South London Weekly - March 15th 2024

Another rent-free decade 'feels like a birthday present' says CEO as Battersea Arts Centre celebrates fifty years

a New Lease OF LiFe

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Art Page 18

CLASSIFIED

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PrOPErt Y

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Pub LIC NOtICES

Pages 22-24

SPOrt

Pages 25-28

Nursery rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by Ofsted

By Joe Coughlan Local Democracy Reporter

A Bexley nursery has been given the best possible rating by Ofsted as babies at the provision try to ‘put on their bibs’ at lunchtime. West Street Nursery in erith has been rated ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by the education watchdog in a recent report.

The inspector said in their report that the curriculum at the nursery helped children gain the knowledge and skills needed for future education. They added that younger individuals are taught to become confident and caring, with older children at the nursery being extremely independent and sociable.

The report said: “Staff focus on encouraging children to learn good social skills and to gain independence. This is highly evident throughout the nursery. Babies try to put on their bibs and pull up their sleeves at lunchtime. Toddlers independently find tissues to wipe their noses and wash their

hands afterwards.”

Staff at the nursery were cited in the report as being ‘excellent’ role models and work tirelessly to meet the unique needs of the children. The manager was

said to ensure all staff receive ongoing professional development, with ‘exceptional’ partnerships having been made with parents, outside agencies and the local children’s centre.

The inspector said: “Staff help children to develop an extremely good understanding of themselves and others. Older children help their friends to complete tasks and consistently show respect for others. Children’s behaviour is exemplary given their ages and diverse needs. They are more than ready for the next stages in their learning.”

They added: “The manager and staff continually provide parents with a wide range of information and guidance to support their children. Parents report that staff are highly supportive and have helped their children to improve their speech, independence, and confidence rapidly.”

The nursery provides full day care to children aged up to four years old and reportedly has 72 kids enrolled. West Street Nursery was approached for comment, but had not responded at the time of publication.

Picture: West Street Nursery on Maxim Road in Erith, Bexley. Credit: Google Earth

LONdON Fire Brigade TaKeN OuT OF speciaL measures

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter

The lONdON Fire Brigade (lFB) has been brought out of special measures by the fire inspectorate.

The LFB had been under an enhanced level of monitoring by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) since December 2022, after a damning review by Nazir Afzal found the capital’s brigade to be “institutionally misogynist and racist”.

HMICFRS had moved the LFB into the ‘engage’ phase, a category used when there is a cause of concern, following Mr Afzal’s independent report. His review had included accounts ranging from women being groped, to firefighters having their helmets filled with urine.

LFB commissioner Andy Roe said the inspectorate’s decision to move the brigade out of the ‘engage’ phase “recognises the significant amount of work that has been undertaken”, while admitting that there is “still more to do”.

Among the reasons given by HMICFRS for no longer keeping the LFB under enhanced

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monitoring were:

Clear progress in the brigade’s ongoing plan to improve its human resources function; Improved processes to deal with behaviours such as bullying and discrimination, including establishing a Professional Standards Unit; A comprehensive plan in place to improve vetting of brigade staff

Assurance in the sustainability of the brigade’s plans to change its culture

Mr Roe said: “This is important recognition for so many of our staff that go about their work professionally every day. I am proud that our core values are rooted in our incredible history which shows our staff’s courage and commitment to London.

“There is still more to do. As commissioner, I have always been clear that the work to ensure that we have a safe and dignified workplace culture can never stop. I look forward to the Inspectorate, our staff and Londoners continuing to hold us to account.”

Andy Cooke, chief inspector at HMICFRS, said: “I am reassured by the plans the LFB has in place to continue making improvements. The brigade will be inspected again this summer, when we will assess its progress to make sure the people of London are getting

the service they deserve from their fire and rescue service."

The LFB’s removal from special measures was welcomed by Sadiq Khan, who said: “As mayor, I have supported commissioner Andy Roe to take urgent action to reform the brigade’s culture and systems, improve standards and rebuild the trust and confidence of Londoners in our fire service.

“This vital work has happened at pace supported by the record £40m investment I have made from City Hall and has enabled

the LFB to make huge changes to its policies, procedures and equipment. The commissioner has taken a zero-tolerance approach to racism, misogyny and homophobia and set up a new independent Professional Standards Unit.”

The Labour mayor added: “Whilst this progress is encouraging, there is still more work to do. I will continue to support and hold the commissioner to account on delivering a fire service that Londoners can be proud of – one that is trusted to serve and protect our city and has a workplace culture where staff from all backgrounds can thrive – as we continue building a safer London for everyone.”

Tory mayoral candidate Susan Hall said: “I welcome the progress the LFB has made in rebuilding trust.

“The Afzal Review uncovered some incredibly serious issues and it is vital that the fire brigade continues to stamp out unacceptable behaviour.

“Sadiq Khan ignored these concerns until they hit the press. I will listen and ensure the LFB works in the interests of Londoners.”

London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe. Credit: Noah Vickers

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LegeNdary Nigh T cL uB The c ause OpeNs a puB iN p ecK ham

By Herbie Russell

legeNdA ry uNdergrOuNd nightclub The Cause has entered the pub industry with the opening of its new pub in Peckham.

The owners say The Greyhound, on Peckham High Street, an 1800s “old school Irish boozer”, will host DJs often booked at the club’s flagship Greenwich venue while retaining its “vintage charm”.

Stuart Glen, founder of The Cause, said: “We like pubs. We basically need more activity for our organisation to keep the club sustainable.

“We opened a bar in Hackney Wick

which has gone super well and having something more regular will help the club through times when it’s difficult.”

The Greyhound’s layout has been completely rejigged and fitted out with a cosy, classic pub atmosphere upstairs.

Downstairs has been made into a restaurant but, come the evenings, tables will be pushed aside to accommodate music until 1am - potentially 3am on certain nights.

The Cause has gained a reputation throughout Europe - renowned for its high-energy dark room raves that stretch well into the early hours.

While many of the artists booked at The

Cause will perform at The Greyhound, their sets will be more relaxed - tasteful soul and “sludgy techno” rather than donk and happy hardcore.

Key sports games will also be played in the main space while downstairs ‘Lost It

On A Dog’ will provide a refined dining experience complete with high-end

New

bar inside

cocktails and natural wines.

The pub’s sound system will be installed by DI Audio, the suppliers behind The Cause’s largest room, Studio 100 AKA The Warehouse.

Programming will feature a host of south London-centric collectives, including crews and DJ’s associated

with the likes of Rye Wax in Peckham, Balamii also Peckham and Dash The Henge in Camberwell.

The Greyhound began a soft launch on Friday, March 8 and ravers and pub-goers alike can keep an eye out for their upcoming offerings at www.thegreyhound.uk

former Bermondsey

gym set to be the Beer Mile’s latest addition

By Herbie Russell

A FOrmer Bermondsey gym could become the Beer mile’s newest bar after plans were submitted to Southwark Council.

London Beer Factory wants to transform the former Muscle Bull Gym into a drinking establishment, joining the trendy hang-outs along nearby Maltby Street Market.

Muscle Bull Gym opened inside the railway arches along 64 to 66 Gedling Place around 2016 but closed some time after 2021.

In planning documents submitted to the council, planning consultancy

Hanily McGarry wrote: “The proposed bar/drinking establishment will introduce a more viable use to the site than the existing use, that will keep the site occupied and avoid it becoming vacant.”

The London Beer Factory, the applicant behind the proposal, already runs the Barrel Project on 80 Druid Street.

The business, founded in West Norwood in 2014, said the new bar would provide three full-time jobs and six part-time bar staff positions.

Writing on behalf of the applicant, a planning consultant said the area was already well-supplied with gyms,

with The Circle Gym and Spa, Arc Athletics Club, Gym Nation and F45 Training all within a twelve-minute walk.

The redesign of the units would not require any alterations to the external walls and a patch of land out front could host outdoor seating.

The applicant hopes the bar could also “increase opportunities for natural surveillance and crime reduction”.

Southwark Councillor has previously highlighted the Beer Mile’s anti-social behaviour problem - citing urinating drunks and flytipping along the boozy route.

The bar would occupy the units beneath the railway arches on Gedling Place

The pub’s interior has been revamped

The Greyhound pub, Peckham

arTs ceNTre ‘KepT viaBLe’ By reNT-Free exTeNsiON

By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter

BATT er Se A ArTS Centre has said not having to pay rent for another decade will keep it ‘viable’. Wandsworth Council extended the rent-free period on its lease with the organisation on the iconic venue in l avender hill in recognition of the ‘ground-breaking work’ it does to support local communities, arts and culture.

Tarek Iskander, BAC’s artistic director and CEO, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the rent-free period extension feels “like a birthday present” as the venue celebrates its 50th birthday this year. He said: “It basically makes it viable for us to continue as an arts centre, particularly at a time where arts funding and income is really constrained.”

BAC has been home to radical theatre since opening in Battersea Old Town Hall in 1974. Audiences are able to pay what they can for most performances at the centre, which committed to becoming the world’s first fully relaxed venue in 2020 by making all of its shows more accessible for disabled and neurodivergent people.

The venue has charitable status and partners with local organisations like charity Home-start who use its spaces for free, while it hosts major free community events – including Open Iftar and Barnes Children’s Literature Festival this year. It also runs youth programmes to further support local communities, including the young producers programme, beatbox academy and hip-hop dance academy.

Mr Iskander said: “The lease extension makes all of this possible because we have to do a huge amount of fundraising to make a place like BAC viable. It’s a really big, important part of making it continue. If we had to pay rent payments, I don’t think BAC would exist anymore.”

The council and BAC agreed a 125-

year lease on the building in 2008. This started with a 10-year rent-free period, which was later extended for another 10 years until 2028. A new report by council officers said the lease required modernisation to reflect the current use of the building by BAC.

The authority’s finance committee approved changes to the lease to modernise it on February 27, including allowing it to expand the incomegenerating programmes it can run. The committee also authorised the council to continue offsetting BAC’s rent, now estimated at £72,000 a year, until 2035 in line with its commitment to Arts Council England in 2015 to make sure the building is used as a cultural venue up to this time.

Mr Iskander told the LDRS Wandsworth residents get “very good value for money” by the council offsetting BAC’s rent as the venue generates far more footfall and income than the cost of the subsidy. He

said BAC funds the maintenance of the Grade II* listed building and makes sure it is accessible to everyone. Since 2008, BAC has invested more than

£30million in the renovation and upkeep of the venue.

In a letter to the council, BAC wrote:

“Since 1974, we have pioneered

creative change. Based in an old town hall with a radical social history, we have transformed the lives of young people, kick-started creative careers, and helped communities connect through making and sharing art. An active voice in culture for diversity and anti-racism, led by people of colour at CEO and chair level. BAC’s mission and plan for the next ten years closely aligns with Wandsworth Council’s new arts and culture strategy to make Wandsworth a prosperous, healthy and attractive place to live.”

Following the decision, Labour council deputy leader Kemi Akinola said she is delighted to continue to offer “tangible and effective support” to BAC. She said: “BAC is not just Wandsworth’s but one of the UK’s leading cultural organisations, playing a vital role on the local, regional and national stage. It is celebrated both nationally and internationally for its pioneering approach and its residency in the borough offers Wandsworth residents a unique cultural resource, supporting both creative engagement and employment.

“Not only does it bring significant footfall to the borough, over a third of their audiences have always been very local, appreciating the groundbreaking and unique work it provides on their doorsteps. Most of their shows are offered as Pay What You Can, and with almost universal relaxed performances, making them more accessible to local underserved communities than any other London theatre.”

Mr Iskander urged people who have not been to BAC before to visit. He said: “It’s a beautiful building with an incredibly exciting programme and lots of things for young kids or for people to do.”

