South London Weekly - March 1st 2024

four local shows not to miss

four south london shows you can't miss

Council to look at bringing back archive reading room after 2100 sign petition

Contents

NEWS

Pages 2-13

opiNioN

Pages 14-15

Art S

Pages 16-17

HiStory

Page 18

CLASSiFiED

Page 19

propErty

Page 20

FAMiLy ANNoUNCEMENt S

Page 21

pUb LiC NotiCES

Pages 22-24

Sport

Pages 25-28

Greenwich council has aGreed to raise social rent and service charGes for tenants by 7. 7%

By Joe Coughlan Local Democracy Reporter

Over 25,000 Greenwich homes will see their weekly housing bill increase by 7.7per cent, the highest amount enforceable by a local authority. Greenwich Council has agreed to raise its social rent and service charges by 7.7pc to address ‘enormous’ housing pressures.

The change will see rent rising by an average of £7.86 per week for tenants, rising to an average of £109.96. The service charges increase of approximately £1.23 brings the weekly fee to £17.25 on average. The increases will come into effect from April this year and were approved by the authority at a full council meeting on February 21.

Labour Councillor Pat Slattery, cabinet member for housing, said at the meeting that the increase would affect the 20,000 council homes the authority owns and the 5,000 homes secured through leaseholds. She said additional pressures had placed ‘enormous’ stress on setting the rate for the upcoming year and the housing market was ‘broken’.

Cllr Slattery said at the meeting: “I don’t think anyone in this chamber welcomes doing that increase to a largely unprivileged group of people in our borough, but if we don’t do it we’ll be making cuts to their services. We are

Fire chief: 'We should

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter

The LOndOn Fire Brigade (LFB) “should have done better” for a young firefighter who took his own life, the organisation’s commissioner has said.

His comments came as a new report into the workplace treatment of 21-year-old Jaden Francois-Esprit – who died by suicide in August 2020 – has found no evidence he was bullied because of his race or other factors.

The conclusion was reached despite the fact that the LFB was found in a separate independent review in 2022 to be an “institutionally racist” organisation. London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe admitted that better systems should have been in place to support the young firefighter who, among other issues, was unhappy with not being

funding nearly half a billion pounds worth of improvements to those homes. We have to pay the interest rate on that and that comes out of rents.”

She added: “I would stress that even with this increase, we are still the cheapest rents in London, we believe… and given the London

have

done

better' for

initially given a locker for his belongings, and was given a broken bed to sleep on.

The report found however that these were not examples of Mr Francois-Esprit being treated differently to other firefighters.

The new, external investigation was commissioned early last year, following an internal inquiry by the LFB. Interviews were held with more than 40 people, including Mr Francois-Esprit’s family and those based at Wembley fire station.

Seven allegations about his treatment at the station were examined, with none upheld.

Mr Francois-Esprit’s family had raised concerns following his death that he was being bullied due to his race and teased by colleagues about his packed lunches of Caribbean food.

But the report concluded: “There was no evidence that Jaden had been directly discriminated against because of his age, race,

housing market that is something to say.”

Council documents showed that the authority’s housing revenue account was facing a £5.1million overspend in the current financial year, with nearly one third of the figure attributed to the costs of repairing tenants’ properties. The rise in social rent is

the maximum social housing rent increase that providers can enforce, and is derived from the consumer price index from September last year with an additional one per cent added.

The cabinet member said the increase was partly due to stricter building safety requirements following the Grenfell Tower fire and the council’s new damp and mould team that was set up to tackle such issues across its housing stock. She added that £180,000 would be allocated to a Hardship Fund to support tenants who may struggle with the rent increases.

The council also agreed to raise the number of homes it owns that are used for temporary accommodation by 50 for the upcoming year, with the number rising to 197. Officers said in their report there are currently 240 homeless households placed in hotel rooms by the council due to the lack of available housing.

Conservative Councillor Matt Hartley put forward an amendment at the meeting to increase the proposed Hardship Fund by up to £170,000 later this year if it was found there was a necessity to expand the fund. The motion, with the amendment, was passed by a unanimous vote at the meeting.

young firefighter who took his own life

or disability through dyslexia or mental health”. It acknowledges however: “It is possible that some of the comments made in Jaden’s presence could have been perceived by him as microaggressions.”

Mr Francois-Esprit made four requests to transfer to different London fire stations between February and August 2020.

Mr Roe said that the LFB “failed Jaden as an organisation”, through a degree of “complacency” and “over-adherence to established processes” within the Brigade.

He added: “I still believe that we should have done better for Jaden, and have to do better.”

Mr Francois-Esprit had dyslexia but this was not recognised by his colleagues, who told the investigation that there is “an organisationwide lack of awareness about dyslexia”.

The LFB has said it is “working hard” to reform its overall culture in response to the 2022 review by Nazir Afzal, a former chief crown prosecutor for the North West, which found the organisation to be “institutionally misogynist and racist”.

Mr Afzal’s review uncovered accounts ranging from women being groped to firefighters having their helmets filled with urine.

If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@ samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.

Kevin Quinn

Reporters: Herbie Russell; Isabel Ramirez

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Picture: Woolwich Town Hall, where Greenwich Council hold its council meetings. Credit: Joe Coughlan

peckham’s heritaGe chronicled

By Herbie Russell

The FasCinaTinG histories of Peckham’s iconic landmarks have been lovingly chronicled in a new book by two local heritage experts.

Peckham Heritage: Past, Present and Future by local residents Derek Kinrade, 94, and architect Benedict O’Looney, has been 35 years in the making.

They hope the book, featuring archival photos, oral histories and detailed studies of the area’s famous buildings, will promote “a greater understanding of Peckham”.

“Here is a historic place,” Derek said. “Let’s look after it!”

The book showcases and uncovers the stories of buildings including the Jones & Higgins, Peckham Rye Station and The Old Fire Station. There are also studies of modern architecture such as The Bussey Building and accounts of lost heritage like Gordon’s Brewery.

The two authors struck up a friendship through their joint passion for Peckham’s

heritage.

Derek Kinrade, also the author of Peckham Personalities, moved from “posh” and “very conservative” Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire, to Peckham in 1988 and was immediately “hooked”.

The former civil servant was “well aware of its deficiencies and its criminal element” but found the area “fascinating”.

Derek took a leading role in the battle to stop British Rail building a high-speed rail link through Peckham in the 1980s, threatening 3,800 homes.

It would have annihilated much of the area, including Blenheim Grove and Lyndhurst Way, but the campaign by PEARL (Peckham and Environs Against the Rail Link) gained national media attention.

The campaign was successful - the route was directed through Stratford instead, affecting just 115 homes - and sparked Derek’s fiery love of Peckham which persists today.

Benedict O’Looney, who led Peckham Rye Station’s restoration and Findlater’s

Hundreds of buskers are auditioning for Tube spots

By Isabel Ramirez

hundreds OF buskers are currently pitching up to TfL stations to audition for a regular spot performing on the Tube, Overground and elizabeth line networks.

Auditions for a new cohort of buskers are underway after applications opened in late 2023 for the first time since the pandemic.

Over the next fortnight, around 280 talented musicians are performing to a panel of judges at Bank, Blackfriars, Canary Wharf, Farringdon and Southwark stations, shortlisted from more than 450 applicants.

Musicians from all genres were encouraged to apply in the autumn to reflect the cultural diversity of London.

Each prospective busker has a 10-minute slot to convince a panel, which includes a professional musician and station staff.

The auditions are now underway, with around 30 musicians to be put through their paces each day.

Corner by London Bridge, moved to Peckham in 1997.

Having almost become a jazz bass player in the USA, he fell in love with “The Old World”, becoming central to the campaign for a Peckham Conversation Area.

“The more you got into Peckham, the more you understood how delightful it was,” he said.

Benedict says the book aims to be both “scholarly and accessible”.

“It’s designed to appeal to professional folk who are interested in urban history but it’s also filled with lovely period illustrations, period photographs and modern photography so it could appeal to young people,” he said.

The process is managed by TfL with support from Found in Music, which runs Busk in London, a programme supported by the Mayor of London.

The newly selected musicians will join more than 200 existing buskers later in the spring and play at more than 40 pitches on the Tube, Overground and Elizabeth line networks, including two pitches that opened at Bond Street station last year.

TfL’s Licensed Busking Scheme has been running for over 20 years, with auditions opening to new musicians every few years. Emma Strain, TfL’s Customer Director, said: “We have been blown away by the response to our call out for more buskers, and there’s a palpable feeling of excitement at all the stations where the auditions are taking place as musicians tune-up to showcase their talents. In a diverse, multicultural city like London, music truly is a common language.

“As Londoners pass through our stations and go about their busy lives, it has the power to cheer them on during the good times and lift them up in their lower moments.”

The book draws on research Derek has gathered since 1990, often gleaned from dusty documents tucked away in The British Library, the Minet Library and Quaker House, Euston. He was also aided by the work of local historian and former Peckham Society editor John Beasley who wrote numerous Southwark history books including Camberwell Through Time and East Dulwich Remembered.

The book’s unveiling couldn’t be more timely. Berkeley Homes recently released its latest proposals for the Ayelsham Centre’s redevelopment, a huge housing development in the middle of the town centre - which could change the character

of the area forever.

The book has been produced by the Peckham Heritage Regeneration Partnership as part of the Peckham Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), supported by Southwark Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

All proceeds will go to the work of Peckham Heritage, a local community group dedicated to the protection and exploration of diversity in Peckham.

Peckham’s Heritage - Past, Present and Future, by Derek Kinrade, Benedict O’ Looney and the Peckham Heritage Regeneration Partnership will be launched at 46 Staffordshire Street, Peckham, at 6pm on Friday, March 1.

Left to right: Derek Kinrade and Benedict O’Looney are the book’s authors

© Eleanor BentallTfL

By Isabel Ramirez

a BermOndseY landowner is funding a new architecture contest on the site of the skip house and previously stompie the Tank at Page’s walk.

Antepavilion - an art and architects charity based in Hackney - is running their contest for the seventh time, which will see the winner get £25,000.

The architecture competition is usually located in Hoxton Docks, but it has been moved to Bermondsey after a legal dispute between the charity and Hackney Borough Council surrounding a previous winner’s work.

The site, 105 Page’s Walk, is known locally for being the home of the Skip House for the last year, and before that, the well-loved Soviet tank named Stompie - which sat there for 25 years and was regularly repainted by locals.

The much-loved Bermondsey landmark, which stood at the corner of Page’s Walk and Mandela Way, was removed in 2022 by landowner Russell Gray for a restoration.

Last April, military enthusiast Russell commented on why he removed the tank – suggesting it was too historically important to be ‘painted by random graffiti artists.’

Despite him not ruling out the return of Stompie one day – this new exhibition set for August calls that into question.

News that the space will be filled with another statement art piece - backed by Russell’s historic regeneration

stompie return to bermondsey pushed back as new art display set for auGust

specialist company Shiva, also comes as most spots of land in the capital are sold off to developers.

But after hearing the plans, Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle said it’s a ‘shame’.

The Labour MP commented: “When Stompie disappeared we were told it was for repairs - and we all thought it was coming back.

“Given Russia is emptying museums of ex-Soviet kit because it is having

such a disastrous time in Ukraine, perhaps it’s more likely to be recommissioned by Putin.”

“Of course, not every resident liked the tank - but whatever Russell’s plans are, they are keen to be involved in some way.”

He added: “Good luck with the art competition, but it’s a shame about Stompie.”

Applications are now open to all for the contest, which requests pieces in

Prince Edward visits Duke of Edinburgh volunteers at King’s College Hospital

By

Herbie Russell

PrinCe edward helped duke of edinburgh (dofe) award participants give out meals to elderly patients during a King’s College hospital visit last week.

His Royal Highness spoke with the young volunteers who’ve been providing a friendly face and helping hand to people on the Marjory Warren Ward in Denmark Hill.

DofE participant Sayeed Ahmed, 18, from Ilford, has been volunteering with King’s College Hospital since April 2023 while working towards his Silver Award.

“It has been brilliant meeting The Duke of Edinburgh today and showing him the difference DofE volunteers like me are making to patients at King’s College

Hospital,” he said.

“Doing the DofE has really connected me to those around me. I feel humbled to serve the community and I feel I’m fulfilling my purpose to society.”

As well as cutting up food and opening meal packages, volunteers have been offering a befriending service that helps patients feel less isolated during their hospital stay.

The Marjory Warren Ward is specially designed for frail older people, providing a friendlier and more relaxing environment for its patients who often have dementia and delirium.

Volunteers told the Duke about how they help patients make the most of their activity packs; games and electronic tablets that help them stay connected with

friends and family.

Ruth Marvel, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “These young people are making a huge difference to their communities and the experience of patients in hospital. It’s been great to hear that they are having lots of fun and developing skills for their future along the way.”

To do their DofE, young people aged 14 to 24 choose activities in four sections: improving a Physical and Skills activity, Volunteering for a cause of their choice, and completing a demanding Expedition.

King’s College Hospital is an Approved Activity Provider (AAP) for the DofE –one of over 470 in the UK – allowing DofE participants to work towards their DofE Award on site.

line with the theme - Earthwork.

The ambiguity of the theme appears to be deliberate, but examples suggest it could include anything created through the processing of parts of the earth’s surface involving soil or unformed rock.

The winning team’s art is set to be unveiled on 1 August and according to Antepavilion, the length of time it will be on the site is unknown. The £25,000 includes a £10,000 prize

fund and £15,000 for construction and material.

Construction, to be completed over no more than 6 weeks, can be arranged to suit the winners from mid-May to late July.

To enter visit their website antepavilion.org and fill out the online form. Alternatively, email any questions to admin@antepavilion.org

The closing date for ideas is 15 March.

Vandals destroy American Garden and write graffiti

By Herbie Russell

vandaLs have trashed Peckham rye Park’s american Garden and scrawled rude graffiti on rat bait boxes.

Nancy Coleman-Frank, 81, who has spent four years reviving the stunning plot with £75,000 funding, said the destruction had made her “sick”.

Several rat bait boxes appear to have been defaced, including at least one which has been daubed with the words ‘RAT KILLER F*CK OFF!’.

Predicting it will take three years to regrow the garden, Nancy said: “I am sick about what’s happened in the American Garden.

“Our charity, The American Garden in Peckham, has worked very hard to raise funds for all the plants and the planting of them in the Garden.

