South London Weekly - July 28th 2023

Contents

NEWS

Pages 2-19

opiNioN

Pages 20-21

art S

Page 22

Family aNNouNcE mENt S & cla SSiFiEd

Page 24

EducatioN

Page 25

public NoticES

Pages 26-28

Sport

Pages 28-32

Doctors fleeing Down unDer say strikers on the lewisham hospital picket line

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter

South London hospital consultants striking over pay fear the nhS faces a ticking time bomb as demoralised junior doctors flee to Australia, Canada and new Zealand seeking higher pay and a better work-life balance.

NHS consultants on the picket line outside Lewisham Hospital on Friday, July 21, over the government’s six per cent pay offer said hospital doctors at all levels felt underpaid and overworked.

Consultants’ real earnings have plummeted by fifteen per cent since 2010 based on the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), which is used to measure the cost of living. Consultants across England started their first walkout for a decade on Thursday, July 20.

The 48 hour strike organised by doctors’ union the British Medical Association (BMA) will end at 7am on Saturday. Patients have been warned to expect cancellations and delays as consultants are the most senior doctors and as such procedures needing their supervision can’t be covered for by others.

Sajeev Ranmuthu, 38, who has been a consultant at Lewisham Hospital for just over a year, said he had walked out for the future of the NHS.

Rumina Mirza, 38, who has worked as a consultant for two years, said debt and stress meant many junior doctors she knew were opting to move abroad.

NHS Trust, said the health service would struggle to recruit good consultants in the future unless the government upped its pay offer.

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He said: “I’ve come to fight for the NHS to make sure the health of the general population is looked after for the future and so there’s enough doctors for future generations. In general we are all overworked and understaffed.

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“Doctors are 100 per cent choosing to move abroad. It’s more junior doctors. They come here, do their bit and realise it’s not a place where your work-life balance is looked after. They will go to Australia and New Zealand and Canada because that’s where they are valued and that depletes the workforce.”

Dr Ranmuthu added that he comes into work an hour before his shift is due to start everyday in order to complete all his tasks and was seeing a third more patients each day than when he worked at another hospital previously.

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Striking consultants outside Lewisham Hospital on July 21.

She said: “Covid has left a lot of people feeling quite demoralised. With my junior doctors, there’s a huge amount who go to Australia and New Zealand.

"A lot of the junior doctors are in thousands of pounds of debt and it’s hard on their mental health.

“Family and friends have said to me ‘Why don’t you move abroad?’ I think I’m NHS at heart and I feel strongly about equal healthcare. It’s about having some level of recognition and some financial compensation.

"I love my job and I love the patients in Lewisham. I think it’s more trying to see if the government will listen.”

Imran Sharieff, 43, an anaesthetist and BMA rep at Lewisham and Greenwich

He said: “We don’t want to be striking. We know patients need their elective care [planned procedures like surgery].

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust is not doing well with its backlog of electric care and the thing we want to do is go back in and provide care, but we don’t think we can do it with the offer that the government has given us.

“We aren’t going to get the quality of candidates [with the pay offer].

"It’s very easy for the best and brightest and most talented to go into jobs that value them better than this. I’ve seen lots of people being dissuaded from coming into medicine and I have seen younger doctors who have been training leave.

“They will do their registration years and then go to Australia and New Zealand.

"It’s because they pay their consultant

doctors much more than here. The lifestyle is better than here and it’s the terms and conditions also.”

The UK health secretary Steve Barclay has refused to budge on the six per cent pay offer and said strikes won’t make any difference.

Mr Barclay said: “I hugely value the work of NHS consultants which is why we have accepted the independent pay review body recommendations in full, giving them a six per cent pay rise this year, on top of last year’s 4.5 per cent increase.

"This government has also reformed pension tax rules for consultants, something the BMA campaigned for over many years. I am disappointed the BMA is going ahead with this week’s strike, given the average consultant’s NHS earnings are expected to increase to £134,000 a year.

"My door is always open to discuss nonpay issues, but this pay award is final so I urge the BMA to end their strikes immediately.”

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© Robert Firth

Striking consultants outside Lewisham Hospital on July 21. Consultants quoted, Sajeev Ranmuthu (far left) and Rumina Mirza (second right).

woman creates pop-up food bank in her garden

unlikely frienDship: the fox anD magpie

By Herbie Russell

A fox and a magpie have forged an unlikely friendship at Camberwell old Cemetery.

Former Dulwich councillor Robin Crookshank Hilton snapped the duo feasting on nuts and seeds yesterday afternoon (Sunday, July 16).

She started feeding ‘Freddy’ the fox and ‘Maggie’ the magpie during lockdown and has watched their relationship blossom since.

She said: “The magpie always comes when the fox is there. I was a bit nervous at first thinking the fox was going to eat the bird but they seem to like socialising.

“They kind of look stand there looking at each other. Then the fox looks at me as if to say ‘it's okay, Maggie can eat with me - she’s my friend’.”

By Isabel Ramirez

A Bermondsey woman, who opened her loo to queuers following the Queen's death, has created a food bank in a garden area outside her house to give free food to people who need it.

Henrietta Onyema, 63, started the pop-up food bank in the garden area outside her home after the one at her nearby church St Peter & the Guardian Angels had to stop.

"My church used to do it," she explained, "but we have recently lost many members due to parking costs. So it stopped."

She told us she buys the food herself and lays it out on Saturday and Sunday afternoons outside her house on Bermondsey Wall East, near the newly refurbished Old Justice pub.

"There are lots of people struggling right now," she said.

"Things are hard. I don't ask any questions - anyone can come and take whatever they

Thank you

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like."

She added that she would like some help setting up a food bank. "If anyone wants to help me set one up, I would be grateful."

As Bermondsey's answer to the phrase 'charity starts at home,' this is not the first time she has been spotted doing good.

When the Queen died last September, Henrietta opened her toilet for thousands of people queuing to pay their respects to the monarch.

"You can only do what you can," she said.

Robin began visiting Camberwell Old Cemetery with a friend in her bubble during lockdown. “It’s absolutely beautiful and has a rarely interesting atmosphere,” she said.

They’d bring bags of nuts and seeds to feed the wildlife - bird nuts for foxes, monkey nuts for crows and sunflower hearts for magpies.

“There are these little humps in the cemetery. I poured the nuts on them, they came, and it became a pattern. Animals

get used to these things,” she said. She said a robin was also a regular visitor although it prefers not to mix with others. “He prefers to have his own pile of seeds,” she laughed.

In a study on interspecies friendships called The Evolutionary Origins of Friendship, researchers Robert Seyfarth and the late Dorothy Cheney found: "Friendships often involve cooperative interactions that are separated in time. They depend, at least in part, on the memory and emotions associated with past interactions."

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Henrietta Onyema, outside her home on Bermondsey Wall East

ExcLuSivE

By Herbie Russell

A Bermondsey lorry driver is “disgusted” after he was allegedly charged £90 when buying £20 worth of petrol at the old Kent road Asda.

Micky Southion, 51, who had to borrow money from his mum, said Asda’s reconciliatory £5 voucher “was barely enough for a meal deal”. Recounting the disastrous outing, he said: “I’ve filled up then gone up the road.

pumpeD-up anD fuming

CCTV appeal after masturbation incident on London Bridge train

By Herbie Russell

Police investig Ating an incident involving a man masturbating on a train have released a cctv image of a person they’d like to speak to.

The incident happened on a Southeastern train travelling between London Bridge and Eden Park, Beckenham, at 12.45pm, on Monday, March 20.

l orry driver 'disgusted' after being charged £90 while buying £20 of petrol

I’ve just checked my bank account and all my money’s gone. I’ve gone: ‘Jesus Christ it’s all gone!'...It's disgusting.”

The problem boils down to a preauthorisation system, which sees Mastercard and Visa charge customers a pre-purchase fee to ensure they have enough money in their account.

The money is normally returned to the customer within hours but Micky says he didn't get his money back for four days.

Southwark Council has previously identified Old Kent Road as one of the borough’s most deprived areas along with North Walworth, Peckham and Nunhead

& Queens Road.

Micky said: “For some people, it doesn’t matter and they don’t even look at their bank accounts but for people around here £90 is a lot of money."

Retailers don’t have any option to opt out of the system if they want to allow Visa and Mastercard users to pay at the pump.

If customers want to avoid this happening they should use the traditional pumps, rather than the ones with card readers, and pay at the counter.

ASDA was approached for comment and explained the pre-authorisation system.

AdvertoriAL

Longstanding local opticians opens in bigger and better store

SpecSaverS in peckham has opened its new doors after relocating to a brand-new store.

Specsavers peckham has moved a stone’s throw away from their original site at The aylesham centre to the old HSBc in rye Lane.

equipment at the new store boasts the latest technology available for spotting eye problems early and preventing the deterioration of sight. The store includes an Optical coherence Technology (OcT) machine, usually found in hospital eye departments, which produces a highly detailed structural scan of the eye.

The store employs 20 team members, including store manager Sadiq Kabiri, optical director pratik patel and retail director Shirin askari - who have 60 years’ experience between them.

Sadiq Kabira says: ‘We can’t wait to welcome customers to our bigger and better store. it’s a great location, and we’re excited to continue caring for our loyal customers, as well as welcoming new ones.

‘We’re thrilled to be investing in the community and helping future generations maintain their good eye health.

‘We will be there for all eye care and audiology needs, playing our part in relieving some of the strain on our partners in the nHS.’

The new store has six clinical eye test rooms, covering nHS, private, minor eye conditions and contact lens appointments.

There is also an audiology clinical room, providing a service for nHS and private hearing aids customers.

Located at 47 rye Lane, London Se15 5eT, Specsavers peckham is open from 9.00am until 6.00pm Monday to Friday, 9.30am until 5.00pm Saturday, and 10.00am until 5.00pm on Sunday.

For more information or to book an appointment visit: www.specsavers.co.uk/ stores/peckham or call 020 3993 3673.

Detectives believe the man pictured may have information that would assist their investigation. Anyone who recognises this man is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference number 312 of 20/03/23.

Just Stop Oil protestor charged after new Public Order Bill

By Herbie Russell

A Just Stop oil protester has been charged after allegedly being found in possession of numerous items that could be used to cause criminal damage.

Oliver Rock, 42, from Red Post Hill, was charged with having articles with intent

to cause criminal damage (s3 Criminal Damage Act 1971) and being equipped to lock on (s2 Public Order Act 2023), on Thursday, July 20.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, July 21). It has been illegal to attach yourself to the floor to disrupt traffic since the Public Order Bill became law last May.

©British Transport Police

investigation launcheD after mum hanDcuffeD anD wrongly accuseD of not paying bus fare

By Isabel Ramirez

A Police watchdog is investigating an incident where two officers handcuffed a woman in Croydon in front of her crying son after being wrongly accused of not paying her bus fare.

The incident is being investigated after the Met referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). It is alleged the woman was "racially profiled and verbally abused."

A video clip of the incident, which occurred on Whitehorse Road on July 21 has been trending on social media, with thousands of people expressing their disgust for how the woman appeared to be treated.

The Met said the woman, who was with her young son at the time, was later released when it was confirmed she had paid for her ticket.

A spokesperson from the Met Police said the officers were working with Transport for London (TfL) inspectors when the incident happened on Friday morning.

They explained one woman left the bus after not complying with a revenue inspector's request to check that she had paid her fare.

The Met said in a statement, that when asked to stop by police the woman tried to walk off and became "abusive".

As a result, the force said she was arrested on suspicion of fare evasion and detained, in front of her crying son.

When officers checked her ticket, they found it was valid so they released her.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “We have received a complaint referral this afternoon from the Metropolitan Police Service following an incident in Whitehorse Road, Croydon on 21 July where a woman was handcuffed. The complaint alleges the woman was racially

profiled and verbally abused by an officer.

“We will now assess the referral and decide if any further action is required from us.”

The full statement from the Met Police regarding the incident is below.

“We are aware of a video circulating showing a female being handcuffed by police. Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command were conducting a joint revenue protection operation with Transport for London inspectors in Whitehorse Road, Croydon, on Friday, 21 July.

“One woman left the bus after not complying with a revenue inspector's request to check that she had paid her fare. When asked to stop by police she attempted to walk off and became abusive. As a result, she was arrested on suspicion of fare evasion and detained.

“When it was later established that the woman had paid she was de-arrested and

The complaint alleges the woman was racially profiled and verbally abused by an officer. We will now assess the referral and decide if any further action is required from us.”

allowed to go on her way.

“The woman was with her child and we appreciate that the video and circumstances look concerning. However, it is a snapshot of a wider incident.

"The video from this incident and the officer's body-worn video, which was active for a longer period than the social media clip, have been reviewed.

"Our officers regularly liaise with local community groups and forums and we will be discussing the matter with them and listening to their views.”

traumatised".

Writing on Twitter, she said: "There is a distressing video circulating online with a woman handcuffed in front of her young son.

"Please be careful sharing this online to help protect this young boy who is very traumatised by the situation.

"Myself and other colleagues have raised this with the Mayor of London."

By Joe Coughlan Local Democracy Reporter

South London commuters feel “angry” and “frightened” at the thought of their local train ticket office closing, and feel the move is a “greedy money-grabbing exercise”.

