South London Weekly - June 2nd 2023

SouthLondonWeekly. sPort

Community matters

Former Millwall youngster and current Crystal Palace star in England squad

we're Biggin you For helP

Page 16

New building, new name, new chapter

Issue 1 ∙ 50p ∙ June 2 2023 www.southlondon.co.uk

Feature

what area oF south london has Families Flocking From the north?

See page 10

news

Police to Be inVestigated: taser Pointed at 90-year-old

Foal Farm animal rescue centre needs They also placed £25K for ambulance a spit hood on the to meet ULEZ rules elderly woman

See page 4

charterbermondsey.org.uk

2 NEWS

Parents are resorting to 'nanny-poaching'

Contents NEWS NEWS Pages 2-17 Pages 2-19

By Noah Vickers

Local Democracy Reporter Childcare in London is now in such short supply that parents are resorting to ‘nanny-poaching’ in school playgrounds, City Hall has been told.

OPINION Pages 18-19 Arts

Concerns over the high cost and low availability of childcare in the capital were discussed at a meeting of the London Assembly’s economy committee on Tuesday.

Pages Public25-27 notices Pages 23-26 SPORT SPORT Pages Pages 29-32 27-32

hello@cm-media.co.uk

We are a London Living Wage employer Do you have a story

for our news team?

Call 0207 231 5258 You can WhatsApp us on 07494 070 863.

we have regulated supply, we stop people building houses, that drives up the price – and so the response is to subsidise demand, by help-to-buy.

“In the same way, all the support goes into supporting with [childcare] costs, and not to increase availability.”

The committee is in the process of gathering evidence for a report on the issue, which will make recommendations for how the childcare system could be improved.

A Government spokesman said: “We are introducing the largest ever expansion of free childcare in England, worth up to an average of £6,500 per child per year for a working family.

“We recognise the cost pressures that childcare can create for parents, and lowincome families already qualify for 15 hours free childcare for two-year-olds, a year before all children become eligible for 15 hours at ages 3 and 4.

“We are also increasing the childcare costs that parents on universal credit can claim back by around 50 per cent, up to £950 a month for a single child and £1,629 for two children.”

we launched this collaboration and saved 85 days of disturbance and we will continue to work with the council to reduce the impact of roadworks on residents.”

The company said it had 200 repair teams

working across the region and 280 people working around the clock to detect leaks not yet showing above ground. It added it would spend £200million over the next three years replacing water mains.

Thames Water has been fined nearly 900 times by just one south London borough in the past five years alone

by Tara O'Connor

Contact us if you have a story on 07973175511 or email

Ms Brearley also warned of “childcare deserts” in some of the city’s most deprived areas.

“All of the schemes are very complicated, they’re very difficult to access,” she said.

“We know that there are childcare deserts in areas of deprivation, due to the underfunding of the 3-4 year-old entitlement.

“Areas of deprivation are more reliant on those funded schemes, which are underfunded, and so they make those providers not sustainable.”

Iain Mansfield, director of research at Policy Exchange – a conservative think tank – told the committee: “In the last ten years, almost half of childminders have left the profession.

“In London, we know from a 2018 study for the GLA [Greater London Authority] that 30 per cent had quit in the previous nine years, and we know that more will have quit over the period of the pandemic.

“This matters. This matters because reducing supply drives up costs.”

Mr Mansfield, who previously served as an advisor to former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, added: “The best comparison here is with the housing market, in that

Local Democracy Reporter Thames Water has been fined nearly 900 times in the past five years by Croydon Council for delays to repairs, leading to traffic jams in the borough.

The 890 fines issued to the company between April 2018 and May 2023 totalled £936,175, an average of 15 a month.

The data was put together by the Green Party and the results so far put Croydon as the worst-affected borough in London. Councils are able to hand out fines to utility companies for “unreasonably prolonged or missed managed works”.

Croydon Green Party Councillor, Esther Sutton said: “We’ve all heard about the privatised water companies dumping sewage in our rivers and oceans. But even in land-locked Croydon, they are still making our lives miserable.

“Traffic jams in Croydon are bad enough

SouthLondonWeekly.

Community matters

Editor: Kevin Quinn Reporters: Herbie Russell; Isabel Ramirez Sports Editor: John Kelly Sports reporter: Alex Jones Arts Correspondent: Michael Holland Digital Transformation Editor: Katherine Johnston Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips Advertising: Clarry Frewin, Sophie Ali Design: Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758 Subscriptions/Announcements: Katie Boyd Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn Published weekly at: Community Matters Media Ltd, Unit A202, The Biscuit Factory, Drummond Road, Bermondsey, London SE16 4DG. News and Sport: 020 7231 5258 Advertising: 0020 7232 1639 News/Advertising: hello@cm-media.co.uk Finance: em@cm-media.co.uk Printed by Iliffe Print. Tel: 01223 656500 www.iliffeprint.co.uk

normally but they are being made even worse by roadworks constantly springing up all over the town – often in the same place over and over again.

“These figures also show that issuing fines isn’t making any difference. We know private water companies will just pass the cost of these fines onto us in our bills.”

She added that the party was calling for Thames Water to be run as a “public service” rather than a private company.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We’d like to reassure customers in Croydon that we will always work as quickly and safely as possible to minimise disruption from our roadworks to their everyday lives.

“We’d also like to apologise to local residents and businesses who have been impacted by leaks or blockages over recent years.

“As part of our collaborative schemes, we have worked with Croydon Council to try and minimise disruption. In the summer of 2019,

The South London Weekly is an independent SouthLondonWeekly. newspaper covering all of south London and beyond SPORT

Community matters

Former Millwall youngster and current Crystal Palace star in England squad

WE'RE BIGGIN YOU FOR HELP

Page 16

New building, new name, new chapter

Issue 1 ∙ 50p ∙ June 2 2023 www.southlondon.co.uk

FEATURE

WHAT AREA OF SOUTH LONDON HAS FAMILIES FLOCKING FROM THE NORTH? See page 10

NEWS

POLICE TO BE INVESTIGATED:

Foal Farm animal TASER POINTED rescue centre needs AT 90-YEAR-OLD also placed £25K for ambulance They a spit hood on the to meet ULEZ rules elderly woman See page 4

charterbermondsey.org.uk

Community Matters Media has been running independent newspapers since 1987, and now boasts the weeklies: South London Weekly, Southwark News and Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender, as well as the lifestyle magazines The South Londoner and Bermondsey Biscuit & Rotherhithe Docker.

You can view all our content on www.southlondon.co.uk and sign up to newsletters to stay informed about news, lifestyle & events, people, sport and history.

We believe in community and in balanced, independent and responsible journalism. As a south London business, we also work to support fellow local businesses.

