lambetH CounCIl is set to close children’s centres and hike parking charges as part of a £50 million package of savings unveiled in an attempt to balance the books.
Streetlights could be dimmed at night, less money will be available for campaigns promoting healthy eating and exercise and AI will be used to automate processes under the plan set to go before the council’s Labour cabinet on Monday (December 9).
Councillor David Amos, cabinet member for finance, has said the local authority is facing its ‘worst ever funding crisis’, with the council expected to find £69 million in savings over the next four years.
Lambeth’s finances are buckling under the soaring cost of temporary accommodation for homeless families, which is now costing the council £90 million a year—£29 million more than forecast and up a third in twelve months.
The number of homeless families supported by Lambeth has surged by 50 per cent in the last two years to around 4,600. The council is spending £250,000 per night on temporary accommodation for households in the borough.
While councils across the capital are struggling under increasing demand for temporary housing, officials believe Lambeth is particularly affected because it has in the past struggled to move families out of such accommodation.
In March, the council’s Labour cabinet approved changes to its housing allocation policy to give families in temporary accommodation higher priority on the local authority’s waiting list for council properties.
Contact us if you have a story on 07973175511 or email hello@cm-media.co.uk
We are a London Living Wage employer
DO YOU HAVE A STORY for our news team? Call 0207 231 5258 You can WhatsApp us on 07494 070 863.
A report outlining the changes said the policy would “increase the number of lets to homeless households and reduce reliance/ spend on nightly paid accommodation.”
A further measure aimed at reducing the number of Lambeth families in temporary accommodation is expected to be rubberstamped by the council’s Labour cabinet on Monday. The policy will allow the local authority to discharge its housing duty (the council’s legal responsibility to provide housing to someone who is homeless) through the offer of private rented accommodation, which it hasn’t been able to do so far.
The council is also in talks to acquire leased accommodation outside of Lambeth to house families in temporary accommodation, as an alternative to expensive nightly paid accommodation like hotels.
Officials have accepted that both policies will result in more families being placed outside
Editor: Kevin Quinn
Reporters: Herbie Russell; Isabel Ramirez
Sports Editor: John Kelly
Sports reporter: Will Scott
Arts Correspondent: Michael Holland
Digital Transformation Editor: Katherine Johnston
Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips
Advertising: Clarry Frewin
Design: Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen
Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758
Subscriptions/Announcements: Katie Boyd
Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany
Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn
Published weekly at: Community Matters Media Ltd, Unit A202, The Biscuit Factory, Drummond Road, Bermondsey, London SE16 4DG.
News and Sport: 020 7231 5258
Advertising: 0020 7232 1639
News/Advertising: hello@cm-media.co.uk
Finance: em@cm-media.co.uk
Printed by Iliffe Print. Tel: 01223 656500 www.iliffeprint.co.uk
C HilDREn's CEntREs fACE AxE unDER
£50m sAVings
of the borough. Ruth Hutt, the council’s acting corporate director for housing, refused to say where the leased accommodation could be, when asked by Cllr Annie Gallop at a scrutiny meeting on Monday (December 2).
Council documents presented to a housing scrutiny meeting in July said that Lambeth was in advanced negotiations to take on new build developments in Dover in Kent and Luton in Bedfordshire.
Once the £50 million package of savings is approved by cabinet on Monday, Lambeth still has to find a further £20 million in cuts or income over the next four years to balance the books.
The council’s housing revenue account (HRA), which registers costs and income related to the local authority’s housing stock, has recorded year on year deficits. Lambeth has blamed this on government social rent rise limits not keeping pace with inflation, the cost of additional regulation and increasing legal disrepair claims lodged by tenants.
In March 2024 the HRA had £14 million of reserves, which are expected to reduce to just
£5m by March 2025 and disappear altogether by the following year.
The council’s in-house disrepair arbitration scheme, which aimed to reduce legal costs by allowing tenants to make compensation claims directly with the council, has been suspended since July. Ruth Hutt told the scrutiny meeting on Monday that the scheme had failed to get tenants to bypass solicitors and make claims with the council directly.
Once the £50 million package of savings is approved by cabinet on Monday, Lambeth still has to find a further £20 million in cuts or income over the next four years to balance the books.
The council’s housing revenue account (HRA), which registers costs and income related to the local authority’s housing stock, has recorded year on year deficits. Lambeth has blamed this on government social rent rise limits not keeping pace with inflation, the cost of additional regulation and increasing legal disrepair claims lodged by tenants.
In March 2024 the HRA had £14 million of reserves, which are expected to reduce to just
£5m by March 2025 and disappear altogether by the following year.
The council’s in-house disrepair arbitration scheme, which aimed to reduce legal costs by allowing tenants to make compensation claims directly with the council, has been suspended since July. Ruth Hutt told the scrutiny meeting on Monday that the scheme had failed to get tenants to bypass solicitors and make claims with the council directly.
Community Matters Media has been running independent newspapers since 1987, and now boasts the weeklies: south london Weekly, southwark news and Greenwich & lewisham Weekender, as well as the lifestyle magazines the south londoner and Bermondsey Biscuit & Rotherhithe Docker
You can view all our content on www.southlondon.co.uk and sign up to newsletters to stay informed about news, lifestyle & events, people, sport and history. We believe in community and in balanced, independent and responsible journalism. As a south London business, we also work to support fellow local businesses. A dedicated team of staff work tirelessly to cover as much of what is going on as possible and strive to ensure that community-led, independent newspapers can survive and excel in a market dominated by national and multinational media groups.
Cllr David Amos, the cabinet member for fi nance, said the local authority was facing its 'worst ever' funding crisis
'i
CAn't bEliEVE it's still gOing': lOCAls sHARE tHEiR lOVE
fOR tHE fAmOus CHRistmAs ligHts HOusE in wAlwORtH
DANIELLE & JIMMY INVITE LOCAL BERMONDSEY PENSIONERS TO ENJOY A COMPLIMENTARY XMAS DINNER
A panto for the 21st
century
By Isabel Ramirez
on tHIs dark street in walworth, backing onto a depleted aylesbury estate, one house shines bright every Decemberand has for the last 27 years.
The Mustafa family, who live at the end of Thurlow Street, started putting up Christmas lights when their son Alex was diagnosed with leukaemia at age four, as a way of cheering him up after his chemotherapy.
"He couldn't get out very much to see Christmas lights, so we brought them to him," Donna, his mother and former teacher, said.
"And over the years it's grown."
A literal cornerstone of the community, the display - which takes Gunaltay Mustafa a month to create - has become famous in the area.
Gunaltay commented: "People come and stand outside and I always say 'you can come in you know - you're welcome.'
"They come in the garden and take photos. They love it."
When we shared a video of the story behind the lights, hundreds of locals reminisced about how the house defined their childhoods. One wrote, “I always walked by mesmerised,” while another shared, “Every Christmas without fail. I am now 25...”
Others commented in disbelief that they were 'still going?' after nearly three decades.
As well as spreading joy, the family uses the lights to raise funds for the Anthony Nolan Trust, supporting its
mission to connect patients with lifesaving stem cell donors.
After he relapsed at the age of eleven, Alex was given a four per cent chance of survival. His only hope was a bone marrow transplant – something notoriously difficult to find for people from ethnic minorities.
However, the charity found Alex a donor, saving his life. So the family remains eternally grateful. Gunaltay said: "If it wasn't for Anthony Nolan, my son would not be here.
"They save kid's lives."
He also expressed his thanks for the person who donated bone marrow to Alex all those years ago. "If you're out there, we thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts. Hopefully, he might see this video."
Alex, who is now 29 and doing well said: "We're not asking or telling people to donate, but if you can it would be great because they gave me a second chance at life and we want to give that back to someone else."
A spokesperson from the Anthony Nolan Trust commented on the video: "We love the amazing festive display from the Mustafa family each Christmas. And are so thankful they have continued to spread joy, whilst also raising awareness for the stem cell register."
To donate please go to justgiving.com 'Alex's Lights 2024'. Or go down to enjoy the lights in person and give what you can. To �ind out more about the work the Anthony Nolan Trust does, as well as how you could save a life, please visit anthonynolan.org
The Mustafa family from L-R: Dad Gunaltay, son Alex and mum Donna
The house lights up the otherwise dark corner opposite Burgess Park
APPROVED: Pl A ns t O REVA mP lOnDOn’s
f ORmER City H A ll b E siDE t Ow ER bR iDgE
A major face-lift, with the exterior glass shell removed & several new balconies added
By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to transform and re-purpose london’s former City Hall building into shops, restaurants and offices have been approved, after local councillors voted unanimously in favour of the project.
The ex-headquarters of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly, designed by Lord Norman Foster, has stood empty and unused for the last three years, after mayor Sadiq Khan relocated operations to a conference centre in east London in a bid to cut costs.
Under plans submitted by the building’s private landlord, Kuwaiti-owned St Martins Property Investments, the London landmark will undergo a major face-lift, with the exterior glass shell removed and several new balconies created.
The ground floor will include spaces for new cafes, shops and restaurants, with
office spaces proposed on the upper floors.
Planning officers at Southwark Council had recommended that the project be approved, as it would “modernise the building and surrounding area and bring it
TfL to axe popular South London bus route despite admitting that public is ‘not supportive’ of move
By Herbie Russell
transPort for london has confirmed it will axe a popular South london bus route despite admitting the public is “not supportive”.
The 118 bus, running from Brixton Police Station to Morden, will be withdrawn from February.
Despite significant public opposition to the change, TfL has insisted that too many buses operate between Brixton Hill and Streatham.
In the consultation, which ran until October 13, 248 out of 530 respondents said they would be negatively affected by the change.
In a report published this month, TfL wrote: “While there was some general support for the proposed routes changes, the overall theme was not supportive.
“Some held the view south London was already deprived of local transport facilities and the removal of a bus route may have a negative impact with less access to bus services.”
Across all 776 responses, 122 individuals (16 per cent) submitted comments opposing the plans,
emphasising that route 118 should remain unchanged.
In contrast, only 49 people (six per cent) supported the proposed changes.
Nonetheless TfL wrote “Following careful consideration of the feedback received, and a further review of what was proposed we have decided to proceed with the route changes”.
TfL’s monitoring showed that more buses were operating than were needed by customers along two key sections of route 45, between Brixton Hill and Streatham, and between Camberwell and Elephant & Castle.
To limit disruption, the 45 bus route will extend to Morden, essentially taking over from the 118.
The 45 will however be reduced at its northern end, leaving from Camberwell Green/Denmark Hill rather than Elephant & Castle.
The 59 route would also be altered to finish at Clapham Park/Atkins Road rather than Streatham Hill/Telford Avenue.
TfL said the changes would “simplify the bus network” and help it make “financial savings that can be reinvested in other parts of the London bus network”.
back into use”.
The decision was taken by councillors at a planning committee meeting on Tuesday, December 10.
Charlie Prentis, senior asset manager at
St Martins, said that after the mayor and Assembly left the building, the landlord looked for a new occupier “as quickly as possible”, but “a thorough review demonstrated it sadly required more significant updates to actually become relettable”.
He said: “The tricky facade gave it a poor outlook to what really should be stunning views. The inefficient floor plates, and poor EPC performance meant significant internal and external alterations were necessary to create a sustainable building for the future.”
A lack of space at the ground floor level, he added, meant the building appeared “austere and unwelcoming”, but he insisted that St Martins recognised that it was still “a great building, with several distinctive features that we didn’t want to lose as part of the retrofit project”.
Councillors were told by Southwark’s officers that approving the scheme would create 145 new jobs.
Ahead of the vote, Liberal Democrat councillor Emily Tester said: “It’s such a shame that it’s been empty for so long.
“I have to say, it’s not necessarily the most exciting scheme being proposed, but that’s certainly not a material planning consideration, and I can’t see any reason to refuse it.
“I really do hope that the retail offering is good, and kind of complements what is being offered elsewhere. I’m looking forward to seeing this brought back into use again.”
The building was purpose-designed as
the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) headquarters and was opened by the Queen in 2002.
Former mayor Ken Livingstone referred to it as a ‘glass testicle’, while his successor Boris Johnson dubbed it the ‘glass gonad’.
The building was in 2020 reported to cost the GLA £11.1m a year, including rent to St Martins, plus service charges and rates. This was due to rise to £12.6m a year after Christmas 2021.
The decision to move the GLA’s headquarters to the Crystal building in Newham – which it owned – was made by mayor Khan. He argued in 2020 that the move would “save £55 million over five years, which would help us to protect and invest in the things that matter most to Londoners, as well as supporting the regeneration of the Royal Docks.”
The building was vacated at the end of 2021, with the GLA up and running in its new headquarters from early 2022.
Most of the organisations and public bodies consulted on the plan to “revitalise” the old City Hall had raised few or no objections to it, though some had shared concerns about aspects of the scheme or asked that conditions be imposed as part of planning permission.
Historic England, for example, had said the project would cause “some harm, of a low level, to the significance of Tower Bridge”. This is because the plan involves extending part of the building, which will “encroach” upon the view of the bridge when seen from a key pedestrian route linking Tooley Street with the Thames.
Church roof saved with £40k grant
By Isabel Ramirez
tHe roof of a Grade II-listed church in Peckham has been saved from collapse thanks to a £40,000 grant.
Our Lady of Sorrows Church, home to the Norbertine Canons since 2022, was at serious risk due to loose masonry and a deteriorating roof. The church is also a vital community hub, hosting support groups, youth programmes, and immigrant organisations.
The grant, from the National Churches Trust, will fund urgent repairs, including scaffolding, stonework fixes, and rebuilding parapet brickwork. These repairs will ensure the church can remain open and continue to serve its 600-strong congregation and local residents.
Designed by renowned architect E.W. Pugin, the church was built in 1866 and features unique historical details, including Peckham’s only war memorial. Despite its heritage status, the building is listed as ‘at risk’ by Historic England.
Abbot Hugh Allan, of the Norbertine Community in Peckham, said they were ‘overwhelmed and incredibly grateful’ after receiving the help, commenting: “Words seem inadequate to describe what this means to us.”
He continued: “Our church provides a safe space and a focal point for so many people in the local community. We have a congregation of around 600 people which
comes from all corners of the globe, many of them refugees and people escaping from horrible situations. In the best of monastic traditions, the church provides a place where they can feel ‘at home’ and safe.”
“The money is needed, of course, for the repairs to take place. But this grant is even more important than that. It is an investment in this community, and it says to people who so often feel overlooked and uncared for in our society that someone does care and that they are willing to show that care by helping us keep their church open.”
“The work on the church roof is just the beginning of the regeneration of the site. We have much more to do, but this grant gives us the confidence to go forward with building up the parish and the buildings, making it a place where all are truly welcome.”
Claire Walker, CEO of the National Churches Trust, said the money would protect the church’s history while keeping its doors open to the community. The grant is part of £871,696 awarded by the Trust to 53 churches across the UK to fund urgent repairs and maintain essential community spaces.