Last week, Southeastern Railway announced that it was considering closing ticket offices at 40 stations in its South London network.

The rail company said the stations targeted reportedly sell fewer than 50 tickets at their office windows daily and already have Pay As You Go services available.

The scheme aims to move staff out of ticket offices to make them more available to assist customers face-to-face and promote the rollout of self-service technology.

Victor Browning, 70, has lived in Bexleyheath for 16 years and said he uses the train three times a week to go “out and about”.

He said he feels commuters who are not “digitally minded” will struggle to buy tickets online or on machines.

“I think it’s all wrong," he said. "It first started I think with Johnson when he started shutting the Tube ticket offices. That’s when it started and it’s just moneysaving.”

Mr Browning added: “They said they’re going to put all the ticket office clerks out on the platform. If you want a ticket they will go, ‘Oh yeah, it’s in the machine,’ and I’ve seen on Facebook and different things that people say the machines are not working, and there’s no one there.

"So they’ve got to get on a train without a ticket.”

Southeastern said in a statement that they had seen a reduction of 63 million journeys in the past four years.

The rail company said they were open that there was a “cost saving element” to the proposals.

They said: “We want to make sure our railway is sustainable for the future and reduce the costs associated with running the railway noting that we are a public sector organisation dependent upon a taxpayer subsidy of over £1 million a day.”

An anonymous resident said she lives ten minutes from Bexleyheath and Barnehurst stations. The local said she is “frightened” by the thought of ticket offices in stations being closed late at night, and thinks the Bexleyheath station has suffered from a lack of investment over the years.

“I’ve got a Freedom Pass and a senior railcard, and there’s no facility on the machines to get the cheap tickets that you get over the counter," she said. "You can’t do it, there’s no facility and they’re always breaking down.”

She added: “I think it’s just a greedy money grabbing exercise… The toilets have been out of order for two months and no one’s bothered because they don’t want to spend the money.”

The Southeastern website shows that all ticket types are available to buy online excluding Oyster top ups and cash payments. It also states that railcard discounts are available from ticket vending machines and on board trains.

A Southeastern spokesperon said: “We’d like to reassure customers in Bexleyheath and across South East London that closing ticket offices, if the proposals are approved, will not reduce the support available for people wanting to buy a ticket or seek travel advice at the station.”

They added: “All of our stations currently

staffed will continue to be staffed – indeed at Bexleyheath the proposed staffing hours are longer than the ticket office opening hours now.”

Leah Eagles, 20, said she has lived in Bexleyheath her whole life. The local said she uses the train five days a week to get to work, and appreciates the concerns elderly commuters may have on not being able to apply discounts to tickets bought on machines.

“I just have Apple Pay, but I feel that older people who aren’t good at technology, they’re going to be affected.”

She added: “Obviously money’s tight. I travel every day and it’s a tenner. That’s £10 off my pay. So even if you’re not just going to work, it’s a bit spenny.”

Nanth Sab, 63, said he and his aunt live within walking distance of Bexleyheath station. He said he uses the train four days a week, while his aunt uses it to travel several times a month.

“My auntie is 74. We are old people, we are not very good with technology. I am 63, I am able to change but we like to talk to people.

"I’m from Sri Lanka but I love the culture of talking to people… I don’t want to talk to the machine.”

He added: “You don’t get any interaction. The interaction between the human and the machine is totally different. So I’m feeling a little bit down.”

Mr Sab said he was “angry” when he

learned of the proposed changes. He also said he feels that Southeastern is not utilising their funds properly, given the cost cutting aspect of the changes.

He added:“I know they need to cut corners, but they shouldn’t cut corners with people’s feelings.”

The proposed changes would also add ‘travel centres’ to the fourteen busiest stations operated by Southeastern, giving travel information and ticketing solutions to commuters.

A Southeastern said that the majority of customers at most of its London stations, including Bexleyheath, use Pay As You Go services and never need to purchase tickets at the station.

They added: “However, we absolutely

recognise that for some people, continuing to buy tickets and accessing support at the station is vital. By bringing staff – who’ll receive training for their new role – out onto the platform, we can provide more assistance in the right place, at the right time, to those needing it, whether that’s help buying a ticket or help boarding a train.

"More staff on platforms will help us to continue to provide a safe and more accessible service.”

The rail company said they have encouraged all views on the proposed changes with their an online consultation until July 26.

Details and the full list of ticket offices at risk on their website

Vauxhall Labour MP Florence Eshalomi has asked people to be "careful" sharing the video as the woman's son was "very

commuters react to 40 possible ticket office closures at stations across south lonDon

Victor Browning, 70, has been in Bexleyheath for 16 years and said he uses the train three times a week to go “out and about”

Leah Eagles, 20, said she does not use the ticket office but is concerned for elderly commuters that do.

council to spenD £4.4 million on traffic warDens anD cameras to oversee cpZs

ExcLuSivE

By Herbie Russell

southwA rk council will spend

£4.46 million on 48 traffic wardens and a stockpile of parking cameras to oversee its incoming controlled parking zones (CPZs).

The council is currently rolling out residents’ parking schemes, known as CPZs, across the entire borough.

Residents have complained that Southwark is forcing CPZs on them without consultation and the latest wave of traffic enforcement could fan local frustration.

Former Conservative candidate for Dulwich Village ward and CPZskeptic Clive Rates said: "Southwark Labour claim to be ‘consulting’ on their borough-wide CPZ plan yet at the same

time they are hiring an extra 48 parking officers on our streets to enforce iteven on Blue Badge holders.

"It’s obviously a pre-determined process – they already made up their minds, and once again they are treating their residents with contempt."

The latest outlay is part of Southwark Council’s decision to extend its contract with parking management company APCOA Parking UK Ltd.

In total, Southwark will spend £12.45 million on a four-year contract starting September 1, 2023.

In a report shared with Southwark’s cabinet on July 10, it was revealed that the council will spend £2.57 million on 48 new traffic wards - officially known as civil enforcement officers.

The council is also set to spend £1.89 million on ANPR cameras - made up of a £583,036 one-off project payment

and £1.3 million on future projects, excluding VAT.

In the report, Cllr James McAsh wrote: “There is…a need to… deploy additional civil enforcement officers (including two new bases) to enforce the wider controlled parking in the borough." ANPR cameras are used to scan number plates on cars that defy parking rules. Southwark Council has said new ones are needed to oversee eight new bus lanes.

The CPZ roll-out has caused outrage among some residents, with many unhappy about the prospect of paying up to £300 to park their cars in areas where it’s currently free.

Southwark already has roughly 50 per cent CPZ coverage across zones including Borough, Bermondsey, Camberwell, Walworth.

The council has publicly stated its

intention to blanket the entire borough with CPZs to reduce car ownership and has conducted consultations in Queen’s Road, Nunhead.

But car owners complain they are not given a 'no' option and are instead asked to say what times they'd like the CPZ to operate.

Southwark Council had considered bringing traffic enforcement in-house but decided against it.

It concluded that the technology needed was too “niche” and the private contractor was better placed to provide the flexible workforce needed.

According to council figures, the parking company has delivered £1,763,459 in “social and local economic value” over the course of its current contract which began in June 2020.

Councillor James McAsh, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency,

Clean Air and Streets, said: “Local people have repeatedly told the council that they want us to improve air quality, address the climate emergency, and make our borough even greener and safer.

“Our Streets for People strategy delivers on these aspirations, and relies on the introduction of parking permits. The success of permit schemes relies on adequate enforcement to ensure parking is available for permit holders.

“Enforcement officers are also responsible for enforcing safety restrictions, preventing idling which pumps pollution into our air and unsafe parking on double yellow lines or around our local schools.

“Permit schemes have proven to be very successful; many residents who are initially sceptical about changes are fully supportive once they are in place.”

Cllr McAsh speaking at the council Assembly (July 12.)

By Isabel Ramirez

A new app that finds users 'their perfect pub' to visit, based on preferences like beer garden availability and sky sports, features boozers in Peckham, elephant and castle and Borough. “Pub Club” is a pub-finder app, made by two men based in Wandsworth, which aims to revolutionise the way people search for their ideal pub experience.

Last year, flatmates Tom Ireland-Life and Freddie Bermingham (both 24), said they were seeking a good local. In particular, they wanted somewhere they could watch football and enjoy a Sunday roast.

Freddie said, “Our idea came about on a gloomy November Sunday morning when we wanted to find the perfect pub for a roast, with sofas, a fireplace and, of course, Sky Sports.

"After countless dead-end Google searches, we were convinced there had to be a more efficient way for people to find their desired pub.”

So far, over 350 pubs have signed up and the app currently takes users on a route from Wandsworth to Peckham.

On the journey it takes users through Elephant and Castle and Borough - so locals are being invited to download the free app to get some inspiration for their next pint location.

Users can select pub attributes using filters in the app ranging from affordability to wheelchair accessibility, from beer garden availability to their top-rated local for a Sunday Roast. This allows them to swiftly identify suitable pubs within their preferred area.

To mark its launch, Pub Club is running a ‘Golden Ticket’ campaign starting in July and running throughout the summer. Lucky app users who check into pubs between July and the end of September will have the chance to win a prize of £100

new free app helps users finD their 'perfect pub'

bar credit (by scanning the bar-side QR codes).

The app is available now to download for free on Google Play and Apple - and there are no subscription fees for pub-goers. The founders say their aim is around 2,000 pubs across London by the end of the calendar year, with further UK coverage in

the following year. Pub Club also benefits pub owners by helping to market their establishments, menus, and entertainment to regular customers and prospective visitors, encouraging increased footfall. Owners can also track the number of views their pub is getting through the app,

the number of people scanning their QR code at the pub and respond to reviews from their customers.

Tom added: “The British pub scene has suffered a great deal recently due to the pandemic. 150 pubs in England and Wales permanently closed within the first few months of 2023.

"We are hoping that Pub Club helps not only punters but the industry itself by providing a new way to put cash in the till for pubs.”

Until mid-September 2023 there are no fees for London pub owners to sign up. Download 'Pub Club' free on Apple or Google.

brazilian steakhouse reopens in bermondsey butcher's

By Isabel Ramirez

A BrAZiliAn steakhouse hidden behind a butcher's shop in Bermondsey that got rave reviews is back - and we went to check out what makes them so special.

Partners, Flavia and Keila (pictured below), both Brazilian, opened Fine Cut Butchers two years ago, after being inspired by the concept of having a butchers and a restaurant in one.

"In fact, it's something we saw in Italy," Keila told us, "and we loved it.

"We were determined to have one of our own."

The thing about serving fresh, goodquality ingredients is that the waiters are happy to serve it - and you feel that pride instantly.

To start there was pão de queijo (baked cheese roll), pastel (a crispy pastry with mince inside) and coxinha (a Brazilian chicken croquette). Just as a starter should be, it was all very tasty and light - accompanied by a delicious homemade garlic mayo.

The concept of the restaurant is that you go to the butcher in the front, and essentially 'pick your meat'.

There is a wide selection of beef, pork, lamb, and chickenand the staff are there to help you get exactly what you want.

When you have chosen they cook it for you and it arrives on your plate shortly

after - cooked to perfection - along with a selection of sides.

If you can't decide what to have, they have an 'all you can eat' deal for £27.99.

I had the picahna (rump) - with tropeiro beans (crispy kale and bacon), vinaigrette (chopped tomato and onion), rice and fried cassava.

For someone who has been to Brazil, this place could easily be found therenot only was the food exceptional, but as soon as you walk in it feels like you are home.

Keila explained that they had been forced to close for a few months whilst going through some difficulty with the landlord.

"So at the moment people don't know we're back open," she said. "At one point we thought we might have to close."

But they fought for their right to be there on the Blue and they are inviting locals, charcoal at the ready, to come and experience the magic.

Keila added: "The fact we nearly lost it and we had to fight for it, means we are even more passionate about what we do.

"We love making our customers happy."

Nestled behind the butchers on Blue Anchor Lane, it really is a "hidden gem." It's one of those places you want to tell everyone about, but you know if you do - you'll never get a table again.

Fine Cut Butchers, 51 Blue Anchor Lane, Bermondsey, SE16 3UL Tel: 0020 3105 2301

Flatmates Tom ireland-Life and Freddie Bermingham who created the app

Scan the QR code to watch what happened when we went to check it out.

our pick of things to Do this weekenD...

By Isabel Ramirez

sh A ring is caring this weekend - with dJ classes down the Blue, a summer cook-out in dulwich and some old-school nostalgia on Blackheath.

KiSSTORY ON BL acKhE aTh

A m A ssive music festival will take over Blackheath this saturday, with ms. dynamite and robin s. taking to the stage for a day of ‘old skool anthems.’

KISSTORY's outdoor summer series will culminate in this season's finale on Blackheath. Others on the line-up include DJ Luck & MC Neat, Sweet Female Attitude, Sabrina Washington (Mis-Teeq) and Lisa Maffia & MC Romeo (So Solid Crew).

Blackheath Park, SE3 0UA

Saturday, July 29 from 12 – 10 pm

Admission: Tickets are still available on Skiddle (final release start from £60)

SummER cOOK-OuT DuLWich

t he k ingswood estate is hosting a BBQ event for local children, young people & their carers to relax and have fun.

