Consultation flyers released “in error” reveal that tfl plans to amend the sl5 and sl7 routes.
TfL has confirmed that consultation will take place following the general election. The plans reveal changes that could see the SL7 route join Heathrow with Sutton, rather than its current terminus in West Croydon. This shortening would be countered by moving the SL5 start route from Croydon to Sutton, as it heads towards Bromley.
The changes would also see the old stop at Beddington Plough, which was withdrawn some years ago, would be reinstated as part of the new SL5 route. New stops at Feltham and Harlington Corner would also be added to the updated SL7 route.
The SL7, formerly the X26 before the recent Superloop rebrand, currently stands as London’s longest bus route. Its linking of the UK’s main airport with the busy transport hub of Croydon means has also become one of the capital’s most popular routes.
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The SL5 on the other hand is a brand new route that currently serves the much shorter distance between Croydon and Bromley town centre. In off-peak times this journey can sometimes be completed in under half an hour.
Unlike other Superloop routes in London, which are operated by double-decker buses, the SL5 is operated with singledecker EV buses due to overhanging trees on South Eden Park Road on the Beckenham stretch of the route. If the proposed extension goes ahead, the SL5 is likely to continue to use its single-decker
By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter
r iders will be banned from abandoning e-bikes on busy town centre pavements in a south london borough under a new scheme.
Wandsworth Council will bring the ban into force once it has finished installing 111 parking bays for e-bikes across the borough, including Clapham Junction, Tooting Broadway, Tooting Bec, Wandsworth Town, Balham and Putney town centres.
The scheme aims to tackle inconsiderate e-bike parking in the borough, which blocks pavements for pedestrians. The council began installing the parking bays on June 20 and expects to complete the works in around four weeks.
fleet for the onward journey to Sutton.
These proposed changes and concerns over the use of single-decker buses have sparked an online backlash from Facebook users who use the two routes.
One user, Jan Wright, posted: “Well that’s helpful having made the SL7 the great route it is from Heathrow to Croydon to shorten it just go to Sutton instead. Very unhelpful TfL.”
Leaked fLyers reveaL changes that couLd be coming to popuLar superLoop bus route
Fellow bus user George Kyriakos commented: “I have taken the first bus to Heathrow from Carshalton a few times, and it’s always very busy having come from Croydon. I can’t see how it would work as a single-decker.
“Also if the route were to be chopped in two, I think you’d need increased frequency to compensate and quite possibly earlier start times too or make it 24-hour service.”
When the local democracy reporting service contacted a spokesperson from
E-bike parking ban
The authority said e-bike parking will be banned on pavements in busy town centre locations once all the bays have been installed, while responsible ‘free-floating’ parking will still be allowed away from these hotspots and in quieter parts of the borough. More e-bike parking bays are expected to be installed later in the year.
David Tidley, head of transport strategy at the council, said it supports the use of e-bikes as a ‘convenient travel option’ for residents and visitors, but that they cause issues when parked inconsiderately. He
said: “They’re a clean and sustainable way of getting around and help to improve local air quality. We are really pleased that there have already been more than a million journeys made by e-bike in Wandsworth. “But residents will know that there have been some challenges, with a small minority of riders abandoning bikes without any thought for pedestrians and local communities. These new bays will help riders to park in fixed town-centre locations and encourage considerate parking.”
TfL, they confirmed the plans were due to go to consultation but that the pre-election period meant they had to be temporarily postponed. Currently, there is no word of the consultation plans on the TfL website. This sudden postponement meant that some official flyers outlining the proposals were handed out “in error” by TfL in Croydon, before being recalled due to the election postponement. When asked if the consultation period would take place after the election, TfL said it would but did not reveal a date.
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The Bromley North terminus - Photo by Harrison Galliven
EXCLUSIVE
By Isabel Ramirez
two ladies living at the same care home in bermondsey, who both served their country during the war, will turn 100 just eleven days apart.
They live at Bluegrove Care Home on Southwark Park Road - where celebrations are in full swing. Despite reaching the milestone around the same time and both having been in the army around the same time, the girls live on different floors and don’t know each other.
Eunice Adams, who was born on 17th June 1924 in Islington, was the first to mark the centenary last Monday week.
“I can’t believe I’ve lived all these years,” she told us just before her party.
After leaving school at 14, Eunice studied shorthand and typing, working in The Strand as a secretary. At 22, she joined the army for four years and lived in Singapore - coming back to train as a nurse.
It was this variety of jobs she said has contributed to her living a long life, commenting: “I just enjoyed my days and never did anything for very long.”
An only child, she explained at 59 she had to retire because her mum ‘needed her.’
She lived in Rotherhithe on her own until moving to Bluegrove in 2022, which she referred to as ‘her home.’
This Friday, 28 June, Joyce Coot will turn the same age - which she charmingly called ‘99 plus one.’
Joyce grew up in Camberwell on Farmer’s Road but during the war, they were bombed out so moved next to Morley College in Waterloo.
Her childhood was short because of the war and life was ‘hard’ in London. She joined the army during the war, working in the post office sorting parcels. She remembers getting in trouble once for sneaking back to camp late - because she went to see Jazz big band leader, Glen Miller perform.
Joyce was ordered to scrub
two army girLs at the same bermondsey care home turn 100
the officer’s floors for a week as punishment but claimed: “It was worth it - just to see Glen Miller.”
In 1950 she married a driver named
Bernie and they started their lives together in Victoria Buildings on Great Suffolk Street. They had one son together, Paul, who is 69. The family then moved to the Redcross Cottages on Ayres Street, also in Borough for the next 65 years.
Prior to meeting Joyce, Bernie was a war hero who had saved dozens of lives in Dunkirk and Normandy whilst in the Royal Navy. When he died in 2018, a grand funeral was held at
Southwark Cathedral.
She told us her secret to her age was ‘being content.’
“Don’t want all the time, be present, and don’t owe too much money,” she advised.
On the other hand, it could be genetic: her mother lived until she was 108!
Joyce’s birthday celebrations begin on Saturday (22 June) when she opens the Great Get Together in Bankside, an area she spent most of her life in. She has been there every year since it started, a ‘big supporter’ of the community.
Nuns set to turn convent into flats for key workers in one of south London’s most sought-after squares
By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter
south london nuns are set to turn part of their convent into flats for key workers like nurses and teachers.
Sisters of the Holy Family Convent have submitted plans to Lambeth Council to change a Grade-II listed terrace in Stockwell into five apartments set across separate floors.
The religious community has experienced a slump in numbers over the years, resulting in the building becoming empty, and the nuns want to make better use of the space.
The sisters would remain living in a property next door to the proposed apartment building on Albert Square.
According to documents submitted to the council, the conversion is expected to cost up to £2 million. As part of the refurbishment, sprinklers
and an evacuation lift would be fitted in the property. The apartment building would be separated from the neighbouring property, where the nuns would remain living.
Maintenance work would also also be carried out on the building under the plans. The rear roofs would be replaced and solar panels would be installed. Each of the five flats would contain a kitchen and en-suite bathroom.
Albert Square is one of Stockwell’s poshest streets. The large Victorian terraces in the square regularly sell for millions. In 2021, a five bedroom detached house on Albert Square sold for £3.25 million. In the same year, a one-bedroom flat in the square was snapped up for £425,000.
The square’s Grade-II listed terraces were built between 1846 and 1849. They are set around a picturesque gardens and just a 10-minute walk from Stockwell Tube station.
Eunice Adams
Part of the Holy Family Convent on Albert Square in Stockwell could be converted into fl ats
Joyce Coot in the army A young Eunice Adams
Joyce Coot
By Isabel Ramirez
the Community in Camberwell
is in mourning for a young student who died suddenly on 2 June.
Zilal Bankole was in her first year of university when she passed away in her sleep aged just 18.
She was training to be a midwife at the University of Leicester and had already delivered five babies, shortly before her tragic death.
After hearing the devastating news, her family said their lives had been ‘shattered.’
“She went to bed on Saturday night
and never woke up on Sunday morning,” they explained, adding that she was found ‘beautifully’ in her bed.
The words from everyone who knew her attest to the gracious and caring nature of a girl lost far too soon.
A midwife in training - she had already delivered 5 babies.
Born on 28 June 2005, Zilal was described as a ‘bright light that could never be hidden.’ She first went to London South Bank University Nursery and then spent her next years at Camelot and Crawford Primary schools, before moving up to Sacred Heart RC school.
From a young age, she was heavily
‘she was an angeL on earth’
Camberwell girl, 18, who was training to be a midwife, tragically dies in her sleep
involved in the church (both Our Lady of Sorrows RC Peckham and Sacred Heart Camberwell) and served it in many ways: singing in the choir being the thing she loved the most.
“She had the voice of an angel,” Steven Soluade, youth co-ordinator from Our Lady of Sorrows, told us.
He continued: “Zilal was a true measure of what a youth member is. She meant a lot to each of us here and will truly and surely be missed.”
Last year, Zilal was featured in this paper when she won the Jack Petchey Award, handed to inspiring youths who have gone the extra mile. In true selfless
fashion, she spent her £300 grant on equipment for the music department at Sacred Heart.
A young carer for her family, Zilal leaves behind her mother and best friend, Desiree and two brothers Aurel and Prince – as well as an entire community here in Camberwell.
“...an angel departed too soon.”
As her death was such a shock, they are currently raising money for her funeral costs, so they can give their girl the ‘perfect sendoff’ she deserves.
The family continued: “Zilal was the joy in our lives and an angel on earth who sadly departed too soon. She
made a compelling impact on everyone she knew and her zeal for life was unmatched.”
On what would have been her 19th birthday, Friday 28 June, her family and friends will release balloons and hold a special service in her memory. It will be held in the park at Boston House at 6pm, on Lowth Road in Camberwell.
Her funeral will be on Thursday 18 July at 10:30am at Sacred Heart Church, Camberwell.
Search on gofundme.com ‘Our Beloved Zilal’ to access the fundraiser for her funeral.
Night Tube services during the ‘peak’ period after midnight
could be boosted, Sadiq Khan has revealed
By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter
t he number of night tube services during the ‘peak’ period after midnight could be boosted, sadiq Khan has revealed.
The mayor said Transport for London (TfL) is looking at whether a more frequent service could be provided during the busiest part of the night, though there are no immediate plans to expand the network to cover more Underground lines.
The Night Tube currently operates on five of the Underground’s 11 lines – the Victoria, Jubilee, Central, Piccadilly and Northern. The London Overground also operates night services on the former ‘East London line’ between Highbury and Islington and New Cross Gate.
The service runs on Friday and Saturday nights only, with fewer trains
than during the day. On most of the current Night Tube network, services are every 10 minutes, although they can be as often as every seven or eight minutes on much of the Northern line, or as few as every 20 minutes on the outer edges of the Central line.
During the mayoral election, Mr Khan’s Tory opponent, Susan Hall, promised to expand the Night Tube to cover the Hammersmith and City line, followed by the District, Circle and Metropolitan lines “when feasible”.
Mr Khan’s campaign team immediately pledged to do likewise, saying: “Sadiq wants to do this – and if re-elected will work to secure the funding for expanding the Night Tube to these four lines.”
The mayor’s night czar, Amy Lamé, said last year however that TfL’s “tight finances” meant there were “big financial challenges” in growing the
network to cover more lines.
In a written question to the mayor following his re-election, Andrew Boff – a Conservative London Assembly member – asked for an update on his Night Tube expansion plans.
The mayor said: “TfL keeps the Night Tube service under review and I have made it clear I would like to see the service expanded to more lines when circumstances allow.
“TfL has also begun to look at the case for improving Night Tube frequencies on the existing lines between approximately 00:00 and 01:30 as this period is the busiest part of the current Night Tube offering.”
It is unclear what specific level of improvement TfL is looking to bring to the Night Tube’s frequencies, though it is understood that they would not be increased to the same level as daytime services.
A midwife in training - Zilal had already delivered five babies
where to watch the euros in south London
Grab your mates, warm up your vocal cords and cheer on England at these spots south of the river for Euros 2024
By Eliza Frost
DUkE of GREENWICh
For footie fans and foodies, you’re going to want to head down to The Duke for Euros 2024, showing the games on its new 3m x 3m outdoor screen in the beer garden.
Plus, The Duke has gone alfresco and moved its kitchen outside with a BBQ menu for the summer months. Throw a shrimp on lamb rib with harissa and garlic yogurt on the barbie, won’t you. 91 Colomb Street, SE10 9EZ www.dukeofgreenwich.com
BETWEEN ThE BRIDGES
Footy with a view of the river, is that or is that not a dreamy combination?
Southbank’s Between the Bridges has three huge screens, so you won’t miss any of the action.
With tickets from £5, watch England in
the group stages playing Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia this June. Plus, have the chance to tuck into food and drink from Between The Bridges venders – take your pick from oven-fresh pizzas and juicy burgers to chocolate-dipped churros and tangy tacos.
The Queen’s Walk, SE1 www.betweenthebridges.co.uk/euros-2024
ThE DUkE of EDINBURGh
A summer of sport has been announced as open in Brixton’s The Duke of Edinburgh, showing all of the action: Euros, F1, Wimbledon, Cricket, Olympics and more.
With one of the biggest – and best – pub gardens in south London, as called by us
here at The South Londoner, it’s a close to perfect spot to enjoy some live sport this summer surrounded by other fans. And you’ll be able to blend in if you’re just there for the beer… we won’t tell anyone.
Heading south west now, Putney’s The Coat and Badge is welcoming the crowds as a hot spot for live sport.
You can even book for a private screening of any match with its football package… shout “ref” as loud as you want and enjoy sharing the beautiful game with your nearest and dearest.
8 Lacy Road, SW15 1NL
www.thecoatandbadge.co.uk
PECkham LEVELS
Catch the main games right in the main bar of Peckham Levels as the south east location gears up for a summer of footy.
Peckham Levels is screening the matches on five 65-inch TV screens dotted around the bar and food hall, with the sound and commentary through the PA system so you won’t miss any of the action.
Plus, they’re featuring DJs from different countries taking part in the Euros (Spain, Italy, Turkey, and more) on selected Friday and Saturday nights to really get the vibes going.
To secure to best seats in the house for groups, you can pre-book a drinks package and arrive to chilled jugs of beer, cocktails or carafes ready at your table for kick off.
Normally known for live music, Brixton’s Blues Kitchen is taking a break from usual scheduling to squeeze in the upcoming England games, kicking off with England’s opening game against Serbia at 8pm on Monday 16 June.
If – and when – England succeed in the group stages, all games up to the final will be streamed at the venue. Tickets are sold as tables at £5 per person, of £10 per person for the exclusive use of The Blues Kitchen’s private dining space, including the Karaoke Room.
Plus you can order half time snacks from
the Southern-inspired kitchen, including buffalo chicken wings, Szechuan chicken wings, crispy cauli bites.
The circus is back in town at Deptford. Rebranded from The Job Centre, there are a few nods to the original Jam Circus that once resided in Brockley. With some tasty grub and your favourite beers on tap – this is a great spot to watch the game.
120-122 Deptford High Street, SE8 4NP jamcircus.com
ThE LoST hoUR
Recently refurbished and ready to welcome sports fans, The Lost Hour has the most craft beers being served in Greenwich.
So, you’ll be able to wet your whistle while watching the game at this spot. 217-219 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich, SE10 8NB
www.crafted-social.co.uk/lost-hourgreenwich
ThE BRookmILL
This Victorian corner pub is ready to welcome you for the season with its updated courtyard, where it will be showing all the Euros matches. Head down for the footy, stay for the honest pub dishes and ice-cold beers.
65 Cranbrook Road, St John’s, Deptford, SE8 4EJ
defiant bermondsey residents camping out in pLant pots to sabotage ‘unwanted’ estate ‘improvements’
EXCLUSIVE
By Herbie Russell
t wo defiant residents have camped out in plant pots to prevent work being done on their communal garden in bermondsey.
The patch of green by the Thames is being refurbished with money meant to compensate residents affected by the construction of the Thames Super Sewer.
But the furious saboteurs say their views have been sidelined, with the grant money being spent on works they do not want. They would prefer to have the money given directly to residents so they can decide how to use it.
A council spokesperson said the
Thames Tideway-funded “communityled projects” were “really positive” and allowed residents “a direct say over how the fund is allocated”.
The co-founders of Wilder, a company contracted to carry out the works, insisted residents were properly consulted and it was a “shame” that “nice” improvements were being disrupted.
Speaking from inside a planter on Monday, June 17, local resident Maxine Charlton said: “We want them to hold full consultations because there were only three residents who got to say what they wanted.”
Her friend and fellow local resident Vanessa Muyiwa-Ojo said: “I have not
been consulted at all. I have lived here 34 years!”
Wilder, a not-for-profit organisation carrying out the works, said the grant, which is administered by Southwark Council, had been approved by an independent panel.
Co-founder Leanne Churchill, a former Southwark councillor, said: “It’s a bit of a shame because we thought it would be nice for people to have planters here.
`“I have had people shouting in my face since 8am [this morning],” she said. “It’s not like we’re making profit from it.”
A local child had been looking forward to getting involved in but his mother had been deterred by the protestors, Ms Churchill said.
She said residents had had “ample opportunities to respond” to consultations.
Leaflets had been put through people’s doors and a meeting held at the neighbouring Old Justice pub which three residents attended, she said.
Some residents say they haven’t received consultation documents through their letter boxes.
This latest episode is part of a longrunning dispute between residents and the authorities over the £1 million Thames Tideway Community Enhancement Fund.
The money is meant to compensate residents whose lives are disrupted by the Thames Super Sewer construction,
which began in 2016.
Although it will transform London’s antiquated sewer system, which is over capacity, the noisy construction backs right onto residents’ gardens.
Maxine Charlton would prefer to see a community hall built but it is understood her bids have been unsuccessful.
A petition, reportedly signed by twelve residents out of fourteen, urged Wilder not to submit the bid in October 2023.
“We demand that a proper consultation is carried out to all residents before any plan is finalised and funding is approved,” it said.
Maxine has admitted to trying to sabotage the project by calling the delivery company to take away the planters yesterday morning (Monday, June 17).
As well as installing the planters Wilder has been contracted to create a flower meadow, build bin shelters, bike storage and restore a fountain on the green.
Thames Tideway said The Chambers Wharf Community Enhancement Fund is administered by Southwark Council and directed us to them when approached for comment.
A council spokesperson said: “It’s really positive that 55 community-led projects have been supported by the fund over the last six years, with residents having a direct say over how the fund is allocated.
“Each bid to the fund is reviewed and voted upon by a panel made up of the local community, including 22 resident representatives from different areas of the local community. While the panel cannot approve every single bid, their role is crucial to ensuring positive impact for the widest range of local people for the best value for money. ”
Local resident Vanessa Muyiwa-Ojo said she had ‘not been consulted at all’
Local resident Maxine Charlton would prefer to see a community hall built
the pLace to go in south London if you are a fan of netfLix show bridgerton
By Eliza Frost
have you ever wondered how your favourite period drama was recreated in modern day? well, greenwich’s old royal naval College plays host to many of those memorable scenes.
Step into the world of Hollywood magic and Netflix hits by joining a Blockbuster Film Tour at the UNESCO world history site.
With Bridgerton season three, part two, almost on screens, explore the site where Penelope Featherington and Eloise Bridgerton strolled a Bridgerton market or the scene where a paperboy can be seen running across the colonnades to deliver Lady Whistledown’s latest “scandal sheet”.
But it’s not just Bridgerton, you’ll embark on a journey through almost 100 years of filming, including some unforgettable cinematic moments shot at the riverside grounds and inside Painted Hall.
Guides will reveal the tricks of the trade and share behind-the-scenes tales to answer all your film-buff questions.
During the tour, you’ll discover highlights such as:
• The exact spot where Buckingham Palace was recreated for The Crown (2016 – present).
• The setting for revolutionary Paris in Les Misérables (2012).
• Old Royal Naval College’s role as
a crashed spacecraft battleground in Thor: The Dark World (2013).
• The waltz of a couple in the scene from Indiscreet, filmed in a replica Painted Hall in 1958.
• The performances of Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady (2011) and Emma Stone as Cruella in Disney’s 2021 delve into the villainess’ backstory.
• The very location in the Painted Hall where Nigel Hawthorne became King George in The Madness of King George (1994),
watched over by his forebear George I, depicted in the famous painting.
• The exact spot where Rowan Atkinson delivered the classic line, “Repeat after me, I do take thee, Lydia Jane Hibbott, to be my awful wedded wife” in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994).
Film tours last 60 minutes and are part of your overall admission ticket. They are held on Thursdays and Sundays at 12:30pm and 2:30pm.
To celebrate the return of the show, the
Old Royal Naval College is also hosting Bridgerton-themed afternoon tea on various dates. Indulge in an al fresco experience amid the grandeur of the historic colonnades, where many scenes were filmed.
You’ll find delicate finger sandwiches and homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, plus cakes and sweet treats with a Bridgerton twist. With loose-leaf teas, prosecco or champagne to finish the affair.
Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN ornc.org/whats-on/blockbuster-�ilmtours
Third man is charged with the murder of Robert Robinson
By Herbie Russell
a third man has been charged with the murder of robert robinson in deptford.
Ryan Wedderburn, 18 (29/05/06) of Windlass Place, Deptford, will appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, June 21).
Wedderburn was arrested after attending a south London police station yesterday (Thursday, June 20).
Two other people have appeared in court charged with murder.
Dalziell Wedderburn, 44, (13/09/79) also of Windlass Place, Deptford, was charged with murder on June 9 and appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court the following day. He was remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey on September 3.