A dedicated team of staff work tirelessly to cover as much of what is going on as possible and strive to ensure that community-led, independent newspapers can survive and excel in a market dominated by national and multinational media groups.

Community Matters Media Ltd is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact 0207 231 5258.

If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk

© Rawpixel

Classified Classified & Page 24 Family announcements Page 22 Public notices

© Creative Commons

Page Arts20-21 Page 21

last week.

Joeli Brearley, founder and CEO of the charity Pregnant Then Screwed, said: “We’ve found that the really key issue in London is availability, compared to the rest of the UK. “London parents find it very difficult to find any childcare. We’ve heard stories from London parents saying that in the playground, people are trying to poach nannies from other parents, because they’re so desperate for any form of childcare.”

dog Bless you!

EXCLUSIVE

By Herbie Russell doGs CravinG enlightenment will receive sacred blessings at the Jamyang Buddhist Centre open day in Kennington.

Pooches, who many Buddhists believe can suffer spiritually, will be read mantras and shown images of Buddha on Sunday, June 11.

The practice comes from the belief that animals are sentient beings capable of suffering as much as humans.

Freddie Jenkins, Gateway Education Coordinator at the Jamayang Centre, said: “It’s quite a traditional thing - especially in our lineage”.

He said Kyabie Lama Zopa Rinochie, the group's late spiritual leader and a lama at the Gelug school, was a personal advocate of the practice.

“He would bless animals at every opportunity. We’d go to an event and he'd spend more time with the dog,” he said.

The centre is conducting the blessings as part of its open day which aims to introduce more local people to the organisation.

Asked how easily distracted dogs can be persuaded to engage in divine contemplation, Freddie said: “Treats help.

It’s best to have a dog biscuit in hand while saying the mantra so the dog is alert and is hearing the mantra.

“They probably can’t understand what’s happening but it’s hopefully going in in one or another shape or form.”

There will also be film screenings, tours, a climate crisis talk and a ‘How to Meditate Session’.

Writer and journalist Vicki Mackenzie

will also give a talk about influential Buddhist women, such as Tenzin Palmo.

Tenzin, a British-born Buddhist, famously spent twelve years living in a

remote Himalayan cave, with three of those years spent in a strict meditation retreat.

The Jamayang Buddhist Centre follows the Gelug school of thought - which places

great emphasis on study as a way of improving well-being.

It was founded in Finsbury Park in 1978 and has been at the Old Courthouse in Kennington since 1995.

ALL All photos are of our classes

NEWS 3

The open day is at the Jamyang Buddhist Centre, The Old Courthouse, 43 Renfrew Rd, SE11, from 10am to 4.30pm, with dog blessings taking place from 2pm to 2.30pm.

DAY, EVENING AND WEEKEND COURSES

Develop your creativity or gain the skills you need for work and further education.

Find out about the wide range of classroom based and online courses at: www.lewisham.gov.uk/adultlearning Adult Learning Lewisham ALL TOGETHER WE FLOURISH

4 NEWS Coral with her great grandchildren Evie and Teddy

FUNERAL OF MUCH-LOVED BERMONDSEY CAMPAIGNER

By Kevin Quinn The funeral of much-loved community campaigner Coral Newell will take place later this month, on Thursday, June 15.

Battle-hardened activist Coral, who served the communities of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe for over half a century, sadly passed away last month.

The 87-year-old’s sudden death will be felt by many of area’s veteran political figures and the countless families she has helped, in what was a life-long mission for the Rotherhitheborn campaigner.

A Labour stalwart, the former councillor - who headed up the Beormund Community Centre until its closure just after the pandemic, died unexpectedly in her flat on the Southwark Park Road Estate.

She is equally well-known for setting up an annual Christmas Day dinner for the area’s lonely pensioners, which she did for over 40 years.

The funeral will leave F.A. Albin's funeral home at 12noon, before making its way to St Mary’s Church in Rotherhithe for a service at 1pm and then on to Honor Oak Crematorium for 2.30pm.

'High-ranking' policeman sacked for allegedly taking illegal drugs after investigators searched his home

By Herbie Russell A “high-ranking” southeast London police officer, who allegedly bought and took illegal substances, and 'attended drugfuelled gatherings', has been sacked.

When police searched Detective Inspector Warren Arter’s home in 2018, they reportedly discovered drug paraphernalia like 'metal straws and mini scales'.

The officer, who was attached to South East Command covering Lewisham, Greenwich and Bexley, was dismissed and banned from policing on Wednesday, May 24, following a threeday misconduct hearing.

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) spokesperson said there was “no place… for officers who do not respect and adhere to the laws they are expected to uphold”.

DI Arter was first arrested by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in December 2016.

Officers seized his mobile phone and iPad and allegedly found evidence, in the form of images and text messages, of him possessing drugs.

The Met Police said Arter was suspended from the force in 2017. An IOPC investigation began in 2018.

In October 2018, the IOPC searched Arter’s home and allegedly seized metal straws and mini scales bearing traces of cocaine.

They are also said to have found a grip seal bag containing traces of MDMA. The Met said DI Arter was taken into

custody, where he tested positive for cocaine, and was interviewed under caution.

He declined to answer any questions during the interview.

In June 2020, the IOPC advised that DI Arter face a hearing over alleged gross misconduct.

The case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service which decided 'not to authorise charges'.

During the misconduct hearing, the panel heard evidence that Arter purchased and consumed controlled drugs.

He was also accused of failing to intervene when attending gatherings where drugs were openly consumed.

The panel also heard he did not take action when he was aware a man he knew was providing drugs to a woman in exchange for sex.

It decided that DI Arter was guilty of gross misconduct and had breached police standards.

This paper asked why the misconduct hearing only concluded in 2023 some five years after Arter’s alleged misconduct.

A Met Police spokesperson confirmed there had been a delay but said it could not elaborate why because it was “personal info”.

IOPC Regional Director Mel Palmer said: “There can be no place in policing for officers who do not respect and adhere to the laws they are expected to uphold.

“It is right this officer has been placed on the College of Policing barred list, meaning he cannot work in policing.”

Police pointed a Taser at a 90-year-old woman and put a spit hood on her head in Peckham

By Herbie Russell

A 90-year-old woman was handcuffed, made to wear a spit hood and had a Taser pointed at her during a “distressing” police encounter in Peckham.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the incident - which allegedly left the woman with “cuts and bruises”.

A Met Police officer has been suspended and has lost his right to use a Taser. Five other officers have been placed on restricted duties, meaning they don't interact with the public.

The woman was never arrested and was taken to King’s College Hospital.

MP for Camberwell and Peckham Harriet Harman, who has been working with the woman’s family, said the incident was “worrying”.