They can feast on BBQ food, hear music from a live DJ, play on a bouncy castle, and take part in various sports day challenges.

To chill out after all the fun there will be

free massages and yoga. Kingswood Arts, Seeley Drive, Kingswood Estate, SE21 8QN

Saturday, July 29 from 12 - 4 pm

Admission: Free

acTivE FuN DaY aT

SOuThWaRK PaRK

As PA rt of the council's mission to get the borough moving, they are hosting active days in parks

across Southwark this summer. This Saturday, there will be different sessions throughout the day from various local sports clubs, such as football taster sessions from Ballers Academy and a couch to 5k session for anyone wanting to start running.

There will also be interval training and a 'Run, Jump, Throw' class for young people to try out athletics. Southwark Park, Sports and Athletics Centre, Hawkstone Road, Bermondsey,

SE16 2PE

Saturday, July 29, from 12 - 4 pm

Admission: Free

uNiTY iN ThE cOmmuNiTY, BERmONDSEY

A fA mily-friendly event down the Blue will celebrate local cultural diversity, with caribbean cooking classes, salsa workshops and dJ lessons.

On the day there will be lots of fun performances, including poetry, quadrille dancing, collage-making, and music from a live Calypso Band with steel pan drumming.

Visitors can try their hand at DJing, and learn to make classic West Indian dishes, as well as how to dance salsa. The Blue Market, Market Place, Bermondsey, SE16 3UQ

Saturday, July 29 from 12 - 5 pm.

Admission: Free

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KiSSTORY in Blackheath Summer cook-Out at Kingswood house

Two 'outstanding' places to give birth

By Alicia Curry Local Democracy Reporter

t wo hosPitA ls in West London have been praised by inspectors as “outstanding” places to give birth.

The Care Quality Commission

(CQC) rated maternity services at Queen Charlottes and Chelsea Hospital “outstanding” following an inspection.

The staff, who oversaw 4,832 deliveries between April 2022 and February 2023, were said to have “promoted a culture that placed people’s care at the heart of the service”.

“Dignity and respect were intrinsic elements of the culture and all staff we observed and spoke with clearly demonstrated this,” the report added.

Inspectors visited the unit in March as part of the CQC’s national maternity inspection programme.

A second hospital in the borough, St Mary’s Hospital, was also ranked ‘outstanding’ for its maternity services. While the site overall was stamped with a ‘requires improvement’ grade, the maternity ward was applauded for the staff’s ability to work together “for the benefit of women and birthing people”.

The report referenced that the service understood how to protect women from abuse, managed safety well, controlled infection risk, managed medicines and learned lessons from incidents.

Professor Tim Orchard, chief executive of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs both hospitals, said: “I’m delighted that our maternity services continue to be rated as outstanding, following this recent inspection.

"This is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, who should be very proud."

mayor questioneD after tfl bans poster for play because it features 'unhealthy' weDDing cake

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter

sAdiQ khAn has defended the removal of an advert for a West end theatre play from london’s transport network, because it depicted a wedding cake.

The mayor said the poster breached Transport for London (TfL) rules, which seek to keep unhealthy foods from being displayed across the network.

But he faced criticism from Emma Best – deputy leader of the City Hall Conservatives – who said the decision seemed “totally bizarre”, and also at odds with his goal of promoting culture in London.

The advert was for Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding, a dinner comedy currently showing at the Wonderville Theatre on Haymarket.

It features the title characters stood on top of a giant sponge-cake, filled with jam and cream and topped with icing.

It was removed because it was deemed to breach TfL’s policies in relation to the advertisement of foods that are “high in fat, salt and sugar”

The rules were introduced under Mr Khan with the aim of helping to reduce childhood obesity in the capital.

The issue was raised by Ms Best at a Mayor’s Question Time session on Thursday morning, July 20.

Mr Khan told the City Hall meeting that TfL works to apply the “rigourous” policy in a consistent way and that the Government-developed “nutrient profiling model” is used to decide which foods are acceptable to include on advertisements.

“All the evidence shows that the TfL policy works,” the mayor said, adding that peer-reviewed studies have shown it is contributing towards households making fewer unhealthy purchases and

is saving the NHS money.

He said TfL is “always happy to work with brands to help them follow its advertising policy”.

Ms Best pointed out that the marketing department promoting the show had reportedly spent some £20,000 on the posters, and spent a further £5,000 on a new ad campaign with the cake removed from the image. She asked Mr Khan if he thought it was right that the original poster was banned.

The mayor replied: “If this particular theatre decided to print the adverts before they’d got confirmation [from TfL that the advert is compliant], then that’s clearly an issue for them, as the client.

“TfL is quite clear in relation to its policies and everyone else for the last few years appears to be following them.

“I’m obviously sorry for any finances lost by this theatre company – I’d suggest they speak to the company they used to make sure next time they get compliance confirmed before printing posters.”

Ms Best claimed that posters depicting chocolates and burgers can be found elsewhere on the network

She told Mr Khan: “I’ve been on the Tube often, feeling peckish. I’ve never felt like I would like to devour a wedding cake. I’ve never seen an advert and thought ‘Actually, I think I’ll stop off and buy myself a wedding cake’.

“Do you not see that this seems totally bizarre, and against the principles of trying to promote culture in London?”

The mayor reiterated that TfL’s policy has “been well known for some years now” and that London’s theatres and live music venues are busy.

He said the policy helps deter children from pressuring their parents into buying them high-fat foods, to which Ms Best replied: “Yes, my children often ask me to stop off and buy them a wedding cake. It’s difficult.”

She added that Mr Khan was making a false comparison between an advert for a play and a fast food advert and she questioned whether the TfL policy was really reducing London’s childhood obesity.

The mayor admitted that “there is no one silver bullet” to address the issue, but said he was pursuing a number of other policies to tackle it, such as encouraging London schools to become ‘water only schools’ – where water, and some forms of milk, are the only drinks allowed.

'Eyesore' shopping centre to be bulldozed after decade of delays

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter

An ‘eyesore’ South London shopping centre will finally be knocked down almost ten years after plans to bulldoze it were first revealed.

Over 500 homes in tower blocks up to fifteen storeys high will replace the Leegate Centre in Lee Green under proposals approved by Lewisham Council last week on Wednesday, July 19.

The redevelopment of the shopping precinct has been on the cards since original plans were first submitted to the council in 2015. But multiple proposals for the site have fallen through due to squabbles about the amount of cheap housing that should be included in any new development and last-minute u-turns from businesses interested in moving into the site.

The Galliard Homes plans that were approved by councillors include 173 affordable homes, of which 114 will be social rent and the other 50 shared ownership, where a person buys a percentage of a house and pays cheap rent

on the remaining share.

A gym, medical centre and small supermarket are also expected to be included in the development which will be made up of three blocks surrounded by Burnt Ash Road, Eltham Road, Leyland Road and Carston Close.

Existing shops and residents will have to move out to make way for the redevelopment. Business owners have been offered twelve month free rent if they return to the centre once the project is finished but few are expected to take up the offer. Shop owners previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the planned retail units would be too small and the rents too high.

Two local residents who spoke at the meeting also said they feared the proposed buildings were too tall and that the new homes would be too small and of poor quality. Carole Hicks, from local preservation group Blackheath Society, said: “The plan has many flaws.

"The number of single aspect units stands at 40 per cent. That is over 200 homes, exclusively small one-bedroom units. This is not good enough. Those south facing units which are small, in a changing

climate with 40 degree plus temperatures, with no through ventilation will be at risk of overheating.”

Nick Patton, also from Blackheath Society, said: “In our view the current application is not yet good enough. The proposal is too high because the tallest block is over 80 per cent higher than the existing.”

But another local resident, Andrew Fuller, said the development would be a huge improvement on the existing centre. He said: “I think without any doubt Leegate as it has been for a long time is an eyesore. That’s why I would like the new development.

"People are worried the density is too much but unfortunately in this life there is no perfection.”

Michael Watson, from developer Galliard Homes, added: “The scheme before you this evening is the culmination of three years of hard work under challenging circumstances and I suspect testing the sanity of all involved, to present this evening this long overdue district centre regeneration.”

An all Labour Lewisham Council planning committee approved the plans unanimously.

Conservative London Assembly Member Emma Best challenged the mayor on the advert ban

CGI of development to replace Leegate Shopping Centre - Lewisham Council planning document

© London Assembly

over 1,000 flats set to be built on the olD kent roaD

By Robert Firth

Local Democracy Reporter

over 1,000 flats are set to be built in skyscrapers up to 33 floors high under plans to give the old Kent road a makeover.

A developer has revealed fresh proposals to bulldoze a petrol station and disused warehouse on the Old Kent Road in Southwark and replace it with student flats, cheap homes and shops.

Regal London’s plans would see 941 student flats spread across two tower blocks.

The tallest 33-storey block would contain 641 apartments for students, with a smaller 19-storey building having space for another 300 students Another two buildings planned for the site would include 200 flats.

A fifteen-storey tower block would contain 75 shared ownership homes, properties where a person buys a percentage of a house and pays rent on the remaining amount.

A 20-storey building would contain 125 social rent homes, the cheapest type of property where rent is linked to local incomes.

The Old Kent Road is due to undergo a huge transformation over the next 20 years, which could see 20,000 new homes built in the area. Several skyscraper projects are already in the pipeline along the road.

In February 2022 plans were revealed to demolish a Topps Tiles shop on the Old Kent Road and build three giant tower blocks containing 372 homes,

including a 38-storey skyscraper.

In 2019, plans were approved to build a 48 floor skyscraper on the Southernwood Retail Park along the road as part of 724-home proposals to redevelop the site.

Southwark Council has already approved separate plans brought forward by Barkwest Limited to build 565 homes on a larger site including the petrol station and disused warehouse

The proposals would have seen five buildings, the tallest 38-storeys high,

built as well as offices and shops.

The proposed development was praised by council officers for the amount of housing it provided at the time. But planning documents submitted for the new development, known as Devonshire Place, say that since then the soaring cost of building has forced the developer to re-evaluate its options.

The new plans slash the number of homes in the development by more than half to just 200 and propose mainly student flats on the site instead.

The number of affordable homes built on the site under the updated proposals is unchanged as all the 200 flats planned are considered to be a type of affordable housing. Planning documents submitted to the council read: “Devonshire Place supports Old Kent Road’s strength as a place to live, work and do business, recognising its inner London character and accessible location.

"The proposed development facilitates the growth anticipated by the Bakerloo Line Extension, driving

regeneration and providing better connections to the wider London economy and between existing communities.

“[The] 941 best-in-class student bedrooms and 200 new affordable homes across different tenures – all delivered through a designled approach to site optimisation – contribute towards meeting objectively assessed housing needs for Southwark and London.”

A date has not yet been set for the application to be decided.

© Southwark Council planning documents

What the site near Devon Street looks like today.

cGi of planned student blocks from Old Kent Road. cGi of planned Old Kent Road flat buildings.

ExcLuSivE

By Michael Holland

t he Bermondsey Carnival is back and so is neville Staple who will be bringing his band with him to entertain us with classic hits that the lucky amongst us grew up with and others came to love.

And to show his excitement at the upcoming gig Neville gave us an exclusive interview about what he has planned for us.

Neville and his wife, Sugary, played at the carnival before when in 2017 Indika invited them to do some songs with them.

"We really enjoyed it," he says, "it was so good, a wicked crowd, and when I saw the crowd, I thought how much I would love to play here again."

Russell Dryden, who arranges all the Carnival music, picked up on that and finally got the legend of Two-Tone music to sign up for this year’s extravaganza.

Neville has been making music for more than 40 years, from early beginnings toasting in the sound system scene in Coventry.

He revealed his influences from those days: "U Roy and I Roy were who I picked up my skills from because they were the Toast Masters, it was them and Prince Buster who got me into music and performing; toasting comes straight off your head, there’s nothing written down, you just get the vibe and go with it."

Toasting led on to Neville joining The Specials who championed the Ska revival and the Rude Boy look.

The band enjoyed a string of Top Ten hits with singles and albums until they split when Neville, Terry Hall and Lynval Golding formed Fun Boy Three, which had its own share of fame.

Since then Neville has been continually writing, performing and recording and says he loves ‘being on stage in front of an audience’.

I asked if he would be doing any new stuff but was told how difficult that is: "The crowds always shout out their favourites for us to play so we will probably stick to the hits that everyone knows and loves but throw a couple of new ones in; when we play Message To You, Ghost Town, Monkey Man, everyone starts singing along and it’s like having a party because when we play those classics, people start moving and I see young kids in the crowd dancing who must have got their love for us from their parents."

We moved on to speak about Terry Hall’s passing and Jerry Dammers DJ’ing, and about some of the Ghost Town video being filmed in Bermondsey when the area was itself a bit of a ghost town with the docks closed and nothing taking its place until the developers moved in.

That jogged a memory for Neville and he told me that the car in the video is now in the Two-Tone Museum in Coventry. "A lot of people visit to have their picture done sitting in it," he says with no small amount of pride.