Kirk Harris, 18 (29/03/06) of New Cross was charged with murder on Tuesday, June 18, and appeared at Bromley Magistrates Court on the same day.
He was remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey on September 3.
An investigation was launched after Robert, 21, was fatally stabbed in Carteret Way, SE8 on 6 June. Police enquiries are ongoing.
bL ack mouL d L eft ‘chiL dren with nosebLeeds and repair workers did £4,000 damage’
Glory says council contractors trashed her home after failing to fix her mould problem in 2020
EXCLUSIVE
By Herbie Russell
a single mum says she has spent eight years living in a mouldy Bermondsey flat, causing her children nosebleeds and hospitalising her eight-year-old daughter.
and once to a hotel in Wandsworth.
But when she returned from her fourmonth stay in Bromley in 2020, Glory says she not only found the mould was still there, but that much of her furniture had been broken.
Photos shared with this paper show carpets torn up, cupboards snapped and beds split into pieces.
She and her four children were forced to sleep on the floor for a year, sharing a single room to avoid inhaling mould spores, Glory said.
Glory believes her children’s nosebleeds have been caused by the damp and mould. Photos supplied by Glory Uhunarabona – we have deliberately edited the photo to help conceal the children’s identifies
Glory Uhunarabona, 45, claims to have spent around £4,000 on new furniture after she says workers destroyed her home while carrying out failed repairs.
Glory, who works as a dinner lady at a local school, has even paid doctors roughly £75 to send letters urging Southwark Council to move the family over health concerns for her asthmatic eight-year-old daughter.
Apologising, Southwark Council has admitted Glory’s living conditions are “unacceptable”, accepting that it must “permanently resolve” the damp and mould.
Glory said: “They think because I’m a single mum and my English isn’t good they can ignore me. Please give me a good home for my children. It’s fresh hell here. I fear for them.”
Glory has pleaded with Southwark Council to move her out, which she says has never identified the cause of the mould.
She is especially concerned about her eight-year-old daughter who has been hospitalised with respiratory distress and chest infections.
Doctors’ letters say the girl’s hard breathing is “exacerbated” and “triggered” by her “damp surroundings”.
Glory also showed us several photos of her children suffering nose bleeds in the past, which she believes was caused by the damp.
Nosebleeds can be caused by respiratory irritation, according to health professionals and academics.
Teachers at the children’s school have grown so concerned that they have also written to Southwark Council.
One letter expressed concerns for their ‘physical health and mental wellbeing’ and that moves to temporary accommodation may have prevented them from achieving their potential.
Glory moved into her Wickfield House council flat since 2015 . Southwark Council has twice relocated her and her four children to do repairs - once to temporary accommodation in Bromley
Her children’s school had to step in and find new beds for the family.
Glory has since spent over £4,200 on furniture and repairs, which she had to pay back via installments.
Glory says the GP has sent so many letters to Southwark Council that doctors have started charging her up to £30 each time.
Courage, nineteen, who recently completed his A Levels, said: “It’s hard to do homework and revise in this environment. I could have done way better than what I achieved.”
Despite her pleas, Southwark Council has not relocated her, with her dedicated housing officer often ignoring correspondence, Glory said.
A Southwark Council spokesperson said: “These are unacceptable conditions for anyone to live in, and we apologise to Ms Uhunarabona and her family for how distressing it must have been for the mould to return for a second time when she went back to her property.
“There is clearly a specific issue with this property which our repairs teams will need to address to permanently resolve the mould and condensation.
“We will also look into all the matters Ms Uhunarabona has raised and speak to her about both her family’s housing situation and what has happened.”
Camberwell holding trio of free community festivals and events
By Herbie Russell
t he Camberwell feel g ood festival will return for summer 2024 with two s aturday festival events and a community picnic.
There will be two free health and wellbeing events for the community on Camberwell Green on Saturday, July 6 and in Ruskin Park on Saturday, July 13.
A community picnic will take place on Saturday, July 27, where people can enjoy live jazz music and kids’ activities.
After the fantastic success of last year’s Feel Good Festival, which attracted more than 1000 visitors, SE5 Forum is inviting everyone to come along.
People can join in free fitness and yoga sessions for all ages, or mindful arts and crafts. There will
also be free food from local food charities and live music, active kids’ fun and games, and vital health support and signposting.
The festival brings together local charities and organisations, arts and health professionals, food banks and pantries, and volunteers, to support the health and wellbeing of the local community and create a free, uplifting event.
Local food charity Spring Community Hub will cook up a West African feast and Healthy Living Platform will be serving up delicious plant-based snacks, plus children can join a healthy, nocook food workshop to try easy, nutritious recipes.
This year’s Camberwell Green event is also in collaboration with the Let’s Get Together and Feel Alright: African Heritage Festival,
which continues until 6.30pm featuring African drumming, Zumba, heritage dancers, poetry/spoken word and books, storytelling, cultural food and music; as well a craft heritage marketplace. Organised by Black Stock Media.
Alongside the fun and fitness activities, the festival will offer a range of health support services, with free NHS health advice and signposting from Partnership Southwark’s Wellbeing Van and Lambeth Together’s Health and Wellbeing Bus, and mental health advice from support stalls.
The festival atmosphere will be further enriched with live music performances, including local choirs, music and a community sing-a-long, making it a perfect day out for all ages.
Mould in the bathroom keeps reappearing despite her efforts to clean it, Glory says
The UK Parliamentary General Election takes place on Thursday 4 July 2024.
You must show a prescribed form of photo ID if you are voting at a polling station.
To find out what forms of ID are accepted, go to lambeth.gov.uk/vote
The Guardian
Evening Standard
TAVARES STRACHAN
THERE IS LIGHT SOMEWHERE
18 JUN – 1 SEP
Under-30s and Lambeth residents: £8 tickets available Tuesday – Friday and after 5pm on Saturday.
Summer at the Southbank Centre
This year’s summer season at the Southbank Centre, You BelongHere , from Saturday 29 June – Sunday 8 September, is a beacon of welcome for everyone, packed with vibrant and diverse performance, poetry, talks, art, music and family fun.
e season is inspired by the unsung explorers and cultural trailblazers celebrated in the Hayward Gallery exhibition Tavares Strachan: ere Is Light Somewhere, and takes its name from one of Strachan’s text-based neon sculptures. e exhibition, from Tuesday 18 June – Sunday 1 September, is the rst mid-career survey of the New York-based, Bahamian artist. Don’t forget, under-12s go free, and under-30s can get tickets for just £8 Tuesdays – Fridays and after 5pm on Saturdays. Outside the gallery, discover spectacular free public art inside and outside the venues, each connected to the theme of the summer season and ready to welcome you to the site. Plus, don’t miss the return of everyone’s favourite interactive summer fountain - Jeppe Hein's Appearing Rooms. On weekends, the outdoor Riverside Stage hosts free events with some of our city’s most exciting artists and collectives representing local and global communities, including AZEEMA, Counterpoints Arts,
ESEA unseen, FLAWA, Just Vibez and SOUNDS
LiKE CHAOS curating live music, performance, dance, fashion and more. Kicking things o is NAZAR on Saturday 29 June, a joyous party celebrating Pride in London featuring DJs from the SWANA and South Asian communities. JAZZ RE:FEST also returns to the Southbank Centre on Saturday 20 July. Come and join in as our artists and collectives create spaces for conversation, connection and community-building throughout the summer months.
Fantastic performances will entertain the whole family, from the joyous circus show Afrique en Cirque from Wednesday 24 – Sunday 28 July, spectacular new musical Frankie Goes to Bollywood from Wednesday 31 July – Sunday 18 August, and the enchanting show Home for little ones on Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 July. is production is inspired by creator Anastasiia Liubchenko’s personal story. She left her house in Ukraine to nd a new home in the Netherlands.
In the literature and talks programme, celebrate the 100th birthday of iconic writer James Baldwin with an entire day of conversations on Sunday 21 July. Plus, there will also be thought-provoking events from celebrated writers David Olusoga, Kelechi Okafor, Sathnam Sanghera and more.
While you’re here, there’s a feast of food and drink popups to enjoy, and why not also visit London’s very own secret garden on top of the Queen Elizabeth Hall to soak up the sunshine. It’s set to be a summer to remember, celebrating what makes all of us belong at the one-of-a-kind Southbank Centre.
Find out more at www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ summer
HOME. Photo by Hans Boddeke
Frankie Goes to Bollywood. Photo by Rich Lakos
Riverside Stage.
Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden. Photo by Pete Woodhead
Installation view of Tavares Strachan. There Is Light Somewhere. Black Star closer, 2024. Photo by Mark Blower. Courtesy the artist and the Hayward Gallery
‘Over-worked and burned out’ nurses to strike
By Isabel Ramirez
fifty theatre nurses from guy’s and st thomas’ hospitals are due to strike this week, saying they are ‘overworked and burned out’.
The nurses, who work in the day surgery theatres will strike for six days after bosses extended their shift finish times by an hour, Unite, the union, said. They claim they were already overworked and the increase in shift times from 8pm to 9pm is now compromising patient safety because they are ‘exhausted.’
Theatre staff had already had their shifts extended from 7pm to 8pm and have had to start working Saturdays to support extra theatre lists, due to the backlog of surgeries.
A Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said:
“We are disappointed that Unite are continuing with these strikes while constructive talks are ongoing. We would urge them to call off this action so we can continue making progress on improving the shift patterns for our highly valued and important theatre nurses.
“We are working closely with colleagues to plan for the impact of this strike, and any changes to patient care will be communicated directly to patients and via our usual public channels as appropriate.”
footbaLL cLub chuffed after £3k donation
By Isabel Ramirez
a Junior football club in bermondsey can carry on improving the lives of local youngsters after receiving a hefty donation.
The Bosco FC under 13s team got £3,000 from Selco Builders Warehouse and it is reportedly ‘already making a difference.’
Bosco is a small charity-based college which also has a nursery on-site and offers a youth club open for extra-curricular activities after school.
In addition, Bosco runs a football academy for children aged two to 14 and has nine teams operating from under 7s through to an adult team. They cater for around 170 kids and 40 adults.
Robert Rosier, club secretary for Bosco FC, told us the donation is making a huge difference to the club.
“It means we can keep offering affordable fees to our members and continue running the club,” he commented. It has also gone towards a new kit for the team.
Robert said it is especially helpful as costs have risen for facilities in the area,
F A ALBIN & SONS
due to the number of football providers competing for space.
“It’s really expensive now, so everyone involved with the club is hugely grateful for Selco’s support.”
He went on to say that what sets them apart is their charitable aspect.
“We rely on support from the local community to create opportunities for young players who demonstrate commitment and talent to fulfil their potential.”
Their junior teams play in the South East London and Kent Youth Football League.
Alison Wong, head of communications and sustainability for Selco Builders Warehouse, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Bosco Football Club and the wider charitable aspects of the organisation.
“It’s a unique offering which brings opportunities on and off the football field to hundreds of youngsters in the deprived area. We are following the progress of the club with great interest.”
Anyone interested in joining the club should contact Robert at robertrosier@ bosco.ac.uk
The under 13s team
a Look at south London's poLiticaL Landscape
Peckham
Carshalton and Wallington
Bromley and Biggin Hill
Putney
General Election Carshalton & wallington
e d davey acknow L edges that s utton c ounciL has
struggL ed with disab L ed education p L ans during visit to c arsha Lton
By Harrision Galliven
Local
Democracy Reporter
ed davey marked the latest stage of his election campaign with a visit to Carshalton village, where he met the local liberal democrat candidate
Davey’s party are focusing on the Carshalton and Wallington seat as one of their top election targets, having lost it to the Tories in 2019.
Local candidate Bobby Dean welcomed Davey for his first campaign visit to the area in the run-up to July 4. Davey was pictured making jam with volunteers.
The event took place at Nickel Support, a Carshalton-based social enterprise which supports over 100 people with learning disabilities with skill workshops. Special education falls under local government’s remit, and according to many parents Sutton has not been doing a great job in providing it.
Many parents with disabled children feel that they have to fight with the Council to get an EHCP plan, which guarantees tailored education for their children. Many also have to go to tribunal to secure these plans from the Council, and Sutton is currently losing upwards of 90 per cent of these tribunal cases.
Throughout the campaign, Davey has put the party’s social care policy centre stage and has been open about his life spent as a carer for his disabled son John. After the event, the local democracy reporting service (LDRS) asked Davey for his thoughts on what some parents have called “Sutton’s EHCP crisis” and what he would do to address the issue.
He told the LDRS: “Speaking as a parent of a disabled child who has an EHCP, I’m really familiar with the system and I’m afraid it’s not working well. Sutton and many other councils are having problems managing this failed national system and national
Carshalton and Wallington previously formed the far eastern flank of the Lib Dem's South West London stronghold, until the Conservative took it at the last election
government hasn’t really helped.
“I think what we should do is reform it.
There are some good parts of it but it’s just not working well. So what do we do, if there is a young person or a child who needs particularly expensive support that should fall on the national budget, not on the local budget?
“Councils can’t plan very, very large expenses and they’re being asked to do that, and as a result, they can’t plan their services.”
The Sutton EHCP Crisis campaign group were set up to support Sutton parents fighting for their children’s education in the borough. They told the LDRS how they tried to contact the then-newly elected leader Davey back in 2020 about supporting their cause, but were ignored.
When asked if he would apologise to the group and commit to working with them if elected, Davey said: “I’m very happy to meet with them, I’m not aware that they had contacted me. It must have
got lost in the system but I apologise for that. I’m really hopeful that if we win the parliamentary election here with Bobby Dean and Luke Taylor in Sutton and Cheam, they’ll have two local champions who will be able to work with me to help them.”
Carshalton and Wallington previously formed the far eastern flank of the Lib Dem’s South West London stronghold, until the Conservative’s Elliot Colburn took it in the last election. Despite the loss, the party has maintained a strong influence in the area and has controlled the borough Council since 1988.
When asked how he fancies his party’s chances in the area, Davey said: “First of all, I’m not taking the voters for granted nor should anybody.
“I have got an ambition for the Liberal Democrats and what is quite exciting is that we are getting a fantastic response from what I call the Blue Wall and the Home Counties, the West Country – our former heartlands – and in many parts of rural Britain, we’re getting a really good response.
“I am increasingly confident that people are going to vote Liberal Democrat as a positive alternative to the Conservatives and in areas where only we can beat the Conservatives. If we get loads of Liberal Democrat MPs in the next Parliament, we can campaign for the manifesto we’re standing on.”
Water and environmental health are another key focus of the current Lib Dem campaign. Only last month did we see Davey claim his plunge into Lake Windermere was done on purpose to highlight the level of pollution present in England’s largest lake.
Closer to home the local Lib Dems have been active in campaigning for greater protection of local waterways like the river Wandle. Dean, who is also a councillor for the Wrythe ward, recently created a campaign film called “Wandle: River At Risk” in which he
highlighted the impact pollution from Thames Water extraction sites has had on the historic river.
When asked about how a potential Lib Dem MP for Carshalton and Wallington would stand up to water companies he said: “It’s been a complete disaster.
“We cannot allow the water companies to be run in the same way they have been in the past few decades. What the Liberal Democrats would do is transform these companies so that they will be no longer private companies but what we call public benefit companies.
“That means that you’ve got more community interest on the board and more environmental concern on the board as well. We will change the way these companies are regulated entirely so they have to consider things other than the profits of their shareholders.”
If elected, Dean also committed to “being tough” with failing train operators if their service falls below a certain standard. When asked if this applied to Southern Rail, which operates the majority of national rail services in the constituency, he said: “For far too
long they’ve got away with delivering a poor service but keep putting up the charges for customers every year, and that’s not good enough.”
He also called for more “resilience” in local transport and stated that they would push for the Overground and Tram services to be extended into the area. He added: “We are one of the most poorly served areas with public transport in London, and we need to fix that.”
ThE oThER CaNDIDaTES STaNDING foR ELECTIoN IN CaRShaLToN aND WaLLINGToN aRE aS foLLoWS:
• Elliot Colburn – Conservatives
• Elizabeth Cooper – Reform UK
• Ashley Dickenson – Christian People’s Alliance
• Tracey Hague – Green Party
• Steve Kelleher – Social Democrat Party
• Atif Abdul Rashid – Workers Party
• Hersh Thaker – Labour Party
Nickel Support Carshalton. Photo by Harrison Galliven
Dean and Davey with Nickel support worker. Photo by Harrison Galliven
Bobby Dean current serves as a Lib Dem councillor for the Wrythe in Sutton.
Photo by Harrison Galliven
General Election
first new peckham mp in 40 years
By Robert Firth
Local Democracy Reporter
in the after-lunch lull at rye lane market in Peckham, nobody wants to speak about the election.
After a few more shakes of the head at the first mention of voting, stall owner Sandrine pauses when asked what she thinks of Rishi Sunak, and if polls are trusted, the soon-to-be prime minister Keir Starmer.
“As I see it, they are from the same fathers,” the 39-year-old says. Sunak appears to be in it for his own benefit, in her opinion. The problem with Starmer is not personal, but rather his party’s policy: “Even Labour, it’s for businesses [but] it’s not small businesses like me,” she says. “They are looking after big companies and banks. It doesn’t make any difference for the people at the bottom.”
It’s a feeling of disenchantment that Miatta Fahnbulleh, running to be the Labour MP, says she has heard a lot while campaigning. “The sense politics can change things has been beaten out of people,” she says during a visit to the Tustin estate on Old Kent Road.
Fahnbulleh, a former think tank boss, says she made the switch from policy to politics after seeing the pandemic bring into relief inequalities, only for things to return to normal after Covid-19 subsided. “I thought surely this is it. It’s going to change things,” Fahnbulleh says. “And when it didn’t… It wasn’t just that it didn’t change things, we went backwards. You absolutely need people campaigning and fighting and organising from the outside… but you also need people in politics.”
Fahnbulleh, 44, came to the UK with her family as a child after fleeing civil war in Liberia. If elected, she will replace Harriet Harman who is stepping down from her over 40-year reign as the area’s Labour MP. In 2019, Harman won 71 per cent of the vote in the now-abolished Camberwell and Peckham seat, and the Peckham constituency which replaces it this year is the 10th safest Labour seat in the country.
Despite her expected victory, Fahnbulleh says she is aware of the uphill battle she faces in reconnecting with residents turned off by politics.
She is currently looking at potential sites around Peckham where she can open a constituency office, which she says is important to remain accessible to residents. (Harman controversially hasn’t had a public office in the area for a number of years).
Back in Rye Lane Market, Ehis, 43, owner of Jet Hair and Beauty, says she would appreciate more honesty and fewer gimmicks from politicians. She tells me she is turned off by the Conservative Party’s Rwanda policy and attitude toward the EU and is leaning toward Labour, but feels the party isn’t being truthful about the costs of its policies. “It’s like me saying I’m going to open a new shop but we’re not going to put prices up. That’s a big fat lie,” she says.
Labour has said it will not increase income tax, national insurance or VAT, but some independent economists have expressed scepticism about how feasible this commitment is in the long run if the economy grows slowly.
Outside indie cinema Peckhamplex, younger residents like Maysoon Matthhysen have a different criticism. They say they’re disappointed with Starmer’s lack of ambition and his delay in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“He’s too towards the centre,” the 31-year-old tells me. “I think I would vote for Labour, not because I think they are doing well enough to counter the Conservative Party. But I feel like if I vote for Green, I would take away
the country’s opportunity to not have a Tory government.”
Fahnbulleh admits some people on the doorstep have been angry with Labour over the issue. She says: “The thing I say is: I understand you are hurt. Our endpoint wasn’t our start point… [But now] you have a Labour Party that is committed to an immediate ceasefire… that is committed to upholding both the remit, the jurisdiction and the judgement of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice and is committed to finding a viable two-state solution.”
Closer to home, Fahnbulleh says that conversations she has had with residents in Peckham show the main issues facing people are the cost of living and lack of what Fahnbulleh calls ‘economic opportunity,’ safety and housing (over 17,000 people in Southwark are waiting for a council home and private rents are effectively unaffordable for many people on low wages).
Labour’s manifesto says it will build 1.5 million homes over the course of the next parliament (approximately five years) but it doesn’t set targets for affordable or social homes. Fahnbulleh says she has confidence in the plans. “Everything I’ve heard… we are seeing the biggest emphasis on social and affordable that we’ve ever seen,” she says, echoing Starmer’s pledge to deliver ‘the biggest increase in social
and affordable housebuilding in a generation’.
“In the end, there’s no root to solving the housing crisis unless we build and we have to build more social housing,” Fahnbulleh says. “If we can get to the level of social housing we need, we can begin to shift the dial in about 10 years.”
But new homes are often divisive. Plans for hundreds of flats in tower blocks up to 20 storeys high on the Aylesham Centre and Morrisons site in Peckham town centre have attracted thousands of signatures in opposition.
When asked if such tall buildings belong in Peckham, Fahnbulleh talks about the need for such developments to be ‘in sync’ with the local area. But what she says is ‘critical’ is the amount of affordable housing such developments provide and the economic benefits to local businesses.
So is she happy with the number of affordable homes in the Aylesham Centre plans (35 per cent, including 25 per cent social)? “I would like to see more,” she says.
“What I’m interested in with an incoming Labour government coming is whether there’s a negotiation that can be had there that might allow us to uplift the amount of affordable housing in that scheme.”