Image one: Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill. Credit: Battersea Arts Centre

Image two: Tarek Iskander, artistic director and CEO of Battersea Arts Centre. Credit: Michael Wharley

homeless families 'being sent to manchester'

By Joe Coughlan Local Democracy Reporter

greeNW iCh COu NCillOr S have claimed that the housing crisis in the borough has become so bad that homeless families are being sent as far as manchester for housing. A greenwich family with newborn twins was forced to live in a ‘tiny room with mould and exposed wires’ while they were stuck in an unlicensed house in multiple occupation ( hmO), according to a councillor representing the area. The issue was raised at a Greenwich Council meeting on March 6. Labour Councillor Lauren Dingsdale, who represents the Eltham Town and Avery Hill ward, said the current housing emergency had placed huge temporary accommodation costs on the council.

Cllr Dingsdale said at the meeting: “Many of you won’t know about the family with new born twins living

in a tiny room with mould and exposed wires in an unlicensed HMO in my ward – a situation the health visitor described as the worst case of overcrowding she had ever seen.”

The comments came after the authority’s additional HMO licensing scheme was brought into effect at the start of this year. Alongside the additional fee, the scheme requires the council to have copies of the floorplan and current tenancy agreements for properties that come under the scheme.

The councillor said the overcrowded family had since been moved into more suitable temporary accommodation. She added that she was happy to see the new HMO licensing scheme, claiming it would improve the lives of private tenants and allow the council to crack down on ‘rogue landlords’.

Cllr Dingsdale added that there was a mass eviction of families from an HMO in her ward last month. Labour

Councillor Danny Thorpe said he recently saw councillors assisting at an emergency rest centre for the families affected.

Cllr Thorpe said at the meeting:

“Last week at the gym, I came out at 8pm to find a full rest centre in operation because 21 households had been evicted from a house on Court Road. Once again it was the council, Cllr DIngsdale, Cllr Backon and Cllr Slattery, who were in the middle of it, posting families off like some Second World War billeting operation. People travelling at 8pm to Manchester.”

The authority agreed last month to raise the number of homes it owns that are used for temporary accommodation to 197 units for the upcoming year, increasing the previous total by 50. Council officers said there were currently 240 homeless households placed in hotel rooms by the council due to the lack of available housing. Figures from last October said

the authority was spending £800,000 a month on putting people in Travelodge hotel rooms due to record numbers of homeless households.

Greenwich Council agreed in its budget to charge a 100 per cent council tax premium for properties that had

remained empty for up to five years. This fee would increase to 200 and 300 per cent for homes left empty for longer than five and ten years respectively. The council agreed to carry the budget proposed by its cabinet at the meeting on March 6.

Mayor Khan “applauded” LTN suspension

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter

SAdiQ khAN has “applauded” lambeth Council for suspending a controversial low traffic neighbourhood (lTN), while dismissing the idea it could set a precedent for the removal of similar schemes.

The mayor said it was clear the Streatham Wells LTN had caused “unintended consequences” and that it was the right decision to suspend it, but suggested that its problems were due to exceptional circumstances Labour-run Lambeth Council said the combination of the Streatham Wells scheme and “frequent roadworks by Thames Water and other bodies” had caused a “significant strain on bus services” on the A23.

It led the authority to suspend the scheme on Thursday, following comments from Mr Khan on LBC last week, in which he said the councildesigned LTN was “not working” and was “causing huge problems”.

The decision came as a relief to many local residents, but walking and cycling campaigners said it was a “backward step” that would mean “more traffic on residential streets, more traffic overall, fewer opportunities for walking and cycling, and more road danger for everyone”.

resident slams ‘abuse’ of council’s ‘Fix my street’ app after blocked rubbish chute

By Herbie Russell

A PeCkhAm man has accused council workers of ‘abusing’ a street clean-up app after a blocked rubbish chute was incorrectly marked as fixed.

Southampton Way Estate resident Nick Flower branded Fix My Street app a “total waste of people’s time”.

The Tenants’ and Residents’ Association Chair reported the problem on the council’s app on Saturday, February 24.

The Fix My Street app allows residents to report maintenance problems to the council which then sends staff over to fix them.

Southwark Council reported the problem as ‘fixed’ at 7.23am on Monday, February 26.

But when Nick went to check the problem, he claimed the chute was still blocked.

“If used properly Fix My Street is a brilliant innovation,” he said.

He added: “If abused, it’s a total waste of people’s time. Southwark have signed up to it to look good and now they’re abused the system to hide their incompetence.”

The chute has since been unblocked but Nick claims this only took place a week later - after Southwark News contacted the council.

When Southwark Council introduced the app in March 2023, Cllr Catherine Rose hailed it as “the most direct way to report anything that needs fixing, cleaning or clearing”.

In the last month alone, Southwark Council says it’s fixed 1,383 maintenance issues through the app.

Southwark Council was approached for comment.

Advertorial

Children’s funfair returns with brand new ride

By Kevin Quinn

BermONdSey’S SPA gardens will host a children’s funfair later this week with rides especially suitable for under-11s.

A new attraction will be debuting at the Kidzfun children’s fair, it’s the brand new Circus XL Bungee Trampolines. This is the third time the small park at the junction of Grange Road and Spa Road has hosted Bottons Family Funfair.

Its last two outings were a huge success and Bottons is now setting up in the park.

The funfair will open this Friday at 2pm and will stay at the park until Sunday.

The small funfair will feature their latest rides the runaway train and fire station. Entry is free but the rides and attractions are 2, 3 or 4 tokens for

game stall and bungees, the tokens are £1.20 each or 10 for £10.

Southwark Presents card holders receive 10% off when buying a £10 bundle of tokens.

Bell the owner of the park’s café, said she was delighted they were returning and was looking forward to serving her homemade Turkish dishes, ice cream and other bites for the kids.

The Fair is open Friday March 15 from 2pm-6pm and on Saturday March 16 and Sunday March 17 from 11am- 6pm. For more details go to www.bottonsfamilyfunfairs.co.uk or check them out on Facebook or Instagram.

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Nick Flower alerted the council to a blocked chute on Southamton Way using the Fix My Street App

The new ride the Circus XL Bungee Trampolines Kids enjoying the funfair last year

Trampoline’s Mentoring Programme Goes Live

Are you passionate about giving back to your community and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs? Trampoline is thrilled to announce our Mentoring Programme and we need YOU!

Join us in empowering early-stage entrepreneurs on their journey to success. Volunteering as a mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to share your wealth of knowledge, skills, and expertise with budding business owners who are eager to learn and grow.

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Come and enjoy traditional Finnish Easter treats and delicious food and pastries from our Cafe and Shop. Outside BBQ area offers a wide selection of drinks and food, inside we also have a wide range of Finnish gift items for yourself or a loved one.

Fri 22th March, 12:00 - 20:00

Sat 23th March, 12:00 - 18:00

Sun 24th March, 12:00 - 17:00

New photos show what Lewisham’s high street could look like under £24 million plans to put a canopy over market and give library a facelift

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter

NeW PhOTOS show what lewisham’s high Street could look like in the future under £24 million plans to put a canopy over the market and give the library a facelift. The plans will see lewisham market get a permanent cover and be fitted with improved pitches and infrastructure for traders. The market will also open later on occasions for night-time events.

Meanwhile Lewisham’s library will be revamped and turned into a culture and business hub, offering spaces for community events and local start-ups. There will also be more space for library and archive services.

When the plans were originally announced in January 2023, former mayor Damien Egan said there would be a rooftop bar in the library. But there is no mention of the bar in the latest proposals. Lewisham Council has been asked if the rooftop bar is still part of the plans but the council has not yet replied.

Lewisham High Street will also be refurbished under the proposals with two new small parks created, one next to the library and the other near the Premier Inn at Plough Bridge. The High Street will also benefit from improved lighting and CCTV, new trees and plants and better pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes.

The refurbishments are expected to be finished by 2026. They are being funded by £19 million of government money the council successfully bid for from the Levelling Up fund and £5 million of its own cash. Lewisham residents can share their thoughts on the proposals by visiting lewisham. gov.uk/towncentre until April 26.

Brenda Dacres, mayor of Lewisham, said: “It’s essential that residents, businesses and community groups in Lewisham can have their say on the future of the town centre. We want to build a thriving, inclusive space that we can all be proud of – that creates opportunities for the whole community.

“This investment is to help protect Lewisham’s unique identity, whilst supporting local businesses and traders. I hope everyone will get involved and have their say, to make sure the improvements deliver what the local community really wants – a vibrant and attractive place to live, work and shop.”

Photos, clockwise from top: What Lewisham market could look like following the refurbishment. How Lewisham market could look like under the new canopy. CGI of what Lewisham Library could look like under the proposals. What the first floor of Lewisham Library could look like under the refurbishment plans. Credits: Lewisham Council

world Book day: harry potter, where’s wally and spiderman lookalikes celebrate in southwark

makes the whole day come alive.

“We were like one big family as he read to the whole school, kids in character costumes or pyjamas, lounging on sofas, sprawled on the carpet, all entranced.”

In Lewisham, Millwall midfielder Allan Campbell visited Our Lady of The Rosary Primary School and met kids dressed as trees and elves.

By Herbie Russell

ChildreN ACrOSS Southwark donned capes and wizards’ hats as they dressed as fictional book characters for World Book day.

In Bermondsey, a queue formed outside the Fancy Dress Town shop as parents rushed to pick up costumes for their little ones, on Thursday, March 7.

In Elephant and Castle, award-

winning author and broadcaster Marvyn Harrison, surprised students at St Jude’s Primary School with

Del Boy’s TV chum Jay Blades to showcase restored furniture

By Herbie Russell

jAy BlAdeS, TV presenter and friend of Sir david jason, will showcase restored furniture at Bermondsey’s old Branston Pickle Factory.

The craftsman, who’s been copresenting BBC’s David & Jay’s Touring Toolshed, is hosting a three-day residency at The Pickle Factory from Friday, March 15 to Sunday, March 17.

Work by Jay&Co, a workshop run by Blades, will be unveiled, alongside other pieces by emerging artisans, at the renovated industrial space.

Jay Blades, who is an ambassador for the King’s Foundation for heritage crafts, said: “Our pop-up is an opportunity to see the flair and depth of knowledge of these exciting makers. This is a showcase for some extraordinary work.”

He and the Del Boy actor recently hit the headlines after a tongue-in-cheek bust-up on their BBC series where the pair tour the UK meeting the nation’s best craftsmen.

Only Fools and Horses star Sir David’s relentless teasing got to Jay during a barrel-making session with Jay storming off after telling his co-star to “do one”.

The Pickle Factory, constructed between 1894 and 1927, was used to make Branston Pickle and Worcestershire sauce until the ‘60s.

The site has been revamped by London Square after the developer secured planning permission to turn the site into 406 homes and offices in March 2016.

The Jay&Co Pop Up will take place at The Pickle Factory, 5 New Tannery Way, London SE1 5EB from 12pm to 5pm from March 15 to 17. Entrance is free.

readings from his two books ‘The Best Me!’ and ‘I Love Me!’.

Assistant Head Kate Pakthyiendra

said: “Having an individual like Marvyn come and spend time with our children on World Book Day

Meanwhile, Southwark Council was encouraging people to come to their local libraries dressed up as Wally from ‘Where’s Wally’ or Dog Man.

Around most of the world, World Book Day is celebrated on April 23 but the UK has it on March 7 so it doesn’t clash with the Easter holidays.

The first World Book Day in the UK and Ireland took place in 1997 to encourage young people to discover the pleasure of reading.

Baroness Gail Rebuck recalled: “We wanted to do something to reposition reading and our message is the same today as it was then – that reading is fun, relevant, accessible, exciting, and has the power to transform lives.”

Bermondsey Biscuit Factory development gets social housing boost

By Herbie Russell

BermONdSey’S lANdmArk housing development on the Biscuit Factory will have more social housing built after Southwark Council approved changes to a previous decision.

The council’s alterations to the original planning permission, negotiated by the Greater London Assembly, means the Greystar development now meets Southwark Council’s affordable housing expectations.

Councillors voted in favour of the planning permission by five votes to one on Wednesday, March 6

The site’s redevelopment was first proposed in 2017 when its former developer Grosvenor submitted its plans.

Southwark Council refused the

per cent of market rates while social rent is around 60 per cent of market rates.