She has called for police to stop using Tasers on the elderly.

Southwark Police Commander Seb Adjei-Addoh said there were “questions that need to be answered”.

According to the Met Police, officers were called to an address following reports of a disturbance between a woman and her carer on Tuesday, May

9.

A police spokesperson said: “Officers attended and identified a 90-year-old lady who was distressed.

“After officers attempted to engage with her, she was restrained using handcuffs and a spit hood applied after it was alleged one officer was spat at.

“During the course of the incident, an officer issued a red-dot challenge with their Taser but did not discharge it.”

The IOPC began its investigation on May 17. It has received a complaint from a member of the public about “the level of force” used and injuries the woman reportedly sustained to her wrists and arm.

MP Harman said: “When Tasers were first introduced I don’t think any of us thought that they would be used on elderly women suffering from dementia. And I think what we need now is proper guidance on not using Tasers on the elderly."

The MP highlighted a recent case in Australia where a 95-year-old woman died after being Tasered at a care home.

The spit hood placed on the woman in Peckham has also caused some consternation.

The hoods are mesh breathable sacks

placed on people to prevent them from biting or spitting.

Not all police forces use them and campaign group Liberty has previously described them as “cruel and degrading”.

Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, who is in charge of policing in Southwark, said: “There are limits to what I am able to say in relation to this incident given it is now subject to an IOPC investigation, however it is clear that this will have been a distressing experience for the lady involved and that the circumstances raise a number of questions that need to be answered.

“While I do not wish to pre-judge this process, officers know that they must be able to justify any use of force or restraint and we will expect that of the officers involved in this incident.

They also know that we expect them to show compassion and to adjust their approach in real time according to the circumstances they are faced with.

“I am committed to transparency in relation to this incident. I am already in contact with our key partners and will keep them, and those directly involved, informed as our enquiries progress.”

Traffic chaos on Southwark Park Road following the incident

Man arrested after reports of broken bottle attack on woman with her child in Bermondsey

By Herbie Russell Police have arrested a man suspected of attacking a woman with a broken bottle, and threatening a child, on Southwark Park Road.

Officers were called to the road, otherwise known as The Blue, at 6.48pm on Wednesday, May 24.

They found the suspect, aged in his twenties, who had been detained by members of the public, and arrested him on suspicion of grievous bodily

harm (GBH). He was taken to hospital as a precaution.

The woman, aged in her twenties, was also taken to hospital. Police said her injuries were considered non life-threatening and the child did not sustain any physical injuries.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "Police were called at 18:48hrs to Southwark Park Road after a man was alleged to have attacked a woman with a broken bottle and threatened a child.

"Officers responded immediately and arrested a man, aged in his 20s, who

had been detained by members of the public.

"He was arrested on suspicion of GBH. He was taken to hospital as a precaution.

"The woman, aged in her 20s, was taken to hospital. Her injuries are not life-threatening. The child did not sustain any physical injuries.

"An investigation to establish what happened is now ongoing."

Anyone who can help police with their enquiries should call 101 ref CAD 6726/24 May.

Neighbourhood Dance Classes at Central Executive Director: Mark Osterfield Artistic Director: Kate Coyne Central School of Ballet is a Registered Charity No. 285398 and Company Registered in England and Wales with Company No. 1657717.

Come together, try something new, and engage in the joys of dance at Central. Beginners Ballet and Contemporary African Dance classes for adults take place every Thursday and Friday beginning Thursday 15 June for £12.

Neighbourhood Classes ad.indd 1

Classes are available for £6 for Southwark and Lambeth residents* using the code CSBnh23 centralschoolofballet.co.uk/ adult-dance-classes/ *Proof of address required

Advertorial

30/05/2023 11:26:58

Challenges Immigration Lawyers face with the continued changes

With UK Immigration Rule changes being constantly under review, at ICS Legal we have seen our clients’ facing issues over the last decade.

Start Up Visa where candidates can seek to

requirements, the Government has sprung

Under this route, an individual who has studied at a highly trusted institution can enter the UK for a visa for up to 2 Years.

Now with the upcoming change of placing further restrictions for Student dependents to enter the UK. The Home Office is seeking to reduce net migration over the next Government term. For us we believe this is for the Conservative party to score political points.

Based on the last Business Connect Conference with Rishi Sunak outlined that this is a scheme that plans to attract bright individuals to reside in the UK. How to plan forward on immigration visas

In 2022 the BBC reported net migration at 606,000. Based on this Suella Braverman stated in October 2022 to work on reducing net migration to tens of thousands.

We believe this will impact nationals from overseas deciding on whether they may seek to study in the UK, especially where there will be restrictions on Dependent Partners and Children.

Immigration visa categories, growing our economy Helping our clients, whether you are an individual, entrepreneur or an enterprise, ICS Legal are able to navigate you around the complex immigration visa programs.

Complete an immigration visa form on https://icslegal.com/uk-visa-assessment.php.

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

At ICS Legal, we see the continued struggles internationals face when considering relocating to the UK. The United Kingdom focuses migration on highly talented nationals with immigration categories. gain an endorsement that will allow to then obtain leave to set up a business in the UK.

to increase workers in this area to maintain demand.

UK Expansion Worker

However, the Home Office is clamping down on UK Sponsor License holders that are not issuing genuine job vacancies.

This has replaced the Sole Representative Visa, where an international business can seek to register and set up a branch in the UK. Find more details at https://icslegal.com/ Global-Business-Mobility-Visas.php.

Innovator Founder

Health and Care Work Visa

This is the new route that seeks to replace the

Due to the NHS and Care Sector

India Young Professionals Scheme This is a scheme identical to the Youth Mobility Scheme, this is to allow Indian nationals to enter the UK. Note with this scheme an applicant is required be selected via the ballot scheme.

The UK is a key destination for nationals globally when considering to planning to build a business or residency in the long term. Note settlements are usually allowed based on 5- or 10-Year periods of lawful residence.

We believe you have to maintain an action plan when intending to invest your time and money in the UK. Speak to one of our UK Lawyers and get advice on how you can relocate to the UK. Speak to us on 0207 237 3388, and more details about us can be found on www.icslegal.com.

6 NEWS

First look at South London's huge new village opening in Tooting Springfield Village will officially open to the public on July 5 as part of national celebrations to mark 75 years of the NHS

Inside the new remodelled hospital building

The new Trinity building opened to patients last December

The biggest part of the 32-acre park at Springfield Village will open this summer

© South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust

Springfield Village

By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter Pictures have revealed what a new village in south London will look like after it was dubbed the ‘largest urban development’ to open in the capital since the Olympic Games in 2012.

Springfield Village, in Tooting, will officially open to the public on July 5 as part of national celebrations to mark 75 years of the NHS, after a hospital site was revamped, with hundreds of homes set to be built in the next three years.