By Herbie Russell
Plans for a controversial eighteenstorey office block proposed for elephant and Castle have been cast aside by the developer’s sale of the site.
Following a fraught legal battle with locals and Southwark Council, developer Lendlease secured planning permission for the building on plot H1, the final ‘puzzle piece’ of Elephant Park, in December last year.
But Lendlease announced on Monday (December 2) that the 1.2-acre plot's 990year lease had been sold to developer HUB and H.I.G. for £42 million - with Southwark Council remaining the freeholder.
The previous planning permission was for a striking 86.3-metre tall office building, comprising 48,750 sqm, designed by ACME architects.
HUB has said it will now seek new planning permission for a residentialled scheme, a significant departure from the approved office block. The developers plan to include shared-living apartments, which would see residents share communal facilities, sometimes compared to student accomodation. The plans also include a health hub and retail provision in the building.
The sale of the site has come as a shock to locals, especially given Lendlease fought hard to ensure the offie block could go ahead.
The developer hit a stumbling block early on when their office building proposal was rejected by Southwark councillors in October 2022.
Councillors claimed it was too tall and bulky at a gruelling five-hour planning committee meeting in October 2022.
Cllr Kath Whittam said the building was
HugE 18-stOREy OffiCE fOR ElEPHAnt AnD CAstlE is nOw in DOubt AftER sitE is sOlD Off fOR
so big it would be like “Ayer’s Rock had landed on Elephant and Castle”.
The decision was also a victory for housing campaigners like the 35% Campaign – longstanding opponents of Lendlease’s £2.5 billion Elephant Park regeneration project.
They pointed out that the plot had originally been earmarked for residential rather than office use.
Lendlease, however, having fulfilled its housing obligations elsewhere on the site, had switched the plot’s use to office space.
This had also forced the office block to nearly double to a floorspace of 63,966 sqm, up from 36,100 sqm.
However, Lendlease appealed the decision and, in December last year, a planning inquiry ruled in the developer’s favour.
Jerry Flynn, from the 35% Campaign,
has expressed concerns over the sort of housing now being proposed for plot H1.
Shared living, often described as student-style accommodation, usually sees tenants living in private rooms and sharing communal living facilities.
Mr Flynn said: “It sounds like there’s going to be an absence of family housing. We don’t think co-living housing is what we need.
“We need proper flats with proper bedrooms and bathrooms for everyone and much more family housing.”
The 35% Campaign has always argued the Elephant Park regeneration, which saw the Heygate Estate’s demolition, has failed to prioritise affordable housing.
The group has stated that regeneration demolished the estate’s 1,212 council homes, replacing them with just 92 social
rent properties.
Lendlease has so far built 2,689 homes on Elephant Park, including 25 per cent affordable apartments.
However, of those 25 per cent affordable homes, only around 100 have been let at a social rent.
Campaigners from the group have been skeptical about Lendlease’s commitment to delivering the office block planned for H1 for some time.
Lendlease is in the process of selling its UK construction arm amid hopes the sale will be completed in the new year.
Last month, the 35% Campaign told the News: “It’s been over a year since Lendlease secured the planning permission for plot H1, which included building a new and much-needed medical hub.
“Lendlease are also undergoing a
radical restructuring and are selling its UK construction arm, so it is obvious that all is not well with the company.”
Following the acquisition of the H1 plot, Robert Sloss, Chief Executive at HUB, said it looked forward to adding to Elephant Park’s regeneration “success”.
He added: “Lendlease has created a great legacy for HUB to deliver the next phase of the neighbourhood and we intend to be first-class custodians of the site and neighbourhood.”
In July, H.I.G. and HUB teamed up to buy Finsgate House near the Old Street roundabout in east London for £31 million. The three existing buildings on the site total 43,000 sq ft.
Those will be knocked down, making way for a new mixed-use scheme comprising offices and residential. H.I.G was approached for comment.
The office block proposed for H1 on Elephant Park
Dulwi CH m A n s E nt E nCED f OR muRDER A ft ER
PARA lys ED V iC tim DiED six y EAR s On f ROm
stAbbing
By Herbie Russell
a DulwICH man has been sentenced to life with a minimum term of fourteen years for murder after a teenager he stabbed died from his injuries six years later.
Jamel Boyce, aged seventeen, was left blind, paralysed and unable to speak after Tyrese Osei-Kofi, 25, stabbed him in the chest in 2016.
Osei-Kofi was detained for ten years after being convicted of grievous bodily harm in 2018. The 2,354 days Osei-Kofi has served in prison already will be deducted from his overall sentence.
Patrick Boyce, the victim’s father, said he hoped the defendant would find “somewhere in his heart… some remorse” at the Old Bailey on Friday, December 6.
Police launched an investigation after discovering a young man suffering stab wounds to the chest and leg in Triangle Place, Clapham, on October 14, 2016.
Jamel was treated at the scene by paramedics but went into cardiac arrest before arriving in hospital.
The fourteen minutes his brain was deprived of oxygen would have devastating ramifications for his long-term health. He was transferred to a specialist longterm care facility where he required roundthe-clock nursing care.
Osei-Kofi was first interviewed after handing himself in to police on October 20, 2016, following police appeals in which his father recognised him. He was re-arrested two months later, and charged with attempted murder on April
13, 2017.
Osei-Kofi was convicted of grievous bodily harm but found not guilty of attempted murder following a trial at the Old Bailey in February 2018. He was jailed for ten years on May 4, 2018. After five-and-a-half years of care, Jamel died on February 13, 2022, aged 22. A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as a penetrating injury to his chest.
Homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command then initiated murder proceedings against Osei-Kofi.
Detective Inspector Andy Griffin said:
Councillors back calls for 50 per cent affordable housing in Peckham town centre redevelopment
eXClUsiVe
By Herbie Russell
PeCkHam CounCIllors have backed local campaigners' calls for 50 per cent affordable housing in the Peckham town centre redevelopment.
In a letter sent to residents, Rye Lane ward’s three Labour representatives warned Berkeley Group that the community “won’t accept anything less.” Berkeley, the developer behind the landmark redevelopment, has submitted a planning application to build 877 homes, of which only 35 per cent would be ‘affordable.’
Under the current plans, due to be considered in spring 2025, 25 per cent would be let at the cheapest social rents, while 10 per cent would be intermediate –typically 80 per cent of market rates.
Councillors Jasmine Ali, Esme Dobson,
and David Parton wrote: “We’re calling for Berkeley Homes to increase the number of affordable homes on the Aylesham site and told the developers directly that our community won’t accept anything less.”
Berkeley’s vision, like most large-scale redevelopment programmes in London, has been the subject of huge debate since it was first unveiled in December 2022.
Thirteen residential buildings, rising up to 20 storeys, have been described as a “citadel” that would “loom over Peckham” by campaigners.
The designs have also been described as ‘ugly’ and ‘soulless’ by some social media users, amid fears that natural light could be blocked out.
There are also concerns that the influx of new residents will not be met with a commensurate provision of public amenities, such as doctors’ surgeries.
The proposals are a scaled-down version of Berkeley’s original plans, which included 1,050 homes in buildings of up to
“Jamel was a young man with a very promising future, known as ‘Smiley’ to his friends.
“He was described by those who knew him as an intelligent, thoughtful and considerate young man.
“The ordeal that he and his family have been through has been devastating.
“I sincerely hope that today’s sentence brings closure to the nightmare they have lived through for the last eight years.”
Jamel’s father, Patrick said: “I have come to witness the sentence of this man who took my son’s life, and I wish to hear him
27 storeys, although this has done little to quell local disquiet.
While Rye Lane ward councillors are calling for 50 per cent affordable housing on the site, Cllr Helen Dennis, cabinet member for housing, has taken a slightly different approach. She said Berkeley’s scheme would be the “largest new social rent scheme in Peckham” and “delivers” on planning policies.
Cllr Dennis also suggested a significant proportion of private homes were needed to ensure schemes remain “profitable.”
“In the current economic climate, every new affordable home is hard-won. The reality is that the current model, where the sale of private homes helps fund the affordable homes, needs to be profitable,” she told us.
“An unprofitable scheme will mean no homes of any type will be delivered,
say he is sorry and ask for forgiveness from us. No amount of sentence can justify what he has done to me and my family, but I hope in time that somewhere in his heart he can find some remorse and ask whichever God he believes in for forgiveness.”
Jamel’s mother, Pansy said: “This stabbing turned an ordinary day in 2016 into a nightmare that we were forced to live through for five and a half years, while Jamel was left blind, unable to speak and severely limited in his ability to interact with the world around him.
“He fought tirelessly to survive, with us
and we simply cannot let that happen given how many people need affordable housing.”
However, there is also an indication that Southwark Council could yet push for more affordable housing on the site.
“Wherever possible, we proactively negotiate an increase in the affordable and social rent components of a scheme,” Cllr Dennis said.
It is not the first time members of Southwark Council have taken the unusual step of publicly criticising Berkeley’s proposals outside of public planning proceedings.
In November 2022, a senior council officer wrote to Berkeley saying there were “significant issues” with the initial plans for 1,050 homes.
He warned the plans would be “detrimental to the character of Peckham
by his side throughout, despite such a bleak outlook, before closing his eyes for the last time. The impact of Jamel’s death extends far beyond his individual life; it has ripped through our family and community in ways that words can barely capture.
“The damage caused by this crime will ripple through all our lives for years to come.”
People can visit Fearless for advice, discover real stories about people who turned their lives around after being involved in knife crime as well as places you can go for further help and support.
town centre” and would “produce some poor-quality public spaces.” This prompted Berkeley to revise its proposals and hire new architects.
However, local housing campaigners understand that Southwark Council, which has over 17,000 people on the housing waiting list, will be keen to build new homes as quickly as possible.
The Labour-run authority has built more than 1,700 council homes over the last five years and has roughly 1,300 under construction.
However, there are fears that the pace of construction has slowed recently.
Government data shows just 51 affordable homes were started in 2023/24, compared to 1,800 the year before.
This led the Liberal Democrat opposition to claim affordable housebuilding had ‘collapsed’ in the borough.
Victim Jamel Boyce, left, and convicted Tyrese OseiKofi, right
Rye Lane ward councillors left to right: Cllr David Parton, Cllr Jasmine Ali and Cllr Esme Dobson
City HAll insists On tigHtER COntROls fOR
E-bikEs AnD bAttERiEs - twO yEARs AftER bERmOnDsEy fiRE killED sOfiA DuARtE, 21
By Kieran Galpin
sales of e-bikes, e-scooters and batteries should face new regulations due to safety concerns, according to City Hall politicians, who unanimously passed a motion on tuesday, December 5.
This follows concerns about the growing fire risk linked with e-bike and e-scooter batteries, including in Southwark.
A fire on Old Kent Road in January 2023 killed 21-year-old Sofia Duarte after an e-bike battery failed “catastrophically”, breaking into flames which spread through a flat in Bermondsey.
The mum has since started a petition for stricter regulation which has almost 50,000 signatures.
The motion, tabled by the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Hina Bokhari, demands that e-bikes and e-scooters are subject to third party certification by an approved government body before being sold on the UK market.
It also calls for greater regulation of online marketplaces, requiring them to conduct compliance checks and remove unsafe e-bikes and e-scooters from sale.
While the motion is not binding,
it calls on the London Mayor Sadiq Khan to advocate for these policies and encourages the UK government to enact them.
Nationally it is believed that at least thirteen people have lost their lives
millwAll PlAyERs Visit HOsPitAl tO kiCk Off CHRistmAs tOy APPEAl
By Kieran Galpin
mIllwall footballers have delivered a sleigh-load of Christmas cheer to young patients at university Hospital lewisham.
George Saville was among the Santas who dropped off gifts including official club flags, calendars and notepads to the “very happy” youngsters on Tuesday, December 5.
The Millwall midfielder explained: "Being in hospital is tough, and even something as simple as spending an afternoon with the children can make a meaningful difference.”
Lewisham and Greenwich Trust has used the visit to invite members of the public to donate presents as part of this year’s Children’s Christmas Toy Appeal.
Amelia’s mum said: "Today was supposed to be Amelia's last day here after 11 days so this was completely unexpected!
“She used to play football for five years herself so I'm sure she's really happy to be meeting a team - they're definitely talking to the right person. This is really cool and she's very happy."
Another patient’s mum said her daughter “loves” her present and thanked the “very thoughtful” players for dropping
Tom
Ryan Wintle,
De
and Connal Trueman were among the players who visited.
The trust suggests giving gifts in the original packaging such as baby toys, educational toys, arts and crafts sets, board games and toiletries.
They ask that you do not wrap gifts and they are unable to accept cuddly toys.
Toys can be dropped off at University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s main reception, between 10am and 3pm each day until December 22.
to fires linked to electrically powered bikes and scooters since 2020, and the London Fire Brigade is estimated to respond to an e-bike or e-scooter fire every two days.
Wayne Mackay, Head
of Public
Affairs at Electrical Safety First, said:
“Too often, these fires are caused by poorly made products sold on underregulated online marketplaces.”
The proposals are based on a report last year by Electrical Safety First, a UK electrical fire safety charity, which looked at the issue of e-bike and e-scooter fires.
The charity had previously found evidence of dangerous and substandard e-bike chargers for sale via major online marketplaces. At present, manufacturers of e-bikes and e-scooters can self-declare that their devices are safe.
The charity’s proposals to government for new laws to certify batteries is backed by nearly 100 organisations, including e-bike manufacturers, emergency services, insurance organisations and waste disposal firms.
To enforce the new regulations, the motion also calls for increased funding for Trading Standards and other regulatory bodies responsible for consumer safety.
UK's first fully electric cross-river passenger ferry 'Orbit Clipper' to launch from Rotherhithe
By Kieran Galpin
a new zero-emissions passenger ferry will hit the thames in march next year, becoming the UK’s first fully electric cross-river service.
The 'Orbit Clipper' will connect Canary Wharf on the north side of the Thames and Rotherhithe on the south.
The 150-passenger ferry, launched by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, will have the capacity to carry over 150,000 passengers per week.
The service will cross the river every ten minutes on weekdays and every fifteen minutes at weekends.
Orbit Clipper replaces the current crossriver ferry service, meeting increased demand as East London’s professional and residential districts grow.
Wight Shipyard Co, on the Isle of Wight, is building the ferry. “All of our new boats are proudly built in the UK using the latest green technology,” Sean Collins, co-founder and CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers said.
“The Thames is the lifeblood of our great capital and it’s our ambition to continue to push for further progression along the river”.
The ferry uses "groundbreaking" self-docking technology, Tim Beckett, director of the maritime engineering consultancy company Beckett Rankine, said.
Infrastructure upgrades on the river will begin in January, including a new pier at Rotherhithe and an extension to the pier at Canary Wharf.
Tim Beckett added: “The new pier is designed with a gentle gradient to make the ferries accessible for cyclists and people with restricted mobility.