For now, it’s uncertain. Labour still has an election to win. When I ask Fahnbulleh what she’s currently reading, she says a biography of Starmer by journalist and ex-Labour advisor and journalist Tom Baldwin. It’s a ‘fascinating insight into Keir’ she says. She laughs, insists she’s not being sycophantic. Unlike some of the shadow cabinet, she never worked with Starmer. “Like everyone else you’re trying to understand your boss.”
Who IS RUNNING IN PECkham?
• Jennifer Blake – Independent
• Miatta Fahnbulleh – Labour and Co-operative Party
• Stefan David Harvey –Independent
• Mariatu Kargbo – Workers Revolutionary Party
• Alex Kerr – Rejoin EU
• Ben Mascall – Conservative and Unionist Party
• Olusola Oni – The Yoruba Party in the UK
• Linda Purcell – Reform UK
• Claire Frances Sheppard – Green Party
• David Watson – Liberal Democrats
Go to whocanivotefor.co.uk to enter your postcode and check your constituency and local candidates.
Rye Lane in Peckham. Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga - MyLondon
Ehis, 43, owner of Jet Hair and Beauty Salon in Rye Lane Market.
Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga - MyLondon
Maysoon Mattthysen, 31, in Peckham. Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga - MyLondon
Sandrine pictured at Rye Lane Market. Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga - MyLondon
Miatta Fahnbulleh during a visit to the Tustin estate in Peckham
General Election putney
'r otting' counciL housing estate and c L osure of h ammersmith b ridge gets candidates angry at p utney hustings
By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter
h ammersmith bridge and the state of a ‘rotting’ south london estate have been branded ’embarrassing’ by candidates battling to become the next mP for Putney
Candidates vying for the seat were grilled on how they would tackle key local issues at a general election hustings on June 18 – including housing, transport and empty shops.
Labour’s Fleur Anderson, who was elected as MP for Putney in 2019, took part in the hustings at St Mary’s Church, along with the Conservative’s Lee Roberts, Lib Dems’ Kieren McCarthy, Green’s Fergal McEntee, Workers Party’s Heiko Khoo and Reform UK’s Peter Hunter. The hustings were held by The Putney Society, with residents’ questions read out by a moderator.
The five-year closure of Hammersmith Bridge to vehicles sparked a fiery debate between candidates as they disagreed on how, and whether, to reopen it. Ms Anderson said Putney had been plunged into ‘chaos’ by the closure and called on the government to approve Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s business case to fully repair it. “It’s obviously a government issue and it’s a national embarrassment that it’s not been fixed,” she added.
Mr McCarthy also said the government would need to fund the bridge repairs, estimated to cost £250 million, and pledged to reopen it within a year if elected. Mr Roberts, however, called for Transport for London (TfL) to take charge of repairing the bridge, while Mr Hunter said TfL and the government should jointly sort it out.
Mr McEntee told residents he would instead prioritise getting drivers to ditch their cars for public transport as the bridge is already open to pedestrians and cyclists. “It’s not about one bridge,” he said. “It’s about the fact that we’ve got a choc-a-bloc city full of cars and we
don’t need cars.”
Mr Khoo suggested a new bridge next to the existing crossing would ‘immediately resolve the problem’ before addressing the repairs.
The candidates were also grilled on how they would support the longawaited regeneration of the Alton Estate in Roehampton. Plans under Wandsworth Council’s old Conservative administration, drawn up in 2014, would have seen 288 homes on the estate demolished for 1,108 new homes, including 261 affordable homes. But Labour scrapped the plans when it took control of the authority in 2022, arguing they did not include enough council homes, to put together a new scheme.
Mr McCarthy said furious residents have been ‘treated appallingly for 20 years’ as he raised concerns their views have not been properly considered. “It was the estate of the future,” he said. “It’s been left to rot and it’s an embarrassment.”
Ms Anderson slammed the old Conservative plans as failing to consider the whole area. She said the Labour council has now put together the ‘right plan’ for the Alton Estate, which include homes, shops, community spaces and transport, by consulting residents and there will be a ballot to decide on whether to move forward with the proposals in due course.
Mr Roberts said the old Conservative scheme needed some improvement, and that he is prepared to be critical about his party, but accused Labour of scrapping it ‘for pure ideology’. He called for the old plans to be reinstated.
Mr McEntee, however, argued the estate has become a ‘political football between Labour and the Conservatives’.
He said listening to residents and allowing them to tell the council what they want for the estate is most important.
Mr Khoo described the estate as ‘being left to rot’ when he last visited in 2015.
He said residents ‘need to have control over their lives’ and he would support
their views on the regeneration. Mr Hunter added he would work more closely with residents to make their wishes a reality.
Another key issue raised at the meeting was the regeneration of Putney High Street. Mr McCarthy said it has nearly 20 empty shops and, when quizzed about revamping it, that he has launched a charity to open them by taking on the lease and helping local businesses set up. Mr Hunter said he would support the charity if elected.
Mr McEntee also slammed the number of empty shops on the high street as an ‘absolute disgrace’. He called for harsher fines on overseas landlords of empty shops and pledged to introduce a scheme giving local businesses grants to bring them back into use. Ms Anderson said councils should be given more power over landlords to open empty shops, while supporting Labour policies to replace business rates, stamp out late payments from big clients and tackle shoplifting.
Mr Khoo called for business rates on empty shops to be temporarily suspended to help small businesses and said he wants to see greater variety on the high street. Mr Anderson pledged to
create a ‘world-class farmer’s market’ using Putney’s riverside location and to bring in large-scale businesses to revamp parts of it to make Putney the ‘foodie capital of London’. The candidates also answered questions on crime, the cost-of-living crisis, education, climate change and the Israel-Gaza war. Rejoin EU’s Felix
Burford-Connole was unable to attend the hustings, but he was represented by Bill Colegrave who described Brexit as a ‘horror story’.
Voters will head to the polls to choose who they want to represent them on July 4. Residents who can’t go to the polling station on the day must apply for a postal vote by 5pm on June 19.
Conservative deputy refuses to reveal key London battlegrounds
By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter
rishi sunaK’s deputy has said the Tories are “fighting hard in every part of london”, while refusing to reveal which constituencies the party is targeting in the general election.
Asked where the Conservatives believe they have a realistic chance of gaining new seats in London, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I’m not going to start speculating on the battleground.”
Mr Dowden was speaking on a campaign visit in Hendon, where Tory MP Matthew Offord is standing down. It
is one of 21 seats the party won out of London’s 73 constituencies at the 2019 election.
“We’re not disclosing our battleground – that’s normal,” said Mr Dowden. “It’s the same for anywhere else in the country and I think you’ll probably find that the Labour party is also not disclosing where its battleground is.”
The Conservatives won Hendon by a majority of 4,230 in 2019, but according to all current polling projections, the seat will be lost to Labour on July 4.
“We’ll be fighting hard in every part of London,” said Mr Dowden, adding: “What I would say, is that in seats like this, it’s genuinely been my experience that if you contrast what the polls are saying, versus
my experience on the doorstep here, in my constituency [in Hertfordshire], and many other parts of London, there is not an enthusiasm for the Labour party.
“There are increasing questions [about Labour] and a recognition that the work that Rishi Sunak has done is starting to work.
“Of course we need to work hard ...to convince people and turn things round, but I’m confident that we can do it.”
Asked about the recent London mayoral election, in which Labour’s Sadiq Khan won an historic third term by a record number of votes, Mr Dowden said: “I think it’s quite difficult to draw too many lessons from the mayoral election.
“Clearly those were in relation to issues
specifically for London. This is about the future of the nation.
“I think, in the end, when people cast their vote – whether it’s in Hendon, Bromley, or central London – it’s a straightforward choice, who do you want to be your Prime Minister? Rishi Sunak or Keir Starmer?
“I see, working with Rishi Sunak every day as his deputy, somebody who has got a clear plan for the future of our country –whether it’s making work pay, reforming welfare, cutting people’s taxes.
“The economy is starting to move in the right direction, there’s still much further for us to go, but he has got a clear plan.”
He said that by contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir was trying to “avoid scrutiny”
and get into Downing Street “without explaning what his plan is”.
Ameet Jogia, a Conservative councillor in neighbouring Harrow who – according to his LinkedIn profile – is also a political advisor to the Prime Minister, is hoping to take over from Mr Offord as Hendon’s MP.
Mr Jogia said local residents are concerned about Labour’s plan to charge private schools 20 per cent VAT, the prevalence of crime, and overdevelopment.
“Overdevelopment in terms of the scale of development in the area,” he said. “People understand and appreciate the need of having more homes, but it’s making sure that developments have the infrastructure in place as well.”
Alton Estate. Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga from MyLondon
General Election r i C hmond park
voters' questions to richmond hopefuL s range from the high street to g aza
By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter
Candidates standing to be the next mP for richmond Park have had their say on issues that matter to voters, including hammersmith bridge, sewage spills in the river thames and the israel-gaza war.
Prospective MPs for the constituency, which includes areas in Richmond and Kingston, faced questions from a packed audience of students and residents at a hustings on Monday June 11.
Sarah Olney, who was elected as Lib Dem MP for Richmond Park in 2019, took part in the hustings at Grey Court School, in Ham, along with the Conservatives’ Sara Gezdari, Labour’s Laura Coryton and the Greens’ Chas Warlow. The Social Democratic Party’s Richard Harrison, Reform UK’s Michael Hearn and Chris French of The Mitre TW9 are also listed as candidates for Richmond Park in the general election on July 4.
The candidates introduced themselves to the audience ahead of a question and answer session. Ms Olney said she would hold the new government to account on climate change, mental health and social care. Opposing Thames Water’s plans to build a tunnel under nature reserve Ham Lands to pump treated sewage into the River Thames, calling for a new police station in Richmond and urging Hammersmith Bridge to be reopened are among the local issues she said she has worked hard on since being elected.
Ms Gezdari, who fled Albania in the 1997 civil war, said she would make Richmond Park’s streets safer, champion education, protect green spaces, boost local businesses and improve transport links. Above all, she added, she would listen to residents. Ms Coryton, who was awarded an
MBE this year for her campaign to end the ‘tampon tax’, said she would champion Labour’s pledges to bring back family doctors and improve the NHS, set up mental health hubs in every community and introduce free breakfast clubs in all primary schools.
She urged residents to ‘vote for change’.
Mr Warlow, a local councillor for South Richmond, said the Greens would fight for ‘clean air, clean water, better and more affordable housing, [a] better-funded NHS [and] more help for vulnerable people’ by imposing a modest tax on the wealthiest in society.
He said the party promises a ‘hopeful vision’.
The candidates then answered questions from residents on local and national issues. Some of these are summarised below, in the order they were asked.
“ThERE aRE CURRENTLy EIGhT VaCaNT ShoPS oN RIChmoND hIGh STREET. hoW Do yoU PL aN To SUPPoRT SmaLL BUSINESSES aND BooST ThE LoCaL ECoNomy IN RIChmoND PaRk?”
Ms Olney said the Lib Dems would replace business rates with a land value tax and fight for a better trade deal with the EU to lift some restrictions imposed on businesses since Brexit. She said upward-only rent review clauses in commercial agreements should be banned to allow businesses to pay lower rents if market conditions decline.
Ms Gezdari called for more support for small businesses to become more competitive online. Ms Coryton said Labour would provide cash for small businesses to close skills gaps and improve workers’ rights by, for instance, banning zero-hours contracts.
Mr Warlow said the government should give local councils more power to help small businesses and protect the ‘independent shops that we like to
see keeping the identity of Richmond town centre’.
“SEWaGE IN ThE ThamES IS aN INCRE aSING PRoBLEm. ThERE haVE BEEN WELL-PUBLICISED LoCaL EXamPLES INCLUDING TEDDINGToN LoCk… WhaT aCTIoNS WILL yoU TakE To aDDRESS ThE ISSUE of SEWaGE DISChaRGE INTo ThE ThamES?”
Ms Olney said the Lib Dems would replace water regular Ofwat with a tougher independent regulator, reform water companies as public benefit companies and slap fines on water companies for sewage spills.
Ms Gezdari said the Conservative government had fitted 100 per cent of storm overflows in England with monitors, up from 7 per cent in 2010, introduced unlimited fines on water companies and asked them to invest £56billion in environmental projects. She said there is more to do and the party is committed to holding water companies to account.
Ms Coryton said Labour would set up Great British Energy, a new publiclyowned clean energy company, and guarantee cleaner rivers and severe fines for water companies which harm the environment.
Mr Warlow said the Greens would take water companies and regulator Ofwat into public ownership.
“Do yoU SUPPoRT ThE PRoPoSED CoNSTRUCTIoN of TWo NEW SECoNDaRy SChooLS IN kINGSToN aND moRTL akE, DESPITE ThE WELLPUBLICISED NaTIoNaL DECLINE IN BIRTh RaTES, REPoRTS of PoTENTIaL SChooL CLoSURES IN SoUTh LoNDoN DUE To faLLING PUPIL NUmBERS aND RECENT STaTEmENTS fRom kINGSToN aND LoCaL CoUNCILLoRS aBoUT oNGoING DECRE aSES IN SChooL-aGE STUDENTS?”
Ms Olney acknowledged residents’ anxieties about the planned schools, but argued they will be needed in the long-term to address the ‘blackhole of secondary school provision’ in Richmond Park, which has three secondary schools compared to eight in Twickenham.
Ms Gezdari said she also understands residents’ concerns but that new schools are needed in the constituency.
Ms Coryton said the proposed school in Mortlake is one of many concerns about the plans for the wider Stag Brewery site. She said Labour would recruit 6,500 new teachers, set up free breakfast clubs in all primary schools and introduce mental health hubs to improve education.
Mr Warlow said he is also ‘very sceptical’ about the proposed new school in Mortlake and that the plans for both schools should be revisited.
“WhaT RE aLISTIC ChaNCE IS ThERE of EVER GETTING hammERSmITh BRIDGE REoPENED [To moToR TRaffIC]?”
Ms Olney called for the new government to apply pressure to get the bridge reopened to motor traffic. She said it would ‘take an awful lot of time to repair’ to the standard required to carry traffic, but that this can be done.
Ms Gezdari said all political parties should unite to reopen the bridge. She added she had investigated whether Transport for London (TfL) could take over responsibility for the bridge to get it repaired.
Ms Coryton said she would prioritise fighting for the bridge to be reopened if elected. She said senior Labour figures have pledged to ‘work hard’ to make sure this happens.
Mr Warlow, however, argued against reopening the bridge to ‘private, polluting traffic’. He called for the
bridge to be reopened to some form of public transport instead.
“yoUNG PEoPLE aRE INCRE aSINGLy fRUSTRaTED WITh oUR GoVERNmENT’S STaNCE oN ThE ISRaEL-Gaza CoNfLICT. I, foR oNE, STaND aS SomEoNE Who haS JEWISh famILy, aLL of Whom WhoLEhE aRTEDLy DISaGREE WITh ThE oNGoING aTTaCkS oN Gaza aND ThE L aCk of a DE aL To RELE aSE ThE hoSTaGES aND SECURE PE aCE IN ThE REGIoN. UNfoRTUNaTELy, fIGURES haVE ShoWN ThaT ISL amoPhoBIa aND aNTISEmITISm haVE RISEN aS a RESULT. hoW Do yoU WISh To ComBaT ThIS?”
Ms Olney said the Lib Dems are calling for an immediate bilateral ceasefire in Gaza and want to use this to build ‘lasting peace through a twostate solution’. She called for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, an immediate recognition of the state of Palestine and for the UK government to end arms sales to Israel.
Ms Gezdari said she knows firsthand what it means to flee a war-torn country and would do everything in her power to work towards lasting peace in the region.
Ms Coryton said the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 was ‘completely horrendous… but Israel’s actions since then have gone too far’. She said Labour has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution, while adding she believes Keir Starmer is the ‘perfect person’ to lead on the international stage.
Mr Warlow said the Greens are calling for an immediate bilateral ceasefire in Gaza, for senior Israeli officials to be brought before the International Court of Justice and for the UK government to end arms sales to Israel.
General Election east C roydon
what matters to new addington voters
By Harrision Galliven Local Democracy Reporter
residents in a ‘forgotten’ neighbourhood on the fringes of Croydon say they fear walking in the area due to crime, and things are being made worse by a lack of youth services.
New Addington, a large former council estate with a distinct identity, had until 2023 been placed in the Croydon Central constituency.
However, last year’s boundary review saw the creation of the new Croydon East constituency. Having flitted between Labour and the Conservatives over the years, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) headed to the neighbourhood to find out what issues are most concerning voters as they prepare to cast their ballot on July 4 for the first time under the new boundaries.
Edwyn Wood said: “It’s quite a nice area, but it’s forgotten. It’s not like other areas like Croydon and Thornton Heath that you have to drive through. You come up here and you’re out of the way.”
Mr Wood felt this distance from Croydon’s metropolitan centre had its benefits, specifically when it came to noise and greenery. However, like Croydon town centre, the area does experience crime and antisocial behaviour.
The area has an unfortunate history of violent crime, with one of the most recent victims being 20-year-old Bradley Hutchings who lost his life following a knife fight in September last year. Some locals believe this worrying trend stems from a lack of youth services in the area.
Mum-of-three Kelly McPherson told the LDRS of the concerns she has for the safety of her children. She said: “I take my kids on daily walks just because I don’t feel safe with them around here. My son used to do boxing but that closed down and there’s not much left.”
Another mother, who did not want to be named, shared this concern and told the LDRS: “I have boys and don’t let them out here.
“Kids have got nothing to do around here, they need some more activities. They are trying to get more but Croydon Council don’t have the budget so they don’t do as much as they could.
“They need to do more for this generation, when we were growing up we had youth clubs. It’s all down to the school [to provide things now].”
When asked if there is much of a police presence in the neighbourhood, nearly all New Addington residents responded tellingly with the same answer: “Only when something has happened.”
The mother told the LDRS of her difficulty in dealing with the police in the area. She said: “I had an issue and had to try and find the police to report a few incidents, and I basically had to do all the work for them.
“I was present at the town hall when Elianne passed away and told a commissioner officer there’s not a lot of support from the police and if you do report something you have to wait until the last moment before something really tragic happens.
“There was a police station round here years ago but now there’s none, you have to go to Croydon or Bromley. It is a
struggle and you have to be on point if you want to help your own kids really.”
New Addington’s small shopping parade was also the focus of concern for many locals, who feel it does not provide variety to the area’s 10,000-plus residents. Longtime New Addington resident Janet Young was one of a number of people who felt the high street had had its day.
During a quiet break from midday shopping, she told the LDRS: “The council keep giving shops around here permission to sell alcohol. We need more variety.”
This view was shared by local businessman Costa Cast, who has run the Parade Fish Shop for the past 30 years.
He told the LDRS: “There’s too much fast food, when I came here I was only one of two or three and we need more choice up here for people.”
As a longtime business owner in the heart of the New Addington, Mr Cast has witnessed first-hand the changes that have come to the area. On the whole, he believes the years have not been kind to the area. He said: “There was more of a sense of community up here but it’s slowly disappearing. I think it’s as the tram has come, more crime has come.”
He added: “People are getting poorer and spending less. Business is a bit slower than it used to be. Things are changing now, people used to have fish and chips.
“Now people are wanting chicken, and fish is expensive. People can go to
Morley’s and get chicken and chips for £2.50 but cod and chips are £10.”
Concerns over ULEZ also persisted in New Addington, despite almost a year passing since the controversial expansion to all London boroughs. This is perhaps unsurprising, given the area’s distance from Central London and comparatively sparse public transport. It’s also near the border with Surrey so more likely to affect people who move in and out of the charging zone.
One mother, Lindsay, told the LDRS how the policy has impacted her and the area as a whole. She said: “Our community is a poor community and some of us rely on the benefits system and things like ULEZ are making everything worse for us.
“I don’t drive but ULEZ needs to go. I don’t see some members of my own family because they can’t afford to come into the estate; They live up in Ipswich.”
A spokesperson for Croydon Council said: “The council is dedicated to working with our voluntary sector and other community organisations in New Addington to provide support and activities to keep our young people safe and give them opportunities so they can fulfil their potential.
“In the last two years we have introduced more outreach programmes in New Addington to engage young people with activities and support. This summer we have awarded PlayPlace £29,000 of funding to run programmes for young people at risk of becoming
involved in antisocial behaviour, and to help them stay safe. Last year we awarded £30,000 to PlayPlace to run sports and music activities, and workshops on selfesteem, decision-making and knife crime.
“The council funds weekly outreach sessions at the Youth Hub at The Fieldway
holiday programme at The
and a weekly youth
to engage young people and signpost to activities.
with
workshops and football
“We continue to listen to the New Addington community and its young people, respond to their needs, and work closely with key partners to create safe spaces and opportunities for our young people.”
Family Centre, which has
coaching in partnership
Palace For Life, an extensive summer
Fieldway Family Centre,
bus
Costa Cast has been working in New Addington for the past 30 years.
Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga
Edwyn Wood said New Addington is quite a nice area, but it's forgotten.
Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga
Janet Young feels New Addington is not as safe as it once was.
Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga
A number of parents complained of a rise of anti-social behaviour on New Addington's Central Parade. Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga
New Addington will now form part of the new Croydon East constituency.
Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga
By Harrision Galliven
Local Democracy Reporter
Croydon w est is one of london’s newest constituencies following the boundary changes of 2023.
Birthed out of Sarah Jones’ old Croydon Central constituency, the new East and Western seats were established to better distribute Croydon’s many voters.
The new West constituency includes the wards of Bensham Manor, Broad Green, Fairfield, Selhurst, South Norwood, Waddon, West Thornton and Woodside.