The £150million revamp of Springfield University Hospital, with two new mental health facilities, is at the centre of the scheme from South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust.

The Trinity building opened to patients in December 2022, with

Shaftesbury set to open later this year.

The village will also include a new 32-acre park, shops, cafés, a care home, land for a school and more than 800 homes by 2026.

The park is opening to the public in two stages and will include a pavilion café, amphitheatre, youth shelter, play areas and a sensory garden. The biggest part of the park will open this summer, with the remaining area scheduled to open in autumn next year.

Some new homes have already been built in the village, with a total of 839 approved and works planned up to 2026. Plans for 449 more homes to be built on remaining plots of land are being considered by Wandsworth Council and would take the total up to 1,288 if approved.

The trust said the village was the “largest urban development in London since the 2012 Olympics and

has been designed in collaboration with staff, patients and local people over a number of years to break down barriers and open up the Springfield site for the benefit of the community”.

The overall scheme is being led by developer STEP with the trust and other partners including Barratt London, London Square, Sir Robert McAlpine, Lawrence Baker and City & Country. It forms part of the trust’s aim to transform mental health services in south west London, including the planned revamp of Tolworth Hospital in Kingston and Barnes Hospital in Richmond.

Leaders from six national mental health charities visited Springfield Village on May 16 to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2023.

Vanessa Ford, chief executive of the trust, said: “We are extremely proud of everything we have achieved with our partners in creating Springfield

Village. Bringing our services closer to the people we serve symbolises just how far we have come as a society in changing attitudes and breaking the enduring stigma around mental illness.

“That is in large part thanks to the dedicated campaigning and advocacy work of these fantastic organisations over a number of years. We still have a way to go and it is so important we work across organisational and societal boundaries to build on this momentum.

“Springfield is just the start of our journey to transform local mental health services. We are excited to bring forward further investments this year, as we enhance and expand community mental health services and redevelop Barnes and Tolworth Hospitals.”

Mark Winstanley, chief executive of charity Rethink Mental Illness,

added: “People who need mental health inpatient treatment have traditionally been isolated from the local community in outdated hospitals which aren’t designed to meet their needs. Springfield Village has been built with the input of people experiencing severe mental illness and has the potential to break the mould.

“It’s also really encouraging to see plans to integrate the hospital into the local community, which will help efforts to break down stigma that still has a tangible impact on people’s lives.

“We welcome the investment and careful consideration that has gone into ensuring people feel as comfortable and safe as possible during their treatment, and we await feedback from people who use this service as it could provide a blueprint for other plans in development across the country.”

Our new Charter, Your next chapter We are delighted to announce that Compass School Southwark has joined the Charter Schools Educational Trust.

The Charter Trust is home to seven Good and Outstanding schools including The Charter School North Dulwich, The Charter School East Dulwich & Charles Dickens Primary School.

Through our schools, nurseries and sixth forms, our work improves all children and young people’s lives, now and in the long term.

We are committed to doing our part to build thriving communities in Southwark and Lambeth.

Sign up for news updates including admissions and open events charterbermondsey.org.uk

8 NEWS

Amber Rose Gill in new south London show

By Isabel Ramirez

TV personality and Love Island winner Amber Rose Gill will appear in a new show that gives three south London restaurants the chance to win £10,000.

Big Money Munch is the UK's first African & Caribbean cooking competition, where restaurateurs show off their culinary skills and go head to head to win a prize fund.

The purpose of the four-part series is to shine a light on the diversity of black cultures up and down the country, whilst uncovering some hidden gems.

In each episode, radio DJ and presenter Sian Anderson invites a celebrity friend out for dinner - with a twist.

Hopping on the Big Money Munch bus, Sian and her guest go out for three meals, each one taking them into a different black-owned eatery across one city, before deciding which one is awarded the £10k prize.

The first two episodes saw the bus go to Leeds and Bristol, before arriving in London for this week's, featuring TV personality and winner of Love Island season 5 Amber Rose Gill.

They visited three Caribbean restaurants, all in south London namely Tribe in Streatham, East of Eden in Brixton and The Guava Kitchen in Forest Hill.

Amber told us why she got involved:

Amber Rose Gill (far left ) with contestants in the show and Radio DJ and presenter Sian Anderson (pictured in the pink jumper) "Doing this job I always want to push people forward who might otherwise be overlooked.

"I love that it's helping to promote black-owned businesses.

"The money could really help someone out and even if they don't win, hopefully, the exposure from the show will generate interest in these restaurants."

She added that it was great to venture into the cuisine of the area. "Where I live in London, there aren't many Caribbean

restaurants. And I'm a pescatarian so even though I'm Caribbean myself I don't actually eat a lot of the food as it's usually focused around meat.

Luckily for her, the restaurants were vegan. "You don't usually associate Caribbean food with veganism but it really works."

The owner of one of the restaurants featured told us she thought it was a 'hoax' at first.

Jenny Campbell, who runs The Guava Kitchen said: "They messaged me on

Instagram asking if I'd be a part of the show - I thought it was a hoax."

"I just thought it was just going to be an interview. It was nerve-wracking when I realised what it really was.

On the £10k prize, she said if she won the money would go towards trying to get more customers, as like many food businesses, the cost-of-living crisis has had a strain on their business. "There's a lot more competition in terms of getting people in - and because we're a vegan restaurant as well, it's a struggle.

Damp Proofing and Mould Inspection

"So whatever happens - just being a part of it was an amazing opportunity.

It's not all about the cash - it will open a lot of doors."

Durvayne Denis, owner of Tribe in Streatham, said winning wasn't about the money but that they enjoyed the food. "I'm used to cooking for people so I didn't feel the pressure but I haven't seen their reaction to my food yet," he said.

To see what went down, catch the episode online on Channel 5 online.

SPRING SALE 50% OFF Most beds can be delivered next day. Single, Double and Kingsize mattresses in Stock.

100s of models to choose from.

MAXI ROYAL DOUBLE DIVAN

PRICE: £199.99

SALE

4’6 MONACO PLUSH BEDFRAME

Normally £400

PRICE: £299.99

SALE

Norma0lly £60

4’6 JERSEY METAL FRAME

SALE

PRICE:

£199.99

TOPAZ ORTHO DOUBLE DIVAN

SALE

PRICE:

£269.99

Normally £540

4’6 HONEY WOODEN MISSION FRAME

Normally £400

SALE

PRICE:

WHITE TRIPLE MISSION BUNKBED

£189.99

Normally £380

SINGLE METAL BUNKBED

3+2 JERRY BLACK SOFA SET SALE

PRICE:

£369.99

Normally £740

4’6 MEMORY ORTHO DIVAN SET

PRICE: £650.00

SALE

4’6 HOLLYWOOD STORAGE BEDFRAME

Normall0y £120

SALE

PRICE:

£269.99

Normally £540

4’6 CROWN DIVAN SET

ally

m SALE SALE Normally PRICE: £399.99 £259.99 Nor£520 PRICE: £209.99 £800 Open Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 6.00pm • Sunday 11am - 5pm 382-384 Walworth Road, SE17 2NG Tel: 020 7701 9900 Drawers, slide storage and headboards are extra.