The decision brings the total number of homes on the site to 1,624 up from 1,536.

The development includes the construction of a new school building a children’s playspace, car and cycle parking and the creation of two new pedestrian routes through the railway arches.

The new school building for Charter School Bermondsey was completed in January 2024, which has enabled onsite works to begin.

The revised development also includes the addition of second staircases in buildings to meet fire regulations and a 115 per cent increase in play areas and 75 additional trees.

planning permission in 2019, in part because of a lack of affordable housing.

The Greater London Assembly (GLA) however ‘called in’ the application, meaning the decision was taken out of the council’s hands.

The GLA negotiated increases to its affordable housing so it reached 35 per cent and gave planning permission in 2020.

But that was split between 25 per cent intermediate rent and just 10 per cent affordable, the inverse of Southwark Council’s planning guidelines.

Greystar acquired the £973 million from Grosvenor in September 2022.

Southwark Council’s decision on Wednesday, ‘reverses’ the GLA’s agreement, with the split now being 25 per cent social rent and 10 per cent intermediate.

Intermediate homes are typically 80

Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes & Sustainable Development, said: “In Southwark, we are happy to support development which meets our planning policies, doing all we can to facilitate the delivery of new homes. We are issuing planning consents to help meet the housing need in our borough with over 4,300 homes in the last two years alone with more than half being affordable.

“The Biscuit Factory site is the largest housing scheme in the borough which will deliver over 1,600 homes.

Prior to planning, we helped negotiate a better offer where the number of social rent homes went from 10% to 25% meaning over 330 new homes will be delivered at social rent – the equivalent of a large council estate.

“These much-needed new homes will be well-designed and meet environmental standards, helping the borough to meet our climate emergency targets. New public space, trees and play spaces will be a green link through the railway viaduct to The Blue and communities to the south, which will be exciting to see take shape.”

Greystar’s Bermondsey scheme seen from street level.

The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades unveils upcycled chairs created for the London Square Community Garden

The old buildings, which include the former Crosse & Blackwell factory

Author Marvyn Harrison kicked off World Book Day at St Jude’s Primary School.

© Greystar

© St Jude’s

Bermondsey’s Fancy Dress Town had a queue stretching out the door

By Herbie Russell

POliCe A re still searching for the thugs who slashed a man’s face in an attempted phone snatching in Bermondsey.

The victim, who is in his forties, was attacked on a path leading from Rotherhithe New Road to South Bermondsey Station on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

The assailants didn’t get away with his mobile but the man was left with life-changing injuries.

A Met Police spokesperson told this paper: “The officer has advised that there hasn’t been any significant development.

“Further forensic and CCTV enquiries

have been carried out but these didn’t yield any positive results.

“Any new information will be assessed by detectives.”

The attack took place at around 5.10pm when the victim was approached by two men on the same bicycle.

The suspects pulled him to the ground and slashed his face with a knife twice in an attempt to steal his phone, police said.

When they couldn’t easily grab his phone, they reportedly cycled off towards Stubbs Drive empty-handed. They were wearing dark clothing and were described as being white and aged between eighteen and twenty.

The victim sustained cuts to his

face and was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital.

Detective Sergeant Quartly said at the time: “This was a violent and frightening attack on an innocent person.

“The suspects did not achieve their aim of stealing his phone but the pain they caused him physically and mentally is significant and it will take him time for him to recover from this attack.

“We are determined to crack down on crimes like these to make our streets safer.”

Anyone with information or any witnesses can contact police via 101 or @MetCC on X, quoting CAD 5048/6Dec.

sOuThwarK hOuse-BuiLders iNvesTigaTed

Over pOssiBLe Breaches OF cOmpeTiTiON Law

By Herbie Russell

mAjOr SOuThWArk house-builders are being investigated over possible breaches of competition law.

Berkeley Group, the developer behind the Borough Triangle, Aylesham Centre and Malt Street schemes, is among eight firms being probed by the Competition and Market Authority (CMA).

The CMA’s investigation relates to “concerns that they may have exchanged competitively sensitive information”.

Barratt Developments, Bellway, Bloor Homes, Persimmon, Redrow, Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group are also being investigated.

Numerous Southwark projects have been spearheaded by some of these developers.

Barratt Homes’ developments include Maple Quays (phase 1 of the Canada Water regeneration), The Galleria development in Peckham and Redwood Park built on former

council land in Surrey Quays.

Taylor Wimpey developed the Music Box, providing the headquarters of London College of Creative Media (LCCM) and ten storeys of housing near Southwark station.

Vistry Group was appointed by Notting Hill Genesis, to build the development on the old Amersham site, on Thurlow Street, of the Aylesbury redevelopment.

With fines being up to 10 per cent of global revenue, the house builders could be fined a combined £2.5 billion if found guilty of anticompetitive behaviour.

The investigation stems from the CMA’s year-long study into competition in the housebuilding sector, in which the regulator raised a raft of “fundamental concerns” on issues such as planning and market structures.

CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said: “[We have] today opened a new investigation into the suspected sharing of commercially sensitive information by housebuilders

Three charged with attempted murder after car park shooting

By Herbie Russell

Three meN have been charged with attempted murder after a 26-year-old man was shot in a south london car park.

Junior Bolarinwa, 21 (03/07/02), of Myatt’s Fields near Camberwell, Aniss Djerrad, 22 (20/02/02), of Kennington, and Zavier Williams, 21, of Tottenham, have since appeared in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.

Police discovered the victim suffering a gunshot injury near Shuttleworth Road, following reports of a shooting, at 7.03pm, on Wednesday, February 7. The victim was rushed to hospital for treatment and later discharged.

Police launched an investigation and charged the three men with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Bolarinwa and Djerrad were charged on Friday, March 1. Williams was charged on Tuesday, March 5.

They will all appear in custody at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, March 27.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “Detectives investigating a shooting in Battersea that left a man injured have charged three men.

which could be influencing the build-out of sites and the prices of new homes.

“While this issue is not one of the main drivers of the problems we’ve highlighted in our report, it is important we tackle anticompetitive behaviour if we find it.”

A Bellway spokesperson said: “We are reviewing the CMA’s report. Bellway has engaged and co-operated fully with the CMA throughout its market study - and will continue to do so.

“Bellway is committed to exceptional customer care. We remain focused on the delivery of high-quality new homes that meet local demand and enhance the communities we build in as we work to increase the supply of UK housing.”

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “Taylor Wimpey is co-operating fully with the CMA in relation to this investigation.”

Barratt Homes, Berkeley Group, Bloor Homes, Persimmon, Redrow and Vistry were approached for comment.

“On Friday, 1 March, Junior Bolarinwa, 21 (03.07.02) of Halsmere Road, SE5,

and Aniss Djerrad, 22 (20.02.02) of Opal Street, SE11, were charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life.

“They have since appeared in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court.

“On Tuesday, 5 March, a third man, Zavier Williams, 21, of College Park Road, N17 was also charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life.

“He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 6 March.

“They will all appear in custody at the Old Bailey on 27 March.

“We were called at 19:03hrs on Wednesday, 7 February to reports of a shooting in Shuttleworth Road, SW11.

“Officers responded and found the 26-year-old victim with a gunshot injury nearby in a car park.

“He was taken to hospital for treatment and has since been discharged. Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 6274/07Feb. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

An illustration of what Berkeley’s redeveloped Aylesham site could look like.

drug dea L ers jaiL ed a FT er p OL ice F iNd 500g OF her O iN a Nd LOaded guN s iN raid

By Herbie Russell

TWO drug dealers have been jailed after police found 500 grams of heroin and loaded guns during a south london raid.

Dean Vincent, 27, of Battersea, and Reyon Vincent, 28, of Gipsy Hill, were sentenced to nine-and-a-half and six years imprisonment, on Thursday, March 7.

On June 30, 2022, officers carried out a drug warrant at the address on Heyford Avenue, Vauxhall, associated with Dean Vincent, a known gang member.

Moments before, they had watched Reyon Vincent, who is not biologically related to Dean, enter the address with numerous bags.

Reyon left the property, got back in the minicab he’d arrived in, before being stopped by police who found cannabis and 123 grams of heroin in his waistband.

Officers then searched the property and, in a communal cupboard, found 369 grams of heroin in the bags they suspected had been dropped off.

In the same cupboard, police uncovered a loaded handgun and loaded revolver hidden at the bottom of a brown Primark bag full of clothes.

Further searches of the property revealed £2,000 worth of cannabis, a large hunting knife, a zombie knife and counterfeit cash.

Behind the kitchen kickboards, police also found thirteen rounds of 9mm

Officers found 369 grams of heroin in bags left in a communal cupboard.

ammunition and four blocks of heroin weighing 399 grams.

Reyon was arrested, charged and remanded in custody that same day but Dean was not at his address.

Police tracked him down to an address in Iver, near Slough, on Friday, January 12, where he was found in possession of his passport and £9,000 cash.

Following a trial at Inner London Crown Court, on Friday, January 12, Dean Vincent was found guilty of possession of two firearms and possession with intent to supply heroin and possession of criminal property (cash).

Reyon Vincent admitted to being a drug dealer, having been been convicted of supplying class A drugs and possession of a knife in 2017. He was found guilty of possession with intent to supply heroin found at the Heyford Avenue address on June 30, 2022.

On Thursday, March 7, Dean Vincent was jailed for nine and half years, to serve half on licence, while Reyon Vincent was jailed for six years, also to serve half on licence.

London

Eye

lit

up

purple for International Women’s Day

By Herbie Russell

The lONdON eye lit up purple on Friday march, 8 to commemorate international Women’s day.

The London attraction joined the Tate Modern, the Eiffel Tower Las Vegas, the Niagara Falls and the One World Trade Centre, New York, which are all celebrating women’s equality with light displays.

Sandra Sheahan, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Director at Merlin Entertainments, lastminute.com London Eye, said: “Inclusivity should always be at the forefront of our minds, and we believe that everyone deserves a chance to make unforgettable memories, and that’s why we’re dedicated to removing barriers now and in the future.”

Convicted: Dean Vincent (left) and Reyon Vincent (right)

Wrapped heroine was found at the address

A loaded handgun and revolver were also found at the address

© Met Police

ADVERTORIAL

Dad takes on London Marathon for charity after cancer treatment

Families praise care at St Thomas’ maternity department

THE SPECIALIST maternity teams at St Thomas’ have received praise by new families in the 2023 Maternity Survey by the Care Quality Commission.

Hundreds of new parents rated their experience of the maternity care they received during their pregnancy (antenatally), labour and after birth (postnatally).

Results from the 2023 survey showed improvements in the experiences of people using the service in a number of areas including a focus on increasing communication.

The teams scored highly in supporting parents to make the choice of where to have their baby. At St Thomas’ Hospital there are three options – whether

that’s in the midwifery-led Home from Home Birth Centre or in the Hospital Birth Centre - or at home.

Every year the expert maternity teams deliver over 6,000 babies, as well as running specialist antenatal clinics for those with heart conditions, asthma, liver disease, diabetes, sickle cell disease and immune disorders. A specialist community midwifery team works with partners across Lambeth to provide dedicated and continuous support for families as part of the Lambeth Early Action Partnership (LEAP).

A full copy of the 2023 Maternity Survey results is available on the CQC website. Maternity services at St Thomas’ Hospital are rated as ‘good’ following a CQC inspection in September 2022.

A DETERMINED cancer survivor who always knew he would get cancer is running the London Marathon for Guy’s Cancer Charity.

Gary Richardson, 45, had no symptoms when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022. Following surgery to remove his prostate in April 2023, Gary vowed to get back to fitness and set himself the challenge of running his first ever marathon the following year, to mark getting through the year ahead.

Gary, a chauffeur from Hornchurch, Essex, is no stranger to cancer. His mum passed away from breast cancer, his dad died after his own battle with bowel cancer, and his older brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer less than a year before he was. It was this diagnosis that prompted him to get tested.

Gary said: “Every one of my blood relatives bar one has had cancer - so I always knew I was going to get cancer - I was just surprised at how young I was.”

