0QW until December 2nd. Times: Tues - Sat 7.30pm; Sunday 4pm. Admission: £18, £16. Booking: www.omnibus-clapham.org 0207 498 4699

Surprise visitor to Camberwell Church

An England footballing legend created a stir when he appeared at a talk on Camberwell writer Matt Tiller’s biography of Jack Leslie, The Lion Who Never Roared, the first black footballer to be selected for England in 1925 but who never got to put that three lions shirt on because of his colour, writes Michael Holland...

We heard tales of Jack breaking goalscoring records at several clubs, becoming the first black footballer to captain a professional team (Plymouth Argyle), beating Uruguay and Argentina’s national teams in a Plymouth Argyle tour of South America, and how he ended his working life at West Ham cleaning the boots of the wondrous trio of Hurst, Moore and Peters after they had helped England win the World Cup. Questions from the audience gleaned further information about the FA finally giving Jack Leslie’s family an honorary England Cap, which now sits proudly in the Plymouth Argyle Museum. We also heard about the racism Jack and his family had to endure, besides the

ignominious decision by England’s ruling body, the FA. The author spoke about how he felt Jack Leslie’s story needed to be told in a book but also commemorated with a statue, so with another Plymouth Argyle fan, Greg Foxsmith, Matt Tiller set up a campaign to raise the funds. The statue was unveiled in 2022 outside the ground where Jack Leslie won so many games with his goals. Also in attendance was Ben Odeje, a New Cross boy who, 45 years after the Jack Leslie shame, actually became the first black player to play for England. As a respectful hush fell over the St Giles Church crypt, Ben told of how he felt when he first got the call saying he was in the team: ‘It was the best feeling in my life,’ he remembered. ‘All young players dream of that happening but when it does it is indescribable; I’ll never forget it.’ After the talk, Ben was surrounded by Charlton fans who remember when he played for them, all asking for selfies while they fired questions at him. Like Leslie, Ben Odeje suffered at the hands of racists during matches

but he still blazed his trail through football and opened doors to all those that came after. And even today, with some fans booing players taking the knee, or abusing the black England players for penalty misses in a game they had given their hearts to, it highlights the fact that racism is still a terrible part of the game, and that racists still walk among us. Matt Tiller was overjoyed at having Ben coming to his talk and signed a book for him. He ended with these words: ‘This has been an honour and a privilege to research and write. Jack's granddaughters have given me access to their archive and to their memories and precious family stories. Their honesty and integrity with their grandfather's legacy has ensured this is an honest portrait of this remarkable footballer and man. I shared the book with them to make sure I had got all the facts straight, but I was also nervous of what they would think. When they told me they loved it I was relieved and delighted.’ The Lion Who Never Roared is out in hardback through Pitch Publishing: www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/ lion-who-never-roared

22 CLASSIFIED

The Great Fire in Tooley Street, from Nicholson Wharf, after two days and two nights; by Capt. J. W. Anderson, 1861

tHe blaCk Heritage poliCe offiCer wHo fougHt Crime in viCtorian bermondsey By Herbie Russell Southwark poliCe have paid tribute to robert Branford, possibly the first Black heritage police officer to serve in the metropolitan Police.

Despite joining the force in 1838, the same year that slaves were freed in the colonies, he rose to the rank of Superintendent for M Division in Southwark in the area covering the Borough and Bermondsey. This would have been one of the most dangerous parts of Victorian London yet historical records show Branford distinguished himself, receiving special recognition for his work during the Great Fire of Tooley Street in 1861. Local historian Stephen Bourne, whose research has revealed fresh details about his life, said: “We shouldn’t just assume that Black people were always downtrodden victims of racism. “Branford demonstrates that there would have been some, although not many, exceptions to the rule. He was not only an exception, but an exceptional human being.” Thanks to Mr Bourne’s research, Borough Commander Seb Adjei Addoh became aware of Branford’s story and named the Peckham Police Station briefing room after him on October 3, 2023. Robert Branford was born in 1820 in Stoke-by-Nayland, Suffolk, to a white mother, Hannah Branford, and a Black father, of whom little is known. By 1838 he had joined the Metropolitan Police Service, lying on his form to say he was born in 1817. He would spend his entire career serving the Borough and Bermondsey, stationed at Stone’s End Police Station, behind The Ship pub which, almost 200 years later, is still popular with local bobbies finishing

their shifts at Southwark Police Station. Branford was made a sergeant in 1846 and later a superintendent in 1856, the highest rank in the division. He lived in Newington and the plethora of historical documents referencing him show he quickly established himself as a valued local officer and leader. In 1861, the Great Fire of Tooley Street struck, a huge blaze that began at Cotton’s Wharf and raged for two entire weeks. Thought to have been caused by the unsafe storage of hemp and jute, it killed firefighter Superintendent James Braidwood when a warehouse collapsed on him. One article in the Morning Advertiser, published in the wake of the fire, said local churchgoers paid special tribute to Branford for his service during the chaos in a ‘testimonial’ - a ceremony paying thanks to the officer. The article said: “The parishioners of St Olaves, Southwark, presented a very handsome and valuable testimonial to Branford as a mark of respect for his services and those of the police under his command under the Great Fire of Tooley Street”. Evidence of his Black heritage mainly rests on an extract from Scotland Yard Past and Present (1893) by retired Victorian policeman Timothy Cavanagh. Using an outdated epithet, Cavanagh wrote that Branford was “about the only half-caste superintendent the service ever had”. He added: “Mr Branford was not an educated man; but what to my idea was of much greater important, he possessed a thorough knowledge of Police matters in general.” However, Cavenagh's writings also showed the racism Branford would have faced, saying that some colleagues referred to him as the N word when he