“Then to have someone come in and deliberately cut down all our deciduous shrubs and roses almost to the ground is just unthinkable.”

Nancy believes the plants were worth between £10,000 and £15,000 but even more concerning is whether the garden will flourish come summer. She said: “Will they survive? I don’t know, only time will tell…. and even if some of them do, it will take another three

years for them to gain the growth they had.”

The News understands parks officers are aware of the incident but the council did not respond to a request for comment.

The American Garden, first planted in 1907, is a historic example of a craze which swept through Britain from the 18th century.

London botanist Peter Collins pioneered the import of plants and seeds from North America, meaning American plants like rhododendron, azalea, magnolia, and kalmia sprang up across the capital.

While researching Collins, Nancy visited the American Garden but was dismayed by its dilapidated condition so established a charity to revive it.

Hoping to make it a centre for environmental education in Peckham, she obtained grants from organisations including the American Embassy and the Local Postcode Trust.

The American Embassy grant even came with a visit from US Ambassador Robert Wood Johnson who, alongside MP Harriet Harman, planted a celebratory maple tree.

Nancy finally unveiled the garden in the summer of 2022 - more than 100 years after it was first planted.

Southwark Council has been approached for comment.

The Duke of Edinburgh gave volunteers a helping hand at King’s College Hospital.

The site has been home to the Skip House for the last year.

A

Nancy Coleman-Frank has dedicated years to reviving the beloved garden

Battersea Power Station to open new exhibition with themes including Marvel and indoor padel courts

By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter

a TemPOrarY immersive exhibition hall and padel courts will open at Battersea Power station, after the plans were approved. There will be 6,000 free tickets available for eligible residents to visit the exhibitions, while free taster sessions will also be provided at the padel courts.

The facilities will be in place for five years at phase six of the 42-acre redevelopment site on Cringle Street, while permanent plans are brought forward as part of the £9billion revamp of the power station. The application was submitted by Battersea Project Land Company Limited. The overall scheme is 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 new exhibition hall, operated by Neon, will have a café and host interactive digital and physical exhibitions with different themes. There will be two exhibitions a year, running for a total of five years, with themes ranging from historical to entertainment – including Jurrasic World, Machu Picchu, Mummies and Marvel. It will open from 10am to 9pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and 10am to 6pm on Sundays.

The indoor sports facility, run by Rocket Padel, will also have four padel courts, a lounge space, warm up area, showers, changing facilities and another café. It will open from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week. Padel is a racquet sport usually played in doubles on an enclosed court, which is roughly one-third of the size of a tennis court.

Wandsworth Council’s planning committee approved the plans on February 22, with two councillors

voting against, after quizzing officers on whether temporary accommodation could have been built on the site instead. Labour councillor Paul White asked if the site could have been “used for temporary accommodation in a prefabricated building” while permanent uses are brought forward.

Stephen Hissett, principal planner, said the application was assessed on its merits as it was the only one submitted for the site. He added there is outline permission for a permanent building at phase six which could accommodate extra homes or offices.

A statement submitted with the application said Neon will provide

5,000 free tickets for local schools to attend exhibitions, along with 1,000 free tickets for local charities, community groups and youth groups.

It added Rocket Padel will provide three free taster sessions a week at the new courts and offer local schools two hours of free coaching every week.

The statement said the plans will bring “much-needed activity” to an otherwise underused site in an emerging town centre and bring about benefits by “encouraging visitor footfall, generating jobs [and] enhancing the sporting and cultural offering in the local community”. It added the facilities will 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”.

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 2022 under the second phase of the scheme. It has hundreds of shops, a cinema, a food hall, a glass chimney lift and more homes.

Image one: CGI of the proposed padel courts at Battersea Power Station.

Credit: Battersea Power Station Development Company/ARUP, provided in Wandsworth Council documents

Image two: CGI of the proposed exhibition hall at Battersea Power Station. Credit: Battersea Power Station Development Company/ARUP, provided in Wandsworth Council documents

Image three: CGI of the proposed temporary facilities at Battersea Power Station. Credit: Battersea Power Station Development Company/ARUP, provided in Wandsworth Council documents

Three charged with attempted murder over Brixton violence

By Herbie Russell

Three men have been charged with attempted murder after a violent Brixton incident left people suffering stab and gunshot wounds.

Police were called to Coldharbour Lane at 5am on Sunday, January 14, following reports of a fight and shots fired.

Attending officers found a woman suffering gunshot injuries who was rushed to hospital by ambulance.

Three men self-presented at hospital, one with gunshot injuries, one who had been stabbed and one assaulted. All were discharged from hospital.

On Monday, February 26, Shane Brown, 20 (01.08.03) of Clapham, appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court charged with two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

He was remanded in custody and police are awaiting details of his next court appearance.

Gerald Atkins, 36 (16.08.87) of Streatham Vale previously appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on January 17 charged with two counts of attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a prohibited weapon and violent disorder.

Conrad Bair, 29 (11.09.94), Merton appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on January 20 charged with two counts of attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and violent disorder.

Both Atkins and Bair were remanded in custody to next appear at Kingston Crown Court on November 25.

Detectives from Trident, part of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, are still investigating the case.

bermondsey man could be crowned ‘britain’s best younG chef’

By Isabel Ramirez

a man from Bermondsey is through to the semi-finals of a prestigious competition to find Britain’s best young chef.

Karol Ploch, 28, a sous chef at Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, is one of eighteen others to be in with a chance of winning the Roux Scholarship 2024.

Now in its 40th year, the competition is seen as ‘the holy grail’ by many in the industry. A host of former winners have gone on to run their own restaurants and earn Michelin stars.

Karol, originally from Poland, came

to London to progress in his career and has lived in Bermondsey for the last four years.

He previously worked at Michelinstar Restaurant Story on Tooley Street. Karol said he found out about the Roux Scholarship a few years ago and has been preparing ever since.

On the judging panel is Michel Roux Jnr (MasterChef: The Professionals, Saturday Kitchen, Food and Drink), Angela Hartnett OBE (Great British Menu), Brian Turner CBE (Ready, Steady, Cook) and James Martin (James Martin’s Saturday Morning).

The dish he plans to serve up to

judges will be Roasted Pork Loin with Pork and Pistachio Farce, Sweet Potato Dauphine, Glazed Pork Kidney with Crackling Crumb, Mushroom Bon Bon and Peppercorn Sauce.

Asked how he came up with this, he said: “They give you a list of ingredients for you to create a dish from.

“I got some inspiration from some books and made sure to choose techniques I am familiar with.

With regards to how he is feeling about cooking for the star-studded panel, Karol, who is used to cooking for 140 people on a Saturday night

Jealous stalker jailed after trying to murder ex-partner in a fire

By Herbie Russell

a JeaLOus stalker who tried to kill his pregnant ex-partner and her young daughter in a house fire has been jailed.

harry Owusu-manu, 39, of new Kent road, “refused to accept” the relationship had ended and embarked on a “misguided drive for revenge”. he was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder, amongst other offences, following a five-week trial at the Old Bailey, on February 23.

Police said he was “a terrifying example of the threat women can face” simply for ending a relationship.

Owusu-manu’s tirade of abuse began after the relationship broke down and he started posting derogatory and islamophobic stories on instagram.

in the early hours of Tuesday, april 25, he visited the victim’s Battersea home and pushed a flaming doormat under her door.

The woman, who is deaf and was pregnant at the time, and her young daughter, were in the flat at the time.

London Fire Brigade treated them for smoke inhalation. Their investigators would later establish the fire had been

started deliberately. having failed to kill his ex and her children Owusu-manu set about trying to cover his tracks.

he had already spray-painted a CCTv camera black and then tried to dispose of the clothes he’d worn during the fire.

Officers identified the van used by Owusu-manu and managed to trace his movements from his home to the victim’s address.

detectives also found footage of his distinctive orange van arriving minutes before the fire.

Police learned this was not the first time Owusu-manu had made the journey. he’d carried out a recce in the days leading up to the fire.

Following his arrest hours after the incident, Owusu-manu changed his story numerous times. he even claimed he was at her Battersea home to stop someone else starting the fire.

But dash cam footage recovered from the van itself caught the moment Owusu-Manu visited the flat to start the blaze.

another dash cam recording led detectives to where Owusu-manu had attempted to get rid of the clothes he wore when starting the fire. Owusu-manu was arrested later on april 25, 2023, and refused to answer any questions put to him by detectives. he was convicted of attempted murder, aggravated arson with intent to endanger life, religiously aggravated stalking and having a lock knife in a public place. he will be sentenced at The Old Bailey court on april 22. detective Constable megan Gittins said: “it is no exaggeration to say harry Owusu-manu made his ex-partner’s

alone, is ‘excited.’

“It’s the most important competition for young chefs.

“So to win would be the biggest achievement of my career so far. I’m excited.”

The winner of the competition gets world-class training worth £12,000 or an invitation to cook and train under the supervision of a leading chef at a three-star Michelin restaurant anywhere in the world for up to two months.

He will compete in the semi-finals in London or Birmingham on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

life a misery with his behaviour. The victim’s home and new baby items including clothes, cot and toys were all destroyed.

“Owusu-manu refused to accept that she did not want to be in a relationship with him anymore and set about causing her physical and mental harm. she added: “he also showed extreme disregard for the lives of other residents who could have been seriously injured by his dangerously misguided drive for revenge.

“Owusu-manu is a terrifying example of the threat women can face for simply wanting to end a relationship.”

Karol Ploch, 28

Dash cam footage caught the moment he walked away from the property having started the fire.

Met Police

Met Police

Met Police

Harry Owusu-Manu ‘refused to accept’ the relationship had ended. Owusu-Manu set about trying to cover his tracks.

By Isabel Ramirez

A TWELVE-YEAR-OLD girl, who was born with less than half of her heart working, was the first in the UK to have a rare heart operation at evelina Children’s hospital.

Millie Healey, from Gloucester, has just celebrated one year since the operation with a walk over Westminster Bridgesomething she could never do when she was sick.

Her parents Graeme and Kerry, said: “When Millie was born we knew she was really unwell with this rare combination of complex heart conditions, and underwent her first operation at just ten days old at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

She was born with a combination of heart defects - the most challenging leaving her with less than half of her heart working, known as complex double inlet left ventricle.

After three open heart surgeries before her first birthday, Millie’s condition began to deteriorate when she was eight years old, resulting in further life-saving and complex surgery - known as a Fontan procedure.

It links the veins directly to the lungs, leaving the single ventricle to focus on pumping blood around the body.

Typically, most Fontan procedures last around three hours, compared to Millie’s which took six.

Given the nickname ‘Miracle Millie’ after overcoming the pioneering operation

at Evelina London, she was able to walk across Westminster Bridge to Big Ben having previously been too weak to walk to the end of her hospital bed.

Millie’s parents continued: “When Millie was recovering following her operation she would use Big Ben as a target to aim for in a series of steps.

“The first was getting outside to the gardens of neighbouring St Thomas’ to view Big Ben, and then to get closer with every step.”

They added that she is now back at

home, can attend school full-time and leave the house without portable oxygen, which she hadn’t managed since her heart started to fail four years ago.

“The operation was a miracle. She is now full of life and energy.”

Evelina London, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, provides specialist cardiovascular and respiratory care at both our purpose-built children’s hospital on the St Thomas’ Hospital site and at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals.

Visit from the Easter Bunny and free treats in Elephant and Castle

By Isabel Ramirez

a sPeCiaL event is coming to elephant and Castle with performances, chocolate eggs and an easter Bunny hunt with prizesall free of charge.

On Saturday 30 March, families are being invited to Castle Square as it is transformed for an Easter celebration. Guests can enjoy face painting, workshops, performances and food from the local traders, along with an appearance from the Easter Bunny.

Follow the bunny around Castle Square to take selfies and find yourself some Easter treats. Anyone who locates the bunny will also receive vouchers to redeem in exchange for free Easter rainbow cupcakes.

Throughout the day there will be activities and workshops for the whole family to get involved in, including

face painting so visitors can transform themselves into the Easter Bunny too. Community-based group, Art in The Park will also be at Castle Square to create a large-scale floor-based collage to which visitors can contribute. Free chocolate eggs will be available throughout the day gifted by the Easter Bunny.

Along with treats and workshops, an exciting lineup of performances from local groups UpSideDown Dance Academy, Frogprince Baby Music and School Dance Talentos will keep everyone entertained throughout.

For those who want to shop or have a meal out, visitors can also enjoy an additional 10 - 15% off with selected traders at Castle Square and Ash Avenue during the event.

when? Saturday 30th March 11 am - 5 pm where? Castle Square, 40 Elephant Road, SE17 1EU

Admission: FREE

Millie and her dad, Graeme.

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council in talks to brinG back readinG room for archive service after a petition received over 2,100 siGnatures

By Joe Coughlan Local Democracy Reporter

GreenwiCh COunCiL has responded to calls to restore its museum of the borough’s history, after a petition signed by over 2,100 residents. The authority has confirmed that it is in talks to bring back a reading room for its archive service.

The petition, which was signed by 2,161 people, asked the council to restore a ‘properly functioning’ museum and archive service in the borough. The council’s original museum service, the Greenwich Heritage Centre, was closed in 2018 to make way for Woolwich Works, a new cultural hub in the same building in the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich.

The museum’s archive is now reportedly stored in Charlton and is only accessible through making an enquiry with the Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust (RGHT). The trust took over running the museum in 2014, which dated back to 2003 and included a reading room for browsing the council’s archives.

Mary Mills from the Greenwich Industrial History Society, who

formerly served as a Labour Councillor for Greenwich Peninsula, started the petition. She said at a full council meeting on February 21 that she would like to see the council engaging in conversations with history groups across the borough on returning the service.

Ms Mills said at the meeting: “[In Greenwich’s museums], there’s nothing about us, there’s nothing about the people of Greenwich. There’s nothing about the amazing contribution historically that has been made by Greenwich technology, education and everything else. The world is a different place because of things that happened in Greenwich and we’re telling nobody whatsoever about it.”

Labour Councillor Adel Khaireh, cabinet member for equality, cultures and communities, said in response to the petition that he and the council leader had met with the organisers of the petition last November. He said that positive discussions had been made with the RGHT on increasing access to the archives.

He added: “As such, the Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust have said that they will seek to reconfigure the space available at the archives. Their intention is to provide a reading room facility to residents, with access to the archives on four consecutive days each month from Spring 2024.”