Following his diagnosis, he had a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy at Guy’s Hospital. This precise

keyhole surgery allows the surgical team to remove the tumour whilst limiting damage to the surrounding areas, including any tattoos.

Gary said: “Ahead of the surgery I was scared and in tears, but the nurse that was with me was the best nurse in the world – he made me laugh so much and was the best person to be with.”

Thanks to a successful procedure, Gary is now in remission. However, a year on from his treatment, he admits that he is continuing to come to terms with his diagnosis. Gary, who has been married for 25 years to his wife, Alison, and has a 23-year old son, Josh, said: “The after effects hit me harder than anything I could have imagined or prepared for.

“Physically, emotionally and mentally I am having to re-learn and re-find how to be me, while at the same time, coming to terms with the fact that the new me will be slightly not as good as the old me. It’s a journey and I’m still at the start.”

Gary is preparing to run the 2024 TCS London Marathon in April. He has run several half marathons before but this is his first ever marathon. Guy’s Cancer Charity supports

Guy’s Cancer to transform cancer care through the very latest developments in personalised care. This includes supporting the future generation of robotic surgeons so that more patients, like Gary, can benefit from the pioneering precise robotic surgery.

Mr Paul Cathcart, Gary’s surgeon, said: “It’s fantastic that Gary is running the marathon for us just one year after his surgery. Using precise robotic techniques means that among many benefits our patients are able to recover quicker and get home sooner. The London Marathon is a tremendous achievement - and we wish him the best of luck.”

Sally Cornish, Interim Director of Fundraising at Guy’s Cancer Charity, said: “It’s due to fundraisers like Gary that we are able to support Guy’s Cancer and help patients access the very best personalised treatment and care in the most difficult times. We are cheering on Gary, and all our incredible marathon runners, the whole way.”

To support Gary visit his fundraising page at: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/Gary-Richardson78

Honouring outstanding staff

GUY’S AND St Thomas’ celebrated the outstanding staff from their 5 hospitals and community services at their Trust Awards on 1 March.

The awards were hosted by Bafta

Dr Aamir Amin, clinical fellow in cardiothoracic surgery, won the individual People’s award

award winning TV presenter Dr Ranj Singh, who also works at Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Dr Ranj said: “The Trust and its staff have a very special place in my heart, so it was fantastic to be able to celebrate

NOMINATIONS ARE now open for the Council of Governors at Guy’s and St Thomas’.

The Trust is encouraging people of all backgrounds and experiences to put themselves forward.

This will help to make sure that Guy’s and St Thomas’ is representative of the

and appreciate everyone.”

Thanks to generous funding from Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, the glittering ceremony was attended by more than 800 staff and recognised the diversity of their people and the incredible contribution that they make.

The people’s award was nominated by patients and members of the public and was presented by local MP Florence Eshalomi. Perinatal imaging midwives took home the team award and Dr Aamir Amin, clinical fellow in cardiothoracic surgery, won the individual award after receiving many nominations from his patients.

The extra special award on the night from the Chairman and Chief Executive went to the administrative teams who work tirelessly across the Trust. They play a vital role in making sure patients get their care as quickly as possible and provide essential support to front-line services.

diverse communities it serves.

To stand for election you must be a member of the constituency in which you wish to stand and submit a nomination form before 5pm on Wednesday 27 March. For more information, please visit the Trust’s website or email members@gstt.nhs.uk

Gary

By Herbie Russell

THE LONG-AWAITED and controversial Cycleway 4 is complete after Southwark Council and Transport for london (Tfl) bosses celebrated its opening this week.

The 1.3km stretch along Lower Road was the “final piece of the puzzle”. Its completion means London Bridge and Greenwich are officially linked by one continuous cycle route as of Wednesday, March 6.

The latest addition to London’s cycle network is part of the Mayor’s drive to increase sustainable transport, which has seen cycle lanes quadruple to 360km since 2016.

Helen Cansick, TfL’s Head of Healthy Streets Investment, said: “Our continued work in expanding the Cycleway network throughout the capital unlocks access to cycling for many more thousands of Londoners.

“The new section of Cycleway 4 is the final piece of the puzzle connecting London Bridge all the way to Greenwich.”

However, a local business has long been concerned about its impact on traffic.

Simon Dyer, owner of funeral directors F A Albin and Sons, previously said the cycleway was worsening motor traffic and “an accident waiting to happen”. His brother Jon Dyer, speaking to this paper, said the traffic along Lower Road had become “unbearable” since works began on the cycleway.

Whereas before there were four lanes of motor traffic, two northbound and two

southbound, a southbound lane has been removed to accommodate a new cycle lane.

Much of the company’s clientele live in areas like Sidcup and Blackheath but drive in to visit The Albin Memorial Garden.

“People say ‘having my mum’s ashes here keeps them connected,” company owner Jon Dyer said.

He added: “But on a Saturday afternoon, it’s not even worth them attempting to come and visit and it shouldn’t be like that. It’s got to the point where it’s unbearable.”

Simon said the cycle lane was confusing with cyclists often going the wrong way

down the road.

He said: “This cycle highway. If you watch the bikes, they go straight through the red lights. It’s crazy.”

The final phase of Cycleway 4 along Lower Road includes the installation of two-way cycle lanes and a new signalised pedestrian crossing outside the Southwark Park entrance.

Cllr Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, said: “In Southwark we’re doing a huge amount of work to make the borough more cycle-friendly.

He added: “In addition to our 700 cycle hangars, which provide 4,200 cycle

spaces, we’re improving walking and cycling routes to schools and hope that together these efforts encourage even more residents to get on two wheels.”

As well as connecting London Bridge with Greenwich, Cycleway 4 links up with Cycleways 10 and 14.

During the next financial year, TfL will install more cycling schemes with £19.5 million of investment already announced. This funding will complete Cycleways between Lea Bridge and Dalston, between Deptford and Deptford Creek and Hammersmith and Kensington Olympia.

Teen

By Herbie Russell

A TeeNAge boy has been arrested at london Bridge station for possession of an offensive weapon.

The boy, fourteen, was seen being searched by British Transport Police (BTP) officers at around 5.40pm on Friday, March 8.

Officers surrounded the boy before putting him in the back of a police van at the station’s Tooley Street entrance by Starbucks.

He has since been released on bail.

A BTP spokesperson said: “British Transport Police were called to London Bridge Station at around 5.40pm on Friday (8 March).

“A 14-year-old boy was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon and released on bail.”

Cycleway 4 is now complete thanks to the official launch of the stretch along Lower Road.

Officers surrounded the boy before putting him in the back of a police van

suTTON resideNTs TO pay £1.55 mOre per weeK as cOuNciL Tax iNcrease is apprOved iN BudgeT

By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter

SuTTON COuNCil voted to pass a balanced budget on monday (march 4), which included the muchanticipated hike in council tax. This follows similar increases brought by councils across the country as they try to provide expensive statutory services.

The 4.99 per cent rise will lead to a £1.55 per week increase for those living in a Band D Household. According to Council documents, the total proposed B and D Council Tax charge for a property in Sutton will now be £2,166.18 for 2024/25 compared to £2,048.38 in 2023/24.

The Council stressed that increasing this tax was a ‘difficult’ but essential decision to make to ensure that it met its legal obligation to submit a balanced budget.

Sutton Council leader Ruth Dombey told the chamber: “We now live in a world where vital services for the elderly, people with disabilities and children with special needs are funded by council tax. Not a tax based on your ability to pay, but rather the value of your home 30 years ago.”

While Sutton Council is in a better financial shape than some of its immediate neighbours, councillors across the house acknowledged that this balanced budget would only ‘see them through the next year’ and that more funding was needed from Central government.

Sutton’s Conservative opposition, who abstained from the vote, raised concerns that the Council was making ‘unusual’ decisions regarding SEND funding to balance the budget.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) Cllr Tom Drummond said: “Although I acknowledge there are issues with local government funding, I think this

By Joe Coughlan Local Democracy Reporter

built in 1939. The structure served as the council’s town hall until 1965 before later being used by the Greenwich School of Management.

The school entered administration in 2019 and the building has remained vacant since.

The project from the Riverview Group was discussed at a planning board meeting for Greenwich Council on March 5. The plans had previously been brought to the board last October but were deferred to allow the developer to determine whether more affordable housing could be included.

The revised plans replaced a portion of ground floor retail space planned for the site with housing, providing seven more flats to the scheme. The price of the 15

council should be prioritising vulnerable residents, like children with SEND, but due to what seems like an absence of leadership in this area, as evidence by the Sutton Parents Carers submission to Council, this does not seem to be the case” Education, and health care plans (EHCP) are a particularly expensive and contentious issue for the South London Council. EHCPs are personalised legal documents that set out the education, health and social care needs of a child or young person.

Once an EHCP is finalised, local authorities are legally required to meet the needs of the young person. Back in 2022, Sutton was revealed as having the highest refusal rate in the country when it came to assessing children for EHCPs.

This record, which is also twice the London average, has led to Sutton having to fight a number of protracted court battles with the parents of SEND children. Fellow Conservative Councillor Mike Dwyer told the chamber on Monday that despite spending almost £200,000 on legal fees, it has not won a single appeal at the SEND list tribunal.

This led Dwyer to say: “It would be no exaggeration to say that in this area Sutton has been a national disgrace.”

According to Dwyer, the Council also had to take money from the reserves of its two wholly-owned trading companies to the tune of £300,000 each, in order to balance its budget. These companies include Encompass, the Council’s emergency housing services provider, and Cognus, who provide its SEND education.

Councillor Tim Foster, one of Beddington’s three independent representatives, shared Dwyer’s concern regarding the decision to take money from local authority trading companies (LATC).

He said: “Since part of the reported financial pressures was an increase in high needs block, the cost of SEND transport and the individual unit cost of

EHCPs, it seems counter-intuitive to draw money back from Cognus.

“At the 2016 inception of Cognus, it was said that any surplus would be reinvested in education services for Sutton’s children and young people. What these LATCs have become in reality are buffers between the Council administration and the expectation of residents.”

According to one councilior, this decision “leads to schools having less money available to provide SEN support to children who need it, while driving even more parents towards EHCP and the inevitable stress of taking legal action to protect the rights of their children.”

In concluding his appraisal of the Council’s SEND policy, Dwyer told the chamber: “It begs the question as to whether the council would be able to achieve a balanced budget were it not for these very unusual transfers of funds from budgets out of the Council’s direct control.”

When approached for comment,

Former town hall housing approved

‘affordable’ flats in the project has also been decreased, with prices ranging from 20 to 40 per cent discounts to market rent, when the previous discount was 15 per cent.

Councillors at the meeting criticised the developer for not providing a greater number of affordable flats in the renewed plans. Raffi Wechsler, speaking on behalf of Riverview, said that the affordable housing provision could be reviewed in future assessments.

Mr Wechsler said at the meeting: “This is the minimum that we’re committing to, but we’re now giving you deeper discounts on those rents to make sure that we address the concerns of having a truly affordable rent for certain people in these units there.”

The proposal will also see the clock tower observation deck in the building become available for the public to use free of charge at least four times a year. Planning documents from JTP, on behalf Riverlow,

said the structure had been inaccessible for over 50 years due to health and safety concerns.

Keith Mapingire, design director for the project, said at the meeting: “In addition to the clear planning benefit of bringing this iconic building back into a sustainable, meaningful use that meets the needs of the community, our plans also facilitate periodic public access to Meridian House’s 49 metre clocktower and its viewing gallery. This offers unparalleled views across London and beyond.”

Mr Mapingire also confirmed that contact details for the concierge service in the scheme would be available online once it was completed, to allow neighbours to cite any potential concerns. The planning board agreed at the meeting to give permission for the developer to convert Meridian House into housing. –

Councillor Dombey said: “Despite a track record of managing our finances very carefully over many years, like many other councils, we now find ourselves having to make really difficult choices. Choices that none of us want to have to make.

“It’s particularly hard as since COVID the needs of people needing our support have become more complex, demand is increasing day-by-day and yet our funding is not keeping up.

