South London Weekly - March 22nd 2024

Contents

NEWS

Pages 2-17

EducatioN

Page 18-20

a Rt S

Page 21-22

HiStoRy

Page 23

PRoPERty

Page 24

cL a SSiFiEd

Page 25

Pub Lic NoticES

Pages 27-28

SPoRt

Pages 29-32

B oys 'may be quitting school to support families'

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter

Fears have been raised that boys are dropping out of school so they can take casual jobs to help their cash-strapped families, as new figures showed almost one in 10 male pupils in a London borough weren’t in education or employment after their GCses last year.

Only 91.2 per cent of male pupils in Lewisham, South East London remained in school, training or work after the age of 16 in 2023, a 2.6 per cent drop on the previous year. A council report dated March 12 about standards in the borough’s schools branded the figure ‘unusually low’.

In contrast, 95.6 per cent of female pupils in Lewisham continued in education, training or employment after their GCSEs, an increase on the year before.

At a council meeting to discuss the figures on March 12, councillor Jack Lavery asked Lewisham’s director of education Angela Scattergood if the low number of boys continuing in education could be due to ‘economic conditions’.

Cllr Lavery, Labour member for Sydenham, asked: “Could these individuals be in informal employment, supporting their families?”

Scattergood replied: “We have heard anecdotally from the sixth form colleges

that increasingly in sixth form there are increasing numbers of sixth formers who are working and missing school because they’re working.”

She added: “It’s a really good point about whether it’s more boys that are being called upon or feeling the need to be the providers for their families.”

Later in the meeting, councillor Yemisi Anifowose expressed concern that male pupils were achieving worse grades than female pupils in their A-Levels.

Cllr Anifowose, member for Hither Green, said: “For key stage five results it seems there’s a five point [percentage] gap which is very significant and quite wide. It’s one thing if boys are not attending school, but these boys are attending school and yet they’re underperforming compared to their female counterparts.”

Figures from the council report show there is a gender gap between male and female pupils at every stage of education in Lewisham. Just 64 per cent of Lewisham boys achieved a good level of development at the end of their first year in school, compared to 76 per cent of girls.

At the end of year two, just 54 per cent of boys in the borough were judged to have a good standard of writing, compared to 67 per cent of girls. By the end of primary school, just 56 per cent of boys meet the standards for

writing, compared to 66 per cent of girls.

At GCSE and A-Level level, male pupils’ achievement lags five per cent behind those of their female counterparts in the borough.

Just 58 per cent of male pupils in Lewisham are qualified to AS or A-Level standard or equivalent by the age of 19, compared to 72 per cent of female pupils.

Achievement at Lewisham primary schools continue to compare poorly overall to similar

boroughs. At GCSE level pupils’ results were overall worse than other London boroughs and England as a whole. Lewisham was ranked in the bottom 25 per cent of English local authorities for results in academic subjects at key stage five.

Councillor Angela Scattergood, Lewisham Council's director of education. Credit: Screenshot of Lewisham Council meeting

'Blatantly visible' drug taking on London streets

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter

sadiq Khan was challenged by a Tory critic on Friday over the amount of “blatantly visible” drug taking seen on the streets of London.

The mayor was told during a City Hall meeting that the issue had grown “seemingly out of control right across London after eight years of your mayoralty”.

Mr Khan said Londoners who witness habitual drug taking should phone the police, and he highlighted the work of his London Drugs Forum. But he warned that the Government must provide “adequate, long term funding” to address the problem.

The topic was raised at a Mayor’s Question Time session by Conservative assembly member Tony Devenish, who said he had recently attended a community meeting on

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the issue in the West End.

He gave as one example the residents of a housing estate who told him that when they leave their front door, “they walk past somebody who is blatantly and obviously –literally in the same spot, every evening and every morning – taking drugs”.

He added that these residents had asked him and local MP Nickie Aiken: “How do we stop these people literally shooting up in the street, literally hundreds of yards from Bond Street Tube station?”

Mr Khan thanked him for relaying the concerns, adding: “It must be a really scary experience your constituents have.

“They should ring the police, they should have the details of the local SNT [Safer Neighbourhood Team]… They’ll take action against these habitual, regular drug users.”

Mr Devenish added that the “noise from people using drugs” was also a significant

problem. It ruins your sleep, you’re trying to get your baby to sleep, you’re trying to get your kids to sleep,” he said.

“It is a huge issue – and it isn’t just about phoning the police. There’s got to be a sustainable way of stopping this, because it’s absolutely wrecking people’s lives.”

The mayor had earlier told the assembly member: “Making Londoners safer is my top priority, and I know that the harmful impacts of drugs are of serious concern to Londoners.

“My police and crime plan is clear that the Met Police Service and partners should be working together to tackle the harms associated with drug taking, including antisocial behaviour and violent crime.

“Residents should not have to witness illegal activity like this in their communities. It’s liable to make people feel unsafe, and the networks that are supported by drugs do pose a real threat to us all. So I’d like to reassure Londoners that we’re doing everything that we can to clamp down on illegal drug use.”

He pointed to the fact that since 2022, City Hall has invested £4million in the expansion of Project Adder in the Met Police, which aims to combat drug misuse.

He also said that his London Drugs Forum had brought multi-agency partners together to tackle drug harms, but added: “All this work is taking place against a challenging national backdrop.

this weekend

By Isabel Ramirez

A Bermondsey-BAsed group that builds human jenga-style towers is returning to the Blue, southwark Park road this weekend.

Castellers of London started in 2015 and is currently the only group of its kind in the capital. They follow a 200-year-old Catalan tradition of building human towers, known as Castells (‘Casteys’). Now, groups filled with individuals of any age all over the world compete to build the highest structures.

As part of the Blue’s programme of events for the year – Castellers of London will be performing on Saturday 23 March.

From midday, passersby can expect to be wowed by the death-defying stunts – and even find out how they can get involved.

They are currently focused on

building towers six and seven levels tall and are encouraging locals to join them. The practice is free to attend.

As well as being exciting, regulars –many of whom are not originally from England – say it has offered them a sense of community.

Gerard, from Tarragona in Spain, has been part of the group for five years.

“This is my family in London,” he said.

“The best part is feeling part of a common goal that we all have. Every person is important and has a role. It makes you feel a sense of belonging as well. Everyone is accepted, everyone is welcome.”

Other upcoming events at the Blue include – St George’s Day (Saturday 20 April), Biscuit Day (Saturday 25 May), Okinawa Day (Saturday 22 June) and the Summer Gala (Saturday 20 July).

The events take place at the Blue Market Place, Bermondsey, SE16 3UQ.

Borough Market to host free e aster activities for chi L dren

By Isabel Ramirez

BorouG h Mar K e T will host a free programme of easter activities, including the chance for kids to grow their own food.

The interactive event will take place daily on Tuesday 2 to Thursday 4 April in the Market Hall - which will be transformed into a pop-up garden with trellis archways, white picket fencing and flowers for the occasion.

Primary school children are being encouraged to learn where their food comes from through a ‘What’s in the Box?’ guessing game, hands-on crafts and seed planting.

Guided by Borough Market’s expert

And the first 100 children at the workshops get a free chocolate lollipop...

traders, all attendees have the choice of sowing their own fruit, vegetable, or herb seeds.

Each child will take their seeds

home in compostable pots to cultivate in their garden or window boxes. They will get to personalise their potted seeds by decorating plant pot sticks.

There will also be a free chocolate lollipop for the first 100 children who attend the workshops each day.

Borough Market will be open during the Easter holidays at its usual times but close on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

For information on opening times, visit boroughmarket.org.uk

The Market Explorers Garden events will take place daily between 11 am and 3 pm. The events are dropin, with no booking required.

Community sauna is coming to Burgess Park for one month only

By Isabel Ramirez

a C oMM uni T y sauna with ice baths is opening in Burgess Park next week.

From Thursday 28 March, visitors to the park can enjoy the new attraction, which will pop up at the Glengall Wharf Garden for one month only.

Community Sauna Baths - the company in charge - submitted plans in January for a permanent spot in Denmark Hill. Whilst these plans are still in the consultation phase, this is the chance for residents to dip their toe in the water - literally.

The temporary addition to Burgess Park will not only boast a communal sauna for individual bathers, but tickets also offer access to plunge pools and cold baths.

Tickets for a 60-minute session are £6 for those not currently earning and £10 for everyone else.

It will be open daily from MondayFriday 7am - 9pm and 8am - 9pm on weekends.

For other concessionary ticket options, please email at info@ community-sauna.co.uk

Glengall Sauna is located at the eastern end of Burgess Park on the Surrey Canal Walk at 64, Glengall Road, Peckham, SE15 6NH

residents eye High Court in bid to stop South Bank offices

By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter

souTh London residents are set to go to the high court in a last ditch effort to block the construction of a 25-storey office block on the south Bank. Housing secretary Michael Gove waved through the project which will see iTv’s former headquarters at 72 upper Ground bulldozed and replaced with offices in February.

But campaigners are determined to stop the development, which they claim will be a blot on the capital’s skyline and have disastrous consequences for the environment. They’re also unhappy that the plans for the site don’t include any housing.

Campaign group Save Our South Bank is attempting to raise £15,000 in donations to force a judicial review in an attempt to

overturn Mr Gove’s approval of the plans. The planned high court challenge is the latest twist in a two year battle between campaigners and Mitsubishi Estate London and CO–RE, who are bringing forward the development, since the project was originally approved by Lambeth Council in March 2022.

Two months after councillors green lit the plans for the site by a majority of six to one, Mr Gove ordered construction work on the site to pause while he decided whether to look into the proposals himself. An inquiry into the plans ordered by Mr Gove concluded in January 2023. It took another 13 months for the housing secretary to announce his decision to allow the project to go ahead.

ITV’s ex-studios would be bulldozed and replaced with offices, restaurants, shops and a new gallery under the plans for the site. Michael Ball from Save Our South Bank

said the judicial review could be residents’ ‘last chance’ to stop the plans.

He added: “The slab development not only threatens the enjoyment of millions walking the South Bank, as well as multiple protected views of national heritage, but also undermines efforts to address our city’s housing crisis while needlessly emitting over 100,000 tonnes of CO2. It is an extraordinary feat of self-harm.”

Jenny O’Neil, chair of Save Our South Bank, said the group was engaged in a ‘David vs Goliath struggle’ to save the capital’s heritage and riverside.

In a joint statement, Mitsubishi Estate London and CO—RE said their proposals would be a ‘fantastic addition’ to the South Bank and would provide a ‘high quality commercial and arts-led development.’

Shinichi Kagitomi, CEO of Mitsubishi Estate London and Stephen Black, director at CO—RE, said: “72 Upper Ground

represents a £700m investment in the UK, creating over 4,000 new jobs, and vital new workspace that prioritises sustainability and wellbeing. Crucially, it will benefit the local community through the London Studios, which will provide 40,000 sq ft net of affordable workspace that is tailored to the needs of Lambeth’s emerging creative industries.

“This includes new cultural venues that have rehearsal space, gallery and

presentation spaces and studios, alongside new public spaces with river facing cafés and restaurants. We understand and respect the responsibilities that come with building a major new development in this prominent part of Central London.

“We are looking forward to working with our cultural neighbours and the wider community to deliver an outstanding building that makes a significant positive contribution to its place.”

Plans to plonk a 14-storey tower in suburbia take a step forward despite over 1,000 people objecting

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter

PLans To put a 14-storey tower in south London suburbia have taken a step forward despite over 1,000 people objecting to the proposals.

Planners from Lambeth Council have recommended councillors approve the 237 home scheme on a site currently home to a homebase store in streatham.

But locals have branded the proposed development ‘monstrous’, saying that it looks like something from the Soviet Union. They have written to Lambeth councillors asking them to reject the proposals when they go before a planning committee on Tuesday (March 19).

In an open letter, they write: “The proposal to build 237 homes with a gigantic 14-storey tower in the middle of low rise suburban Streatham Vale, sets a dangerous precedent for councils pushing through over development in areas simply not suited or able to cope with the additional stresses such schemes impose on local infrastructure and amenities.

“Indeed the site has been developed to such density that it imposes constraints of the type one might find in an inner city area where space is at a premium, whereas this site has no such constraints other than the desire to maximise the quantum.”

The letter goes on to criticise the development for including single aspect flats (where windows are only on one side of the property). Of the 237 homes planned, 31 will be single aspect.

It also raises concerns about noise pollution from a nearby railway line, criticises the placement of some kids’ play areas on the roof of buildings and questions the lack of parking spaces included in the development.

According to council planning documents, play space for kids aged between zero and four would be built on the rooftops of two of the

planned buildings, one eight-storeys high and the other seven-storeys tall. There would also be over 500 sq metres of play area elsewhere in the development.

Despite having effectively no parking spaces, planning documents say the development is expected to have a ‘negligible’ impact on local bus routes and trains from Streatham Common station. But the council report warns that the lack of on-street controlled parking in the area will likely mean the planned flats cause ‘a very high level of local parking stress’.

The proposals include 52 social

rent homes and 29 shared ownership properties, where a person buys a portion of a property and pays rent on the remaining amount to a housing association. A GP surgery is expected to move into a unit included in the development.

The plans are being brought forward by developer Hadley Property Group, alongside housing association Clarion Housing Group.

Emily Smith, co-leader of a residents’ group opposed to the plans, said: “This prison-like development has more in common with Azkaban than Streatham. This area has no other

high-rise developments. It’s dominated by late Victorian housing no more than three-storeys high so this block of flats is completely out of character.

“It will block light from surrounding properties and create a horrible environment for both its new residents and those already living in the area.”

Over 1,000 people have signed a petition created by local campaigners demanding that Hadley Property Group reduces the height and density of the development.