Labour Councillor Pat Slattery said at the meeting: “There are a lot of local historians, some of whom I know, some of whom are in touch with me in my ward, who really lament the passing of the archives. I’m not going to argue one way or the other because money is an issue as we all know, but I do think it’s something that we should all support if we possibly can.”

Cllr Khaireh said further meetings with the RGHT and Industrial History Society would be held in six months to review the arrangement.

An RHGT spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it was pleased to see that people valued the service it provided and wished to see the borough’s archive being maintained and extended. They said: “The reality is that the facilities that the Trust were given by the council, in 2018, to house the archive are limited and any extension, to provide physical access for researchers, requires further financial assistance. The council has responded positively in providing some financial support, which will be an improvement on the existing provisions.”

They added: “We are now in the process of developing physical access to the archive for researchers on

four consecutive days per month, from Spring 2024. We continue to engage with the petitioners and when opportunities arise, work to enhance the service. We continue to discuss with the Royal Borough of Greenwich the development of the archive service, along with the future of the borough’s Heritage Collection.”

Pictures: Cllr Adel Khaireh said in response to the petition that positive discussions had taken place with RGHT on increasing access to the archives.

Credit: Greenwich Council

Woolwich Works, as shown in the Royal Arsenal area of Woolwich. Credit: Joe Coughlan

Council's £2m contract to tackle damp and mould

By Ben Lynch Local Democracy Reporter

hammersmiTh and Fulham Council is upping efforts to tackle damp and mould across its housing estates with a new two-year, £2 million contract. This comes on the back of ongoing issues with repairs across the borough, with a recent housing Ombudsman investigation recommending a series of actions to improve the council’s service.

The contract, which runs until July 31, 2025, was awarded to Effectable Construction Services Ltd without any competitive tendering. According to a document outlining the decision, this was to ensure works could start ‘immediately’, with a tender exercise seen as likely to take ‘too long in this instance’.

A Hammersmith and Fulham Council spokesperson said the local authority

is investing more than £1m a week into ‘modernisation and refurbishment works’, and that it has boosted its contractor capacity ‘to keep responding quickly to any future damp and mould cases and ensure our residents are safe in their homes’.

The West London council was in 2021 ranked as the worst landlord in the country for damp and mould cases. The Housing Ombudsman, which investigated 142 landlords between April 2019 and March 2021, had the council in last place for both damp and mould issues and handling complaints from tenants. In May 2023, a wider investigation was launched into the council’s management of housing concerns, due to what Housing Ombudsman Richard Blakeway described as repeated failures.

That report has since been published, with a list of recommendations included by the Ombudsman as to how the council could improve its repairs

and complaints services. A statement from the local authority responding to the report said it is ‘truly sorry’ and reiterated its ‘deepest regrets to those residents affected’.

It added: “While we have improved, our journey of change still has far to go. We will continue to listen to residents, including our dedicated housing representative forums that guide our long-term plans. We will report progress to council scrutiny committees, ensure compliance with national legislation, and seek best practice from external bodies, as we strengthen our services to meet residents’ needs.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has previously spoken with a number of residents suffering from damp and mould in the borough. These included a woman who said her daughter’s lung collapsed after the council allegedly ignored black mould in her flat for two years,

and another whose mother died in a damp-ridden Fulham property while the local authority tried to fix her leaky, crumbly home.

The new contract is intended to be one of two the council issues ‘to effectively manage, resolve and prevent these [damp and mould] works moving forward’, as it anticipates more cases to emerge due to the winter period and actions such as the tenant home visit programme.

The council report on the contract says Effectable Construction ‘have a successful track record of delivering similar works in neighbouring London boroughs, and will bring this experience, expertise and local knowledge to the contract’. It adds the company has already completed a small pilot of works in the borough, and has experience tackling complex damp and mould cases.

A Hammersmith and Fulham Council spokesperson said: “We’re working

hard to improve our ageing housing stock for all local residents and investing more than £1m a week into modernisation and refurbishment works. This includes proactively finding what further improvement works and futureproofing is needed by carrying out surveys and home visits on all our properties.

“We are completing an average of around 1,000 repairs per week and have driven down the number of outstanding damp and mould cases in our stock by more than 86% since May 2023 after establishing a Damp and Mould Action Group.

“To keep responding quickly to any future damp and mould cases and ensure our residents are safe in their homes, we have further boosted our contractor capacity with this specialist provider which has successfully recently supported the council with repair works including damp and mould.”

father and son convicted after mockinG helicopter crash durinG millwall match

By Herbie

Peter Brooks, 48, and Freddie Brooks, 18, from Bermondsey, made helicopter gestures at Leicester fans

rasta squatters in kennington and waterloo’s ‘cardboard city’ Southwark’s forgotten histories to be uncovered

By Herbie Russell

The FOrGOTTen stories of Kennington’s rastafarian squatters and waterloo’s cardboard-box-dwelling homeless are to be rediscovered.

Historic England’s ‘Everyday Heritage’ programme will see 56 ‘working-class’ London histories retold thanks to £875,000 funding.

Kingswood House, a Grade-II listed Victorian ‘castle’ at the centre of the Kingswood Estate is the third Southwark-based recipient.

Tom Foxall, Historic England Regional Director, said: “There are so many hidden histories to uncover here in London. Every community has a story to tell and we want to hear them.”

Untold histories of St Agnes Place, House of Dread, Kennington House of Dread’s project will explore and document the untold histories of what is thought to be London’s longestrunning squat.

Based at St Agnes Place in Kennington, the street hosted people who existed on

referring to the 2018 crash that killed club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. The Met said it was an example of “tragedy chanting” while DC Phil Dickinson said the “vile offences” were “simply a hate crime”.

During January’s fixture at the Den, the laughing pair were filmed making the gestures and pointing at a passing helicopter.

The Met Police said this was “clearly a reference to the helicopter crash” that killed Srivaddhanaprabha and four others.

Leicester City fans highlighted the footage and a joint investigation between the Met and Leicestershire Police meant the duo were identified.

After being ejected from the game, both men were later charged via

postal requisition with a public order offence.

Police applied recently introduced “tragedy chanting” legislation to charge the pair.

Both pleaded guilty at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, February 21.

Freddie Brooks was given a twelvemonth conditional discharge, a threeyear Football Banning Order and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £26 victim surcharge.

Peter Brooks was fined £266, issued with a three-year Football Banning Order and required to pay £85 in costs and a £106 victim surcharge.

DC Phil Dickinson, Football Investigations Team, said: “These convictions demonstrate the zero tolerance approach we are taking to those who partake in so-called ‘tragedy chanting’.

“While such incidents might previously have been viewed as simply being in poor taste, they are now rightly being recognised for what they are – vile offences which cause upset and outrage.

“We are familiar with fans taunting their opponents at football matches, but this is generally done and taken in good humour and without offence. This incident crossed the line of what is acceptable. It was quite simply a hate crime.”

the margins of society and eventually became a central meeting point for Britain’s Rastafari community.

Known as the House of Dread since the 1980s, there is little archival information documenting Rastafaris’ relationship with the buildings.

Public historian and curator Dr Aleema Gray and a group of community producers will work in consultation with Rastafari Movement UK to coordinate a series of community conversations.

These will help create a digital learning resource to examine how and why St Agnes Place evolved as a thriving hub of Rastafari activity.

The project has received £24,980 from Historic England.

The Lost City of Cardboard: A Homelessness Heritage Project, The Bridge At Waterloo

For around 20 years during the ‘80s and ‘90s, thousands of homeless people slept in cardboard boxes in the

underpasses between Waterloo Station and the South Bank.

Public consciousness of Cardboard City is fading and many of those who lived there are in poor health or have since died.

St John’s Waterloo and The Bridge At Waterloo are working to remember and memorialise this history.

Led by artists and people who have experienced homelessness, this project will sensitively engage with individuals who lived in Cardboard City and those who supported its inhabitants. Participants will shape the outcomes of the project which will involve research and documentation of narratives, individuals, and objects linked to Cardboard City.

The project has received £24,950 from Historic England.

Seasons of Kingswood Life, Kingswood Arts, Dulwich

Kingswood House is a Grade II listed Victorian ‘castle’ in the middle of the

Police tracing Camberwell man who removed his electronic tag

By Herbie Russell

POLiCe are searching for a convicted criminal with links to Camberwell who removed his electronic tag after being released from prison on licence.

Nasar Mohammed Hussein, 33, also known as Nasser Hussein, was found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon and assault on an emergency worker in June 2023.

He was released from prison on licence, but on Thursday, February 22, he removed his electronic tag and left an address in Camberwell.

He has links to Hounslow, Camberwell, Clapham and the Finsbury Park area.

Anyone who may have seen Nasar Mohammed Hussein, or has information as to his whereabouts, is asked to call 101, ref 4758/24FEB24.

For an immediate sighting please do not approach him, but dial 999. To provide information anonymously, please contact Crimestoppers.

Football fans in violent clash at Waterloo Station

By Isabel Ramirez

Source: Historic England Archive

Kingswood Arts will work with local people over to create a permanent exhibition exploring the “working-class history” of the building and the estate from 1811 to present

Local people will record their experiences through the changing seasons, showing the cycles of workingclass life throughout its history as a private house to a wartime hospital, and later as a library and community centre.

The project has received £25,000 funding from Historic England.

POLiCe OFFiCers rushed to the scene after a fight appeared to break out between football supporters at waterloo station, with some fans leaping over barriers to get to the action.

On Saturday night at around 9 pm, British Transport Police officers on patrol at Waterloo railway station, alongside officers from the Metropolitan Police, responded to disorder between football fans.

Footage shared on social media appeared to show the officers intervening after a fight broke out. The situation was reportedly deescalated shortly after and no arrests were made.

A British Transport Police spokesperson commented: “At around 9 pm on Saturday (24 February), British Transport Police officers on patrol at Waterloo railway station, alongside officers from the Metropolitan Police, responded to disorder between football fans. The situation was de-escalated and no arrests were made.”

Kingswood estate near Sydenham Hill station.

Russell a FaT her and son who mocked the death of Leicester City’s owner at a millwall match have been convicted of a public order offence.

Police want to know the whereabouts of Nasar Mohammed Hussein

A group of Accumulate participants led by journalist Samir Jeraj on a walk around St John’s and the former site of Cardboard City.

Met Police

© Eleanor Bentall

© Miss Mitzi de Margary.

Millwall FC

Fans made helicopter gestures at Leicester fans referring to the 2018 crash that killed club owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabh.

Kingswood House

flyinG start for council’s call to residents to contribute to climate investment scheme

By Herbie Russell

CASH-STRAPPED SOUTHWARK

Council is urging people to take a gamble and invest in their climate projects.

People living anywhere can invest as little as £5 in things in things like new cycle hangars, LED street lighting and upgrades to council assets, receiving an “attractive low-risk 4.6% return,” Southwark Council has said.

The Southwark Green Investment scheme’s roll-out comes amid trying financial circumstances for Southwark, and councils across the country, which recently announced a £6.7 million shortfall in its finances.

The investment programme, similar to those already adopted by councils including Hammersmith & Fulham and Westminster, aims to raise £6 million by 2030.

Deputy Cabinet Member for Green Finance, Councillor Emily Hickson, said: “We’re taking urgent action in Southwark to tackle the climate emergency – but we know the scale of the challenge means we can’t do it alone.

“Southwark Green Investment presents an unprecedented opportunity for our community to contribute to a sustainable future while reaping financial benefits.

“By investing as little as £5, residents can help us hit our ambitious net-zero target and foster a greener, fairer, and safer Southwark.”

The scheme raised £50,000 within hours of its launch on Tuesday and aims to reach £1 million in its first round.

Potential investors are warned,

however, that their capital is at risk and they may lose some or even all of the money they put in.

While Southwark says its finances are “robust”, and once again managed to balance its books in its latest budget, the economic outlook is still worrying.

The council was, for example, recently forced to make nearly £6.5 million in savings to adult social care and children and families’ services.

The Local Government Association estimates that, nationally, councils face a £4 billion shortfall over the two financial years to 2024-25.

Southwark Green Investment, which could recoup missing cash, will be managed by Abundance Investment.

It’s a financial platform focused on ethical and sustainable community investment which is increasingly managing local authorities’

programmes.

Southwark Liberal Democrats have pointed out that their motion for a ‘local climate bonds scheme’ was passed in March 2023 and has taken credit for the new programme.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Rachel Bentley said: “Nearly a year after passing a Lib Dem motion committing to climate bonds, we’re very glad to see Southwark’s green investment finally

launched.”

She added it felt like Southwark was “playing catch up”, saying that Westminster Council had raised £1 million in just nine days last year.

To invest in Southwark Green Investment, interested residents and businesses should head to https:// www.abundanceinvestment.com/ our-investments/councils/southwarkgreen-investment-1

Over 5000 Southwark employees benefit from pay rise with Living Wage scheme

By Isabel Ramirez

Over 5,000 local workers have benefitted from a pay rise since their employer signed up for the council’s Living wage scheme.

In Southwark, there are now more than 330 employers who pay their staff the London Living Wage, which is £13.15 per hour - including Southwark News.

At 21 per cent more than the Government minimum wage, it is the only wage rate based on the additional costs of living in London.

It has helped locals like Bosco Katabazi, a cleaner at Borough Market, to have peace of mind when it comes to paying her bills on time, and, Carla Sofia Cardso Pinto, food services coordinator at Spring Community Hub, who commented: “I can now do more with my children and afford to buy a car. It has helped me in my personal life a lot.”

The London Living Wage is paid voluntarily, so whilst employers are not required to follow it, 94 per cent of the people who did say they benefitted from it. Most of them describe a boost in reputation, recruitment, and

retention of staff.

Gather is an organic zero waste store on Bellenden Road, Peckham. They became a Living Wage employer in 2019 when they first took on staff.

Tash Gorst, founder of Gather, said: “Business is about people, so it matters how you treat yours. Paying the Living Wage is a key part of our employee offer and it’s helped us to build a brilliant team.

“Our staff are the heart of Gather; they care, they’re engaged and they stick around (for much longer than is typical for retail). When we do need to recruit, we usually get plenty of strong applicants. The Living Wage benefits everyone. We’re big fans.”

Over the last 2.5 years, £614,000 has been added to Southwark’s economy because workers have received a wage uplift on to the London Living Wage. When money is reinvested in this way, it supports other businesses and jobs in the borough. There is even further untapped potential for the 23,000 workers in Southwark who earn less than the London Living Wage.