"As London extends eastward, there is an increasing need for cross-river pedestrian and cycle links across the Thames."
The ferry will be able to take 100 bicycles per journey.
The initiative was enabled by funding from the Department for Transport with Innovate UK, as the UK aims to reach Net Zero by 2050.
by. Femi Azeez,
Bradshaw, Macaulay Langstaff,
Caspar
Norre
Sofia Duarte and the bike that is believed to have caused the fire. Image: LFB Players were more than happy to treat young patients to sacks of gifts
The Thames Clippers shipyard
Walworth tenant ordered to repay £40k after decade long illegal subletting scam
By Isabel Ramirez
a man who illegally sublet a walworth property over a decade has been ordered to pay £40,000 back to the council.
Aboubakarr Nimaga, 60, had been renting out the three-bedroom council property since moving to Nottingham in 2014.
Despite having a private threebedroom rental in Nottingham since 2017, Mr Nimaga sought to keep his Southwark tenancy, claiming he “visited regularly” and had children living at both addresses. Southwark’s housing investigations team uncovered the fraud following a tip-off in 2019.
Southwark Council secured an Unlawful Profit Order of nearly £40,000 against him and is also in the process of reclaiming the council home. The judgement, handed down by Clerkenwell and Shoreditch County Court, also awarded the council £14,999 in legal costs.
After a prolonged investigation, Mr. Nimaga failed to attend court on 25 November 2024 and was ordered to give up possession of the property by 9 December 2024. The council intends to enforce possession of the property at the earliest opportunity, so that it can be allocated to a family in urgent need of social housing.
Councillor Sarah King, Cabinet Member for Council Homes, said: “Tenancy fraud is a serious offence. It deprives families in need of a secure home and places unnecessary strain on our housing services. This case demonstrates our zero-tolerance approach and the effectiveness of our Housing Investigations Team. We urge anyone who suspects tenancy fraud to report it – every home recovered makes a difference."
Southwark Council estimates that unlawful subletting costs the public at least £42,000 per property in lost resources and housing pressures. Over the past decade, the council’s rigorous antifraud measures have recovered more than 1,700 properties, ensuring homes go to those who need them most.
Residents can report suspected housing fraud by emailing housing. fraud@southwark.gov.uk or visiting the council’s website.
eXClUsiVe
By Isabel Ramirez
more tHan 1,200 households in Camberwell were left struggling to keep warm after the last functioning boiler serving the wyndham and Comber estate broke down.
After 11 freezing days, where some homes didn’t even have electricity, an emergency system has now been installed.
However, residents say they have no idea how long it will last, as they have just 'patched up' one of the old broken boilers.
At the time of writing, Southwark Council confirmed a permanent replacement could take at least another week.
The last boiler was one of four that make up the heating system, also serving part of the Brandon Estate. The system has been plagued with problems for years.
Peter and Michael, who live in Laird Block on the Comber side, told us that in the last year, the boiler had broken down
around 'seven to eight times a month.'
Residents say they’ve repeatedly complained about unreliable heating, but now, in the middle of winter, the situation has reached breaking point.
Sue Bailey, 74, who lives with her paraplegic husband Alan, said: “We’ve had to rely on electric heaters, and the bathroom is freezing. Showering Alan has been so hard.”
“When you really need it in winter, it just doesn't work.”
If it wasn’t bad enough, it is the 180 leaseholders who are forced to foot the bill for the heating and hot water, as well as any refurbishment works.
Sue, who has lived in the flat for 42 years and bought it in 2001, said: “Back then, the service charge was only £800. You expect it to increase but not by this much.”
The last few annual service charges have been over £6000.
“We’re being penalised because we bought our home,” Sue added.
Michael, a leaseholder and primary school teacher, commented: "When you're
OVER A tHOusAnD CAmbERwEll HOmEs lEft 'fREEZing' As bOilER sERVing wHOlE
EstAtE bREAks DOwn
reading the bills, it makes you want to cry because you think - why am I going to work?"
“We’re paying for people who don’t.”
The heating system, installed in the 1980s, was supposed to have been refurbished recently. In January 2023, leaseholders were charged £3000 each for the work, but many believe it was just another patch-up job. They were also promised cheaper bills – which did not happen.
One leaseholder, who is now selling their flat because life has become ‘unmanageable’, said: “When I moved in 10 years ago, service charges were around £2,000.
“Now, it’s unmanageable, and there’s no transparency about where the money is going.
They added: "The basics aren't being done right. It’s a nice community here but I can’t live like this anymore.”
Peter, who is also chair of the Wyndham and Comber TRA said: “We have no idea when it will break again. The system
doesn’t work.”
Councillor Sarah King, the cabinet member for council homes, said: “Unfortunately, on Saturday 16 November the last permanent boiler on Wyndham Estate broke down. I know this has been really unpleasant for those living on the estate and I’m sorry that they’ve had to experience cold while our engineers work to solve the situation.
"We immediately began setting up an emergency system, which was completed on Sunday. Despite this, the emergency system did not bring the temperatures up high enough so further work has had to take place which should be completed today.
“A new temporary plant relocated elsewhere is also being installed. This system will ensure there is the required heat for the whole estate while works on the permanent system continue. We thank residents for their patience while we work to resolve this and will continue to communicate with them as work progresses.”
Man in 'life-threatening' condition and two arrests after incident on Walworth Road
By Isabel Ramirez
a man is in a life-threatening condition after an incident on walworth road early on sunday morning.
Police were called at around 4:30 am on Sunday, 8 December to Walworth Road to reports of a man collapsed.
Officers and the London Ambulance Service (LAS) attended the scene.
The victim was taken to hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition.
Two men were arrested at the scene
on suspicion of GBH. They have been taken into police custody where they remain.
Enquiries continue by detectives from the Central South Command to establish the circumstances of the incident.
Anyone who may have information about the incident, or who was in the area at the time and may have seen or heard something relevant is urged to call police on 101 quoting reference 1225/8Dec. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
Wyndham and Comber Estate
Men from Wyndham Estate
Clerkenwell and Shoreditch County Court
Welcoming new residents at Tower Bridge Care Home
Tower Bridge Care Home, now under new management by Agincare, is proud to welcome new residents into its vibrant community!
Conveniently located in the heart of Southwark, just a short walk from the iconic Tower Bridge, our purpose-built care home offers exceptional residential and nursing care with 122 comfortable rooms for people living there.
At Tower Bridge Care Home, residents have plenty of spaces to relax and enjoy their day. With nine sitting rooms, five dining areas, and a cozy on-site café, there are plenty of opportunities to unwind or spend time with family. The enclosed garden, complete with a vibrant conservatory, offers a peaceful place to take in the outdoors.
What sets us apart? We’ve got something for everyone: from a cinema room and sensory space to an in-house bar and a professional hairdressing salon. There’s even an activities room where residents can enjoy a full calendar of entertainment.
Brought to you by Agincare —one of England’s leading family-owned care providers— you can trust us to deliver high-quality, compassionate care. Agincare has already earned the trust of thousands across South London, with four other homes in the area providing exceptional care.
Whether it's round-the-clock nursing care or personalised residential care, our highly trained teams are trained to ensure every resident receives the right level of care while feeling comfortable and safe.
Now accepting new residents! Experience exceptional care and comfort at Tower Bridge Care Home, right in the heart of Southwark.
Anti-ulEZ ACtiVists fOunD guilty
By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter
a GrouP of anti-ulez activists who staged a protest outside london mayor sadiq khan’s home in tooting have been found guilty of harassment.
Known as the ‘Tooting Four’, the group comprised Nick Arlett, Lloyd Dunsford, Martin Whitehead and Alison Young, and their protest was held on April 6 as the mayor’s re-election campaign gathered pace.
The group continue to profess their innocence, and plan to appeal against what they called a “travesty of justice”. They said the verdict was “another body blow for free speech and peaceful protest in this country”.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court was told on Friday, December 6, that the protest was named ‘Khanage at Khan’s’.
District judge Daniel Sternberg said the eventfeatured“amplifiedmusic”,including the theme tune to the TV series The Bill.
He added that the protest was “loud” and included “offensive language”, approximately 100 metres from the mayor’s home. One of the protesters, Ms Young, was wearing a dinosaur costume.
The ‘Tooting Four’ were part of a larger group of around 100 protesters who demonstrated near the mayor’s home that day.
“During the arrest phase, a number of protesters became aggressive and struggled with the police”, said Mr Sternberg.
The judge said he was satisfied that the protesters “knew, or ought to have known, that their presence was likely to cause alarm or distress to Sadiq Khan”. He added that the law does not require evidence of whether Mr Khan or anyone else “actually was” caused alarm or distress, only that the protest was likely to have had that effect.
The mayor is not thought to have been in his house during the protest, but the judge said that neighbours on the street were “disrupted in their private lives whilst in their homes”.
Mr Arlett, who Mr Sternberg found to have a higher level of “culpability” than the others, was ordered to pay a total of £1,310, comprising a £750 fine, £300 victim surcharge and £260 of legal costs
The other three were each ordered to
pay £960, comprising a £500 fine, £200 victim surcharge and £260 of legal costs.
The victim surcharges will not go to Mr Khan, the judge said, explaining that the money will be used to support victims of crime in general via the Victim and Witness General Fund.
Speaking outside the court afterwards, Mr Arlett said: “I am absolutely disgusted that this country has become as it has, with our judiciary. Are they there to uphold the law, or the will of their political masters?”
The ‘Tooting Four’ point out that Just Stop Oil, who staged a protest at thenPM Rishi Sunak’s Kensington home in November last year, were charged with harassment, but were all acquitted by a judge at Stratford Magistrates’ Court, following a successful submission that
there was no case to answer.
“Don’t tell me there’s no bias within the law in this country,” said Mr Arlett.
The group’s spokesman, Simon Fawthrop – a Conservative councillor in Bromley – said: “Today has seen a travesty of justice… [This] judgement is another body blow for free speech and peaceful protest in this country.
“In this case, you had four innocent people peacefully protesting against the Ulez expansion and campaigning to change the decision by Sadiq Khan. Not by disruption, not by violence, not by threats, intimidation or harassment, but by genuine democratic means.”
He added the group will be “discussing with their lawyers appealing this conviction and sentence at the earliest opportunity”.
Mayor's personal driver scrapped in £25M savings package
By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter
lewIsHam CounCIl will get rid of mayor brenda Dacre’s driver as part of a £25 million package of savings to balance the budget next year.
The Labour-run council will claw
back over £15,000 by deleting a vacant post for the role, which also involves transporting speaker councillor Jacq Paschoud to civic events.
The saving is one of a raft of measures the local authority intends to take to fill a £25 million budget black hole for 2025/26.
Other cuts outlined in documents presented to the council’s public accounts committee last week (November 28) include a £300,000 cut to Lewisham’s youth services budget over two years and a £217,000 cut to the main grants programme, which funds the borough’s voluntary and community sector.
Scrapping funding for the council’s ward assemblies—which are used to consult residents— is expected to
save Lewisham £203,000 in staffing costs, while reducing the council’s HR department’s spending is expected to free-up £170,000.
Despite a huge package of cost cutting and income generation measures, the council will have to draw on reserves to set a balanced budget next year (2025/26). Reserves will also need to be used to address a £27.4 million overspend this year (2024/25).
The council’s budget savings 2025/26 report adds: “It is highly likely that by the end of 2025/26 the council will have depleted its reserves balances by between £40m [million] to £50m in the two year period.
This equates to 50 per cent of the unallocated and earmarked reserves
as yet not committed.”
Like other inner London councils, such as Lambeth and Southwark, Lewisham’s finances are buckling under the ballooning cost of temporary accommodation, as well as children’s social care.
A comparison of 28 London boroughs’ budgets earlier this year showed that Lewisham had the third highest overspend in the first quarter of 2024/25.
The local authority’s overspend was equivalent to 7.8 per cent of the total budget, compared to an average of 2.7 per cent across other London councils. The same benchmarking showed that Lewisham had the fifth largest overspend for housing services, which includes temporary accommodation.
The 'Tooting Four' - Alison Young, Martin Whitehead, Nick Arlett and Lloyd Dunsford - appear outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Credit: Noah Vickers
Lewisham Mayor Brenda Dacre
Lewisham Council's headquarters in Catford
five taken to hospital after blaze 'destroys' disused Borough flats
By Isabel Ramirez
fI ve PeoPle have been taken to hospital after being rescued from a fire in a disused block of flats in borough.
Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters were called to the scene on Newcomen Street just after 4 am on Tuesday morning, December 3.
Half of the ground floor, part of the first floor and the staircase (from the ground to the first floor) were destroyed by the fire.
One person was rescued by ladder from the roof level of the three and four-storey property. Two people were rescued by ladder from the second floor. Two people were rescued from the basement by crews wearing breathing apparatus using smoke hoods. All were taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.
Fire escape hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes of protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people. If more than 15 minutes of protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer. They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier.
The Brigade's 999 Control centre operators received their first call alerting them to the fire at 0407 and the fire was under control by 0507. Fire crews from Dowgate, Whitechapel, Old Kent Road, Dockhead, Lambeth, Soho, Peckham and surrounding fire stations were at the scene.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Met police and the Brigade's fire investigation team.
Bankside businesses vote by 91% for improvement district to continue work
By Isabel Ramirez
better banksIDe, the business Improvement District (bID), has been re-elected for another five years.
In a month-long ballot, 91 per cent of businesses voted in favour, with a turnout of 51 per cent, marking a decisive endorsement of the BID’s plans for the area.
The BID claimed its re-election meant £14m secured in funding, although did not clarify whether this was the business levy that would be invested or separate secured revenues.
Since its launch in 2004, Better Bankside has gained increasing support from its member businesses, including major institutions like Tate Modern, Borough Market, and Shakespeare’s Globe. The BID’s renewed term will focus on strengthening the local economy, advancing sustainability, and enhancing
wAlwOR tH sCHOOl nAmED uk PRimARy Of tHE yEAR
By Isabel Ramirez
a walwortH sCHool has been named Primary of the Year in a national competition described as the 'oscars of the teaching profession.'
Surrey Square Primary School scooped the top prize at the 2024 Pearson National Teaching Awards, winning Gold for Making a Difference - Primary School of the Year.
The school, chosen from thousands of entries across the UK, was praised for going above and beyond to support its pupils and the local community.
From running a Saturday market and youth club to setting up a community restaurant for families, Surrey Square has become a lifeline for many in Walworth. Parents are also given help with housing, immigration, and even parenting classes.
Clearly, it’s an approach that works.
community wellbeing, with specific projects co-designed with its members.
Nicole Gordon, CEO of Better Bankside, welcomed the result, saying:
“We are thrilled to have such a strong backing from Bankside’s business community. The conversations we’ve had will shape the programme for the next five years. The work starts now, and we look forward to delivering our most ambitious plans yet.”