Croydon West has seven candidates running on July 4, including a candidate from the local Taking the Initiative Party. Here’s an alphabetical list of all the candidates standing in Croydon West and a breakdown of what they stand for in their own words.
aPRIL aShLEy – TRaDE UNIoN aND SocialiSt coalition
“Our community in Croydon has been let down by careerist politicians. Tories and Labour only offer war, austerity, more council tax hikes and more attacks on the working class. We need a fully funded NHS and public services, and a mass council house-building programme and we need to prepare for a working-class fightback under the next government.
“I am April Ashley and I am an elected representative on the National Executive Council of Public Service Union Unison (personal capacity). As a Socialist Party member, I am standing in Croydon West as part of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) because working-class people need a new party that stands up for us.
“We need a new way of running the economy to benefit the majority, not just the billionaires. That’s why we say take the wealth of the 1% and fight for socialist change. Unfortunately, the actions of Keir Starmer’s Labour show they will not willingly stand up for workers in Britain or internationally.
SImoN foX – CoNSERVaTIVES
“I live in the constituency and since 2022 I have served as a local Councillor for Waddon which makes up part of the Croydon West Constituency and it’s where I live. I am super passionate about being a great elected representative. Being a local Councillor has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
“I deal with a vast range of residents’ issues. Housing and homeless cases,
General Election C roydon west
seven candidates standing in one of the new constituencies in croydon
housing repairs, working with local businesses, dealing with fly-tips, getting graffiti removed, protecting green spaces, and parking issues.
“I’ve published one petition and I’m working on another. I hold regular surgeries, attend local events and I’ve built a great working relationship with my local police safer neighbourhood team.
“No one can ever accuse me of being a lazy elected representative. I love getting stuck in, proactively looking for work and getting things done.
“I want to bring this energy, passion and drive to being your next member of parliament.
JahIR hUSSaIN – LIB DEm
“I am delighted to have been selected to stand for election for the Liberal Democrats in Croydon West.
“Having lived in Croydon for more than two decades, and worked closely with Croydon communities over the last 12 years, I know what Croydon needs. I have supported Croydon communities across various aspects of their lives, and I am proud to represent their interests in the House of Commons.
“After being a part of Labour for the past 8 years and being disappointed by their stance on Palestine, their failure in Croydon, and the treatment of their MPs, I joined the Lib Dems as I was impressed by their long-standing policies for peace in the Middle East and their call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
“Empowering people locally will be our political focus for 2024 and beyond. The growing unemployment and crime levels will be my primary focus to improve when elected to the office
“A resident of Croydon for the past twenty years, I understand the issues that affect people’s lives in the area. I decided to step into politics to alleviate these very concerns and to be the voice of all Croydon communities.
“I am a digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence expert by profession with a heart that has always been inclined towards helping people. I have been working towards empowering Croydon communities economically, educationally, religiously, and culturally through a charity that I established in 2013.”
Sarah JoneS – l abour
“Croydon means everything to me. I’ve lived here my whole life, and I’m bringing up my children here too.
“Our town is a special place, home to a proud and vibrant community. But too many are not getting the opportunities they deserve because this failed government
has taken us backwards. After 14 years of the Tories, our town – and our country – need change. Labour have a plan for Croydon.
“A plan to cut waiting lists at Croydon University Hospital, crack down on antisocial behaviour and knife crime and breathe new life into our town centre. We’ll bring down energy bills by switching on Great British Energy, a new, publiclyowned power company, and improve Croydon’s schools with more teachers and mental health support workers. That’s a plan for real change.
“I’m proud of my track record of fighting for this town, setting up a cross-party group to tackle knife crime and helping tens of thousands of people with their problems. But we cannot afford another five years of Conservative government with high taxes and higher bills. More and more people are looking to Labour to end the chaos and failure of the Tories. Change is coming. And it starts right here in Croydon.”
VINayak maLhoTRa – REfoRm Uk
“I am committed to advocating for the values and needs of Croydon. As a proud British citizen, I deeply cherish our rich heritage, culture, and traditions. With a background in architecture, construction, volunteer work, and community service, I have first-hand experience of our community’s challenges and aspirations.
“Empowering our community is paramount. We prioritise transparency, reducing bureaucracy, and amplifying local voices to ensure tangible benefits for residents. Lowering taxes is essential to stimulate economic growth and ease financial burdens on families and businesses.
“Improving local infrastructure is a top priority. Our roads, public transport, and public spaces urgently need attention. We will invest in essential services and infrastructure projects to enhance everyone’s quality of life.
“Addressing Croydon’s alarming crime rates is critical. Strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and residents will create a safer environment and restore peace of mind.
“Education is fundamental to our future. Every child in Croydon deserves access to high-quality education. We aim to reduce class sizes, increase school funding, and support our dedicated teachers.
“Supporting the NHS is integral to our platform. We are dedicated to ensuring a robust healthcare system that meets the needs of all residents.
“My
I was born, raised and currently live in the Croydon West Constituency. Machine politics is a disease that the Croydon borough has been plagued with, it is time that we take the cure – our vote.
“I used to be part of the Labour Party, then I realised that I would never be able to work for the benefit of the people of Croydon West under those bolts and chains. Croydon West needs someone to represent us, who will be our voice.
“I have been looking for that person for years, through every election, on every ballot paper, then I realised that it was time I stood up for myself and my neighbours around Croydon West, to be the voice and the representation we have never had.
“The other parties deal with politics on a national basis. They don’t place a focus on local politics and local issues, so they don’t represent us the way we need to be represented. As your member of parliament, this is what I will be fighting for on your behalf. Fighting for funding for the borough to decrease the financial punishment of constituents, such as increased council tax, increased parking costs, fines and more.
“Fighting against knife crime and violence against women and girls. Fighting against the housing crisis and supporting struggling families.
“I am proud to be selected to stand for the Green Party in the area where I already work as a local Councillor. I’m standing to be your MP because we need real change, and the other parties just aren’t offering that.
“We need significant change to restore our public services, especially our NHS. We need to end the failed privatisation experiment and return the focus to providing a public service, not making a private profit.
“We also need significant change in the protection of human rights, in the UK and across the world. We need politicians who will stand up for what’s right, not breaking the law. And when we see other countries breaking international law we should be part of the prosecution not making pathetic excuses to defend them.
“I am also standing to be your MP because I want to be a voice for local people and fight to improve our area, particularly our beautiful green spaces. MPs from other Parties are told what to do and what to say by their Party bosses.
“Greens aren’t like that and I will be free to speak up for you. The Greens have already overtaken the Conservatives in much of the area and we are the real rivals to Labour. I have shown as a local councillor that I will
stand up for local people and I will do so as your MP.”
Ria was born and raised in Croydon and is Croydon’s youngest and first nonbinary councillor. They are a councillor for Fairfield, Croydon’s town centre and were the Chair of the Streets and Environment Scrutiny Sub-Committee for the previous two years, as well as sitting on the Governance and Audit Committee too.
Within the Green Party of England and Wales, they are the Equalities & Diversity spokesperson and a committee member of the Green Party’s Campaign Committee. Before being elected Ria studied Psychology at university and was involved in various Green Party liberation groups, as well as campaigns for migrant justice, LGBTIQA+ rights and climate action.
ahSaN ULL ah – WoRkERS PaRTy
“I am extremely proud to share the values and vision of our party leader and seven-time MP, Mr George Galloway; a man that whose decades-long struggle against apartheid and human rights is simply unparalleled.
“With an entrepreneurial career that spans more than two decades, I have created and grown businesses both at home and abroad. I have interests in the Legal and care sectors. I firmly stand and vouch for the notion that our country must prioritise its spending on its own public as than being party to the continuous and unwarranted military operations conducted abroad, killing tens of thousands of innocent women and children in the process. Under my tenure, I shall instil my focus on listening to and addressing the issues presented to me by my constituents. I shall aim to hold three weekly surgeries with the view to addressing the large variety of complaints and issues put to me by the public during our campaign.
“I look forward to establishing myself as a frequent and potent voice for Croydon, inside the Houses of Commons. I shall use my experience in the legal sector with the view to lobbying pressing and sensitive issues such as immigration and housing disrepair.
“I have always led from the front in all aspects of my life. During the forty-three times that I have been around the Sun, I have not felt anything more rewarding than to spend my time and energy on Charitable causes.
“Education and healthcare are critical areas where I believe we can make significant improvements. I shall lobby and push for policies that provide parents with more choices and more importantly control over the content of their children’s education and the important decisions that need to be made on their behalf.
“I shall focus on promoting the youth to be actively engaged in sports and vocational training with the view to encourage early interest in career development, focus on job creation and stamped down the levels of high unemployment which serves as a catalyst to soaring crime rates.
“I was born and raised in London. Apart from my mother tongue, I have a strong and fluent command of Urdu (written and spoken), Punjabi and Hindi (spoken).
DoNNa mURRay-TURNER – TakING ThE
INITIaTIVE PaRTy
name is Donna Murray-Turner and
RIa PaTEL – GREEN PaRTy
22 NEWS Election
C helsea & fulham
s tormy exchanges over c haring cross hospita L
By Ben Lynch Local Democracy Reporter
sParKs flew between the Conservative and labour Chelsea and fulham candidates over the Charing Cross hospital refurbishment and support for remain during the brexit referendum at an otherwise well-mannered hustings over the weekend.
Tory Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands, who has been the MP for Chelsea and Fulham since it was created in 2010, accused his Labour opponent Ben Coleman of failing to partake in the local Remain campaign in 2016 during his closing speech. Cllr Coleman, who is also the Deputy Leader of Hammersmith and Fulham, strongly denied such claims.
The event, which was held in All Saints Church by Putney Bridge, saw the Green’s Mona Crocker and Liberal Democrats’ Blaise Baquiche line up alongside Mr Hands and Cllr Coleman to be grilled by local residents. Moderator Nick Watt, Political Editor at BBC Newsnight, began with a question of his own for each candidate, including whether the ‘cloud’ of the coalition’s broken promises continues to hang over the Lib Dems, and how the Green Party contends with problematic reports about the conduct of some of its candidates.
Cllr Coleman was quizzed on recent comments made by Sir Keir Starmer that he ‘never expected’ to win the 2019 election under former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Telling the audience Mr Corbyn may have been leader of the party but failed to take people with him during his tenure, Cllr Coleman described Sir Keir’s job as ‘near impossible’, adding the former Director of Public Prosecutions is an ‘extraordinary man’ who has positively changed Labour.
Mr Hands meanwhile was asked about the investigation by the Gambling Commission into an unknown-number of Conservative Party officials, amid reports of bets being placed on the election date. Agreeing it is not a good look, Mr Hands said if it is found that insider trading had been taking place, “there should be really
significant punishments given to all those individuals if it is proven”.
One question put to candidates from the floor came from a local midwife, who raised concerns about burntout colleagues struggling with stress, mental health issues and a host of other afflictions. Mr Hands, while pointing to ‘record funding’ into the NHS by the Government, acknowledged this was ‘not the whole story’, with waiting lists needing to come down further. Mr Baquiche specifically mentioned the nearby Charing Cross Hospital and how its poor state left many visitors ‘in horror’, adding the Liberal Democrats have promised to deliver funding ‘every year’.
Ms Crocker said the Green Party had committed a £20 billion funding project to rebuild all dilapidated buildings in the NHS, and defended the British healthcare model against the part-privatisation schemes employed in countries such as France. “They also pay in 35 per cent on top of…national insurance, they pay a lot more than we do here, and then they pay 35 per cent privately,” she said. “I don’t think it’s an ideal system, and I think if we spend more money and reinvest in the NHS, we’ve got a lot of the backlog to get the NHS back to what it was.”
The ongoing saga of Charing Cross Hospital was also raised by Cllr Coleman, who queried Mr Hands’ claim that a ‘floor-by-floor refurbishment’ of the provision has been secured. He added he has been pressing the Labour Party for a commitment to the hospital, and that a promise was made by Shadow Health Secretary West Streeting during a recent visit.
A question which appeared to largely unite the four candidates was on Europe, and how little it has featured so far in most of the Party’s campaigns.
The international credentials of the candidates, with each of them having lived abroad, were referenced on several occasions during the event, and came to the fore here.
All said they opposed Brexit, and Mr Hands, who led the Chelsea and Fulham Remain campaign, referenced his role as Trade Minister as an instance of him working to improve relations with his European counterparts. Mr Baquiche
accused Sir Keir of ‘speaking with two sides of his face’ on Europe and claimed Labour has not changed its stance since Mr Corbyn’s leadership, while Ms Crocker took the Conservatives to task, telling the room: “Our government has just been squabbling between itself for years and years and years and not really been doing its job.”
On housing, all four candidates recognised the crisis facing both the constituency and the country as a whole, though with ranging solutions. Mr Hands said more homes are undoubtedly required, though reiterated the Government’s stance on not building on the green belt. Instead, he referenced the amount of brownfield land available, in particular that owned by Transport for London (TfL), while also accusing the Hammersmith and Fulham Labour council for holding up the Earls Court development scheme.
This latter point in particular was contested by Cllr Coleman, who said the project as it was conceived prior to Labour taking the council in 2014 would have resulted in whole estates being
evicted. The delays, he said, were because the local authority was ‘saving people’s homes’.
Cllr Coleman added Labour nationally has plans for more house building, including construction on the ‘grey belt’, and support for renters, such as ending Section 21 no-fault evictions.
The Green Party’s policies, Ms Crocker said, include the building of 150,000 social houses a year, while she also mentioned potential legislation regarding the number of empty homes in the capital. Mr Baquiche meanwhile attacked former Prime Minister Liz Truss’s time in office and the impact that had on prices, and referenced his younger age as a point of difference with the other candidates present.
Questions on the Government’s Rwanda scheme and Labour’s planned removal of private schools’ VAT exemption were also among those aired, though it was during the summing up that the first real point of conflict arose. Mr Hands told the room Cllr Coleman did not take part in the Chelsea and Fulham Remain campaign in 2016, leading to Cllr Coleman refuting the
claims as ‘totally untrue’. Mr Hands further reiterated his claim that the Government had committed to a ‘floor-by-floor’ refurbishment of Charing Cross Hospital, adding the scheme had been delayed by the pandemic. Cries of ‘shame’ ensued from some audience members, who Mr Hands subsequently described as ‘some of the Labour people down the front’.
The event ended with a series of interventions by Mr Watt and Cllr Coleman accusing the Tory candidate of being ‘two-faced on Charing Cross’, a fiery end to a typically mild-mannered and informative hustings.
fULL LIST of ChELSE a aND fULham CaNDIDaTES:
• Blaise Baquiche – Liberal Democrats
• Ben Coleman – Labour
• Mona Crocker – Green Party
• Anthony Goodwin – Reform UK
• Greg Hands – Conservatives
• Sabi Patwary – Workers Party
• David Poulden – Heritage Party
Pressure mounts on Sir Keir Starmer to scrap the two-child benefit cap
By Noah Vickers
Local Democracy Reporter
l abour needs to go “much, much further” in tackling child poverty, the party’s shadow work and Pensions secretary has admitted, as pressure mounts on sir Keir starmer to scrap the twochild benefit cap.
In an interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Liz Kendall hinted that the cap could be removed once Labour has completed the “first steps” set out in its manifesto, if it wins the election.
But she also stressed that Labour was being “honest with people” by not making unfunded commitments, and has “a bold and ambitious crossgovernment strategy to tackle child poverty”.
Introduced by George Osborne
when he was chancellor, the two-child benefit cap means low-income parents are denied key benefits, including universal credit, for their third and any subsequent children born from April 2017.
The policy already applies to about two million children, but by the end of the next parliament it will affect an additional 670,000, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said this week.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby have both called for the cap to be scrapped, along with several charities and anti-poverty campaigners. But the move – estimated to cost £1.3bn per year – was not included in Labour’s manifesto and Sir Keir has refused to set out a timeline for removing it in future.
“I’m not going to put a date on these things, but I’m not immune from just how powerful an argument this is,” the
Labour leader said this week, referring to the IFS figures.
Asked whether she was also “not immune”, Ms Kendall said: “It’s a Tory policy, and we voted against it [when it was introduced]. I am passionate about tackling child poverty.
“That’s why we have a commitment to a bold and ambitious cross-government strategy to tackle child poverty in our manifesto and that starts with free breakfast clubs in every primary school, a big warm homes initiative to make sure homes are insulated, our plans for a genuine living wage, our back to work plan, our plan to create more jobs.
“Look, I know there’s much, much further that we need to go, but we are also honest with people that we won’t make promises that we can’t keep or we can’t show how we’ll deliver.
“That is a real priority for me, tackling child poverty. We’ve set out our first
steps, but I know there’s further to go.”
Asked whether she found it hard telling voters that Labour will not scrap the cap, Ms Kendall added: “There are many things that are hard for me.
The fact that the Tories have slashed council funding by a third, the state of local housing, overcrowding, damp conditions.
“The fact that people are desperately waiting for care in the NHS, many people forced to wait in pain or pay to go private. The fact that families who have suffered huge injustices are waiting years because of court backlogs.
“All of those things I am angry about, but we cannot do everything overnight. Our firm commitment to people is we will bring those child poverty numbers down, by getting people into work, and better-paid work, and doing all those other things that I’ve talked about.”
Sir Keir told Sky News last week it
Liz Kendall, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary. Photo from UK Parliament
was a “really difficult decision” not to commit to the cap’s removal but that Labour would “inherit a broken economy” after the election and he won’t “make promises that I can’t keep”.
General Election wimbledon
this seat is a key eLection battLeground
By Harrision Galliven
Local Democracy Reporter
generally, there are not many places in outer london that have national or even international name recognition. however, wimbledon bucks that trend.
Whether it’s because of the tennis, its wealth or even the Wombles, Wimbledon has a reputation that far exceeds its size. However, Wimbledon could soon gain more interest as a hard-fought battleground in the upcoming election.
Save for the New Labour period, the Wimbledon constituency has been a solidly Conservative seat throughout the past century. However, sitting MP Stephen Hammond’s announcement that he will be standing down on July 4 opens the door wide open for a potential swing.
But what makes Wimbledonians kick, and what issues will be driving their votes on July 4. The local democracy reporting service (LDRS) visited to find out.
National politics and a general dissatisfaction with it was a common thread throughout the conversations had with Wimbledon residents. Post Office shop owner Mano summed the feeling up when he told the LDRS: “Sunak is just full of gimmicks. Starmer is in a different world as well.”
“People have to show their anger and protest and vote. I think there will be a lot of tactical votes around here.
“It’s the economy for me, everything is getting expensive especially around here. The politicians have no clue what local shopkeepers face.”
Retired resident Andrew Craig comes to Wimbledon Village to walk around the nearby parks and “keep fit.” He also feels very strongly that change is needed in national politics.
On his way to Cannizaro Park, Craig told the LDRS: “I’m absolutely planning to vote, we’ve got the most corrupt, ineffective and listless government. Brexit was a disaster, everything the Conservatives did was a disaster.”
Craig also stressed the importance of getting young people engaged in politics and went as far as saying that a lack of engagement from them had helped lead the country towards its current state.
Craig said: “Young people have to be engaged, Brexit happened because young people weren’t engaged. There are lots of things wrong with the European Union, but Brexit has been a disaster and has restricted their rights.”
“I feel we as a generation have let the next generation down, very much so. The inter-generational issue is the key issue.
“People like me can swan around, we should pay a different basis of tax. We should be paying more now because we underpaid in the 70s.
“It’s now in the 80s and you expect the younger generation to foot that bill. It’s totally unfair and none of the parties are addressing that.”
Despite this, the youth of Wimbledon the LDRS spoke to seemed much less engaged in the election than their elderly counterparts. Some even admitted they were not planning to vote.
Friends Bella and Bron told the LDRS that “politics isn’t something they talk about with their friends.” When asked why this was, Bron responded: “I don’t
really focus on it, because I’m not going to change anything and I’m not going to change anything.”
Restaurant waiter Jack said told the LDRS: “to be honest, I’m not really following the election. I don’t really vote but when I do I tend to just go for the person with the funniest name.”
Mark and Julia Stevenson recently moved with their family to Wimbledon from Weybridge. They have also recently moved their children to a nearby private school, and feel Labour’s discourse around charging VAT on private school places puts their children’s education at risk.
Mark told the LDRS: “What annoys me is Labour’s assertion that just because you got kids in private school that you’ve got loads of money. We’ve got kids in private school and if they put 20% on top of that, I’m going to have to take them out of private school.
“We’ve scrimped and saved and run two jobs and not had holidays to send them to private school, especially because the schools around us were not that great. The fact that Labour think we’ve got loads of money because of this is a misnomer.
“We only moved into the area about six months ago so we’ll be at the bottom of any list when it comes to new schools.”
Defence was another issue close to the Stevenson’s hearts, as both of them are from military families. Mark told the LDRS: “The military is being stripped away but we’ve got more challenges now.
“It’s not necessarily just about manpower, it’s about fraud and cybercrime. There won’t be more boots on the ground as such. Labour have said they will boost defence when they can afford it, but when is that could be 10 or 20 years.”
When asked about Rishi Sunak’s controversial plans to reintroduce a form of national service, both of them were in general agreement with it. Mark said: “If it gives you the opportunity to do something voluntary and positive around your local area I think it’s a good thing.
Julia added: “Our culture needs to change, we need to be more strict. It feels
like we have no consequences for bad behaviour here.”
Even if you were unaware of Wimbledon’s swing status, the area’s status as an electoral battleground would quickly become clear to anyone after seeing the amount of Lib Dem, Labour and Conservative posters and placards in the town. The outgoing Stephen Hammond MP was first elected nearly 20 years ago, but his imminent departure has got some thinking it will now be a three horse race for the seat.