Cllr Kieron Williams, leader of Southwark Council, said: “The

message is loud and clear: the London Living Wage is good for workers, good for business, and good for our local economy. That’s why we established the council’s Living Wage Unit to support employers to pay the London Living Wage. We are proud that Southwark leads the way with more and more employers who think, like us, that people deserve to be paid fairly for their hard work. It’s more important than ever with the rising cost of living.”

The number of Southwark employers who pay the London Living Wage grows every month. In large part, this is thanks to a group of local organisations who campaign with the support of the council to keep Southwark a Living Wage Place. They work alongside universities, property developers, charities, business improvement districts and other local employers of various sizes. This includes Borough Market, Mercato Metropolitano and Dulwich Hamlet Football Club Apply to become a new London Living Wage employer at livingwage. org.uk

© Southwark Council

Cycle hangars are among the projects people can invest in.

old kent road to oxford circus will ‘take 13 minutes’ on bakerloo line extension

By Herbie Russell

The BaKerLOO Line extension would slash journey times from Old Kent road to Oxford Circus to thirteen minutes, a report has found.

The paper, commissioned by Central London Forward, a twelve-borough coalition backing the extension, said it would be “transformational” for the capital.

The project, which would see three new tube stops built between Elephant and Castle and Lewisham, would create 9,700 jobs and “unlock” the construction of 20,400 homes, the report found.

Cllr Kieron Williams, Chair of Central London Forward and Leader of Southwark Council, said: “The Bakerloo Line Upgrade and Extension is an

investment that would keep our city moving forwards.

“At a time when we urgently need to get growth back on track, it would boost our economy, create jobs, and unlock tens of thousands of much-needed homes, all by making better use of the tunnels we already have beneath our capital.”

Commuters from Old Kent Road currently face a 38-minute cross-city trek to Oxford Circus.

The Bakerloo Line Extension would mean upgrades to the line’s 1970s rolling stock and signal improvements meaning speedier trips for passengers.

However, the infrastructure project cannot happen with additional funding from central government.

The Department for Transport announced a one-year capital funding deal for TfL in December worth £250

million next year.

Transport for London (TfL) says this is well short of the £500m to £600m it needs from government annually to follow through with its major infrastructure projects.

Andy Lord, Commissioner of Transport for London, said: “While we are grateful for government for providing £250m towards our capital investment programme for 2024/25, securing longterm certainty would allow us to start planning properly for future investment.

“It is vital we get certainty of funding to allow us to move forward with the Bakerloo line Upgrade as soon as possible and in the most cost effective manner. This upgrade is necessary to support the extension which is safeguarded and ready to take through the planning process.”

Football ban for man who ‘took drugs’ and ‘abused Preston player’ during Millwall match

By Herbie Russell

a FOOTBaLL fan has been banned from attending matches after he was spotted taking drugs and ‘abusing a Preston north end player’ at The den.

Frederick Hardley, 28, (25/10/1995) from Worthing, was arrested and pled guilty to using threatening or abusive words and possession of a Class B drug.

The incident took place during Millwall’s Championship fixture against Preston on January 27. Police have not said which side the man was supporting.

Through an anonymous text line, officers received a report of a man taking drugs and directing homophobic language at a Preston player.

As well as a criminal conviction, Hardley was hit with a three-year football banning order.

The ban even forbids him from attending matches at this summer’s Euros in Germany and the World Cup in America, Mexico and Canada.

Hardley was also ordered to pay

£700 in costs and received a six-month conditional discharge for having cannabis.

The Met Police is cracking down on football fans found in possession of illegal drugs at matches, which it says leads to violence and anti-social behaviour.

Superintendent Gerry Parker, from the football policing unit, said: “The Met is committed to reducing crime and antisocial behaviour at football fixtures.

“To ensure football fans have the best experience at matches, we are working

Possible Bakerloo Line extension opening date named as 2040

By Herbie Russell

TransPOrT FOr London (TfL)

has indicated the Bakerloo Line extension could begin running in 2040, subject to funding approval.

TfL papers have revealed construction of the scheme could begin in 2030 although this would still rely on obtaining government grants.

The report also said the predicted cost of the Bakerloo Line extension had spiralled to between £5 billion and £8 billion at 2023 prices.

However, this is only slightly more than an estimated £7.9 billion which TfL has long cited as a possible figure.

The TfL paper reads: “The current EFC (Estimated Financial Cost) is between £5-8bn (2023 prices) and the scheme could feasibly begin construction from 2030 subject to funding.”

The Bakerloo line extension would go from Elephant and Castle station to Lewisham station and see three new tube stops built.

These would be called Burgess Park, where the big Tesco currently is, Old Kent Road, on the current Lidl site, and New Cross Gate, at the big Sainsbury’s. The extension is key to the development

of the Old Kent Road area, where Southwark Council hopes to build 20,000 new homes, including at least 5,000 social rent properties, by 2038.

However, TfL must navigate significant stumbling blocks before the project gets started.

As part of a 2022 bail-out, £1.2 billion of government funding supported almost £3.6 billion of major transport projects in the capital. But this fell well short of the possible £8 billion needed for the extension.

In December, the Department for Transport (DfT) approved a funding package worth £250M for TfL to cover the 2024/2025 tax year.

TfL doesn’t need to fund the entire project. Some money would come from local authorities like Southwark, and developers would pay through a community infrastructure levy (CIL).

Blackwall Tunnel will be closed for two weekends in March and April

By Isabel Ramirez

BLaCKwaLL TunneL will be closed for two weekends in march and april, TfL has announced.

Southbound traffic will need to seek alternative routes across the weekends of 16-18 March and 13-15 April.

This is the second lot of announced closures this year already, with the tunnel also closing this weekend (24-26 February).

hard to deter and detect drug related crime. This means we will apply for fans found with drugs to receive a banning order and will appeal court results if the ban is not imposed.

“People should be able to go to games, enjoy the match and come home safely. We want to support all fans and members of our community affected by negative behaviours that are exacerbated by drugs.

“We will work hard to ensure we keep people safe throughout the season and summer tournaments.”

The works, which are required to implement the road configuration for the new Silvertown Tunnel which will open in 2025, will see new over-height vehicle gantries installed, which are necessary to protect the tunnel, as well as resurfacing works as part of the final road configuration.

It follows recent successful drainage and gantry installation works on the northbound Blackwall Tunnel approach to support the new Silvertown Tunnel.

The Silvertown Tunnel will provide a public transport-focused river crossing with zero-emission bus links across the Thames.

Northbound traffic will not be affected

by the closures and will be diverted via the normal southbound tunnel. However, there will be no access to Tunnel Avenue from the A102 at Pear Island across the weekend of 16-18 March due to the works.

The Route 108 bus will be temporarily split and terminate at Canning Town station and North Greenwich, with customers using the Jubilee line to cross the river to complete their journeys with subsequent refunds available if required.

Carl Eddleston, Director of Network Management and Resilience at TfL, said: “We appreciate that these planned weekend works will have an impact on some drivers and are doing everything in our power to limit potential disruption and complete these essential works as quickly as possible, including ensuring a northbound route through the Blackwall Tunnel is maintained throughout.”

The three planned weekend closures will start at 00:01 on Saturday morning and will be reopened by 05:00 on Monday morning at the latest.

For the latest on how roads are running, please visit: https://tfl.gov.uk/traffic/ status/

The

mum decided to ‘pull her child out of local nursery over safety concerns’

By Isabel Ramirez

a BermOndseY mum has pulled her child out of school over safety concerns one month after the nursery made thirteen staff members redundant.

Kintore Way Nursery School has been grappling with debt to the council since the pandemic, and the staff cuts were a last-resort attempt to balance the books.

Given its percentage of pupils with special educational needs (SEN), there were huge concerns over the safeguarding issues these staff cuts would cause - as it included the proposed loss of eleven support workers.

A campaign, led by Southwark UNISON, was fighting against the loss of jobs last year - but at a recent scrutiny commission meeting, Labour Cllr Chloe Tomlinson read an update from Kintore Way announcing that the redundancies had gone through.

Cllr Tomlinson said: “The team has been reduced by sixteen posts, thirteen redundancies.”

She explained that there is a reduced number of places for ages 3-5 so they have gone from 60 children per session per room to 39, adding: “and that has come with a much-reduced capacity to support children with SEN/D.”

Terrie Corby spoke to the News about her concerns over the children’s safety back in September when she first heard about the proposed staff cuts.

Commenting on the impact the cuts have had, she said: “It’s been a shambles.

“I pulled my son out in December because of safety concerns.”

“The headteacher is lovely and she’s

given me lots of support - I don’t blame her. This is directly because of the redundancies - but also a failure of the education system for special needs.”

Terrie said, after having him home this month he went back after being told she couldn’t just pull him out. “It’s hard because he loves it there, but I don’t think it’s going to work.”

Susan Catten, Schools Organiser at Southwark UNISON - who led the

Local author celebrates World Book Day early with Herne Hill school kids

By Isabel Ramirez

a ChiLdren’s author from herne hill visited his local bookshop to sign and give free copies of his latest book to school kids.

World Book Day is fast approaching (7 March), but these lucky youngsters got to celebrate early with some of the writers involved.

Every year, school children get a £1 book token they can exchange

for one of the fifteen books selected annually - to promote the enjoyment of reading.

Last week, three of this year’s £1 World Book Day authors turned up at Moon Lane Books to do a live read and workshop, including Alex Falase-Koya, who wrote Marv and the Ultimate Superpower.

Alex, who lives in Herne Hill, commented: “Moon Lane Books is actually my local bookshop so it’s amazing that I get to go there.

“As an author and a lover of books, it’s such a privilege to witness children fall in love with reading. It’s particularly amazing when a story you’ve written helps kids develop a life-long habit of reading for pleasure.”

The author of The Doomsday Date - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, who also grew up in south London - was there too, as was Vivian Truong - the official illustrator for World Book Day. They signed copies of their books and invited children to participate in a specially curated workshop to help them discover joy in reading.

campaign to save jobs last yearcommented on the ‘tragic loss’ of staff. She said: “Make no mistake, the loss of 16 experienced and dedicated staff is a tragic loss to the Kintore Way community.”

She went on to say that Southwark Council has moved to address some of the financial issues that contributed to the nursery’s deficit in the first place.

“For example, the rate for lunches has

risen from £1.78 to £2.20 which is very welcome,” she explained. “There has been a move towards developing a long overdue Early Years Special Educational Needs strategy in recognition of the particular place Kintore Way has in the local community,” Susan continued, “but the reality is that now, fewer children with special or complex needs who want a place at Kintore can be accommodated.”

Ex-cop would have been sacked for assaulting colleague

By Herbie Russell

AN EX-POLICE officer who resigned after sexually assaulting a colleague in southwark would have been sacked anyway.

A Met Police hearing found Former DC Justin Gilmore committed gross misconduct while off-duty in July 2015.

The incident took place while Gilmore was based at Southwark police station. He and a female colleague were offduty at a social event in Southwark when Gilmore sexually assaulted her.

The matter was reported to police on January 6, 2022, and investigated by officers at Central South Command Unit.

DC Gilmore was interviewed under caution before being charged and suspended from duty.

He was convicted at Inner London Crown Court on November 8, 2023, given a £1,000 fine and ordered to pay £1,500 in costs.

Gilmore had resigned from the Met before the internal hearing, which concluded on Wednesday, February 14.

Commander Ben Russell, responsible for Met Operations, said: “Former DC Gilmore’s actions fell far below the very high standards we expect of officers and as a result the hearing rightly concluded that he would have been dismissed.

“Respect for our fellow officers, as well as the public we serve, is non-negotiable.

Former DC Gilmore will now be placed on the College of Policing Barred List meaning that he cannot serve as a police officer or in a number of other related roles in the future.”

Thousands signing up to Southwark leisure centres after council insourcing

By Herbie Russell

mOre Than 2,500 people have signed up for southwark leisure centres since the council brought the service in-house last summer.

Cllr Catherine Rose praised the “significant strides” the council had made after ending its seven-year association with the private company Everyone Active last summer.

Southwark Council decided to end its management contract with Everyone Active after being forced to bail the company out during the Covid-19 pandemic.

When Everyone Active departed, there were 20,475 paying members, a figure which has since soared to 23,115, the council said.

Councillor Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Leisure and Parks: “We’ve made significant strides since bringing our leisure centres in-house.

“This includes a 13 per cent increase in memberships since June, the refurbishment of group exercise studios, and a renewed focus on developing children’s skills, leading

to a 24 per cent increase in weekly swimming lessons.”

Staff and customers have previously complained that the council had ‘neglected’ gyms since the takeover.

“It’s been neglected. There are a lot of complaints – the environment is not nice. We’ll lose members if it doesn’t get better soon,” an anonymous employee said.

Cllr Rose responded by saying the council had “committed to a comprehensive repair programme across the leisure centres”.

Since the change-over, Southwark Council has also spent £815,000 on repairing and maintaining those buildings.

This includes £75,000 on new turnstiles at The Castle Leisure Centre, £75,000 on a new lift at the Peckham Pulse, and £70,000 on repairing Camberwell Leisure Centre’s roof.

The Canada Water Leisure Centre, set to feature a four-court sports hall, swimming pool and 150-station gym, will open in 2025.

Cllr Rose said Southwark Council had made ‘signifi cant strides’ since bringing leisure in-house

Four shows to see this month…

No More Mr Nice Guy

The world premiere of the award-winning play ‘No More Mr Nice Guy’, presented by Nouveau Riche, is coming to Broadway Theatre.

This story revolves around Keloughn Douglas, a British-Caribbean music teacher entangled in the complexities of his aspirations for senior leadership, a burning passion for a successful music career, and his yearning to marry the love of his life.

Dates: 6 to 16 March 2024

Tickets: £10-£12

Rushey Green, Catford, SE6 4RU

GreenwichTheatre secures long-term tenure

Greenwich Theatre has signed a long lease with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, securing the future of the south London venue for a further 24 years.

As a registered charity, the theatre has committed to continue its programme of outreach and engagement activities, from work in schools to festival events and subsidised ticket price initiatives, all offered in parallel with a nationally significant programme of inhouse productions, national touring companies, emerging artist support and family theatre.

Artistic Director James Haddrell said: “This marks the culmination of years of work by our

small and incredibly dedicated staff team and represents the latest stage in the development of the company. With the lease in place, we can now look beyond the immediate future and start to make some major long-term plans.”

Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, added: “By hosting spaces where people can laugh and escape to faraway lands through the power of storytelling and creativity, these organisations are crucial to encouraging social cohesion and creating a place where people can connect.”

Crooms Hill, SE10 8ES greenwichtheatre.org.uk

www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk/ events/no-more-mr-nice-guy

Buffy Revamped

In this fast-paced production, ‘Buffy Revamped’ brings you the entire 144 episodes of the hit 90s TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as told through the eyes of the one person who knows it inside out… Spike.

Funny, satirical and bursting with 90s popculture references, it’s the perfect parody for Buffy aficionados and those who never enrolled at Sunnydale High.

Date: 28 March 2024

Tickets: Advanced £21.50-£25, doors £26.25-£30.50

Fireworks Factory, 11 No. 1 Street, SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works/events/buffy-revamped

I Should Be So Lucky

Head from the aisle to the isles in the official Stock Aitken Waterman musical ‘I Should Be So Lucky’ featuring music from pop royalty including Kylie Minogue (I Should Be So Lucky), Rick Astley (Never Gonna Give You Up), Jason Donovan (Especially for You), Bananarama (Love In The First Degree) and more, all

intertwined in an original story of love, laughter and last-minute getaways.

Dive deep into the tale of Ella and Nathan – a star-crossed couple with wedding jitters and tropical dreams. Will their love sail smoothly, or are stormy break-ups ahead? Only time and tunes will tell.

Dates: 26 to 30 March 2024

Tickets: £26-£56

Churchill Theatre Main Auditorium, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA trafalgartickets.com/churchill-theatrebromley/en-GB/event/musical/ishould-be-so-lucky-tickets

„ Greenwich Theatre Lease Signing

„ No More Mr Nice Guy

© Yellow Belly

„ Old Lady - Blackheath Halls

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly

Why did the old lady swallow a fly? We don’t know but The People’s Theatre Company do. And now you can, too, as they bring the world’s best-loved nursery rhyme –‘There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly’ – to life.

In this stage adaptation at Blackheath Halls, aliens from a distant planet have crashlanded on Earth and need your help to get home. But there’s a problem. Their rocket runs on stories, not fuel, and only the greatest story in the universe will be enough to save them.

With a combination of live action, animation and puppetry, this retelling is sure to surprise and delight children – and nostalgic adults.

Date: 9 March 2024

Tickets: £16, £14 under-14s 23 Lee Road, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ www.blackheathhalls.com/ whats-on/there-was-an-oldlady-who-swallowed-a-fly/

Courses cater to ages 3 and up, offering guaranteed fun and new skills.

Inspired by renowned artists such as Hockney, Rousseau, and Matisse. Covers a range of artistic disciplines including printmaking, collage, drawing, painting, photography, beatmaking, songwriting, choreography, and creative dance.

Specialised music workshops include flute and ukulele.

Adults can explore bookbinding, pastels, greeting card printing, and crafting a Spring Garland.

what’s on

‘FAMILY’ - a novella by Camberwell-based author mark Baxter - is the last part of a south east London trilogy, that he started in 2006 with ‘The mumper’ followed by ‘elizabeth, Peter and me’, writes Michael Holland.

Mark popped in to Southwark News HQ to give us an interview.

How did this book come about?

‘The idea came to me about a year after contracting ‘pre-jab’ Covid in October 2020. I was pretty ill for ten weeks and it then took me a good 6 - 9 months to begin to feel like my old self,’ he begins. ‘Later on, when I sat back and reflected, like many of us did, on what a strange time we had just lived through, I realised I had lost six close friends, all with the virus as a contributing factor. I began to withdraw from life a fair bit, rushing back from meetings and work with anxiety hitting me hard and making me feel that I was safer at home.’

Mark Baxter is not one to ‘withdraw’ as he is always busy promoting, writing blogs, making films or despairing about Millwall, so I knew there had to be more. He takes a moment to choose his response carefully. ‘I had already lost my mum in March 2020 from the effects of Dementia; work and earnings had dropped off and I was

it’s all in the family

Frank’s Closet opens soon

FranK’s CLOseT was the offwest end cult hit of 2009. staged at hoxton hall, one of england’s last remaining victorian music halls, it sold-out to packed houses and glowing reviews.

Luke Farrugia (The Diva) was Timon in Disney’s Lion King: Rhythm of the Pride Lands and is currently playing Christina in Cinderella at Watford Palace Theatre.

also coming up to my 60th birthday in the September of that year.’ Mark pauses again. He turns and watches a train make its way to London Bridge before clearing his throat.

‘As a consequence, I discovered I was now very reflective on what my life had become. Without really over-analysing it, I found myself visiting certain locations on my daily dog walk, like old council estates I had once lived on, my old schools, buildings where I used to work, and even the funeral directors who had taken off my mum and dad, obviously thinking all the while of the people no longer in my life…’ A hot mug of tea was placed before the contemplative author. Everyone at the News Desk had stopped to listen as he took a sip and continued.

‘Then, slowly, the story for a book began to formulate in my mind, incorporating much of what I have already mentioned. Real people, some of whom had died, inspired all of the main characters, though I changed names and genders in some cases.’

I asked if we would recognise any of the people: ‘The book’s main character, “Terry”, is pretty much based on me.’

And how do you portray yourself in the book?

‘Terry has decided to keep himself

to himself, with the result of only really letting a few selected people into his life, which mirrored what I had done in my own life at the time.’

So is the book about your family?

‘The title of the book ,’Family,’ relates to those select people, though the majority of them are not blood relatives, but people I thought of as family all the same. They were the ones who had helped me and my wife Lou when I was most ill, with the shopping and phone calls offering help if needed - They had become very important to me.’

I got the feeling that writing Family was difficult for Mark Baxter so asked if it was.

‘Writing books is never easy but, I know now, writing the book was a kind of therapy for me and I feel like the overall conclusion I come to at the very end made some sort of sense of the previous few years. No spoilers of course…’

Your first book, The Mumper, was made into a film with the great Bob Hoskins. Will Family end up on the big screen?

‘Never say never…’

‘Family’ priced at £10, will be published in March 2024 and can be pre-ordered through emailing mono_media@hotmail.com

More info on the book can be viewed here - https://vimeo. com/873366920/f0c8f38046

Now it is to get its first London revival at the Union Theatre with additional new material by writer and composer Stuart Wood, directed by Sasha Regan. Frank teeters on the precipice of marriage to his beloved Alan, who has given him an ultimatum – he must give up the toys and joys of singledom, and donate his fabulous collection of the dresses of iconic divas to the V&A museum. Amidst continual calls from Alan, his mother, and once (briefly) his father, Frank retreats into a fantasy world where he is The Chairman of The Music Hall.

Through the magical portal of his closet door, the divas visit him in turn, aided and abetted by a quartet of Gaiety Girls. Each diva delivers a musical number containing a gem of good, or at least well-intentioned, advice. But will frocks or fiancé ultimately triumph…?

Frank’s Closet is a high-camp, witty and poignant show, framed by the artifice of the musical hall (including magic and puppetry) and propelled by the increasingly surreal musical turns of the divas.

Frank’s Closet explores the conflict between fantasy and responsibility, liberty and conformity, with wit and heart, in a way that will chime with anyone who’s ever pondered the joys and terrors of a lifetime of commitment…

Cast:

Andy Moss (Frank) was Sam Wheat in Ghost the Musical, Eddie/Dr Scott in The Rocky Horror Show and was series regular Rhys Ashworth in Hollyoaks. His other TV roles include Deep Cuts, Casualty, Doctors and Cutting It.

Becky Bassett (Gaiety Gal) was Zoria/Queen Elizabeth I/The Doctor/ Angel in the immersive stage show Dr Who Time Fracture. Her musicals include Summer Holiday (UK tour) and Crazy For You (Upstairs at the Gatehouse).

Oliver Bradley-Taylor (Gaiety Gal) recently played Bertie Hugh in Sasha Regan’s all-male Mikado (Wilton’s Music Hall & UK tour).

Sarah Freer (Gaiety Gal) was Pearl in The SpongeBob Musical (UK tour) and is currently in Peter Pan with Boy George (UK tour).

Olivia McBride (Gaiety Gal) is making her professional debut. During training she played Johanna in Sweeney Todd and Sister Mary Theresa in Sister Act.

Paul Toulson (Sheila Blige) was Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk and Dame Joy Less in Cinderella (South Hill Park) and an international tour of Dr Dolittle.

Creative team:

Writer and Composer Stuart Wood Director Sasha Regan

Music Director Anto Buckley

Production Designer Catherine Phelps

Choreographer Jo McShane

Producers Sasha Regan, KarimPasha Ladbon & Stephen MacLeod Barnes

Union Theatre, Old Union Arches, 229 Union Street, London, SE1 0LR from 6 - 30 March 2024

Times: Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm; Matinee Saturday at 2pm ; Matinee Sunday at 4pm.

Tickets: Previews £25 then £30 or £40 cabaret seats.

Booking: http://uniontheatre.biz/

sappho in southwark

PasCaL PrOduCTiOns today announces the uK and english Language première of wendy Beckett’s sappho - a new play inspired by the famous Greek poet integrating the original poetry with contemporary music and dance.

Poet. Lover. Legend.

Fusing ancient poetry with modern music, Greek chorus with circus and contemporary dance, Sappho is a thrilling adult fairy tale of mythic proportions that may - or may nothave happened.

We are somewhere between imagination and 6th century BC on the Greek island of Lesbos. Poetess Sappho creates worlds out of her words: rewriting the rules of both her art form and her gender. Socrates calls her work beautiful, Plato describes her as the tenth Muse, and many think her work rivals even that of Homer’s Iliad.

London Tide - A mutual musical

Based On Charles Dickens’ final completed novel, Our mutual Friend, London Tide is directed by ian rickson (Translations), adapted by Ben Power (The Lehman Trilogy), with original songs throughout by acclaimed singer-songwriter PJ harvey and Ben Power.

This romantic and propulsive thriller is a hymn to London and the river that runs through it.

A storm rages and, in the darkest part of the night, a body is pulled from the swirling Thames. Across the city, two young women confront an uncertain future. In Limehouse, Lizzie Hexam struggles to break free of the river and its dark secrets. On the other side of town, Bella Wilfer mourns a lost marriage. The appearance of the mysterious John Rokesmith has the

potential to change their lives for ever. Will they sink or swim?

Previously announced cast includes Brandon Grace as Charley Hexam, Scott Karim as Bradley Headstone, Bella Maclean as Bella Wilfer, Tom Mothersdale as John Rokesmith, Ami Tredrea as Lizzie Hexam and Peter Wight as Noddy Boffin.

They are joined by Beth Alsbury as Lavinia Wilfer, Joe Armstrong as Roger Riderhood, Crystal Condie as Miss Potterson, Laura Cubitt as Nancy, Miya James in the Ensemble, Stephen Kennedy as Reg Wilfer, Joshua Lacey as Inspector Bucket, Penny Layden as Mary Wilfer, Eric Mok as understudy Charlie Hexam, Liam Prince-Donnelly in the Ensemble, Georgia Silver as understudy Bella Wilfer, Ellie-May Sheridan as Jenny Wren, Jonathan Dryden Taylor as Mr Cleaver, John

Vernon as understudy Reg Wilfer/ Noddy Boffin/Mortimer Lightwood, Jamael Westman as Eugene Wrayburn, Jake Wood as Gaffer Hexam and Rufus Wright as Mortimer Lightwood.

Lyttelton Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX.

Dates: 10th April - 22nd June. Times: Mon - Sat 7pm; Wed & Sat Matinees 1pm.

Admission: £20 - £99.

Booking: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Assisted performances

Captioned Performances: Thursday 23 May 2024 – 7pm, Friday 17 June 2024 –2.15pm, Friday 26 April 2024 – 7.30pm

BSL Interpreted: Friday 19 April 2024 –7.30pm

Audio described: Saturday 30 March 2024 – 2.15pm, Friday 3 May 2024 – 7.30pm

Sensory adapted: Wednesday 10 April 2024 – 7.30pm

Sappho has fallen in love with a woman but her family and a civilisation on the precipice of democracy have other ideas for her. The defiantly spirited Sappho comes under fire, and soon she must decide whether to marry a man for the advancement of her society, or remain true to her own words - and her authentic self.

Expect dancing, passion, poetry and plenty of queer joy as Pascal Productions’ epic international hit finally storms the London stage.

Beckett said, “For three millennia Sappho’s life and her sexuality has been debated and refuted among scholars. Legends and fables have sprung up at the mere mention of her name. Never has a poet held such a status disproportionate to the size of her surviving work, which is what inspired me to write this play! It is an adult fairy tale about a great, seminal artist who has inspired women

everywhere. To be able to bring her alive again at Southwark Playhouse Elephant is a great honour.”

Adam Fitzgerald added, “We are thrilled to now be bringing Sappho to the London stage after our Greek production. It is such a joy to continue this play with artists from around the globe - Australia, Greece, France, and the U.S. - and joining a fantastic team here in the UK.

Sappho is a queer icon, a historymaking LGBTQ+ superstar, and we are honoured to be sharing her story, embodied by British actors and dancers on the beautiful new stage.”

Southwark Playhouse Elephant, 1 Dante Place, London SE11 4RX from 3 May – 25 May.

Box Office: 020 7407 0234

Pioneers Preview (3 May): £10

Preview Tickets: £16

Full Price Tickets from: £22

Concession Tickets from: £17

More murders in Richmond Theatre

eLLie LeaCh – reigning champion of strictly Come dancing - will make her stage acting debut as miss scarlett in the world premiere uK tour of CLuedO 2. ellie won the hearts of the nation as she waltzed her way to victory (with dance partner vito) to win the Glitterball Trophy in december.

She is also known to millions of viewers as Faye Windass in Coronation Street. During her 13 years on the soap, Ellie was involved in various memorable storylines and nominated for numerous acting awards. Based on the classic Hasbro boardgame, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the five month UK tour marks the world premiere of CLUEDO 2, which kicks off at Richmond Theatre on 29 February and visits

theatres across the UK until July. Starring alongside Ellie will be leading West End actor and TV favourite Jason Durr, who stars as Colonel Mustard. Most recently seen as David Hide in BBC One’s Casualty, (a role he played for seven years from 2016), audiences will also recognise Jason from his numerous other roles, including the motorbike riding policeman Mike Bradley from ITV’s hugely popular

series, Heartbeat.