Mr Staple wanted to big up his home town of Coventry, or Cov, as he calls it: "It’s where Two-Tone started" and where he still lives. It was obvious that the city, and what The Specials were a big part of there, is still an important part of his life

The band comprises seven musicians: "Drum, bass, guitar, keyboard, two horns, and me and Sugary do vocals… We’ll be looking forward to not just playing but to see the crowd enjoying themselves, because all the band enjoy being on stage and love seeing people really get into it - it’s a vibe, it’s an energy, you’ll see the band jumping about," he tells me but adds that he doesn’t do so much of that himself these days. I know how he feels.

neville s taple will make this a special bermonD sey c arnival

We will flying the Two-Tone flag with all the classics ... It will also be in memory of all those Specials who are no longer with us ... we'll party it out and we will give it all

The Carnival is part of the regular performing the band do around the UK and abroad, and Neville smiles when he tells me of his pleasure at pulling a good audience at Glastonbury at the same time as Elton John was giving his last UK performance. "Once we came on the Avalon stage it slowly got packed, and about two songs in it was full!"

I asked if he could explain their attraction. "If you grew up with the music I did you want to hear it forever!

"When you watch The Neville Staple Band you can see all the members really loving it and when the audience see you enjoying yourself, they can feel that off ya; we don’t just turn up to take money off a crowd, we are there to give them a good

time as well as us."

And for us in Southwark Park he promises it will be "full of energy, a party and we will be flying the Two-Tone flag with all the classics… It will also be in memory of all those Specials who are no longer with us… Everyone who comes will have a great time, we’ll party it out and we will give it all."

A message to you, Neville - We can’t wait!

Sugary will be putting out an EP soon and Fun Boy Three will be releasing a box set on August 4th for all the fans.

Bermondsey Carnival, Southwark Park, Bermondsey, SE16, August 6th, 12pm8pm. Admission: Free.

Neville Staple

Photo by Matt Westcott

© Matt Westcott

© Mick Burgess

Neville performing live

© Clive Braham

Neville and Christine

n ew neighbourhoo D approve D in r ichmon D

By Charlotte Lillywhite

Local Democracy Reporter

A new South West London neighbourhood with more than 1,000 homes, offices, shops and a secondary school has been approved, despite only including 65 'affordable homes'.

A local mum slammed the scheme as a “disaster” for Richmond families in unsuitable conditions, desperate to move.

The 1,068-home development is planned for the old Stag Brewery site, in Mortlake, and includes tower blocks up to nine storeys tall, restaurants, a hotel, cinema and 1,200-pupil secondary school

Richmond Council’s planning committee approved two planning applications making up the scheme, from Reselton Properties Limited, on Wednesday, July 19.

The plans will now be referred to the Mayor of London for a final decision. He can let the committee’s decision stand, direct refusal or call the scheme in.

Original plans for the site with 813 homes were approved by the council, but called in by the Mayor over a lack of affordable housing in 2020.

The developer then increased the scheme to 1,250 homes, with up to 30 per cent affordable housing, but this was thrown out by the Mayor in 2021 due to concerns including height and scale.

The two new planning applications drew fierce opposition from locals, with

978 objections overall.

Residents and councillors raised concerns about the level of affordable housing included in the scheme at the meeting on July 19, along with the impact on congested local roads, the height of the tower blocks and the need for a new school.

It includes 65 affordable homes, with 52 at social rent.

Nahed Ibrahim said her family-of-six lives in a “mouldy, damp two-bedroom flat” in Chertsey Court, near the site, which is impacting their health.

She has chronic pain and limited mobility, while her kids have asthma, eczema, ADHD and partial hearing loss.

The mum said she has been registered to move for four years, hoping to move along with thousands of people in the borough, “but no one wants my flat because our living conditions are so bad” – leaving her “stuck”.

She slammed the scheme as a “disaster for all those in need of social rent family housing”.

She said the level of market housing will “starve us of a sense of community, it won’t build a new heart in Mortlake”

Local Alistair Johnston described the “community’s complete horror and devastation at the proposed loss of the brewery playing fields as part of the massive overdevelopment of this site”.

He said the playing fields provide two hectares of open space and would be redistributed under the scheme as “much smaller pieces of space”.

Una O’Brien, another local objector, said

the plans include “hardly any affordable homes, all overshadowed”.

She said: “We all want the site to be developed but not this scheme. The density and urbanisation are overbearing, placing all the harms on the surrounding neighbourhood, with no significant mitigation.”

She added: “This scheme does not add a new heart to Mortlake, more like a heart attack for local residents as they try to go about their daily lives.”

A council report said the “low level of affordable housing provision is due to economic viability” and the number “exceeds that which is deemed the maximum and viable quantum”.

A planning officer added review mechanisms would allow the council to increase the level of affordable housing if considered viable.

But Green councillor Niki Crookdake said the council had negotiated a “derisory deal with a very clever developer”. She raised concerns about the overall impact of the scheme on traffic with three other local developments, either approved or planned, “adding 3,000 homes and over 6,000 people to the area with low PTAL [Public Transport Accessibility Level] ratings”.

She added: “We should build a school last, not first, ensuring we can max out affordable housing and not waste millions of pounds of public funds if pupil numbers don’t materialise."

Guy Duckworth, on behalf of Reselton Properties Limited, said the mixed-use scheme includes a “reduction in height in

the sensitive areas around the site.”

He said Community Infrastructure Levy payments ranging from £48million to £66m would be made as part of the development, to upgrade infrastructure.

The scheme has “greatly improved environmental credentials”, he added, including being fully electric as all hot water and heating is provided by electronically-powered air source heat pumps.

He said there would be a net gain in biodiversity at the site, around 10 acres of public space and a new park, while sports facilities at the “much-needed” school could be used by the public outside of school hours and in the holidays.

Mr Duckworth argued the scheme “delivers for the local community”, with 80 per cent of its affordable housing at social rent and “optimised for family occupation”.

He said it would improve accessibility across Mortlake, along with pedestrian and cyclist safety at Mortlake Green, Sheen Lane and Clifford Avenue, and include measures to “improve the congested local road network”.

Murray Levinson, from architects Squire and Partners, said the scheme is “not fundamentally different to the one Richmond minded to grant in 2020″ and had been taken to the council’s design review panel twice “to gain their support for the massing and height”.

He described it as a “high-quality scheme that will provide a sense of place and a new heart to Mortlake” –with flats “grouped around a variety of

generous open space or new animated streets”.

Mark Tuffney, head teacher at Lowther Primary School, in Barnes, argued there is a “need for a secondary school”.

He said there are “specific pockets of the borough where children cannot get into a local state secondary school”, resulting in parents “leaving the area because… they’re worried” about the number of places.

But Green councillor Richard Bennett said he could not vote for the scheme. He said: “I’m not satisfied that we’ve got a good solution here in terms of height and density of buildings. I think there are enough harms for me to feel uneasy that they’re balanced by the public benefits.”

Other councillors criticised the plans but argued its harms would be outweighed by benefits.

Lib Dem councillor John Coombs raised concerns about the lack of affordable housing while many local families deal with “severe overcrowding”.

But he said the “clawbacks that we have going forward mean that we will most probably end up with more affordable housing”.

He argued the “benefits that we get outweigh the harms” due to planned mitigations.

Lib Dem councillor Martin Elengorn added the scheme would provide a “new centre for Mortlake” in place of a “derelict brewery”.

The committee approved both applications at the end of the meeting, which will now be referred to the Mayor.

CGI of the scheme for the old Stag Brewery site, Mortlake

Shops, cinema and school plus more than 1,000 homes - but only 65 are 'affordable'

khan to lobby starmer to scrap two-chilD benefit cap

By Noah Vickers

Local Democracy Reporter

sA diQ k h A n has weighed in on the row over Labour’s plan to keep the two-child benefit cap in place, if the party is elected into government.

The London mayor said that along with a number of other Labour MPs and mayors, he would be lobbying party leader Sir Keir Starmer to scrap the cap, which he argued is piling further pain on families struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Mr Khan was careful to avoid criticising Sir Keir however, saying that he “understands why” the party is not committing to removing the cap, given the state of the UK economy.

The cap, which came into force in 2017, restricts child tax credit and universal credit to the first two children in a family, with only a few exceptions.

The Child Poverty Action Group estimates removing the limit would cost £1.3bn a year but would lift 250,000 children out of poverty overnight.

Mr Khan said: “There are families with not just one or two children, but those in particular with more than two children, who are really struggling with the cost of living crisis.”

“The Government’s benefit changes are having an additional negative impact on those families just about keeping their head above water, relying upon food banks and the support of faith communities, City Hall and others, to survive. I think this policy should be changed.”

He added: “But I completely understand why we’re having this conversation. It’s a consequence of the Tories’ mismanagement of our economy.

“It’s a consequence of them messing up the Government’s finances, so I can understand why Keir Starmer and [shadow chancellor] Rachel Reeves can’t

met’s newly-unveileD improvement plan has been welcomeD by every political party at city hall

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter

t he met Police’s newly-unveiled improvement plan has been welcomed by every political party at city hall, with mayor sadiq Khan calling the scheme “an important step” on the met’s “road to reform”.

The troubled force has announced its ‘A New Met for London’ plan as it works to rebuild its reputation after a series of scandals and a savage review by Baroness Louise Casey that found it was racist, misogynist and homophobic.

The £366m, two-year plan on Tuesday won praise from Labour, Conservative, Green and Liberal Democrat politicians at City Hall.

The programme of reform includes an increased emphasis on neighbourhood policing, with each of London’s 32 boroughs set to have at least one front counter open 24 hours a day. Some 240 officers out of the Met’s total workforce of around 34,000 will be moved from central to local teams.

There are also plans to recruit 500 more community support officers (PCSOs) and an extra 565 people to work with teams investigating domestic abuse, sexual offences and child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who previously said there were hundreds of officers in the Met who should have been kicked off the force, said bosses are “sacking and suspending more officers than ever before”.

Mr Khan said: “The Commissioner has undertaken around 10,000 interactions with people within the police service, with partners, but also with communities, and come up with this new plan for London.

“It’s really important he’s using the additional resources we’ve given him to prioritise the things that matter to Londoners – so for example there’ll be more than 500 additional officers doing public protection work; for example, making sure there’s a presence in every single borough across our city.

“But also he has chosen to – I’ve not told him to – he has chosen to go across London. He was in Peckham last night,

to listen to Londoners, to understand the issues, and then respond.”

Asked whether two years was long enough to deliver the plan, the mayor said: “I think one of the reasons why two years is being used as a metric is because of the impatience, not just of me, but the Comissioner, to bring about change

“We’re not going to bring about change without bringing Londoners with us. I’ve been determined to shine a spotlight on the true extent of the performance and cultural problems within the police service.

“That pressure has led to a new commissioner, Dame Louise Casey’s report, and this new plan…

“But the police need to be given time. Some people criticise Sir Mark and me, saying two years is too long, others are saying, ‘Is two years enough?’ Let’s wait and see the progress we’ve made in two years.”

Green London Assembly Member (AM) Caroline Russell, who chairs City Hall’s police and crime committee, said:

“The plan shows that the Commissioner understands the scale of the culture shift

Green Party: Caroline Russell

needed, his commitment to repair the relationship with Londoners and also shows people how the Met is responding to the serious organisational issues raised by Baroness Casey.

“The committee is pleased the plan reflects the feedback we put to the

Commissioner in response to the draft Turnaround Plan, specifically around recruitment, collaboration with partners, strengthening neighbourhood resources and providing a better service to victims.”

Ms Russell said the committee “will continue to engage with the Met as it implements the plan”.

Conservative AM Susan Hall – who was today (Wednesday, July 19) announced as the party’s 2024 London mayoral candidate – also praised the plan.

She added: “It is absolutely essential that people have faith in their police force and that the institutional issues are rooted out, so that the many excellent police officers can continue their work.

“Londoners expect their mayor to take accountability for failings on their watch; Sadiq Khan has been London’s Police and Crime Commissioner for nearly eight years and is ultimately responsible for policing in London.

“He must focus his attention on making sure London is safe for all who live, work and visit here.”

And Liberal Democrat AM Caroline Pidgeon said the plans “represent a

Mayor Sadiq Khan, in an interview on Tuesday, July 18, with Noah Vickers from Local Democracy Reporting Service

There are families with not just one or two children, but those in particular with more than two children, who are really struggling with the cost of living crisis

automatically promise a reversal of this.

“It’s incredibly important to recognise that it’s possible to be in favour of changing this policy but also wanting to make sure that there’s money in the kitty to pay for this policy.”

Asked whether he will be telling Sir Keir for the change to be made, the mayor said:

“I’m quite clear that there are number of things that a new Labour government would want to do, which they will not be able to do because of the Tories’ mismanagement of the economy. All of us will have a list of priorities we’d like a new Labour government to do, and I’ll be lobbying the Labour team on this issue and a number of other issues, as I do all the time.”

Sir Keir told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg the policy would not change under a Labour government.

Although he did not give a reason during the interview, members of his shadow cabinet said it was because this would constitute an unfunded spending commitment.

susan hall tory canDiDate for mayor

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter

susAn hAll has been elected as the Conservatives’ candidate to run for mayor of london.

It was announced, on Wednesday morning, Ms Hall had defeated her rival Moz Hossain, winning 57 per cent of the vote, against his 43 per cent.

Ms Hall, who will go up against Labour mayor Sadiq Khan at the election in May 2024, said she was “absolutely delighted and so grateful” to have secured the nomination.