When asked for their thoughts on Hammond, charity shop manager Fiona Sayer told the LDRS: “Stephen Hammond is generally quite anti-Brexit, and he was popular for that. He was not on the side of Boris Johnson and he tried to take a middle line.”
“Round here although there was a lot of Tory voters, a lot of them voted against Brexit. He reflected that.”
“It is interesting, we have been getting loads of Lib Dem stuff coming through and I’ve got nothing else and the other feel they’ve not got much of a chance. Things aren’t so bad round here though, because compared to other areas we’re quite well off aren’t we.”
Gillian Bragazzi, who also worked in the shop, told the LDRS: “The language that is coming out of some of the Conservative MPs is going more and more extreme. I always used to vote Lib Dems, I’ve never voted Conservative and I’m going to vote Labour because it can’t get any worse than it is now.”
hERE IS ThE ComPLETE LIST of CaNDIDaTES STaNDING IN WImBLEDoN:
• Rachel Brooks – Green Party
• Ben Cronin – Reform UK
• Danielle Dunfield-Prayero –Conservative and Unionist Party
• Paul Christopher Kohler – Liberal Democrats
• Aaron Malfi – Workers Party of Britain
• Eleanor Stringer – Labour Party
Wimbledon could see a three horse race between Labour, Lib Dem and the Conservatives.
Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga
Fiona Sayer and Gillian Bragazzi think Wimbledon is a great place to live.
Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga
Andrew Craig said - I feel we as a generation have let the next generation down. Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga
Mark and Julia Stevenson both come from military families, and think defence is an important factor to consider when voting. Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga
General Election
b romley & b iggin
conservative stronghoLd may swing
By Joe Coughlan Local Democracy Reporter
a south london stronghold for the Conservative Party is predicted to swing to labour in the upcoming election, with voters claiming the current state of services in the country is ‘insulting’
Residents of Bromley and Biggin Hill will find themselves being represented by a new seat for the July 4 General Election. The new boundary consists of the area between Grove Park and Biggin Hill while also including Bromley town centre and Keston. Former constituencies such as Bromley and Chislehurst will be partially covered by the new boundary, which was represented by former Conservative MP Bob Neill for nearly 18 years.
Trevor Hersey, 76, has lived in Bromley Common for 55 years. He said locals had great confidence in Bob Neill and voted for him as a candidate based on his contributions to the area, rather than for the Conservative Party itself.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “I would have thought the seat would be safe but Bob Neill was such a good MP that he’s going to be a hard act to follow.”
Mr Hersey added: “To be honest, I don’t really have faith in any of them. I’m soon to be 77 and I have never not voted but
this time I won’t bother because I don’t feel like I’ve got anyone to vote for. I’ve traditionally voted Conservative but I don’t feel I can because I would feel I’ve been endorsing what they have done and I’m not happy with what they’ve done. But on the other hand, I can’t bring myself to vote Labour.”
Conservative candidate Susan Hall was also favoured in Bexley and Bromley at this year’s London mayoral election, receiving 111,216 votes compared to 48,952 for Sadiq Khan who ultimately won. Elaine Greenwood, 73, has lived just outside Bromley town centre for 20 years and cited immigration and schooling as two of her priorities for the upcoming General Election. She said she feels that Rishi Sunak has a ‘wonderful’ mind for the economy, but needs more statesmanship.
She told the LDRS: “I’m a bit wary of promises without anything to substantiate them, and I feel that there’s an awful lot of that with Labour so far. I think the things [Keir Starmer] said that worried me was this whole business about free breakfast for all children. I don’t know whether he could sustain that.”
At the time of writing, data from Electoral Calculus suggests the Labour Party could claim the Bromley and Biggin Hill seat in this year’s election by a slim 5.1 per cent majority. Catherine
General Election
Merriman, 74, has lived in Bromley for six years and said she felt it was time for the ruling party for the constituency, as well as the country as a whole, to change.
Ms Merriman told the LDRS: “The trouble is even if Labour get in, which I do hope they do, they’ve got 14 years to clear up.” She added: “I am a Labour person, I have been all my life. But at the moment, Keir Starmer to me is not a leader.”
Kathryn Guest, 58, said she felt like it has never been worth voting for Labour in South East London. She said topics such as immigration have been blown out of proportion by modern politicians to appeal to right-wing voters, when more pressing issues such as schools and public services have been ignored.
Ms Guest told the LDRS: “Cost of living and public services generally [are my priorities]. The state of everything is just depressing and it’s insulting to the people. This is our country, we pay our taxes… All of our public services have been rounded down until there is nothing left to cut. There’s really nothing left and I think it’s disgusting.”
She added: “It’s an insult to the people of Britain. I’ll tell you what I don’t care about and that’s immigration. I think it’s a total misdirection. I think that there’s a group of people trying to get people’s attention on immigration because it’s emotive when it isn’t really a serious issue compared to the really serious issues.”
sutton & C
Independent candidate told he is 'barred from hustings'
By Harrision Galliven Local Democracy Reporter
an indePendent candidate for a key south london swing seat has been barred from attending a hustings event this weekend, causing some backlash.
Kingsley ‘Action Man’ Hamilton, as he is listed on the ballot paper, found out he wasn’t to be included in the Sutton and Cheam hustings event after seeing his name omitted from the flyer.
Mr Hamilton, who is known throughout the area for his social media presence and public opposition to the ULEZ expansion, believes matters were made worse when he was invited to join the hustings as a member of the public, despite him being an officially listed candidate.
Churches Together Sutton & Cheam (CTSC), who are hosting the hustings this Saturday (June 29), believe Mr Hamilton’s low polling potential justifies the omission but this has not satisfied members of the public who see the move as ‘anti-democratic.’
Mr Hamilton said: “I am a strong believer in democracy and the respect that should be afforded to all regardless of differences of opinion and as such I put my head above the parapet to stand for election, especially as so many seem so disillusioned with career politicians.”
He added: “Indeed a local organisation (CTSC) have used my own Facebook
groups to advertise a hustings for the candidates. However I was extremely disappointed to see I was not included in this and given the benefit of the doubt, I simply thought this must be an oversight.
“It quickly became apparent that I was being deliberately excluded from these hustings which were advertised as non-selective, but these cannot be non-selective because the Electoral Commission clearly states that for non-selective hustings, they must have invited all candidates, and not only have I not been invited, upon enquiring, they directly told me I’m not allowed to speak.
“But in a rather patronising twist, I was invited to ask the candidates questions. I am one of the candidates. I paid my own deposit, bought my own leaflets and unlike some of the candidates I actually live in the borough and am well known.”
Mr Hamilton, a father, local DJ and bus driver, decided to run as an independent in an effort to challenge the major parties.
On his election flyer, Mr Hamilton states: “I am standing as your local candidate as I believe in getting things done.”
He has run in a number of previous elections, including most recently as an independent in the St Helier West byelection, which was triggered following the resignation of Labour’s Sheila Berry.
Although that seat was won on a tight margin by the Conservative’s Catherine Gray, Hamilton came fourth picking up 10 per cent of the vote.
Hamilton also stood as one of the
several anti-ULEZ candidates in last year’s Uxbridge by-election, in which the Conservatives defied expectations and kept the West London seat. Hamilton explained how, during that campaign, he attended hustings that would feature all candidates no matter how obscure.
Hamilton said: “When Uxbridge had 17 candidates, all of them were invited to hustings. This is a small list of 6 candidates and they have invited 5 party candidates and excluded me. I don’t want special treatment, I just want fairness and indeed the residents deserve fairness.
“If someone is running a hustings they have a responsibility to be honest and fair. It’s as if they are saying the part where I’m listed on the ballot paper doesn’t count. For Churches Together (CTSC) to be so deliberately obtuse and dishonest makes a mockery of the description “churches together”.
When approached for comment, CTSC representative John Mitchell said: “Before any candidates had even been nominated we decided that the criteria for inviting candidates to the hustings would be ‘candidates representing a party that was putting up a candidate in most of the constituencies in England and were also polling at least 5 per cent in national opinion polls’.”
Mitchell added: “Kingsley Hamilton did not satisfy that criteria and was therefore not invited.”
CTSC has invited Hamilton to attend as
a member of the public, which he rejected and said: “I’m sure there are a few spare seats somewhere in the building.”
However, Mr Hamilton’s exclusion from the event has subsequently drawn an online backlash. One Facebook user, Jane Swindle, commented on the event post saying: “So can we clarify, is Kingsley included? Quite frankly there is no one else worth a vote in our ward!”
Another, Mary McDaid, said: “Kingsley, man of the people. Look at his page, look at what he does for the community.
“It’s not really a democracy if you preselect candidates and not have all candidates hoping to represent the borough.”
Hamilton explained how his community work has made this episode even more bitter for him. He has
previously provided his PA system free of charge to the same venue due to host the event this Saturday afternoon. This gesture was made as part of the Remembrance Sunday event, which he has taken part in for the last 10 years. He added: I have been very active in my community for as long as I can remember, helping people with various issues, from parking tickets and unfair charges and even car breakdowns, charity events and even running free day trips for disadvantaged families as well as volunteering locally for many organisations.
At the time of writing, Hamilton has still not yet been asked to join the other candidates on the panel. The hustings will take place at the Sutton Baptist Church at 2.30 pm on Saturday, June 29.
Trevor Hersey, 76
Kathryn Guest, 58
Elaine Greenwood, 73
Kingsley Hamilton is standing as an Independent candidate for Sutton and Cheam
heam
Election
reform taking some support in key seat for Labour and the conservatives
By Joe Coughlan
Local Democracy Reporter
voters for a new seat in south london have claimed they have ‘no confidence’ in the Labour or Conservative parties, with some putting their support behind reform uK instead.
Eltham and Chislehurst represent a new constituency in South London to be contested in the July 4 General Election.
The key area stretches from south Woolwich in Greenwich borough all the way down to just above Petts Wood in Bromley.
The new seat combines the two former constituencies of Eltham as well as Bromley and Chislehurst. With the Labour Party predicted to require a swing of only 3.37 per cent to claim the seat, the area represents a key battleground in the race between the two major parties.
Rhys Kimble, 19, has lived in Chislehurst his whole life. He said that while he has not decided which party he will vote for yet, he has been put off by the Conservatives after feeling they have not done enough to support local businesses, with inflation also going ‘through the roof’.
Mr Kimble said: “I’m not a fan of Rishi Sunak personally, so that diverts me from the Conservatives. I study economics, so if I look at it from an economic standpoint I’m not a fan of what he’s doing personally. I just don’t think there’s a whole lot of output coming from the UK, especially from the Conservatives, there’s been nothing really in the past 10 years.”
The local added that he often hears peers in the pub telling others to vote for Reform UK. Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage announced on June 3 that he would be taking over as the new leader of the Reform UK party. He also confirmed that he would be standing as a candidate in Clacton, Essex.
Bob Matthews, 80, has lived in Falconwood for over 30 years. The local said he has become disillusioned with the main political parties and that
he and his friends are all considering voting for Reform UK, calling Nigel Farage a ‘man of his word’.
Mr Matthews said: “I’ve got no confidence in either group, so I won’t be backing either one. If Farage stands, I’ll definitely back him because of what he says he wants to do. Whether he does it is another thing but to me, he talks sense. I’ve got no confidence in the other two.”
He added: “[The Conservatives] have never kept their promises and the other one, Labour, I don’t think anybody’s got confidence in them. They will just go for it because they are fed up of the Conservatives being in, that’s the only reason.”
Gail, who did not wish to give her surname, said she had lived in Eltham for 40 years and felt Rishi Sunak was out of touch with people who may struggle to make ends meet. She added that the current Conservative government had not done enough to support local businesses on high streets such as Eltham.
She said: “Everything’s closing down. I think everything has gone up. Rates and everything, they’re just going up and it’s pricing people out.”
She added: “I just know that I don’t want to vote Conservative because they’re not helping. It seems like they’re helping people who have got money and the places where they have got money. But what about the people who haven’t got anything? It’s not fair.”
The local said the area also suffers from anti-social behaviour such as teenagers smashing windows and motorcycles regularly blocking the road. Data from the Met’s Eltham Town and Avery Hill Safer Neighbourhood Team showed that 63 crimes were committed on Eltham High Street and its surrounding roads in January this year. This included 18 cases of anti-social behaviour.
The resident said she feels the problem stems from a lack of authority among parents and schools nowadays. However, she does not think the Conservative Party’s plan to reintroduce National Service will work to resolve the issue.
She said: “They need to sort out knife crime. It’s disgusting. I know myself because my younger daughter’s boyfriend got killed in his own flat… If they brought in a law saying if you get caught carrying a knife, not using it but caught carrying it, then you do eight years, that would stop people carrying them.”
She added: “The discipline is out the window. I think it’s too little too late for them all of a sudden to say 18-year-olds have got to go serve their communities. All the 18-year-olds that you’ve got around this borough are smoking weed. I personally can’t stand the smell of it. It’s everywhere, you get on a bus and you can smell it.”
Peter Howcroft, 62, said he feels the political parties in the UK need to sort their conduct out before any other major issues are tackled. He said he felt people had lost faith in the Labour Party after Tony Blair’s decision to support the invasion of Iraq, but that he was also frustrated by the quick succession of changing Conservative Party leaders in recent years.Mr Howcroft said: “They can’t keep anyone in power for five minutes, they keep sacking people
Conservatives retain Eltham seat in council by-election earlier this month
By Joe Coughlan Local Democracy Reporter
eltham has a new Conservative councillor following a council byelection earlier this month.
Roger Tester won a by-election with 1,359 votes and will serve Mottingham, Coldharbour and New Eltham ward in Greenwich along with fellow ward councillors, Matt Hartley who is the leader of Greenwich Conservatives, and Labour’s Cathy Dowse. In second place was Nikki Thurlow
from the Labour Party with 1,101 votes followed by Mark Simpson of Reform UK who received 232 votes.
Matt Stratford from the Green Party came fourth with 101 votes and lastly the Lib Dem’s Ulysse Abbate with 90 votes.
The by-election saw a voter turnout of 27.34per cent.
The by-election was triggered following the death of Conservative councillor, John Hills, who was a Greenwich councillor for 24 years having first been elected for the former
New Eltham ward in 2000. Cllr Hills represented the Mottingham, Coldharbour and New Eltham ward before his death on April 24, 2024, following a period of illness at age 86. During his time at the council, Cllr Hills served as the opposition group whip and opposition spokesperson for health and adult social care, as well as being the president of the Greenwich Conservative Federation for 15 years. Greenwich Council has 51 Labour councillors, three Conservative councillors and one Lib Dem councillor.
to get someone else who’s probably better because they’ve made previous mistakes. That’s not a way to build a country, no one’s got any confidence if you keep sacking people.”
He added: “It’s the lesser of the two evils. At the end of the day, I may still vote Conservative despite the fact I don’t
the 2019 election by 10,891
like them. I think voting is important.”
The former Eltham seat was won by Labour MP Clive Efford in 2019 by 3,197 votes. The old Bromley and Chislehurst constituency was served by Conservative MP Bob Neill since 2006, winning
votes.
Eltham High Street. Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga from MyLondon
Rhys Kimble, 19, said he has been 'put off' from voting for the Conservatives. Photo by Facundo Arrizabalaga from MyLondon
The entrance to Woolwich Town Hall, where Greenwich Council hold its meetings.
ex-poLice officer warns drivers couLd have been unfairLy fined in ‘chaotic’ roadworks
By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter
AN EX-POLICE officer has raised concerns about ‘chaotic’ south london roadworks that saw him wrongly fined £130 for driving in a bus lane.
Tim Cruddas, 59, believes many other drivers could also have been fined unfairly by Kingston Council, after a Freedom of Information request revealed nearly 3,000 motorists were penalised for the same offence during the works last year.
Mr Cruddas, who lives in Surrey, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the council did not properly address the safety grounds of his appeal of the £130 fine when rejecting it twice, before it was finally overturned by an independent adjudicator in March. He said it was satisfying to win but that he had to take the time and trouble appealing the fine, and raised concerns other drivers have faced a similar situation.
Mr Cruddas was visiting Kingston in a car driven by his wife in October when they approached roadworks while travelling eastbound along Eden Street at its junctions with Union Street and St James’ Road. There is a permanent ban on turning left into Union Street, while St James’ Road was closed to right-turning traffic from September 4 to November 27 due to the works. This meant, Mr Cruddas said, they drove into the bus lane as this was the only safe option to
avoid a ‘dangerous’ three-point turn in the middle of the busy four-way junction, before turning around at the next available opportunity.
The council, however, rejected his appeal of the fine twice, after he challenged it on safety grounds, arguing there were sufficient signs informing drivers of the works and that he should have found another route, and contested it at the tribunal. The adjudicator ruled Mr Cruddas did not break the rules as the Traffic Order 2014 includes an exemption for vehicles using a bus lane ‘to avoid an accident’.
The adjudicator took into account that Mr Cruddas held advanced driver certification while he was a police officer. He told the LDRS: “I don’t make any traffic manoeuvres that I think are unsafe, that’s part of the training, and if I came across the same situation again tomorrow, I’d do the same thing because I’m not about to stop suddenly or… do three-point turns.
“I had a cyclist behind me, I had cars coming towards me, there were a couple of cars and a motorbike behind me, so Kingston’s suggestion that I should have found another route is ludicrous because you can’t back up down a busy road.”
Mr Cruddas said the roadworks caused ‘chaos’ as many drivers did ‘dangerous’ three-point turns when faced with the temporary traffic restrictions. A video he took on the day he was fined shows three cars making three-point turns in the middle of the junction in just 44 seconds.
On top of this, Mr Cruddas believes many drivers were unfairly penalised for choosing the safer option of continuing into the bus lane to avoid an accident. The council responded to a Freedom of Information request by Mr Cruddas in March which revealed it issued 2,936 fines while St James’ Road was closed – 1,384 of these were challenged and 114 challenges were successful. He raised concerns the authority rejected many of the appeals for the same reasons they gave to him, which were only overturned as he took it to tribunal.
The maximum fine for the offence is £130 and it can be halved to £65 if paid in 14 days. This means, if 2,822 fines were successfully processed, the authority could have generated between £183,430 and £366,860.
Mr Cruddas called on the council to have ‘more joined-up thinking’ as he argued it should have identified the
issue and tackled it, for example by closing St James’ Road further along, rather than just processing the fines. He said: “For 84 days [the restrictions were] in place. I can’t believe they didn’t realise it was a real problem and they could have closed the road at the beginning of Eden Street, where it comes off the high street, they could have just put buses only, because it was in fact only buses that were allowed to go that way because there was no left turn and no right turn… and then people would have turned around before they got fed into Eden Street.”
Regarding his concerns, he added: “It’s about the bureaucratic failure to make a common sense decision and the fact that they have made a huge amount of money by just ignoring the challenges rather than saying actually lots of people have done this, maybe their traffic control wasn’t good
enough.”
A Kingston Council spokesperson said: “Penalty charge notices are used to enforce traffic regulations and support our responsibility in keeping Kingston’s roads safe. When diversions for roadworks are required drivers are advised where they should seek an alternative route, and restrictions such as bus lanes will remain in place unless they have clearly been suspended.
“On the occasions we have needed to close St James’ Road, large scale signage of the diversion route down Kingston Hall Road at the junction with Kingston High Street has been in place. The council does not comment on individual cases appealed to the parking adjudicator. It is important to note that any ruling made does not set a precedent and parking adjudicators are free to make their own conclusion on any similar appeal.”
Linford Christie changing rooms to be demolished
By Ben Lynch Local Democracy Reporter
a bloCK at a west london sports stadium is expected to be demolished after being classified as a ‘dangerous structure’.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has submitted plans to knock down the changing rooms building at the Linford Christie Stadium and install new portable facilities for a period of around two years.
A council spokesperson said the temporary arrangement will allow it to “work towards the best long-term improvements” for the site.
Opened in 1967 as The West London Stadium, the Linford Christie Stadium
in Wormwood Scrubs facilitates a range of sports from athletics to baseball and football. It is also home to clubs including Kensington Dragons FC and Thames Harriers Athletics Club, and was previously mooted as the potential new ground for Queen’s Park Rangers FC.
The block Hammersmith and Fulham is looking to demolish includes the changing rooms, toilets, showers and plant room, according to the application. Alongside the planning submission, the council also recently approved procurement strategies for the demolition works and purchase of nine purpose-built portable office cabins, at a total cost of £1.25 million.
In its decision notice, the council
wrote the cost of bringing the building into ‘a suitable state for re-occupation’ would be around £6.5m. They added the demolition of the building and purchase of the portable office cabins “would be a good medium-term solution to retain the services at Linford Christie until the council had the time to evaluate fully its decision on the future of the stadium and any future investments at an estimated costs of £1.25m and be good for at least 8-10 years.”
A spokesperson for Hammersmith and Fulham Council said: “The Linford Christie Stadium first opened in 1967 (as The West London Stadium), and most people agree it has seen better days. The facilities are outdated and
are no longer of a standard which users are entitled to expect.
“We’d like to improve and develop the site – including the associated sports pitches outside the stadium. The site could better serve the needs of local residents and we’ve been asking for local views.
“We’ve chosen the temporary option for toilets/changing rooms to allow us to continue to work towards the best long-term improvements. We have funding from the H&F Coronation Youth Fund to resurface the Athletics track.
“We are also working with Kensington Dragons FC in conjunction with Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust to improve the artificial grass pitches.”