Ellie Leach said: “After an incredible year I’m so excited to join the cast of Cluedo 2. I am delighted to make my stage acting debut as Miss Scarlett and I can’t wait to work with Jason and the talented cast.”

Jason Durr said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the cast of Cluedo 2 as Colonel Mustard. I was a huge fan of the Cluedo board game as a child and the Colonel is such a great character. I am looking forward to bringing laughter and this ultimate whodunnit to audiences across the UK in its 75th anniversary year.”

The cast is completed by Jack Bennett (Wadsworth), Hannah Boyce (Mrs Peacock), Dawn Buckland (Mrs White), Liam Horrigan (Mr Black), Edward Howells (Professor Plum), Tiwai Muza (PC Silver) and Gabriel Paul (Reverend Green) with Kara Alberts-Turner,

Audrey Anderson and Henry Lawes.

Helen Flanagan has been advised to withdraw for medical reasons and the company of Cluedo 2 wish her well.

Following the huge success of the critically acclaimed original play, Cluedo is back on stage with a brand new, original comedy mystery, set in the swinging 60’s. It’s written by one of the UK’s most successful TV and stage writing duos, BAFTA Award winning writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, (Birds of a Feather, Goodnight Sweetheart and Dreamboats and Petticoats) and will be directed by Mark Bell (The Play That Goes Wrong, A Comedy About a Bank Robbery), who will bring the action of this hilarious whodunnit to life.

Set and Costume Design is by David Farley, Lighting by Jason Taylor, Sound by Jon Fiber and Movement Direction

by Anna Healey.

As the bodies pile up, our colourful characters - The Honourable Mrs Emerald Peacock, Colonel Eugene Mustard, ‘Professor’ Alex Plum, Miss Annabel Scarlett, ‘The Reverend’ Hal Green and the housekeeper Mrs White - move from room to room trying to escape the murderer and survive the night. CLUEDO 2 will keep audiences guessing right up to the final moments, and budding detectives of all ages, from 8 to 80 and beyond, can watch for the clues and unravel the secrets, as they try to work out whodunnit… with what… and where!

Richmond Theatre, Little Green, TW9 1QJ

Thursday 29 February – Saturday

2 March

Click here

Photo by Spencer Murphy (Landscape no title)

hit factory in borouGh that launched the careers of music Greats are up for a blue plaQue

By Isabel Ramirez

One OF the most successful songwriting trios in the world, who launched Kylie minogue and rick astley into stardom, has been nominated for a southwark Blue Plaque.

Between 1984 and 1993, British pop producers Mike Stock, Matt Aitken and Pete Waterman were responsible for over 200 million records sold worldwide.

The trio formed in 1984 after Pete, who was already established in the music industry, signed producers Matt and Mike to his company Pete Waterman Limited (PWL). They had impressed him with a song they had written and produced called ‘The Upstroke’ - which would be the group’s first release.

Before joining Pete, Mike and Matt had been working together from a small recording studio in Mike’s basement in Abbey Wood, where the pair spent most of 1983 writing songs and producing local bands.

Just one year later, SAW - as they are commonly known - had already secured their first number-one hit with Dead or Alive’s ‘You Spin Me Round’.

Having found the formula, they went on to gain 13 number-one singles and over 100 top 40 hits in the UK alonewith the success repeated worldwide.

Along with many other stars, they famously launched the careers of Kylie Minogue, with ‘I Should Be So Lucky,’ and Rick Astley with ‘Never Gonna Give You Up.’

All this success was made from a little backstreet studio in Borough – The Vineyard in Sanctuary Street - above which Pete Waterman still resides.

From this humble building, which became known as ‘The Hit Factory,’ they also made chart successes for Bananarama, Donna Summer, Cliff Richard, Paul McCartney and many more.

Tony Moorcroft, from Bermondsey, worked at the studio for seven years from the end of 1987-1994. “The funny thing is - whilst it was happening none of us realised that history was being made.

“All three of them were amazing.”

Tony, who worked his way up from tea boy to a producer, recalled one time when Pete really had his back.

“[Pete] had noticed I wasn’t happy, so he called me into his office and questioned me about it.

“I admitted I was struggling a bit with the rent, he asked me how much I was earning and how much I owed.”

He explained that Pete then proceeded to double his wages and write a cheque to pay off Tony’s debt.

“That’s the kind of guy he is,” Tony said. “All three of them were amazing.”

Reminiscing on his years there, he said all three treated everyone like family. “It didn’t matter if you were the tea boy or the owner of the company - they treated

Along with many other stars Stock Aitken and Waterman were behind launching Kylie Minogue, with ‘I Should Be So Lucky’ and Rick Astley with ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’

everyone with respect.”

He mentioned their annual Christmas parties were always hosted in ‘weird locations.’

One year it was on board the Flying Scotsman - of which Pete Waterman is reportedly the last living owner.

Tony continued: “Every party was in a weird place. Another year we had it in the dinosaur at the Natural History Museum once - you’d never be allowed to do that now.”

On why his former bosses deserve a Southwark Blue Plaque - Tony said: “No songwriting production team has ever had the songwriting success with as many artists as they had.”

“People might not realise how hard they work behind the scenes.”

“Without the song, you’ve got nothing.”

Lesser celebrated feats are their

charitable ventures. These included the three records they recorded at Borough’s ‘Hit Factory’ to raise millions for various causes - Bananarama & Lananeeneenoonoo’s ‘Help!’ for Comic Relief, Band Aid II’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ and a version of ‘Ferry Cross The Mersey’ in aid of the Hillsborough Disaster Appeal, which featured Holly Johnson, Gerry Marsden, The Christians and Paul McCartney.

The official end of the group began with Matt’s departure in 1991 and then Mike’s in 1993, but they continued to reunite for different projects in the years that followed.

Highlights of later years included in 2005, with the release of the Stock Aitken Waterman Gold compilation album; Mike and Pete’s collaborations to write and produce a single for girl

their classic 80s style.

To the surprise of many, there was a full Stock Aitken Waterman reunion in 2015 when the trio came together again at the request of Kylie Minogueto arrange and produce a new version of Kylie’s Every Day’s Like Christmas in

Last year, ‘I Should Be So Lucky’, a musical featuring all their hit songs premiered and is currently being touring theatres across the UK, including The Churchill Theatre in Bromley.

To vote them for a Southwark Blue Plaque please email isabel@ southwarknews.co.uk

band The Sheilas (in 2007) and then the UK’s 2010 entry for The Eurovision Song Contest.

Stock Aitken Waterman recently at the premiere for ‘I Should Be So Lucky’ musical

Neighbourhood

Feb - 16th April 2024

Where:

Walworth

Tuesdays 10am-2pm

Week 1 (6th Feb) Orientation & introduction. Understanding local democracy with a focus on council decision making.

HALF-TERM (13th Feb) – no session

Week 2 (20th Feb) Methods for mass engagement. Test new skills, including phone banking, street canvassing and door knocking.

Week 3 (27th Feb) Challenging power and privilege (Part 1: Relationships and local dynamics at an individual and system level).

Week 4 (5th Mar) Challenging power & privilege (Part 2) + Conflict resolution in community settings (Part 1)

Week 5 (12th Mar) Conflict resolution in Community Settings (part 2). How do we navigate conflict and negotiate? + Interim reflections

Week 6 (19th Mar) Building collective visions. What is collective visioning, and how do we do it? How could it help us in local action?

Week 7 (26th March) Session planning & facilitation skills.

Week 8 (2nd Apr) Storytelling & public narrative (Part 1: Story of Self). Tools for storytelling that supports local action.

Week 9 (9th April) Storytelling & public narrative (Part 2: Story of Us).

www.southlondon.co.uk

March 8th. The

cortege will be leaving

Ship Aground pub in Dockhead, Bermondsey,

11.15am for the service to take place at Honor Oak Crematorium at 12.15pm. A wake will be held at Ship Aground pub after the service.

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (DOG KENNEL HILL)

TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF BUS LANE

1.The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that, they made, an order under section 14 (1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to facilitate Thames water works being proposed in part of Dog Kennel Hill.

2.The effect of the order would be to suspend the:

(a)Northbound Bus Lane in Dog Kennel Hill, located between Albrighton Road and Champion Hill (outside Cavell Court)

(b)Northbound Bus Lane in Dog Kennel Hill, located between Champion Hill and Edgar Kail Way.

3.The restrictions will not apply to any person or 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.

4.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.

5.The restriction will be in place (a) 4th – 8th March (b) 20th – 21st March, and will apply during such times and to such extent as indicated by the traffic signs.

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

Dated this 29th February 2024

Ian Law Traffic Manager

London Borough of Southwark Network Management

Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth

160 Tooley Street 3rd Floor, Hub 1, Area B

London SE1 2TZ

Ref: (2a) 6830/000032077657-001 (2b) 6797/DM06601

Notice of Application to vary a Premises Licence made under the Licensing Act 2003

Please take notice that Selvadurai Thevarajah and Vythilingam Nagulendran

Have made application to the London Borough of Merton to vary the Premises Licence in respect of:

The Casuarina Tree, 407 London Road, Mitcham, CR4 4BG

To vary the layout of the rear garden plan, as per the plan provided incorporating the addition of a garden structure into the license.

To add additional conditions listed in part M of the application form.

A register of all applications made with the London Borough of Merton is maintained by:

LICENSING SECTION, LONDON BOROUGH OF MERTON, 2ND FLOOR, CIVIC CENTRE, LONDON ROAD, MORDEN, SURREY, SM4 5DX

A record of this application may be inspected by appointment at Merton Civic Centre. Please email licensing@merton.gov.uk or telephone 020 8545 3969.

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 Section at the office or email address above and be received by the Merton’s Licensing Section within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below.

Note: It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of such offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine.

Date application given to the Council: 21st February 2024

Notice of Application for a Premises Licence made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003

Please take notice that I / we Mr Mustafa Sakar

Have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of Love Dulwich, 89 Lordship Lane, SE22 8EP

The relevant licensable activities and proposed times to be carried on, or on from the premises are

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: 14th February 2024

Notice of application for a Premises Licence

Notice is hereby given that Chagos Restaurant and Bar Ltd has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Mauritius Restaurant and Bar, Unit 113A/115 Broadway Market, 29 Tooting High Street, London, SW17 0RJ for

Live/Recorded Music Fri & Sat 1900-0000.

Late Night Refreshment – Mon to Sun 23:00-0000.

Supply of Alcohol Mon to Sun 1000-0000

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 21st March 2024 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 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

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.

Notice of Application for a Premises Licence made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003

Please take notice that I / we Estella Bartlett Ltd

Have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of 132a Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3UY

The relevant licensable activities and proposed times to be carried on, or on from the premises are

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: 14h February 2024

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (CLAYTON ROAD, CONSORT ROAD, MARIGOLD STREET, STONEY STREET, SUTHERLAND SQUARE, COLOMBO STREET, DUNSTANS ROAD, PECKHAM RYE)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC)

1.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.

2.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:

3.(a) Clayton Road, at it’s junction with Consort Road

(b) Consort Road, at it’s junction with Clayton Road

(c) Marigold Street, between Cranbourn Passage to side of Cranbourn House.

(d) Stoney Street, between No’s 3 – No’s 9

(e) Sutherland Square, between No’s 51

(f) Colombo Street, (Northbound side) between Meymott Street and Paris Garden

(g) Dunstans Road, Side of 219 Underhill Road

(h) Peckham Rye, between Scylla Road and Nunhead Passage

4.the alternative routes for affected traffic will be indicated by the signs displayed

5.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.

6.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.

7.The works will be in operation for (2a) 16th March (2b) 16th March (2c) 21st March – 8th April (2d) 18th – 20th March (2e) 20th – 21st March (2f) 18th – 25th March (2g) 18th – 29th March (2h) 16th – 17th March

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

Dated this 29th February 2024

Ian Law Traffic Manager

London Borough of Southwark Network Management

Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth

160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX

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; STDCAdevelopment within a conservation area; STDLB - works to or within the site of a listed building;

WILLIAM BOOTH TRAINING COLLEGE CHAMPION PARK LONDON SOUTHWARK

SE5 8BQ (Ref: 24/AP/0410)

Works to replace roof coverings and to alter failing details (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Eleanor Heagney 020 7525 5403)

WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL TRAINING COLLEGE CHAMPION PARK LONDON

SOUTHWARK (Ref: 24/AP/0432)

Enhancements to the boundary fences (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Anna Poulose )

WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL TRAINING COLLEGE CHAMPION PARK LONDON

SOUTHWARK (Ref: 24/AP/0433)

Listed Building Consent for provision of enhanced roof access by providing vertical ladders to concealed lightwells and enclosed plant area and guardrails to roof perimeters. (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Eleanor Heagney 020 7525 5403)

CONRAN BUILDING 22 SHAD THAMES

LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 2YU (Ref: 24/AP/0373)

Listed Building Consent to make amendments to internal alterations to the building consented

under application reference 21/AP/3117, including minor changes to MEP and services design, the glazed internal partition in the ground floor reception, the layout of W/Cs and the detail of the balustrade to the Level 05 infill. (Within: St Saviours Dock CA) Reason(s) for publicity:

STDLB (Contact: Richard Craig 020 7525 0436)

183 CAMBERWELL GROVE LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE5 8JS (Ref: 24/AP/0455)

Like for like replacement of front facade windows (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Sandy Ng 020 7525 5000)

CAMBERWELL POLICE STATION 9 WREN

ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 8QP (Ref: 24/AP/0478)

Variation of Condition 1a 'Approved Plans' of planning permission 23/AP/1662: Listed building consent for proposed extensions, alterations and change of use of the former Camberwell Police Station Section House 'rear building' at 9 Wren Road, Camberwell, SE5 8QP 'the Site' to Nursery use Use Class E f. (Associated full application 23/AP/1661) Variation sought: This application relates to the internal changes required to decrease pupil numbers from the original permission. (Within: Camberwell Green CA)

Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Catherine Jeater 020 7525 5375)

176 CAMBERWELL GROVE LONDON

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

CRIMSCOTT STREET IMPROVEMENTS

The London Borough of Southwark (Charged-for parking places) (Crimscott Street improvements) Order 202*

The London Borough of Southwark (Waiting restrictions) (Crimscott Street improvements) Order 202*

1. Southwark Council hereby GIVES NOTICE that it proposes to make the above orders under sections 6, 45, 46, 49 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended.