“This cannot be like any mayoral election we have run before,” she told an audience of Conservative activists at the Battle of Britain Bunker, in Uxbridge.

“It is not enough just to say things that appeal outside our core vote. We have to show that we share the values of everyday Londoners.

“Working hard to provide for your family, being honest about who you are and what you believe, acting selflessly in the interests of others.

“Those are my values. Those are Conservative values. And those are Londoners’ values.”

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, she said: “I will win this, I will definitely win this. I’m determined. Londoners deserve a lot better than they’ve got at the moment, and my goodness they’ll get it with me.”

Asked about the fact that Labour are about 20 points ahead nationally in the polls, she said: “I’m just concentrating on London.

“Sadiq Khan has been in charge now for seven years. He has let Londoners down very, very badly, and Londoners

know that. So I think London is slightly different.”

Ms Hall has said her “passion is policing”. She has pledged to invest £200m in the Met Police “to tackle the scourge of knives, modernise the police to use the latest artificial intelligence

and facial recognition technology, and work to dismantle the gangs and organised crime networks that ruin so many lives”. She has also said she will on “day one” scrap Mr Khan’s “disastrous” plan to expand the Ultra low emission zone

(Ulez), meaning that outer London would not be covered by the zone.

Ms Hall plans to abolish 20mph limits from the capital’s main roads, while retaining the limit in residential areas and around schools.

She has also pledged to “build a lot more homes in the right places” and says that she would move away from high rise tower blocks full of one and two-bedroom flats to “high density, low rise” family homes, promising residents their “own front door and patch of garden, even if it is just a postage stamp”

Mayor dismisses claims Ulez protest votes were central to Uxbridge by-election victory for Tories

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter

it’s around 90 per cent.

welcome shift in tone and focus, even if long overdue. In particular, the shift of resources towards the boroughs is something we have long campaigned in favour of”.

She added: “Central Government now needs to back the turnaround plan with funding, resources and staff; alongsid

sA diQ k h A n has vowed to press ahead with his expansion of the ultra low emission zone (ulez) on August 29, despite labour losing a crucial by-election in an area affected by the plan.

The mayor said he was “disappointed” by the result – which has been widely interpreted by many as a Ulez protest vote – but that extending the clean air zone London-wide continued to be “really important”.

“We know every day that there are people dying prematurely,” said Mr Khan.

“There are children with stunted lungs because of air pollution, adults with a whole load of health issues.

“So we’re going to carry on doing what we can to support Londoners [with the expansion].

“But the reality is that actually 95 per cent of Londoners who drive a car in inner London have a compliant vehicle. In outer London,

“Clearly, we need to make sure that more Londoners with noncompliant vehicles have the support they need.”

He said he would “carry on listening” to Londoners about the expansion.

Former prime minister Boris Johnson held the west London seat with a majority of 7,210 in 2019, but the Tories retained it by just 495 votes over Labour in Thursday’s vote, triggered by Mr Johnson’s resignation.

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner and frontbencher Steve Reed were among those blaming Ulez for the failure to take the west London constituency.

Asked on Friday morning whether Ulez was the main reason for Labour losing the by-election, the mayor said that was a question for “others who have had a chance to examine the results”.

Pressed for his own view, he pointed out that even in the 1997 Labour landslide, the party failed to gain Uxbridge, and “Ulez wasn’t

an issue [in 1997], the last time I checked”

But he added: “Ulez was clearly an issue. We can’t pretend Ulez wasn’t an issue in a seat in outer London.

“The point I’m making is actually, this seat has never been Labour during my lifetime, the context is very important…

“Of course, I’m very disappointed history wasn’t made last night. But we’re going to carry on listening to

people in outer London.”

He pointed to City Hall’s decision at the start of June to widen the eligibility criteria for the scrappage scheme, which meant all Londoners receiving child benefit could apply, as well as a larger number of businesses.

The widened criteria also mean London-based charities will be able to scrap or retrofit up to three vans or minibuses, instead of just one.

© Met Police

The Commissioner launching A New Met for London in Peckham

Susan Hall fields questions from the media after securing the Conservative London mayoral nomination.

Sadiq Khan gives his reaction to the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election result

She said she will on “day one” scrap Mr Khan’s “disastrous” plan to expand the Ultra low emission zones and promised residents their “own front door and patch of garden, even if it is just a postage stamp”.

Lib Dem: Caroline Pidgeon

what’s on

southwark artist moves overseas

An exhiBition of London-based art has been curated by robin footitt of the royal over-seas league to portray how the capital has evolved into a place of diverse communities, cultures and vibrant subcultures, and the resulting illustrated guide to London exhibition goes some way to show that, writes Michael Holland...

The artwork was hung over three floors in rather ornate surroundings at the ROSL’s clubhouse in St James’s. Inside you will sense decades of history and, perhaps, privilege, in a club whose mission is to foster ‘international friendship and understanding throughout the Commonwealth’.

I am not sure what the brief was for those artists selected to submit their art but very little stood out as depicting a multicultural London. In fact, quite a lot looked like it would be better suited on

tea towels tailored for tourists than on these sumptuous walls.

Nevertheless, the art that was truly worthy of the palatial backdrop - and the ROSL’s raison d’être - was given positions of power.

Rotherhithe’s Ed Gray has his two finelydetailed pieces placed on the landings of the grandiose stairs that everyone has to pass at least twice, whereas other offerings would be found elsewhere. This is the art world equivalent of Tescos top shelf and bottom, where positioning is paramount. And both paintings show the true diversity of our city, unlike most of the other exhibiting artists. His ‘Ode to Torsion (Huck Funt)’ was prone to causing logjams on the staircase. Gray’s depiction of the hustle and bustle of St Thomas’s Hospital is, however, much more than that, although the casual viewer may not pick up on the clues

that reveal it as a cry for help for our grossly underfunded NHS: the deflated 72nd Anniversary balloon; the lies of the Leave.EU campaign emblazoned on the infamous red bus; Big Ben wrapped up like the bandaged patients going in and out for treatment, and a Save our NHS T-shirt. Very few people are smiling in this damnation of our scandalous Government.

‘Everyone Loves the Sunshine’, on the other hand, pays homage to one of the few remaining London lidos at Parliament Hill Field. It gives praise to fresh air, to the rays of the sun, and to the thrill of cold water. When looking at this painting, you want to smile along with those enjoying life in it. The exhibition is free to the public and on until September 24th. Royal Over-Seas League, Over-Seas House, Park Place, St James's Street, London, SW1A 1LR. www.rosl.org.uk

London's crazy for ‘Crazy For You’

i Am crazy for ‘crazy for you’ because this revival was truly a wonder to watch. enthralling, energetic and heartwarming, writes Bella Christy...

31 years since its debut on a Broadway stage, ‘Crazy for You’ arrives in London to grace the West End. Helmed by the original Broadway choreographer Susan Stroman, she and her team showcase the acclaimed rendition that initially captivated audiences at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

At the heart of this narrative is a story about community. The people of a small town come together to revive their local theatre, supporting and teaching one another. It displays resilience and determination, and the power of the arts. Now, more than ever, this tale holds great relevance as we emerge out of a time of closed theatres and despairing artists. We can revel with the characters on stage in celebrating the return of our cherished industry: theatre.

The dancing, of course, was the main attraction. ‘Crazy for You’ is truly a dance musical, the choreography was embodied beautifully by the insanely talented ensemble and principles alike. Charlie

Stemp (Billy) and Carly Anderson (Polly) profess that this is the most challenging choreography they have ever done. It is easy to understand why, there is hardly a still moment as they seamlessly dance through a multitude of styles including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Ballroom - the list goes on with more styles than I can even identify.

My standout moment was ‘Shall We Dance?’, a duo between Billy and Polly in act one. Whilst the full production numbers were incredibly impressive, fast-paced and full of excitement, there was something about this slower, more intimate number that had me captivated. It was romantic, private and charming, and the moment we begin to see the central romance take off.

I enjoyed how the set became part of the movement and choreography. The rotating entrances smoothly transformed statues into dancers, and the use of steel slats added another texture to the tap routines. Trays were thrown, kicked, and danced upon, pick axes were used to swing the female dancers around, suitcases created different levels, and of course, the chairs. From school productions to local theatres and West End stages, you cannot escape a chair duo.

This one was particularly well crafted, as Charlie Stemp (Billy) and Tom Edden (Bela Zangler) portray drunkenness and heartbreak in a hilarious and poignant comedic sketch.

I did find the high-pitched squealing of the female ensemble in the first act slightly unendurable. Personally, I believe that it does not reflect the way women speak, and should not be a stereotype to continue in the 21st century. However, I must emphasise the presentation of the female leads was tremendous. They were wilful and headstrong, following their passions and hearts to weave a narrative where women ultimately played a pivotal role in saving the theatre and the town. I must give a shout-out to the audience, I don’t think I have experienced enthusiasm quite like it before. The laughter, applause and glee were rapturous, a standing ovation came after both the first act and finale. If that doesn’t tell you what you need to know, what else will? Get yourself to Gillian Lynne Theatre for an evening of wonder and awe.

Gillian Lynne Theatre, Drury Lane, WC2B 5PF until January 20th 2024. Tues-Sat 7.30pm; Wed & Sat matinees 2.30pm. Admission: £15 - £165. lwtheatres.co.uk

Photos by Conor Macarthy

Funeral Announcement Anniversary

In loving memory of a beloved Dad, Granddad and Great Granddad

Leonard William milton (len)

who passed away on Monday, 10th July, 2023, sadly missed.

Funeral on Thursday, 3rd August

Cars leaving Albins, Culling Road, at 1.00.p.m.

Funeral service at Honour Oak Crematorium, Brockley Way, SE4 2LJ at 1.45.p.m.

All �lowers to Albins, Culling Road

In 1993 you walked into my life and blessed me with a wonderful son, in 1994 you blessed me with a beautiful daughter in 1995 you blessed me with a beautiful daughter in 1998 you blessed me with a beautiful daughter in 2000 you became my beautiful wife, in 2004 you blessed me with a daughter in 2013 you blessed me with another beautiful daughter.

Heidi I love you with all my heart, body, mind and soul your the perfect mum and wife anyone could ask for, I love you, happy anniversary baby girl

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

(BORLAND ROAD, REYNOLDS ROAD, LYNDHURST GROVE, THURLAND ROAD, TOULON STREET, WESTCOTT ROAD, WESTON STREET, VARCOE ROAD, SHAD THAMES (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC)

1.The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable various works to be carried out, it made, an order, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named roads.

2.Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload at any time in:

(a) Borland Road, south side of carriageway, between Reynolds Road and Hichisson Road

(b) Reynolds Road, north bound lane of carriageway, between Cheltenham Road and Borland

(c) Lyndhurst Grove, between Lyndhurst Way and Vestry Road

(d) Thurland Road, between Dockley Road and Old Jamaica Road

(e) Toulon Street, at it’s junction with Wyndham Raod to No’s 98

(f) Westcott Road, at it’s junction with Chapter Road

(g) Weston Street, between Melior Street and St Thomas Street

(h) Varcoe Road,from outside No’s 74 to it’s junction with Bramcote Grove

(i) Shad Thames, between Gainsford Street and Maguire Street

3.The alternative route for affected traffic will be (2a) & (2b) Cheltenham Road, Hichisson Road (2c) Camberwell Grove, Peckham Road, Lyndhurst Way (2d) Dockley Road, Rouel Road, Enid Street, Abbey Street, Old Jamaica Road. (2e) not applicable (2f) Cooks Road, Kennington Park Place, De’Laune Street, Braganza Street. (2g) Borough High Street, Long Lane, Bermondsey Street, Tanner Street, Tower Bridge Road, Druid Street. (2h) Varcoe Road, Verney Road (2i) Maguire Street

4.The existing ‘one-way’ working in the following roads, will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes. Thurland Road, between Dockley Road to Old Jamaica Road and Jamaica Road, between Thurland Road to Marine Street for (2d)

5.The existing ‘one-way’ working in the following road, will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes. Chapter Road, between Westcott Road and Braganza Street for (2f)

6.The existing one way working in Shad Thames located between Gainsford Street and Maguire Street and the existing ‘one-way’ working in Maguire Street located between Shad Thames and Gainsford Street will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes for (2i)

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

8.The restrictions will not apply to any vehicle being used in connection with the said works, or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes or anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform.

9.The works will be in operation for (2a) & (2b) 7th – 13th August (2c) 7th – 11th August (2d) 7th August 2023 – 16th January 2024, the works will be carried out in phases. (2e) 7th – 11th August (2f) 7th – 18th August (2g) 5th – 6th with back up dates of the 12th – 13th August (2h) 4th – 23rd August (2i) 3rd August

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

Dated this 27th July 2023

Ian Law

Traffic Manager London Borough of Southwark

Network Management

Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth

160 Tooley Street

PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX

Ref: (2a) 6660/6340-06 & (2b) 6661/6340-07-re-ad’s- Thames (2c) 6563/50733230-conway (2d) 6657/BER4-THUR109-01-thames (2e) 6595/SLS00081030323-0045-thames (2f) 6545/0001075300000028-thames (2g) 6663/LBSCR13031-NTS-1-re-ad (2h) 6664/ 86913019-re-ad-thames (2i) 6665/roadclosureshad-re-ad

PUBLIC NOTICE – LICENSING APPLICATION

LICENSING ACT 2003

Take notice that on July 20th 2023, VISA Europe Limited applied for a Premises Licence pursuant to the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of VISA Europe, 1 Sheldon Square, London, W2 6PR, to permit the sale by retail of alcohol from 11.00 until 22.00 Monday to Friday.