wasn’t present. Research by historian Stephen Bourne has also added weight to the belief that Branford was Black. An internal police form described him as being of ‘dark’ complexion with ‘black’ hair. But despite the obstacles he must have faced, the fanfare at his retirement indicates he was a talented and highlyrespected leader. On his retirement in 1866, The South London Journal reported that “a very large meeting of officers” and local tradesmen gathered on Kennington Lane to celebrate his tenure. Amid “enthusiastic cheers’ he was given a gift of a silver inkstand Robert Branford rose to the “liberally subscribed for by all rank of superintendent members of the force”. “He could without egoism say that by perseverance he had raised himself to the highest post in this division,” the article said. Historian Stephen Bourne says the reception he received on leaving the force shows that Branford wasn’t defined by his ethnicity. He said: “It’s not so much A description of Robert Branford recorded in an internal about his race, it’s about police document on his retirement the example he set to his Borough Commander Seb Adjei Addoh (left) and rural life of his childhood. officers. historian Stephen Bourne inside the renamed He moved to Little Waldingfield where “His race was incidental Peckham Police Station briefing room he died from kidney failure in 1869, just but he set a fantastic three years after retiring. example as someone who In 2017, after locating his final at the Trinity Church near Newington started with nothing and worked his resting place in the churchyard of Little Causeway in 1841. They had no children. way up. In any profession, that’s quite Waldingfield, Stephen Bourne attended Despite spending his career in the something to do.” a memorial service at his graveside, hustle and bustle of inner London, it He was then able to enjoy his retirement organised by the Metropolitan Police. seems Robert was always attracted by the with his wife Sarah who he’d married

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24 CLASSIFIED

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The Walworth Living Room Rehearsing Community Health Justice: Artwork Unveiling

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PUBLIC NOTICES 25

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) ALBANY ROAD, DOG KENNEL HILL, CHAMPION HILL, GROVE HILL ROAD, RED POST HILL, SUNRAY AVENUE, BORLAND ROAD, JANEWAY PLACE, LAVINGTON STREET, MANOR PLACE, MUNTON ROAD, PARKERS ROW )

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (SURREY QUAYS ROAD)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) 1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable crane works to be carried out, it has made an order, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named road.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable various works to be carried out, it intends, to make, an order, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named roads.

Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload at any time in:

Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload at any time in Surrey Quays Road, between Deal Porters Way and Lower Road.

The alternative route for affected traffic (2a) Lower Road, Brunel Road, Salter Road, Redriff Road, Rotherhithe New Road, Rotherhithe Old Road

(a) Albany Road, between Bradenham Close and Portland Street (b) Dog Kennel Hill, between No’s 170 and No’s 1 (c) Champion Hill, between Langford Green and Dog Kennel Hill (d) Grove Hill Road, between Dog Kennel Hill and the side of No’s 209 (e) Red Post Hill, at it’s junction with Sunray Avenue (f) Sunray Avenue, between No’s 113 and Red Post Hill (g) Borland Road, between No’s 10 and No’s 16, located between Reynolds (h) Janeway Place, between No’s 8 to Wilson Grove (i) Lavington Street, between Great Suffolk Street and Ewer Street (j) Manor Place, between Angel Lane and Crampton Street (k) Munton Road, between Balfour Place and Rodney Place (l) Parkers Row, at it’s junction of Dockhead to it’s blocked end

Exemptions will be provided in the Order to permit reasonable access to premises, so far as it is practical without interference with the execution of the said works.

The restrictions will not apply to any vehicle being used in connection with the said works, or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes or anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform.

The works will be in operation on the 18th and 19th November. If the works are unable to go ahead, they will take place on the 25th and 26th November

Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network Management at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk

The alternative route for affected traffic (2a) Camberwell Road, Walworth Road, Heygate Street, Rodney Road, Flint Street, Thurlow Street. Albany Road, Wells Way, Southampton Way, New Church Road, Bowyer Place, (cyclists Portland Street, Westmoreland Road) Camberwell Road, Bowyer Place, New Church Road, Cottage Green, Wells Way. (2b, 2c, 2d) Demark Hill, Peckham Road, Clayton Road, Hanover Park, Rye Lane, Peckham Rye, East Dulwich Road (2e, 2f) East Dulwich Grove, Lordship Lane, Grove Vale, Champion Park, Denmark Hill. (2g) Stuart Road, Cheltenham Road, Hichisson Road. (2h) Wilson Grove, Janeway Street, Janeway Place (2i) as indicated by the signs displayed (2j) Manor Place, Crampton Street, Amelia Street, Walworth Road (2k) New Kent Road, Elephant & Castle, Walworth Road, Heygate Street, Rodney Road. Rodney Road, Flint Street, East Street, Old Kent Road (2l) not applicable

Dated this 16th November 2023

Ian Law Traffic Manager London Borough of Southwark Network Management Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX Ref: 6576aoad-amendmenttodate-SQRd

The existing restriction in place, at Rye Lane and Hanover Park for ‘buses and taxis only’ will be suspended to allow motorised vehicles and motorcycles to use these roads as an alternative route for (2b, 2c, 2d)

The existing ‘one-way’ working in Lavington Street, will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes for (2i)

The existing ‘one-way’ working in Munton Road, will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes for (2k)

Exemptions will be provided in the Order to permit reasonable access to premises, so far as it is practical without interference with the execution of the said works.