“We want to be a good, caring council that provides high-quality services to our residents. The shocking failure of the government to fund local authorities properly has now forced us to cut back on services that everyone benefits from so we can continue to support our vulnerable adults and children. We should not be having to make these choices. It simply isn’t right.

“Government often talks about the amount of extra funding they provide local authorities. These figures include

the assumption that we will increase the amount of council tax we charge our residents to the maximum. So, like many other councils across the country, we have been left with no choice but to put forward an increase in council tax.

“This means that from April, we will be asking our residents to pay £1.55 more a week in Council Tax for an average Band D property. This will help fund the services we all benefit from like clean streets, our parks and open spaces, libraries, as well as allowing us to carry on looking after those who need our help most.

“We know that many people are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

But until the unfair thirty-year old council tax system is reformed and the government delivers on its promise to reform social care, we have very little choice.”

Sutton Council leader Ruth Dombey said local councils need more money to support the pressured health service. Credit: Sutton Council.

Picture 1: Meridian House, as seen on Greenwich High Road.

Picture 2: A CGI of the proposed

development of Meridian House, as seen on Greenwich High Road. Credit: JTP / Riverlow Group

LaBOur's BreNda dacres eLecTed as Lewisham mayOr

By Joe Coughlan Local Democracy Reporter

lABOur CANdidATe Brenda dacres has been elected as the new mayor of lewisham. dacres received 21,576 votes, representing 51.5 per cent of the votes cast.

Dacres has served as a Labour Councillor in Lewisham since 2014, originally representing the New Cross ward and then the Deptford ward since 2022. She is the first black woman to be directly elected as mayor for the borough and previously served as deputy mayor while Damien Egan was mayor.

Egan stepped down from the role in January to run as Labour’s parliamentary candidate in the Kingswood by-election in Gloucestershire. He won the seat last month.

The mayoral by-election’s turnout was reportedly 20.74 per cent. Dacres came out on top against six other candidates, with Green Party candidate Michael Herron coming second in the race and receiving 6,835 votes. Liberal Democrat candidate Chris Maines came in third with 4,896.

Siama Qadar, the Conservative Party candidate, came in fourth with 3,784 votes, while the Workers Party of Britain candidate, John Hamilton, followed with 2,378 votes. Christian People’s Alliance came sixth with 1,233 for Maureen Martin. Independent candidate Nick Long came last and received 917 votes.

Picture: Brenda Dacres has been elected as the new mayor of Lewisham.

Credit: Labour Party

croydon council takes step towards long anticipated purley pool redevelopment, but 'still a long way to go’

By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter

The Purley Pool saga has moved onto its next chapter, as Croydon Council announced that developers have submitted a planning application for the eventual redevelopment of the site.

The new plans will see the site demolished and replaced with a stateof-the-art complex containing a new swimming pool, café and around 250 new homes for older people.

The leisure centre, which has been closed to the public since March 2020, has been a key priority for Mayor Jason Perry since taking office nearly two years ago. He also featured the plans to reopen the pool as a key promise on his campaign flyers.

In his manifesto, Perry said the reopening plans had “been fully costed and will come from unallocated community infrastructure levy monies and will not impact on any other services.”

He added: “This will restore muchneeded facilities for health and wellbeing and will bring increased footfall to the district centre.”

However, in June last year, Mr Perry admitted that he couldn’t reopen the pool in its existing state, citing cost concerns. Before closure, the leisure centre was running at a loss of £150,000 a year and would have cost more than £3 million to refurbish.

Following this, it was revealed that a new developer and leaseholder, Polaska, would take over the complete redevelopment of the site while leaving ownership and management of the facility with the Council. To assuage fears over cost, the Mayor has insisted the cost of construction will be funded through the development. On its website, Polaska says the leisure centre will be built before work starts on the residential units to align the proposals with their wider “vision of Croydon.”

The British Virgin Islands-registered

Polaska held a public consultation in June 2023 to gauge public opinion on the emerging proposals.

The consultation saw residents raise issues around parking at the new facility. In response, Polaska pointed to research that found there were on average 607 parking spots available per day in the town centre, which they believed to be a “significant over provision of parking in Purley town centre.”

The site includes the existing leisure centre, multi-storey car park and the old Sainsbury’s, which closed in 2001. The plans include 245 ‘later living’ flats across four buildings between four and 12-storeys tall.

Alongside the pool, the new plans will feature a gym, public square, café, ground-floor retail, parking and a new walking route from the station to the facility.

The new plans will now be reviewed by the Council and the Greater London Authority as a referable application.

In a statement following the announcement of the new plans, Perry said: “I pledged to bring a pool back to the heart of Purley and this is a welcome step towards making that happen.

“The council has been working with Polaska on their proposals for the site because we want to make sure that

the development benefits the whole community. I know that Purley Pool has been much missed by residents and a new leisure centre will help make it easier for local people of all ages to enjoy healthy, active lifestyles.

“The plans also include a later living scheme and a new public space, helping to increase footfall in our town centre and provide a boost for local businesses.

“While this is a welcome step, there is still a long way to go – we need to make sure that the proposals are right. The council will carefully consider the planning application from Polaska, and our focus will be fixed on delivering a facility that

benefits everyone in the area.”

The application is currently being validated and will be available to view on the Council’s website in the next few days.

Images: The old Purely Pool site has been closed since March 2020 Credit: Harrison Galliven

Campaigners are concerned that Purley Leisure Centre will not reopen. Credit: Save Purley Pool.

Emerging plans for the redevelopment of Purley Leisure Centre and old Sainsbury’s supermarket. Credit: Polaska.

what’s on

aylesbury estate pitch gets west end rematch

Tyrell WilliAmS was born and bred in South london, grew up on the Aylesbury estate off the Old kent road and loved storytelling from an early age. he tells me, ’i would write stories and share them with my mum and she would always encourage me - That’s when i realised i loved writing,’ writes Michael Holland.

His passion for writing continued through primary school and then secondary school before he studied Creative Writing and Journalism at Middlesex University. It was while on his educational journey that he ‘developed a keen interest in directing’, a string to his bow that led to the YouTube phenomenon #Hooddocumentary, the satirical mockumentary on urban life that he co-wrote and directed, and which quickly jumped from YouTube to BBC3 where it garnered many awards.

Tyrell’s latest project is Red Pitch, which won five major Best Debut awards when

it opened at The Bush Theatre and now has a rematch in the West End.

The author says Red Pitch is about ‘Football. Family. Friendship - Three lifelong friends have ambitions of becoming professional footballers but they have to navigate this dream while contending with the many changes happening to and around them; the most pressing change is the one happening to their local area.’

What motivated you to write this play?

Knife Crime at The Globe

WATChiNg SWArmS of school children congregate around the edge of the stage at Shakespeare’s globe as we waited for romeo and juliet to begin, i felt a surge of nostalgia, writes Caitlin Odell.

I hadn’t been since there since I was roughly their age, taken on a school trip to supplement the learning of the same play. It’s astounding how deeply the literature you study as a young person becomes embedded in your memory when you see it brought to life on stage or on screen. After watching this modern-day reimagining of one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, I have a newfound appreciation for its importance, and its potential to convey pertinent messages to a young audience, in a

way that can truly mean something to them.

I had to allow a moment to adjust to the discordance between the Shakespearean English and the set design that was very much reminiscent of any modern, urban cityscape (thanks to graffitied breeze blocks, balaclava wearing boys on bikes, electric scooters and mobile phones). However, once we had acclimatised, it quickly became clear the audience were unfazed by this. In fact, the clash added to the comedy in a way that I suspect it might not have done so had it not been taken on by the right cast.

Part of what I loved so much about this play was that it strongly evoked memories of scenes from Romeo and Juliet that are etched in my brain

from years ago. And considering everything about the set has been designed to disrupt the original story, I feel even more certain it was the brilliant cast’s ability to capture the essence of their characters that made the performance feel both fresh and fun whilst remaining faithful to the original.

With this in mind it felt entirely appropriate that themes such as knife crime and domestic violence were not explored so much as simply shown in the play. But considering the target age range, I felt there was enough gravitas in just lifting them from the original script and recreating them in a modern context, allowing the violence to take on a new meaning.

A key example of this is the climactic final scene where Juliet takes her life after finding Romeo dead beside her in the morgue. After the music grinds to a halt and we are momentarily suspended in tense silence, the stage is filled with PPEwearing crime scene specialists who neatly arrange the corpses into body bags and wheel them away. This decidedly undramatic and sedate ending did an important job of deromanticising and de-glamourising suicide, death, knife crime and other prevalent issues that young people today are often overexposed to.

Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside, SE1 until 13th April. Times: Tues - Sat 7pm; matinees 2pm. Admission: £5 - £65. Half price seated tickets for under 18s.

Booking:

https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/ Running time 90 minutes (no interval)

‘When I was on the bus passing through my old estate, it passed the area where my local football pitch used to be. The space that my friends and I used to play on had been demolished and been replaced with houses. What was more alarming was that these houses were unoccupied –they were built upon my memories and not fulfilling their purpose.’

I was immediately intrigued. The change is one I can relate to as I grew up on a council estate on the other side of the Old Kent Road to the Aylesbury, estates neglected by successive councils and

governments who wanted to run them down then knock them down and sell the new builds off to private owners - many who live overseas and have no intention of ever living in their properties.

Tyrell said rehearsals are going well as they prepare for opening at the new Soho Place Theatre. ‘It’s most exciting to watch actors discover new things, unearth new layers and find further depth, despite reaching incredible levels previously – they truly are magicians.

Plus, we have a phenomenal team, led by the incomparable Daniel Bailey directing.’

He adds that ‘Everyone is welcome. I hope to see familiar faces as well as new ones. We are inviting all audiences to come with open minds and open hearts.’

Soho Place,4 Soho Place, Charing Cross Rd, London W1D 3BG from 15th March - 4th May. Mon - Sat 7.30pm; Wed & Sat matinees 3pm.

Admission: £25 - £65.

Booking: www.sohoplace.org

Hope can overcome hate

mArk TWAiN once said that “history never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme.” it is hard to ignore the ways in which our culture is beginning to rhyme with the rise of fascism of the 1930s, write Katie Kelly.

Southwark Playhouse have chosen a perfect moment to put hope to music in its new production ‘Cable Street’, the story of a community which rose up in 1936, against the forces of race hate led by Oswald Mosley’s British Union Of Fascists.

The black shirts sought to play the stale trick of persuading people struggling for survival that migrants were the enemy to distract them from the real enemy, the greed of those who were exploiting them. On this occasion, the people said no to hate and yes to each other in a defiant refusal to let a fascist march pass through their community.

This musical takes inspiration from hits such as Hamilton and The Producers. There is rap, a jaunty number by the fascists which closely mirrored Mel Brooks’ ‘Springtime for Hitler in Germany’. There is a ‘Les Mis’ barricade and perhaps less successfully, a nod to ‘Warhorse’ in the shape of a slightly amateur cardboard horse’s head meant to represent a police cavalry charge.

But there’s nothing musically derivative here. Tim Gilvin’s score is original and, in many places, highly evocative. There are

some wonderful numbers, and the quality is consistent throughout. The tiny threeperson band is ably assisted by versatile cast performers. Their multitasking stretches beyond picking up instruments to switching between multiple characters with deft costume changes, completely convincingly. The moment when actor Jez Unwin transformed from Jewish father to fascist leader in front of our eyes, in a couple of sentences and a jacket swap was extraordinary. Some vocal performances stand out: Sha Dessi as the gutsy Catholic communist and shop worker in a Jewish bakery. Danny Colligan whose singing is outstanding, plays with great sensitivity and complexity the young man whose dream of London turns sour and leaves him ripe for exploitation by the black shirts.

The is a warmhearted, highly energetic show with a message which we need to hear - That hope can overcome hate, and needs to if we are not to slip into becoming more like the nations we were once so proud of fighting for our freedom.

The Large, Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BD until 16th March. Times: Mon - Sat 7.30pm; Tues & Sat matinees 3pm.

Admission: £35, £28.