Stella Kanu, CEO of Shakespeare’s Globe, a long-time member of the BID, said; "The Globe Theatre is proud to support Better Bankside’s continued work over the next five years. As a longstanding member, we’ve seen firsthand the immense value Better Bankside brings to our community. Their destination marketing campaigns have played a vital role in showcasing The Globe to a broader audience, while their cultural collaborations have enriched our connection with local and visiting
The number of pupils hitting their development goals has soared from just 26 per cent in nursery to 85 per cent by
the time they leave.
The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration that honours the outstanding achievements and transformative impact of educators.
Run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity, and sponsored by Pearson, the world’s leading learning company, the awards are an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.
During the glittering awards ceremony, 16 outstanding educators were recognised as Gold Award Winners in their respective categories. Held at the Brewery in Central London and hosted by TV presenter and broadcaster Gaby Roslin, the evening brought together Silver Winners, industry peers, colleagues and special guests to share experiences and celebrate their achievements. The night capped off a week of coverage on BBC’s The One Show, celebrating the awards.
audiences alike. We are excited to continue working together to strengthen Bankside’s reputation as a hub for culture, creativity, and community."
The BID will focus on helping businesses meet sustainability targets, attract investment, and create
opportunities for employees and residents. Upcoming plans include cutting carbon emissions, improving air quality, and boosting biodiversity, alongside promoting Bankside as a cultural and creative hub.
The re-election comes at a critical time
Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, says: “The impact of a great teacher can be lifechanging.
"We can all remember that one teacher who influenced our lives, whether it was just in that moment or something that we have carried with us. That’s why these awards are so important. The devotion of all of those who work in education is clear from the entries we receive year after year, and 2024 was no different. I am delighted to be able to congratulate all of this year’s Pearson National Teaching Award winners. Their exceptional efforts continue to inspire us and enrich the young lives they impact daily.”
With an inspiring lineup of winners in 2024, there is now an opportunity for educators across the country to be recognised in the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards. Entries are open and submissions can be made through the Pearson National Teaching Awards website.
for the area, which is expected to see significant growth in the coming years, with 20 major developments in progress and a rising workforce projected by 2030. Businesses have highlighted the importance of the BID in maintaining Bankside’s identity while meeting the challenges of urban change.
Better Bankside’s new term begins on 1 April 2025, funded by a levy of 1.13 per cent on businesses with a rateable value of £26,000 or more. The funding will be ringfenced to deliver projects that address local needs and benefit the area’s businesses, workers, and community. Further details on the BID’s manifesto and plans are available at Better Bankside.
Staff at Surrey Square Primary School accepting their award
tERROR AttACk RECOunts tREAting
ViC tims As gunsHOts fiRED AROunD Him
By Herbie Russell & Callum Smyth
a ParameDIC who treated victims of the london bridge attack in 2017, while terrorists continued their murderous rampage, has recounted the life-changing experience.
Gary Edwards, among the first responders, had to make split-second decisions about which dying casualties most needed treatment, all while gunshots rattled overhead.
In bbC one’s hit series ambulance, he explains how “the emotional toll of those decisions” weighed “heavy” after the attack.
Expanding on what he shares in the episode, mr edwards said: “the struggle for me was being alone in that moment.
“the number of patients at the scene was overwhelming – so many people needing help and I wanted to do everything I could for them.
“but the resources weren’t there when I first arrived, so my training kicked in and I had to triage the patients as quickly as I could to assess the situation for when help arrived.
“It was terribly hard to do that though and that feeling of being unable to spend as much time as I normally would with every person I came across was really difficult. But in the moment I did what I was trained to do.”
He adds: “It was later when the emotional toll of those decisions really started to weigh heavy on me. It’s the
Gary Edwards, London Ambulance Service paramedic who was among first on the scene in the London Bridge Attack in 2017
part of it which stayed with me and kept me up at night.”
the attack on saturday, 3 June 2017, saw three Islamic extremists, strapped with fake bomb vests, ram a van into dozens of people. they then got out and slashed at terrified innocents with twelve-inch kitchen knives strapped to their hands with leather straps.
eight people were killed and 48 others were injured, including unarmed police officers attempting to stop the terrorists.
Gary, who was working nearby that night, had no idea if the gunshots still being fired were coming from police or terrorists.
He added: “there was the uncertainty of ‘am I going to make
it home tonight’ and ‘will I be hurt?’ these questions were at the forefront of my mind, especially because one of my first patients was a police officer who had been attacked.
“we were in uniform too and knew we could also be targeted. throughout that entire night, there was so much uncertainty and that made things difficult as well.”
Gary was awarded a london ambulance service Chief Commendation award for his bravery in 2021.
Gary has been a Clinical team manager (Ctm) for the last three years, before which he was part of the tactical response unit (tru). since the attack, he has sought to protect his mental well-being by taking time away from work to improve his health.
Gary says the attack has shaped his work as a clinician now.
He said: “Exposure to such a horrific incident is terrible, but it does massively help when it comes to dealing with other incidents. for me, a huge factor is also a greater awareness of aftercare too – the welfare and signs of Post-traumatic stress Disorder (PtsD).”
He first joined the Service sixteen years ago after completing a university course in computer science.
He realised it was not a career he wanted, so when he saw an advert for an las role, he thought: “why not?” today, he manages over twenty paramedics and uses his experience to support colleagues who have endured similarly traumatic incidents.
Gary said: “I can recognise how debriefing and following up with crews is really important. these steps have a huge impact on clinicians’ mental health and well-being in the long run.”
Bus stops to be fitted with CCTV cameras as TfL 'takes a stand' on violence against women and girls
By Herbie Russell
lambetH bus stops are being fitted with CCtv cameras as transport for london (tfl) “takes a stand” against violence towards women and girls. the borough is one of twelve participating in the expanded trial, following an initial pilot at five locations across the capital.
tfl’s trial announcement coincided with white ribbon Day (25 november), a global movement campaigning against male violence towards women and girls.
In April, it fitted five bus shelters with CCtv – at Peckham library, finsbury Park, Gants Hill, stratford and turnpike lane.
the 15 new locations are in brent, Croydon, Hackney, Hammersmith and fulham, Hillingdon, lambeth, newham, redbridge, tower Hamlets, waltham forest and westminster. they include busy locations with high footfall, quieter spots with less frequent bus services, higher crime areas, and places highlighted by women as feeling unsafe.
the cameras will be available to
the metropolitan Police to prevent and investigate crime and to improve incident response with live images. only the met Police will have access to the footage, which will be retained for 31 days.
the results of the trial will be used to evaluate the costs and feasibility of a wider rollout across london.
tfl has also introduced mobile coverage across the tube and elizabeth line – including within tunnels –allowing people to stay connected while on the move.
Deputy mayor for transport, seb Dance, said: “everyone deserves to feel safe and be safe at all times when travelling around london, and it is the mayor’s top priority to ensure the transport network is a safe and lowcrime environment.
“that’s why I welcome this trial of CCtv at bus shelters, which will improve safety for women and girls and ensure they can travel with confidence.
“Increased CCtv will help to ensure the network is secure and welcoming round the clock, supporting the mayor’s aim to continue building a safer london for everyone.”
A bus shelter in Peckham
Elimhouse Community Association Southwark
86-88, Bellenden Road, Peckham, London SE15 4RQ.
DEPUTY CENTRE MANAGER AND ACTIVITIES WORKER REQUIRED
Salary £30,000 per annum, 30 hrs. per week (Annual increase, holiday and pension scheme)
Elim House Community Centre in Southwark, London SE15 seeks to appoint a work to deliver community engagement, leisure time activities and day care for local people, particular BAME elderly people. She/ he will be responsible for ensuring and maintaining centre activities, community engagement initiatives and events for the benefits of the local community and day care. Being the team leader of frontline staff, you will undertake some day to day administration and service monitoring tasks. The appointed person will be an important member of the staff team, working closely with his/her line manager to ensure planned services and activities are delivered and the smooth running of the Centre.
Closing Date: 7 January 2025 by 12:00 noon.
Contact the centre for further details and application form: Tel: 0207 358 9502: Email: elimhousecas@gmail.com Website: elimhousedaycentre.com
DulwiCH tEEn EntREPREnEuR HOPEs businEss suCCEss will HElP mOtiVAtE sCHOOlkiDs
achieve anything and, if you actually enjoy something, you should pursue it.”
By Herbie Russell
a teenaGe entrepreneur from Dulwich who won £5,000 to kickstart his business hopes his success will inspire students frustrated by the school system.
Anthony Allegre, 18, beat hundreds of contestants to secure funding from Business Launch Pad, a business support service for young people in Tooting.
The business prodigy achieved As and Bs in his GCSEs and says although he did “alright” in school, he was always sceptical about academia.
“[At school] I was thinking: ‘Will I use this in my life? Do I really want to go to university?’” he said.
“I feel like for some students, school does not excite them, so a lot of people leave without finding out what they enjoy. So my story shows you can
His Dragon’s Den-style pitch for Link2learnit, which connects learners with experts and teachers in all sorts of hobbies and disciplines, blew the judges away.
He said: “The idea is that a lot of people want to learn a lot of skills but they do not know how to get the guidance.”
Whether it is trumpeting, fitness or knitting, any skill can be featured and shared on the new website when it launches.
Unlike other skill-sharing platforms, Link2learnit will encourage people to share their skills in person rather than just online.
Anthony said: “I don’t think YouTube is a good way to learn. There are also platforms like Skillshare, but these are online-only. Link2learnit is for people who want to learn in person.”
Anthony is now building his website,
ahead of the launch in a few months’ time.
The platform will be London-centric to begin with, but he hopes to expand it as
time goes on. Anthony, who is always working on side hustles, trades in cryptocurrency and sells vintage clothes online.
Having started with a £10,000 investment in cryptocurrency, he says his crypto assets have grown to a value of £50,000.
Cost of dying to increase as Southwark Council looks at burial charges
By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter
soutHwark CounCIl is set to increase the cost of dying and sell off offices as part of a multimillionpound savings drive over the next two years.
The councils’ Labour cabinet waved through £10 million in proposed cuts and measures intended to generate extra income on Tuesday (December 3). The planned savings will go out for consultation before coming back before cabinet for final approval next year.
Charges for most council services, including burial, could rise by around five per cent next year under the plans. Interment of an average adult in the borough would cost £2,679 from 2025/26.
But residents would have to pay 30 per cent more for parking permits for visitors.
Under the proposals, a first book of 10 oneday paper vouchers would cost £47 from next year, up from the current £36.10. An initial pack of 10 virtual vouchers would set residents back £43, compared to £32.80 at present.
Council documents justify the steep increase by saying the charges are ‘comparable’ to fees in neighbouring
London boroughs, with ‘similar characteristics and demographics to Southwark.’
The council has a £12.3 million budget black hole to fill over the next couple of years and will have to draw on £2.5 million reserves to balance the budget in 2025/26.
Buildings set to be sold off by Southwark
as part of savings measures include 47B East Dulwich Road and offices on Sumner Road in Peckham.
A report outlining the savings presented by Councillor Stephanie Cryan, cabinet member for finance, last Tuesday week also noted the difficult position of Southwark’s housing revenue account (HRA), which registers costs and income
related to the local authority’s over 53,000 council homes.
“Southwark’s HRA is now facing an in-year overspend of £9.5 million with reserves of just £16.9 million and immediate action is required to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the account,” the report reads.
A ‘recovery plan’ for the HRA adopted
last year included plans to cut the service’s spend, get rid of vacant and ‘uneconomical’ properties and suspend the construction of some proposed new council homes.
The council is on track to make £13.9 million in savings from the HRA account this year and a further £13.3 million in savings are planned for 2025/26 which will be made through temporary shortterm borrowing, a review of staffing structures and IT and procurement changes.
Rents for council properties are set to rise by 2.7 per cent next year. A tenant living in a two bed council flat would have to pay an extra £176.28 per year under the plans. Service charges are set to increase by £49.92 per year.
Cllr Cryan struck an upbeat tone at a cabinet meeting telling Labour colleagues that the savings were an offshoot of ‘transformation’. She said: “Transformation is something we want to do. […] Transformation isn’t a savings driven exercise… savings are a by-product of transformations.
“There are lots of things that will be coming out through transformation like better procurement, looking at our assets and how we can better work those and our digital strategy can feed into that."
eXClUsiVe
Camberwell Old Cemetery
Anthony Allegre hopes his story will inspire others
tHE 414 bus tO bE Cut AnD mERgED witH ROutE 14
By Ben Lynch
Local Democracy Reporter
t ransPort for london (tfl) has announced it is cutting the 414 bus route between marble arch and Putney bridge and instead delivering an ‘enhanced’ 14 service.
This is despite the majority of consultation responses objecting to the route’s potential removal, with a local MP describing the decision as ‘disappointing’
Geoff Hobbs, Director of Public Transport Service Planning at TfL, said the transport authority is ‘committed
to providing an extensive bus network for Londoners with the resources available’ and that it has sought to reduce the impact on passengers as much as possible.
In consultation documents published in September TfL said it was proposing the withdrawal of the 414 partly due to more buses running on the service than are needed by customers.
It stated the number of passengers using the 414 has dropped by around 50 per cent across a typical week, and that increasing the frequency of the 14, which goes from Putney Heath up to Russell Square and uses much of the same route, would mitigate its loss.
A final report has since been published by the transport authority, in which it details its decision to axe the 414 route.
A total of 914 responses were received during the consultation, the majority of which, 471, considered the merging of the services would have ‘a negative impact’.
Among the concerns raised were that the decision would lead to overcrowding, that it would affect people using the buses to access the Chelsea and Westminster, Royal Brompton and Royal Marsden hospitals, and that there would be accessibility issues for people having to change buses to complete their journey between Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch.
In the data provided, almost a quarter of those who responded to the consultation saying they used the 414 indicated they do so daily, 19 per cent four to five days a week, and 20 per cent two to three times. The vast majority, 75 per cent, of those answering how the merger would affect them said it would have a negative impact. The proposals did receive some support, including for the proposed increase in buses operating the 14 route.
Ben Coleman, Labour MP for Chelsea and Fulham, said: “While expected, Transport for London’s decision to axe the 414 is still disappointing. What particularly concerns me is that the proposal to increase the frequency of
the 14 to cope with extra passenger demand on the route doesn’t go anywhere near far enough. I’ve met the Deputy Mayor for Transport and made that clear to him.
“One bus every eight minutes simply won’t deal with the demand and I’ve asked for a rethink as a matter of urgency before the changes are introduced. Separately, I’ve asked for a review of the operation of the 211 bus.
“The decision to divert it to Battersea Power Station rather than Waterloo was wrong in my view. It served as an important link between St Thomas’s Hospital and the Royal Brompton, the Royal Marsden, Chelsea and Westminster and Charing Cross Hospitals, and I would like to see it reinstated. I am encouraged by the Deputy Mayor’s promise to look into these issues and to work together to improve the bus network serving Chelsea and Fulham.”