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 07.12.2023 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk

The works will be in operation for (2a) 11th – 16th December, between 20:00hrs and 05:00hrs. (2b, 2c, 2d) 6th – 8th December, between 20:00hrs and 05:00hrs (2e, 2f )4th – 6th December, between 20:00hrs and 05:00hrs (2g) 5th December (2h) 4th December 2023 – 20 February 2024 (2i) 2nd December, with back up dates of the 9th December (2j) 8th – 10th December, between 22:00hrs and 06:00hrs (2k) 2nd-3rd and 9th – 10th December (2l) 4th December 2023 – 8th January 2024

The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden,Surrey, SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Information on all new and variation applications received by the Licensing Authority can be viewed on the Council’s website www.wandsworth.gov.uk

10.

Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network Management at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk

It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application, punishable upon conviction by an unlimited fine.

Dated this 16th November 2023 Ian Law Traffic Manager London Borough of Southwark Network Management Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX Ref: (2a) 6729/18988120 (2b) 90386186 (2c) 52459544 (2d) 56222439 (2e) 45733375 (2f) 12247424 (2g) 000031970112-001 (2h) BER2-WIHO47-01 (2i) LBSCR13238 (2j) LBSCR13185 (2k) LBSCR13088 (2l) BER1-PARW120-01

Notice of Application for a Premises Licence made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 Please take notice that I / we Mexican Mama Ltd have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of 232 Rye Lane, London, SE15 4NL The relevant licensable activities and proposed times to be carried on, or on from the premises are Days

Start time

Finish time

The retail sale of alcohol:

Monday to Sunday

09:00

19:00

Opening hours:

Monday to Sunday

09:00

19:00

A register of all applications made within the Southwark area is maintained by: The Licensing Service, Hub 1, 3rd Floor, 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH A record of this application may be inspected by visiting the office during normal office hours by appointment on 020 7525 2000; details are also available on our website at http://app.southwark.gov.uk/licensing/licenseregister.asp It is open to any interested party to make representations about the likely effect of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives. Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Service at the office address given above (or by email via licensing@southwark.gov.uk) and be received by the Service within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below. Note: It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of such offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. Date of application: 6th November 2023

Notice of application for a Premises Licence

Notice is hereby given that TRATTORIA BATTERSEA LIMITED in respect of Premises known as Café Brera, 228 York Road, London, SW11 3SJ has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003. Proposed licensable activities and timings: to use the premises for the sale by retail of alcohol between the hours of 11:00-23:00.

26 PUBLIC NOTICES LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (as amended) PLANNING (LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS) ACT 1990 (as amended) The planning applications listed below can be viewed on the planning register at https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/ You can use facilities at your local library or 'My Southwark Service Points' to access the website. How to comment on this application: You should submit your comments via the above link. Comments received will be made available for public viewing on the website. All personal information will be removed except your postal address. Online comments submitted without an email address will not be acknowledged and those marked 'confidential' will not be considered. Written comments can be submitted to; Southwark Council, Chief executive's department, Planning division, Development Management, PO Box 64529, London SE1 5LX. Reason for publicity. The applications are advertised for the reasons identified by the following codes: AFFECT - development affecting character or appearance of a nearby conservation area; OR development affecting setting of a nearby listed building(s); DEP - departure from the development plan; EIA - environmental impact assessment (these applications are accompanied by an environmental statement a copy of which may be obtained from the Council - there will be a charge for the copy); MAJ - major planning application; STDCA - development within a conservation area; STDLB - works to or within the site of a listed building; BANKSIDE HOTEL 2 BLACKFRIARS ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 9JU (Ref: 23/AP/2049) Minor material amendment to planning permission ref. no. 12/AP/1784 (approved 14.12.2012) for "Application made under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 for the erection of three buildings (a 50 storey tower plus basement levels to a maximum height 170m Above Ordnance Datum (AOD), a 6 storey building 'The Rennie Street Building', and a 4 storey building - 'The Podium Building') which together provide a mixed use development totalling 74,905sqm gross external area comprising: 11,267sqm of Class C1 use (hotel); 52,674sqm of Class C3 use (up to 274 flats); 1,316sqm of retail uses (Class A1 to A5); and 9,648sqm of basement, ancillary plant, servicing and car parking with associated public open space and landscaping." Amendment sought: Variation of Condition 21 'Service and Delivery Activity' to amend the wording of the condition relating to delivery hours and practice at Unit 23 (occupied by Gail's bakery). Reason(s) for publicity: MAJ (Contact: Patricia Fung ) 4-5 PARIS GARDEN AND 18-19 HATFIELDS (INCLUDING PART 6 PARIS GARDEN, FLANK WALL OF 17 HATFIELDS AND UNDERCROFT SERVICING ROUTE) LONDON, SE1 8ND (Ref: 23/AP/3069) Structural and remedial works, and cosmetic repairs to the flank wall of 17 Hatfields, which forms the party wall with 18 Hatfields. (Associated planning permission application ref. 23/AP/3068.) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Philip Freeman-Bentley ) LAND TO NORTH OF FEATHERSTONE MEWS AND REAR 13-16 TALBOT ROAD, SE22 8EH, 25-30 ST FRANCIS ROAD SE22 8DE (Ref: 23/AP/2780) Development of the site to provide 9 no. new houses, associated roof level amenity space, hard and soft landscaping, cycle and refuse storage, and all associated ancillary works. (This application represents a departure to Policy P57 Open Space of Southwark Plan 2022 by reason of development on Borough Open Land (BOL)). Reason(s) for publicity: DEP (Contact: Agneta Kabele 07548097486) 78A HENSHAW STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE17 1PD (Ref: 23/AP/2882) Replacement of timber single glazed sash