Hadley Property Group and Clarion Housing Group were contacted for comment but had failed to reply at the

time of publication.

CGI of planned tower as seen from Woodgate Drive, Streatham.

CGI of planned tower as seen from Woodgate Drive, Streatham. Credits: Lambeth Council planning documents

Hundreds of people have objected to the plans on Lambeth Council''s website.

Credit: Woodgate Tower Protest Group

Photos, clockwise from top left: Streatham residents outside the under threat Homebase store. Credit: Robert Firth

n When 49-year-old Shamilla Mirza found a pea-shaped lump in her breast, she sought help from her GP – who helped her get an early diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer.

n If something in your body doesn’t feel right, you should contact your GP practice straight away. It could be nothing, but it’s important to remember that finding cancer early could save your life.

After she spotted the lump, Shamilla’s GP referred her to the breast clinic for tests.

The mother-of-two was shocked to be diagnosed with breast cancer but says the support of her family gave her the strength to face the disease.

Shamilla had a mastectomy (an operation where breast tissue is removed) and breast reconstruction, followed by chemotherapy treatment.

Looking back, she says: “I cannot thank the NHS or my family enough for giving me the courage to deal with cancer. I know my early diagnosis and treatment is the reason why I’m still here for my family, particularly my sons Zakir and Zain.”

In 2019, Shamilla unveiled a

special park bench – marking her recovery from cancer. It salutes the scientists, doctors and nurses who are making game-changing progress in tackling the disease.

The inscription on her bench reads: “Shamilla Mirza loved sitting here… and still does thanks to advances in cancer research.”

Cancer signs and symptoms come in different guises, so it’s vital that we are all aware of any new or unexplained changes in our bodies.

To rule out cancer, your GP may refer you for tests. It’s probably nothing serious, but finding cancer early makes it more treatable and can save lives.

Whatever the result, your NHS is here for you – as Shamilla knows so well.

If something in your body doesn’t feel right

Contact your GP practice if something in your body doesn’t feel right or you experience any of the symptoms below:

l Breathlessness

l Frequent infections

l Unexplained night sweats

l Unexpected or unexplained bruising or bleeding

l Unexplained weight loss

l Blood in your pee (even just once)

l Blood in your poo, which may look red or black

l An unexplained lump

For three weeks or more:

l Tummy trouble, such as discomfort or diarrhoea

l Unexplained pain or discomfort

l Feeling tired and unwell and not sure why

l A cough

l Heartburn or indigestion

l Unusual, pale or greasy poo

It’s probably nothing serious, but finding cancer early makes it more treatable and can save lives.

For more information go to nhs.uk/cancersymptoms

Finding cancer earlier makes it more treatable

‘Some symptoms are less obvious than others’

Professor Peter Johnson

NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, comments:

Cancer symptoms and early warning signs can be very varied with some being less obvious than others. But what’s important to know is what is normal for you, so you can spot any changes. If you have any concerns or if something in your body doesn’t feel quite right, you should contact your GP practice.

n It could be nothing, but diagnosing cancer earlier could save your life.

n Blood cancers are the fifth most common type of cancer in the UK with over 41,000 people diagnosed every year.

n The symptoms can be quite common – such as breathlessness, night sweats, or feeling tired when you’re not sure why – but if something doesn’t feel right for you, please contact your local GP practice.

n Finding cancer earlier saves lives.

Shamilla Mirza on her named bench

nursing hoMe with uP to 100 Beds PLanned for Queen’s road

EXCLUSIVE

By Herbie Russell

souThWarK CounCiL has outlined plans to build a new nursing home in queen’s road, Peckham.

The development, likely to contain 80 to 100 beds, and measure four to five storeys, would help meet the “huge demand” for adult social care provision, a council officer said.

The nursing home would occupy an empty plot off Asylum Road, once earmarked for Queens Road 4 (QR4), a proposed set of council offices that Southwark later scrapped.

Local residents, many of whom fought against QR4, were briefed about the council’s plans at a meeting on Thursday, March 14.

A council officer said:

“The latest thinking is that the council is now considering placing a nursing home on this site.”

She added: “The council does have a planning commitment to deliver a new nursing home. There’s huge demand.”

No planning application has been submitted but Southwark Council was keen to inform locals, many of whom fought against QR4, about its plans.

The new development would follow the line of Georgian houses on Asylum Road, the council officer said.

Southwark Council envisions there being a large garden area, acting as a buffer between the development and homes along King’s Grove.

There is no information currently available on the building’s exact size or massing, with such details set to be hammered out following statutory consultations.

The centre would be a development partnership meaning the council would operate it alongside a private provider.

The split in beds between council and private would be between 70:30 and 50:50, the council officer said. years, they added.

The scrapped QR4 proposals were hugely controversial and resulted in a seven-year battle between Southwark Council and locals opposed to the plans due to its size and design.

Southwark Council binned the proposal in October 2020 after the pandemic reduced the need for office space.

However, Southwark Council made clear it still intended to develop the site so residents were braced for the worst.

But the council officer who gave the presentation said attendees’

reactions were positive.

One attendee agreed that adult social care provision was “incredibly important” and suggested the site, with its space for gardens for residents, was suitable.

Some did raise concerns about the proposals, saying the Queen’s Road area needed more green space.

Another attendee said the development did not fit in with Queen’s Road’s burgeoning nightlife, although the vast majority of attendees did not share this view.

Gavin Edwards, ward councillor for Nunhead & Queen’s Road, said adult social care was “desperately needed” in the area.

He said: “People in our community and our society do need that kind of care. Social care is incredibly important.”

The Labour ward councillor said

people “shouldn’t dismiss the usage of this for this purpose as something that isn’t going contribute to our community because it will contribute to our community”.

Some did question why Southwark Council had demolished the Queen’s Road Adult Day Centre on the site given it’s now building a nursing home.

Southwark Council has been asked to comment on whether it was the right decision to demolish the day centre.

A portion of land on the site’s south will be left vacant but Southwark Council has plans to develop it too, saying affordable workspace could be its use.

Another nursing home called Queen’s Oak Care Home, run by Lancewood Ltd, already exists metres away from the site.

Bermondsey man is through to the final of Britain’s best young chef contest

By Herbie Russell

a Man from Bermondsey is through to the final of a competition to find the UK’s best young chef.

Karol Ploch, 28, a sous chef at Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, is one step closer to becoming this year’s Roux Scholar. He was one of three to get through from London in the semi-final judged by experts including Alain Roux, Brian Turner CBE, Rachel Humphrey and some previous winners.

After wowing the judges with his first dish - Roasted Pork Loin with Pork and Pistachio Farce, Sweet Potato Dauphine, Glazed Pork Kidney with

Crackling Crumb, Mushroom Bon Bon and Peppercorn Sauce - Karol’s nerves are racing for the final.

Following his success on the day he said: “I’m excited but really nervous. Today was how I expected it to be, and I was pleased about how it went.

“Now we just have to see how the final goes.”

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

Originally from Poland, Karol came to London to progress in his career and has lived in Bermondsey for the last four years.

He will compete in the national final on Monday 8 April 2024 against five others.

The recipe details will be a complete surprise until 45 minutes before the start of the competition.

Each finalist will be given the ingredients for a main dish, either classic or modern, and given up to three hours to prepare and present it to the judges.

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

left; Karol in the semi-finalinset: his dish went down a treat with the judges

Left; A very rough diagram of the area the nursing home could occupy (not exact) Main; Residents quizzed a council officer on the plans at a meeting on Thursday, March 14

BeautifuL BLue Mosaic in Burgess Park rePLaced with ‘souLLess’ Beige tiLes

By Isabel Ramirez

ParK users have been dismayed for weeks after finding a popular islamic mosaic in Burgess Park has been replaced with dull, beige tiles.

Chumleigh Gardens, located at the heart of the park, has become known as a hidden gem and is looked after by the Friends group.

It was opened nearly thirty years ago and its worldly influences and plants from around the world attract people from far and wide to the space.

But now it looks different to how many will know it. The blue mosaic - a distinct, well-loved centrepiece of the Islamic Gardens - has been replaced with beige tiles after reportedly falling into disrepair.

Regular park users did not hide their disappointment on social media, with comments including descriptions of the new tiles as ‘soulless’ and ‘dull.’

A Facebook user wrote: “It’s lost its unique character and charm. Now it looks generic.”

After asking Southwark Council, they told us the neutral tiles were an ‘urgent replacement’ and assured us they would be bringing back the

© Susan Crip

mosaic tiles ‘once funding is secured.’ Councillor Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Leisure and Parks, said: “The Islamic Gardens is a cherished place within Burgess Park, and we are eager to refresh the space for all park visitors to enjoy.

“The current tiles were urgently

installed to address safety concerns.

“Our focus is now on permanent enhancements for the gardens, which will involve collaborating with local groups and residents to reintroduce mosaic pattern tiles once funding is secured.”

Susan Crisp, a member of Friends

of Burgess Park, said that whilst the group is ‘pleased’ the council was able to repair the tiles, they would have liked to have been consulted.

“Chumleigh Gardens is a wonderful space with four walled gardens each with its own style, known as the World Garden.

“Friends of Burgess Park was not asked to comment on any designs for the replacement, although we were told the work was happening.

She added: “We hope that any future work to Chumleigh Gardens will involve consultation with park users. Parks need local champions.”

SPECIAL OFFER*

unemployed people build community garden on ‘anti-social behaviour’ site

By Herbie Russell

uneMPLoyed PeoPLe have built a community garden on a patch of Camberwell land that was once a ‘hotspot for fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour’.

The volunteers were taking part in Future Gardeners, a scheme run by Bankside Open Spaces Trust and The Worshipful Company of Gardeners, and finished the garden last month.

e fourteen-week courses see students get a horticultural qualification, with participants going on to prestigious roles at famous institutions including Kew Gardens and Fulham Palace.

Shereen Chung-Blake, programme co-ordinator, said: “The rain poured down but didn’t stop the smiles or fun and we are pleased that the Future Gardeners Students were able to install the new Wildlife Friendly Field kindly provided by Garden On A Roll, wormery, summer bulbs and a recycled tire pond.”

She said the space used to attract unpleasant behaviour but would now be “teeming with wildlife in the summer which local residents are looking forward to be able to enjoy”.

The Camberwell Triangle Garden on the Goschen Allotments Site has a new grass lawn, wildlife plants and a pond that’s slowly filling with rainwater.

The courses attract people young and old, from all walks of life, including a former GP in the current cohort.

70 to 80 per cent of volunteers go on to secure employment in horticulture, aided by the L2 City and Guilds horticultural qualification they get.

“If you go to most prestigious green spaces you’ll find at least one future gardener,” Shereen said.

“The next course starting in January

is now full. If you wish to apply for the course starting in April 2024, please fill out the form below. We will be in touch with you about the next steps in the application process nearer the course start date.

“If you have any questions please email Louisa at louisa@bost.org.uk.”

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Person found dead after Herne Hill fire at weekend

By Herbie Russell

a Person has been killed after a fire in Herne Hill over the weekend.

Officers have launched an investigation into the incident at a residential block on Saturday night (March 16).

The victim was found in the living room and pronounced dead at the scene.

The death is currently being treated as unexplained.

The London Fire Brigade was called to Herne Hill House, Railton Road, at 11.38pm on Saturday.

The fire tore through a two-roomed flat on the second floor with photos at the scene showing damage to the window.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters battled the blaze and the incident was over by 12.24am.

Police and forensics teams were spotted on the scene the following morning.

Local politicians shared their condolences including Dulwich and West Norwood MP Helen Hayes.

She visited the scene and wrote on X: “Tragically a person lost their life last night in a fire in Herne Hill House. My thoughts are with their family, friends & neighbours.”

Jim Dickson, Labour councillor for Herne Hill and Loughborough Junction, also visited the block. He wrote on X: “Fire last night on the second floor of Herne Hill House has very sadly resulted in a fatality.

“That part of the building is currently a crime scene. Need to ask questions of

the council, fire service & police on how this happened. Thoughts with the family of the person who died.”

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Sadly, a person has died following a flat fire on Railton Road in Brixton.

“Most of a two-roomed flat on the second floor of a residential block was damaged by fire.

“Firefighters found a person in the living room who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“The Brigade was called at 2338 and the incident was over for firefighters by 0024. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Brixton, Clapham and West Norwood fire stations attended the scene.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 203/17Mar.

UK Gov’s tougher changes in immigration & visa introductions

As the drive to reduce immigration continues, the UK Government has identified that both students and those on the healthcare work visas, are the biggest contributors to the increase in net migration.

It seems unfair, when post Covid, the UK needed both economical funding and workforce, the rules were relaxed and then they are now blamed for something created by the UK Government.

Find more details of the cases we have successfully challenged the Home Office on unfair decisions: https://icslegal.com/ immigration-appeals-courts-tribunals.

Changes to impact

• For the businesses, the skilled worker visa salary threshold has increased to £38,700. There is a reduction on those under the entrant level.

• New Immigration Salary list created and replaces the UK Shortage List.

• Appeal rights including Administrative Review changes.

• Partner rule changes including salary threshold.

Need to speak with one of our Lawyers, call us on 020 7237 3388 or email us at info@ icslegal.com.

Partner salary threshold & others

As most may be aware, the salary threshold will move to £29,000.00 for the sponsor to prove in order to meet the financial test.

1. Those changes would apply on 11 April

2024, those applying on the Appendix FM category for the first time.

2. Applying for extension and settlement, the applicant/sponsor needs to meet the minimum income requirement (MIR). Apply for a partner visa

Given the changes being applied by the Home Office, there are still considerations under Article 8 ECHR in line with exceptional circumstances.