Conservative councillor Cem Kemahli, Lead Member for Planning and Public Place at Kensington and Chelsea Council, said he ‘can’t believe’ the decision to withdraw the 414. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “I strongly opposed this and so did pretty much everyone else according to TfL’s own consultation report. [London Mayor and TfL Chair Sadiq Khan] is even ignoring his own Labour MPs.
“People rely on the 414 to commute and patients need this service to
reach our hospitals at Chelsea and Westminster, the Royal Marsden and the Royal Brompton. Even with an increase in the frequency of the number 14, it will mean significantly fewer buses per hour and force passengers to change at busy Hyde Park Corner, which can be quite challenging for people using wheelchairs, buggies or with heavy luggage. The Mayor continues to fail our residents.” TfL has said it will be removing the 414 in February 2025, and that comprehensive information will be provided to customers ahead of time. Mr Hobbs said: “We are committed to providing an extensive bus network for Londoners with the resources available, and we regularly review our services against levels of customer usage.
“Following a public consultation this year and careful consideration of the feedback received, we decided to increase the frequency of route 14, while withdrawing route 414. Both buses operate similar routes and route 14 will now operate every eight minutes, rather than every 10 as previously. Our data shows that this frequency will provide sufficient capacity at the busiest points of the route.
“We sought to reduce the impact on passengers as much as possible to reflect current customer demand and will continue to review any changes to bus routes.”
RSPCA appeals after ‘very thin’ dog found dead in park
By Isabel Ramirez
tHe rsPC a has launched an investigation after the body of an underweight dog was found in a park in Croydon.
A member of the public discovered the brown and white coloured bull breed cross lying near a tree behind a perimeter wall at Whitehorse Road Recreation Ground in Croydon late on the afternoon of Tuesday 26 November.
The deceased female canine was very underweight with her hips, ribs and spine visible.
As part of its enquiries the animal
charity is seeking any CCTV footage that covers the area, particularly near to the front of the nearby Legacy Croydon Youth Zone, that might provide clues to how the dog was dumped at this location.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Tia Pennant, who attended the incident, said: “This poor dog was very, very thin and is likely to have been dead by the time she was left at this spot."
“There were some dog walkers around at the time I was there who didn’t recall seeing the body of the dog that morning, so we believe she was placed there in the afternoon.
“The dog was wet underneath, but it
was a dry day, so she had likely been outside at a property previously. So if anyone knows of a neighbour’s dog in the locality that disappeared suddenly around Monday/Tuesday of last week then we’d like to hear from them.” Anyone who has any information or CCTV footage can call the RSPCA appeals line number on 0300 123 8018 quoting incident number 01398754.
The RSPCA has launched its Join The Christmas Rescue campaign and is calling on the public to support the initiative to ensure rescuers can continue their life-saving work during the busy winter period.
Proposed 414 and 14 bus routes in London.
The 414 busWikimedia Commons
The 'very thin' dog was found dead at Whitehorse Road Recreation Ground in Croydon
Man to be charged with murder after bus incident
By Herbie Russell
a man is to be charged with murder after another man died following an incident on a Brixton bus.
Nathan Grant, 39, of Lambeth Walk, who appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, December 6, was originally charged with attempted murder and theft.
However, Scotland Yard confirmed that 40-year-old Donovan Martin has since died from his injuries. The charge will be amended to murder at another hearing, police said.
Police launched an investigation following an incident involving two men on a 59 bus on Brixton Road at around 10.20am on Thursday, November 21.
Martin was rushed to hospital in critical condition. Tragically, he later died from his injuries.
Anyone with information, including mobile phone footage of the incident or anything nearby that you believe may be relevant, is asked to contact the police on 101 or message @MetCC on X, with the ref 2089/21Nov.
People can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. A dedicated online page has been set up to make it easier to provide information or material, such as images or video, online.
POliCE tO ‘tAkE nO fuRtHER ACtiOn’ tO PROsECutE PREViOus ADministRAtiOn in CROyDOn
Mayor Jason Perry wants local government’s to have more power to ‘hold people in power to account’
By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter
CroYDon’s maYor has expressed frustration with ‘lack of power’ after police admitted they could ‘take no further action’ against the previous administration.
Despite the report finding 'evidence of mismanagement', no individuals will be prosecuted for leading the council to bankruptcy in 2020.
Following the cross-party decision, the council committed to reviewing the recent report and calling on the government to have more powers to hold people in public office accountable.
Mayor Jason Perry admitted that ‘residents are rightly angry’ about the previous mismanagement and that the current prosecuting powers are’ inadequate.’
Last year, the council’s Appointments and Disciplinary Committee (ADC) decided to take action against
those responsible for Croydon’s eventual bankruptcy in November. The then Labour-led council declared s114 bankruptcy following years of financial mismanagement, failed enterprises like the Brick by Brick company, and poor central governance.
The council agreed to refer key reports, including the independent Penn and Kroll investigations, to the police for further scrutiny. Following a thorough investigation, including consultations with the Crown Prosecution Service, the police found evidence of potential wrongdoing, breaches of statutory duty, and incompetence.
Despite the damning findings, officers concluded the failings were collective rather than actions of individuals. As a result, the police confirmed they can ‘take no further action within their current powers.
While the council said it would review the findings in the upcoming ADC meeting on December 9, it did not hide
its dissatisfaction with the outcome. It felt the result indicated the ‘very limited powers’ available to local authorities to hold those in power to account.
Croydon’s Executive Mayor, Jason Perry, has vowed to continue pressing the government for reform on behalf of Croydon residents, stressing that this is a problem for local government as a whole and needs urgent attention.
In an official statement following the report, Perry said: “The catastrophic failures in governance that led to the Council’s financial collapse in 2020, have been well documented. Our residents are rightly angry that they are paying the price for reckless and poor decision-making, and they tell us that they want those responsible, held to account.
“The Council’s decision to refer the independent Penn and Kroll reports to the Met police was appropriate, justified and in the public interest. These reports provided sufficient weight for the
police to conduct a lengthy and detailed assessment.
“However, the offence of misconduct in public office requires a very high evidential bar and a direct link between the individual and the misconduct. Although the police assessment did reference potential wrongdoing, breaches of statutory duty and incompetence, they were highlighted as collective failings rather than individual.
“The situation at Croydon, which is not unique to our borough, has highlighted the very limited powers councils have to hold individuals to account. The law is simply not adequate as it stands. That is why I called on the government to give councils more powers to hold people in public office to account.
“The Council’s committee will be considering our options and next steps, and I will be asking the committee to agree that we lobby the new government on this issue.”
Rail firm with services from Waterloo first to be nationalised next year
By Isabel Ramirez
a raIl firm with services from Waterloo will be the first to be nationalised by the government next spring.
Last week, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander revealed that South Western Railway will be the first train operator to return to public ownership.
Its services, which run from Waterloo and through southwest London towards the south coast of England, will be transferred in May next year.
The announcement comes just after the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024 received royal assent.
Britain’s railways are about to undergo a major change which will see
services taken into public ownership when existing contracts end.
Greater Anglia and c2c services will also be transferred next year.
The government hopes that the move will cut down the number of delays and cancellations suffered by rail passengers.
Newly nationalised services will initially be run by DfT Operator Limited, but will eventually be managed by Great British Railways, a planned state-owned railway company.
Over the next three years, the Department of Transport expects all passenger services currently operated under the franchise system to be transferred into public ownership.
To minimise disruption for passengers, transport bosses said they have allowed “several months lead-in” for train services to be transferred.
Will nationalisation Make FaRes CheaPeR?
In short, no. In October's Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed that regulated fares would rise in January by 4.6 per cent.
With current inflation (2.3 per cent), travelling by train will actually cost more in real terms
Furthermore, Heidi Alexander told BBC Breakfast that the main aim of the plan was to "improve reliability and clamp down on the delays", rather than reducing ticket costs.
She said the commercial realities of the railways "are very challenging" and even under public ownership, "we've got to make sure that we've got enough money to provide the services that people want".
EmIly (Amy Di bartolomeo) swaggers to the centre of the stage like a true catwalk model and orders the audience to photograph her before turning their phones off. we do. she saunters away and the next great entrance to die for is when miranda Priestly (vanessa williams)rises up from nowhere and merely vogues and stares. that’s all. the Devil who wears Prada has arrived for work and we know it, writes Michael Holland Haute Couture fashion magazine Runway is in the process of finding an assistant for Miranda and they have run out of potential applicants. Except one. Andy - or Andrea (Georgie Buckland) is a nerdy wannabe journalist who is as far removed from top fashion as could be possible. As she waits to be seen the staff members mock her woollen tights, loafer shoes, frumpy skirt and jumper. But she needs to prove herself as competent so sticks around to be bitchily abused by Emily and Miranda and Nigel(Matt Henry), the artistic director. She gets the job and the scene is set for her to sell her soul to the Devil, forsaking loved ones in the deal but ultimately redeeming herself. It’s not a new tale but it is told at an exciting, fastmoving pace that follows the agenda of a top publication that needs to make tough decisions to stay ahead. With the book by Kate Wetherhead, lyrics by Shane Taub and Mark
Sonnenblick, and music by Elton John this production has a lot going for it. The tunes throb with electronica at the beginning as the dancers bounced around, which did a lot to accompany the tiaras and tantrums of life at the top of the industry, so we are soon drawn into the contrast between
A mesmerising production which is bold without trying
tHere Is not much worse than unrequited love or trying to live against your true sexuality. A production, then, which places both dilemmas centre-stage could easily be rather bleak. Chelsea walker’s all’s well that ends well, however, is thoroughly fresh-eyed and entertaining, writes Mary Bradshaw...
This quick-tongued, stripped-back production encourages its audience to delight in the deliciousness of Shakespeare’s script. It seems that retailers have singled out the play for aphorisms that look good on T-shirts, but the cast deliver even the most overquoted lines with such dynamism that they never sound trite. And despite their unending sleek, nimble, precise performance, the cast never take themselves too seriously.
It’s this light-hearted, good-natured energy which sees the production through and emerges as its main selling point. Awkward expressions
and side-eyed glances abound, and from nauseating insincere serenades, to when Ruby Bentall - clad as a weary pilgrim - exaggeratedly applies lipstick and poses for the audience, humour is the main character.
Watching this wintertime production in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is a tremendously soothing experience. And it’s not just down to all that beeswaxcandlelight. The performance looks kindly on the ridiculousness of human emotion. Threats are mostly empty, and declarations of male strength are often met with witty comebacks (‘if you were born under Mars, it must have been in retrograde’ is one that would look even better on a t-shirt). A stubborn, barelegged, sickly king who declares that the royal We ‘must not prostitute our great malady to empirics’, flails about and often ends up in the foetal position. Even the gloomiest declaration of unrequited love (‘There is no living, none, if Bertram be away’) is tempered with comedy as Helena systematically
Andy’s home life and relationship with Nate, and the problematic workload and stress of the job, but the music did sink a little at times.
One of the best tunes was Dress Your Way Up when Nigel advised Andy in how to get on in this business, and the
big number is, obviously, The Devil Wears Prada, where we are blasted with a wall of choral sound as the whole entourage step their way into Paris Fashion Week. Delicious. Notwithstanding any little musical slumps, the dancing was fantastic at
keeping us keen and on the fashion runway - a big plus for choreographer and director Jerry Mitchell - and the characters ricocheted off, and jelled with, each other in their different ways.
The set looks good and evoked gasps when a twinkling Eiffel Tower greeted us at Paris Fashion Week.
Miranda had the best lines but Emily was not so far behind. And Andy slowly transitions from dowdy geek to muchwanted beauty right before our eyes. What we did not see enough of was the conflict she has with herself. There was very little soul-searching where she questions the person she had become; she seemingly just gave it all up and returned to her old life.
But these are minor distractions in what is a full-on, high-energy show where the aisles become catwalks, and Melissa, the fan next to me who has seen the film 15 times, says this is possibly better than the movie. Praise indeed from this Prada Princess.
The Devil Wears Prada is an extravagant strut through the mid-Noughties and should be seen to be believed.
Dominion Theatre, Tottenham Court Road, until 18th October 2025. Times: Mon - Sat 7.30pm; Wed & Sat 2.30pm.
downs the drinks she was meant to serve. She’s ‘Helen’ here, played wonderfully by Ruby Bentall.
The production subtly underlines themes of contemporary interest such as consent and fluid sexuality.
To Bertram’s (Kit Young) sickening attempts at seduction and unconvincing arguments about women’s purity, Diana concludes: ‘So you serve us ’til
we serve you’. And the bisexual reading of Bertram is explored without making a fuss of itself.
This is a mesmerising production which is, thankfully, bold without trying. A feat which is all the more impressive at a time when many old scripts are re-examined in light of contemporary values and ‘boldness’ can sadly feel cliché or overdone.
The result of Walker’s direction and an extremely well-chosen cast is entertaining and engaging. It even seems enough to convert the most hesitant of Globe-goers to Shakespeare.
Dominion Matt Henry (Nigel) and Vanessa Williams (Miranda) - The Devil Wears Prada
Photo by Matt Crockett
Ruby Bentall as Helen in All's Well That Ends Well at Shakespeare's Globe
Photo by Marc Brenner
An ode to realising dreams
ballet sHoes was forever a tome on my grandparents’ shelves, amongst the ballet annuals that my mum collected when young. It is hard to imagine her dreaming of being a ballerina, afflicted with bad asthma and often bed-ridden as she was in those days, writes Eleanor Thorn...
I too fell under the charm of the book, but as I slipped into my seat, with my eleven year old by my side, wearing the Christmas Hello Kitty ballerina necklace she’d just made, I realised I could recall nothing whatsoever of the story of Noel Streatfeild’s classic that has been popular since its 1936 first edition.
The National Theatre’s production has the theatricality, scene changes and sets of a musical with all the dance and none of the song. And not all ballet, that’s for sure, with big band jazz being more dominant than music to pirouette to. The show retains a lightness of tone throughout, allowing little digs at Croydon, a tongue-in-cheek jibe at contemporary production (hilarious costumes in one stage show the three girls work in) and chuckles about the idiosyncrasies of its characters that cause the audience to titter in amusement, whilst dealing with the big serious stuff that dreams are made of:
A Pantomime for 21st Century london
oPenInG wItH flashing lights, swirling dry ice and an enthusiastic live band, the cast keep up their smiling energy throughout the performance, but set in the magical land of lewishtonia, this is not your traditional sleeping beauty, writes Melina Block... Princess Tahlia the Beautiful, played by Roshani Abbey, is hidden away from the evil witch Carabosse(Lisa Davina Philip) after she is cursed to die on her eighteenth birthday.
In keeping with the original tale, Tahlia’s fairy godmother, Willowsnap - in a strong, charismatic portrayal from Natasha Lewis - alters the spell, so Tahlia can be saved from a 100 year slumber with true love’s kiss. This is where the pantomime diverts from its source material. In a thoroughly modern twist, it is not Durone Stokes’ Prince Gabriel of Westminsteria who saves the sleeping princess. Instead, Tahlia is saved by her nanny, Dame Nora - the hilarious and cheeky Justin Brett.