windows with timber double glazed sash windows. Installation of rear corner bi-fold aluminium doors in place of two timber sash windows and a door. (Within: Yates Estate And Victory CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Megan Stevens ) KINGSWOOD HOUSE SEELEY DRIVE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE21 8QP (Ref: 23/AP/3116) Alterations to listed building including installation of new internal platform lift, works to alter existing staircase, removal of existing internal concrete structures and associated works. Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Richard Craig 020 7525 0436) 4-5 PARIS GARDEN AND 18-19 HATFIELDS (INCLUDING PART 6 PARIS GARDEN, FLANK WALL OF 17 HATFIELDS AND UNDERCROFT SERVICING ROUTE) LONDON, SE1 8ND (Ref: 23/AP/3068) Part demolition and part retention, refurbishment, and extension of 4-5 Paris Garden together with demolition and redevelopment of 18-19 Hatfields to provide 14,799 square meters of Use Class E floorspace in a single five to ten storey building with a single basement; including basement car and cycle parking and servicing area, external landscaped courtyard linking Paris Garden and Hatfields, landscaped terraces, rooftop plant equipment and enclosures, and other associated works, alongside works to the adjoining flank wall of 17 Hatfields. (Associated listed building consent application ref. 23/AP/3069.) Reason(s) for publicity: MAJ (Contact: Philip FreemanBentley ) 1 TALBOT YARD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 1YP (Ref: 23/AP/3130) Single storey rooftop extension to replace a 1bedroom apartment with a 2-bedroom duplex apartment (Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Emily Williams 020 7525 1249) 43 MADRON STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE17 2LE (Ref: 23/AP/3129) Construction of a two storey self contained new dwelling with associated amenity space. (Within: Thomas A'Beckett And High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Abbie McGovern 020 7525 0254) 62 SOUTHWARK PARK ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE16 3RS (Ref: 23/AP/3043) Part double storey part single storey rear extension with internal alterations and changes to rear landscape to allow access to garden (Within:

Thorburn Square CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Chloe Rimell 0207 525 1397) 188 TOOLEY STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 2TZ (Ref: 23/AP/2910) Installation of a new shopfront including three aluminium framed glass panelled doors, two of which are bi-fold, frameless aluminium louvres and a signboard displaying the written building number. (Within: Tooley Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Megan Stevens ) 2 HEATON ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 3NL (Ref: 23/AP/1719) Change of use of ground and basement floor office unit (Use Class E) into 2 bed residential unit (Use Class C3), including enclosing part of the site at the front to form a private terrace and minor alterations to the front fenestration. (Within: Rye Lane Peckham CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Abbie McGovern 020 7525 0254) THE CHARTER SCHOOL RED POST HILL LONDON SOUTHWARK SE24 9JH (Ref: 23/AP/3133) The installation of floodlighting to existing hard sports courts and re-alignment of fencing to existing hard sports court. (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Glenn Ruane 020 7525 5447)

- Adjustments to the fenestration and shop fronts on the Blenheim Grove building - Adjustment of the ventilation louvres facing the railway Changes to the internal layouts - Former Use Classes A1, A2, A3, A5, B1a and D1 to be Use Classes E (Commercial, business and service) and F2 (Local community) - Modification of the number and location of columns beneath Platform 3 on the north side of the square Modification of the platform screen forming the south face of Platform 3 at high level (Within: Holly Grove Rye Lane Peckham CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Abbie McGovern 020 7525 0254) Dated: 14 Nov 2023 comments to be received within 21 days of this date. STEPHEN PLATTS Director of Planning and Growth

82 RYE LANE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 4RY (Ref: 23/AP/3112) Variation of Condition 1 (Approved plans) to planning permission 18/AP/2840 'Variation of Condition 1 (Approved plans) of planning permission 15/AP/4337 (Creation of a new public square between Peckham Rye Station and Rye Lane following demolition of the arcade buildings currently located between the north and south railway viaducts; refurbishment of the railway arches facing onto the new square and refurbishment and erection of a two storey extension to the building at 2-10 Blenheim Grove / 82 Rye Lane, to provide A1 (retail), A2 (financial and professional), A3 (restaurant / cafe), A5 (hot food takeaway), B1a (offices) and D1 (nonresidential institution) uses, together with hard landscaping, public WC and other associated works.) comprising Increase in the overall height of extension by 500mm; Reduction in plan size of Blenheim Grove extension; Provision of boundary fence along railway parapet wall; Alterations to elevations including location of windows, louvres and inclusion of fixed access ladder and Boundary fencing.' for the following amendments:

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SPORT 27

own goal sends millwall into second round

The Lionesses celebrate

denham united 2-3 millwall lionesses By Jeff Burnige at The Den millwall lioneSSeS scraped through to the second round after this typical banana-skin Women’s Fa Cup tie thanks to two great goals from Shannan drewe last weekend.