Booking: 020 7407 0234 - https:// southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/ cable-street/

Photo by Jane Hobson

Photo by Tristram Kenton

Tyrell Williams_

Photo by Madeleine Penfold

Red Pitch cast Photo by Madeleine Penfold

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

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1)

(OLD JAMAICA ROAD, EMPRESS STREET, LEDBURY STREET, COBOURG ROAD, DALWOOD STREET, KEETONS ROAD, LONCROFT ROAD, GEDLING PLACE, AMBROSE STREET)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND TEMPORARY WAITING & LOADING RESTRICTIONS)

1.The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable various works to be carried out, it made, 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:

(a) Old Jamaica Road, between Thurland Road and Abbey Street

(b) Empress Street, located between Fielding Street and it’s blocked end (railway bridge)

(c) Ledbury Street, between Bird in Bush Road and Comercial Way

(d) Cobourg Road, between No’s 102 to 56m north of Neate Street

(e) Dalwood Street, between Havil Street to 20m east into Dalwood Street

(f) Keetons Road, between Jamaica Road and Collett Road

(g) Loncroft Road, between Cobourg Road and No’s 47

(h) Gedling Place, between Abbey Street and Druid Street

(i) Ambrose Street, between Southwark Park Road and No’s 26

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

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

5.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.

6.The works will be in operation for (2a) 21st March – 19th July (2b) 22nd – 23rd March (2c) 22nd – 23rd March (2d) 25th – 28th March (2e) 25th March – 20th April (2f) 25th March – 6th June (2g) 22th – 28th March (2h) 26th – 27th March (2i) 26th March – 2nd May

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

Dated this 14th March 2024

Ian Law Traffic Manager London Borough of Southwark Network Management Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529

London SE1 5LX

Ref: (2a) BER3-OJR407-01 (2b) LBSCR13424 (2c) P230124130690600265 (2d) 78290332 (2e) 10308922 (2f) BER5-KERO122-01 (2g) 53794423 (2h) LBSCR13376 (2i) BER9-AMBR120-01

BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (BANK END, BRUNSWICK COURT, CHAPTER ROAD, ENID STREET, FENHAM ROAD, LIMESFORD ROAD, SURREY ROAD, WINDSOR WALK, FAIR STREET)

(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:

(a) Bank End, Bank End, at it’s junction with Park Street and Park Street by No’s 59

(b) Brunswick Court, at it’s junction with Druid Street and No’s 3

(c) Chapter Road, between Lorrimore Square and No’s 31 (Cycle Lane/motorised vehicles)

(d) Enid Street, at it’s junction with Rouel Road and the Bolanchi building

(e) Fenham Road, between Pennethorne Road and Kincaid Road (cycle Lane/motorised vehicles

(f) Limesford Road, between No’s 1 and No’s 47

(g) Surrey Road, between Cheltenham Road and Inverton Road

(h) Windsor Walk, railway bridge to 65m east

(i) Fair Street, between Tower Bridge Road and Tooley Street

3.The alternative routes for affected traffic (2a) not applicable (2b) not applicable (2c) Chapter Road, Westcott Road, Cooks Road, Lorrimore Road, Chapter Road. (2d) Enid Street, Abbey Street. Spa Road, The Grange, Abbey Street (2e) Pennethorne Road, Fenham Road, Friary Road, Commercial Way, Naylor Road, Fenham Road. Kincaid Road, Naylor Road, Commercial Way, Friary Road, Fenham Road. (2f) Ivydale Road, Oakdale Road, Kimberley Avenue, Nunhead Green, Nunhead Lane, Peckham Rye, Stuart Road, Borland Road

Limesford Road. (2g) Surrey Road, Cheltenham Road, Ivydale Road, Inverton Road. Cheltenham Road, Ivydale Road, Inverton Road, Surrey Road. (2h) (cyclists) Champion Park, Grove Lane De’crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, (2i) Druid Street, Barnham Street

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 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.

6.The works will be in operation for (2a) 2nd – 3rd April (2b) 28th – 29th March (2c) 2nd April –14th May (2d) 2nd April – 7th May (2e) 2nd – 20th April (2f) 1st April 2024 – 31 January 2025 (2g) 3rd April – 8th May (2h) 2nd April – 18th May (2i) 30 March – 30th April

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

Dated this 14th March 2024

Ian Law

Traffic Manager

London Borough of Southwark Network Management

Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth

160 Tooley Street

PO Box 64529

London SE1 5LX

Ref: (2a) LBSCR13375 (2b) LBSCR13420 (2c) 94869463 (2d) BER4-ENST74-01 (2e) 17880442 (2f) 98219880 (2g) LPR-SOWA-SL0010 (2h) 66134058 (2i) W119758528-00933

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (as amended) PLANNING (LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS) ACT 1990 (as amended)

The planning applications listed below can be viewed on the planning register at https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/ You can use facilities at your local library or 'My Southwark Service Points' to access the website.

How to comment on this application: You should submit your comments via the above link. Comments received will be made available for public viewing on the website. All personal information will be removed except your postal address. Online comments submitted without an email address will not be acknowledged and those marked 'confidential' will not be considered. Written comments can be submitted to; Southwark Council, Chief executive's department, Planning division, Development Management, PO Box 64529, London SE1 5LX.

Reason for publicity. The applications are advertised for the reasons identified by the following codes: AFFECT - development affecting character or appearance of a nearby conservation area; OR development affecting setting of a nearby listed building(s); DEP - departure from the development plan; EIA - environmental impact assessment (these applications are accompanied by an environmental statement a copy of which may be obtained from the Council - there will be a charge for the copy); MAJ - major planning application; STDCA - development within a conservation area; STDLB - works to or within the site of a listed building;

DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY GALLERY ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE21 7AD

(Ref: 23/AP/3551)

Install of temporary sculptures (i.e. 'Material (SG IV)' by Yinka Shonibare and 'To Find A Way Home' (consisting of five part) by Li Li Ren) in the rear garden of Dulwich Picture Gallery for public display from April 2024 to the end of October 2026. (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: AFFECT (Contact: Sean Gomes 020 7525 0666)

BASEMENT AND GROUND FLOOR FLAT 372 OLD KENT ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 5AA (Ref: 23/AP/3416)

Use of the ground floor and basement as a live-work unit. (Within: Multiple CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA STDCA (Contact: Ewan Lawless 020 7525 1264)

SMALL LODGE CAMBERWELL NEW CEMETERY BRENCHLEY GARDENS LONDON SOUTHWARK SE23 3RD

(Ref: 24/AP/0461)

Listed building consent for the building that has recently been underpinned using a piled raft foundation to overcome significant subsidence and structural damage. (The reference for the application for this period of works is PP11686018). This application relates to the structural repairs, including the reconstruction, stitch repairs and building fabric repairs required to bring the building back to previous condition. Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB

(Contact: Sandy Ng 020 7525 5000)

1 ST GEORGES COTTAGES GLASSHILL STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 0SH

(Ref: 24/AP/0346)

The internal reconfiguration of the existing dwelling, the replacement of the existing rear windows and the installation of skylights to improve the existing dwelling. (Within: King's

Bench CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA

(Contact: Eleanor Heagney 020 7525 5403)

27 WOODSYRE LONDON SOUTHWARK

SE26 6SS (Ref: 24/AP/0465)

Demolition and rebuild of existing timber extension incorporating a celestial window and additional height. Opening of new doorway into garage. Existing hedging to be retained.

(Within: Dulwich Wood CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Samuel Hepworth 020 7525 5465)

1 ST GEORGES COTTAGES GLASSHILL STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 0SH

(Ref: 24/AP/0347)

Listed Building Consent for the the internal reconfiguration of the existing dwelling, the replacement of the existing rear windows and the installation of skylights to improve the existing dwelling. (Within: King's Bench CA)

Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Eleanor Heagney 020 7525 5403)

163 HAVIL STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK

SE5 7SB (Ref: 24/AP/0636)

Listed building consent for Installation of a WC under the stairs. Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Anna Poulose )

THE OLD RECTORY LIVERPOOL GROVE

LONDON SOUTHWARK SE17 2HH

Ref: 24/AP/0640)

Demolition of an existing metal garden stair and its replacement with new metal garden stair and brick paving. (Within: Liverpool Grove CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Winnie Wing Lam Tse 020 7525 0554)

98 PECKHAM HIGH STREET LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE15 5ED (Ref: 24/AP/0599)

Erection of a single storey rear infill extension and replacement of rear fenestration and

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

Please take notice that I, Tusharkumar Patel

Have made application to the London Borough Of Merton to vary a Premises

Licence in respect of:

Name and address of Premises: Nisa Local, 23 Durnsford Road, SW19 8GY

Variation applied for:

The extension of permitted alcohol hours via Night Service Hatch

Addition of Late Night Refreshment (Drinks only) via Night Service Hatch

Adjustment of plan to show Night Service Hatch

If additional hours detail the days and times:

0000hrs – 0000hrs (24hrs) Monday to Sunday

Outside of existing hours 0700hrs-2300hrs, purchases will be via Night Service Hatch only.

A register of all applications made to 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: 8th March 2024

associated rear alterations. (Within: Rye Lane Peckham CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Megan Stevens )

13 HONOR OAK RISE LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE23 3QY (Ref: 24/AP/0639)

Demolition of existing garage and construction of a two storey side extension, single storey rear extension, the installation of rooflights on the side and rear roof slopes, a front porch cover above the existing front door, and the reconfiguration of the existing rear garden decking and steps. Similar proposal to formerly approved application 22/AP/381, but with the loft conversion omitted. (Within: Honor Oak Rise CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA

(Contact: Louise Dinsdale 07513137967)

2 LIMESFORD ROAD LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE15 3BX (Ref: 24/AP/0565)

Construction of a side to rear single storey extension. (Within: Nunhead Cemetry CA)

Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Chloe Rimell 0207 525 1397)

5A WESTMORELAND ROAD LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE17 2AX (Ref: 24/AP/0650)

Construction of a single storey rear extension to provide a staff room and to replace existing unauthorized extension. (Within: Walworth Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA

(Contact: Glenn Ruane 020 7525 5447)

Dated: 12 Mar 2024 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date.

STEPHEN PLATTS - Director of Planning and Growth

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

Please take notice that I / we EL VACILON DE LA ESQUINA LIMITED

Have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of 58a Camberwell Church Street, London, England, SE5 8QZ

The relevant licensable activities and proposed times to

A

A

of this application may be inspected by visiting the office during normal office hours by appointment on 020 7525 2000; details are also available on our website at http://app.southwark.gov.uk/licensing/licenseregister.asp

It is open to any interested party to make representations about the likely effect of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives. Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Service at the office address given above (or by email via licensing@southwark.gov.uk) and be received by the Service within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below.

Note: It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of such offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Date of application: 6th March 2024

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A200 GLA ROAD (CRUCIFIX LANE, LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF STOPPING) ORDER 2024

1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it intends to make 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 at A200 Crucix Lane.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from stopping on Crucix Lane between its junctions with Barnham Street and Bermondsey Street.

The Order will be effective at certain times from 8.00 AM on the 30th March 2024 until 6.00 PM on the 30th April 2024 or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

The Order will also close the northern footway on Crucix Lane between its junction with Barnham Street and Shand Street.

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.

Dated this 14th day of March 2024

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A3200 GLA ROAD (SOUTHWARK STREET, LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF STOPPING) ORDER 2024

1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it intends to make 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 allow London Bridge Bus Station works to be undertaken on or near the A3200 Southwark Street.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle, except buses from stopping on Southwark Street northern kerb line between its junctions with Redcross Way and Stoney Street.

The Order will be effective between 9:00 PM on the 22nd March 2024 and 5:00 AM on the 25th March 2024 or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

4. The prohibition 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.

Dated this 14th day of March 2024

Claire Wright Co-ordination and Permitting Area Manager Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE

1. Transport for London, hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Order under section 6 of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984.

2. The general nature and effect of the Order will be to:

(1) introduce a 6 metre long no stopping at any time except hired e-scooters only parking bay at the southern side of the carriageway of Southwark Street opposite No. 28 Southwark Street;

(2) introduce a 5 metre long no stopping at any time except hired e-scooters only parking bay on the southern footway of Peckham Road outside Nos. 36 to 38 Peckham Road.