Illustrations are for guidance only.

Normally £420

10 NEWS

Chef and director of Café Crofton Park, Atilla.

© Robert Firth

Previously 'unfashionable South London neighbourhood' seeing an influx due to improving schools and cheap houses

“There’s a lot of north London people moving south here. They used to have a flat and now they have a five-bedroom house"

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter A previously unfashionable area of south London is seeing an influx of people moving from the east and north of the city as improving schools and more investment are turning it into a much more desirable place to live.

People living and working in Crofton Park near Brockley, in Lewisham, have seen a flood of young families move into the area from north of the river in recent years as schools have improved.

Newcomers are attracted by the community feel of the area and the fact their cash goes further than if they were buying in trendy spots north of the river like Hackney and Islington.

Mum Carolina Susaeta, 45, moved to Crofton Park 14 years ago and said she’d noticed a steady stream of richer parents coming into the area over her time living there.

Speaking over coffee at Fred’s, a café and bakery on the high street, she said: “There’s a lot of North London people moving south here. They used to have a flat and now they have a five-bedroom house.

“You can see it in the small things. I have friends in North London and everyone used to have the same buggy. There used to be just four or five people with a particular type of buggy here but now it’s changing.”

A house in Crofton Park cost £615,264 on average last year according to RightMove.

Meanwhile, the average house in Clapton

Ministry of Sound DJ Andy Mills hopes to bring festival to South London park

Iona Delpino, shop assistant at Gently, Crofton Park in Hackney cost £666,776 during the same period, while in Archway in Islington, that figure was £776,147.

Ms Susaeta added: “There’s so many good primary schools. It just keeps bringing them in. There’s no need for them to move, especially for the first six years. There’s not enough co-educational secondary schools nearby, but many of the kids then go to private schools.”

Local primary schools such as Turnham Academy, Beecroft Garden Primary School and Stillness Infants School and Stillness Junior School were all rated good by Ofsted at their most recent inspection. The nearby Gordonbrock Primary School is rated outstanding.

But it wasn’t always this way. Rewind around 15 years and two of those soughtafter schools, Beecroft Garden Primary and Gordonbrock, were rated inadequate by Ofsted. Their change of fortune has brought

By Tara O'Connor

Local Democracy Reporter A festival with up to 2,500 attendees could soon be coming to a Croydon park.

The new festival in Addington Park would be organised by “highly regarded” DJ Andy Mills, who has regularly played house sets at the likes of Ministry of Sound, Fabric and in Ibiza, and the event would be called Festival in the Park.

If plans are approved by Croydon Council, it will be the second festival to take place this summer in the park. Made in 90s Festival will come to Addington over the weekend of July 29 for the second

new families into the area, who may have previously snubbed Crofton Park.

Olivia Molitor, 29, manager of the Crofton Park branch of specialist food shop Jones of Brockley, said that since the pandemic there had been a stream of new customers who had moved to the area from East London. She said: “Lots of people moved out of the area during, lockdown but we’ve had a huge influx of people from Hackney area, at least from what they have said it’s a lot more expensive.

“There has been a lot of gentrification.

We’ve got a Yard Sale Pizza now. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. I think there’s a pretty good sense of community still. I only work in the shop here but when I walk down the street people acknowledge me.”

Iona Delpino, 24, a shop assistant at homeware shop Gently, agreed that Crofton Park had maintained its sense of community despite the changing face of

the area. She said: “People are starting to invest in Crofton Park and I don’t think that was happening in the past. This area hasn’t got as much going on as the other side of Brockley but it’s getting there. I think we now have four coffee shops and a new gym has just opened up.

“It’s a lovely little area. There’s a real sense of ‘we will help each other’. Unfortunately, we’re subject to shoplifters and we all make sure we know who to look out for.”

One of the longest-standing businesses on the high street is Café Crofton Park, which has been serving meals to customers from across the capital since 1992.

Chef and director, Atilla, 35, said he wasn’t worried about being pushed out of the area despite rising prices. He said: “We’ve

been here for 20 years and we’ll be here for another 20 years. No one else does what we do so you get people coming from Peckham, Croydon, even East London.

"Where else in Crofton Park can you get chicken waffles? You’ve got to have something unique.”

Despite this Atilla, who took over the business from his dad during the pandemic, said he’d chosen to move out of the area where he was born and grew up so that his money went further on a property. He said: “The houses are not worth the value here.

In Chislehurst, you can get a big house for £650,000. In Crofton Park, you could get a terrace and the gardens are small. I would much rather buy in Orpington or Swanley.

You get more for your money.”

year running.

If approved the event would take place on Saturday, September 16 but set up would start on the Wednesday before and will be taken down on Monday. The licensing application is for DJ music to be played with the accompaniment of guitars and percussion.

It says the event will take place from 12.30-10.30pm and would include the sale of alcohol. The application said: “Andy Mills and In The Park Events Ltd are proud to present Festival in The Park. A one-day event in Addington Park showcasing premium acts and artists from the UK and Abroad.

"The event will promote the very best

talent and artists in the music industry with a mix of pre-recorded and live acts.

“Andy Mills is a highly regarded and respected DJ and promoter who has successfully held events both indoor and outdoor all over the UK and abroad. The success of the events has provided a loyal following of music lovers who enjoy the safety and security of the well-organised events.”

Documents show the organisers are expecting people to arrive on foot from Gravel Hill from the tram stop with attendees told there will be nowhere for them to park. Safety information supplied by the organisers say there will be two amnesty bins for sharp items and for

drugs. The application said: “The operator strongly discourages the use of drugs, herbal highs and nitrous oxide and has a zero-tolerance policy.

"This message is communicated clearly on the website and all promotional materials and there have been no issues at previous events however, there is always the possibility that someone will try to bring drugs into the event.

“The amnesty bin allows for these to be disposed of safely, the alternative being that they are recklessly discarded which could lead to being discovered by minors attending the park after the event.”

The application is open to public comments until June 15.

Carolina Susaeta moved to Crofton Park 14 years ago

NEWS 11

teacher charged with more child sex aBuse crimes

By Herbie Russell

a TeaCher from east dulwich who pleaded guilty to child sex abuse crimes has been charged with an additional seventeen counts.