Denham’s ground is also known as The Den, and this was a feisty affair with a place in the next round at stake in this 50-year-old competition which Millwall have won twice in their history. The in-form and perhaps overconfident Lionesses were given a real fright in this game against the L&SERWFL Division 1 North opponents from the tier below. Denham’s direct and physical style

Lynn’s Frankie falls just short

By John Kelly lynn aBC’S Frankie hanratty came up just short in his first international bout last weekend.

Hanratty lost on a majority points decision representing south-east London against Oier Prieto Duque from Catalunya. “His opponent was a very hardhitting southpaw and he caught Frankie with a big shot early in the first round which rocked him to his boots,” Lynn coach Terry Pearson said. “Frankie regrouped very quickly and started to box at range and was getting loads of success of his own, but Duque kept closing the range and Frankie was forced to fight at close quarters. “I was very pleased with his performance as this was a big stepup in class and was his first contest at three three-minute rounds. His opponent was very strong and many would have quit after how hard he hit Frankie in the first round, but Frankie showed the heart of a lion and took him to the end of the contest. “I’m sure this bout will stand him in good stead for the rest of the season.”

was much better suited to a bobbly pitch with long grass, and it took an own goal from the host’s goalkeeper to seal the win for the visitors. The home side scored within the first minute when Niamh Cashin nodded in a great header from a clumsily conceded corner, but Drewe quickly equalised with a superb left-foot strike. Despite the early shock, Millwall persisted with a risky policy of trying to play neat football from the back, under great pressure from highly motivated opponents, the tricky conditions and not least a large and boisterous crowd. The upset the locals wanted looked a possibility when Jo Torr put Denham ahead before half-time. Lionesses joint-managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland demanded much

Frankie Hanratty

greateracommitment In the second half, and two goals in three minutes finally turned the tie around. Drewe scored the second equaliser with a right-foot finish after cutting in from the left on 61 minutes. Millwall’s winner arrived two minutes later when Zara Butt mis-kicked into her own net. That was in contrast to the calmness of the experienced Chrissie Wiggins in Millwall’s goal. Maisie Joyce brought her own experience as a 70th-minute midfield substitute for Shay Bennett, and late in the game Summer James and sixteenyear-old Jess Edwards provided muchneeded fresh legs. Denham’s support were desperate for their side to take the tie into extra-time,

but their team lost their discipline and saw two red cards in the final minutes. Monday’s draw for the second round threw up a south London derby against Bromley, who are also a tier below, in Division 1 South. The match will be on Sunday, November 26. Before then, this Sunday the Lionesses face in-form local rivals Dulwich Hamlet in the L&SERWFL Premier Division at St Paul’s at 1.30pm. With no Championship game this aMillwall season-ticket holders can attend for free, while the Hamlet always bring a large following to this derby match, for which, like Denham, they will be highly motivated. Millwall expect to have Chloe Burr, Liv McGregor and Ellen Napper back for the game.

By John Kelly

in September. Fortunately, Richard is in a great position and we expect Richard will channel that into his performance on November 18 and come back to the ring with a bang to remind fans, and his fellow cruiserweights, what he’s all about. “It’s such an exciting time for the cruiserweight division, particularly in the UK. We have Chris Billam-Smith defending his world title against Mateusz Masternak in Bournemouth on December 10, Lawrence Okolie preparing for his shot at redemption, and Richard Riakporhe as the WBO’s number one contender waiting for the mandatory to be called.” Riakporhe added: "We're going to be paying close attention to the winner of Masternak vs CBS. It's going to be very interesting, 2024 is looking very bright. "I know CBS is going to be up for it because he understands that there's big opportunities for him as well to fight against me and Okolie. "Any of them can get it. I don't have no problem with that. I’ve actually signed to fight all of them. Whoever wants it first, they can just queue up. “We can just mix it. But we have to come through this [Bregeon fight] so I'm completely focused on my opponent.”

Riakporhe makes long-awaited return against ex-French champ riChard riakporhe will be aiming to move closer to a world cruiserweight title shot when he puts his unbeaten record on the line live on Sky Sports this weekend.

Walworth’s Riakporhe, 33, fights former French national champion Dylan Bregeon at The Halls in Wolverhampton on the Adam Azim versusFranck Petitjean bill. Riakporhe, 16-0, last fought in January when he knocked out Krzysztof Głowacki in the fourth round of their bout in Manchester. "A lot has happened since I've been away but on November 18 I am back and reminding everyone why I am the number one contender in this division," Riakporhe said. "I take every single fight as seriously as possible because I'm right at the line of a world title fight. I'm number one with the WBO and come through this fight, take all of that [and] I’m fighting for a world title." Riakporhe’s promotor, BOXXER chief executive Ben Shalom, said: “It’s been a frustrating few months for us after we did have a world title agreed in France

Photo by Thomas West

lionesses survive sCare

Hamlet rescue late, late point By John Kelly dulwiCh hamlet scored a lastgasp leveller against margate to spark wild scenes among the majority of a sold-out Champion hill in a thrilling isthmian league premier division clash last weekend.