THE PREMISES WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The application can be viewed in the Licensing Register at www.westminster.gov.uk/Licensing

Any interested party or responsible authority may make representations regarding this application in writing to: Licensing Service, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5QP stating the grounds for that representation to be received no later than August 17th 2023.

It is an offence, liable on conviction to an unlimited fine to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application.

DSW Group

Consultants to the licensed trade 0203 900 2510 admin@dswgroup.co.uk

-LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (MELIOR STREET, WESTON STREET, MELIOR PLACE, FENNING STREET (TEMPORARY WAITING AND LOADING RESTRICTIONS AND TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC)

1.The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that, because of development works, it made, an order, the effect of which would be to introduce various waiting and loading restrictions in part of the above named roads.

2.Whilst the restriction is in place, and whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to wait, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading at any time in:

(k) Melior Street - the existing ‘waiting restrictions’ (single yellow lines) will be converted to ‘at any time’ ‘waiting and loading’ restrictions (double yellow lines) located on the south west side from the junction with Fenning Street for a distance of 20m west

(l) Melior Street – the existing ‘waiting restrictions’ (single yellow lines) will be converted to a12m loading/unloading bay located on the south west side near No’s 14 loading will be 40 minutes, with no return within 2 hours

(m) Weston Street – the existing ‘waiting restrictions’ (single yellow lines) will be converted to ‘at any time’ ‘waiting and loading’ restrictions (double yellow lines) located on the south west side outside No’s 50 for a distance of 8m

(n) Melior Street - the existing ‘waiting restrictions’ (single yellow lines) will be converted to ‘at any time’ ‘waiting and loading’ restrictions (double yellow lines) located on the south west side outside No’s 14 to the junction with Weston Street.

(o) Weston Street – ‘disabled parking space’ 6m will be allocated from the end of the existing ‘paid by phone’ parking spaces located on the south east side between No’s 52/54

(p) Melior Place, ‘disabled parking space’ 6m will be allocated from the end of the existing ‘paid by phone’ parking spaces located on the north west side between No’s 1 and No’s 2 to 4

(q) Melior Street, closed at it’s junction with Weston Street

(r) Melior Street, closed between No’s 14 and Fenning Street (UKPN)

(s) Fenning Street, closed between Melior Street and St Thomas Street (UKPN)

(t) The alternative route will be indicated by the signs displayed for (2g) (2h) (2i)

3.Exemptions will be provided in the Order to permit reasonable access to premises, insofar as it is practical without interference with the execution of the said works.

4.The restrictions will not apply to any vehicle being used in connection with the said works, or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes or anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform.

5.The restriction will come into force on the (2a) – (2g) 13th July 2023 – 12th August 2024. (2h) 31st July – 6th August (2i) 6th – 14th August

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

Dated this 27th July 2023

Ian Law

Traffic Manager

London Borough of Southwark

Network Management

Traded Services

Environment and Leisure 160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

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

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

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

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

61 CALTON AVENUE LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE21 7DF (Ref: 23/AP/1984)

Proposal includes the raising of the existing outrigger roof by approx. 1050mm, to provide additional floorspace on the Second Floor. A new sash window matching the existing windows will replace the small existing window of the outrigger and two rooflights are added to the outrigger roof. The existing dormer on the rear elevation is proposed to be widened by approx. 700mm with two new sash windows to match the existing. The new dormer roof will be finished with roof tiles that will match the existing. The proposed works also include a new conservatory infill extension to the Ground Floor and the Crittall -type glazed conservatory extension will have a matching glazed roof to provide further sunlight into the Ground Floor space. The existing rooflight and double doors to the side of the proposed conservatory will be replaced with a Crittall-type rooflight and double doors, respectively, to match the proposed conservatory. (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA

(Contact: James Baddeley )

WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL TRAINING

COLLEGE CHAMPION PARK LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE5 8BQ (Ref: 23/AP/1989)

Installation of PV Arrays to the roofs of Houses

1 - 9. (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA

(Contact: Agneta Kabele 07548097486)

221 NEW KENT ROAD LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE1 4AD (Ref: 23/AP/1991)

Minor material amendment by variation of Conditions 1 (Approved Plans), 36 (Approved Building Height), 37 (Approved Quantum of Work/Maker Space) and 38 (Approved Number of Hotel Rooms) of planning permission

19/AP/5389, the development description for which was: "Demolition of existing warehouse building and erection of a part 3, part 6 and part 9 storey building providing 200 hotel rooms (Class C1) and 1,354sqm of work/maker space at ground floor (and mezzanine) (Flexible Class B1) as well as ancillary cafe/restaurant and bar facilities (Class A3/A4), along with associated landscaping, servicing yard and access works."

The amendments sought by this application are: - addition of a single-storey basement (the footprint of which would cover the majority of

the site) containing workspace, affordable workspace, plant and other back of house facilities; - reconfiguration of the consented ground floor layout, including an increase to the quantum of affordable workspace; - increase in the total hotel floorspace and number of bedrooms (200 as consented, 261 as proposed), with revisions to the layout including the provision of some bedrooms at Level 01 where under the consented scheme workspace was proposed; - increase to the consented height of the building by 0.8 metres; - external massing/envelope changes including increasing the consented building footprint at levels 03-08 on the western gable/flank, relocating the main entrance to a more central location on the New Kent Road frontage, and adjustments to the fenestration and other elevational features. Reason(s) for publicity: AFFECT MAJ (Contact: Patrick Cronin 020 7525 5535)

PALYN'S HOUSE AND BEESTON'S ANDREWES' 270-272 CONSORT ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK (Ref: 23/AP/1893)

Replacement of the Beeston's Bungalow windows with timber framed windows to the front and uPVC windows to the rear, and to replace the existing Palyn's Bungalow Windows with uPVC to the front and the rear (Within: Nunhead Green CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Michelle Meskell )

89 CASINO AVENUE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE24 9PJ (Ref: 23/AP/1997)

New Flush roof lights to front and rear elevation, replacement of existing windows and new doorway to rear elevation. (Within: Sunray Estate CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA

(Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876)

98 CASINO AVENUE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE24 9PL (Ref: 23/AP/1998)

Construction of a small ground floor rear extension along with the internal reconfiguration of the property and the creation of three new rooflights to the rear of the propertys roof. The application also seeks approval for the replacement of the existing black uPVC windows with white timber framed windows to help restore the original character of the property. (Within: Sunray Estate CA)

Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact:

Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876)

PAVEMENT OUTSIDE 147 PECKHAM HILL STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 5JZ (Ref: 23/AP/1880)

Advertisement for 2 x (back-to-back) digital LED displays. (Within: Rye Lane Peckham CA)

Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Sean Gomes 020 7525 0666)

304 COMMERCIAL WAY LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 1QN (Ref: 23/AP/1992)

Alterations to consented window openings on 3 elevations within the proposed extension (LBS ref: 22/AP/2081) . Reduction in overall window opening sizes and additional windows to the garden room. (Within: Kentish Drovers And Bird In Bush CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Catherine Jeater 020 7525 5375)

10 HIGHSHORE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 5AA (Ref: 23/AP/1987)

Listed Building Consent: The replacement of four non-original windows with replicas of the originals (Within: Holly Grove CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Sandy Ng )

10 HIGHSHORE ROAD LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE15 5AA (Ref: 23/AP/1986)

The replacement of four non-original windows with replicas of the originals (Within: Holly Grove CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876)

59 DENMARK HILL LONDON SOUTHWARK

SE5 8RS (Ref: 23/AP/1980)

Retention of an extraction flue and associated mechanisms on top of the existing mansard roof. (Within: Camberwell Green CA)

Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Imogen Copps )

10 GROVE PARK LONDON SOUTHWARK

SE5 8LR ( Ref: 23/AP/1983)

Demolition of existing single-storey rear extension and construction of a proposed new replacement rear extension, insertion of a proposed new ground floor side window (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Hajnalka Kurti 020 7525 3701)

10 GROVE PARK LONDON SOUTHWARK

SE5 8LR (Ref: 23/AP/1982)

External window replacement from existing single glazed timber framed windows to new double glazed timber framed windows and erection of new bin and bike enclosure to front garden. (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Hajnalka Kurti 020 7525 3701)

308 COMMERCIAL WAY LONDON

SOUTHWARK SE15 1QN (Ref: 23/AP/1911)

Construction of first floor rear extension on top of existing rear closet wing structure.Construction first floor rear extension on top of existing rear closet wing structure. (Within: Caroline Gardens Kentish Drovers And Bird In Bush CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Anna Poulose )

Dated: 25 Jul 2023 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date.

STEPHEN

PLATTS Director of Planning and Growth

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ST GEORGE’S WAY PERMANENT ROAD CLOSURE

The London Borough of Southwark (Prescribed routes) (St George’s Way) Traffic Order 202*

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

2. The effects of the Order, the intention of which is to continue the improvement of local air quality, promote sustainable travel (walking and cycling) and deter motor vehicle through traffic in the North Peckham area, would be:- in ST GEORGE’S WAY, to prohibit motor vehicles from entering into or proceeding in that part of St George’s Way which lies between the north-eastern kerb-line of Chandler Way and the western kerb-line of Bibury Close (at its westernmost junction with St George’s Way). The road closure would be operational ‘at any time’ and all days of the week. Exceptions to the restrictions described above would be provided for emergency services vehicles and for vehicles used for road maintenance or cleansing purposes. These restrictions would be indicated by traffic signs and physically enforced by ANPR cameras.

NOTE: This Order would supersede similar provisions at the above location implemented by way of an experimental Order made under section 9 of the 1984 Act (which would be revoked).

3. For more information please contact the Council's Highways team - Highways@southwark.gov.uk

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

5. Anyone wishing to object to or make any other representations regarding the proposals, may use the form labelled 'Parking - Road traffic and highway schemes - responding to statutory consultation notices' at www.southwark.gov.uk/statutoryconsultationnotices or send a statement in writing to: the Traffic Orders Officer, Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth, P.O. Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX or by e-mail to traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk quoting reference ‘TMO2324-005 St Georges Way permanent’ by 17 August 2023. Please note that if you wish to object to this proposal you must state the grounds on which your objection is made.

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

Dated 27 July 2023

Dale Foden - Head of Service, Highways

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK SCHOOL STREETS PROGRAMME: JAMES ALLEN'S GIRLS' SCHOOL

The London Borough of Southwark (Pedestrian and cycle zones) (James Allen's Girls' School) Traffic Order 202*

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

2. The effects of the Order would be to introduce a pedestrian and cycle zone in GREEN DALE, in the vicinity of James Allen’s Girls’ School. All motor vehicles except permit holders would be prohibited from entering or proceeding in the part of Green Dale from the north-western kerb-line of East Dulwich Grove north-westward for a distance of 115.5 metres (which includes the entirety of the north-east to south-west arm of Green Dale), between 8.00 am and 9.00 am and between 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm (Monday to Friday, during school term time, as determined by the James Allen’s Girls’ School).

Permits allowing vehicles to enter the ‘School Streets’ pedestrian and cycle zones would be available to residents of premises located within the zone, to registered carers or residents of premises located within the zone, to disabled person’s blue badge holders who are school staff, carers or dropping off and/or collecting pupils to the school and to SEND vehicles, by application to the Council. Exemptions would also apply in respect of emergency service vehicles.

This notice is being re-advertised to change the operating hours of the proposed ‘School Street’ described in item 2 preceding from ‘between 8.00 am and 8.45 am and between 3.15 pm and 4.00 pm (Monday to Friday, during school term time, as determined by the James Allen’s Girls’ School)’, as published under the notice title ‘School Streets Programme: Batch 4’ in the London Gazette and Southwark News on 15 December 2022. It is also no longer necessary to re-make an Order for the existing ‘School Streets’ pedestrian and cycle zone in Hillsboro Road in the vicinity of Alleyn’s Junior School to batch the operating hours of the ‘School Streets’, as the proposed operating times have now changed.

3. For more information contact Tobias Allen of the Council's Highways, Transport Projects teamHighways@southwark.gov.uk

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

5. Anyone wishing to object to or make any other representations regarding the proposals, may use the form labelled 'Parking - Road traffic and highway schemes - responding to statutory consultation notices' at www.southwark.gov.uk/statutoryconsultationnotices or send a statement in writing to: the Traffic Orders Officer, Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth, P.O. Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX or by e-mail to traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk quoting reference ‘TMO2324-006_SSP JAGS’ by 17 August 2023. Please note that if you wish to object to this proposal you must state the grounds on which your objection is made.