Junction of Eden Street with St James' Road and Union Street.
what’s on
yoshida: three generations of Japanese printmaking
the first of the yoshida dynastyhiroshi - was already an established artist in his homeland, Japan, when he took up printmaking at the age of 44, but the story of six printmaking yoshidas spread over three generations really begins when hiroshi visited dulwich Picture gallery in 1900 and signed the visitors’ book, writes Michael Holland.
His travels across the globe were the foundation for woodblock prints of The Sphinx, the Grand Canyon, The Matterhorn and the Taj Mahal that earned him a worldwide reputation. His style of work inspired family members to follow him in his craft.
His wife, Fujio, became a pioneer for female artists in Japan and was renowned for her close-up designs of the botanic world; close enough to verge on the abstract.
It was this aspect of her work that inspired their sons, Tōshi and Hodaka, who both brought abstraction to their working practise. Tōshi followed in his father’s footsteps by travelling the world and creating art from the stimulus
absorbed on his journey. Most impressive of Tōshi’s, for me, was Camouflage, a print I’d barely looked at on my first stroll
a Little Light on Laughs
one of the finest things to do on a warm, June evening is to take a trip to shakespeare’s globe at bankside. the summer season and performances in the famous ‘o’ form an iconic part of london’s theatre scene; a mix of tragedies and comedies over the coming months provide a sufficient feast and The Taming of the shrew, directed by Jude Christian, will play until the autumn, writes Christopher Peacock.
This play within a play tells the story of a few men competing for the affections of a successful merchant’s daughters, using whatever means necessary. From underhand tricks of deception and impersonation, to mental manipulation, the tale ends with young Petrucio - the success story
- having successfully ‘tamed’ his ‘shrew’ of a woman.
What you are struck most by in this production is Rosie Elnile’s design and the decision to use a select amount of puppetry to help embody the duplicitous nature of much of the characters’ words. The puppets’ stylings certainly add to a design theme that has you feeling as if you are in a fever dream while stuck in a child’s cot. The huge teddy bear with its form split open as an entrance, and the rouged faces of the cast, create an oddball Toytown feel.
Design decisions do dominate because of Jude Christian’s direction being a touch static and low on energy. A lot of this, though, is forgiven for the two cast absences having to be covered on the night. However, Syakira Moeladi having to
read in the role of Biondello for the missing John Cummings actually played it as an advantage and many laughs were gained from the use of the script as a prop. There were bright performances, too, in some of the smaller roles with Tyreke Leslie as Tranio and Jamie-Rose Monk as Vincentio creating highlights; both handling the text and comedy best, and the most at ease.
As audiences change over the centuries, tastes naturally change and societies become more in tune with contemporary social injustices. Many of Shakespeare’s works naturally come under this spotlight now and The Taming of the Shrew is not excused from this.
A story that, at its heart, is about coercive control of a partner would hardly strike as comedy gold today without scrutiny.
However, some comedy, like slapstick, seems timeless because the power balance between audience and stooge does not change, but some Shakespearean comedies lack the high stakes that modern audiences find funny. This production was trying to hit numerous different notes but was a little light on laughs and felt very distracted as a whole.
press tour. What at first looked like nothing remarkable turned into two hunting tigers hidden in the long grass.
His sister Hodaka found motivation elsewhere and her art gives off a Joan Miró vibe with a touch of Kandinsky. Pop Art was big during her time and it shows in her work.
Next in line is Chizuko, wife of Hodaka, and who co-founded the first group of female printmakers in Japan, the Women’s Print Association. Taking elements of abstract from her mother, and often taking them off into the vicinity of the avantgarde, she was said to have connected popular art movements of the time with traditional Japanese printmaking.
The exhibition ends with Ayomi, Hodaka’s and Chizuko’s daughter. Her art combines traditional techniques with contemporary styles and this can be seen in the installation of cherry blossom that covers three walls and includes 10,000 cherry blossom flowers that were printed and cut out by hand for Ayomi to place on the mural she had created. Some appearing far beyond the lines of the trees and into the architecture of the room.
When she first visited the gallery she was shown her grandfather’s entry in the visitors’ book. She closed her eyes and ran her fingers across his signature. Those in attendance knew something special was happening.
Ayomi said: ‘When I saw my grandfather’s signature in the Dulwich Picture Gallery guest book, my heart skipped a beat. What an exciting and intriguing journey it must have been for Hiroshi, then an unknown painter and only 23, travelling from a country so far away. How proud he would be of this family exhibit of six, welcomed 120 years later at this wonderful museum.’
Her installation has been directly inspired by similar work of Hiroshi’s, as well as the cherry trees in Dulwich Village, that were originally taken from the iconic site of Yoshino in Japan.
The family circle is now complete.
Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, London SE21 7AD from 19 June - 3 November 2024.
Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm. (inc. bank holidays.) Admission: £20.
a triumph of musical theatre
i don’t know what’s going on!’ ‘welcome to the british government!’ no, it’s not 2024, it’s 1943 and things aren’t looking good for britain. but Charles (‘i’m not new! i’ve been here for 6 months!’) Cholmondeley has a plan to win the war – he just needs a corpse, an elaborate paper trail, and to speak up for himself a little bit (and avoid mentioning newts, if possible), writes Mary Bradshaw.
Operation Mincemeat has got everything – a healthy dash of self-deprecating humour; caricatures of self-proclaimed geniuses; mockery of cultural stereotypes; touching character development; quick quips; tear-jerkers; feminism, and a lot more besides.
Christian Andrews, Claire-Marie Hall, Chloë Hart, Emily Barber, and Seán Carey are awe-inspiringly versatile. They switch costumes, accents and mannerisms in the blink of an eye. Every song (no matter how fast the tempo) is word - and pitch - perfect. Plus, they dance to Jenny Arnold’s slick choreography with unwavering energy. They leap from Tango to quasi-Gangnam Style, from rap to ballad to anthem, creating an addictive dynamism and
providing the lucky audience with endless visual delights.
Look out for Hester Leggett’s love letter, the submariners, ‘our man in Spain’, the coroner, the ‘glitzy finale’ and the tribute to Glyndor Michael at the end of this tale of quiet heroism.
Head to the intimate Fortune Theatre, buckle up, and prepare to be bedazzled by 2024’s best new musical, now in its ninth extended run (the Olivier Award and WhatsOnStage awards should speak for themselves).
You’ll see that MI5 are not the only geniuses.
And if you’re constantly picked on to make the tea at work, remember the line: ‘Sarge, you’re in charge of your own hydration!’
Operation Mincemeat, directed by 2023 Olivier Award nominee Robert Hastie. Fortune Theatre until 18th November 2024.
Balloted tickets can be won for performances from 18th November to 25th January 2025.
Lottery tickets are also available. Full details and booking: www.operationmincemeat.com
through the gallery but was made more aware of its beauty by Dr Monika Hinkel, our curator and exhibition guide on the
L-R Claire-Marie Hall, Chlöe Hart, Seán Carey, Emily Barber and Christian Andrews
Heading south - our pick of upcoming Summer events
Tickets: £50
Sunday tunes
Davy’s summer wine tasting
summer is for grazing and trying new things – and you can do both at davy’s wine summer tasting event. you’ll be able to enjoy a selection of over 70 wines from around the world in the outdoor setting of Vintners yard, which is covered just in case there is (un)expected summer rainfall. the summer tasting is a relaxed and informal event, where you can meet the winemakers, hear their stories and taste their wines at your own pace. your ticket includes the tasting, plus a burger, hot dog or margherita pizza.
take part in a weekend of living history as the old royal naval College is overrun with pirates. this event is perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike. spend the day learning about the golden age of piracy – between 1650 and 1720 – when more than 5,000 pirates were said to have sailed the seas.
Learn to separate pirate fact from fiction, enjoy songs of the sea, witness small sword and cutlass fights, and hear the tale of a real 18th-century mutiny. Aye, matey!
Dates: Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July 2024, 11am to 4pm
Tickets: £13.50
Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN ornc.org/whats-on/golden-age-of-piracy
Exploring cooking heritage
enjoy a relaxing sunday at eltham palace and experience a day of live music performed against the backdrop of the moat and gardens. bring along a deck chair and picnic for an afternoon of superb music on three sundays in July. performances will be london Jazz singer, maja szymczyk and band on 7 July, and nicholas James and band on 14 and 21 July. performances take place between 12pm and 4pm, with intervals in between each set.
Dates: Sunday 7 July, Sunday 14 July and Sunday 21 July 2024, 10am to 5pm
Introducing, the first ever Deptford Scratch: hosted at the deptford lounge, it will see audiences enjoy an evening filled with performances of fresh and unfiltered new writing. Performances will include:
· dig by Joe wiltshire smith
· the last rhubarb festival by ruth kelner
· period drama by malini raman middleton
· date me by molly goetzee
· pain gap by ella dorman-gajic
· the interview by gloria brown
Date: Thursday 11 July 2024, 7pm
Tickets: Pay what you decide Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffi n Street, SE8 4RJ deptfordlounge.org.uk/whats-on/event/deptfordscratch
tunde tejumola and pa modou will discuss sharing food from each of their histories in a talk with Jimi famurewa at woolwich works. hosted by the author and restaurant critic, the panel will explore the joys and complications of cooking food based on heritage. it will dive into the way diaspora foods are perceived, if they are understood and how important it feels to be sharing food from each of these panellists’ history. as part of the beanfeast events, this is sure to be an interesting discussion.
Date: Saturday 6 July 2024, 4.30pm – 16+ age guidance
Tickets: Advance Price £5 plus 10% booking fee. Ropekeepers Studio, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, SE18 6HD. www.woolwich.works/events/beanfeast-cooking-heritage
Queer seas
historian seth leJacq explores evelyn de morgan’s extraordinary painting the sea maidens as an entryway to the history of the sea as a queer space in this free talk at royal museums greenwich. from the little mermaid and the royal navy’s traditions of “rum, sodomy and the lash” to today’s queer “mermaiding” communities, the event will ask what the sea can mean for those who don’t fit their societies’ prevailing norms of gender and sexuality.
the forgotten story of one of the men who buiLt tower bridge
By Isabel Ramirez
t he forgotten story of the resident engineer of tower bridge is being told 130 years after its construction.
Everyone knows Tower Bridge - one of the defining features of London. But not everyone knows how it was constructed - and much less who was behind it.
Up until now, most of the credit for the design of the landmark has gone to Victorian engineers, Sir John Wolfe Barry and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. They took over the design when the architect Horace Jones died one year into the building.
It was finished in July 1894.
However, Edward Cruttwell was the resident engineer, next in command underneath these two men. Sir Wolfe Barry was knighted for his efforts, whilst Cruttwell’s involvement flew under the radar.
Patrick Molineux, Cruttwell’s greatgrandson.
That was before a descendant would uncover eighteen photos that not
only highlight how involved Cruttwell was in the project, but offer a unique snapshot into Victorian London.
Patrick Molineux, Cruttwell’s great-grandson, found the photos and other family archives including his account books, whilst sorting through his mum’s things after she died.
He told the News, “When I was younger, my mum would say ‘your great-grandad built Tower Bridge’ and I never thought much of it.
“But when I found these pictures it all became real.
“I’m in awe of him.”
Edward Cruttwell in the 1890s (Tower Bridge)
Dirk Bennett, Tower Bridge history expert, who heads up the exhibitions there, said he ‘nearly fell off his chair’ when he saw the photos.
“Patrick met with me and said he thought I would have already seen them,” he explained, “but we only ever had photos of the royal opening, not of when it opened to the public.”
Edward Cruttwell was originally from Frome, Somerset. He was
educated at Clifton College and studied engineering at King’s College Cambridge. According to Patrick, he rose quickly in his profession, overseeing the building of Tower Bridge at just 28 years old.
As the resident engineer, it was his job to be on the ground doing the building, taking the designs and turning them into steel and stone.
Patrick, who is currently writing a biography on his great-grandfather as he wants to get his name known, said: “It was the largest opening bridge that had ever been built, designed to withstand hurricane winds when it opened.”
Back in its heyday, it used to open over 50 times a day. Today, the bridge opens just twice a day.
The morning of 30 June 1894. Workers (right and background unknown, left possibly steam crane driver Edward Roughly) and an officer of the Royal Horse Artillery. From 1894 to 1897 he was in charge of the working of the bridge, and remained consulting engineer for that structure until his death.
Following the Tower Bridge project, Cruttwell became Wolfe Barry’s protégé and a senior partner in his firm.
In 1900 he prepared a scheme for widening London Bridge without adding to the weight on the foundations, which was carried out under his supervision without any interference with the traffic.
At Sir John Wolfe Barry’s firm, he was involved in many feats across the UK including an ingenious hydraulic drawbridge which he designed and erected in 1912 over the river Hull.
Patrick commented: “He became very wealthy. At one point, my grandparents were led to believe they would never have to work again.”
He said Cruttwell had been disappointed at the end of his career that he never got his knighthood. “John Wolfe Barry got it because he was the engineer in charge. Although he became quite famous, Cruttwell never had one big project like Tower Bridge that was solely his.
“But if you stand in the shadow of greatness, it’s hard for the spotlight to
find you.”
On top of this, his healthy accounts dipped after the Great Depression. “In 1927 he would have had the equivalent of around five million pounds and owned several properties inside and outside London.
“But a lot of his money was in railway shares and by 1933 he had lost it all.”
All the eighteen never-seen-before photos have been colourised. R: Edward Cruttwell.
He said this grey cloud over his life is what ultimately led to his death later that year.
His story is being told 130 years after the bridge’s construction in a new exhibition.
‘Launching a Landmark – The Unseen Opening Weeks’ opened to the public on Saturday (22 June). The free, innovative display can be found on seven monoliths on the bridge. It features never-before-seen photos from its opening weeks in 1894 - which have been colourised and brought to life with AR.
Catch it before the end of September.
Patrick Molineux, Cruttwell’s great-grandson who found the unseen photos
One of the unseen photos showing Cruttwell (right) on Tower Bridge overseeing its construction
ScotsCare
loneliness by spending up to an hour a week with an older person
Would you like to work with a highly skilled team that provides
is holding a husting at the Denmark Hill Community Centre, Blanchedowne London SE5 8HL, on 21st of June, 2:00-4:30pm. The 5 largest parties are invited. Please register if you want to attend by phoning 020 7708 4556 or emailing info@southwarkpensioners.org.uk The Southwark Pensioners Centre can support any older person who is not yet registered to register to vote or who is unsure about voter ID requirements.
Redriff Primary School Salter Road, London SE16 5LQ www.redriff.southwark.sch.uk 020 7237 4272
education to its children and invests in their staff? Would you like the opportunity to receive Makaton foundation training, Elklan speech and language training and a 7 part full SEN induction in your first year? would you like to provide care and support in teaching for some fantastic children across our ‘outstanding’ school are you someone who provides the highest possible standards of support to enable children with complex needs to access participate and achieve fully in school and community life?
We are looking for someone with experience or an interest in:
• Special Educational Needs (SEN) or Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs
• Other Special Educational Needs including Downs Syndrome
Redriff Primary School (City of London Academy) is an outstanding school that has been accredited by the National Autistic Society and is a leading centre of excellence for autism. We are looking for Teaching Assistants with a background, experience or an interest in working with children with complex needs in a resource base or in mainstream classrooms. You will support children’s learning needs, social inclusion and independence. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic self-motivated and respond well to the needs of the children.
You will work closely in a collaborative team led by the Assistant head for Inclusion and Resource Base Manager and receive a full induction and detailed training programme including Makaton foundation and Elklan speech and language awards. We are an enthusiastic and friendly team and part of an outstanding school. These posts are suitable for those pursuing a career in working with children and families, aspiring teachers or future school direct candidates. The role is also suitable for people with aspirations of working within the field of Educational Psychology or in other specialist settings
Starting salary will be on City of London Academies Trust payscale grade JE2, scale points 2-5. FTE salary is £27,306-£28,545. Actual annual salary is £21,319-£22,286. This position is fixed term for 1 year with the possibility of being extended.
Please see our latest Ofsted report from November 2023 here , where it is highlighted that “Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. Everyone looks out for each other and behaviour throughout the school is calm and positive.” And “Staff are highly skilled at identifying and meeting pupils’ needs,
including those with SEND. Throughout the school, staff use a range of approaches consistently to support pupils’ learning. For example, staff use different communication systems which enable all pupils to share their answers, points of view and emotions.”
The successful candidate will have a minimum of a C grade in GCSE Maths and English and good IT skills. Although not required, it is beneficial to have experience of working with children with special educational needs.
A qualification in working with children, especially those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities is desirable but not essential. He/she will be eager to apply evidence-based practice approaches and support the school’s achievement of various national accreditation programmes.
If you are interested in an informal discussion about the post, please email Rosa Eldred via office@redriff.southwark. sch.uk For more information about the school and to download an application pack, please see our website www.redriff.southwark.sch.co.uk. Visits are warmly welcomed. Please contact the school office to arrange a visit.
City of London Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks and a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the standards which flows from City of London Academies Trust vision and values.
Redriff Primary School is based in the heart of an evolving community in South East London and we value the diversity of our workforce. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.
The role is covered by part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.
City of London Academies Trust supports Equal Opportunities Employment.
City of London Academies Trust Company Registration No. 04504128.
Perfected Lien Security Interest –
Stephen William Rudman
I, a man, Stephen William Rudman, hold a perfected Lien Security Interest in and over the public indemnity insurance policy(s) and all real and moveable property of the following:
DAVID JOSEPH DUFFY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CLYDESDALE BANK PLC, 177 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7ER; and
CLYDESDALE BANK PLC, 177 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7ER.
Lien Debtors are jointly and severally liable for the total sum certain of £97,319,600.00. Interested parties should contact Stephen William Rudman, privately, via email swr@tidc1.com
Perfected Lien Security Interest –
Stephen William Rudman
I, a man, Stephen William Rudman, hold a perfected Lien Security Interest in and over the public indemnity insurance policy(s) and all real and moveable property of the following:
JULIE-ANN HAINES, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PRINCIPALITY BUILDING SOCIETY, Principality House, The Friary, Cardiff, CF10 3FA; and
PRINCIPALITY BUILDING SOCIETY, Principality House, The Friary, Cardiff, CF10 3FA.
Lien Debtors are jointly and severally liable for the total sum certain of £77,319,200.00. Interested parties should contact Stephen William Rudman, privately, via email swr@tidc1.com
Perfected Lien Security Interest –
Stephen William Rudman
I, a man, Stephen William Rudman, hold a perfected Lien Security Interest in and over the public indemnity insurance policy(s) and all real and moveable property of the following:
DAVID JOSEPH DUFFY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CLYDESDALE BANK PLC, 177 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7ER; and
CLYDESDALE BANK PLC, 177 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7ER.
Lien Debtors are jointly and severally liable for the total sum certain of £142,468,800.00. Interested parties should contact Stephen William Rudman, privately, via email swr@tidc1.com
Perfected Lien Security Interest –
Stephen William Rudman
I, a man, Stephen William Rudman, hold a perfected Lien Security Interest in and over the public indemnity insurance policy(s) and all real and moveable property of the following:
JULIE-ANN HAINES, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PRINCIPALITY BUILDING SOCIETY, Principality House, The Friary, Cardiff, CF10 3FA; and
PRINCIPALITY BUILDING SOCIETY, Principality House, The Friary, Cardiff, CF10 3FA.
Lien Debtors are jointly and severally liable for the total sum certain of £139,041,600.00. Interested parties should contact Stephen William Rudman, privately, via email swr@tidc1.com
Perfected Lien Security Interest –
Stephen William Rudman
I, a man, Stephen William Rudman, hold a perfected Lien Security Interest in and over the public indemnity insurance policy(s) and all real and moveable property of the following:
JULIE-ANN HAINES, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PRINCIPALITY BUILDING SOCIETY, Principality House, The Friary, Cardiff, CF10 3FA; and
PRINCIPALITY BUILDING SOCIETY, Principality House, The Friary, Cardiff, CF10 3FA.
Lien Debtors are jointly and severally liable for the total sum certain of £86,451,600.00. Interested parties should contact Stephen William Rudman, privately, via email swr@tidc1.com
Perfected Lien Security Interest –
Stephen William Rudman
I, a man, Stephen William Rudman, hold a perfected Lien Security Interest in and over the public indemnity insurance policy(s) and all real and moveable property of the following:
JOHN DAVID STUART, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, HSBC UK BANK PLC, 1 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 1HQ; and
HSBC UK BANK PLC, 1 Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 1HQ.
Lien Debtors are jointly and severally liable for the total sum certain of £170,319,200.00. Interested parties should contact Stephen William Rudman, privately, via email swr@tidc1.com
Perfected Lien Security Interest –
Stephen William Rudman
I, a man, Stephen William Rudman, hold a perfected Lien Security Interest in and over the public indemnity insurance policy(s) and all real and moveable property of the following:
DAVID JOSEPH DUFFY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CLYDESDALE BANK PLC, 177 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7ER; and
CLYDESDALE BANK PLC, 177 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7ER.
Lien Debtors are jointly and severally liable for the total sum certain of £214,164,000.00. Interested parties should contact Stephen William Rudman, privately, via email swr@tidc1.com
Perfected Lien Security Interest –
Stephen William Rudman
I, a man, Stephen William Rudman, hold a perfected Lien Security Interest in and over the public indemnity insurance policy(s) and all real and moveable property of the following:
DAVID JOSEPH DUFFY, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CLYDESDALE BANK PLC, 177 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7ER; and
CLYDESDALE BANK PLC, 177 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7ER.