Matthew Smith, 34, was deputy head at the prestigious Thomas’s Prep School in Battersea – attended by Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

His charges, however, relate to allegations of him commissioning the sexual abuse of children in India, via the internet, before he started working at the school.

They include six counts of making and distributing over 120,000 indecent images of children (IIOC), which include category A material – the most serious.

Smith, who is Oxford University educated according to his LinkedIn profile, was first arrested at his East Dulwich home on November 6 last year.

He was charged with causing and inciting the sexual abuse of a child under thirteen, distributing IIOC in category A, and three counts of making IIOC in categories A-C. The teacher pleaded guilty to those charges days after his arrest and has been in custody ever since.

On Tuesday, May 23, Smith was charged with seventeen more counts, including encouraging the rape of a child under thirteen, causing a child under thirteen to engage in sexual activity, and arranging the sexual abuse of a child.

From 2017 to 2022, Smith spent the majority of this time living in Nepal and working at a school there, the NCA said.

The charges relate to this period and

Matthew Smith, 34 Photo from LinkedLin

involve the sexual abuse of children in India that Smith is suspected of commissioning.

The investigation has found no evidence that Smith committed crimes against children based in Nepal or the UK. He moved back to the UK in July 2022.

Following Smith’s November arrest, principals at Thomas’s Prep School shared a statement saying: “I do not for a minute underestimate the shocking and deeply concerning nature of this news. Our focus right now is on our pupils, parents and colleagues… please do not hesitate to contact any of the following members of our leadership team.”

Responding to the most recent charges, Helen Dore, Senior Officer at the NCA, said: “Child sexual abuse committed online and across borders is a substantial threat to the UK, and it’s one the NCA is committed to tackling.

“We are dedicated to pursuing the most dangerous offenders and to protecting any child who may be at risk, in the UK and across the globe.”

Smith is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 20 June 2023.

Free music festival returns to Bankside

andrew marr's art goes on disPlay in Bermondsey

By Herbie Russell former BBC Political editor andrew marr is displaying his art at a bermondsey exhibition.

The Eames Fine Art gallery on Bermondsey Street is presenting ‘New Work’ - comprising over 100 new abstract drawings and a selection of oil canvases.

Although best known for his sparkling journalism career, Marr describes art as “a refuge from the madness of politics”.

He has also says drawing has aided his recovery from a stroke he suffered in 2013.

Andrew Marr said: “This is a show of oil paintings and works on paper done at a time in my life when I have been far busier than I expected, working on an LBC politics show and as political editor of the New Statesman.”

The popular radio host is known for employing “vibrant colours and playful motifs [that] burst from their frames” and drawing with “drive, sensitivity and honesty”.

According to the Eames Art Gallery, his works, which are selling for up to £5,000, are already flying off the walls.

“As ever, the art has been a refuge from the surface madness of politics; there is no

One of Marr’s pieces time in the week when I am happier than faced with a new blank canvas or sheet of paper,” Marr said.

“Something takes over and I’m going with the flow.”

The BAFTA-winning journalist has had a life-long love of drawing and had his first exhibition in 2017.

Following his stroke in 2013, he told the Guardian that art had been pivotal to his recovery. He said: “After my stroke, I was lying in bed and just drawing pictures of the covers and the end of the bed: in a sense, nothing.

“But it starts you thinking, 'Oh yes, my mind's still there, I'm still engaging in the same way that I was.' I might not have the

By Isabel Ramirez

one of the biggest unticketed festivals in London is returning to bankside next month, featuring genre-busting live music, donkey rides and massages - all for free.

Bankside Open Spaces Festival returns on Saturday, June 10, to kick off the summer with an array of music and dance over four stages.

The free and unticketed event will fill Bankside’s Union Street, Redcross Way, and three small parks with 'genrebusting' music.

The event kicks off at 1pm with Fiesta Latina - a procession featuring local talent from the Latin American community.

Live music will span four performance stages around Bankside.

The Main Stage will open with four Latina dance groups before segueing into six varied sets featuring the likes of Art Terry and the Black Bohemians, Ese & and The Voodoo People, Sister Cookie and returning headliners, Cosimo Matassa Project and The Brothers Ignatius.

At the bandstand stage in Red Cross Garden, guests can enjoy a bit of altfolk, Americana, delta blues or indie pop from a line-up of six London artists, including folk favourite Rob Corcoran as

Andrew Marr at the Eames Fine Art gallery.

After my stroke, I was lying in bed and just drawing pictures of the covers and the end of the bed: in a sense, nothing. same skill because I can't move my arm properly, but the desire to do it is still there.”

He has written books about drawing including ‘A Short Book About Drawing’ (2013) and ‘A Short Book About Painting’ (2017).

While working for the BBC, Marr had to remain neutral on Brexit, leading to attempts to glean his EU opinions from his art.

One journalist guessed that the gold stars in one of his pieces suggested that “his heart lies in Europe”.

'New Work' is being hosted at Eames Fine Art, 58 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3UD from May 24 to June 11, 2023. the headliner.

Across the festival, local craft stalls and free activities and workshops will keep all ages busy and entertained. There’s a beach, free sports coaching and plenty of crafts for children.

You can even take part in the dog show, meet some bees, learn about early surgery from the Old Operating Theatre, grab a free massage, enjoy a spot of yoga and try a donkey ride while you’re there.

A mix of community choirs and performers will fill Marlborough Sports Garden’s Community Stage for a mix of community choirs and performers.

There will also be free dance workshops throughout the day, where visitors can learn the Irish jig, salsa and tango Those looking to dance in the street should check out Alma Casa/EXT Radio’s DJ Stage down Redcross Way. There will be DJ sets from Rump Records, King Crowney, MGroove, Dales Hayes, Angie B and Brothers In House.

Bankside Open Spaces Festival is taking place on 10 June from 12pm - 9pm It will take place over multiple locations in Bankside: Red Cross Garden, Marlborough Sports Garden, Crossbones Graveyard, Redcross Way and Union Street to Flat Iron Square.

For updates, keep an eye on Bankside Open Spaces Trust's Instagram or Twitter.

Thrive takes the next step for local start-ups As the first new buildings begin to reach full height, people living and working in Canada Water are seeing the development take shape.

But establishing London’s first new town centre in 50 years isn’t just about the construction: British Land wants to help to grow a vibrant local economy where businesses based in the area can serve the needs of the people who live around them. The developer is creating a place where businesses of all types and sizes sit side by side, with jobs at all levels, and where independent operators help forge the new town centre.