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

Dated 27 July 2023

Dale Foden - Head of Service, Highways

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK SCHOOL STREETS PROGRAMME: DULWICH WOOD AREA

The London Borough of Southwark (Pedestrian and cycle zones) (School Streets Dulwich Wood area)

Traffic Order 202*

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

2. The effects of the Order would be to introduce a ‘School Streets’ pedestrian and cycle zone in the entirety of BOWEN DRIVE, LYALL AVENUE, and SEELEY DRIVE in so much of the carriageway as is public highway, in the vicinity of Dulwich Wood Primary School and Dulwich Wood Nursery School. All motor vehicles, except permit holders, would be prohibited from entering or proceeding in the designated ‘School Streets’ pedestrian and cycle zone, as described above, between 8.00 am and 9.30 am and between 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm on Mondays to Fridays, during school term time (as determined by Dulwich Wood Primary School and Dulwich Wood Nursery School).

Permits allowing vehicles to enter the ‘School Streets’ pedestrian and cycle zone described above would be available to residents of premises located within the zone, to registered carers or residents of premises located within the zone, to disabled person’s blue badge holders who are school staff, carers or dropping off and/or collecting pupils to the school and to SEND vehicles, by application to the Council. Exemptions would also apply in respect of emergency service vehicles.

3. For more information contact Tobias Allen of the Council's Highways, Transport Projects teamHighways@southwark.gov.uk

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

5. Anyone wishing to object to or make any other representations regarding the proposals, may use the form labelled 'Parking - Road traffic and highway schemes - responding to statutory consultation notices' at www.southwark.gov.uk/statutoryconsultationnotices or send a statement in writing to: the Traffic Orders Officer, Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth Department, P.O. Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX or by e-mail to traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk quoting reference ‘TMO2223-007_SSP Dulwich Wood area’ by 17 August 2023. Please note that if you wish to object to this proposal you must state the grounds on which your objection is made.

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

Dated 27 July 2023

Dale Foden - Head of Service, Highways

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (RYE LANE, BAWDALE ROAD, EAST STREET, SYDENHAM HILL, WELSFORD STREET, SOUTHWARK BRIDGE ROAD CYCLE LANE

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC

1.The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable various works to be carried out, it intends, to make, an order, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named roads.

2.Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload at any time in:

(a) Rye Lane, between No’s 174 – 180

(b) Bawdale Road, between No’s 29 and 37

(c) East Street, between Walworth Place and King & Queen Street

(d) Sydenham Hill, between Crescent Wood Road (east) and Wavel Place

(e) Welsford Street, between Lynton Road and it’s blocked end

(f) Southwark Bridge Road, north bound cycle lane, between Sawyer Street/Lant Street to No’s 94

3.The alternative route for affected traffic will be (2a) Copeland Road, Clayton Road. Clayton Road, Consort Road, Heaton Road (2b) Lordship Lane, Hansler Road, Fellbrigg Road, Whateley Road, Lordship Lane (2c) Cadiz Street, Walworth Place, Bronti Close, Blackwood Street, East Street (2d) Westwood Hill, Kirkdale (2e) not applicable (2f) not applicable

4.The existing ‘one-way’ working in East Street, between Walworth Place and King and Queen Street will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes. (2c)

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

6.The restrictions will not apply to any vehicle being used in connection with the said works, or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes or anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform.

7.The works will be in operation for (2a) 13th August (2b) 14th August – 1st September (2c) 14th August and 30th October (2d) 14th – 23rd August (2e)14th August – 13th October (2f) 15th – 18th August

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

Dated this 27th July 2023

Ian Law

Traffic Manager

London Borough of Southwark

Network Management

Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth

160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX Ref: (2a) 6676/SA-358431/000/001re-ad (2b) 6556 00219442-00000005 (2c) 6677 LBSCR13045-3 (2d) 6569/ 95165124 (2e) 6499/BER8-WELS220-01 (2f) 00080874570-0090

Our weekly deadline is 4pm on Tuesday

SOUTH LONDONER MAKES HISTORY

By Sports Reporter

An AmBitous young boxer’s return to the ring has seen him take one of the sport’s most prestigious titles for the third time.

Worcester Park’s Ellis Trowbridge recently competed at Alexandra Palace in the Haringey Box Cup, known as one of the most important competitions in amateur boxing. And the reigning champion took the major title for the third year in a row – each time competing in a different category.

And now Ellis, a member of Team GB, has got his eye on the main prize –qualifying for the Olympic Games. Ellis was one of 400 boxers who took part in the competition, returning after injury had kept him out for the previous six months.

“The Haringey Box Cup is a massive event and it’s amazing to get to compete somewhere like Alexandra Palace,” Trowbridge said.

“At the same time it’s very unusual for someone to win in different weight categories, so what I’ve done in the last few years is a historical victory.”

Trowbridge has taken the title as a bantam weight, flyweight and light flyweight – highly unusual in the world of boxing.

Next September, Trowbridge will be fighting with Team GB at a venue to be decided as well as travelling to Azerbaijan to take part in the Under-22 European Games.

“That’s just one of the joys of boxing, the places that I get to visit,” Trowbridge said. “And the fact that I’m able to do something I really love and am so passionate about.

“Like any athlete, the Olympics is your goal so I’m now concentrating hard and working towards being in the best shape to try and qualify in March 2024.”

He added: “Boxing has done so much for me and I want to let other youngsters know how getting involved can make a real difference to their lives.”

Photo: Ellis Trowbridge enjoys his victory

First red-ball victory at Lord’s for 26 years

Jacks seals Derby win

By Ben Kosky

will JAcks struck a swift unbeaten 45 as surrey motored to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over neighbours middlesex inside an hour on the final morning last weekend.

The LV= Insurance County Championship front-runners needed only 11.1 overs to chase down a modest target of 78, completing their second derby success of the season and a first red-ball win at Lord’s for 26 years.

With rain forecast for later in the day, Surrey were keen to secure the result as quickly as possible after bowling their hosts out for 272, with seamer Sean Abbott returning figures of four for 60.

Middlesex, who remain second from bottom in Division One, have now lost four of their last five Championship fixtures.

Abbott took only two deliveries to finish off Middlesex’s second innings when play resumed, banging it in short to last man Tim Murtagh, who could only fend it off into the slip area and Dom Sibley took the catch.

That left Ethan Bamber stranded on a career-best 46 not out and Surrey with 78 to score – just five more than the target they chased to complete a nine-wicket victory against their neighbours at The Oval in May.

First-innings centurion Jamie Smith was promoted to begin the chase with Rory Burns, but he lasted just two balls on this occasion before clipping Tom Helm tamely into the hands of midwicket.

Helm picked up a second wicket, his eighth of the match, when Burns attempted a paddle from outside off stump that was neatly taken by Murtagh at long leg, but Jacks maintained momentum by clouting Bamber over the cover boundary.

Tom Latham also struck a maximum off Helm before hitting the winning runs off Mark Stoneman to finish unbeaten on 21.

“We were pretty clinical, I think, over three and a bit days. There are a few bits we could have tidied up on but, if you’d offered us that before the start of the game, we’d have taken it,” Burns said.

“Particularly after getting inserted on the first morning, to put up 433 as a batting group and then back that up by making them follow – and the way we went about it – I think it’s a big feather in our caps.

“I thought Jamie played beautifully [in the first innings] and Jordan [Clark] was in pretty good nick as well. The way he came in and played was excellent, to get ourselves up to that sort of total was brilliant.

“It’s a tough shift, any time you make someone follow on – I think we had about 150 [overs] in the dirt there, back to back. To take 20 wickets and keep being quite relentless over that period is a massive effort.

“Getting a wicket second ball is always handy. The weather probably had a part to play in our chase as well, we were looking to get it done as quickly as we could.

“The games come around thick and fast and [next opponents] Somerset are in a pretty good spot at the minute, they’re on a high. So hopefully we can go down there and put in another good performance.”

Middlesex acting captain Stoneman added: “There was a bit of tackiness in that surface and we thought, given the makeup of our attack, the best opportunity of winning the game was to put them in and try to take early wickets.

“Given the fact the groundsman cut all the grass off on the morning of day one, which was pretty disappointing, that negated any chance of home advantage. It became a

pretty neutral affair, so we were having to slug it out toe to toe with a very good side.

“If we get pitches and conditions a bit more conducive to the make-up of our attack, we make early inroads and challenge Surrey a little bit more.

“We missed an opportunity which would have had them 20 for two and could have made all the difference later in the day against the second new ball. Then they bowled pretty well with a couple of disappointing dismissals to knock us over and enforce the follow-on.

“It’s pretty clear we’re in an absolute scrap and every point is vital. With the quality in Division One, it’s an arm wrestle for three days and the team that cracks first ends up as the losing side.

“We’re showing a bit of fight, but coming up short more times than not and the results are going against us. Game awareness is probably where we’ve been a bit short, but we’ve got to keep fighting like hell.”

Surrey’s match at Somerset started Tuesday (July 25). Go to southlondon.co.uk for the report

Hamlet sign title-winning ‘good character’ Romain

By John Kelly

dulwich hAmlet have signed elliott romain from ebbsfleet united after a successful trial.

Romain played for manager Hakan Hayrettin and assistant Terry Harris previously, at Dagenham & Redbridge and Maidstone United Romain played a part in Ebbsfleet’s National League South title win last season, playing nine times. He also had loan spells at Eastbourne Borough and Hemel Hempstead Town.

Former Dartford forward Romain has scored 63 goals in 255 appearances in the National League and National

League South.

“I’ve known Hakan and Terry for a long time and I’m pleased to be playing for them again at Dulwich and working hard for them and scoring some goals,” Romain said.

“They’ve outlined the project and that we want to be fighting for immediate promotion, which appealed to me as a project. Right now there is no point discussing that as we need to go and get our heads down and perform on the pitch and get as many points as possible.

“I learned a lot at Ebbsfleet last season about the mentality needed to be part of a title-winning squad, even when not playing, watching players with EFL or National League experience helped me learn what was required to be

successful.

“It’ll be great working alongside Danny [Mills] and Adrian [Clifton], they’re so good in the air, which I am too, but I also have the pace to run in behind defenders and chase down balls and force defenders into mistakes.”

“Elliott has bags of experiences, he’s played for me and Terry at two different clubs. He will be an asset to us,” Hayrettin said.

“We are trying to make sure we surround ourselves with the right people, and he is one of them. He’s a good character with a good personality, which I am big on, he will be a great asset to this football club and I hope he can replicate what he's done at previous clubs.

Hayrettin added: “I first saw him at Eastbourne, and I brought him to Dagenham in the National League and he was good at that level, and he still possesses all those same attributes now. He’s a great acquisition to our squad without a shadow of a doubt.

“He adds a bit more pace to the frontline, he will work the channels for us and will constantly run. With Danny and Adrian acting more as target men, he will complement those two with what he brings to the table.”

Romain scored his first Hamlet goal last weekend in a 2-1 win against Erith & Belvedere. Anthony Jeffrey also scored his first goal for Dulwich.

The Hamlet host Millwall under-21s this Friday (July 28). Kick-off is 7.45pm.

Photo: Will Jacks struck an unbeaten 45 Credit: Mark Sandom

By John Kelly

fulhAm striker Aleksandar mitrovic was closing in on a move to the Saudi Pro League this week - with the Cottagers set to replace him with Wolverhampton wanderers centre-forward raul Jimenez.

Mitrovic, 28, is expected to move to Al-Hilal, who have already signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea and Rueben Neves from Wolves this summer, as well as Sergej MilinkovicSavic from Itlalian side Lazio. The club paid a combined £100million for the trio.

Serbia international Mitrovic scored fourteen goals in 24 Premier League appearances last season. His overall record for the Cottagers is 111 goals in 205 games since joining from Newcastle United initially on loan in January 2018 before a £22million transfer the following summer.

Mitrovic was banned for eight games last season for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh in Fulham’s FA Cup quarterfinal defeat to Manchester United.

The Saudi Pro League has raided the Premier League for a whole host of top stars this summer.

That provoked some controversial words from Fulham’s director of operations Tony Khan last week after another Saudi club, Al-Ahli, were linked with a £20million-a-season offer for Cottagers boss Marco Silva.

“It’s amazing and I think if you have enough money you can get away with anything, including murder, and try to sign up all the top players in the world,” Khan said.

“They've certainly approached a lot of great players, but we're committed to keeping our top stars.”

Fulham are in Philadelphia in the United States where Silva was asked about Mitrovic.

"It is not the ideal scenario, not because he received an offer. It is all the situation about himself," Silva said.

"As you know, he is not going to play [against Brentford in a friendly], he didn't play last Wednesday, he is not working properly with his teammates, and when I say it is not the ideal scenario, this is the situation.

mitro move leaves saur taste

Fulham target Wolves striker as replacement

"When it came out of my control as a manager, that is something that I would like to have a different scenario.

"I have spoken with Mitro already. He knows my opinion. I am here to give the best for my players, to protect them as I can. Sometimes you have individual decisions that it is for them to take."

Jimenez, 32, is expected to cost £5.5million. He has scored 57 goals in 166 appearances after one season

Veteran keeper makes QPR debut

By John Kelly

Queens PArk rangers boss gareth Ainsworth was pleased with his side’s display against Afc wimbledon last weekend - and said he learned plenty about his younger players in the second half of the 1-1 draw.

Lyndon Dykes gave the R’s the lead in the third minute at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, before Josh Neufville levelled against a much more inexperienced side in the second half.

"I’m really pleased with what I saw in the first half, we just lacked a killer touch a few times,” Ainsworth said. There was some really good play.