The visitors thought they had snatched victory in the last minute through Steve Cawley. But Josh Shonibare scored in the sixth minute of stoppage-time in front of an attendance of 3,334 in East Dulwich. Anthony Jeffrey put the hosts in front on 42 minutes before Ben Greenhalgh equalised an hour in. “I thought we were outstanding in the first half. We pinned them back, we played some good stuff,” Dulwich boss Hakan Hayrettin said. “Anthony Jeffrey’s had a good strike, hit the crossbar, he’s come inside and scored one hell of a goal. “I thought we were managing the game well but in the second half we didn’t start as well as we should have. We gave away too many freekicks and then we were on the back foot. “They pushed but we shouldn’t be giving away so many free-kicks, eight in fifteen minutes, something like that. From one of them was the goal and we’ve got to do better in the box. Six-yard box again [for Margate’s second] and it goes in. “We showed good character to come back. In the second half we had the majority of the ball, we didn’t really make things happen but we got our reward in the end. “We had to fight hard to get a point. We showed good spirit to keep going til the death. But we’ve got to do better in the second half.” The Hamlet were knocked out of the Velocity Cup by Billericay Town the previous Tuesday. Hayrettin was pleased with their response ahead of their league game against Folkestone Invicta this Saturday. Hayrettin added: “The reaction was there, the spirt was there, it’s now five league games unbeaten. We need to continue that run, that’s vitally important, but we need to start turning the one-pointers into three.” Kick-off at Champion Hill is at 3pm

Dulwich fly past Bees By John Kelly

Summer roBertS and Erin Corrigan were on target as dulwich hamlet reached the second round of the women’s Fa Cup with a 2-0 win against london Bees at Champion hill last weekend.

Roberts opened the scoring in the seventh minute and Corrigan added a second eight minutes before the break in front of a bumper attendance of 900. Fifth-tier Dulwich have been drawn away to Billericay Town of the third tier on November 26. The Hamlet travel to Millwall Lionesses for a league derby this Sunday.

28 SPORT

eZe boost but gueye spoils return palace boss struggles to ﬁnd positives in late defeat By John Kelly roy hodgSon was in no mood to focus on the positives after Crystal Palace’s 3-2 defeat to Everton at Selhurst Park last weekend.

Vitaliy Mykolenko gave Sean Dyche’s side the lead after a minute before Eberechi Eze scored from the penalty spot after he had been fouled by Jarrad Branthwaite. The visitors were back in front on 49 minutes when Mykolenko’s volley hit the post and Abdoulaye Doucoure tapped in the rebound. Odsonne Edouard made it 2-2 in the 74th minute but Everton claimed the points thanks to Idrissa Gueye’s goal four minutes from time. “I don't think you should be looking for positives when you lose 3-2 at home to a team where really, for large periods, we had the measure of and were dealing with,” Hodgson said. “It was always a close game, to be fair. They're

a very hard team to beat, we know that, and they're very dangerous with their crosses and attacking the ball in the box. But I thought for large periods of the game, we dealt with that quite well. “Certainly, in the second half, we had a lot of the ball and were looking quite dangerous and that brought us an equaliser. Really, that should have been enough to make me a lot happier person than I am at this moment this evening. “It was [frustrating] because we conceded so early in the first half and then did well, I thought, and worked very hard to get that equaliser. “At half-time, we were fairly confident that we could go out and continue in the way that we'd been playing, which had got us the equaliser and given us some ascendancy in large parts of the game, only to concede yet again after a couple of minutes. “And then I thought it was a really good effort, and we actually played well to get the 2-2 goal,

which would have been a good result on the day after being behind twice in the way we were. “So to concede a third goal, of course, is very frustrating and saddening, really, because it leaves me feeling that we could and should have done better, and at least held on to the point that we definitely had and deserved when we equalised.” Eze was making his first start since September 30, and Michael Olise made his first appearance of the season after tearing his hamstring on France under-21 international duty in the summer. Hodgson said: “To state the obvious, to have two players of that quality back makes us a better team. “We look more dangerous and we have more quality in the attacking areas when those two are back playing, so we’re very happy about that, but unfortunately it didn’t help us today because their re-entry was a defeat.”

Eberechi Eze, left, scored, but Idrissa Gueye, right, bagged the winner

Point apiece in battle of new managers at Loftus Road By John Kelly marti CiFuenteS is still waiting for his first win as manager of Queens park rangers after their 0-0 draw against Bristol City at loftus road last weekend.

QPR manager Marti Cifuentes

A season-high crowd of 17,540 in W12 saw the Hoops fail to win at home for the seventh time in the league in this campaign. Cifuentes was taking charge of his first match at home, against a Robins side with former Oxford United boss Liam Manning in the dugout for the first time. “We wanted to give three points

to our supporters who have been absolutely fantastic,” Cifuentes said. “I definitely feel this was a step in the right direction. It was an even game but I thought we built some good momentum in some parts of the first half and especially the second half. “At the beginning of the second half I felt we were quite dominant but we missed this killer instinct. “We did a lot of good things, we didn’t concede too many chances, but it’s not about that, it is about scoring more goals than the opponent and unfortunately today we couldn’t.” The hosts thought they could have had a penalty when Sinclair Armstrong

went down under a challenge from Zak Vyner. “I haven’t seen it back. I have been told it is a penalty but I am not focussing on that,” Cifuentes said. “They are the edges that can sometimes decide a game but I am sure the refs are doing their best. Sometimes the decisions go for you, sometimes against. “My job is to make sure we are better than not just these small edges. We need to create more chances and we need to make sure we can score more goals. Hopefully in the future we will get there.” QPR are 23rd in the table and

will travel to Norwich City after the international break when they will try to close the five-point gap to safety. “This is a good window for us,” Cifuentes said. “The last two weeks have been really productive. Now we have two weeks in front of us. “We really wanted the victory to go into the two weeks but this is a great opportunity to keep working. “It is encouraging what I have seen so far in training, and every minute on the training pitch will be useful. “I am looking forward to spending these next days with the squad and to make sure we will be even better in our next game.”