Sandra Ferguson, CEO at Tree Shepherd, says: We’re excited to have moved to a busier space frequented by more people. This puts the independent businesses we support right in the heart of the action at Surrey Quays Shopping Centre. The new location offers them a base where they can develop and grow to make sure they remain vital parts of the local economy and community.

In 2017 business enterprise charity Tree Shepherd and British Land partnered to set up Thrive, an affordable workspace that offers local startups a place to grow while paying significantly cheaper rents, as well as access to free expert training and mentoring. Thrive currently supports and provides networking and other services for 31 member businesses, ranging from filmmakers to beauty therapists to counsellors, with many having already moved into their own premises.

After six years, Thrive has now moved into a new, larger space next to Tesco in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre which 12 of its member businesses use as their base. This prime location, in the heart of the local area, gives Thrive the platform it needs to continue its work in supporting traders from the area.

Thrive members (l to r) April, Genevieve and Lucy outside the new space.

Rotherhithe resident Lucy sells her crafty creations on Etsy

As Thrive starts life in its new space, one of the businesses it has nurtured over the last few years is making the most of its new home.

Innovative drinks company Strongman’s Tipple is masterminded by Tomas Lenko and his business partner Lukas Etus. With 20+ years of experience in the beverages industry between them, the award-winning duo advise bars and restaurants and run cocktail events for luxury brands across the UK. They also produce their own line of pre-mixed bottled cocktails in their ‘lab’ at Thrive. Thrive has been an “absolute godsend” in helping the business grow, says Tomas, with the access to professional advice and support making it “a wonderful incubator space”.

Lukas has a new space in which to grow his business

Strongman’s Tipple is now set up in spacious new premises at Thrive’s new location, in the former Carphone Warehouse in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre. This provides the opportunity for greater product development and warehousing that Tomas and Lukas need to expand their business.

Thrive is now next to Tesco in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, Redriff Rd, London SE16 7LL If you’re a start-up and keen to find out more, contact Tree Shepherd on 020 3948 3020 or info@treeshepherd.org.uk Contact us:

canadawater.co.uk

team@canadawater.co.uk

0800 470 4593 (freephone)

@CWmasterplan

Canada Water Masterplan

NEWS 13

canada water music teacher threatened with £5000 Fine oVer 'Quiet' home sessions

By Herbie Russell

a Canada Water music teacher says she’s been threatened with a £5,000 fine and the confiscation of her instruments for practising a “quiet wind instrument” in her home.

Fiona Tusk, whose livelihood is teaching and gigging, says Lewisham Council has ordered her to “cease playing loud music” following complaints from a neighbour.

The furious singer-songwriter said she'd been made to feel "like a criminal" and is now sofa-surfing around London as she looks for a home where she can practise.

Lewisham Council has disputed Fiona’s account, saying that “several musicians” often rehearsed in her flat and that she had refused to accept a mediative ‘good neighbour agreement’.

The authority also said enforcement was a “last resort” and that they “celebrate” the borough’s “musicality and creativity”.

Despite the council’s rebuke, Fiona’s petition calling for more protection for musicians has now received over 89,000 signatures.

Asked about her treatment by Lewisham Council, Fiona said: “They’ve talked to me like I’m a criminal who has done something very malicious -

F.A.A.

not somebody who was playing a quiet wind instrument in the middle of the day.”

Fiona lived in Catford but teaches music to children all over south-east London - particularly around Canada Water and Surrey Quays.

She says she practises the guitar, low whistle and singing in her home between 11am and 3pm.

Last year Fiona says she started receiving angry texts from a neighbour “every time” she practised.

She says a council-contracted staff member visited in January and, after hearing her play, reassured her the noise was not a nuisance.

But Lewisham Council said it sent a ‘professional witness’ in February who confirmed the music “was at an unreasonable level”.

In April, two council officers visited Fiona, giving her a letter ordering her to “cease to commit… nuisance… in the form of playing loud music”.

Fiona said they also said they threatened her with prosecution and the confiscation of her instruments.

Fiona said: “They showed me their badges and very serious faces. I invited them in and to take a seat. They said ‘no we don’t want to give the impression we’re here to make friends’. “[The abatement notice] was a completely unnecessary action and they

say it was loud… there are much louder instruments than what I was playing.”

Fiona says she had no option but to leave her home, so collected her things in boxes and is sleeping on friends’ sofas.

Local authorities have to balance residents’ right to freedom of expression with the rights of neighbours not to be disturbed.

In this instance, Fiona believes Lewisham erred too far on the side of complainants.

In 2017, a piano-playing family won a legal battle against the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea over alleged noise disturbance.

Following that case, Annette Carrabino reportedly told the Musician’s Union: “Our case has shown that environmental health officers (EHO) across the country have come to misinterpret the law on statutory nuisance."

A spokesperson for Lewisham Council said: “We have been aware of noise issues at a residence since November 2022 involving loud music, playing of instruments and singing, resulting in numerous complaints.

"We celebrate the musicality and creativity of our borough and recognise people’s right to play an instrument in their home. We only intervene when we receive complaints and always try to resolve these amicably, which is balanced and can include mediation.

F A ALBIN & SONS

"As a result of the noise complaints, a referral for mediation was made in mid-January 2023. After mediation, the tenant refused to agree to a good neighbour agreement or rehearsal times to prevent further concerns. Lewisham Homes instructed a professional witness who attended the complainant’s homes in February 2023, the report from this professional witness confirmed that the music from the residence was audible within the complainant’s home and was at an unreasonable level.

"Lewisham Homes and Lewisham Council do not make decisions like

this lightly and have tried to avoid enforcement, which is only ever done as a last resort. In this case, regrettably, when we tried to explore reasonable offers and solutions to find a balance, the tenant refused to engage and we received multiple further complaints.

"A statutory nuisance is defined as a disturbance that interferes with someone's right to enjoy their home or is damaging to someone's health. It is much more than just an annoyance or being aware of something, which is why we would always assess each situation individually."

020 7237 3637

Family Run Funeral Directors

RotheRhithe 52 Culling Road, London, SE16 2TN OuR OThER bRaNCh addRESSES aRE: welling 4 Welling Way, Welling, KENT, da16 2Rj T: 020 8856 7514

deptfoRd 164 deptford high Street, LONdON, SE8 3dP T: 020 8694 1384

sidcup 163 Station Road, Sidcup, KENT, da15 7aa T: 020 8308 0015

eAst london 378 barking Road, Plaistow LONdON, E13 8hL T: 020 7476 1861

MottinghAM 54-56 Mottingham Road, London, SE9 4QZ T: 020 8857 0330 cRAYfoRd 30-32 Crayford high Street, Crayford, KENT, da1 4hG T: 01322 533012

wAlwoRth 88 brandon Street, LONdON, SE17 1Nd T: 020 7313 6990

Serving the people of Bermondsey & Rotherhithe for over 200 years

www.albins.co.uk

14 NEWS

the Camberwell man who's taken it upon himself to help fellow afghan refugees needing homes

Aerospace engineer Hadi Sharifi says the UK government has failed the refugees and treated them as a burden nearly two years after they were evacuated to Southwark

Hadi Sharify at the airport

By Herbie Russell As an Afghan Army commander, Ahmad led hundreds of troops fighting against the Taliban with his British allies. Now in the UK, he’s jobless, his kids are out of school, and homelessness looms.