“We created lots of chances, we’ve got some fantastic forward players and when they’re on it you can see the way we’re going to try to play.

“It was just sticking it in the net, we created lots of opportunities in the first half, we just didn’t test their keeper enough.

on loan in the Midlands and then a £33million transfer from Benfica in the summer of 2019.

Jimenez sustained a fractured skull against Arsenal in November 2020 and has since scored six goals in 49 Premier League games.

Things are hotting up in the transfer market for Fulham, though not completely in ways that they would like.

London rivals West Ham United

want to sign midfielder Joao Palhinha, whom Fulham value at £60million.

Centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo is also expected to leave Craven Cottage with Fulham targeting his replacement.

Ajax defender Calvin Bassey is their preferred choice and they have also been linked with Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu.

Photo: Aleksandar Mitrovic is on the verge of leaving Action Plus

Jackson a happy man after he nics goal against seagulls

By John Kelly

nicolAs JAckson was “very happy” with his brilliant debut against Brighton & hove Albion last weekend - and outlined his ambition to do “amazing things” with Chelsea.

Despite only coming on in the 62nd minute against the Seagulls at at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in the United States, Jackson scored and got two assists in the Blues’ 4-3 win.

Senegal international Jackson, 22, joined Mauricio

Pochettino’s side from Villarreal this summer for a fee of around £30million. He came on for Christopher Nkunku, 25, another summer signing after Chelsea paid £52million to RB Leipzig for him.

Nkunku equalised in the nineteenth minute after Danny Welbeck’s thirteenth-minute opener for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

After Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke had been sent off in the 60th minute, Mykhailo Mudryk, Conor Gallagher and Jackson made it 4-1, before late goals from Joao Pedro and Denis Undav.

“I am very happy, I was telling it to my guys last week that I wanted to score so quick so I can get that rhythm, and it happened so I am very glad,” Jackson said.

“We won and that is the most important thing. I feel very happy with the team-mates and everybody so I am very glad.

“I don’t want to stop. We want to do amazing things in this club and it is just the beginning and we will see what happens.

“I like to link up and I have been learning to run the space so now I am very good at it. I am not perfect in everything

but I can do it all.

“[Pochettino] is a fantastic coach. I watched him for many years now and I know he is a massive coach. He is one of the best in the world so I am very happy to work with him, and I hope we do amazing things together.”

Meanwhile, Levi Colwill made his first start of preseason after he was given time off after he helped England win the Under-21 European Championships this summer.

Colwill, 20, played alongside Thiago Silva - who is eighteenand-half years his senioragainst the side he spent last

season on loan with.

Colwill earned praise from Pochettino after the game.

“Levi has had a few days [in training] and I think he is nearly fit,” Pochettino said.

“Of course, why we play with him is because we need to share minutes with different players, and I think he is in a good form.

“I am happy with him, his performance was good, better than what I expected because it is only the first game with us after the season with Brighton.

“I am so happy, he can be one of the greatest centre-backs in England.”

“But I’m pleased that the boys are taking on what we’re telling them. The Championship is going to be especially tough this year and we’ve got to make sure we’re more solid.”

Ainsworth made a host of substitutions in the second half. He added: ”The average age was probably 20 or 21 after 60 minutes.

"Seeing those boys come through from the Development Squad, getting minutes in the first team in front of our fans in a serious game can only be a good thing.

"Some of them are ready, others need more work and time. Just as much as I saw a lot of what I liked in the first half, I learned a lot about the boys in the second half as well.

"There are certain things we need to work on, but that’s what pre-season is all about."

Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, 36, made his debut after signing on a free transfer from Everton last week.

Ainsworth said: “He looked very assured, which is what you’d expect.

"That’s going to add to us being a solid team and having some exciting players going forward.

"There is some work to do still but I don’t think we’re as open as we were last year.

"I want us to be more solid and we’re probably a little bit thin on the ground defensively. We’re working hard in that respect.”

QPR have one more friends this Saturday at Oxford United before they kick off their Championship campaign against Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday, August 5.

Kevin Nisbet confident he can strike up deadly partnership with Tom Bradshaw

relationship goals

ExcLuSivE

By Kiro Evans

kevin nisBet believes he and tom Bradshaw could be a force to be reckoned with next season.

The pair will be among Millwall's senior strikers going into the new Championship season after the Scottish international arrived from Hibernian earlier this summer.

Fans will be hoping for goals in abundance from both forwards as the Lions look to finally accomplish their

mission of being promoted to the Premier League.

And Nisbet thinks their partnership could play a role in any future success.

He told our paper: "I've been in training with him. We looked good, we looked sharp. We're kind of similar in our runs as well so once we get to know each other's game I think we could be a good force going forward.

"I like to score goals, I like to link the play, I can hold it up, I can go in behind as well. I think I've got a wee bit of everything. But predominantly scoring goals."

Nisbet has already left a strong

impression on fans after convincing performances in the opening two preseason games in front of supporters.

The 26-year-old converted a penalty and looked lively in the first-half against Gillingham earlier this month.

He then netted a stunning hat-trick to steer Millwall to victory over Sutton United a few days later.

His third goal was an outstanding freekick from just outside the box which flew past Sutton keeper Steve Arnold and into the corner of the net.

But Nisbet admitted free-kicks are not even one of the things he particularly

focuses on.

When asked if he practised set-pieces often in training, he said: "Not really, to be honest. But as a striker you want to score goals, it's a free shot at goal for me, and I've been taking them quite well recently. So hopefully that continues."

It will be Nisbet's first season in English football after a career spent north of the border.

He broke into senior football at Partick Thistle in 2014 but spent most of his four years at the club away on loan.

Nisbet then spent a season with Raith Rovers and a year at Dunfermline before

his three seasons with Hibs. He scored 31 goals in 78 appearances at Easter Road and the forward said he expects the Championship to offer different challenges to the Scottish Premiership.

He added: "I think it will be a bit more physical. But I think it's quite probably fast-paced as well, like the SPL, so you won't have a lot of time on the ball.

"I'm hoping to score as many goals as I can until Christmas and then you take it from there. Take it game by game and score as many goals as I can and then see where we are."

Eagle chris feels home comforts New ball at Wimbledon

By John Kelly

crystAl PAlAce defender Chris richards says it’s “amazing” to be back on home ground as the eagles play two pre-season friendlies States-side over the next few days.

Roy Hodgson and his players and staff flew out to Chicago this week where they will face Colombian side Millonarios on Thursday (July 27). Palace then head to Detroit to play Sevilla from Spain on Monday (July 31).

Palace defeated Crawley Town and Watford in England before jetting across the pond.

Ten-cap United States International Richards, 23, who was born in Alabama, was buoyed to be homeward bound.

“Being able to play back home is always

amazing, whether it’s friends and family coming to see you, or just the chance to play back home. It’s always nice to hear people who sound like you! I’m really excited for it,” Richards said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing some fans and embracing the Midwest culture. I haven’t been out to Chicago and Detroit much, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Richards joined the Eagles in a £10million deal from Bayern Munich last summer and made nine Premier League appearances in 2022-23.

He is enjoying life in south London.

“It’s very much a family club, from the fans to the employees to the players as well. It really feels like home,” Richards said.

“[The fans] have made me feel welcome.

When they’ve seen me round the city or buying groceries or something, they stop

me and just say ‘hi’. It’s not pestering, they really just want to say ‘hi’ and wish me good luck. I’ve really enjoyed being here and playing for this club.”

Richards has a close pal not too far away in London.

He said: “I hang out a lot with Jedi [Antonee Robinson of Fulham] a lot actually. We have a really good relationship. Of course [I do] with the other [American] players [in the Premier League] as well, but Jedi it’s easier because he probably lives closest to me. We get together for dinner or I probably go over to his house. It just all depends. We see each other pretty often.

“Living away from home is never easy but to have people going through the same experience and also come from the same place as you do, it’s always nice to have that in common with somebody else.”

By John Kelly

Afc wimBledon have made midfielder James Ball their tenth signing of the summer.

Ball, 27, has joined on a free transfer from Rochdale, who were relegated to the National League last season.

Ball scored seven goals in 47 games after joining from Solihull Moors in January 2022.

Dons boss Johnnie Jackson is aiming to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion from League Two next season.

“Once I found out about the interest from Wimbledon I was really keen to get it done,” Ball said. .“It’s a club with a lot of history and when I played here last year, the fans were brilliant.

“Myself and Craig Cope have a good

relationship dating back to when we were at Solihull Moors. It felt like a good fit to come down here and continue that.

“Myself and the manager had a couple of calls and he expressed what he wants to see from the team. Everything he said fitted with my game and what I want to do this season.

“Moving forwards in terms of position has been a natural progression. I’ve become a goal-scoring midfielder over time and that’s what I pride myself on. I’m big, I’m physical and I like getting in the box.

“Historically the club has had some success and we want to make that happen again. I’ve been keeping track of the lads and how the squad has been shaping up. It’s a very good group.”

Scottish international Kevin Nisbet is ready for his first season in the championship © Brian Tonks

Southwark Sport SouthLondonWeekly.

wilf swaps palace for gala ball

New charlton owner methven makes vow

By Paul Green

chArlie methven says Charlton’s long-suffering fans can expect action rather than words after global football Partners finally completed their takeover of the club.

The Valley faithful have certainly been through the mill under various owners since their relegation from the Premier League in 2007, the latest being Dane Thomas Sandgaard.

His initial popularity quickly waned after ultimately failing to deliver success on the pitch, becoming just the latest in a long line of Charlton owners who have been unable to revive the club’s fortunes. But Methven, who is now one of seven GFP board members holding more than a five per cent stake in the League One side, knows supporters don’t want to hear about yet another false dawn. He said: “As an ownership group, my fellow shareholders and I are excited to begin this new chapter at Charlton whilst being respectful of the scale of the task that faces our management team in restoring the fortunes of this great club.

“Getting to this point has been a long road that has left Charlton’s loyal fans uncertain about the future direction of their club. We intend to bring that uncertainty to an end through actions rather than words or grand promises.

“However, we do want to place on record at this point that GFP’s ambition is to build a football club noted for its professionalism, integrity and intense focus on success.”

By John Kelly

the wilfried Zaha summer saga is finally over after the attacker joined galatasaray this week on a three-year deal.

The Turkish club confirmed the news on Monday after Zaha, 30, had interest from Saudi Arabia. Italian side Lazio were also linked with the forward.

Zaha, who was out of contract at Crystal Palace, has bagged a £2million signing-on fee and Galatasaray said he would receive £72,000 a week in wages (£3.75million per year).

Ivory Coast international Zaha made his debut for Palace against Cardiff City at Selhurst Park in March 2010 and finished on 458 appearances in all competitions, with 90 goals and 76 assists.

He had one period away from the club, with two different sides.

Zaha joined Manchester United for £10million in January 2013 and was loaned back to the Eagles for the remainder of that season.

Zaha was out of favour under United manager David Moyes and was loaned to Cardiff in January 2014.

Croydon-raised Zaha made only four appearances for United, two of them starts, and re-joined Palace on a permanent deal in February 2015.

Zaha will have the chance to play in the Champions League proper this season as Galatasaray face Lithuanian side Zalgiris in the second qualifying round of the competition.

Zaha posted his farewell to the club on his Instagram account.

“As I start a new chapter, I want to speak to you Palace fans who mean so

much to me,” he wrote.

“We have been through so much together, including ten years in the Prem. There are loads of amazing memories. I’m so proud to have played my part in getting us to the Prem and helping to keep us there.

“I’ve been wearing the Palace shirt since I was eight years old, it’s literally been my second skin and I always gave EVERYTHING when I wore it.

“I grew up two roads away from the bright lights and loud crowds of Selhurst Park, having no idea that I would be at the centre of it all one day.

“I want to thank [chairman] Steve Parish, all of my team-mates, coaches and the entire Palace fanbase for always believing in me and encouraging me to get to where I am today.

“From the bottom of my heart, I’m

forever grateful.”

Meanwhile, in another potential blow to Roy Hodgson’s attack, some big guns reportedly have Michael Olise in their sights.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City are being linked with a move for the 21-year-old winger.

France under-21 international Olise joined Palace from Reading for around £8million in the summer of 2021 and his creativity, including three assists in a 5-1 win against Leeds United last season, has caught the eye. He has six goals in 71 games for the Eagles.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is reshaping his Blues squad after a manic transfer splurge under his predecessors.

And Pep Guardiola’s City need a replacement as Riyad Mahrez is moving to Saudi club Al-Ahli.

The other members of the GFP board holding five per cent or more are Gabriel Brener, Joshua Friedman, Warren Rosenfeld, Singapore-based ACA Football Partners, Munir Javeri and Marc Boyan. Jim Rodwell becomes the senior management team’s managing director, Ed Warrick is the new group finance officer while Steve Sutherland, a key figure in the club’s 1990s Valley return and subsequent revival, is back in SE7 as interim commercial manager.

Former PFA chairman and Charlton player Paul Elliot and Addicks supporter Gavin Carter are poised to become non-executive board directors once the Football League give the green light. Mr Rodwell will also act as club board chairman this season.

Wilfried Zaha made 458 appearances for Crystal Palace and scored 90 goals