1. If you don’t meet the normal Immigration Rules, Home Office does consider cases that do not fall within the policy law.

2. Where there are children involved, the

Home Office will consider third party financial support.

Applications that do not meet the general immigration policies, you can still apply under the partner visa rule and provide evidences including information to support your application. If the partner visa is refused, a right to appeal is generated and a First Tier Tribunal will decide whether the decision is proportionate and fair.

Read more here about applying for a partner visa https://icslegal.com/uk-spouse-visa.

EU Settlement Scheme

1. The EUSS is being reformed to meet some of the legal challenges and allow those holding pre-settled status sufficient time to apply for the EUSS settled status.

Global Business Mobility

The visa category being updated by the Home Office, allowing overseas business to come and set-up in the UK.

1. Apply for the sponsor licence. This is required as part of the UK Expansion Visa. More details here https://icslegal. com/sponsorship-licence.

2. Once the sponsor licence is approved, a sponsorship certificate would need to be issued which would allow a senior person of the business to come and set-up the entity in the UK.

Initial grant of the visa is 12 months, followed by an extension for 12 months. If you intend to remain in the UK longer than this, then a skilled worker visa application would be required using the applicable sponsorship certificate.

Speaking to ICS Legal Immigration Lawyers

By speaking to one of our Lawyers, you will find confidence in your appeal process and ensure your making the right decision. Speak to us on 020 7237 3388 and find more information on www.icslegal.com.

Stay connected with us with all the latest legal changes on immigration, nationality and human rights policies.

Volunteers have built a new lawn and plant beds

© Bankside Open Spaces Trust

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Tuesday 26th – Saturday 30th March, 11am – 3pm

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Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm

decision to Move chiLdren’s cancer services to centraL London ‘Puts chiLdren at risk’

By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter

an nhs deCision To Move Children’s cancer services for south London and south east england to one location has been criticised by thousands of parents and carers, who say it could add hours onto journey times and put children at risk. some parent campaigners who have worked on the proposals also say they feel their input has been ignored by the nhs

The decision, which followed a lengthy consultation, now means specialist children’s cancer treatment services at The Royal Marsden Hospital, in Sutton, and St George’s Hospital, Tooting, will be moved to the Evelina Children’s Hospital in Lambeth at an estimated cost of £40m.

It comes after a new national service specification in 2021 outlined that specialist children’s cancer treatment services must be on the same site as a paediatric intensive care unit and other specialist children’s services. The Royal Marsden does not have a paediatric intensive care unit on site, meaning a small number of children with cancer requiring intensive care are transferred safely by ambulance from the hospital to St George’s every year.

According to the NHS: “Evelina’s wide range of services, support for hospitals across its catchment area to look after poorly young patients and strong performance in research are just some of the factors that showed it is the right place for the future Children’s Cancer Centre.”

However, parents and campaigners believe this decision has largely ignored the patient experience, which they believe to be a strength of the current model.

Jenny Houghton’s 14-year-old son Lewis was diagnosed with cancer just before his sixth birthday in 2015 and treated at The Royal Marsden. He has been in remission for eight years. Ms Houghton is part of the parent stakeholder group opposing the proposals, which has been involved in the consultation process since 2019.

The 45-year-old told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the Marsden is ‘incomparable’ and provided world-class care for children. She also highlighted that all families can live on-site at the Marsden, which is important as parents remain the primary carers throughout a child’s time spent at the hospital.

At Evelina, most parents will have to stay at Ronald McDonald House accommodation 10 minutes away from the hospital. Houghton said ‘this was not a solution’, because parents need to be with their children throughout this sensitive process.

She also insisted their campaign was not ‘belittling the impact of this decision if you have a child that needs intensive care’. However, she added: “There are no fatalities from the system that currently works with the Royal Marsden and St George’s. It’s the wrong decision and it’s really disappointing.”

Travel and access to the sites have also been raised by the parents throughout the campaign. The ‘experts by experience’ group which Houghton is

a part of, believes the decision to move services will be detrimental to a large number of children and parents who rely on using cars to access treatment.

Along with South London, these changes also cover Kent, most of Surrey, Medway, East Sussex, Brighton and Hove. According to the parent group, 60% of patients are from these areas outside of London and mainly rely on cars for

this ‘doesn’t fix the problem’ and that continued travel between Evelina and UCH will need to take place as most children with cancer require radiotherapy.

This concern over transport was shared by Kingston Upon Thames Councillor Anita Schaper, who has been against the proposal from the beginning. She told the LDRS: “Travel and access is a huge

a result.

In his official statement, he said: “This is a positive step forward for children’s cancer care – at the new location, children who need intensive care will be able to get it on site and the future centre will stand ready to give cutting-edge treatments that require intensive care on site, like other major centres worldwide.

“Service reconfiguration is rarely

transport.

James Woodall, whose child was also treated at the Royal Marsden, told the LDRS: “A child with cancer is likely to be immunosuppressed, meaning they have a weak immune system, so you don’t want them to go around the general public. I’ve never met anyone that has taken a child to any of the hospitals in anything else than a car.”

Houghton added: “Parents are also advised by the consultant not to take their children on public transport because if they become ill they can’t have their treatment. They have no immune system and if they catch something, that then delays their chemotherapy treatment further.

“Now they tell us if they get a train to the Evelina it might be quicker, but no one is going to do that. Then they come back and say that public transport isn’t great to the Royal Marsden but then you can drive and you have got a car park.”

At the meeting at Wellington House, bosses also decided to move radiotherapy services to University College Hospital (UCH) in Central London. The parents’ group were keen to tell the LDRS that

problem. From our evidence, we know that the most common childhood cancer from the ages of 0-4 is leukaemia. They are not going to take public transport, it’s a good 20-minute walk from Waterloo.

“No amount of mitigation will ever address that families with very sick immune depressed children will not want to take public transport. The parents and everyone in the feedback have clearly said that.”

Despite being included throughout the process, many parents felt their concerns were not reflected in the decision and believed that their input was akin to a ‘tick box exercise’.

Dr Chris Streather, a senior paediatrician who previously worked as a consultant at St George’s, admitted that the decision will disproportionately impact people across the South East.

Speaking to the LDRS he said this decision could benefit those who have good transport links to the Evelina but not those who are poorly connected. However, he was keen to stress that transport and access was ‘absolutely not a trivial thing’ and added that parents and families will receive free parking as

easy, but the decision taken today will ensure that children with cancer in South London and much of the South East will continue to receive the best possible care now and into the future.”

A spokesperson for Evelina London Children’s Hospital, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust said: “We welcome NHS England’s decision to select Evelina London Children’s Hospital as the future location for very specialist cancer treatment services for children living in south London and much of south east England.

“Throughout the NHS England-led process we have provided detailed evidence to show how Evelina London is best placed to provide high quality care, research and support to children and young people with cancer.

“Bringing together staff from the current Principal Treatment Centre, including the world-renowned team from The Royal Marsden, with the many specialist teams at Evelina London who already care for children with complex medical conditions, will provide joined up and innovative care for children with cancer, in family-friendly facilities.

Locating the Principal Treatment Centre at a dedicated specialist children’s hospital will also bring our region into line with children’s cancer care delivery in the rest of England.

“We remain fully committed to working with patients, their families, staff from the current service, and other partners to design the new service with children, young people and staff at its heart, to ensure continuity of care during the transition period and to agree a plan for the transfer of the service.”

The campaign against the plans attracted support from politicians, professionals and celebrities like Jack Dee. The #hearthemarsdenkids petition, set up by Houghton, was eventually signed by 12,000 people.

Wandsworth Council Leader Simon Hogg, who has led Wandsworth’s campaign to save children’s cancer care at St George’s, said: “This is a hugely disappointing decision, and shows that little attention has been paid to the families of children with cancer, who have overwhelmingly voiced their opposition to these proposals.

“St George’s has been offering highquality cancer care to children for the past 25 years. The removal of services risks losing that clinical expertise and could have a serious knock-on effect on other specialist treatments the hospital provides.

“Our fight to keep children’s cancer care at St George’s does not end here. We will do everything in our power to make sure the NHS and government reconsider this decision and do what is best for families.”

This echoes similar calls by Sutton MPs Elliot Colburn and Paul Scully, who said: “We believe that the Secretary of State for Health and Care should look to use her call-in powers to take a decision on the future of children”s cancer services in SW London and Surrey.”

The NHS plans for the service reconfiguration to commence no earlier than October 2026, but has acknowledged this date may have to be extended. Issues relating to transferring and possibly hiring new staff at the Evelina, along with the building of new facilities may lead to further delay and increased costs.

However, Councillor Schaper said: “At the end of the day there are so many unknown variables and unknown factors out of the NHS’s control, I would be very surprised if it was done in two and a half years, I believe we’re looking at a really slow and painful process of change.”

While NHS bosses praised the work of the Royal Marsden and St George’s, they said the decision was necessary and insisted they ‘will work hard to ensure they we deliver the best patient experience that we can’.

Far left: Dr Chris Streather said: “This is a positive step forward for children’s cancer

Photos:

Top: Jenny and Steve Houghton with their children Credit: Jenny Houghton

Left: James Woodall with his son George in treatment at the Royal Marsden Centre Credit: Jenny Houghton

care.” Credit: Harrison Galliven

crossBow attack: staLker ‘swung sword’ at officers as residents ‘Barricaded’ doors

By Herbie Russell

horriFyinG deTaiLs of the terrifying incident that saw an armed crossbowman shot dead by police in rotherhithe have been released by the police watchdog.

Convicted stalker Bryce Hodgson, from Sheffield, swung a sword at officers as his terrified victims barricaded themselves in their home, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said.

The 30-year-old was killed after being shot in the neck and chest by police in the quiet Bywater Place culde-sac on Tuesday, January 30.

The IOPC is investigating the incident as it does whenever somebody dies following or during police contact.

Police were called to the scene at 5am on January 30 after receiving reports of a man armed with several weapons threatening people inside the address.

They forced entry into the property where Hodgson was trying to break through an internal door, the police watchdog said.

The IOPC investigation has found Hodgson was carrying weapons including tools and three crossbows.

The police watchdog said that “Mr Hodgson had entered the property via the back door and was trying to get into a bedroom in the house where the residents at the property had barricaded themselves in”.

It continued: “He was instructed to ‘show his hands’ by officers who challenged him with a Taser, which

was not discharged.

“When Mr Hodgson failed to comply and swung the sword at officers, they withdrew and requested assistance.”

Officers on the scene were then joined by armed support and firearms officers entered the property at 5.15am.

The IOPC said officers’ accounts that Mr Hodgson pointed a crossbow at an officer, were “supported by the audio from the body worn video”.

One officer then fired two shots, hitting Hodgson in his neck and his chest, the investigation has found.

Officers immediately secured the weapons, began first aid and called an ambulance but Mr Hodgson was, sadly, declared dead at 5.37am.

Hodgson had been handed a sixteenweek suspended jail term in July and put under supervision for twelve months after admitting stalking.

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer

Guy’s and St Thomas’ ‘outstanding’ staff honoured at awards ceremony

By Herbie Russell

Guy’s and st Thomas’ hospital has honoured the “outstanding” staff across its five hospitals at a glittering awards ceremony.

Perinatal imaging midwives, laryngology consultants and a clinical fellow in cardiothoracic surgery were among the winners.

Celebrity doctor and staff member Dr Ranj Singh kicked off proceedings by introducing award presenters including local MP Florence Eshalomi.

Perinatal imaging midwives took home the team award for always putting their patients first and making sure they have the necessary support in place.

Dr Aamir Amin, clinical fellow in cardiothoracic surgery, won the individual award after receiving a whopping 77 nominations from patients including one who said “the NHS needs more doctors like him”.

Dr Amin said: “I consider myself extremely privileged and fortunate to have been trained by and worked amongst some of the best, most hardworking and dedicated people in the country.

“The Trust and its staff have a very special place in my heart, so it was fantastic to be able to celebrate and appreciate everyone.”

intensive care and South Thames Retrieval Service were crowned winners of the ‘take pride in what we do’ award.

These teams have outstanding reputations for their wonderful care of babies, children, young people, the trust said.

Professor Ian Abbs, Chief Executive of Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “Congratulations to everyone who was nominated and won an award. I would like to particularly highlight our brilliant admin teams who won the Chairman and Chief Executive award.

“These colleagues have been at the heart of everything we have done in

recent years, including our response to the pandemic, industrial action, and the launch of our electronic health record.”

said: “I send my condolences to the family and friends of Bryce Hodgson and all those present or affected by this tragic incident, including the occupants of the property and officers involved.

“The evidence gathered to date supports the officers’ accounts that they perceived there to be an immediate and serious threat to the occupants inside the house.

“The officers, who were presented

with a dynamic situation, acted swiftly to gain entry into the house to prevent any further harm to the residents.”

As part of its investigation, the watchdog added it would “also examine any contact the MPS

[Metropolitan Police Service] had with Mr Hodgson following his conviction for stalking in June 2023”.

The IOPC said it had met Hodgson’s family and expected its investigation to finish this summer.

Man wanted in connection with Deptford ‘machete attack’

By Herbie Russell

PoLiCe are on the lookout for a man wanted in connection with a ‘machete attack’ outside a deptford mosque.

Officers are asking the public to help locate 24-year-old Abdullahi Mohamed following the incident near the Deptford Islamic Centre, Childers Street, on Friday, February 9.

The victim, a man in his twenties, was taken to hospital with a stab wound. His condition was not life-threatening.

Officers have carried out numerous enquiries to locate Mohamed and are now releasing an image of him.

DC James Richardson, from the local policing team in south-east London, said: “Mohamed is fully aware that police are trying to locate him for this offence.