3. The roads which would be affected by the Order are the A3200 Southwark Street and the A202 Peckham Road.

4. A copy of the Order, a statement of Transport for London’s reasons for the proposals, a map indicating the location and effect of the Order and copies of any Order revoked, suspended or varied by the Order can be inspected by appointment during normal ofce hours at our ofce at the address below. To arrange an appointment please email trafcordersection@t,gov.uk. Copies of the documents may be requested via email at trafcordersection@t,gov.uk, or by post at the following address quoting reference NMR/REGULATION/STOT/GK/TRO, GLA/2024/0270

•Transport for London Streets Trafc Order Team (NMR/REGULATION/STOT) Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road London, SE1 8NJ

5. All objections and other representations to the proposed Order must be made in writing and must specify the grounds on which they are made. Objections and representations must be sent to Transport for London, Streets Trafc Order Team, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ or by emailing trafcordersection@t.gov.uk quoting reference

NMR/REGULATION/STOT/GK/TRO, GLA/2024/0270, to arrive before 4th April 2024. Please note due to Hybrid working access to post is restricted and requests for documents and conrmation of your objections or representations may be delayed. Objections and other representations may be communicated to other persons who may be affected.

Dated this14th day of March 2024

Jennifer Melbourne, Performance and Planning Manager, Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

Notice of Application to apply for a Premises

Licence made under the Licensing Act 2003

Please take notice that We, Buteco Do Duda Limited

Have made application to the London Borough Of Merton to apply for a Premises Licence in respect of: Address of Premises: Buteco Do Duda, 10 Watermill Way. SW19 2RD

For:

• The sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises

• The provision of Late Night Refreshment

• Regulated Entertainment (live/recorded music)

Proposed hours of Operation:

• 1200hrs – 0100hrs, Monday to Sunday.

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: 8th March 2024

APPLICATION FOR PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice is given that : Truth Bar LDN (CROYDON) LTD, 29 St Georges Walk, CR0 1YL 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 04th April 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

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.

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: 08th March 2024

GLA ROADS AND GLA SIDE ROADS (SOUTHWARK) RED ROUTE CONSOLIDATION ORDER 2007 THE A3200 SOUTHWARK STREET AND A202 PECKHAM ROAD (E-SCOOTER BAYS) VARIATION ORDER 2024

By John Kelly

hAkAN hAyreTTiN admitted it was a “frustrating” afternoon as dulwich hamlet’s play-off hopes were hit when they could only draw 0-0 against Whitehawk at Champion hill last weekend.

Dulwich failed to score for the first time in 23 Isthmian League Premier Division games and are six points off the play-offs with ten games left.

Hayrettin was disappointed his side didn’t give the majority of the 2,644 in East Dulwich more to shout about.

“Frustrating, for me,” Hayrettin said.

“Grateful for the point and that we didn’t lose the game, but frustrating we didn’t perform to anywhere near our capabilities.

There seemed to be a lethargy about our performance, we were sluggish, sloppy, I don’t think we played particularly well.

“When we did have good opportunities we didn’t take them. Sometimes it’s going to happen like that. It was one of those days when we didn’t play particularly well. But we got the point.”

The match was delayed as one of the officials got stuck in traffic.

Hayrettin wasn’t using that as an excuse.

He said: “It may have [affected things], for both teams. I thought they were organised, resilient, they didn’t really cause us a threat. I’ve had Charlie Walker before, he’s a good lad, good footballer but he’s not going to run in behind.

“We didn’t do enough to win the game and that’s the biggest concern for me. Saying that, we didn’t lose. But I thought we deserved to give our supporters a little bit better than we did.

haK: iT’s a uNiQue cLuB

but it was a tough time.

“Decisions had to be made for the best. I decided to make an overhaul and bring in a brand-new squad together, and that’s what we did.

“It took a bit of time and it has taken a bit of time for the team to get to grips with how I want to do things. When you put all the players into the melting pot it took them a little bit of time to adjust from where they came, 90 per cent of them had never played together before.

“It was frustrating in the beginning, to be honest, because I was finding it difficult to get my point of view across. But the boys from day one have been absolutely fantastic and now we can see a true reflection of where we want to be, and long my that continue.

Boss reflects on year in charge as Dulwich stumble in play-off race

“I had the Whitehawk chairman [saying] it was an honour to be here, it was the biggest crowd his team have played in front of.

Hayrtettin added: “A clean sheet, he pulled off a good save, R’avan [Constable].

“Ten games to go now, we’ve got to get as many points as we can to get into the play-offs. We’re not going backwards here, but we could have done better.

“[The approach won’t be] different to

what it’s been all season, just focus on one game at a time. We analyse them, see what we can do and go from there.”

Hayrettin marked a year as manager the previous weekend. The Hamlet were relegated from the National League South on the final day and after a slow start this season Hayrettin has led the side to within reach of the playoffs.

“It was tough at the beginning for everyone concerned for different

reasons,” Hayrettin reflected. “It was tough to accept we went down by one goal, not even by one point. Emotions were up and down, we went down by one goal and I don’t think we deserved that because when I came in we picked up a lot of points.

“I had an absence of leave from the club because I lost my mother, that may have had a significant role in where we ended up. The team were in capable hands with Terry [Harris, his assistant],

“It’s a great football club. I used to come here before and think, ‘corr, I’d love to manage this football club one day’. And I got the opportunity. When a team like Dulwich Hamlet comes calling it’s very hard to resist. I had another offer on the table from a National League team but this is something that I had to do because it’s a massive football club with, by the way, fantastic people running it. I’m talking about everybody connected to the club. People behind the scenes, the chairman, everybody is all in it together and all want the team and the club to do as well as they possibly can.

“Not that other football clubs don’t, but this is unique, you have to experience it, be here to see it - and I just love coming in to work.”

The Hamlet host Lewes at Champion Hill on Saturday.

Fisher eNd ruN iN seaside rOmp

By John Kelly

FiSher emPhATiCAlly ended a three-game losing run with a 4-0 SCeFl Premier division win at Whitstable last weekend.

After losing both their two previous league games 5-2, Ajay Ashanike’s side led 1-0 at the break through Jacob Katonia, before running away with it in the second half with goals from Flavio Jumo, Nathan Tshola and Michael Sarpong.

Sarpong, who recently became the seventh player to reach 100th appearances since the club reformed in 2009, was named man of

the match.

The Fish are twelfth in the table and host Hollands & Blair at St Paul’s at 3pm this Saturday.

In the Kent County League Premier Division, Stansfeld (Oxford & Bermondsey) won 3-1 at Cuxton 1991 after goals from Joe Borland, Jack Sycamore and Aaron Walker.

Also in the Premier Division, Bermondsey Town lost 4-2 away to Tenterden Town.

Stansfeld (O&B) are in action in the Bill Manklow Inter-Regional Challenge Cup semifinal this Saturday. They travel to Snodland Town Reserves for a 2-15pm kick-off.

In the Premier Division, Peckham Town are at Halls AFC for a 2.15pm kick-off.

Lionesses suffer stoppage-time setback against Darts

By Jeff Burnige at Princes Park

millWAll liONeSSeS conceded in stoppage-time as they lost 3-2 to l&SerWFl Premier division leaders dartford at Princes Park last Sunday - in an exact repeat of their controversial defeat in the league Cup in january.

The match was supposed to be played on the stadium pitch, but was switched to the sodden but playable 4G pitch outside when the main pitch was waterlogged.

There is always a charged

atmosphere when these teams meet, and this can be an intimidating place to play. The Lionesses have had some wretched luck there in recent times, and they had some more on this visit. They had lost three important players to injury by the interval, the first being right-back Hope Welsh, who was replaced by Grace Seely. Dartford made it 1-0 on 25 minutes through Amelie Woodgate.

Then on 43 minutes, Millwall centre-forward Liv McGregor landed awkwardly after an aerial challenge. Before Chloe Francis had time to

push up from midfield to replace her up front, she also had to come off when her shin ballooned up just below the knee after an earlier challenge.

Millwall started the second half with seventeen-year-old Melissa Jones at right-back and Sharna Giordani centre-forward.

The visiting crowd could have been forgiven for thinking their side would struggle to cope with these misfortunes, but they came out to attack the Darts, and Shannan Drewe had one effort over the bar and then

another well-saved by Jade Charlton.

On 51 minutes, it was another seventeen-year-old in Emel Huseyin who equalised for the Lionesses, and finally Drewe scored in the 66th minute with a left-foot cracker into the far corner to put the Lionesses ahead.

Dartford dominated from then on, bringing on fresh legs, but it took a highly disputed free-kick, brilliantly converted by ex-Lioness Jo Woodgates to bring the scores level.

It looked like Millwall goalkeeper Chrissie Wiggins would keep the

Darts out, but in stoppage-time there was more heartbreak for Millwall when Emily Vaughan scored the winner.

The Lionesses now look forward to a visit to Ebbsfleet Unites on Sunday, March 24 and then a game under lights at Enfield Town’s Queen Elizabeth II Stadium on Tuesday, April 2.

This Sunday, the under-18 side travel to play South London Laces’ senior team in the semi-final of the Capital Women’s Cup Junior Section, the trophy they won last season.

Photo by Mike Urban

© Fisher FC

Jerome BinnomWilliams tries to fi nd a way through

Boss Ajay Ashanike and Michael Sarpong

By John Kelly

ChArlTON AThleTiC manager

Nathan jones heaped the praise on Alfie May after the striker’s brace against Carlisle united helped earn the Addicks their first win at The Valley since last November.

After Luke Armstrong gave League One’s bottom side the lead in the 20th minute, May levelled on 37 minutes before Daniel Kanu put the hosts in front nine minutes into the second half.

Paul Simpson’s side threatened to spoil the afternoon for expectant Charlton fans in the 13,978 crowd when Taylor Charters scored from the penalty spot after Macaulay Gillesphey had fouled Armstrong.

But May netted the winner fifteen minutes from time with his 20th league goal of the season.

“He’s a wonderful player,” Jones said. “He’s a clever player, he’s a great lad and he’s brilliant around the place. He thinks about his game, he thinks about his movement, and he doesn’t just go and play off the cuff.

“He’s scored goals wherever he’s been, he’s come here and he’s been scoring goals. His dip coincided with a dip in the team’s form, which can happen, but all you have to do is keep giving these players confidence and keep talking to them. And Alfie’s responded fantastically well.”

Charlton were three points clear of the relegation zone when Jones took over but are now ten above the bottom four and on a seven-match unbeaten run.

Jones said: “Really pleased with so much. Pleased with the result because that is the be-all and end-all at this stage and where we are. Really pleased with so much of the play.

“Disappointed with certain aspects of it, especially the goals. We gifted them two goals. They didn’t have to work hard for the goals, bit lazy on the second one. The first one was just a poor goal to give away.

“But we showed we can score goals. We scored three goals at home, we could’ve scored more. We were a threat all afternoon. Created chances all afternoon and we won the game, deservedly so.

“It felt very good [to win at home]. I’ll take wins anywhere and points.

may’s day as addicks finally get home win

Charlton boss not entirely happy despite first Valley victory of his reign

By hook or by crook we’ve had to get as many points as we can to get away from the position we were in. We’re in a lot healthier position now than we were eight games ago and that’s’ the main thing.

“It wasn’t [about only] survival, it was about getting performances. Yes, we want to make sure that we don’t

get sucked into any kind of relegation thing but we want to finish as high as we possibly can because we want to build.

“We’re not just planning for now, we want to build for the future as well.”

Jones added: “We can’t give goals away like that. It was lazy defending. We were slow first half. We were

caught in possession. We conceded the corner, we didn’t clear it, and it was scrappy.

“That’s not how you keep clean sheets and we’ve got to get out of that mentality.

“But we won the game. We’re climbing that league. We’ve got 44 points whereas we had 30 or

something like that when I came in. So it shows we’re in decent form and I’m very happy with that.

“Keeping clean sheets is a great habit, not losing is another great habit. But winning games is even better.”