Lien Debtors are jointly and severally liable for the total sum certain of £174,844,400.00. Interested parties should contact Stephen William Rudman, privately, via email swr@tidc1.com
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
Notice Under The Town and Country Planning Acts
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council is considering applications as set out below under the following categories; FUL – Full Planning Permission LB – Listed Building Consent ADV – Advertisement Consent
Written representations should be made within three weeks of the date of this advertisement to the Director of Planning, PO Box 734, Winchester SO23 SDG. Any comments made are open to inspection by the public and in the event of an appeal may be referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. Confidential comments cannot be taken into account in determining an application.
Application plans can be viewed online at www.Iambeth.gov.uk/searchpIanningapps — search using the reference number at the end of each application listing.
51 Lillieshall Road London SW4 OLW Replacement of the garden
Lambeth SE1 8AE Installation of through-floor lift.
(Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 24/01777/LB but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 24/01776/FUL) 24/01777/LB
works. (Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 24/01898/LB but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Pemission related to these works with reference number: 24/01897/FUL). 24/01898/LB
665 Wandsworth Road
The South Bank Centre Belvedere
SE1 Proposed temporary structures, advertisements and artworks for the Summer and Winter Programmes. For the purposes of consultation the permission would be for 20 Events over a period of up to 10 years, starting with Winter 2024 and ending with Summer 2034. (Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 24/01895/LB, but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 24/01894/FUL and an associated application for Advertisement Consent with reference number: 24/01839/ADV) 24/01895/LB
The South Bank Centre Belvedere Road London SE1 Proposed advertisements associated with the Summer and Winter Programmes.
For the purposes of consultation the permission would be for 20 Events over a period of up to 10 years, starting with Winter 2024 and ending with Summer 2034.
(Please note: The reference number for this application for Advertisement Consent is 24/01839/ADV, but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 24/01894/FUL and an associated Listed Building Consent application with reference number: 24/01895/LB) 24/01839/ADV
The South Bank Centre Belvedere Road London SE1 Proposed temporary structures, advertisements and artworks for the Summer and Winter Programmes. For the purposes of consultation the permission would be for 20 Events over a period of up to 10 years, stating with Winter 2024 and ending with Summer 2034.
(Please note: The reference number for this application for Full Planning Permission is 24/01894/FUL, but there is also an associated Listed Building Consent application related to these works with reference number: 24/01895/LB FUL and an associated application for Advertisement Consent with reference number: 24/01839/ADV) 24/01894/FUL
45 Henry Tate Mews London Lambeth SW16 3HA Erection of a single storey ground floor rear extension. 24/01667/FUL
26 Tooting Ben Gardens London Lambeth SW16 IRB Replacement of the timber framed single glazed bay windows with timber framed double glazed bay windows. (Ground floor Flat). 24/01686/FUL
3 St Mary’s Walk London SEll 4UA Application for Listed
infill extension.
34 PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE
London Borough of Lambeth
NOTICE OF DESIGNATION OF AREAS FOR SELECTIVE LICENSING Section 80, Housing Act 2004
1. The London Borough of Lambeth (“The Council”) in exercise of its powers under section 80 of the Housing Act 2004 ("the Act") hereby designates for selective licensing the areas described in paragraph 5 CITATION, COMMENCEMENT AND DURATION
2. This Designation shall be known as the “London Borough of Lambeth Designations 1 of an Area for Selective Licensing 2024”. All privately rented residential accommodation situated within the designated areas must be licensed with the Council unless subject to statutory exemption as set out in paragraph 6.
3. The Designation is made on 22nd May 2024. The Designation fall within a description of designations for which confirmation is not required by Secretary of State, and come into force on 2nd September 2024
4. The Designation shall cease to have effect on 1st September 2029 (not more than 5 years) or earlier if the Council revokes the scheme under section 84 of the Act. AREA TO WHICH THE DESIGNATION APPLIES
5. This designation shall apply to the following areas of the London Borough of Lambeth. The Designation covers the area coloured green on the map in annex A below. The following wards are included:
• Knights Hill • Streatham Common & Vale
• Streatham Hill East
• Streatham St Leonards
APPLICATION OF THE DESIGNATION
6. This designation applies to any house1 which is let or occupied under a tenancy or licence within the area described in paragraph 5 unless:
a. the house is a house in multiple occupation [HMO] that falls within the nationally prescribed category of HMO that is required to be licensed as a ‘mandatory HMO’ under section 55(2)(a) Part 2 of the Act2;
b. the house is a house in multiple occupation that falls within the prescribed category of HMO that is required to be licensed under the London Borough of Lambeth Designation of an Area for Additional Licensing of Houses of Multiple Occupation made on 9th December 2023 under Section 56 of the Housing Act 20043;
c. the tenancy or licence of the house has been granted by a registered social landlord4;
d. the house is subject to an Interim or Final Management Order under Part 4 of the Act;
e. the house is subject to a temporary exemption under section 86 of the Act; or
f. the house is occupied under a tenancy or licence which is exempt under the Act or the occupation is of a building or part of a building so exempt as defined in Paragraph 5(f): Exempted tenancies or licences, Selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006 SI 370/2006. EFFECT OF THE DESIGNATION
7. Subject to sub paragraphs 6(a) to (f) every house in the area specified in paragraph 5 that is occupied under a tenancy or licence shall be required to be licensed under section 85 of the Act.6
8. The London Borough of Lambeth will comply with the notification requirements contained in section 83 of the Act and shall maintain a register of all houses registered under this designation, as required under section 232 of the Act.5
If you are a landlord, managing agent or a tenant, or if you require information regarding this designation, or to apply for a licence, further information and assistance is available from the Council’s Private Rented Property Licensing Team by telephone on 020 7926 8591 or by email to PRSlicensing@lambeth.gov.uk, or by writing to Private Sector Enforcement and Regulation Service, PO Box 80771, London, SW2 9QQ
The Designation may be inspected at the above address during office hours. All landlords, managing agents or tenants within the designated area should obtain advice to ascertain whether their property is affected by the Designation by contacting the Council’s Private Rented Property Licensing Team.
Upon the Designation coming into force any person having control of or who manages a licensable property without a licence or allows a licensed property to be occupied by more households or persons other than as authorised by a licence, is liable to prosecution and upon summary conviction is liable to an unlimited fine pursuant to the provisions of section 95 of the Housing Act 2004. A person who breaches a condition of a licence is liable upon summary conviction to an unlimited fine. The Council, as an alternative to initiating a prosecution, may pursue one or more of a range of other enforcement actions including the imposition of a financial penalty of up to £30,000 and/or taking management control of the unlicensed property. Further, where an offence has been committed an application may also be made by the Council and/or tenant under the provisions of section 96 and 97 of the Housing Act 2004 for a Rent Repayment Order to pay back up to 12 months’ rent, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. No notice under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 may be given in relation to an assured shorthold tenancy of the whole or part of an unlicensed house so long as it remains an unlicensed house.
Signed:
Venetia Reid-Baptiste, Corporate Director, Resident and Enabling Services on behalf of London Borough of Lambeth on 22nd May 2024
1 For the definition of "house" see sections 79 and 99 of the Act
2 Section 55 of the Act defines which Houses in Multiple Occupation are required to be licensed under the Act. See also The Lic ensing of Houses.in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Descriptions) (England) Order 2005 (SI 2006/371)
3 Additional Licensing covers HMOs that are not within the scope of Mandatory HMO Licensing where tenants share one or more ‘basic amenities’ i.e. a WC, personal washing facilities or cooking facilities. ‘Section 257’ HMO buildings would need a selective licence unless; an individual flat was itself multiply occupied which would need an additional or mandatory HMO licence depending on the number of persons accommodated or, where the building or part of a building is of three or more storeys that have been converted into three or more self-contained flats and where both the building and self-contained flats it contains are under the same ownership or considered by the council to be effectively under the same control.
4 Section 79 (3) of the Act. For the definition of a Registered Social Landlord see Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996
5 Section 232 of the Act and paragraph 11 of SI 373/2006 Annex A: Map below showing selective licensing designations with the designation boundaries marked in blue and the designation areas marked in green
LICENSING ACT 2003
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES
LICENCE
Name of applicant Joe Sushi Ltd
Postal address of premises 8 Station Way, Sutton SM3 8SW
Application Details:
New Grant - Premises Licence
•sale of alcohol on the premises
•sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises
Full details of the application can be inspected on the licensing register, online at www.sutton.gov.uk or in person at the address given below.
Deadline for representations 19/07/2024
(a date 28 consecutive days starting on the day after the day on which the application was given to the Authority)
Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Authority by post: Licensing Team, London Borough of Sutton, Civic Offices, St Nicholas Way, Sutton SM1 1EA or by email: licensing@sutton.gov.uk
It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum penalty on conviction of such an offence is an unlimited fine.
Notice of application for a Premises Licence
Notice is hereby given that Heaven Ray Limited has applied to Richmond Council for a new premises licence at Basilico, 178 Upper Richmond Road West, London, SW14 8AW for
Late Night Refreshment - On and Off the premises
Monday to Sunday 23:00 hrs to 02:00 hrs
Sale of Alcohol - On and Off the premises
Monday to Sunday 10:00 hrs to 02:00 hrs
Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 17th July 2024 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Richmond 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 Richmond 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.richmond.gov.uk
It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application, punishable upon conviction by an unlimited fine.
Notice of application for a Premises Licence
Notice is hereby given that REGALQUAFF LIQUOR HUB LIMITED of 70 HONEYPOT LANE NW9 9QR KINGSBURY LONDON has applied to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea for the GRANT of PREMISES LICENCE for the sale by retail of alcohol (Proposed days and hours of licensable activities) : Every Day, 00:00 – 00:00, OFF SALES : NO PUBLIC ACCESS for the premises Unit 270F Metrostore situated at Camelford Walk, LONDON, W11 1TX
A register of licensing applications can be inspected at http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/licensing or in person at The Town Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX, tel. 020 7341 5152, by appointment with the Licensing Team between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
Any person wishing to submit representations to my/our application must give notice in writing to the licensing authority at the address shown above, giving in detail the grounds of objection by 22 JULY 2024
The Council will not entertain representations where the writer requests that his identity remains anonymous. Copies of all representations will be included in the papers presented to the Licensing Sub-Committee and will therefore pass into the public domain. Representations must relate to one of the four Licensing Objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. In the case of an application for a provisional statement, please note that representations will be restricted once a statement has been issued.
It is an offence liable on conviction to a fine under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application.
Notice of application for a Premises Licence
Notice is hereby given that Miss Daisy Steere and Mr. Vasilica Leonte have applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Hazel’s and Belgiardino, 95-97 Moyser Road, London, SW16 6SJ for
Late Night Refreshment – Indoor and Outdoor
Friday & Saturday 23:00 to 01:00
Sale of Alcohol – On and Off the premises
Sunday to Thursday – 10:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs
Friday & Saturday – 10:00 hrs to 01:00 hrs
Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 24th July 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.
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE A201 GLA ROAD (OLD KENT ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) ORDER 2024
1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.
2. The purpose of the Order is to enable carriageway resurfacing works to take place at A201 Old Kent Road.
3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from:
(1) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on the north-western carriageway of Old Kent Road between its junctions with Massinger Street and Mina Road. Local access will be maintained;
(2) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on East Street between its junction with Old Kent Road and the common boundary of Nos. 354 –352 East Street;
(3) stopping on the south-western kerbside of Old Kent Road between its junctions with Albany Road and Oakley Place.
The Order will be effective at certain times from 10.00 PM on the 16th July 2024 until 5.00 PM on the 15th January 2025 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 trafc signs.
4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:
(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for re brigade, ambulance or police purposes;
(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.
5. At such times as the prohibition is in force an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs via Dunton Road, Grange Road, Tower Bridge Road to normal route of travel. for access from East Street via Congreve Street, Old Kent Road, Tower Bridge Road and follow the diversion to normal route of travel.
Dated this 28th day of June 2024
Claire Wright
Co-ordination Manager , Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
Notice of Application to apply for a Premises Licence made under the Licensing Act 2003
Please take notice that I UK Limited
Have made application to the London Borough Of Merton to apply for a Premises Licence in respect of: MG Wine Shop, 251 London Road, Mitcham, CR4 3NH
The application is as follows: New Premises Licence Application for Sale of Alcohol – Off the premises
Monday to Sunday – 10:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs
A register of all applications made with the London Borough Of Merton is maintained by: LICENSING SECTION, LONDON BOROUGH OF MERTON, 2ND FLOOR, CIVIC CENTRE, LONDON ROAD, MORDEN, SURREY, SM4 5DX
A record of this application may be inspected by appointment at Merton Civic Centre. Please email licensing@merton.gov.uk or telephone 020 8545 3969.
It is open to any interested party to make representations about the likely effect of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives. Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Section at the office or email address above and be received by the Merton’s Licensing Section within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below.
Note: It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of such offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine.
Date application given to the Council: 26th June 2024
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE GLA ROADS AND GLA SIDE ROADS (WESTMINSTER) RED ROUTE CONSOLIDATION TRAFFIC ORDER 2008 (VARIOUS ROAD) VARIATION ORDER 2024 THE GLA ROADS (CITY OF WESTMINSTER) (BUS PRIORITY) CONSOLIDATION ORDER 2009 A4 GLA ROAD (BROMPTON ROAD) VARIATION ORDER 2024
1. Transport for London, hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Orders under section 6 of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984.
2. The general nature and effect of the Orders will be to:
(1) formalise the existing 20 metre Disabled Persons’ Vehicles only bay on Victoria Embankment outside Somerset House, operating No Stopping, Mon-Sat 8am - 7pm, Except disabled persons' vehicles only;
(2) formalise the exiting 10 metre Electric Vehicle Charging bay on the southern slip road from Marylebone Road, from a point 25 metres west of its junction with Edgware Road, operating No Stopping at any time except for charging of electric vehicles only max stay 1 hour no return within 2 hours;
(3) formalise the exiting Double Red lines ‘No Stopping at Anytime’ around the trafc island in Achilles Way;
(4) formalise the removal of 15 metre Loading bay on the northern side of Achilles Way, replaced with Double Red lines, operating No Stopping at Any Time;
(5) extend the hours of operation of the 10 metre Loading bay on the footway outside No.95 Buckingham Palace Road, from No Stopping at Any Times, except 10am to 4pm, loading max 20 minutes to operating No Stopping at Any Times, except loading max 20 minutes;
(6) formalise the Double Red lines ‘No Stopping at Anytime’ restrictions on Finchley Road both sides between its junction with Queens Grove and No.26 Finchley Road;
(7) formalise the existing north-eastbound bus lane on Brompton Road between a point 7 metres north of the extended common building line of Nos. 112 to 120 and 122 Brompton Road and a point 1.5 metres north of a point opposite the extended common building line of Nos.57 and 59 Brompton Road, operating ‘At Any Time’, allowing Buses, Dial-aRide Buses, Pedal Cycles, Solo Motorcycles and Taxis;
(8) make administrative changes to the descriptions of the bus only bays outside No. 22 Park Lane (Hilton Hotel), No. 33 Park Lane (Dorchester Hotel), No. 90 Park Lane (Grosvenor Hotel), No. 100 Park Lane (Dudley House), on the northbound carriageway of Park Lane opposite Nos. 35 and 45 Park Lane, on the westbound carriageway of Park Lane at the rear of Apsley House (Wellington Museum) No. 149 Piccadilly and opposite No. 60 and Lords View, St John’s Wood Road, changing them from Parking and Disabled Persons’ Vehicles Bays to Bus Stands. The restrictions and lengths will be unchanged; (9) formalise existing double red lines on A3212 Grosvenor Road/ Millbank between its junctions with Lupus Street and Lambeth Bridge.
3. The roads which would be affected by the Orders are the GLA Main Roads –Brompton Road, Park Lane, Achilles Way, Buckingham Palace Road, Victoria Embankment, Finchley Road and St John’s Wood Road and the southern slip road from Marylebone Road to Edgware Road in the City of Westminster.
4. A copy of the Orders, a statement of Transport for London’s reasons for the proposals, a map indicating the location and effect of the Orders and copies of any Order(s) revoked, suspended or varied by the Orders can be inspected by visiting our website at https://haveyoursay.t.gov.uk/tro and selecting the relevant borough and reference the Trafc Order relates to or by appointment during normal ofce hours at our ofce at the address below. To arrange an appointment please email trafcordersection@t,gov.uk. Copies of the documents may be requested via email at trafcordersection@t,gov.uk, or by post at the following address quoting reference NMR/REGULATION/STOT/BS/TRO/GLA/2024/0037-0038:
• Transport for London Streets Trafc Order Team (NP/REGULATION/STOT) Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road London, SE1 8NJ
5. All objections and other representations to the proposed Orders must be made in writing and must specify the grounds on which they are made. Objections and representations must be sent to Transport for London, Streets Trafc Order Team, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ or by emailing trafcordersection@t.gov.uk quoting reference NP/REGULATION/STOT/SW/TRO, GLA/2024/0037-0038, to arrive before 19th July 2024. Please note due to Hybrid working access to post is restricted and requests for documents and conrmation of your objections or representations may be delayed. Objections and other representations may be communicated to other persons who may be affected.
Dated this 28th day of June 2024.
Jennifer Melbourne
Planning and Performance Manager
Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
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Dated 28th June 2024 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 16A TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES FOR SPECIAL EVENTS –PLAY STREET DAYS CHALFORD ROAD,
1.
on (i) Saturday 13th July 2024; (ii) Saturday 24th August 2024; (iii) Saturday 19th October 2024; (iv) Saturday 7th December 2024; (v) Saturday 5th April 2025; (vi) Friday 16th May 2025; and (vii) Friday
Clapham Common North Side, Orlando Road, Lillieshall Road, Lambourn Road and Hannington Road; and (ii) Wandsworth Road, Victoria Rise and Clapham Common North Side).
2. The bans will only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs on the dates and times specified above.
Dated 28th June 2024 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE – COLDHARBOUR
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE A41 GLA ROAD (GLOUCESTER PLACE, CITY OF WESTMINSTER) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) ORDER 2024
1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.
2. The purpose of the Order is to enable valve exchange water works to take place at A41 Gloucester Place.
3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from entering, exiting or proceeding in a southerly direction on Gloucester Place between its junctions with Melcombe Street and Marylebone Road. The Order will be effective at certain times from 8.00 AM on the 13th July 2024 until 6.00 PM on the 14th July 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 trafc signs.
4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:
(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for re brigade, ambulance or police purposes;
(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.
5. At such times as the prohibition is in force an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs via Gloucester Place, Rossmore Road, Harewood Avenue, Marylebone Road to normal route of travel. Park Road, Baker Street, Marylebone Road to normal route of travel. Dorest Square, Balcome Street, Marylebone Road to normal route of travel.
Dated this 28th day of June 2024
Paul Matthews
Co-ordination Manager, Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE A202 GLA ROAD (NEATHOUSE PLACE, CITY OF WESTMINSTER) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING AND TEMPORARY BANNED TURN) ORDER 2024
1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it has made the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.
2. The purpose of the Order is to enable water main repair works to take place on the A202 Neathouse Place.
3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle:
(1) from turning left from Neathouse Place into Wilton Road; (2) from entering or exiting Hudson’s Place at its junction with Wilton Road (3) from stopping in Licensed Taxi Cabs Only on Wilton Road between its junctions with Neathouse Place and Terminus Place;
(4) except local buses from turning right from Vauxhall Bridge Road into Warwick Way
The Order will be effective at certain times from 7:00 AM on 2nd July 2024 until 7:00 PM on 17th September 2024 or when the works have been completed whichever is sooner. The prohibitions will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.
4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:
(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for re brigade, ambulance or police purposes.
(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.
5. At such times as the prohibitions are in force alternative routes will be indicated by trafc signs via Bridge Place, Eccleston Square, Buckingham Palace Road, Elizabeth Street, Elizabeth Bridge, St George’s Drive, Eccleston Square, Belgrave Road, Gillingham Street to normal route of travel
Dated this 28th day of June 2024
Paul Matthews
Co-ordination Manager
Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE GLA ROADS AND GLA SIDE ROADS (LAMBETH) RED ROUTE (BRIXTON ACADEMY) EVENT DAY TRAFFIC ORDER 2024
1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that on 26th June 2024 it made the above named Order, under section 6 of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984. The Order will come into force on 1st July 2024.
2. The general nature and effect of the Order on events days will be to:
(1) Prohibit stopping in The Loading, Unloading and Disabled Persons' Vehicles bays outside Nos.209 and 221 Stockwell Road at any time;
(2) Prohibit stopping in The Loading, Unloading and Disabled Persons' Vehicles Bay on Stockwell Park Road at any time;
(3) Prohibit stopping on the single red line on Stockwell Park Road (No Stopping Mon-Sat 7am-7pm) at any time;
(4) Prohibit any vehicle to enter Astoria Walk at its junction with Stockwell Park Road. Residential access will be maintained;
(5) Suspend the one-way operation on Astoria Walk, permitting two-way operation.
3. The roads which would be affected by the Order are the A203 Stockwell Road and Stockwell Park Road in the London Borough of Lambeth.
4. A copy of the Order, a map indicating the location and effect of the Order and copies of any Order revoked, suspended or varied by the Order can be inspected by visiting our website at https://haveyoursay.t.gov.uk/tro and selecting the relevant borough and reference the Trafc Order relates to or by appointment during normal ofce hours at our ofce at the address below. To arrange an appointment please email trafcordersection@t,gov.uk. Copies of the documents may be requested via email at trafcordersection@t,gov.uk, or by post at the following address quoting reference NMR/REGULATION/STOT/SE/TRO/GLA/2024/0121:
•Transport for London Streets Trafc Order Team (NMR/REGULATION/STOT)
Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road London, SE1 8NJ
Please note due to hybrid working access to post is restricted and requests for documents may be delayed.