“Anyone who knows him or has information on his whereabouts should contact us. This was an extremely violent attack, using a large machete, and Mohamed is believed to be dangerous”.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @ MetCC quoting CRIS 3203506/24. For an immediate sighting, do not approach Momahed but call 999.

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Paediatric

A forensic tent was erected at the scene of the incident

Hodgson was killed on Bywater Place, Rotherhithe

Police are looking for Mohamed

The perinatal imaging midwifery team GSTT

By Herbie Russell

FaMous BriTish actor sir Michael Caine ielebrated his 91st birthday this week.

Born on March 14, 1933, in the old St Olave’s Hospital, Rotherhithe, his family home was in Borough and he attended Wilson’s School in Camberwell.

In 2003, the Oscar, Golden Globe and Bafta-winning actor personally attended the inauguration of his Blue Plaque on the hospital site, as part of the scheme thought up by Southwark News.

Sir Michael was first named Maurice Joseph Micklewhite but adopted the stage name Michael White while treading the boards of Britain’s provincial theatres until the mid-1950s.

When he returned to London, he found there was already a Michael White performing in London so was persuaded to adopt a new name.

Discussing what his new sobriquet could be while talking to his agent from a telephone box in Leicester Square, he looked up at a billboard advertising The Caine Mutiny above the entrance to the Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square.

Being a huge fan of the star Humphrey Bogart, he decided there and then to adopt the surname Caine.

Caine surprised fans during his 90th birthday last year with a snap of him celebrating with Tom Cruise who worked with him in 2002’s Austin Power comedy Goldmember.

David Walliams and Denise Welch were also at the do at the River Cafe in Hammersmith.

In October last year, the movie star announced his retirement saying: “I keep saying I’m going to retire. Well I am now.”

Caine is normally active on X, formerly Twitter, but has been notably quiet over the last month.

His last post was on February 11 when he wrote: “Love Las Vegas, got married there”.

rotherhithe’s sir MichaeL caine ceLeBrates 91st Birthday

A delighted Michael Caine unveiling his very own Blue Plaque in 2003 at the site of the hospital where he was born

kfc and nando’s donating to newLy oPened waLworth foodBank

By Herbie Russell

KFC is among the businesses donating to a newly opened foodbank in Walworth, according to Peabody.

160 families have already signed up to The Darwin Court Food Hub, run by the housing association which officially launched on February 27. As well as staples like eggs, milk, and bread, food donated by KFC and Nando’s is reportedly being provided.

Purdy, one of Peabody’s contractors, has helped fund the project, paying

for refrigeration units and providing regular volunteers to help with food distribution.

Ian McDermott, Chief Executive at Peabody, said: “Darwin Court is an amazing project that grew out of need, and it now helps over 100 Southwark residents get access to free, healthy food.

“Its expansion couldn’t have happened without the help of our partners at Purdy who have provided vital donations - including fridges, freezers and food.

“This much needed hub is just one example of our dedication to making

a tangible difference to the lives of Londoners by breaking stigma, supporting residents, and boosting health and wellbeing.”

Darwin Court, where the hub is based, is an older person’s housing scheme with 76 apartments and 135 residents.

The food hub is a free service open three times a week on Tuesdays from 9.30am – 12.30pm, Thursdays from 3.30 - 6.30pm and Saturdays from 10.00am - 3.00pm.

Brixton woman who ‘let her bulldog starve to death’ gets ten year dog keeping ban

By Herbie Russell

a BriXTon woman has been banned from keeping dogs for ten years after ‘letting her pet bulldog Patch to starve to death’.

Zainab Ayinla (14/05/1986) of Loughborough Park received a ten year ban, was fined £300 and ordered to pay £800 costs after pleading not guilty to an animal welfare offence at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on February 29.

The RSPCA was asked to investigate after Patch’s emaciated body was taken to a vet hospital on December 17, 2022.

A vet described his body condition as “shocking”. He had lost 13kg since last being seen at the hospital seven months before.

Ayinla had called the hospital two months before saying that Patch had lost weight, but she failed to keep a scheduled vet appointment.

She called again on the morning of December 17 saying Patch couldn’t walk, had laboured breathing and was twitching. By the time she had got him to the vets he had died.

The vet said: “His condition at presentation was shocking: he was significantly

underweight with an accountable weight loss of 13kg in the past seven months since the last time he was seen at the hospital in May 2022, with very long nails and bed sores and urine scalding.

“Considering Patch’s presentation on the 17 December and the missed appointment in November, is it my professional opinion that Patch went through a significant period of suffering until the time of his death.

“Would the owner have him brought to us sooner and probably we would have been able to help him, whether from a medical point of view or supporting the owner in providing care for her pet.”

A post mortem report found that Patch had 92g of plastic material in his stomach, suggesting he was able to eat and the most likely cause of death was starvation as a result of inadequate access to nutritious food.

RSPCA inspector Philip Norman, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met. Providing food and water is an essential.

“Owning an animal is a privilege - and ensuring appropriate care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.

“It’s sad that, in this instance, the owner of Patch failed to provide him with a suitable diet and as a result allowed him to suffer for a prolonged period of time.”

Ayinla was deemed unsuitable for unpaid work. In mitigation, she said she had done everything she could for the dog and had sought advice from vets about worming and his weight loss. But that this was not recorded in the hospital records for Patch.

©Richard

Heald

Photo: Darwin Court Food Hub. Credit-Richard-Heald.

Michael Caine meeting fans during the plaque unveiling in 2003

Patch was dead by the time he was brought to the vet

© RSPCA

‘who oversees enforceMent?’ tfL and counciL at odds over e-Bike PiLe-uP

By Herbie Russell

shoCK inG PhoTos of a massive e-bike pile-up by London Bridge have prompted outrage on social media.

Disabled people have slammed the “dangerous” heap of mainly Lime bikes that appeared on Sunday, March 10.

Both Transport for London (TfL) and Southwark Council have refused to take responsibility for the situation, pointing the finger at each other and inadequate government regulation.

Lime said it “quickly cleared the bikes” and that addressing poor parking was a “top priority” with a meeting now

Black women get cancer support at Peckham and Battersea hair salons

By Herbie Russell

a PeCKhaM hair salon is helping Black women with cancer support after it emerged that ethnic minorities were less likely to get checked for breast cancer.

Peckham Palms is one of several hairdressers across South East London committed to becoming cancer support hubs.

‘The Beauty of Support’ project, organised by cancer charity Macmillan, means participating salons are places where women can access leaflets, advice and be signposted to other services.

This fresh approach was devised after a 2021 NHS review found that areas with higher proportions of non-white British ethnicities were less likely to attend potentially life-saving breast cancer screening appointments.

Hype Coiffure, in Battersea, run by owner Calvin Rattray, has also played a key role in the project.

Cyndi Anafo, co-director of Peckham Palms, said: “A lot of Black hairdressers and women in the community are already starting a conversation about cancer awareness.

“I would urge hairdressers to get in contact with Macmillan so they can give credible signposting to information. It’s a fantastic way to help others understand what they can access from Macmillan.”

planned between the company and Southwark Council.

Social media users responded to the photo in all sorts of colourful ways with one describing it as “dystopian art”.

Another person said “stupid, lay and selfish” people were to blame while one X user suggested “democracy” was the culprit.

Liberal Democrat and Borough and Bankside Councillor Victor Chamberlain shared a photo taken by a resident over the weekend.

He wrote: “I’ve written to @ LimeBikeSF about this unacceptable & dangerous concentration of bikes today.

I’ve been contacted by wheelchair users

who could not cross this major junction.”

Southwark is one of several boroughs participating in e-scooter and e-bike trials but it has struggled to stay on top of poor parking.

To combat the issue, it’s threatened Lime and other operators with fines and pledged to replace 105 parking spaces with 147 new e-bike and e-scooter bays.

But in this instance, a Southwark Council spokesperson said the e-bikes’ location, which is on a TfLmanaged road, made the issue “TfL’s responsibility”.

When TfL was approached, a spokesperson appeared to turn it back on Southwark Council, saying dockless

e-bikes were “organised locally between individual e-bike operators and individual boroughs”.

The TfL spokesperson added: “We do not currently have the powers to prevent the unacceptable situation seen here around London Bridge.”

However, TfL did say it was lobbying Westminster to better regulate dockless e-bikes, with the government hinting at new legislation in the 2022 Queen’s Speech.

Ben Spencer, a wheelchair user who previously spoke to this paper about his epic journeys across London’s transport system, said such incidents was hampering disabled travellers.

The Millwall fan wrote on X: “Why are @limebike not held accountable for this mess. I’m all for cycling, but this keeps happening and keeps blocking disabled people trying to get from A to B.

“They clearly don’t have a solution. Is it time to have a rethink on dockless?”

Another X user said: “Come on everyone, ask yourselves how - or more why - this was done. It’s not just random lazy individual users, this is malicious intent, for whatever reason.”

“This is just one example of why democracy doesn’t work,” another wrote. “Too many people are selfish and moronic.”

Jack McKenna, Senior Public Affairs Manager at Lime: “”Addressing poorly parked bikes is a top priority for our industry. It’s something we take very seriously, especially when obstructing pavements and busy junctions create difficulties for those with access needs.

“We are working closely with Southwark Council, partners and other operators to address industry parking challenges, as demand grows significantly in busy areas and public transport hubs. We also work with London Sight Loss Council, and other charities on our Disability Advisory Board, to gather feedback to improve our operations and the experience of the community.

“Once alerted to the obstructive bikes near London Bridge, our Lime Parking Patrol quickly cleared the bikes and are continuing to monitor the area closely this week. We have contacted the Councillor and will be meeting with Southwark Council to discuss solutions to ensure bikes are not left obstructively around busy stations in Southwark as we approach spring.”

Waterloo station set for brand new concourse in revamp (if funds found)

By Herbie Russell

WaTerLoo sTaTion is being lined up for a landmark revamp with a new concourse and more green space among the ideas being touted.

The upgrades would make the station easier to navigate, reduce congestion of platforms and ease access, Network Rail and Lambeth Council said.

But a Network Rail boss warned that a “great deal of work”, including finding funding, will be needed to bring the project forward.

Under the proposals, the station’s northern concourse would be redesigned to include a remodelled entrance.

A brand new southern concourse would help passengers flow in and out of the station, the two stakeholders said.

There are also plans for over forty new walking and cycling routes and 1,900m2 of new green space around the station that could include hundreds of new trees.

Finally, some bus and taxi stops will be relocated to an enhanced interchange on the southeastern side of the station.

Network Rail chair, Lord Peter Hendy of Richmond Hill, said: “We are delighted to be working with Lambeth Council on an exciting long-term plan to transform London Waterloo station.

“London Waterloo is iconic, and one of the busiest stations in the country, and it is imperative this station continues to evolve to ensure it is a world class transport hub and meets the needs of the millions of passengers that use the station each year, today and into the future.

“This a significant but first step towards

realising this ambition, and there is a great deal of work to do to progress this forward and find funding. As we refine these plans, we look forward to working with our wider partners, passengers, local businesses and organisations, and the local community.”

Lambeth Council also said it will invest £1.5m to further develop projects that could deliver key benefits in the short term.

Waterloo is the whited busiest transport hub in the country, the rail operator said.

Lambeth Council has said more detailed information about their vision for the area will be released “in due course”.

Photo by Google

An artist’s impression of a potential future Northern Concourse

The photo of the e-bike pile-up prompted outrage on social media

An artist’s impression of a potential future station undercroft

croydon shoppers say high street has ‘lost its

By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter

Croydon shoPPers said they would rather go to Bromley or redhill and that the town has ‘lost its sparkle’ despite the announcement of new shops coming to Whitgift and Centrale. While news of 12 new shops coming to the town’s two shopping centres offers a glimmer of hope, many fear the retail offering is ‘dead’ and needs much more than just a few new shops.

The focus of many shoppers’ concerns is aimed at the town’s famous Whitgift shopping centre. The iconic ’60s build, which was recently featured in the film ‘All of us Strangers’, was a popular shopping destination for many in South London and East Surrey for decades.

However, according to Croydon’s shoppers, the Whitgift feels a long way from its glory days when people used to flock there to spend time and money. Some believe the centre is showing its age and needs vital care to remain viable.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), NHS worker Don said: “I used to come here a long time ago, where every place you went to there was people selling something and people were wanting to buy things. How many people can you see in shops here now, maybe one or two people.

“It needs a lot of improvement, but it depends on what the council wants. Do they want it to keep ticking along until a new government comes or put money into it now? I just feel sorry for the residents, and I’m glad I don’t live in Croydon.”

Don, who came to the Whitgift centre for his lunch break, drew our attention to a number of yellow buckets scattered across the shopping centre floor. He said: “When you come through here the first thing you can see is the buckets on the floor to catch the leaks from the ceiling.

“They’ve got to mend the roof here and make it more aesthetically pleasing. However, It seems they don’t want to do this though because they think it’s going to be knocked down soon and they don’t want to spend the money.”

The news that owner UnibailRodamco-Westfield (URW) plans to bring 12 new shops, which include Deichmann, Chopstixx, and jeweller Loupe, has been hailed by some as the start of Croydon’s retail regeneration.

Mayor Jason Perry echoed this sentiment in an emphatic post on his own X account, saying: “After years in the doldrums, is Croydon finally back on the retail map? The answer is yes.”

In his official response, he said: “We welcome these signings by new and existing retailers at Centrale & Whitgift and the local organisations taking up the opportunity to support the Croydon community from this key town centre location.

“This is an exciting time for Croydon and, working with Unibail-RodamcoWestfield, we’re driving forward the regeneration of our town centre. It’s been great to see this increased investment and confidence in Centrale & Whitgift centre and we wish these

retailers and community groups all the very best in their new town centre spaces.”