Tahlia proves the strength of girlpower when she ends up saving her prince from the clutches of Carabosse, reuniting the land and patching up old rivalries.
Rather than the fairytale of a damsel in distress waiting to be saved, Susie McKenna crafts a Sleeping Beauty for 21st century London, all about overcoming division and refusing to be defined by our differences. There are a few political comments
aspirations, passions, non-conformist barrier-breaking and “Who am I?”. Sylvia (Pearl Mackie) is 11 (my daughter the perfect audience member) when deposited, orphaned, at the home of her Great Uncle Matthew (GUM), who is put out at the inconvenience but soon comes round, won over by her artistic talent at bringing his floor to ceiling to kitchen cupboard collection of dinosaur bones to life with her illustrations. But his new parental role is not strong enough to quell his taste for palaeontologist expedition, and off he takes to the high seas, time and time again. Astonishingly for someone with so little appetite for family life, he accumulates three baby girls in quick succession, who like Sylvia are deposited in the big house with Nana (Jenny Galloway). And off he goes.
Seven years later, with GUM showing no sign of reappearing and the house falling into disrepair, the three Miss Fossils, Pauline, Petrova and Posy (Grace Saif, Yanexi Enriquez, Daisy Sequerra) are growing into independently-minded dreamers. Lodgers are required for survival purposes, lodgers who become mentors in endearing ways, and we have an unconventional household of
eight, a ‘found family’, with Sylvia now called Garnie (for Guardian). Acting, aviation and ballet are the different chosen paths before them. Elderly, revered ballet teacher Madame Fidolia is severe but very influential and I shamefacedly wonder whether I was the only one in the theatre not to realise that GUM and Fidolia were one and the same Justin Salinger as my programme tells me: a triumph of talent indeed!
sprinkled throughout for the adults, with Liz Truss, Jacob Rees Mogg and Kemi Badenoch all getting namedropped as the butt of the joke.
Dame Nora’s introduction also displays a clear political message, with ‘Save Our NHS’ painted on the nanny’s apron, and her comment that before becoming a magical nanny for the princess, she worked for the NHS - “until they privatised it”.
No moment ever feels too serious or preachy, though, with the quickwitted, fast-paced dialogue keeping the story and laughs racing forwards.
The musical numbers are sure to delight kids and parents alike, with songs inspired by everyone from Charli XCX and The Weeknd to Prince and Hamilton the musical.
The ensemble cast of children are also a highlight, with each child clearly over the moon to be appearing on stage and giving confident, heartwarming performances.
Lisa Davina Philips’ turn as
Carabosse is another stand-out; she belts out her solos with ease and gives a scene-stealing, undeniably powerful performance as the pantomime’s villain.
There is the always-classic use of audience interaction, which can be off-putting and fear-inducing for some, but the cast succeed at creating such a lively atmosphere that audience members engage eagerly with the show. When the curtain eventually closes on Lewishtonia, the audience seems reluctant to leave, with families throughout the theatre singing, dancing and cheering along with the performers - a testament to the vivacity and sense of community that this pantomime produces.
The Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, Catford, London, SE6 4RU until 31st December. Tickets: £13.50 - £43.50. Booking: www.broadwaytheatre.org. uk
The second half dazzles with more ballet and masterful moments of scenography: an Alice In Wonderland tea party dissolves magically into a Christmas scene; Petrova flies; Fidolia remembers her younger self reflected in a mirror; the backdrop parts to become the modern-day A23 to Croydon (then aeronautic hub). The three once more vow undying sisterly love and commitment as they part. Tears roll down my daughter’s cheeks, snivels
we’ve been tossed, turned and tumbled
It was a right mare on mare street - the wind was blowing hard and the rain had soaked frida's unsuitably baggy trousers before we’d even made it under the river, write Ed, Frida, and Woody Gray. ..
Nevertheless, stepping through the historic doors of Hackney Empire cheers any dampened ardour. This year’s panto is Dick Whittington, directed by the great Clive Rowe, who also plays the Dame, Sarah the Cook, so we settled into our seats marvelling at the architectural finesse of this temple to popular culture as Frida dried her socks.
My last visit here was for a Pogues reunion gig a few months ago. It was a wild night of carousing, singing, and dancing.
Clive Rowe’s lively production now provides a similarly intoxicating effect with much less of a hangover.
Fairy Bow Bells and King Rat warm up eager children - adults have pre-heated themselves with pre-show cocktails - and we are away on Dick’s journey to London and the adventures that await him and Tommy the Cat, played with fluffy feline feistiness by Kat B who takes on wily rodents Scratch and Sniff.
Clive Rowe is a devilish delight as Sarah the Cook, delivering snappy one liners and debatable double-entendres with a twinkle in her eye, making mischief with Idle Jack and Alderman Fitzwarren whilst sporting fabulously designed costumes that are worth the ticket price alone. Soon everyone sets sail on the Saucy Sal bound for the Caribbean to make their fortunes.
The sprinkling of song and dance
are suppressed and laughter is not. The auditorium is abuzz with appreciation of this ode to the stage and the realising of dreams.
National Theatre, Upper Ground, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX until 22nd February. Times: Mon - Sat 7pm; Wed & Sat matinees 1.30pm. Admission: £25 - £99. Booking: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
numbers throughout are expertly performed by this highly professional cast. Panto favourite ‘Something Else I’d Rather Be’ is well-polished and timed to perfection with the cast enjoying all the shenanigans as much as the crowd. Watch out for the clever switch that hushes the audience as young Dick (Kandaka Moore) seems to magically clone himself before our eyes during a subsequent dream sequence. There are more audible gasps during a beautifully and brilliantly evocative underwater scene with Tommy the Cat and dancing neon jellyfish. Frida whispers quite loudly ‘So cool!’, her sodden feet a distant memory. We resurface in the palace of the Sultan of Swing with a 60s’ medley from the superb live band, as lowly Jack’s dream of rising to become Mayor of London is finally realised. Hold onto your dreams and they might come true is a panto mantra worth repeating once in a while. ‘It’s really uplifting,’ said a beaming Woody as he got to his feet to applaud.
As the Dame herself proclaimed, ‘We’ve been tossed, turned and tumbled - sounds like a fantastic night out in Dalston!’ And it really was one to warm your heart, tickle your ribs, pull your leg, and dry your socks.
Hackney Empire , 291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ until 5th January. Admission: £10 - £45. Booking: www.hackneyempire.co.uk
National Ballet Shoes at the National Theatre
Photo by Manuel Harlan
Catford Lisa Davina Phillip as Carabosse
Photo by Mark Senior
Heading south - our pick of upcoming winter events
Festive IFS Cloud Cable Car
Jump in a sleigh ride across the Thames this winter with a special journey on the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Get in the spirit of the season and meet some mischievous elves on the way to Santa’s Grotto. Your ticket includes a round trip or single trip on the sleigh ride, plus a gift to take home. The IFS Cloud Cable Car crosses the River Thames between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, just a five-minute walk from The O2 and North Greenwich Underground station.
Multiple dates and times
Tickets: £10 per person single triple, £15 round trip Edmund Halley Way, Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0FR tfl.gov.uk/modes/london-cable-car
Disney On Ice
Grab your mouse ears and get ready as Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures. Featuring new and classic tales, get ready to enter the Disney Kingdom as this multigenerational experience skates into The O2, with skating, high-flying acrobatics and up-close character interactions. Experience the Disney and Pixar adventures of Mary Poppins Returns, Toy Story 4, Incredibles 2, The Lion King, Aladdin, Moana and Frozen all in one ice show. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to Disney destinations.
Dates: Thursday 26 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025
The Enchanted Cinema presents The Snowman interactive experience at Woolwich Works. It starts with a vocal warm-up, preparing the singer within you for the classic Walking in the Air sequence. The workshop leader will then ask for your festive help creating sound effects using instruments provided – or using your own voice – for different images seen in the film, including an owl, a toothbrush, a whale, the sea, a musical box, a running tap, feet jumping through the snow, and a tearaway motorbike. The 30-minute workshop is followed by a screening of Dianne Jackson’s animation (also 30 minutes), which was first screened over 40 years ago. To end this seasonal treat, audiences are warmly welcomed onto the stage to meet the artist and try out any instruments, or leaf through a copy of the original Raymond Briggs children’s book.The show is ideal for children aged 4+ and their grown-ups, who will team up to become the magical orchestra.
Dates: Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December 2024, Advance tickets: £15 The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works/events/enchanted-cinema-the-snowman
Magic of Motown
The Magic of Motown is back with its 20th-anniversary tour, full of your favourite tributes to Motown. Enjoy brand-new performances as they show you there ain’t no mountain high enough. Get ready to singalong to all the hits and enjoy the glittering costumes and dazzling dance routines in this live concert at Churchill Theatre. Go Loco down in Acapulco and take a trip down memory lane with music from classic artists such as Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, and many more.
Date: Friday 10 January 2025
Tickets: £34 to £38 Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA trafalgartickets.com/churchill-theatre-bromley/en-GB/event/music/magic-of-motowntickets
Winter at Greenwich Peninsula
Classic fairground charm meets the flavours of the festive season this winter at Greenwich Peninsula. Add a sprinkle of Christmas spirit to your day with the Winter Carousel and Market Quarter, where you’ll find a 10-metre Christmas tree, a twinkling traditional carousel and delicious seasonal favourites to feast on. Indulge in treats from the festive market stalls, from crispy churros with cinnamon sugar and authentic bratwurst with gourmet toppings to mulled wine or deluxe hot chocolates – there is sure to be something to tickle your tastebuds. No need to book, you can just turn up, have a wander, and let a little winter magic brighten your day.
Dates: Until Sunday 12 January 2025 Free Greenwich Peninsula, SE10 0SQ www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk
Christmas carolling at Greenwich Market
Love all things Christmassy? So does Greenwich Market, which is why it is putting together a programme of carol singing for the festive season. As Buddy the Elf once said, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear. So, wrap up warm and enjoy some seasonal singing at the market, exercise your vocal cords by joining in or just enjoy the chimes of the crowd.
Dates: Various until Tuesday 31 December 2024, Free Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ greenwichmarket.london/events/detail/ christmas-carolling
The Snowman
To
ScotsCare is here to help and support Scots and their families in Greater London
Visit www.scotscare.com or call 0800 652 2989 to speak with a case worker to see how we can assist you.
For our services, scan here
Registered Charity No.207326. Registered in Scotland No. SC052739.
Southwark Pensioners’ Centre
Supporting older people in Southwark for over 35 years.
Offering advice, support, activities, rooms for hire and a voice for older people . Contact us on 020 7708 4556 or info@southwarkpensioners.org.uk
Or pop into 305 -307 Camberwell rd, Camberwell Green, SE5 0HQ
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE A3205 GLA ROAD (YORK ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF WANDSWORTH) (TEMPORARY BANNED TURNS) 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 allow white lining works to take place at A3205 York Road.
3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from:
(1) turning right from Lombard Road into A3205 York Road;
(2) turning right from A3205 York Road into Lombard Road.
The Order will be effective from 13th December 2024 until 13th June 2026, every night from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM or when those 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 alternative routes will be indicated by trafc signs via York Road, Wandsworth Roundabout and vice versa to normal route of travel.
Dated this 13th day of December 2024
Claire Wright Co-ordination and Permitting Area Manager Transport for London
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE GLA ROAD (LEWISHAM) (BUS PRIORITY) CONSOLIDATION ORDER 2009 A21 GLA ROAD (BROMLEY ROAD) VARIATION ORDER 2025
1. Transport for London, hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Order under section 6 of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984.
2. The road which would be affected by the Order is the A21 GLA Road Bromley Road in the London Borough of Lewisham.
3. The general nature and effects of the Order will be to:
(1) Introduce a new south-eastbound bus lane on the A21 Bromley Road between No.373 and adjacent to No.429 Bromley Road, operating MonSun At Any Time permitting buses, dial a ride buses, taxis, motorcycles and pedal cycles;
(2) Extend the existing south-eastbound bus lane on the A21 Bromley Road between its junction with Watermead Road and Nos 1-6.Falkland House, Bromley Road by 351 metres at its north-western end, operating Mon-Sun At Any Time permitting buses, dial a ride buses, taxis, motorcycles and pedal cycles;
(3) Introduce a new north-westbound bus lane on the A21 Bromley Road between its junction with Watermead Road and opposite No.257 Bromley Road, operating Mon-Sun At Any Time permitting buses, dial a ride buses, taxis, motorcycles and pedal cycles.
4. A copy of the Order, a statement of Transport for London’s reasons for the proposals, a map indicating the location and effect of the Order and copies of any Order revoked, suspended or varied by the Order can be inspected by 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/SW/TRO, GLA/2025/0078, •Transport for London Streets Trafc Order Team (NMR/REGULATION/STOT)
Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road London, SE1 8NJ
5. All objections and other representations to the proposed Order must be made in writing and must specify the grounds on which they are made. Objections and representations must be sent to Transport for London, Streets Trafc Order Team, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ or by emailing trafcordersection@t.gov.uk quoting reference NMR/REGULATION/STOT/SW/TRO, GLA/2025/0078, to arrive before 10th January 2025. 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 13th Day of December 2024
Matthew Standell Planning and Performance Manager Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
Notice of application for a Premises Licence.
Notice is hereby given that BRUSKETTA UK LTD has applied to Richmond Council for a new of a premises licence at 25 HIGH STREET HAMPTON WICK KINGSTON UPON THAMES KT1 4DA for Alcohol sale on premises Monday to Sunday 12.00 till 23.00
Late night refreshments Monday to Saturday 23.00 till 01.00, Sunday 23.00 till 00.30. Recorded music Monday to Saturday 12.00 till 00.30 Sunday 12.00 till 00.00 Live Music from 20.00 till 22.00
Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 26th of December 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 Variation Application.
Mehboob Ali Khan has applied to Richmond Council for a variation of the premises licence at: Maham Ltd, 250 Upper Richmond Road West, Richmond, SW14 8AG Variation applied for: to extend sale of alcohol hours (off license)Mondays to Thursdays from 08:00am until 01:00am; Fridays and Saturdays from 08:00am until 02:00am, and on Sundays from 10:00am until 01:00am.
Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 26th of December 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 by 02/01/2025
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.
LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM
Notice of Application for new Premises licence NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT LILY SAM has applied to the London Borough of Lewisham for a new premises licence in respect of: COPPER & INK, 5 LEE ROAD, SE3 9RQ
OPERATING 7 DAYS A WEEK 7AM-24 HRS
Anyone wishing to make representation regarding the application must give notice in writing to Licensing Services, Second Floor, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London, SE6 4RU (Tel: 020-8314 6400) or Email licensing@lewisham.gov.uk WITHIN THREE WEEKS specifying the ground of opposition. The application & register can also be viewed at the above address during office hours.