Charlton travel to Fleetwood Town on Saturday.

No ‘reality check’ needed for QPR boss after Middlesbrough defeat

By John Kelly

QueeNS PArk rangers manager

marti Cifuentes insisted the weekend’s 2-0 defeat against middlesbrough at loftus road that ended the home side’s fourmatch unbeaten run was not a “reality check”.

Emmanuel Latte Lath and Marcus Forss scored in the second half for Michael Carrick’s side.

QPR are one point above the relegation zone.

Cifuentes was in no doubt about his side’s troubles despite their recent good form.

"Trust me, I don't need a defeat to have a reality check,” Cifuentes said. “It's a really difficult situation. I'm convinced that we're going to

manage to reach the target, but if anyone thought it was easy they were making a big mistake.

"I'm not a magician. I'm here to help. But to expect we're going to win every game is delusional. It's going to be tough. We have a sad feeling because it's true that we had big expectations about this game and we didn't perform, not even close to the last game.

"We had a very demanding game on Wednesday [in the 2-2 draw against West Brom], emotionally and physically, and Middlesbrough played 60 minutes against ten men against Norwich, so perhaps that's one of the reasons they looked more energetic in the second half.

"It's very demanding when you have three games in just a few

days and especially when you have Leicester away and West Brom."

Cifuentes added: “We were also frustrated on Wednesday, taking only one point, but that shows the mentality of the team.

“I am very sad because I think we started a very demanding week for us with two very good performances and playing a very good way.

“The feeling was that we could continue that and build on the four points that we collected but it is a difficult league and all the teams are dangerous.

“The battle at the bottom is intense and isn’t going to be easy so if we want to achieve the great escape we need to make sure that we compete, which we did today perhaps better in the first half than we did in the

second.

“We knew that at the end of a threegame week the team that scored first could take a big step forward in the game.

“You could see that we had a very demanding game on Wednesday, we were not as sharp as we were on Wednesday, for sure.

“The reality is it wasn’t easy against a very well-organised defensive unit, perhaps we were a bit spread out which allowed them to pick up second balls, we tried to make some changes which made some impact but in the end, it wasn’t enough.”

QPR travel to Sunderland on Saturday. Cifuentes said: “We must keep on pushing because I think that it won’t be until the end of the season that it is decided.”

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones

Marti Cifuentes

EXCLUSIVE

By Kiro Evans

ryAN leONArd has said his main focus is on keeping millwall in the Championship and not his ongoing contract situation.

The 31-year-old is one of a few firstteam players whose future is up in the air with his Lions deal expiring this June.

Leonard has been at the club since 2018 and, despite repeated injury issues limiting his game time, is a popular figure among fans.

The versatile defender said he was at ease with the situation and wanted to stay focused on bringing home the results that would secure Millwall’s league status, which would have the knock-on effect of also allowing the club

to plan more clearly for next season. He told our paper: “The stage of the season where it is, the main thing to think about is we need to win enough games to keep the football club in the league. And if we continue to do that then my situation will be what it will be at the end of the day.

“I can’t really control that at this stage. I’ve been playing and I like to think I’ve been playing well. I’ve been happy with my performance this year and I just need to continue that on a personal note. Hopefully that will help us win games and we’ll all be where we want to be at the end of the season.

“I’ll just worry about that as and when. It’s nice to have your future secure but at the moment we want to keep the football club secure and that’s the main thing.”

Leonard has started every game

eyes ON The priZe

Leonard insists full focus is on football and not his expiring contract

under Neil Harris this season, where he has had to adapt to a different style than he experienced under former Lions boss Joe Edwards.

On the transition, Leonard said: “Every manager has their own way of wanting to play and there’s no right or wrong way to play football, it’s a game of opinions.

“The manager’s come in and we’re playing a slightly different style to what Joe was playing but it seems to be working so far and long may it continue.

“At the moment we need to get results and we’ve been hard to play against, we’ve been defensively resolute and everyone’s pulling together and it’s really showing.”

Leonard is one of a handful of players who is still at the club from Harris’ first spell in charge of Millwall between 2015 and 2019, and the midfielder has

silva message doesn’t get through

an even more unique relationship with the boss as the pair played together at Southend United in the final years of Harris’ playing career.

Leonard said: “I played with the manger when he was at Southend just before he retired. And then obviously he signed me from Sheffield United when I first came here, so I’ve known him for a few years now.

“He’s not really changed that much to be honest. Even at the end of his playing career, he was kind of like a manager [already].

“He’s the same as he’s always been. He looks after his players, he keeps them onside and he knows how to get the best out of them. I think he builds relationship with every individual, whether it’s a player or staff member, and I think that shows with how he gets the best out of every person.”

EXCLUSIVE

By Kiro Evans

Neil hArriS has revealed how millwall’s famous 2018 win at elland road changed his approach to away games as he looked back on the victory.

The Lions scored two late goals to win 4-3 having blown a 2-0 lead against ten-man Leeds in a dramatic and memorable game.

The victory in January 2018 was even more remarkable given that Millwall had not won away from home all season up to that point and would then go on to win another five games away from home on the bounce.

Harris told our paper: “It was a fantastic occasion. Just a real rough and tumble game, it ebbed and flowed two ways with goals, red cards, tackles, and there was a late winner for us.

“The biggest thing was that we had been exceptional at home that year and struggled on the road and hadn’t won away, so we just mixed up a few bits pre-game and took the focus away from the intensity of the match for a more relaxed feel. We changed up to how we trained and how we travelled and we didn’t look back after that. We didn’t lose for the next four months away from home.

“We just adjusted slightly what we done, what we eat and how we went about it. And afterwards it just shows [the importance of] the mental side of it.

“And that game and preparation taught me a lot about adjusting. For two or three years I was quite set in my ways of how I approached games. You have to be adaptable.

“It was a big moment at the time but we’re in a different place as a group and we don’t need to change it up going into the match but it was a great day for all. And that’s the sort of character and desire you need when going to Elland Road.”

By John Kelly

we do.

By John Kelly

mArCO SilVA’S half-time message fell on deaf ears as Fulham were beaten 2-1 by Wolverhampton Wanderers at molineux last weekend.

Rayan Ait-Nouri opened the scoring in the second half before Nelson Semedo's shot deflected in off Tom Cairney for an own goal.

Alex Iwobi pulled a goal back in the sixth minute of stoppage-time.

“I was not happy with the way we started the first half, the first five minutes, and I told the players that we had to start the second half completely different,” Silva said. “It was something that we reinforced at half-time and it’s really strange the way we started the second half because we were aware that we had to start much quicker with much more of the ball.

“The reality was that we started the complete opposite of how we should and they punished us. We did create chances but it was much more difficult after 2-0.

"Some great saves from [Wolves goalkeeper] Jose Sa, but with the chances we had, you expect the ball to be in the net. We have to be clinical and ruthless at this level, we

weren't and we were punished by those mistakes."

Iwobi explained where he though the Cottagers let themselves down.

Iwobi said: “It feels like an opportunity missed, we had an opportunity to be clinical, but it wasn’t the case. They took their chances, and my goal at the end was a bit too late. We lost concentration and focus and we spoke about it after the game. We need to be concentrated for the full ninety minutes. We can’t switch off at this stage, we go again.”

Iwobi added: “I enjoy playing under the gaffer and he gives me the confidence to keep going and play my football, so hopefully the next goal will be on the winning side. It’s a bit of good form, and hopefully it can continue.”

Fulham host Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

OliVer glASNer said Crystal Palace felt “hurt” after they dropped two points in the 96th minute of their Premier league clash with luton Town at Selhurst Park last weekend.

Jean-Philippe Mateta put the hosts in front on eleven minutes but former Eagles winger Andros Townsend set up a late equaliser for Cauley Woodrow. Palace had 21 shots on goal and Odsonne Edouard hit the crossbar late on.

“It hurts, the draw hurts because I think we deserved the win,” Glasner said. “We did many things very well and we didn't decide the game where we could decide it, so we had a lot of opportunities.

“Luton is a team that always believes that they can score a goal and in this one situation we were too passive, we didn't have pressure on the ball. It didn't happen many times in the game but you know sometimes you have to feel the hurt that you can improve things and this is what

“It hurts but I'm sure that in future games, if we have the same game, we would win it.”

Glasner added: “Yes, we are disappointed but I'm really full of hope and full of belief in this team that we will get our results and points in the future games. I don't remember when we had so many opportunities to score and two times it was post [and] out and at the end it was post [and] in for Luton.

“Maybe we need this feeling, although nobody wants to have it, but for development sometimes you need this.

“All this let me look positive into the future because I see the players are listening, the players are willing and they are doing well so creating a lot of opportunities.

“We couldn't square off it and again we're disappointed about the result but I'm really pleased with the performance of the players.”

Palace travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Ryan

Face paLm

Wimbledon Bug-ie into play-off spot

By John Kelly

jOhNNie jACkSON urged his players to “focus on us” after Omar Bugiel’s double earned AFC Wimbledon a 2-0 win over play-off rivals gillingham at Plough lane on Tuesday night.

Bugiel struck either side of halftime to take his season’s goal tally to ten as the Dons moved into seventh place in League Two after an unbeaten March that included three wins and a draw in four games as well as no goals conceded.

Stephen Clemence’s Gills, who had Conor Masterson sent off in the 38th minute after two yellow cards in two minutes, dropped to tenth.

“A really good and solid performance,” Jackson said. “We caused them a lot of problems which led to the sending-off. We created a lot of chances on the night and we defended well when we had to. Another clean sheet, four in a row, really, really pleased with that. We’re showing great solidity and we’ve added goals to that in the last few games.

Midfielder believes getting rid of Poch would be wrong decision

By John Kelly

COle PAlmer believes there is no one better than mauricio Pochettino to lead this Chelsea squad - after more rumours the Blues were considering replacements for the Argentine manager.

Palmer scored and assisted in Chelsea’s 3-2 Premier League victory over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, bringing his goal involvements this season to nineteen following his £40million move from Manchester City last summer.

According to reports last week, the

Blues have been considering moves for Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi and Ruben Amorim should they sack Pochettino.

Pochettino has led Chelsea to the final of the EFL Cup - where they lost 1-0 to Liverpool - and to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.

But the Blues have struggled in the league and some supporters booed the manager at Brentford the previous weekend.

Palmer, though, has full faith in Pochettino.

"I think there is so much talent at Chelsea,” Palmer said. "The fans don’t see it, you guys [in the media] don’t see it, but the way the manager

works us on the pitch, the things he does with us, it’s only going to get better.

“I am sure that if not next season, but the season after, it’s a project and everyone’s young and we will see it sooner or later."

Palmer added: “We’re still in the FA Cup and hopefully we win on Sunday [at home to Leicester City] and get to Wembley again.

“We will take each league game as it comes, and hopefully climb the table and see where we finish."

Palmer set up Nicolas Jackson for the first against the Magpies in the sixth minute.

Aleksander Isak equalised two

minutes before half-time but Palmer restored the hosts’ advantage and substitute Mykhailo Mudryk made it 3-1 fourteen minutes from time.

Jacob Murphy scored in the 90th minute but the Blues held on to move to within one point of Eddie Howe’s side, who are tenth

“I think he is doing well,” Pochettino said of Palmer. “I think he is showing his quality and of course it is good to have him in the squad and in the team.

"Today, he is doing well, he is doing fantastic, he is getting more mature every day and of course I think he still needs to improve but is doing a very good job."

“We’ve chalked another off and now we have eight to go. We’re three points closer to where we need to be but we haven’t cracked anything. The boys need to stay really focused, which they have been. They’ve been outstanding. They need to focus on their recovery and then we look ahead to Newport here [on Saturday]. If we come off of our levels we will come unstuck really quickly. Let’s focus on us.”

On Bugiel, Jackson added: “I’m really pleased with his goals because they’re two proper centreforward goals. He’ll tell you how much I bang on about him being in those positions. If we give him the deliveries, you can see that he’s a menace in those situations. Great headed goal and then he gets a poacher’s one for his second. He’s listening and hopefully he’ll continue to do it.”

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