However, Westfield’s much-anticipated investment into the area has become a sore spot for locals, who first heard of the retail giant’s plans to develop the site over 10 years ago but have since seen little progress. Shoppers were promised a brand new £1.5 billion Westfield shopping centre in place of Whitgift but those plans were dropped in 2019.

While waiting for her partner who was trying on a suit, Terri-Lee told the LDRS: “All of the Westfield plans they’ve had just seem to be on hold. It seems like they’ve just packed up and left and it’s gone quiet now.”

She added that a lot of people in

Croydon only use the Whitgift Centre as a short cut from Wellesley Road to the high street on North End. Crime has also had a part to play in Croydon’s growing undesirability as a shopping destination, according to shoppers.

Croydon’s North End, which hosts its main shopping district, has become notorious as a crime hotspot. This worrying trend has been acknowledged by the council and Met Police, who worked together to introduce facial recognition-assisted stop and search operations on the street earlier this year. Helen, Marissa, and Caitlin were all visiting Croydon for the first time on a work trip on March 11 when speaking to the LDRS.

They said that their first impressions of Croydon weren’t positive and that

it was very different to their native St Albans, which they described as ‘a bit posh’.

Marissa, who was sharing a coffee with her colleagues, said: “I was quite shocked when we went into Greggs and saw security for the first time. That’s not the case where we’re from.” She added: “We’re here for a reason, and that’s for a work trip and to fulfil a contract. I don’t think we’d come here otherwise.”

Outside the Whitgift, the sounds of a man drumming up business on a megaphone for a closing-down sale fill the air. While Croydon does have several big-name outlets and a wide selection of independent family-run businesses, the excess of boarded-up shops is noticeable.

Mr and Mrs Wilde have both lived in Croydon for most of their lives but expressed dissatisfaction with the town’s direction, and added that change was needed. Mrs Wilde told the LDRS: “Everything’s changed. It’s gone right downhill. There was a time 6-7 years ago that it was up and popular, we had different named shops that people wanted to come to but now we’ve lost the big shops. We only come here if we really need to, it’s the pits.”

Mr Wilde interjected, saying: “The council needs to bring people to the area so they spend their money. Westfield is not going to put money into this area, it’s not the size of Stratford or Shepherd’s Bush.

“It seems they’ve got too many concerns about the place. They’ve got

its sparkle,’ with many now preferring Bromley

to have loads of shops undercover, and we’ve already lost half the shops because the rent’s too high.”

Mother and Daughter Sheila and Charlotte from Addington shared this sentiment and pointed to the now-vacant Allders department store as a symbol of Croydon’s apparent decline. Sheila told the LDRS: “Allders was a beautiful store back in the day, it had everything. It was such a shame when it closed. I’m glad they want to preserve the front of the store, that’s something. Apart from that, there’s not much to write home about.”

However, while concerns over retail were widespread, some Croydonians were keen to praise some of the town’s large number of independent shops, which seem to cater to all tastes.

Others said they thought the Council should continue to run the street markets on North End, which according to their website currently run up to four times a year.

Barbara, from Kenley, said: “There isn’t much for me in the way of clothes shopping, especially since British Home Stores and Littlewoods left. Croydon’s a bit sad somehow, I think it’s lost its sparkle. To be honest, I would rather go to Redhill, it’s somehow nicer up there.”

A Croydon Council spokesperson said: “Regenerating Croydon town centre is a top priority for the Executive Mayor of Croydon. A huge amount of work is under way to drive this forward, boost investment in our town centre and make it a cleaner, safer place for all. The council has recently secured an £18.5m provisional investment for the area from the government’s Levelling Up Fund – which is good news for Croydon and demonstrates confidence in our town.

“This new funding will help make it easier to move around the town centre

and link key destinations. The council is also developing a new Regeneration Strategy for our town centre, informed through an extensive programme of public and business engagement, including with young people, through the Urban Room project.

“Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) has shown clear commitment to Croydon through their decision to buy out local partners Hammerson, and the mayor and council are working

closely with them to bring forward new masterplanning proposals for the regeneration and redevelopment of Centrale and Whitgift. We are also working with them to ensure buildings and spaces in the Whitgift Centre are managed, including the cleaning of the façade of the empty Allders building.

“Meanwhile the council is working with a range of partners such as the police and Croydon BID, to make Croydon cleaner and safer, through

new initiatives like the Public Spaces Protection Order, and improved street cleansing, waste management and enforcement.”

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield was approached for comment but failed to respond in time for publication.

Photos: Barbara from Kenley thinks Croydon has ‘lost its sparkle’

The Whitgift Centre has had a leak

in its roof for a number of years

Helen, Marissa and Caitlin were visiting Croydon for the first time

Terri-Lee says people only seem to use the Whitgift as a short cut Shoppers say that Croydon’s rents are too high for shops to last on the high street Credits: Facundo Arrizabalaga

Register now for a place in Nursery or Reception in September 2024

A

Open Morning Thursday 25 April 2024

A bright future for Rosemead Prep School after outstanding inspection report

Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery, Dulwich, is delighted to announce the findings of its latest inspection from the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

The inspection, which was carried out in November 2023, praised Rosemead’s academic approach to learning, pastoral care and support and the positive influence of the school’s values, vision, and leadership.

‘A highly customised approach to every pupil’s academic progress is a significant strength of the school,’ the report explained. ‘A customised learning programme in mathematics, English and reasoning caters for pupils in Year 4 and above. This, supported by an extensive enrichment programme and much support for individuals, impacts on all groups of pupils, enabling them to make good and often rapid progress over time.’

Speaking about the report, Head of Rosemead, Graeme McCafferty explained: ‘I am absolutely thrilled to share our outstanding recent inspection report with our community.

‘One standout strength that truly shines through is our highly customised approach to every child’s academic progress. The report highlighted our dedication to tailoring personal learning programs for each child, particularly in subjects like Maths, English, VR, and NVR.

Graeme added: ‘What’s more, our extensive learning support programme ensures that every individual in our school community not only succeeds but thrives. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to providing the best possible education for every child at Rosemead, and I couldn’t be prouder of our school’s achievement.’

Rosemead’s early years’ provision was also praised in the summary findings. ‘Leaders in the early years effectively ensure staff have high expectations of the behaviour and achievement of children,’ the report found.

‘The positive relationships between adults and children in the early years help children settle in quickly and feel safe and happy.’

It added: ‘Children in the early years achieve well from their varied starting points. Adults

engage with the children effectively and use appropriate questioning to develop children’s vocabulary and understanding. Children from an early age become confident speakers and develop their reading skills well.

The report comes at an exciting time for Rosemead. Last year, the school announced a merger with St Dunstan’s College joining St Dunstan’s Community of Schools.

St Dunstan’s Group Head, Nick Hewlett, said: ‘The whole community is delighted with the ISI inspection for Rosemead. The report rightly recognises the outstanding education Rosemead is offering as one of south London’s leading prep schools. Bringing our schools together has been a wonderful opportunity, allowing our staff and students to work closer together, learning from one another and enhancing our students’ educational journeys.

‘I pay tribute to the staff, children and parents who are part of this onward journey, and I am very excited by Rosemead’s future.’

Noting the recent merger, the report

highlighted: ‘Governors and senior leaders work well together to promote the effectiveness of the school. Governors’ vision has a positive influence on every area of the school and drives continual improvement, for example, the recent decision to merge with another school.’

Alongside the academic excellence, the report praised the ‘positive’ Roots of Rosemead, which are the school’s values system.

‘The curriculum and communication of school values, known as the ‘Roots of Rosemead’ encourage respect and strengthen pupils’ appreciation of the diversity of the school and wider community.

‘The consistent promotion of these values helps develop pupils’ moral understanding.’

The full inspection report can be found on Rosemead’s website, and the school will be hosting their next open morning on Thursday 25 April 2024, 9.30am – 11.00am Book at www.rosemeadprep.org.uk

Graeme McCafferty

what’s on

nachtLand is Prodding and thought-Provoking

The homecoming, the young vic plays host to another piece of satire. nachtland (an invented German word that suggests a place of eternal darkness) by Marius von Mayenburg is certainly the more modern of the two, writes Christopher Peacock.

After its debut at the Schaubühne in Berlin in December 2022. It comes to London in a translated version by Maja Zade in the trusted directorial hands of Patrick Marber.

Philipp and Nicola are brother and sister tasked with clearing out the house of their recently dead father. With the help of Philipp’s partner Judith, and Nicola’s husband Fabian, a twist comes with the discovery of a wrapped painting in the loft. The watercolour of a church in Vienna’s 1st district is described as ‘kitsch’ and the siblings are at odds with what to do with it until the artist’s signature is revealed to be

A.Hitler. Fabian’s suggestion of selling the work and the sort of value it could achieve tests their morality and ethics, especially when the decision to sell and a questionable search for provenance continues. Judith is ethnically Jewish and, as you might expect, is strongly opposed to any profiteering from the artwork. Naturally, this causes tension between her and Philipp.

Nachtland is presented in an open style, pre-show information about references of racism, the Holocaust, death, sexual content, loud noises and bright lights, etc., is available, and used to set the scene; scaffolding holding up the house facade, as part of Anna Fleischle’s design, is also clearly on display. This does help create a level of distance but despite this alienating presentation Marius von Mayenburg’s writing is steeped in dark humour that has you questioning what position you would hold if put in the same place. Although never slow, the show ups the stakes

with the introduction of Kahl (played by an imposing and erudite Angus Wright), the potential buyer found by the appraiser and connoisseur of Nazi art, Evamaria(Jane Horrocks) . A very strong cast handle the comedy brilliantly, never taking any of the physical comedy or farce too far and, matched against the affronted Jenna Augen(Judith), it all works well.

Prodding and thought-provoking, comparisons with the Holocaust and modern Israeli defence policy are extremely topical; you do wonder if Nachtland plays differently for a German audience whose national psyche is always battling with what some may refer to as post-war guilt whenever antisemitism is in the international agenda.

Young Vic, 66 The Cut, Waterloo, London SE1 8LZ until 20th April. Times: Mon - Sat 7.30pm; Wed & Sat matinees 2.30pm. Admission: £12 - £56 Booking: https://www.youngvic.org/

NYE with a natural Sheen

LasT year saw the nation celebrate 75 years of the nhs. a great feat for an institution that struggled so much to come into existence and which has faced many challenges since, writes Christopher Peacock.

Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, the Health and Housing Minister in Clement Attlee’s government who spearheaded its creation, has his life played out in Nye, a new coproduction from the National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre by Tim Price.

Price has opted to tell the life of Nye Bevan in a series of flashbacks. All sprung from the hospital bed Bevan is in receiving care after surgery for a stomach ulcer. All of his care was in the hands of the NHS that he was pivotal in conceiving.

The son of a miner from a small Welsh town, much of his early life was typical of the poor working class of South Wales. His journey would lead down a path less travelled as he progressed through politics to hold one of the highest positions in government.

We see his life in semi-fantasy, we fly through early schooling, prolonged unemployment and political organising to his career in the house of Commons, meeting MP Jennie Lee - whom he would go on to marry - and his battles with politicians and doctors in establishing the NHS.

In the hands of director Rufus Norris, the ensemble cast help spin us through Bevan’s world in dreamlike vignettes. Matched with wonderful set design from Vicki

Where racism and sexism are rife

BoardrooM draMas are hugely popular mainstays in film and TV; hBo’s succession proved that the thirst for newsroom drama is still plentiful, writes Christopher Peacock.

Farine Clarke’s London Zoo, set in a fictional boardroom of a national newspaper, was winner of Best Production and Best Ensemble Acting at the London Pub Theatre Awards. Sell-out runs confirmed that theatre can also get a slice of the interest too, hence London Zoo returning to the stage with most of the original ensemble returning to their roles.

The show opens with the winds of change blowing through the boardroom at the dawn of the millennium at this London newspaper. Looking to acquire a new title to add to their empire, board members Charles and Arabella are trying to work out if the numbers add up and if this acquisition will be possible. Under pressure from fellow directors, Christian and Alex, all look to seek approval from CEO, Sunil.

Meeting with Kelvin, the owner of the other paper, things prove rather tense. Neither party is willing to give much

away, which culminates in a showdown that leaves scars. What we see in all the arguments is the exposure of prejudices, and that racism and sexism are rife. In Clarke’s writing they show how these can be deep-seated and also naively ignorant.

The strongest of the performances come from Natalie Lauren as Arabella and Odimegwu Okoye as Kelvin. Both have presence and a natural confidence that grounds their characters, even when the direction leads to odd moments of posturing. Where London Zoo falls flat is the script’s lack of detail. Constant

mentions of ‘numbers’ are meaningless and lost in the noise when stakes are not fully revealed. This leads to a lack of jeopardy, so when the play wants to ramp up the tension you feel unattached to the action. The small scale production is assisted kindly with Chuma Emembolu’s simple lighting design but there is certainly a lot more that could be done with the show.

It needs to either tighten up, so the pace is rapid and scene changes reduced to the essential, or it needs bulking out with more detail and precision in the writing

Mortimer and the lighting design of Paule Constable the scenes flow effortlessly; the efficiency of design of the hospital curtains and beds move us from hospital, to the bar, to parliament and back again with comfortable ease.

The play, as you might have suspected, relies heavily on the performance of the lead role. In this case Michael Sheen steps into the shoes and, in what will come as little surprise, handles the part excellently and with natural charm.

A biography played through flashbacks can be overly simplistic, a greatest hits album of a person’s life, and Price’s play looks to tell it all. This does make it a rather long show and in wanting to cover a lot of ground there are parts of Bevan’s life and his relationships that have a lot more drama in them to mine.