It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is £5000.
Should representation be received a public hearing will be held.
Notice of application for a Premises Licence. Notice is hereby given that THE HARRODIAN SCHOOL LTD has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at The Harrodian Boat House, Embankment, London, SW15 1LB for Sale of Alcohol – On and Off the premises Monday to Sunday 10.00hrs to 00.00hrs (Midnight) Late Night Refreshment – Indoors and Outdoors Monday to Sunday 23.00hrs to 00.30hrs
Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 7th January 2025 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Merton 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 Merton 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.merton.gov.uk
It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application, punishable upon conviction by an unlimited fine.
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS – NATAL ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out District Meter Exchange 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:(a) from entering that length of Natal Road which lies between Streatham High Road and a point 28 metres south-west of Streatham High Road; (b) proceeding in Streatham High Road from turning left or right into Natal Road.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via:- (a) Streatham High Road, Greyhound Lane, Westwell Road, Westwell Road Approach, Streatham High Road, Barrow Road and Estreham Road; and (b) Estreham Road, Barrow Road and Streatham High Road.
3. The bans will only apply at such times and to such extent as shall, from time to time, be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.
4. The Order will come into force on 16th December 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 16th December 2024 and 20th December 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 13th December 2024
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 – PLANNING PERMSSION
LB - LISTED BUILDING
VOC - VARIATION OF CONDITIONS
P14J – PRIOR APPROVAL
P3MA – PRIOR APPROVAL
Written representations should be made within three weeks of the date of this advertisement to the Director of Planning, PO Box 734, Winchester SO23 5DG. 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.lambeth.gov.uk/searchplanningapps – search using the reference number at the end of each application listing.
Flat C 196 Camberwell New Road London SE5 0RR Application for retrospective listed building consent in relation to internal reconfiguration involving demolition of two
Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager
STREET
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable bridge investigation works to be carried out, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth have made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily ban vehicles from entering Virgil Street. Access for residents and cyclists will be
2.
3. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be
(a)
Road, Cosser
Road and Carlisle Lane and (b) Carlisle Lane, Centaur Street and Hercules Road
4. The order will come into force on 16th December 2024 and will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month (to allow for contingencies).
In practice it is anticipated that the order will only have effect on 16th and 17th of December 2024, during the hours of 9 pm and 5 am, but if the works cannot be completed or carried out between these dates and times, then the order will also have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 1 month.
Dated 13th December 2024 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE – THORNCLIFFE ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable storage and welfare unit works to be carried out by SGN, 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 Thorncliffe Road.
2. The above road closure would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.
3. An alternative route for affected vehicles would be available via Kings Avenue, Thornbury Road, Kingswood Road and vice versa.
4. The Order would come into force on 2nd January 2025 and would continue in force for a maximum duration of 3 months (to allow for contingencies). In practice it is anticipated that the order would only have effect between 2nd January 2025 and 3rd February 2025 , but if the works cannot be completed or carried out between these dates, then the order would also have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 3 months.
Dated 13th December 2024
Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – LAMBETH HIGH STREET
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable crane operation works to be carried out safely, 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 that length of Lambeth High Street which lies between Old Paradise Street and Whitgift Street.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via:-
a): Whitgift Street, Newport Street, Old Paradise Street and vice-versa; b) Diversion 1: Lambeth Road, Kennington Lane, Durham Street, Harleyford Road, South Lambeth Road, Parry Street, Wandsworth Road, Albert Embankment, Black Prince Road; c) Diversion 2: Black Prince Road, Albert Embankment, Kennington Lane, Kennington Road, Lambeth Road.
3. The ban 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 3rd January 2025 for a maximum duration of 3 months (to allow for contingencies) or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works would be carried out on 3rd – 6th January 2025 between the hours of 9.30 pm and 5 am (with back-up dates of 10th – 13th January 2025 and 17th – 20th January), but if the works cannot be carried out or completed on those dates then the Order may also have effect on subsequent days within the maximum period of 3 months.
Dated 13th December 2024 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS – CARROUN ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Southern Gas Network to carry out new service connection 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 that ength of Carroun Road which lies between Dorset Road and a point 25 metres north-east of Dorset Road.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Dorset Road, Meadow Road, Fentiman Road and vice versa.
3. The ban would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall, from time to time, be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.
4. The Order would come into force on 6th January 2025 and would continue for a maximum duration of 2 months (to allow for contingencies) or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. In practice, it is anticipated that the works would take place between 6th and 17th January 2025, 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 2 months.
Dated 13th December 2024
Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager View
and
68 Josephine Avenue London SW2 2LA Variation of conditions 2 (Approved plans) of planning permission ref: 24/01188/FUL (Erection of a single storey ground floor rear extension; alteration to fenestration including the replacement of existing ground floor front bay windows with timber windows and installation of new side window. Erection of a single storey
of
361 Clapham Road London SW9 9BT Replacement of 3 front and 2
windows. (Flat 9). 24/03666/LB
glazed
sash and casement windows. (Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 24/03738/LB but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 24/03737/FUL) 24/03738/LB
165 Barcombe Avenue London SW2 3BH Erection of a single storey outbuilding with a flat roof to the rear of the garden. (Flat B). 24/03540/FUL
406 - 408 Brixton Road London SW9 7AW Demolition of rear lean-to storage area to create open yard storage area, the replacement of raised felt roof with flat felt roof and reconfiguration of rear access, including the replacement of the rear boundary wall with fences and gates, plus new entrance door to the existing flats. 24/03478/FUL
2A-2B Albert Avenue (Rear Of 170 Clapham Road) London SW8 1BX Demolition of existing 2 outbuildings with the erection of a two storey plus pitched roof dwellinghouse and provision of refuse and cycle storage. 24/03754/FUL
50 Cleaver Square London Lambeth SE11 4EA Replacement of existing front and rear windows; Replacement of the existing front door and fanlight above; Increase depth of front lightwell and installation of enlarged front window at basement level; Installation of solar panels to main roof; Installation of external condenser unit to roof. (Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 24/03676/LB, but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 24/03675/FUL) 24/03676/LB
Alford House Aveline Street London Lambeth SE11 5DQ Application for Prior Approval for the installation of 15kWp solar PV array to the southern pitched roof. 24/03790/P14J 1-4 The High Parade Streatham
Step into the world of authentic flavours & warm hospitality at Amisha Cafe
Enjoy classic Italian dishes made with fresh local ingredients, all served in a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Our friendly, attentive staff ensure every visit feels like home. Whether you’re relaxing on our covered terrace or inside, we promise a dining experience that is both delicious and unforgettable.
Join us for great food, great company and a warm welcome!
Leonardo Mastrofilippo, Owner Head Chef (Left) & Francesco Messinas, Owner FOH Manager (Right)
itiOsE PiCks uP bROnZE in VEgAs
Met Police detective marks retirement in style
By Sports Reporter
retIrInG metroPolItan Police
detective fred Itiose marked the milestone by winning a bronze medal in the world veterans Judo Championships in las vegas recently.
Itiose, the highest-graded competitor and part-time coach at Tokei Judo Club in Tooley Street in Bermondsey, took part in the open-weight category (+100kgs) at the over-35s event.
In front of a large international attendance, it was a straight knockout competition. Itiose was injured in his first fight and had to withdraw.
That would have been the end of his competition but because the American who defeated him went all the way to the final and won gold, it meant that Itiose had a second chance in the repechage, where fighters who lost to the ultimate winner sequentially compete against each other for the second bronze medal.
Itiose, with strapping on his injury and after ice treatment, was given the green light by the physio to enter the new phase of the competition.
In the afternoon, Itiose stepped back into the mat and defeated his German opponent with a clean throw for a decisive quick win.
He next faced a Moldovan man mountain with the fight developing into a technical gripping and cautious contest. Itiose’s injured arm held up and ultimately the Moldovan was disqualified with cumulative penalties for not attacking enough. That put Itiose through to the final stage of the repechage where he fought another German for the bronze.
Itiose’s injury was starting to play up again but the German had had to wait several hours for the fight. Itiose, though affected by his injury and some fatigue, was by contrast well warmed-up and ready. With one last do-or-die effort, Itiose stepped back onto the mat and
threw himself into the fray. He ended the contest with his trademark innerthigh throw (uchi mata) to win a welldeserved bronze. It made his Vegas retirement holiday after ending his Met career working in combatting human trafficking all the sweeter.
Tokei Judo club train in a purposebuilt dojo off Tooley Street on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with Brazilian Ju Jitsu (BJJ) training on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. They are a club with a sizeable proportion of more mature male and female players returning to the sport. New players are always very welcome.
yee nominated for sports Personality of the year
By Sports Reporter
worlD anD olympic triathlon champion Alex yee has been shortlisted for the bbC sports Personality of the Year.
The nomination comes after he became the first British triathlete to be crowned Olympic and World champion in the same year.
Lewisham’s Yee, 26, is only the second British triathlete to be nominated for the prestigious award after Alistair Brownlee finished runner-up to Andy Murray in 2012.
Yee had a highly successful 2024 that saw him claim individual gold at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with a stunning comeback to outrun Kiwi rival Hayden Wilde in the closing stages of the race. He followed that up with a strong opening leg in the mixed team relay, where he won bronze alongside Georgia Taylor-Brown, Sam Dickinson and Beth Potter.
His success in the French capital was followed up with a bronze medal on the streets of Torremolinos, Spain, which saw him crowned world champion for the first time after just missing out several times.
Yee topped the World Triathlon Championship Series rankings with three podium finishes, including two wins in as many races.
The other nominees for the award are footballer Jude Bellingham, runner Keely Hodgkinson, darts player Luke Littler, cricketer Joe Root, and Para-cyclist Sarah Storey.
Voting opens during the show on Tuesday, December 17 with the winner of Sports Personality of the Year announced at the end of the evening. The show is on both BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm.
Lionesses knock back doubles to progress to quarter-finals
By Myles Thornton
esme JoHnson and Ciara watling both scored braces as millwall lionesses progressed to the quarter-finals of the l&SERWFl league Cup with a 4-2 win at bognor regis women in blustery conditions at the weekend.
The game was scheduled to be played the previous weekend but was called off at the last minute due to poor pitch conditions, despite the referee initially deeming it playable.
Nevertheless, it gave the Lionesses an extra week to prepare.
Manager Ted Jones made four changes to the side who were narrowly beaten by Dorking Wanderers in the Premier Division. Ella Bailey, Shay Bennett, Lucy Jellett and Maisie Joyce came out of the eleven, with Billy Burgess, Florrie Winfield, Alice Wood and Victoria Lussambo all starting.
Millie Connell made her return to the squad after 382 days out injured with an ACL tear.
It was clear from early on that the high winds in the south of England would play a big part in the game, and the best example of that was on five minutes, when Watling’s effort went far astray.
Watling had another chance early on as she was found by Winfield and her shot was only inches away from going in.
Millwall continued to press and went in front when Alice Wood set up Johnson to finish.
Johnson was at it again after the break as she smashed home a beautifully taken goal to double the Lionesses’ lead.
The hosts got one back when Millie Carter played Rhiannon Hambleton through and the striker looped the ball over Millwall goalkeeper Annis-Clara Wright.
Hambleton got her second 20 minutes from time and it was Carter again who set
wants no dispute
By John Kelly
DanIel DuboIs wants an undisputed world heavyweight title showdown against the winner of the rematch between aleksandr usyk and tyson fury.
Greenwich’s Dubois, 27, gained the interim IBF heavyweight title that Usyk vacated and then spectacularly retained it with his destruction of Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September.
To fulfil his ambition for a shot at Usyk or Fury - who fight on December 21 - Dubois must first get past the dangerous interim WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker in February.
‘Dynamite’ Dubois has won 22 of his 24 professional fights, his defeats coming against Joe Joyce and Usyk.
"I'm coming for their belts,” Dubois said. ”Definitely. The top guys, I want them, I want them all - just going to rip right through them.
“If it's Usyk then it'll be revenge. Or if it's Fury I'm ready to cover that territory as well. We'll deal with it when we get there.
"It continues one fight at a time, never overlook anyone. I've got some big fights lined up.
"Just keep coming through them, then eventually I'll be right up there, undisputed. That's my goal."
Dubois added: “But I'm not overlooking Parker. That's all on the line for him as well. He'll be fighting just as hard as I am. Never overlook anyone. Deal with him first and then we can move on to that one.”
it up as she whipped a corner in and when the ball fell to the feet of the forward she fired home.
Millwall went back in front as Johnson linked up with Watling who tapped in her team-mate’s delightful cross.
Watling wasn’t finished there. She found herself through on goal on 87 minutes, and remained cool, calm and collected to score her second.
Jones’s side will face Herne Bay at home in the last eight.
The Lionesses are back in league action this Sunday against Haywards Heath Town. Kick-off at St Paul’s is at 1.30pm.
By John Kelly
luke wanaDIo made his 100th appearance for Dulwich Hamlet last weekend - but it was a miserable afternoon as Hakan Hayrettin’s side were thumped 4-1 by Dover athletic in the Isthmian league Premier Division at Champion Hill.
The Hamlet had the ideal start as Luca Cocoracchio’s own goal put them in front inside two minutes.
They held that advantage until Ruben Soares-Junior scored in the 45th minute.
Dover took the lead through George Nikaj on 67 minutes and the visitors added two more with Alfie Matthews scoring in the 74th minute and Soares-Junior getting his second three minutes into stoppage-time. Hayrettin’s side were twelfth in the table, five points off the play-off places, before their midweek trip to Lewes.
Dulwich travel to Dartford this Saturday for a 3pm kick-off.
Alex Yee crosses the fi nish line in Paris
Fred Itiose, second from right, on the podium in Vegas
By John Kelly
DanIel munoZ said he was “living a dream” in the Premier league after he scored in Crystal Palace’s 2-2 draw against champions manchester City at selhurst Park last weekend.
Colombia international Munoz scored in the fourth minute before Erling Haaland equalised 30 minutes in.
Maxence Lacroix restored Palace’s lead in the 56th minute but City levelled again through Rico Lewis in the 68th minute.
Palace are now unbeaten in four games after Munoz’s second goal in successive home matches.
“I'm very happy, especially with the goal. Thank God, my family, and the fans who are always there,” Munoz said.
“The truth is that it was an intense game. We were playing against one of the best teams in the world, a team that
has dominated the Premier League for almost six years. The truth is that they have the best players in the world.
“It’s a pleasure to be able to score. I think I contributed to add an important point at home against a great rival. We wanted the three points. I think we deserved to have the three points.
“But, well, this is football. You get a point against a great team in the Premier League and in the world. I am very happy and satisfied with all the performance of my team-mates.”
Munoz has two goals and six assists in 34 appearances for the Eagles.
“When I arrived here, I knew that I had always dreamed of playing for this opportunity,” he said. “I am living a dream, I am living this process day by day with the best of will, with the greatest attitude, with the greatest intensity. I always prepare to face the best.