SPORT 29

The feeling is mutual EXCLUSIVE By Kiro Evans

The Financial Divide

The financial disparity in the league is growing with former Premier

League clubs like Leicester City and Southampton increasingly capable of out-spending the Lions. It means that England's second-tier, known for it's unpredictability and randomness, could gradually become more like the Premier League, where money heavily influences league position. Kavanagh is concerned by the advantages of the "parachute clubs" -

relegated Premier League teams who are entitled to financial packages over three years to help soften the blow of losing top-flight income. Three of the top four in the Championship - Leicester, Leeds United and Southampton - were relegated from the top-flight last season. Kavanagh told our paper: "I've met with the DCMS (Department for

Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) and these conversations are going on at the highest political levels. "Football has got to a stage where someone unfortunately has to step in to readdress the balance that has occurred over the years and a situation where parachute clubs now, before you even start, are £50million ahead of you. Our turnover is only £20m so they're two-and-a-half our turnover before we even turn the lights on. How do you compete with that? "Well you only compete with that by making The Den a fierce, hostile, positive environment for your team by doing everything you can to maximise every ounce of everything you have about you as a club - that togetherness and that approach that John Berylson installed in us and James is carrying on. "That's how you can compete. You can only keep punching that way for so long. Eventually, over a long period of time, those financial numbers will mean that finance will win. It doesn't mean you can't compete short-term, Luton proved that last year, but that imbalance is so strong and so heavy that stats now show parachute clubs will get promoted." Kavanagh comments come as last week's King's Speech revealed that the Government will put forward a bill to create an independent regulator in football that could have powers over financial regulations. The Millwall CEO is hopeful that it can help readdress the imbalance in football. He added: "We're all competing for a place in the play-offs and a shot of getting up and even then you still have to compete with the parachute clubs which make it very difficult. "So those conversations are ongoing and hopefully we can get the next steps of that shortly. That situation has been ongoing for two years, if not longer, and those arguments have been ongoing for two years. And that's why the white paper was brought forward and that's why the Government have backed that. While you can see the Premier League is a fantastic product for this country, it is creating a significant, systemic failing beneath it."

getting anything from the game as Villa won a thirteenth straight match at home in the Premier League. Fulham are sixteenth in the table with twelve points from twelve games. “It was a frustrating afternoon for us,” Silva said. “I have to say that Villa deserved the three points. A football match is much more than just playing the first half or second half, you have to be consistent from the first minute. The frustration for us is the way we conceded the goals. A second own goal this season so far in twelve games, the number is too big.

“We have to be much more relaxed. We know the quality of the teams that we are playing against and we have to be much more calm, much more relaxed in some moments when the ball is around our box. The second goal, again the way two players clashed with each other in one moment when we had that moment under control, easy to solve that problem there. And after they clashed, from that moment they built the second goal and made things much more difficult for us. “To be honest, what frustrates me more from the first half was the way we played on the ball. We had one or two moments, one good moment

on our right side when probably we should have created the clear chance to score. We planned to attack them in behind, we tried to do it, but first half was poor on the ball. We didn’t express ourselves on the ball. “We spoke at half-time, from a tactical point of view we didn’t change many, many things, we just had to adjust and give the players the belief, and show them that we have to do much better on the ball, to start to express ourselves, and to be Fulham Football Club on the pitch that didn’t exist first half. Second half, we did it from the first minute. I felt Villa dropped off the

pitch, waited much more for us, didn’t try to press so high to try to punish us on the counter-attack, but from the first minute I felt that we were there. “We were trying to score [to make it] 2-1, to get into the game again. We were commanding the game, and we cannot give another goal like we gave. We gave the third goal to them, after an offensive corner for us. We had the moment again to be calm, to be relaxed, to build the attack again, and we gave the ball away and we were sloppy. “When you make this many mistakes, we don’t deserve nothing from the game.”

STEVE KAVANAGH insists the parting of ways with Gary Rowett was done "professionally and honourably".

The 49-year-old coach left The Den by mutual consent last month, opening the door for Joe Edwards to become the new head coach. Rowett had been in charge for almost four years and established Millwall as a top-half Championship side who were consistently fighting for a place in the play-offs. Kavanagh told our paper: "It was all done very professionally and honourably and in a very open manner. Everyone operated fairly and reasonably. Any negotiation is always difficult and someone saying they feel their time is up is never easy. But we all worked together and came to the outcome that was fair and balanced. It's never a good period, it creates instability. "I got the call from Gary and his agent saying 'we'd like to have a different conversation' and I think actually from there to appointing Joe [Edwards], you understand all the work that goes on behind the scenes. Because we weren't having conversations [with potential managerial candidates], we'd hadn't been out in the market, it wasn't something we were actively trying to change. "So in that short period, we've gotten to somewhere and now we can move forward. I want the fans to get behind Joe and his team, there's some good people there, and The Den needs to be what it has always been. It needs to be a fierce, competitive environment which is positive for our team and that creates a difficult atmosphere for the opposition. "Gary's done a great job in really establishing us as a Championship club and moving us forward to compete for the play-offs year in, year out. That platform then allows you to continue to grow."