As we are all well aware, the NHS is a fragile institution that is passed around as a political ball. Its need for constant change and evolution was not lost on Bevan, keen to fight for giving every man woman and child dignity in their time of need. This is an important piece of theatre for not only showing how hard fought it was for the NHS to be created, but for the legacy of such an important British politician.

National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 until 11th May.

Mon - Sat 7.30pm;

Wed & Sat matinees 2.15pm.

Admission: £20 - £89.

Booking: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

to create a fuller show. There is certainly space in the theatre landscape for this kind of work because the exploration of themes from the corruption of power, workplace politics and prejudices will always hold weight.

Southwark Playhouse, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1

6BD until Tuesday 30th March 2024.

Times: Mon - Sat 8pm

Admission: £25, £26, £16.

Booking: www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk -

0207 407 0234

CoMinG aFTer harold Pinter’s

Photo by Ellie Kurttz

Arts

Boys Bring Life to t hinking aB out s uicide

ryan Ca L ais Cameron’s For Black Boys Who have Considered suicide When The hue Gets Too heavy was inspired by ntozake shange’s 1974 seminal work, For Colored Girls Who have Considered suicide / When the rainbow is enuf, and opens with six black boys showing their struggle as black people, writhing painfully, falling and floundering before they are saved and uplifted by the others, writes Michael Holland.

First, I need to let the reader know who these black boys are because they are the crux of what makes this such a brilliant show:

Tobi King Bakare - Onyx

Shakeel Haakim - Pitch

Fela Lufadeju - Jet

Albert Magashi - Sable

Mohammed Mansaray - Obsidian

Posi Morakinyo - Midnight

Starting with the early pre-school years of a boy’s life when they are surrounded by loving family telling them how beautiful they are, a change is gonna come when they reach the school playground and the harshness of life turns their beliefs upside down. They get bullied, they fight back.

As the black boys get older they get harassed by an institutionally racist police force. They fight back. We see how this perpetual war of attrition wears people down until they are left only with becoming the stereotype of what the media has shown a black boy to be: hoodie-wearing, drug-dealing, misogynistic gang-member from a fatherless broken home.

And this is where Ryan Calais Cameron’s writing and direction shows its brilliance, because he shows black boys have choices and often take them. Black boys go to school for an

education, they have fathers at home, they treat girls right, they have good role models and they seek good jobs with future prospects. Black boys do make their community and their mothers proud no matter what the right-wing media says.

But all the time there is the everpresent 400 years of slavery and colonisation of Africa that has created an ingrained feeling among the illinformed and ignorant that a black

skin is inferior. And all the time the play and its fantastic cast are proving those white boys wrong.

‘For Black Boys…’ is hi-energy, it evokes regular whoops and cheers from the audience, especially when there are in-jokes about Ghanaians or lines that fly over white people’s heads. It quickly goes from fighting to dancing to shouting to crooning. A minimal set means all the attention is on the black boys as they show their façade

of masculinity before revealing their tender, inner-self. Every aspect of life is covered in this play that the writer said is written to get people into the theatre who have never been before. And with dance, song, rap and dialogue from the street, I am sure he succeeded in that with a production that is fully-rounded with sharp edges.

‘For Black Boys…’ depicts what growing up is like for all boys but with the added heaviness of hue. It

culminates in a finale that evokes hope and joy and rousing applause. Bravo, Ryan Calais Cameron.

Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Rd, London, WC2H 0HH until 4th May.

Times: Monday – Saturday, 7.30pm; Thursday & Saturday matinees, 2.30pm.

Admission: £15 - £69.50.

Booking Line: 0330 333 4811 - www.nimaxtheatres.com

What is home but a box to keep out the rain

sTandinG aT the sky’s edge makes its West end debut at the Gillian Lynne Theatre following critically acclaimed runs at sheffield’s Crucible and the national Theatre, writes Bella Christy.

In a collaborative effort, the lyrics and music of Richard Hawley come together with Chris Bush’s writing and Robert Hastie’s directing to create what is being called ‘a love letter to Sheffield’.

The musical follows three different timelines in which characters navigate life and love having all lived in the same Park Hill estate apartment. It explores the concept of home and belonging: how a space can be both a sanctuary of dreams and a site of despair.

Erected in 1959 and promising a better life out of the Sheffield slums, Park Hill estate gained an infamous reputation. Deindustrialisation, strikes, and high levels of unemployment brought crime and fear until it was eventually closed and regenerated. With this backdrop in mind, each generation enters the

estate with hope of a new life, escaping the troubles of their past whether that be poverty, conflict, or heartbreak. Each story interlinks and combines in beautiful ways that are uncovered throughout.

A seamless integration of all three timelines unfolds in a clever and

layered first act scene. A subtle, comedic edge was present as characters from different eras occupied the same space, sitting across from one another, opening and closing the same oven door, yet completely unaware of each other’s presence.

The scene underscores the niches

between the groups: a depth of history and politics can be read into the difference between having shepherd’s pie, or gluten free Ottolenghi aubergine for tea. Yet, beyond differences, I think the scene ultimately highlights their similarities. Coming together around food, we watch the characters navigate their troubles.

The relationship between Joy and Jimmy was something I backed immediately. The actors (Elizabeth Ayodele and Samuel Jordan) portrayed a pure and genuine chemistry that had me rooting for their success. Their storyline above all others moved me, I felt their love and their struggle as I watched them grow up and attempt to beat the odds of their class.

I did, however, think that there was potential for the production to pull on my heartstrings more. I must admit I did cry, but I think I could have cried more. Not something one usually wants, but there were moments where I felt a tug on the heart when I wanted a yank.

There were some incredible ensemble moments, the dramatic

end of Act 1 and opening of Act 2 to name just a couple. Nevertheless, I found that sometimes there was an unnecessary or excessive use of ensemble when having the lead actors on stage would have been just as powerful, if not more.

In my opinion, Lauren Redding (Nikki) was the stand out vocalist. Her voice had a soul and warmth that enveloped you. Her character also had a wit and charm that complimented Poppy’s endearing awkwardness (Laura Pitt-Pulford).

If you hadn’t already guessed, I would certainly recommend watching Standing at The Sky’s Edge. It was a gritty, beautifully-sung musical that both warms and breaks your heart.

Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, London, WC2B 5PW until 3 August.

Times: 7.30pm, matinees 2.30pm.

Admission: £20 - £150.

Booking: lwtheatres.co.uk020 3925 2998 & nationaltheatre.org.uk - 020 7452 3000

Photos by Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

Photo by Johan Persson

LocaL historian rediscovers Post-war oLd kent road ‘through the eyes’ of a siXteen-year-oLd schooLgirL

By Stephen Bourne

FiFTy years ago i was a pupil at st Michael and all angels secondary modern school in Camberwell. one of the books we were given to read was valerie avery’s London morning, first published in 1964, writes stephen Bourne.

I thoroughly enjoyed this semiautobiographical novel about workingclass life around the Old Kent Road as seen through the eyes of a child. This was a refreshing contrast to some of the other books we were given to read which I found difficult to comprehend. These included Shakespeare’s Macbeth and George Orwell’s Animal Farm.

I remember one girl in my class who challenged our teacher about Animal Farm. There was a memorable stand-off when the girl explained to the teacher that Orwell’s novel was a political allegory about a revolt against authoritarianism and oppression. The teacher insisted it was a lovely fairy tale about farm animals. In 1974 workingclass kids were not expected (or encouraged) to think.

London Morning was a wake-up call for me. It was the first book I read that made me realise that it was possible to write about subjects I was familiar with and composed in my own language. I discovered that I didn’t have to read ‘classic’ English literature (I later struggled with Austen, Dickens and Keats’s poetry) or go to University

(which wasn’t an option) to pursue my interest in writing. It took only 17 years for me to have my first book published and it was not a novel but a co-authored autobiographical sketch of my adopted Aunt Esther. I also had an article about my childhood in Peckham and Camberwell published in a magazine. I sent them to David Robinson, a professional writer who was also a friend. He was the film critic for The Times and Charlie Chaplin’s official biographer. He was most enthusiastic:

“I think they are absolutely terrific. You have achieved a style that is absolutely pure and direct; and succeeded in the almost impossible – eradicating any ‘literary’ taint. I think you should do a lot

of writing while you have this beautiful, incomparable style. Believe me – and always heed the word of an older man.”

Fifty years after reading London Morning I recently found a rare second hand copy of the book and read it again. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the book, but I was disappointed to find that it was out of print. Copies are difficult to find. However, fifty years ago we did not have the internet and today two online resources - Ancestry.co.uk and the British Newspaper Archive – have made it possible to undertake research into Valerie Avery, her family and the locations she described.

As stated in the book, London Morning is set in a house off the Old Kent Road,

which I have now identified as 45 Cowan Street in the former Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell. Cowan Street was demolished in the 1970s to make way for Burgess Park. The site is now marked by a path between Chumleigh Gardens and the lake.

Valerie, born in 1940, barely knew her father, Richard Avery, a labourer, who joined the army but was killed in action in 1945. He was buried in a war cemetery in Italy. Valerie gave first-hand testimony from a child’s point of view of events in her young life. In 1945 a V2 rocket destroyed her primary school in Scarsdale Road without any warning: “I was standing in the assembly hall with my hands together, eyes shut, saying the Lord’s Prayer, when suddenly there was a shattering, terrible crash. Then everything went black…a cold wind roared through the hall.” Valerie survived the blast, but part of nearby Cowan Street was also destroyed, including No 45: “Our house had been hit by the same bomb. That morning it had towered strong and solid and now it was crumbling down as though it had been made from cornflakes.”

Afterwards Valerie and her mother, Vi, moved to her father’s parents’ house, which I have identified as 36 Astley Street. Valerie described this as “dying in a back turning off the Old Kent Road. The roads and pavements were narrow, and beetle-like houses hunched together for warmth and support, their walls choked by factory smoke and chalked upon by children. A lamp-post bent like a walking-

stick leant against Gran’s house that was old, black and humped.” Valerie’s Grandad worked as a rag and bone man. Valerie, born in 1940, barely knew her father, Richard Avery, a labourer, who joined the army but was killed in action in 1945. He was buried in a war cemetery in Italy. Valerie gave first-hand testimony from a child’s point of view of events in her young life. In 1945 a V2 rocket destroyed her primary school in Scarsdale Road without any warning: “I was standing in the assembly hall with my hands together, eyes shut, saying the Lord’s Prayer, when suddenly there was a shattering, terrible crash. Then everything went black…a cold wind roared through the hall.” Valerie survived the blast, but part of nearby Cowan Street was also destroyed, including No 45: “Our house had been hit by the same bomb. That morning it had towered strong and solid and now it was crumbling down as though it had been made from cornflakes.”

Afterwards Valerie and her mother, Vi, moved to her father’s parents’ house, which I have identified as 36 Astley Street. Valerie described this as “dying in a back turning off the Old Kent Road. The roads and pavements were narrow, and beetle-like houses hunched together for warmth and support, their walls choked by factory smoke and chalked upon by children. A lamp-post bent like a walkingstick leant against Gran’s house that was old, black and humped.” Valerie’s Grandad worked as a rag and bone man.

London Morning by Valerie Avery

The site of Cowan Street, now Burgess Park

July 2013 image of Burgess Park with an 1896 street plan superimposed

LONDON 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 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) 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 21st 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

Transport for London Public Notice

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

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable crane operation works to take place 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 21st day of March 2024

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

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (ALEXIS STREET, BOMBAY STREET, REDCROSS WAY, STONEY STREET, THE CUT, GROSVENOR TERRACE)

(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) Alexis Street, between Linsey Street and St James Road

(b) Bombay Street, between Blue Anchor Lane and No’s 13

(c) Redcross Way, between No’s 10 and Union Street

(d) Stoney Street, between Winchester Walk and Clink Street

(e) The Cut, between No’s 3 and No’s 11

(f) Grosvenor Terrace, 20m either side of bridge, located between Camberwell Road and Grosvenor Park

3.The alternative routes for affected traffic as indicated by the signs displayed

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) 8th April – 18th June (2b) 10th – 11th April (2c) 8th –21st April (2d) 8th – 15th April (2e) 4th – 8th April (2f) 27th – 28th April

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

Dated this 21st 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) BER6-ALES192-01 (2b) LBSCR13418 (2c) 40225487 (2d) 25619844 (2e)

SLS00081170498-0135 (2f) LBSCR13389

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

2. The purpose of the order is to 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 21st day of March 2024

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

Notice of application for a Premises Licence

Notice is hereby given that Mr. Mansoor Heidari has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Pizza Guys, 60 Battersea Park Road, London, SW11 4JP for Late Night Refreshment On and Off Sales Sunday to Saturday 23:00 to 02:00

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 11th April 2024 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk

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

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

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;

67-71 TANNER STREET LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE1 3PL (Ref: 22/AP/2746)

Minor material amendment to Condition 1 for planning application 19/AP/0865 dated 29/01/2021 for 'Construction of a 9 storey plus basement building to provide an 73 bedroom hotel with restaurant at ground floor level and associated cycle parking, refuse and recycling stores, and plant'. Amendments include adjustment of window sizes and positions, enlargement of lift and stair overrun and plant enclosure and replacement of brick planters on west elevation with green walling. Reason(s) for publicity: MAJ (Contact: Abbie McGovern 020 7525 0254)

12A ASYLUM ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK

SE15 2RL (Ref: 24/AP/0686)

Listed Building Consent for the stabilisation of the northern wall and repairs to stonework. (Within: Caroline Gardens CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Eleanor Heagney 020 7525 5403)

ARCH 1049 7 BOROUGH HIGH STREET

LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 9SU (Ref: 24/AP/0579)

External alterations to the shopfront including the replacement of 5no. glazed panes on the rear elevation with louvres. Installation of signage to front and rear elevation. To be read in conjunction with advertisment consent (ref. 24/AP/0580) (Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: William Tucker 07925 637 210)

ALGAR HOUSE WEBBER ROW ESTATE

WEBBER ROW LONDON SOUTHWARK (Ref: 24/AP/0387)

Listed Building Consent for installation of Community Fibre fibre optic network to the external infrastructure to Grade ll listed building. Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Sandy Ng 020 7525 5000)

5 STONEY STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 9AA (Ref: 24/AP/0699)

Listed Building Content for repainting of shopfront and new halo lit fascia signage. (Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Anna Poulose )

17 CAMBERWELL GREEN LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE5 7AF (Ref: 24/AP/0379)

Temporary display of an externally illuminated shroud advertisement (Within: Camberwell Green CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Michèle Sterry 020 7525 5453)

73H CAMBERWELL GROVE LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE5 8JE (Ref: 24/AP/0647)

Retrospective planning permission for construction of a single storey outbuilding behind garden wall. (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Louise Dinsdale 07513137967)

GROVE HILL ROAD (OPPOSITE ITS JUNCTION WITH CAMBERWELL GROVE) LONDON SOUTHWARK SE22

Ref: 24/AP/0524)

Prior Approval notification for installation of a new 20m-high monopole with 6no. antennas and 2no. 300m transmission dishes; plus 2no. ground-

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A2 GLA ROAD (OLD KENT ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND BANNED TURN) 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 water main refurbishment works to take place at A2 Old Kent Road.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle;

(1) from turning right into Old Kent Road from Albany Road;

(2) from turning right into Albany Road from Old Kent Road;

(3) from turning right into Old Kent Road from Humphrey Street;

(4) from proceeding directly from Humphrey Street onto Albany Road.