“I think that work has paid off. I work
eagles defender opens scoring as Palace hold Pep’s City munOZ ‘liVing A DREAm’
honestly, I work to give the best to my club and my team-mates. I hope that in football that good work has always been reflected.
“It’s why we are preparing day by day. Some days we get results, some days we don't. But we always push to give our best to Crystal Palace and not to be in those difficult positions. We always want to move forward and we are going to work hard.”
It was Lacroix’s first goal for Palace since his £18million summer move from Wolfsburg.
"I knew,” he said. “I had trust and we worked a lot on [corners] and today we did well.
“I’m happy for the team because I think we did well against such a good team. I think everyone knows we could win this game, but one point is good also.”
Palace weren’t getting carried away despite their performance.
Lacroix added: ”I think the mood was so-so. We are happy with one point.
"I think for everyone it's the same. We could win this game, but next time we go to Brighton to win again.
"Everyone in the league knows Crystal Palace is hard to play against. So we're going to go to Brighton with this mentality to show we can do it. We're going to go there and come back with the three points."
Palace boss Oliver Glasner felt his side could have had more.
He said: “Over all, I think we were all pleased with the performance, with the point against Man City at home.
But I still feel if we had performed on our best level we could have won this game.
“Because we had so many good situations and so many positive things, I don't feel 100 per cent happy. But also to stay humble. It was a very good week for us, having two draws against
Newcastle and Man City, both teams challenging for the Champions League positions in the league and having this important win at Ipswich.
“Over all, it was a very, very positive week for us. Also, the performance is getting better and better, so many, many positive things, but still things where we have to work on and to improve in the future to win such games like [against City].
“We try playing forward and creating chances, and City as well…and when you lead twice against them, it feels like, ‘Come on, bring it home, bring it over the goal line’.
“But after too long, we were a little bit too passive, and then we could see all the quality City had. It was an amazing second goal they scored. But again, I think a point against City is a good result.
“It’s a fantastic team and a fantastic manager, so I'm satisfied.”
Addicks boss sees positives despite brutal Lincoln stalemate
By John Kelly
natHan Jones praised Charlton athletic supporters for travelling to lincoln in “horrific conditions” as the addicks and the Imps battled to a brutal 0-0 draw at sincil bank last weekend.
The sides had only one shot on target each with neither goalkeeper really troubled.
Charlton have now only won one of their last eight games in League One and are eight points off the top six.
But Jones did see some positives, including another solid defensive performance and an improvement
on their 2-1 defeat to Crawley Town at The Valley in their previous games.
“I’d have liked us to have scored when we were on top in the first half but it wasn’t to be,” Jones said.
“Conditions were horrific – well done to the fans who travelled because the conditions, the weather was absolutely horrific.
“I’m proud of the way the boys stuck at it. That’s our seventh clean sheet in the league, we only had five the whole of last season. That’s improved.
“We had eleven players there who grafted and wanted to get something out of the game, as did the ones who came on. A little bit more quality in
the final third and we could have nicked it but the conditions took away anything of the spectacle. But we grafted, it’s our seventh clean sheet in the league, tenth over all. Defensively, we’re improving, now we have to be a little bit more fluent.”
Jones added: “I thought we were brave, I thought we played. I thought we tried to take the sting out of the game, because in terms of the weather, we couldn’t kick over the halfway line second half. We were a real victim of the weather but the lads stuck at it. I thought they were brilliant, worked hard and had to earn a clean sheet –we limited them to nothing and that
shows the team worked hard.
“After midweek I was really disappointed because that was not us, that’s not how I ask them to play, it’s not what we work on day in and day out – that won’t happen again.
“We’d have liked to have won the game, we want three points but it was very difficult. The fans, us, everyone – we had to work hard for that point and we have. There will be better football matches. It’s not a glorious victory but it’s a positive point.”
Lloyd Jones made his first start since the 1-0 win over Birmingham City on October 5.
His boss said: “It’s been good to
have Lloyd back. Lloyd’s a leader for us. He’s been a big miss. We’ve missed him, we’ve missed Kayne [Ramsay]. We’ve had some big injuries which have disrupted certain things.
"We’ve got two more games this week, two home games, so we really want positive results in that.
Performance had to improve from Tuesday in terms of how we go about our play. But I was pleased with a lot of it, especially the bravery we showed and coming here in these conditions and to play in the manner that we did because it was very difficult.”
Charlton host Mansfield Town this Saturday at 3pm
Daniel Munoz (12) watches as Maxence Lacroix heads home the second
tHE gOOD, tHE bADAnD tHE 'tHiCkOs'
after a stunning rescue mission, tension and a barb at fans - is it a final goodbye for Chopper?
oPinion
By John Kelly
fIrst tHInGs first: Neil Harris did an outstanding job in his second spell in charge of millwall.
The flare went up from The Den last February with the Lions taking on water quickly and sinking towards League One.
The Joe Edwards experiment hadn’t worked.
After nineteen games under the former Chelsea and Everton assistant manager, the Lions were 21st, one point above the relegation zone. They had lost four consecutive games, with six defeats in a winless run of seven matches.
More than that, the confidence of the players was on the floor and there was a general sense of doom and gloom around the club.
Edwards’ face painted the same glum picture after every defeat. He had no answers and it came as little surprise when he was sacked.
Millwall had one big question: Fancy a rescue mission mission, Neil?
It was an emphatic yes from the club’s record goal-scorer, who left his role in charge of Cambridge United in League One after starting the season as boss of Gillingham in League Two.
Chopper couldn’t have been more chipper in his first club interview after his return, despite the size of the task and the very real threat of relegation from the second tier seven years after he had brought them up.
Speaking to Millwall’s head of media, Max McLellan, Harris wore such a wide grin it was a wonder he didn’t pull a muscle. He was back as lord of the manor.
Harris’ first game looked like the proverbial shot to nothing. Away at the swaggering Southampton and their dapper, manicured manager, Russell Martin.
Ninety minutes of the most Millwallunder-Harris treatment later, Martin looked like he had just woken up as a character from the Hangover: splitting headache, tooth missing, Mike Tyson’s tiger roaming around his living room.
George Saville pushed his boss towards the away fans at St Mary’s to take their acclaim. ‘Super Neil’ was serenaded.
Millwall had won 2-1 with less than 25 per cent possession and goals from Japhet Tanganga - who would be a key figure for Harris - and Zian Flemming, who would also be a key figure but in a different way.
"I left Cambridge with a heavy heart after a short tenure but that's why I have come back today - it's the only club I would have left to go to,” Harris said afterwards.
Harris’ impact was stunning. The Lions won eight of his thirteen games until the end of the season, including the last five. They comfortably stayed up by nine points.
There was a significant day in May when the club announced the departures of two people Harris had been close to, chief executive Steve Kavanagh and head of football operations and recruitment Alex Aldridge. The three had worked together to build the squad that won promotion from League One in 2017 and then consolidated in the Championship, almost reaching the play-offs in 2017-18.
In changes at the top of the football structure, Steve Gallen joined to head up recruitment, with Mark Fairbrother appointed managing director.
A different, awful challenge came when Harris’ phone rang early on the morning of June 15. Millwall’s goalkeeping coach, Andy Marshall, was on the other end with the tragic news that Matija Sarkic had passed away. It was just a week before Sarkic was due to meet his team-mates for the start of pre-season preparations.
Yet again there was no one better to lead the club. The first words supporters
officially heard were Harris’. You could see his emotion. His eyes appeared to be blink away tears. He smiled when he spoke about the kind of man Sarkic was and seeing him at the training ground just two days before his death, with “just a huge smile on his face, so excited about going to see the family in Montenegro that evening”.
Yet football moves on and Millwall needed a new goalkeeper and to fill more positions.
There were signs of tension early in the season when Harris heavily hinted he wasn’t happy with how recruitment was going. After the 4-3 defeat to Bristol City, Harris was asked if he expected more signings before the next game. “I genuinely don’t know. I don’t know what more to say,” he replied. “I’m the one who has to come out and keep fronting it up. I don’t know what to say.”
Harris ended the interview after adding: “You look at Bristol City’s bench and look at ours. Cheers.”
There were further hints of unease after Millwall signed Mihailo Ivanovic and loaned (with an obligation to buy) Zian Flemming to Burnley.
You didn’t have to be an expert in body language to judge Harris’ mood as he discussed those transfers.
“I have to accept that as head coach. That is the model that we are creating,” Harris said.
“It was difficult for me as a manager. I don’t want to lose my most influential attacking player on the last day with no one to replace him with, other than Mihailo who has come in and he is going to be missing for eight weeks.
“They made a very good offer to the football club and the club decided to sell.
“I don’t have a say in matters like that.”
Whether it was a slip of the tongue or not, therein lay a major tension: “manager”. That ‘head coach’ title just
didn’t seem to fit well. It obviously didn’t sit well, either.
In their statement announcing Harris’ departure, Millwall said they would be looking for a ‘head coach’. Harris didn't have the same control as he had in his first spell. I remember speaking to him about an issue in 2016 and I said I felt a little bit embarrassed that he had to get involved to sort it out. He replied: “It's my job to manage the whole football club.” He was very comfortable with that responsibility. It was clearly a different role this time around and whatever gaps there were widened over the summer.
In an update to supporters on Millwall’s website earlier in the season, chairman James Berylson outlined his vision. The Lions would identify players that the club would have “the opportunity to increase their skills as well as their overall value”.
Then to last Saturday and Harris’ “thickos” comment, appeared to be directed at some Lions supporters. Harris knows a manager - sorry, head coachdoes not insult his own fans, even if there is an element of truth in it. It felt like something was brewing. Or coming to a boiling point.
When Harris walked across the Kenilworth Road pitch on the night of October 2, 2019 after a 1-1 draw with Luton Town, only he and those closest to him knew that he was leaving. He had been jeered by a section of the away support. That hurt.
This time, at the Riverside, it will be different. In Harris’ 31 games since his return, only Leeds United (59) and Middlesbrough (55) have gained more points than Millwall's 51 across Harris will receive a hero’s goodbye. And he will get the chance to take it in and return the warmth, perhaps even to the “thickos”.
Whether it is the final goodbye, only time will tell.
Muscat tipped for Lions job
By John Kelly
The Lions announced on Tuesday afternoon that Harris
Saturday’s
the Riverside.
Millwall have said they are recruiting for a head coach rather than a manager.
Muscat played for Millwall between 2003 and 2005, helping them reach the final of the FA Cup in 2004 although he was injured for the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United.
The 51-year-old is currently in charge of Shanghai Port and led them to this year’s Chinese Super League title.
Other names being linked with the Den post are Mark Robins, who was sacked by Coventry City this
Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield and former Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Swansea City boss Steve Cooper.
Kevin Muscat 5/4
Matt Bloom eld 9/4
Mark Robins 3/1
Sam Allardyce 3/1
Gary Rowett 7/2
Alex Neil 4/1
Steven Schumacher 5/1
Steve Cooper 6/1
Dave Challinor 8/1
Neil Harris at his spiritual home
The head coach
‘didn’t have a say’ in the transfer of Zian Flemming
The late Matij a Sarkic
former mIllwall captain kevin muscat has emerged as an early favourite to replace neil Harris.
would be stepping down from his head coach role after
game against Middlesbrough at
season,
SouthLondonWeekly. Community matters
Sport
HAmmER blOw
Wandsworth’s Michail
antonio recovering from surgery after car smash
By John Kelly
mICHaIl antonIo has undergone surgery on a badly broken leg and will be out for at least a year after a horror car smash last weekend.
West Ham United striker Antonio, who is from Wandsworth, was in his wrecked Ferrari FF for almost an hour before being cut free by firefighters and then airlifted to hospital.
The accident happened when Antonio’s supercar smashed into a tree in Theydon Bois, Essex, on Saturday.
A dog-walker, Samuel Woods, 34, a carer from Regent’s Park, who came across the scene, told The Sun what he found.
The impact of the smash was so severe Antonio, 34, was flung from the driver’s seat.
“I said to him, ‘Hello’, to see if anyone was alive. I heard sirens and told him that help was on its way,” Woods said.
“He was so disorientated. He said, ‘Where am I? What’s going on? What car am I in?’
The paramedics got there really fast. I couldn’t believe what happened. The car smelt of petrol.”
Woods added: “I looked at him and thought, ‘He’s in big trouble’. I just said, ‘You’ve had an accident’. He didn’t reply. He was looking around trying to make sense of what I just said. He was sitting in the passenger side.”
In an update, West Ham said: “Michail has undergone surgery
on a lower limb fracture following a road traffic accident on Saturday afternoon. Michail will continue to be monitored in hospital over the coming days.
“Everyone at the club wishes Michail a speedy recovery and wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the football family at large for the overwhelming support shown since [Saturday’s] news.”
The club added a “heartfelt thank you to the emergency services and the medical team who continue to aid him in his recovery”.
Antonio, who has 21 caps for Jamaica, made fifteen appearance for the Hammers this season. His last game was in their 3-1 defeat at Leicester City on December 3. West Ham defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 in Monday night, with home players wearing shirts in support of their team-mate.
Tomas Soucek, who scored the first goal before Jarrod Bowen’s winner, said: "The goal was for him. I said before the game I really wanted to score even more today.
"He's been here since I came here - he is really my favourite. I said it would be tough for me to play without him.
"I am happy that he is doing fine, but this is for him.
“He is a massive player and he is in my heart."
Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui said: "We are happy for our fans. We dedicate the victory to Michail Antonio.”
Lions search for Harris replacement
By John Kelly
neIl HarrIs will step down as millwall head coach after saturday’s Championship game against middlesbrough at the riverside stadium.
Harris returned to the Lions for a second spell in charge last February after the dismissal of Joe Edwards and steered the side away from relegation danger to thirteenth.
Millwall say they have started a “comprehensive recruitment search” for a new head coach, with former Lions captain Kevin Muscat and Wycombe Wanderers boss Matt Bloomfield linked with the role.
“This isn’t an easy decision, as everyone knows this club is more than a job to me, it’s my club, and always will be,” Harris said.
“Being here always felt like home, as a player, as a captain, and as a manager. We are a family, and it’s been my life for so many years. But I always said when I returned that I would leave when the time felt right, and now is that time.
“Coming back last season and all the highs that came with it will never be rivalled. It was one of the highlights of my career. We fought together as a team, as fans and as a united football club.
“We have some special characters in this team. They are dedicated and hungry to do well. With the right encouragement and support, I’m sure they can achieve great things.
“I would like to thank all the staff at the club for their loyalty and support and especially the owner James Berylson, for welcoming me back. He’s been superb to work with, and I will always be grateful for the great friendship we shared.
“We have the most passionate fans in the country, and your support has meant the world to me. We are often misunderstood, but the uniqueness of Millwall is also what makes us so special.
“I wish all of my friends at Millwall Football Club the best for the rest of the season and I will see you soon.”
West Ham United’s Michail Antonio crashed his Ferrari into a tree in Essex