5. Any person wishing to question the validity of the Order or of any of its provisions on the grounds that they are not within the relevant powers conferred by the Act or that any requirement of the Act has not been complied with, that person may, within six weeks from the date on which the Order is made, make application for the purpose to the High Court.
Dated this 28th day of June 2024
Gerard O’Toole
Network Regulation Manager Transport for London
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE A3 GLA ROAD (MARCILLY ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF WANDSWORTH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF STOPPING) ORDER 2024
1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.
2. The purpose of the Order is to enable electrical cable supply works to take place on the A3 Marcilly Road.
3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from stopping:
(1) in the Loading and Unloading Only Bay outside Nos. 1- 5 Marcilly Road;
(2) in the Loading/ Unloading & Disabled Persons’ Vehicle Bay outside Nos. 12 – 20 Marcilly Road;
(3) in the Parking & Disabled Persons’ Vehicle Bay outside Nos. 57 – 59 Elsynge Road;
(4) in the Parking & Disabled Persons’ Vehicle Bay opposite Nos. 57 – 59 Elsynge Road
The Order will be effective at certain times from 7:00 AM on 6th July 2024 until 7:00 PM on 24th August 2024 or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibitions will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc 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.
Dated this 28th day of June 2024
Paul Matthews
Co-ordination Manager, Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
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effect at other times during that maximum duration of 2 days.
Dated 28th June 2024 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS –BRAESIDE ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out maintenance works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an Order the effect of which would be to temporarily ban vehicles from entering or waiting (including waiting for the purpose of loading or unloading a vehicle) in that length of Braeside Road which lies between the common boundary of Nos, 15 and 17 Braeside Road and the common boundary of Nos. 33 and 35 Braeside Road.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Canmore Gardens, Bencroft Road, Donnybrook Road and viceversa.
3. The bans would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.
4. The Order would come into force on 15th July 2024 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 1 month (to allow for contingencies) or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works would take place between 15th July 2024 and 19th July 2024, but if the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time then the Order may have effect at subsequent times within the maximum period of 1 month.
Dated 28th June 2024 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS –WANDSWORTH ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable the installation of high voltage connection works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth, with the agreement of Transport for London, have made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily ban vehicles proceeding in a northerly direction on Wandsworth Road from turning left into Carnation Way.
2. An alternative route for vehicles affected by the banned left turn will be available via Wandsworth Road, Kennington Lane, South Lambeth Road, Parry Street and Wandsworth Road.
3. The ban will only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.
4. The Order will come into force on 8th July 2024 and will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month (to allow for contingencies) or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take place between 8th and 10th July 2024, but if the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time then the Order may also have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 1 month.
Dated 28th June 2024 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager
surrey bowL over gL amorgan
Atkinson, Abbott and Johnson spearhead leaders’ victory
By ECB Reporters’ Network
south grouP leaders surrey crushed glamorgan by nine wickets last weekend after a superb bowling performance, spearheaded by the pace of gus atkinson, sean abbott and spencer Johnson, restricted the welsh county to just 107 for nine from their 20 overs.
Atkinson took wickets with his first and fourth balls early on and finished with 3-19, Abbott followed up his 5-18 against Middlesex 24 hours earlier by taking 3-25 and his fellow Australian, left-arm quick Johnson, picked up 1-16 from his four overs.
Marnus Labuschagne was top-scorer with 20 and tailender Chris Sole made the next highest score with fifteen not out, and Glamorgan’s total was put into context as Surrey rushed to 108-1 in
reply in only nine overs.
Dan Lawrence and Dom Sibley launched Surrey’s chase with a fusillade of boundaries as the opening pair added 53 inside a 62-run powerplay. Sibley went on to 44 not out from 26 balls after Lawrence holed out to deep square leg on 27 from 16 balls, and Laurie Evans then arrived to play some wonderful shots of his own in a thirteen-ball unbeaten 31.
It was Surrey’s sixth win from eight Vitality Blast group games while, for Glamorgan, it was a sorry fifth defeat from their first eight matches in the competition.
Lawrence took three fours from the third over, bowled by Chris Sole, and Sibley smashed left-arm seamer Jamie McIroy long on for six before driving the next ball gloriously wide of mid off for four.
Evans, meanwhile, hit Dan
Douthwaite’s fast-medium over cover for a remarkable six, following it up later in the over with a more orthodox strike high over long on for another maximum. And there was just time for Sibley to sweep Marnus Labuschagne’s leg spin for six and thump him to extra cover for four before also hitting the winning run. Glamorgan’s innings began badly, and never really recovered. Openers Kiran Carlson and Sam Northeast both fell in the second over, with Atkinson having Carlson caught at short extra cover for 1 with his first ball and Northeast (4) beaten by pace three balls later as he flapped at a short one and spooned up to slip.
Australian Test batsman Labuschagne did scoop a Jordan Clark full toss high over the keeper for six but Abbott’s introduction for the sixth over brought an immediate reward when Colin Ingram swung at his first ball and was
bowled for 8. Glamorgan were only 34-3 at the end of the powerplay and the struggle continued against spin as Lawrence snared Labuschagne for 20 and Cameron Steel also bowled his leg breaks accurately.
Ben Kellaway reached eleven before Johnson’s return accounted for him, caught at midwicket in the eleventh over, and Douthwaite (7) was beaten by a sharply-rising leg-cutter from Abbott and nicked behind.
Clark saw Chris Cooke miscue to cover to go for thirteen and Glamorgan’s demise continued when Andy Gorvin (5) edged Abbott behind.
Mason Crane made only six before nicking a pacy lifter from Atkinson to the keeper and Glamorgan only made it to three figures because, in the final over, Sole carved Abbott high and beyond the ropes at fine third man for six and last
man McIlroy produced perhaps the best shot of a forgettable innings by delicately ramping a full-pitched ball to the fine leg boundary.
“The bowlers set up this win and were outstanding,” Sibley said. “We wanted to bowl first anyway so it was good they chose to bat and we got the early wickets we wanted and went from there.
“Yes, it’s nice for me to get runs and for us to be pretty clinical this evening. It was also good to be able to chase down their total very quickly and it’s a great way to finish this first leg of the Blast before we get back to Championship red-ball cricket on Sunday.
“Batting out there with first Dan Lawrence and then Laurie Evans took the pressure off me, and I could just enjoy it.”
Surrey’s next Vitality Blast game is against Middlesex at the Kia Oval on July 5 at 6.30pm.
s tars head coach: ‘i t will hurt - but it will make us stronger’
By Jon Culley
K athryn bryCe continued her outstanding season with a matchwinning 62 off 44 balls as the blaze, who were losing finalists in both women’s regional competitions last season, beat south east stars by an emphatic seven wickets to lift the Charlotte edwards Cup at derby last weekend.
Bryce, who led the Scotland side she skippers to qualification for their first T20 World Cup earlier in the summer, shared a decisive partnership of 79 with her younger sister Sarah, who herself rose to the occasion with an unbeaten 52 from 46 balls as the Stars total of 141 for nine was passed with eight balls to spare.
Kathryn finishes the competition as leading run-scorer for good measure, having hit an impressive five halfcenturies in a tally of 477.
It rewarded The Blaze captain Kirstie Gordon for her own strong leadership
after the heartbreak of losing both finals to Southern Vipers last year. Her team have suffered only one defeat and avoided Vipers this time after the defending champions were knocked out by the Stars in the semi-finals, in which The Blaze beat Central Sparks by five wickets.
That sole defeat was inflicted by the Stars, who bowled The Blaze out for 84 in a five-wicket win on the same ground the previous Sunday. A repeat victory for the 2021 competition winners never looked on the cards last weekend.
South East Stars head coach Johann
Myburgh said: “We have a lot of belief in our ability as a group and the girls set high standards for themselves, so they are obviously very disappointed just now. It is not nice to lose a final.
“It is always small things that make the difference. I thought we posted a pretty competitive score on what was starting to be a tired surface but we probably didn’t bowl quite as well as we could have.
“But we’ll take things from this that will hopefully help us to be a better side going forward.
“We are a young, talented squad and
we’ll take some inspiration from the way The Blaze bounced back from their experience in losing finals last season. It will hurt but it will make us stronger as a group.
“On the positive side we played a really good semi-final against a strong Southern Vipers side. It took a lot out of the players but that is what a finals day is, it is mentally and physically draining, but that can be a positive for us in the way we held our nerve and made some really good decisions and play the style of cricket we want to play under pressure was good to see.”
K ia Oval side celebrate bowling masterclass
The Blaze 144-3 beat South East Stars 141-9 by seven wickets
By John Kelly
aleX mitChell had no doubts about joining “massive club” Charlton athletic as the addicks confirmed his signature from south london rivals millwall this week.
Centre-back Mitchell, 22, signed a three-year contract at The Valley to become manager Nathan Jones’s fourth signing of the summer, after Will Mannion, Luke Berry and Josh Edwards.
Mitchell impressed on loan at Lincoln City last season where he was part of a defence that had the second-best record in League One. The Imps only missed out on the play-offs on the final day.
Mitchell progressed up the loan ranks following moves to National
League Bromley, League Two Leyton Orient and St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.
Mitchell made just one appearance for the Lions, as a substitute in an EFL Cup game against Cambridge United in 2021.
The transfer is for an undisclosed fee.
"I'm very happy to get it done early doors,” Mitchell said. “As soon as I knew Charlton were interested it was a nobrainer for me. It's a massive club. I played against Charlton last season and last time I came to The Valley I was in awe of the stadium. I thought the fanbase was top, so I'm really looking forward to it.
“I could tell it was a good fanbase, especially with the time the club was going through. To be honest, I think you should have beaten us.
"My chats with Nathan have been really positive. He’s a big reason for coming. He charmed me! He made it clear that he wanted me and to feel valued like that was a big part in me coming here. I can't wait to work with him.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to about the club has said it’s really good, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Mitchell added: “I’ve met Alfie [May] before. He’s very funny. I know Zach Mitchell’s brother [Billy, who plays for Millwall], so it will be interesting to see if they’re similar.
“Chuks [Aneke] came on [in the Lincoln game last season] and he threw me about, I can’t wait to train with him!
“My game used to be just heading and kicking but I feel like I can play a bit now.
Ravens confirm schedule
By John Kelly
bromley have confirmed their pre-season fixture schedule ahead of their first-ever campaign in the football league.
The Ravens will play Premier League Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion, though both of those games will be behind closed doors.
All of Bromley’s friendlies are away from home as work is being carried out to get Hayes Lane in line with regulations for League Two.
Andy Woodman and his staff are taking the squad to Portugal for a pre-season training camp from July 20-26.
The last fixture before the big kick-off will be at National League Aldershot Town on August 3.
‘charmed’ by charLton boss
The club said: “Ticket details for our trips to Hornchurch, Tonbridge, Braintree and Aldershot will be communicated to supporters in due course.
“Supporters should also note that due to pitch renovations, we are unfortunately unable to host the Glyn Beverly Memorial Cup this Summer. The match, played against neighbours Dulwich Hamlet in memory of the late, great Glyn, was due to be played at Hayes Lane this year, following last season’s reverse fixture at Champion Hill. With it being our turn to host, Dulwich advised that due to a busy schedule at Champion Hill, they would be unable to reverse the fixture. Both Clubs look forward to competing for Glyn’s Cup again in the next fixture.”
Addicks complete deal for defender from south London rivals mitcheLL
“I pride myself on keeping clean sheets. That’s my game, so that’s what the fans can expect from myself. Hopefully we can have a similar defensive record to what I had last season.”
Jones said: "Alex is someone I’ve known for a while so I’m really pleased to bring him to Charlton. He has gone out on loan and played games which is important for a young lad. He is someone that is an excellent defender and someone that will make us stronger, more competitive and more aggressive.
"He has so much scope to grow. He’s 22 and played a lot of games and is nowhere near his ceiling. He did fantastically well at Lincoln last season and was a big part of their strong push in the second half of the season. He’s a
player I'm very excited to work with."
Charlton technical director Andy Scott added: "We’re really pleased to be able to bring Alex to Charlton. He had an outstanding season at Lincoln City last year, showing real promise in a side that proved very difficult to beat and play against. We believe he is a player that has all the attributes to be grow into a top defender at this level and above. He has excellent pace and strength, is aggressive and is a leader but also reads the game well and is good on the ball.
"In Nathan, we have a manager that will work with players and help take them to the next level.
“We are delighted Alex chose to join us as he was highly sought after and I’m looking forward to watching him progress with us."
Sat 27th July: Brighton & Hove Albion (BCD), 2pm kick-off
Tue 30th July: Braintree Town (A), 7.45pm kick-off
Sat 3rd August: Aldershot Town (A), 3pm kick-off
bromley’s play-off final hero byron webster has signed a new deal ahead of the league two season.
Former Millwall defender Webster, 37, scored the winning penalty in the shootout against Solihull Moors as the Ravens secured a place in the Football League for the first time in their history.
Webster made 38 appearance in all completions last season. He has played 143 times and scored eleven goals since signing on a free transfer from Carlisle United in 2020.
Captain Webster was twice previously promoted, when he played for Yeovil Town and Millwall in League One play-off finals.
Webster has also played for York
Callum Reynolds has also signed a new deal with Bromley. The defender made 40 appearances last season.
matiJa sarKiC has been labelled a “pure and clean soul” by his team-mates as millwall’s players individually shared their memories of the late goalkeeper.
The Lions announced the death of the 26-year-old earlier this month and many at the club will still be coming to terms with the loss.
The absence of popular Sarkic would have been felt when Millwall’s players returned to training this week.
Those who shared a dressing room
with the keeper, along with staff members and the chairman James Berylson, have given their tributes in a collage posted on Millwall’s website as they spoke about Sarkic’s warmth, dedication, love of coffee and Borat impressions.
Striker Tom Bradshaw said: “You were always the first guy in and always greeted me with a smile and asked about the family and took a genuine interest in everything I had to say. It’s small things that make a team-mate a true friend.
“You were always the best that you could be, inspiring us as your colleagues
marti:
By John Kelly
Millwall players gave their memories of goalkeeper Matij a Sarkic
Harding’s tough start
By Kiro Evans
wes harding was left on the bench as Jamaica fell to a 1-0 defeat against mexico in their opening Copa america game.
and the younger goalkeepers to work harder and keep improving.”
Duncan Watmore wrote: “Mati was clearly very ambitious in what he wanted to achieve in the world of football and he was the ultimate professional.
“As well as this he was incredibly intelligent and ambitious with plans outside of football too. He truly did have the world at his feet, and will be so, so missed by all of us at Millwall.”
Former loanee Michael Obafemi said: “Mati was more than a team-mate. When I first came to Millwall, he helped me settle in right away. He had a pure
and clean soul and he will forever be in my heart.”
And chairman James Berylson revealed that the last conversation that he had with his late father John concerned the goalkeeper.
He said: “My father’s last phone call prior to his accident last summer was in fact discussing Mati who then became my first official signing.
“Mati was always a positive presence with a permanent smile, a real leader in the club, a ferocious competitor and it was just a pleasure to have him with us over the past year.”
The Millwall defender was called up by his country for the tournament earlier this month but they now have work to do to get out of a group that also contains Venezuela and Ecuador.
Mexico’s winner came after 69 minutes courtesy of Gerardo Arteaga.
Jamaica opted for a back three formation with a defence that included familiar names, including Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock and Coventry City’s Joel Latibeaudiere. But a side that also included former Leicester City star Demarai Gray, West Ham United’s Michail Antonio and Coventry’s Kasey Palmer could not find a way around Mexico.
Jamaica play Ecuador next before taking on Venezuela in their final group game. This is their first Copa America since 2016.
Harding has missed the beginning of Millwall’s preseason training due to his international commitments. He will be hoping for some game time having not played professional football at club level since Valentine’s Day. Last season, Harding made 26 appearances in all competitions for the Lions.
‘the connection with the fans has been incredibLe’
the New Year.
But a 2-0 win over London rivals
marti Cifuentes wants Queens Park rangers to stay “humble” as they aim to take last season’s form into 2024-25 - as he praised the “incredible” hoops supporters for being a key “weapon” in staying up.
QPR were 23rd in the table when Spaniard Cifuentes arrived at Loftus Road to take over from Gareth Ainsworth after five years coaching in Norway, Denmark and Sweden.
Cifuentes immediately improved a previously demoralised side and they won three games in a row in December, before a dip in from over Christmas and
Millwall sparked a run that saw them lose just four times in nineteen games as they not only secured their Championship status but did it as one of the form sides in the division.
"It was the connection that we built with the fans,” Cifuentes said about their performances at home. “When we were playing away, at Leicester we had thousands supporting us. Plymouth on a Wednesday night, it was incredible. We created that feel-good factor with the supporters. It was a weapon."
From being a side that had one of the lowest possession statistics in the division
to one that is comfortable on the ball, QPR will have their style of play set from the start of next season under Cifuentes.
"I always felt that when we grew up playing football, we wanted to have the ball at our feet not to be going around chasing it,” Cifuentes said. “That principle of being proactive should never change."
"We wanted to create that spark, to get the player thinking about why they wanted to play football. We tried to trigger this from the first session. I wanted to see players laughing and enjoying themselves, while working hard.
I think we achieved that.
"It was a fresh start for everyone. I wanted to make sure we had an identity
as a team that was connected to the club.
I knew that QPR had this history with a lot of technical players, attacking football. That was very aligned with my way of thinking.
"We wanted the players to forget a little bit about where in the table we were. To give them a new way of thinking because they were the ones who were suffering from being in a relegation battle for a long time. That can be draining from a mental point of view.
"Players such as Ilias Chair and Chris Willock were more suited to playing in a team that tries to attack, that tries to have the ball on the ground.
"Players such as Jake Clarke-Salter, Jack
Colback and Sam Field could develop into that kind of football. One of the things that made me most proud is that we could see the progress as we developed into a team that we could recognise more and more."
Cifuentes added: ”We need to be very humble. There are a lot of good managers out there, a lot of clubs with more money than us. I think it would be naïve for us to expect that just because we have a good trend, it is going to work.
"We will lose games. That is football. But I always want the supporters to go home proud of what we were trying to do.
The togetherness with the fans has been something incredible. Hopefully, we can keep enjoying it."
Wes Harding was left on the bench for Jamaica’s loss to Mexico
Sport
engLand mood heads south
Three Lions supporters show anger after drab draw
By John Kelly
gareth southgate insisted he “wouldn’t back away from it” after england were booed and he appeared to have beer cups thrown towards him following another disappointing performance at euro 2024 on tuesday night.
England secured top spot in Group C and their place in the last sixteen but were again poor in their 0-0 drew against Slovenia.
After the final whistle, Southgate and the players went to applaud their supporters, but there were jeers and fans also showed their displeasure by throwing cups on to the pitch.
England defeated Serbia 1-0 in their opening game before drawing 1-1 against Denmark. Southgate has come in for criticism for how a side with arguably the best attack at the tournament are playing.
Southgate left Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer - two of the best attacking players in the Premier League last season - on the bench again.
"I'm not going to back away from it," Southgate said when asked about the reaction from some fans. "The most important thing is the supporters stay with the team.
"I understand the narrative towards me and that's better for the team than it being towards them.
"But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I've not seen any other team qualify and receive similar. I understand it, I'm not going to back away from it, but I'm very proud of the players for how they're operating within it.”
Lions tie down back Leonard
By Kiro Evans
ryan leonard has put pen to paper on a new millwall contract in a big boost for the lions.
The 32-year-old had already triggered an extension in his previous deal that meant he would stay at The Den next season but this fresh contract further cements his place at the club.
Leonard was Millwall's standout performer during the previous campaign and was awarded the player of the season award after the final home match of the season.
He made 37 appearances during the course of last season, largely playing as a centre-back in the back three initially before switching to right-back under Neil Harris.
"I was not going to back away from going over to thank people for coming and giving the support that they did, but I know that this is causing an issue for the group.
"I can deal with that but I need them to support the players.
"We have made England fun again over the last six years. It's been enjoyable for the players and we have to be very careful that it stays that way.”
Southgate added: "I'm in a really good place. I'm asking the players to be fearless and I'm not going to back down from thanking the fans.
"The fans were exceptional with the team in the second half, that makes such a difference.
"It's so important they stay with the team no matter how they feel about me. I've been around England for 20 years. I've seen it. I get it."
Southgate felt there was improvement against Slovenia, who are ranked 57th in the world.
Southgate said: "After what happened after the last game, I didn't think we would be free and liberated and score six goals.
"But we have shown some encouraging signs. We pinned them back and had wave after wave of attack.
"Of course we would have loved a couple of goals. It's definitely an improvement on the last game. We have to build from here.
"It's important to win the group because you control your own destiny.
"It doesn't mean you get an easier tie but people can't accuse us of ending up with a tougher draw when we didn't win the group."
After his new deal was confirmed, the defender told Millwall TV: "I'm very pleased and happy it's done. It's something we've been working on over the summer, myself and the club, so it's something that's nice to have ticked off going into a new season. And on a personal note, I'm very happy.
"It's a no-brainer for me. I love playing for the football club, I've built up a relationship with the people at the club and the fans and I've enjoyed my time here and I'd like that to continue.
"For me last year was one of the best seasons of my career to date, certainly in a Millwall shirt so it's something I want to build on.
Ryan Leonard impressed across 37 appearances last season