The Order will be effective at certain times from 7.00 PM on the 5th April 2024 until 5.00 AM on the 8th 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.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

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

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

5. At such times as

based equipment cabinets; and ancillary development thereto. (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Agneta Kabele 07548097486)

18 BEAUVAL ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE22 8UQ (Ref: 24/AP/0707)

Proposed loft conversion to provide additional habitable accommodation, with three new roof lights to the front street facing roof, new French doors with glass Juliet balcony facing the rear garden. (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Samuel Hepworth 020 7525 5465)

10 WINTERBROOK ROAD LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE24 9JA (Ref: 24/AP/0737)

Refurbishment of existing house, demolition and rebuild of existing single storey side infill, basement extension including lightwells to the front, rear and side. (Within: Stradella Road CA)

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

50 GROVE PARK LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 8LG (Ref: 24/AP/0653)

Erection of a bicycle, refuse and recycling storage shed with green roof, accommodating four bicycles and three council 'wheelie' bins at the front of the property. (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Alex Lambert 020 7525 1353)

Dated: 19 Mar 2024comments 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 KOI Tooting Ltd

Have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of KOI Ramen Bar, Arch Unit 1156, Bath Factory Estate, 41 Norwood Rd, London, SE24 9AJ

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

The retail sale of

Opening

A register of all applications made within the Southwark area is maintained by:

The Licensing Service, Hub 1, 3rd Floor, 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH

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

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

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

Date of application: 12th March 2023

Whyte wins comeback fight but brands opponent a ‘coward’

By John Kelly

diLL ian W hy T e was unhappy with the challenge from his opponent after winning for the first time since november 2022 in a low-key comeback in ireland last weekend.

Brixton’s Whyte, 35, branded Christian Hammer, 36 a “coward” after his opponent retired following just three rounds of the scheduled tenround bout in Castlebar, County Mayo.

Whyte took his record to 30-3 after his first fight in more than a year after he defeated Jermaine Franklin at Wembley following his loss to Tyson Fury in April 2022.

Whyte was back in the ring ofter an investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing over returned adverse

findings following a drug test ahead of his scheduled fight against Anthony Joshua last August.

The show last weekend was organised by the Boxing Union of Ireland and Whyte was licensed by the Texas Commission.

Romanian Hammer has some pedigree as he fought Joe Joyce in his previous fight, losing in four rounds, and took Tyson Fury to the eighth round in 2015.

But Whyte dismissed the efforts of his opponent.

“He was negative all through,” Whyte said. “As soon as I hit him he was negative. I told him afterwards he was a coward and I mean that.

“I’m so frustrated. I’ve put so much work into preparing for this fight and to have him quit after just three rounds

is so frustrating. I told him afterwards in the ring that I always respected him but tonight he was a coward.

“He just quit, but what can I do?

I’ve been through a lot of hell and a lot of darkness so I had a lot of pentup frustration and aggression and it’s funny, because the camp was calm,

haMLet in hurry as visitors Lewes ground

Dulwich hitting form at right time to close in on play-offs

By John Kelly

duLWiCh haMLeT closed to within four points of the play-offs in the isthmian League Premier division with a 2-0 win over play-off rivals Lewes at Champion hill last weekend.

The hosts went ahead in the third minute in front of another big crowd of 2,973 in East Dulwich when Luke Wanadio’s corner from the left went in off Lewes’ Chris Whelpdale for an own goal.

Dulwich doubled their lead six minutes before half-time when Danny Mills beat goalkeeper Nathan Harvey in a jump to head home Craig Braham-Barrett’s cross.

Goalkeeper R’avan Constable made two good stops as Dulwich picked up back-toback clean sheets for the first time in the league this season.

Dulwich have won seven of their last ten games, losing only one, as they move up the gears at the most important time of the season.

Hayrettin had urged his side to get out of the traps quickly after a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Whitehawk in their previous game.

“I said to them, I don’t think we started quick against Whitehawk. I said if we start quick we’ll have a chance,” Hayrettin said.

“We’ve scored a hell of a lot of goals from set-pieces. I hear them talking on the TV now about set-piece coaches. We do our due diligence ourselves, we watch other teams, we try and do things the right way and get as many points from set-pieces. It was a great ball.

“We had to play with a lot of discipline to nullify what they threw at us. I was really pleased with the lads that they played with a lot of discipline.

Johnson earns Lynn first national title of season

By John Kelly

Lynn aBC have their first national champion of the season after romero Johnson won the youth title at 63.5kg at the england Amateur Alliance national finals last weekend.

Johnson was in the ring against Charlie Gagg from Seven Hills ABC and the pair contested an even first round with both having success.

At the end of that round, Johnson was read the riot act by junior coach Elwin Ollivierre for not moving his feet enough.

Johnson took on board the instructions and boxed beautifully at range, constantly on the move making it very difficult for his opponent to pin him down.

Johnson carried that improvement through the third round and went on to win a unanimous decision.

Lynn coach Terry Pearson said: “This

was a great win for us giving us our first national champion of the season.

“Romero will now step up to senior boxing from May and we will be entering him in the international belt challenge with some of his club-mates in June.”

“Sometimes it’s not how good a team you are when you’ve got the ball, it’s how good a team when you haven’t got the ball and you’re organised and you’re resilient.

“We’ve kept two clean sheets now in two games, which is good, so I was thoroughly pleased with that side of things.

“The clean sheet is important for morale, for people to recognise how far we’ve come.

Some people think Dulwich Hamlet should be doing better, but we put 25, 26 players into the melting pot, first time they’ve ever played together. So I’m very, very proud and pleased with their performance.

“Without the ball they were excellent. We showed not only can we be good at going forward with the ball, but we can also do the same without the ball.”

Midfielder Roarie Deacon made his debut after his loan move from National League South side Havant & Waterlooville. Deacon , who played in the Football League for Stevenage and Crawley Town, was in Hayrettin’s Maidstone United squad that won the National League South title in 2021-22.

Hayrettin said: “I’ve signed Roarie because I know what he can give us, I know he can give us a hell of a lot more. Roarie knows me, I’m going to be on at him all the time.

“We have good players in good positions now all over the pitch and we’ve got to push. Roarie has come in with his experience and knowledge, he helped me win the league at my previous club.

“He’s been a professional footballer and he only lives 20 minutes away, which is important. He’ll be vitally important to us to hopefully push into the play-offs.”

Dulwich were in action against bottom side Kingstonian on Wednesday night.

Hardie withdrawn from Surrey duty

By Sport Reporter

aaron hardie will no longer join surrey this summer having been withdrawn by Cricket australia in order to manage his workload.

The all-rounder was due to join Surrey in May until the end of July, playing in the County Championship and the full Vitality Blast group stages.

The 25-year old has been part of several Australia tours in the last twelve months including making his debut in ODI and IT20 cricket. Hardie also played a key role in the Perth Scorchers Big Bash campaign, including captaining the side before taking on the West Indies in white-ball fixtures in early 2024.

This week, he will represent Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield final against Tasmania, with the region looking to secure their third title in a

everything was calm and it had to come out at some point, that’s my nature, you know.”

Whyte added: “It’s good to be back out and it’s good to get back to work. Obviously Hammer came out swinging and then the pitbull in me just bit back, then I was rushing and making stupid mistakes, but whatever.”

Whyte currently has no plans for who he fights next.

He said: “I don’t know and I don’t care, wherever the fight is. Wherever I can be busy, then I’ll go there and fight. I’m running out of time. I’m not getting any younger. I don’t know what’s next, I just want to fight. Let’s see what happens.

“Anyone [can come next]. I’ve never turned a fight down, whoever wanted it could get it.”

Lionesses dethroned

By Jeff Burnige

MiLLWaLL Lionesses’ highly-rated under-18 side were dethroned by south London Laces, a senior Greater London League club, in the Capital Women’s Cup Junior section at the semi-final stage last weekend.

They went down 3-1 in a shock result only a week after they defeated Crystal Palace under-18s 4-0.

They were guilty of two catastrophic defensive errors, when attempted straightforward clearances were deflected back behind the defence for easy goals, following a first-half goal conceded when a corner-kick went straight in off the far post.

The Laces were clear underdogs but their attitude was positive, and they continually pressurised the Lionesses into mistakes, and they deserved their place in the final.

Ironically, they will meet Crystal Palace under-18s in the final at Dorking Wanderers’ Meadowbank Stadium on April 28.

Millwall were 2-0 down at the interval and started the second half well on top and looking for a goal to set up a comeback, but another defensive error made it 3-0. Jess Edwards reduced the arrears but it was too little, too late.

row. After a busy year, Cricket Australia have now decided to give him a longer period of rest and therefore he will not be available for Surrey.

Alec Stewart, director of cricket at Surrey, said: “Whilst we are obviously very disappointed that Aaron will not be joining the team this summer, I respect the decision of Cricket Australia and wish Aaron the very best.”

In cup football, shocks can always happen and this was a harsh lesson for the young Lionesses. Reaching this final is a great achievement for a club formed by former Millwall Lionesses coach Emily Hill seven years ago. The history-making goals came from Charlotte Smith’s corner, and substitutes Josie Alderman and Olivia Turner.

Meanwhile, the Lionesses senior side were without a league fixture, and so they entertained FA National League side London Seaward in a friendly at St Paul’s, with both sides showing changes from their usual starting first teams.

Millwall won the game 2-1, with Adam Rowland in sole charge due to his comanager Alex Russell being in Leeds with the men’s team for their televised Championship match.

Rowland was without several players who were injured in the punishing 3-2 defeat at Dartford a week earlier, and brought in Jordan Butler at centre-back and youngster Sky Kelly for her debut. Stef Paci continued her comeback from long-term injury. The goals were scored by Grace Seely and Sharna Giordani.

The team now travel to Ebbsfleet United for a L&SERWFL Premier Division match at the Kuflink Stadium this Sunday at 2pm.

© Mike Urban

© Dave Thompson/Matchroom Boxing

Dillian Whyte

Danny Mills celebrates

Aaron Hardie

Romero Johnson and coach Elwin Ollivierre

over the Mun

Boss thrilled work pays off for ‘big talent’

By John Kelly

M arCo siLva praised “big talent” rodrigo Muniz after Fulham delivered a “complete performance” to comprehensively defeat top-four hopefuls Tottenham hotspur 3-0 at Craven Cottage last sunday.

Muniz gave the Cottagers the lead in the 42nd minute before Sasa Lukic doubled the hosts advantage with his first goal for the club four minutes into the second half.

Muniz added the third on 61 minutes, his seventh goal in his last seven games.

Muniz, 22, faced a big challenge this season after the departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic and his only goal in his previous seventeen games this season before his current streak was in the EFL Cup.

“Great win for us and well deserved to,” Silva said. “We were the best team on the pitch and deserved the three points against a really good side. Playing through the pressure sometimes in behind them. Our first half was top level, probably one of the best we've played this season. Crucial moment we scored the first goal. Overall, complete performance from the boys. The fans were at top level too.

"Winning the game and playing in our way is good. They are brave, they play really brave. We are really brave too this afternoon. Keeping a clean sheet is really important for us.

"Nice to see the work Muniz been doing since 2021 is paying off. I saw real talent in him. When he came, 20 years old not speaking one word

in English, he wasn't even a starting player in Brazil. First season in the Championship he did really well with Mitrovic in front of him. Last season not so well. He's a really good striker, a big talent is there. I'm really happy to have him with us and for him to keep evolving with us.

"He has all of the ability and potential to become a top striker. He's still a young lad. Keep playing week in, week out. Make mistakes and learn, keep doing good things."

It was the first time Spurs hadn’t scored in the league since March 4 last year, a run of 39 games.

Silva felt it was close to his side’s best display of the season.

He said: “100 per cent, definitely. I said to the players if this is not our best it is very nearly.

"The first half was one of our best this season, we were so complete. We matched them.