2. The effect of the orders in CRIMSCOTT STREET (within Controlled Parking Zone ‘GR’), between its junction with Grange Road and its junction with Willow Walk, the purpose of which is to accommodate new servicing access and a new ‘car club’ only parking place, would be:-

(a) on the south-east side opposite No. 21 Crimscott Street remove 8 metres of existing ‘shared-use’ parking and replace with 8 metres of new DYLs;

(b) on the south-east side opposite No. 22 Crimscott Street remove 5.5 metres of existing SYLs and replace with a new ‘car club’ only parking place (5.5 metres in length) which would operate at any time and every day of the week; and

(c) on the south-east side opposite Nos. 18 to 22 Crimscott Street convert a total of 41.5 metres of existing SYLs to new DYLs.

NOTES: (1) ‘shared-use’ parking refers to parking places in which holders of a valid permit for the Controlled Parking Zone listed or ‘pay’ paid ticket holders are permitted to park within the permitted hours. (2) ‘SYLs’ refer to ‘timed waiting restrictions’ (single yellow lines), and ‘DYLs’ refer to 'at any time' waiting restrictions (double yellow lines). (3) All measurements are in metres and are approximate. (4) Parking charges are listed on www.southwark.gov.uk/parking

3. For more information contact George Hutchful of the Council's Highway Development teamHighways@southwark.gov.uk

4. Copies of the supporting documents (this Notice, the proposed Orders, and a statement of Southwark Council's reasons for making the Orders) may be found online at www.southwark.gov.uk/trafficorders; paper or digital copies of plans showing the location and effect of the Orders and the supporting documents may be requested by emailing traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk, or inspected by appointment only at: Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth, 3rd floor hub 2, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH - from the date of this Notice until the end of a period of six weeks from the date on which the Order is made. Email traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk (or call 020 7525 3497) for booking details.

5. Anyone wishing to make any representations either for or to object to the proposals, may use the form labelled 'Parking - Road traffic and highway schemes - responding to statutory consultation notices' at www.southwark.gov.uk/statutoryconsultationnotices or send a statement in writing to: the Traffic Orders Officer, Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth, P.O. Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX or by e-mail to traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk quoting reference ‘TMO2324-022 Crimscott Street improvements’ by 21 March 2024. Please note that if you wish to object to this proposal you must state the grounds on which your objection is made.

6. Under requirements of current access to information legislation, any letter, form or e-mail sent to the Council in response to this Notice may be subject to publication or disclosure, or both, including communication to other persons affected.

Dated 29 February 2024

Dale Foden - Head of Service, Highways

To

SOUTHWARK SE5 8RH (Ref: 24/AP/0390)

Increasing width of side access dormer at roof level towards the rear of the property. (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA)

Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876)

99 COLLEGE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE21 7HN (Ref: 24/AP/0352)

Addition of solar panels to the front, south-west facing roofs of the existing property. (Within: Dulwich Wood CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Susherrie Suki )

71 CALTON AVENUE LONDON SOUTHWARK

SE21 7DF (Ref: 24/AP/0316)

The retention of the squaring of the existing rear outrigger facade (Within: Dulwich Village CA)

Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Michèle Sterry 020 7525 5453)

73 COURT LANE LONDON SOUTHWARK

SE21 7EF (Ref: 24/AP/0499)

Ground floor side extension (to rear) to replace existing, existing second floor loft conversion modifications (dormer extension) and rear external landscaping (Within: Dulwich Village CA)

Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Susherrie Suki )

Dated: 27 Feb 2024 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date.

STEPHEN PLATTS - Director of Planning and Growth

LICENSING ACT 2003 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE

The Thirsty Farrier Ltd has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth for the grant of a premises licence, in respect of the following premises:

The Thirsty Farrier at Southbank Centre, The Queen's Walk, London SE1 8XX

which would authorise the following licensable activities: Supply of Alcohol

The record of this application may be inspected during normal office hours by an appointment at the Licensing Section, London Borough of Lambeth, 3rd floor Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1EG, or via the licensingauthority’s website, at www.lambeth.gov.uk/licensing

A responsible authority or any other person may make representation to the licensing authority in respect of this application. Representations must be made in writing, either by post to the above address, or by email to licensing@lambeth.gov.uk and must be received no later than 21.03.24

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with a licensing application, and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for that offence shall not exceed level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000).

APPLICATION FOR PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice is given that : Truth Bar LDN LTD, 86 – 90 Paul Street, EC2A 4NE has applied for the Grant of a Premises Licence for the following premises: Truth Bar LDN, 29 St Georges Walk, CR0 1YL.

It is proposed that the following licensable activities will take place at the premises: Retail sale of alcohol (on sales only) and provision of regulated entertainment (recorded and live music).

Monday - Thursday 12:00 – 23:00

Friday & Saturday 12:00 – 02:00

If you wish to make any representations in relation to this application, please do so in writing, no later than 28th March 2024. (last date for making representations):

Place Department, Licensing Team, 6th Floor, Zone A, Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk,Croydon,CR0 1EA.

Postal address of local authority where register of applications is kept for general viewing:

London Borough of Croydon, Place Department, Licensing Team, 6th Floor, Zone A, Bernard Weatherill House,8 Mint Walk,Croydon,CR0 1EA.

Application details can be viewed at Access Croydon Reception, Bernard Weatherill House, between 9 a.m. & 3.45 p.m., Monday to Friday by appointment (except bank holidays), or online via www.croydon.gov.uk

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine on summary conviction for such an offence is £5000.

Date of this notice: 01st March 2024

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A200 GLA ROAD (ST THOMAS STREET LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) ORDER 2024

1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it has made the above-named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable crane operation works to take place on the A200 St Thomas Street.

3. The effects of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from:

(1) entering or proceeding in a north westerly direction on St Thomas Street between its junctions with Bermondsey Street and Weston Street, local access will be maintained between Bermondsey Street and Fenning Street;

(2) stopping on St Thomas Street between its junctions with Fenning Street and Weston Street.

The Order will also suspend the southern footway on St Thomas Street.

The Order will be effective from the 2nd March 2024 until the 25th March 2024 every Saturday at 6:00 AM until Sunday at 6:00 PM or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibitions will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for re brigade, ambulance or police purposes;

(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.

5. At such times as the prohibitions are in force alternative routes will be indicated by trafc signs via (for residential trafc) Snowelds and Weston Street to normal route of travel (for all other trafc including HGVs) Bermondsey Street northbound, Tooley Street eastbound, Tower Bridge Road southbound, Decima Street, Bermondsey Street, Long Lane Westbound, Great Dover Street northwest bound and Borough High Street northbound to normal route of travel.

Dated this 29th day of February 2024

Claire Wright Co-ordination Manager Transport for London

Notice of application for a Premises Licence Notice is hereby given that Mr. Amid Sangar has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Olive 3 Pizza, 218 Battersea Park Road, London, SW11 4ND for Late Night Refreshment Off Sales

Sunday to Thursday 23:00 to 02:00

Friday & Saturday 23:00 to 03:00

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 25th March 2024 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 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

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.

MARRIAGE/CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS APPROVAL NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT FOR RENEWAL

Notice is given that: RCOG Trading Limited

Lou Raggett - Director of Buildings and Guest Services (responsible person)

Gosha Grzesica - General Manager at 10 Union (deputy)

Has applied to the London Borough of Southwark for renewal of approval of premises for marriage/civil partnership ceremonies at:

Royal College for Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 10-18 Union Street, London, SE1 1SZ

Notice of application for a Premises Licence

Notice is hereby given that N&S Flames Ltd. has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at King’s Chik’n, 102 East Hill, London, SW18 2HF for Late Night Refreshment On and Off Sales

Sunday to Saturday 23:00 to 02:00

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 27th March 2024 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 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

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.

hamlet remain on tarGet

Danny Mills on the double as Dulwich move to within three points of the play-offs

By John Kelly

duLwiCh hamLeT boss hakan hayrettin said his players were on target to achieve the aim he has set for them after their 4-2 win against Cheshunt at Champion hill last weekend.

Danny Mills gave Dulwich a 29thminute lead before goals from Jerome Binnom-Williams and Sean BonnettJohnson in first-half stoppage-time.

Antonis Vasiliou pulled one back for the relegation-threatened visitors seven minutes into the second half but Mills restored the Hamlet’s threegoal advantage with 20 minutes left.

Nnamdi Nwachuku made it 4-2 in the 79th minute but Dulwich saw out a relatively comfortable win and are now eighth in the Isthmian League Premier Division table, three points off the play-offs.

It was their fifth win in their last six games and they have only been defeated only four times in 22 games since their 2-1 loss to the Ambers last September left them in the bottom half of the table.

“People who know anything about

Surrey confirm pre-season schedule

By John Kelly

surreY have confirmed two pre-season friendlies against sussex and Kent in march ahead of the defence of their County Championship title.

The first red-ball match against Sussex will take place over two days in Hove from Monday, March 25.

The Three Feathers will then take on Kent at the Kia Oval on that Thursday and Good Friday.

Both games will be free to attend.

Surrey begin their bid to win a third straight County Championship when they take on Lancashire at Old Trafford on Friday, April 5.

me and my team, we never really start quick,” Hayrettin said. “There was a reason for that this season, 25 new players that had never played together before.

“Questions may have been asked at the start of the season but now the boys are flying, they’re doing everything they possibly can to maintain the position of strength in the league.

“I think we can continue doing this. I’ve set my target of what we need to do. I’ll keep that between me and the boys but they’re on target.”

Hayrettin added: “We’ve said the results are more important than the

performance. In the first half it was a tense affair. But we scored three excellent goals. And the fourth goal was sublime in the second half.

“But we let them back in the game and it’s a little bit jittery then.

“But I think we were better than them. We took our chances really well. It’s important that we keep pushing now and driving on.”

Mills scored his seventh and eighth league goals of the season.

Hayrettin said: “What can we say about Danny? He wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s a good squad player, good front man, leads the line really well for us. He holds it up, he wins his

Lancers given walkover Kongo calls for

By John Kelly

sOuThwarK LanCers were given a walkover against Guilfordians in their scheduled Counties 4 surrey away game last weekend.

That means the Burgess Park rugby side have five victories in a row and are third in the table, seven points behind Streatham-Croydon and ten off leaders Old Hamptonians. It was the third time this season a walkover was awarded against Guilfordians as they were unable to field a team and sit on minus-three points in the table.

The Lancers host Haslemere this Saturday at Chumleigh Gardens (SE5 0RJ).

flicks, he’s a threat.

“His [second] goal was amazing, he’s scored many of them this season. It was a great ball by Anthony Jeffrey who I thought was good.”

It was a first goal of the campaign for Bonnett-Johnson.

“I’m happy for him,” Hayrettin said. “He’s a great character, a good lad, doesn’t cause any problems and when he’s out of the team he supports what we’re trying to do. It’s a hell of a finish, he jus side-foots it in, he didn’t slash at it. He’s just placed it and it’s a very good goal.”

Dulwich have eleven games left this season, starting with a trip to bottom side Kingstonian this Saturday.

“We’re playing against teams that have got so much to fight for,” Hayrettin said. “They’re fighting at the other end of the table, no different to Cheshunt.

“That will be a tense, nervy affair but we’ve got to go there with the mindset that we’re ready to play in any conditions, on any surface and try and get a result.

“I’m sure we’ll do our best to do that.”

Lionesses stung by Salt defeat

L&SERWFL PREMIER DIVISION

Millwall Lionesses 1-2 Saltdean United

By Jeff Burnige at St Paul’s

iT was a disappointing afternoon for millwall Lionesses last sunday in rotherhithe, as they took an early lead but eventually went down 2-1 to saltdean united in the LserwFL Premier division.

This game was very frustrating and an anti-climax after the Lionesses’ performance the previous weekend at Wimbledon in the prestigious Capital Women’s Cup.

This match did not stir the blood of the crowd.

Joint-managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland were without the injured Shannan Drewe, and regulars Chloe Burr and Maizi Garwood had been unable to train.

Shay Bennett had a starting berth after a string of substitute appearances and new signing Chloe Francis worked hard up front. She set up Madison Grandys for the opener when she headed on Melissa Jones’ long throw-in. This led to a good spell of attacking by the Lionesses, but two mistakes from their own possession allowed the visitors to move ahead after 22 and 23 minutes.

First, Khyrie McKenzie’s powerful shot just about beat goalkeeper Chrissie Wiggins, and then Molly Hill ran on to a through-ball and finished well for the lead.

Liv McGregor and Ella Bailey were introduced at half-time, but no equaliser was forthcoming, and then later Maisie Joyce and Sharna Giordani came on to add some attacking purpose.

It nearly earned Millwall at least a point, when first McGregor looked to have won a penalty, and then Giordani was scythed down in the box. Neither time did the referee decide on a spotkick.

It should not have mattered because in the last minute Ciara Watling and Grandys both missed from very close range.

So the Lionesses went down to a disappointing defeat. They are seventh in the table and will next travel on Sunday to the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium to meet second-last Enfield Town. Kick-off is 2pm.

Millwall fans to create ‘Den’ atmosphere

By John Kelly

Chris KOnGO has called for the backing of millwall supporters as he prepares to “go to war” at Greenwich’s 02 arena on easter sunday.

Kongo, 31, who has fourteen wins and two defeats in his professional career, makes his return to the ring after more than a year out when he faces unbeaten Albanian Florian Marku.

Bermondsey fighter Kongo’s last bout was a majority decision defeat against Ekow Essuman for the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles in January

2023.

Kongo and Marku squared up to each other and had to be separated at a press conference last year.

“This is personal now and I’m coming for you,” Kongo said.

He added: “On March 31 we’re going to war and I need all of you Millwall fans to make The O2 feel like The Den.

“Grab your tickets and let’s create a proper Bermondsey atmosphere.”

Millwall Community Trust said: “We are backing Millwall Community Trust’s ambassadorwe all believe in you.”

It was a fi fth win in their last six games for Dulwich

© Mike Urban

Chris Kongo in his Lions top

DULWICH HAMLET FC

Hakan Hayrettin with the home fans

poch responds to neville’s jibe

Chelsea’s ‘billion-pound bottle jobs’ beaten by Reds youngsters

By John Kelly

mauriCiO POCheTTinO felt Gary neville’s now viral criticism of Chelsea’s EFL Cup final performance was unfair - though there were no hard feelings towards the former manchester united defender from the Blues boss.