Kavanagh airs fears over Championship's inequality

Steve Kavanagh is concerned about the financial imbalance in English football

EXCLUSIVE By Kiro Evans MILLWALL CHIEF executive Steve Kavanagh believes that clubs like Millwall have to "maximise every ounce" to get close to the richer sides that make up the Championship.

Fulham ‘deserved nothing’ as Villa take unlucky thirteenth victim By John Kelly

MARCO SILVA admitted Fulham didn’t deserve anything from their Premier League game at Aston Villa last weekend as the hosts ran out comfortable 3-1 winners at Villa Park.

Antonee Robinson's own goal and John McGinn's second put Unai Emery's side 2-0 up at the break. Ollie Watkins added the third from Leon Bailey's cross, before Raul Jimenez scored a consolation 20 minutes from time, the Mexico striker’s first top-flight goal since March 2022. The Cottagers never looked like

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Cole maCHine Blues’ ex-City attacker earns point with stoppage-time penalty

Cole Palmer celebrates his late leveller

By Paul Green Cole palmer admitted it felt odd going into battle against his boyhood club after scoring the 95th-minute penalty which earned Chelsea a 4-4 draw with manchester City in a remarkable game at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

It looked as though the treble winners were all set to nick a thrilling contest 4-3 following Rodri’s deflected 86th-minute strike and with the clock ticking down. But there was to be more late drama when Armando Broja was fouled by Ruben Dias to hand Chelsea a lifeline. And it was Palmer who kept his cool to continue his impressive penalty scoring streak since quitting the Etihad in the summer in search of regular first-team football with the Blues. “Very, very strange,” Palmer said.

“It is the first time I’ve played against City since I left but I’ve got the utmost respect for the club that I spent fifteen years at. It was nice to see some friends. “We were unlucky not to get the win, but it was another great game.” Palmer also accepted his equaliser had upset many of his friends and family back in Manchester. “Yeah, probably,” he said. “I’ve got many City fans I know but it is a game, isn’t it.” There was a delay in the buildup to the penalty following an altercation between both sets of players, which eventually resulted in yellow cards for Jack Grealish and Nicolas Jackson. Palmer ignored all the fuss and calmly scored his fourth spot-kick in his last five Premier League games. He said: “It was a long time waiting but I felt confident. I’ve had a few penalties now. I just keep calm – the

90th-something minute it was so I just kept focused and struck it. “I’m not going to say I work on them because I don’t. I just trust in my natural abilities and thankfully it went in. “It was amazing. I was excited before the game to see old faces and show what I can do. It was a great game. “We went behind a few times and bounced back so it was a good game.” In fact, Chelsea came from behind three times in a frenetic clash that will live long in the memory. Erling Haaland also scored a penalty with the opener on 27 minutes, an opportunity he won after being tugged back by Marc Cucurella. Thiago Silva levelled four minutes later with a header and then another former City favourite, Raheem Sterling, put Chelsea in front for the only time ten minutes later. Manuel Akanji’s stoppage-time header ensured the sides went in level

at the interval and within two minutes of the restart Haaland grabbed his second of the game. Back came the Blues with another leveller midway through the half, Jackson reacting quickly to fire in after Ederson could only push out Conor Gallagher’s shot. Then came all the late drama involving Rodri and Palmer to ensure 3-3 became 4-4, as Chelsea capped a decent week following Monday’s 4-1 success at bitter rivals Spurs. Sterling said: “Obviously we wanted to win the game, we wanted to continue the win that we got at Tottenham last week and that’s exactly the mentality we went out there with and done. “We fought when we went behind, kept coming back and that showed the mentality of us. “I scored and obviously scoring is a good feeling. You remember it is your old club, so you don’t try to overdo it.”

mcgrandles denies pompey By John Kelly miChael appleton was delighted with the character his Charlton side showed after they came from behind twice to earn a point at league one leaders Portsmouth through Conor mcGrandles’ stoppagetime goal at Fratton park last weekend.

Abu Kamara put Pompey ahead 31 minutes in before Alfie May equalised in the 71st minute. Colby Bishop scored a penalty in the 75th minute after goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer had brought down Paddy Lane. But the visitors rescued a point against a Pompey side who are unbeaten in sixteen league games this season when McGrandles headed in. The Addicks are eleventh, five points off sixth. “From a character point of view and a commitment point of view, for the players to come back twice at a place like this against a side that are on the run that they’re on and top of the league [is pleasing],” Appleton said. “The biggest thing for me was not just the fact that obviously we’ve come from behind twice at a place like this, it’s the way we did it. When you can do that when you’re under the cosh a little bit like we were for about fifteen minutes, to be able to do that and continue that and move forward shows me a lot about the group from a positive point of view.” There were 19,404 packed into the stadium. Appleton added: “You can get caught up in the atmosphere here. It was a big learning curve for a few of the players today and they came through it. It would have been very easy to cave in. “The lads put their bodies on the line and earned the right to get an opportunity to go up the other end.” Charlton were in action at Cray Valley Paper Mills in the replay of their FA Cup first-round game on Wednesday night. Go to southlondon.co.uk for the report. The recycled paper conTenT of UK newspapers in 2014 was 83.5%

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The recycled paper content of UK newspapers in 2014 was 83.5%

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