"Some really good moments, and good goals as well. Throughout the first half we were clearly the best team on the pitch.

"It was crucial as well the way we started the second half, two quick goals that gave us control in the end.

"Almost a year with them always scoring. It speaks about our organisation this evening, the way we stopped them. We were brave enough to stop them. It really speaks about ourselves and how we have been solid this season.

"It's been really good this season. I will not stop wanting more every single week. The reality is now we have away games, they are going to be crucial for us if we want to keep climbing the table.

Addicks get point Fylde away after pitch battle

By John Kelly

C har LT on aT h L e T iC manager nathan Jones was disappointed his side couldn’t hang on for a third straight victory but was positive about a point in torrid conditions against Fleetwood Town at the highbury stadium last weekend.

Charlton made it eight games unbeaten after Alfie May gave them the lead from the penalty spot a minute into first-half added-time.

The visitors held that advantage until the 84th minute when Ryan Graydon levelled for Charlie Adam’s side.

Jones questioned the state of the surface after the game.

“I don’t think a Football League pitch should be like this. For whatever reason, I don’t know, but

I don’t want to comment too much on it,” Jones said through chattering teeth on a typically brutal early March evening on the Fylde coast.

“It made any kind of football in the game nigh-on very difficult. And then the wind took away any chance of a decent spectacle. It’s one of those things, it’s EFL football and it was a brutal game today.

“I’m really disappointed [with the goal conceded] because we lost a header, we didn’t go with the runner, we lost another challenge, then another challenge, and then they tapped it in off the post. So

I’m really disappointed because it was four things that could have happened better, and didn’t.

“It came from a throw-in, so that’s really, really disappointing. It’s probably an even result but when you lead going into the 83rd

[minute], whatever it was, then you expect to see it out but we didn’t. We’ll have a look at that.”

Jones questioned Charlton’s fixture list. After they have played Exeter, five of their previous six games will have been away from home.

Four of their last six fixtures will be at The Valley.

“I’ve had nine games and I think we’ve had six away and then the next game I think is away, so that will be seven and three [at home],” he said.

“I just don’t understand how that can happen.

“Then we go with three home games, so we will really be able to assess it in about four games’ time when we will have had a similar type of games.”

Charlton are ten points above the

relegation zone after being just three above the bottom four when he took over in January.

“It’s another game,” Jones said. “It’s a positive point. It keeps people away from us. It’s just about keeping the momentum going and keeping winning. We can’t win everything.

“I’m really pleased with the position we’re in, considering the position we were in when I came in. We’ve had a positive reaction. We’re eight games unbeaten which, at any level in world football, is good.”

Despite the awful conditions, 551 Addicks fans made the trip.

Jones said: “They’re phenomenal. To travel up here with the distance, the cost, the weather – it shows they’re magnificent.

“It’s just a real shame that we couldn’t have given them three points to go home with. But they’ve

seen another honest display.”

Conor Wickham missed the game with a thigh problem.

Wickham, 30, made his debut as a 72nd-minute substitute in the 3-2 win against Carlisle last weekend, his first competitive minutes in ten months.

Wickham will have time to build up his fitness as Charlton’s next game is not until March 29 at Exeter City.

“He felt his thigh after the game last week so he hasn’t trained properly,” Jones told Charlton TV. “He trained a couple of days but wasn’t at full tilt.

“We could have done with him today, it was the type of game that probably would have suited him really well but it wasn’t to be.

“We’ll see how he recovers and go from there.”

Rodrigo Muniz scored twice against Tottenham Hotspur

EXCLUSIVE

the kids are aLright the fab four

By Kiro Evans

Kevin nuGenT said it is “pleasing” that his ever-changing Millwall under-21 side have kept their foot on the gas this season.

Having won the Professional Development League last May, the young Lions have seen players move to the first-team, out on loan or leave the club permanently.

Despite the radical personnel changes, Nugent’s side are top of the table and five points clear of Queens Park Rangers.

One of the highlights of the season was a storming 7-0 victory over Watford earlier this month.

Under-21 boss Nugent is impressed with the “spirit” his side has shown but did not want to get ahead of himself when it comes to retaining the title.

He told our paper: “Because the team has changed so much, it’s very pleasing that the spirit and the work rate is still there and we’re still being so competitive in the league.

“We’re up there at the moment and that is nice, especially with how the team changes week in, week out. We just take it one game at a time.

“The players have become very adaptable playing with different players all the time. With players out injured, and we have had a few, it gives someone else the opportunity.

And the lads that have stepped up from the Under-18s have done well.”

Injuries have become a theme this season for Millwall’s Under-21s with both the players who have stayed at the club and those that have gone out loan suffering prolonged knocks. Chin Okoli, Nana Boateng, Kyle Smith and most recently Henry Hearn have seen their seasons disrupted by injuries, hampering their development.

Nugent has been helped by first-team stars dropping into his side to get minutes with club captain Shaun Hutchinson, Romain Esse and Adam Mayor taking part in the 7-0 win over Watford. Nugent likes the application the senior players bring to his squad.

He said: “Ever since I’ve been at the club, whenever the first-team players have come and played for us, their attitude has been absolutely fantastic.

“They’ve been vocal on the pitch and

Nugent impressed after young Lions continue last season’s title-winning form

having Hutch in there, giving him his 45 minutes, it was really good for my lads to play alongside the club captain.”

Despite the success he’s having in under-21 football, Nugent said he is in no rush to go back to coaching senior teams which he had done previously before arriving at The Den in 2017.

He said: “Working with the younger players and developing them is a job I really enjoy. I’ve always enjoyed that side of it so I’m more than happy with the work I’m

doing.”

Nugent has also enjoyed seeing the return of Neil Harris to the club with the former Millwall striker making an immediate impact on the first-team and producing results.

Nugent, 54, added: “You can see the spirit he’s brought into the team already. It was a very smooth transition. Obviously things and players have changed but he knows the club inside out. It was a very good appointment.”

Kevin Nugent is looking to win back to back Under-21 titles

By Kiro Evans

Four MiLLWaLL players are jetting off for international duty this week.

George Saville, Matija Sarkic, Michael Obafemi and Brooke Norton-Cuffy are all in action for their countries while club football takes its final break of the season.

Saville faces two friendly games with Northern Ireland who go to Romania tomorrow before travelling to Scotland next week while Sarkic’s Montenegro go to Belarus and host North Macedonia.

Obafemi also has friendly action to look forward to with the Republic of Ireland and two home games await against tricky opposition in Belgium and Switzerland.

Meanwhile, Norton-Cuffy will hope to feature in England Under21’s Euro qualifying doubleheader against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.

Tom Bradshaw, Kevin Nisbet and Aidomo Emakhu would normally also be heading off for international duty with their countries but they are all injured. Millwall will resume their Championship campaign at the end of March with eight games left in their season.

They host West Brom at The Den on Good Friday before facing Rotherham United away just three days later during the Easter weekend.

Poch avoids mutiny and defends Sterling after late show

By John Kelly

MauriCio PoCheTTino defended raheem sterling from the Blues boo boys after last weekend’s late show against Leicester City in the Fa Cup quarter-final - but admitted he accepted stamford Bridge supporters expressing their anger after the home side’s struggles against their Championship opponents.

Chelsea led 2-0 at half-time after goals from Marc Cucerella and Cole Palmer either side of Sterling’s penalty miss.

But the atmosphere turned toxic after Axel Disasi scored an own goal on 51 minutes and Stephy Mavididi equalised eleven minutes later.

Sterling first irked Chelsea fans after he had been fouled by Abdul Fatawu in the 25th minute. Chelsea’s regular penalty-taker Cole Palmer had the ball, before Sterling appeared to

convince his team-mate to hand over responsibility. Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk saved Sterling’s effort.

Callum Doyle was sent off seventeen minutes from time for taking down Nicolas Jackson who was through on goal. Sterling fired the free-kick over and was booed again.

However, a potential mutiny was avoided when substitutes Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke scored in the 92nd and 98th minutes to send Chelsea through.

Home fans had also jeered Pochettino’s decision to replace Mykhailo Mudryk and not Sterling in the 78th minute, before cheering when Sterling went off for Madueke four minutes from time.

Pochettino said it was up to Palmer and Sterling who took the spot-kick.

“Raheem asked for the ball for the penalty and Cole gave the ball,” Pochettino explained. “You saw on the TV but that is not a problem.

“Cole can miss, Raheem can miss. For me, [it is] their decision and I will always support the decision of my players on the pitch.

“It’s obvious that I cannot hide nothing. You are like me, the feelings weren’t good for [Sterling] but I am going to support him, we are all going to support him.

“We need to accept. It doesn’t mean we agree or not agree but we have to accept because our fans, all the fans in football live expectation and want the best for the club, the best for the players.”

Pochettino was asked if he felt it was right that fans should boo their own players.

He replied: “We need to accept, you know, we need to accept, we need to accept the situation.

“I hope next game our fans be always unconditional behind the team…and yes, I'm not going to criticise the fans, never, because I think they are entitled to say what they want.”

Kevin Nugent is looking to win back to back Under-21 titles

Raheem Sterling missed a penalty

fight But Brands oPPonent a ‘coward’

gLasner: future Bright for PaLace

By John Kelly

ForMer

MiLLWaLL

manager Gary

rowett was set to be named interim head coach of one of the Lions’ relegation rivals, Birmingham City, this week.

Rowett, 50, has been out of management work since stepping down as Lions boss last October.

Blues want Rowett to take over until the end of the season from Tony Mowbray, who has stepped away to receive medical treatment.

Rowett would be the fourth boss in charge of the club this season after the sackings of John Eustace and Wayne Rooney, with Mowbray taking over from the latter.

Former Birmingham defender Rowett managed Blues from 2014 to 2016.

The Eagles boss has been impressed with what he has seen in his short stint

By John Kelly

CrysTaL PaLaCe boss oliver

Glasner sees a bright future for the club - and not only because the squad have been enjoying a late-season break in sunny spain.

Glasner took his players and staff to Marbella during the international break where they have been preparing for the last leg of the Premier League season.

Palace are still not out of relegation danger as they sit eight points above the bottom three with ten games left.

Glasner has won one, lost one and drawn one of his three games in charge. It would have been six points from three games had the Eagles not conceded in the 96th minute in the 1-1 draw against Luton Town.

Glasner has waxed lyrical about his time at the club so far.

“Very good, really. It was, of course, a busy time, but I’ve had great support from everybody in the club, in the staff. The players are really open-minded and great

characters,” Glasner said.

“And everywhere, the club does everything to support us. It starts with transport from the hotel to the training ground and everything, and then also with family visits at the weekends for games. So I have to say ‘thank you’ to all the guys in the club for the big support.

“I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed the time with the players. I’ve enjoyed the time with the staff.

“I’ve enjoyed the time at Selhurst with our fans. And I’ve enjoyed the time in south London, because I really found a lot of great characters and very nice guys.

“The attitude of the players to listen, to try to improve and also change something, I like it a lot, and it was a good start for us.

“Of course, the draw against Luton still hurts a little bit, with the goal in the last fifteen or 20 seconds. But sometimes you also need to fail so that you can improve again.

“And in this situation, we can also learn a lot from it. All our experiences help us to

grow as a group, to grow as a club – and this is what we want to do.

“We are on a good way, a good pathway, but we're still at the beginning.

“We can see some, let's say, improvements, but also some changes. This is how we’ve started, but it's not possible to have a lot of changes that work in two or three weeks. But the basement is here.

“The character of the players, the quality of the players, the talent of the players, the staff that is supporting me and us every minute of the day. And also a club, like Crystal Palace, who said: ‘OK, we want to change something.’

“This is what we have now started to do together, and I'm really looking forward to the next weeks and months.”

Glasner reflected on the training camp in Spain.

He said: “We've had perfect conditions: a great pitch, the players are working really hard and very well, and with it, what's important, there’s a very good mood in

training and also in the hotel. In the first place, I'm very happy with everything.

“In the game against Bodø/Glimt, it is also important for us to show, in an international game, what we are doing in training.

“But at the moment, I'm really happy with everything here in Spain.”

Glasner added: “It's nothing to do with England! It’s just, you know, there's three weeks with no games, and sometimes, three weeks of [being] every day at the training ground, knowing that there is no game on the weekend, is a long time.

“So it's good to have a change, not just in the environment. We are also here with the opportunity to spend a lot of time together, not just arriving in the morning and leaving after training like it would be in England. We’re also having dinner together, having meetings, talking to each other – we have here 24 hours a day.

“And this is also important for us to get us known personally in the group, and understanding each other.”

Rowett took over in October 2014 and guided the side from 21st in the Championship to a tenth-place finish.

Birmingham also finished tenth the next season before Rowett was controversially sacked after a 2-1 win over Ipswich Town with the side seventh in the table. Gianfranco Zola was appointed as his successor but won just two games out of 24 before resigning in April 2017 with the side in 20th place. Blues eventually finished 21st under Harry Redknapp.

Rowett took over as manager of Millwall in October 2019 after Neil Harris stepped down. Rowett consistently had the Lions punching above their weight, as they finished eighth, eleventh, ninth and eighth in his four seasons. Millwall were in the play-off places with 45 minutes of the campaign to go in 202223 before losing 4-3 to Blackburn Rovers at The Den.

Birmingham are level on 39 points with third-last Huddersfield Town, staying out of the relegation zone only on goal difference with eight games left. Millwall are four points above the bottom three.

Mark Venus has been in charge of the team since Mowbray stepped away after a 2-1 win against his former club Sunderland in February. The side have lost five and drawn one of their six games under Venus.

Birmingham’s next fixture is at Queens Park Rangers - who are one point above them - on March 29.

Oliver Glasner