After Pochettino’s side conceded in the 118th minute when Virgil Van Dijk headed Kostas Tsimikas’ corner past goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, Neville said in his Sky Sports co-commentator role that the London side were “Blue billion-pound bottle jobs.”

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp - who was without Alisson, Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jota - sent on nineteen-year-olds Bobby Clark and James McConnell, and eighteen-year-

old Jayden Danns late in the game. It was Liverpool who dominated in extra-time as Chelsea faded.

"I didn't hear what he said but I think if you compare the age of the two groups, I think it is similar. Look, I have a good relationship with Gary. I don't know how I can take his opinion, but I respect his opinion.

"Of course we made a few changes, like [Conor] Gallagher and [Ben] Chilwell in extra-time. It's true, we didn't keep the energy like how we finished in the second half. That is, I don't know how you can describe this situation. But for sure, I feel proud of the players. They made a big effort.

"We are a young team. Nothing to compare with Liverpool because they also finished with young players. It's impossible to compare. And he knows that the dynamics are completely

different. We were playing today Liverpool and Chelsea, Chelsea and Liverpool, and I don't think it's fair to speak in this way.

"We are going to keep strong, believe in this project and see what we can do in the future."

Chelsea have now last their last six domestic cup finals, three to Klopp’s side.

Pochettino has yet to win a trophy in England. As Tottenham Hotspur boss he lost the 2015 League Cup final to Chelsea and the 2019 Champions League final to Klopp’s Liverpool.

Pochettino said: “My emotions, I feel the same as the players. If you ask the players how they feel, I feel the same.

I am so disappointed, so painful. I am older, less time to win titles and they are younger than me and for sure have time.

"In football it is always about when

you have the opportunity. When we arrive for the final, already it should be good, to challenge the opponent, but after when you don't get what you want, all of the effort you made for seven or eight months, it's tough. That is difficult to manage, and to deal with this.

"We are competitive. If we want to win, we need to move on. I think tomorrow we need to train and recover for Wednesday."

Pochettino was asked what he had said to his players after the game.

He replied: "Nothing, nothing. No. They are professionals, they are very competitive and now we need to move forward, but they need to feel the pain. We play for a trophy and we didn't get, and now it's the same. Nothing you can tell me can make me feel better.

"They need to feel the pain like us. And of course to realise we need to work

more, we need to do better things, we need to improve. To compete at this level against a team that in the last six or seven years is competing for things.

"It's about to arrive here first and then feel what it means to play for a big trophy. I remember after three or four years, Liverpool lost the Champions League, lost the Europa League, and they believed in the project and in the next season were stronger until they got what they wanted.

"That is a good example, Liverpool. If we want to challenge a team like Liverpool, it's not to be frustrated today because we didn't get the trophy. It's about to take the example to keep believing, that is the most important thing."

The game on Wednesday is the fifth round of the FA Cup against Leeds United at Stamford Bridge.

'Deserved winners' Fulham stun United with latest-ever goal

By John Kelly

a L e X iwOB i scored the latest Premier League goal on record by a visiting team to Old Trafford as Fulham stunned manchester united 2-1 last s aturday.

Iwobi struck on 96 minutes four seconds to seal victory for Marco Silva’s side.

Erik Ten Hag’s United thought they had salvaged something from the game when Harry Maguire equalised in the 89th minute after Calvin

Bassey’s 65th-minute opener.

But Adama Traore raced clear of Maguire from inside the Cottagers’ half before reaching the edge of the D and teeing up Iwobi who had tracked the move from the left wing for a low finish from sixteen yards inside the static Andre Onana’s near post.

“Definitely, it is clear in my opinion the better team on the pitch won the game,” Silva said: “We are the team that created the most chances, that played better and tried to win most of the moments of the game.

“We created a very good number of chances in the first half. They had two or three very good moments as well but the way we started the second half, the first 30 minutes, the way we controlled the game against Man Utd at Old Trafford, that is not easy to do.

“We scored and after came the normal reaction from Man Utd, the crowd played a big part in their reaction, and we conceded a bit of an unlucky goal.

“In that moment we showed a strong mentality. It was first a moment for

us not to concede the second as Old Trafford was on fire but we showed a strong mentality and even before the 2-1 we had a strong chance from Rodri [Muniz].

“It was a really well-deserved three points and the best team won.”

United had won their previous four games.

Ten Hag said: “We have gone lately very good but now we have some setbacks.

“We could have won this game. We should have won this game as the

team showed great character.

“We had two slow starts in both halves, definitely. It was a big loss to lose Casemiro [to injury], we lost some stability in the team and conceded a goal that is very avoidable, but then fought back in the game.

“I have to credit the team – they showed great character. We went for the win but by the end we let them slip away.

“But after one defeat you have to see the bigger picture and the bigger picture looks very good."

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino frustrated with his side at Wembley

mitchell hunGry to retain startinG role for lions

EXCLUSIVE

By Paul Green

BiLLY miTCheLL hopes he has done enough to keep his place in the team after making a welcome return to millwall’s starting Xi at southampton.

The academy graduate impressed back alongside defensive midfield partner George Saville, the duo frustrating the hosts throughout and inspiring the Lions to arguably their best result of the season.

Mitchell hadn’t started a game in February before Neil Harris’ resumed control once more following last week’s departure of Joe Edwards.

And although sad to see the former Chelsea coach depart on a personal level, the Lions ace is happy to accept Harris’ return has worked in his favour.

Mitchell told our paper: “There has been quite a lot of change this year.

“We’ve shifted from manager to manager pretty quickly, from Gary Rowett and then to Adam Barrett, Joe Edwards and now Neil.

“I liked all of them to be fair. I really did rate Joe as a coach. I thought he would get us playing some good football and I learned a lot from him.

“Obviously I wanted to play. The bottom line as a pro is playing is what you are there to do and I wasn’t in the team, so when there was a change I tried to view that as a potentially positive thing for me.

“Fortunately enough, I went into the team in Neil’s first game and we got a result.”

But the 22-year-old is taking nothing for granted his name will automatically

Midfielder stakes claim with

fine

Saints display

appear on the team sheet again ahead of this weekend’s encounter against Watford.

He added: “There are no givens I will keep my place.

“We’ve got a great squad of players and rotation is obviously very important considering you want to keep things

fresh.

“Neil has already said we need to be running a little bit harder than we have done in games prior to his arrival, so I’m aware that I can come out of the team and back in at any time.

“Given that we did win the game at Southampton, I’d like to think I’ve done

enough to stay in for Saturday’s match with Watford.”

Harris handed Mitchell his Millwall debut as a youngster in 2019, although he doesn’t have too many memories of the current boss because he departed the club a couple of months later.

“I only played two games under Neil

QPR hit ‘milestone’ in relegation fight

By John Kelly

marTi CiFuenTes hailed Queens Park rangers’ “milestone” moment as they exited the relegation zone for the first time since last September with their comeback victory over basement side rotherham united last weekend.

The R’s went behind to Tom Eaves’ goal on seven minutes but Paul Smyth and Chris Willock scored in the second half as QPR took ten points from five games in February.

They moved above Stoke City on goal difference, after the Potters’ 2-1 defeat at Cardiff City.

“I am very happy for all the guys because they have been working really hard,” Cifuentes said.

“We knew that this game would not be easy. It is a milestone for us mentally

to get out of the bottom three but we know there is still a lot of games and we have to keep on pushing.

“It is nice to be out of the bottom three right now but we have to keep working.

“The reaction from the players – not just for [Saturday’s game] but in the last weeks – has been fantastic.

“Against Huddersfield we were down in the last minute of the game and we responded [with Kenneth Paal’s equaliser], and we responded well again.

“Mentally they have shown that they really want to achieve and that is why I want to praise them because they are deserving the credit.”

Cifuentes added: “[It] was not easy against a team that we know it is a final for them in every game.

“We didn’t start well and that was the worst game scenario imaginable for us to go behind, but still we responded.

“We were not satisfied about the first half. We knew that Rotherham have been pressing high because they are in the situation that they need to risk

a bit, and we couldn’t take advantage of that.

“We were training on it in the week but unfortunately we could not get the situations that we wanted so we made some changes at half-time. I think the players responded very well and all the credit goes to them.

“We deserved the victory, we created enough chances and the second half was very, very good.”

QPR travel to leaders Leicester on Saturday.

Cifuentes said: “I have always been very confident we can stay up but at the same time we must be very humble and not get carried away by one victory.

“We still have a job to do and there are a lot of games to be played and we need to keep improving because it is going to be tough until the end of the season.”

Harris before,” recalls the midfielder.

“One was for 12 minutes, the other was in the League Cup and it was a long time ago when I’d just turned 18. I honestly can’t remember the ins and outs of how he kind of worked.

“I’ll probably be a lot better qualified to answer that question in a couple of weeks!”

He may not have played often during Harris’ first spell but Mitchell feels it is a big plus there are still so many familiar faces from that time at the club right now.

“For me it doesn’t feel so much as if we’ve got a ‘new’ manager,” he explained.

“He is obviously very familiar with the surroundings and there are several people who have played under him before in the squad now.

“It is quite a seamless transition because of that.”

It wasn’t only the importance of the result at St Mary’s which will live long in the memory for Millwall, but the racket created from the first whistle to the post-match celebrations from the almost 2,800 followers who ventured south to Hampshire.

Mitchell joined in the party along with everyone else and says it is an occasion he will always cherish.

He explained: “The away support and the noise they made was probably the best I can ever remember playing for Millwall.

“It really was something else. They didn’t stop singing the whole game.

“Whether that is the new manager factor, or that we got a good result for the first time in a little while, I’m not sure, but they were tremendous.

“The boys thoroughly deserved the reception from the fans afterwards.”

Ravens suffer setback

By John Kelly

BROMLEY’S TOP-THREE national League chances took a hit last weekend when they went down to a 2-0 defeat at eastleigh.

After an edgy first half, Scott Quigley opened the scoring in the 64th minute before Paul McCallum added the second eleven minutes from time.

The Ravens dropped to third - the second semi-final play-off spot - and are five points ahead of Solihull Moors who have a game in hand.

Bromley are level on points with second-place Barnet and 20 points behind runaway leaders Chesterfield.

Andy Woodman’s side host eighth-place Halifax Town on Saturday at 3pm.

Billy Mitchell gets the better of Southampton’s Jan Bednarek

Marti Cifuentes ©

Sport

‘Magnifi cent’ Addicks shock Rams for fi rst win since November

By John Kelly

CharLTOn aThLeTiC manager

nathan Jones hailed his “absolutely magnificent” side as the Addicks defeated promotion-chasing derby County 2-1 on Tuesday night thanks to Karoy Anderson’s first senior goal.

Anderson struck ten minutes from time as Charlton came from behind for their first victory in League One in seventeen games since last November.

Charlton were playing their third consecutive game against the top three

and went behind in the 39th minute when Eiran Cashin headed home from Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s corner.

Charlton got the chance to level when Rams goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith brought down Daniel Kanu, and Alfie May made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Kanu then had an effort saved by Wildsmith but Anderson scored from the rebound.

Charlton, who are now unbeaten in four, moved four points clear of the relegation zone and up one place to nineteenth.

“I’m really proud,” Jones said. “Second half I thought we were magnificent.

Absolutely magnificent. We stepped on, we were aggressive, won the first ball, got on the second balls. Then we looked a threat and scored two really good goals.”

“Karoy, I really like the kid. I love the kid, actually. In my short time here he’s been everything that you want from a young footballer.

“Daniel Kanu has been excellent. I thought Conor Coventry was excellent tonight, in how he went about his work. Especially given he’s been out of the team. I’ve demanded stuff from him and he’s come back and reacted wonderfully well.

“We just played four of the form teams in the league. Lincoln are flying, they’re doing really, really well. And we dominated the game – should have won that but we didn’t. Then we played the top three, and haven’t lost. I’d have taken that absolutely all day long.

“Now we’ve got to keep that going, keep maintaining that, because we’ve got some big games coming up.”

Charlton are on the road again this Saturday at Northampton Town.

Jones added: “There’s a good mood in the changing room at the minute, but it’s only one win.

“I can’t remember the last time they won, so let’s not get carried away. There’s a lot of hard work to be done. We’re setting platforms, we’re putting foundations in place to hopefully give us a springboard for the future.”

Jones also thanked the away fans.

He said: “It’s outstanding that 700 would travel up here on a Tuesday night. After the home game, with games coming up, and especially because of where we are in the league - the Charlton fans are absolutely outstanding.”

“I’m as big a Charlton fan as anyone now.”

rich pickinGs

Defender feeling the 'vibes'

after first Crystal Palace goal

By John Kelly

Chris riChards is feeling the “vibes” after Crystal Palace defeated Burnley 3-0 in manager Oliver Glasner’s first match since replacing roy hodgson.

United States international Richards put Palace ahead with his first goal for the club - and just the second of his club career - before Jordan Ayew and Jean-Philippe Mateta helped clinch the points.

“It's good [to have] a 3-0 win at home, especially after the tough run of games we've had recently. The vibe's really high right now,” Richards said.

"The gaffer said to stay patient at halftime. I think we really trusted in his game plan, we trusted in our quality and we knew that eventually the goal would come.

“I've wanted it all year. Of course, you always like to score goals, but I think it was a very crucial goal in a very crucial game, so I'm very happy about it.

ten men when Josh Brownhill was sent off in the 35th minute.

Richards said: “It gave us a bit more time on the ball, but also I think we knew that they were going to be dangerous on the counter-attack regardless of how many players they had, so we had to be clean on the ball and off the ball as well."

“Jordan was talking about hitting it back post the whole time, so I figured if T [Tyrick Mitchell] jumped with the man, I was going to be wide open, so I just tried to stay back post.

"Everybody likes to score goals. Fans like to see it, so it definitely changed the mood for the game, and the games coming up as well."

“I think another one’s coming!”

Vincent Kompany’s side were reduced to

Richards revealed Glasner’s message as the Eagles try to move further towards safety.

“Just take it a game at a time. Of course, we all know what position we're in, but we try not to look backwards, we try to look forward to the games that we have, because the only thing we can control is our effort and our output,” Richards said.

"Every week it's a new game, and if we just give 100 per cent and play to our strengths, hopefully we can keep going higher and higher."

Palace travel to Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday at 3pm.