Two years after being evacuated, first to Southwark, he and his family are stranded in a Manchester hotel.

And 8,000 other Afghan refugees, who fled their homeland after working with Britain to secure peace in the region, face a similar predicament.

Ahmad didn’t want to be interviewed or give his full name for fear of reprisals. But he was happy for us to mention his situation to highlight the problems his compatriots have faced since arriving in the UK. Camberwell resident Hadi Sharifi, founder of the Panjshir Aid, a charity advocating for Afghans in the UK, says the commander’s case typifies the Afghan experience of the UK - one of betrayal.

Ever since the Taliban victory, Hadi, who works as an aerospace engineer, has been helping his compatriots integrate into UK life. Staying in Afghanistan under the rule of the Taliban was not an option for the 24,000 who were guaranteed safety in the UK. These were people who worked for the British government and faced persecution by their new Taliban overlords should they remain in the country.

As a hotbed of extremism, bringing stability to Afghanistan was seen as pivotal to preventing terrorism in the UK. So to thank Afghans for their

service, the UK set up the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme and the Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme (ACRS).

The 24,000 people who have come to the UK are a fraction of the 300,000 people who were affiliated with the Allied mission in Afghanistan for nearly 20 years between 2001 and 2021. They were always guaranteed safe passage out if Afghanistan fell to the Taliban and it did in the summer of 2021.

“Some of these people have survived two or three blasts, some of these people are disabled, some still have shrapnel in their bodies, some have carried body parts - all while protecting UK interests and working alongside British troops,” says Hadi.

“With the trauma they’ve had, they’re still seen as a burden.”

The UK government’s support package, dubbed ’Operation Warm Welcome’, promised to give families the support needed “to fully integrate into society”.

But now, one-year-and-a-half since the Taliban victory, 8,000 people - a third of those evacuated to the UK are still holed up in ‘bridging hotels’ around the country.

Most of the refugees, like army commander Ahmad, are here with their families and are being shunted from hotel to hotel.

Unlike many asylum seekers, Afghans who arrive under these schemes are allowed to work in the UK. But without a permanent address, many have struggled to get jobs. Even living with a British sponsor, like many Ukrainian refugees, would it make it easier.

Hadi can’t help but compare their

treatment to that of Ukrainians, whom he says were “treated like royalty”.

While the Homes for Ukraine scheme has seen 153,000 refugees welcomed into British homes, no such scheme was ever established for Afghans.

Hadi Sharifi was born in Afghanistan but fled to the UK in 2002. Family members had died fighting the Taliban and he came to the UK as a refugee.

For a number of years Western forces made the country safe and Hadi was able to return to visit family, but when Kabul fell in August 2021, he was once again caught up in the conflict. For several days, the world was stunned by footage emerging from the Afghan capital - particularly around the airport.

Viewers watched as huge crowds of desperate people jumped the airport’s walls and flooded the runways, desperate for a route out of the country.

Arguably the most shocking videos showed people clinging to the outside of planes who, despite the certainty of death, held on as they climbed higher into the sky, before dropping off.

Clutching eleven passports belonging to his wife, children and wider family, Hadi was in that crowd. It took him ten hours but, eventually, he reached American troops inside the airport who evacuated him and his family.

Once back in the UK, Hadi sprang into action. He helped over 60 families, comprising over 250 individuals, integrate into life in Southwark. With assistance from local MP Neil Coyle, Southwark Council, and other local organisations, he helped the refugees get health checks, enrol in schools, look for work, and meet the Afghan

diaspora already living in Southwark.

Attention quickly turned to the task of housing these 60 families in permanent accommodation. The Home Office’s plan was to house families in ‘bridging hotels’. In Southwark, these were hotels in Waterloo, by Blackfriars Bridge and in Bermondsey.

Given the UK housing crisis, it was never going to be easy, but Hadi said the Home Office’s handling of the situation was “a mess”.

“It was in such a mess that some families received four or five offers that they didn’t accept whereas other families even now haven’t even received a single offer,” said Hadi.

Some families found suitable homes and relocated to different places across the UK - sometimes as far as Nottingham and Wolverhampton. But they were the lucky ones.

The Home Office originally told Afghans not to search for homes through the private market and that it would, instead, send housing offers.

But many families didn’t receive any offers for months and some still haven’t.

Eventually, the Home Office said Afghans could go through the private market. But Hadi says landlords routinely refused their applications because the refugees often didn’t have permanent addresses, fulltime employment or were receiving benefits.

This was exacerbated, Hadi says, by a heavily bureaucratised process, which slowed down applications and put landlords off. Often, families couldn’t afford deposits.

“We’d send applications for

thousands of properties and never get replies back,” Hadi said. So while families wanted to escape hotels, and begin their new lives as quickly as possible, many simply couldn’t.

Hadi says Afghans’ predicament deteriorated further when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Once stalwart support melted away as money, resources and minds turned to a conflict seen as ‘closer to home’.

“The focus shifted to Ukraine and I didn’t hear anything from Southwark Council representative for months.

Sometimes there were emergencies and my emails were not getting replies.

Support just completely vanished.”

Hadi points out that while the UK government established the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, where households were paid to house refugees, no equivalent scheme was ever established for Afghans. This is despite the fact that significantly fewer Afghan refugees (24,000) than Ukrainian refugees (163,500) have required accommodation.

“I empathise with the people of Ukraine. They must have been through a lot,” says Hadi.

“But they were treated like royalty.

They were welcomed with open arms, open doors whereas the Afghan families were seen as a burden on society.”

In March 2022, the think tank British Future urged housing secretary Michael Gove to establish a Homes for Afghans scheme. Their letter, signed by crossparty MPs, including Conservatives, said it was “impossible for people to rebuild their lives while still in temporary hotel accommodation”.

NEWS 15 Photo by: Emran Sayeed

Asked why a Homes for Afghans scheme was never introduced as it was for Ukraine, Hadi said: “They’re white.

The Afghans and every other nationality were seen as an enemy rather than as refugees… whereas Ukrainian people were seen as a friend.”

The Home Office did not provide an explanation as to why such a scheme was never established.

Last month, in stark contrast to the rhetoric that accompanied ‘Operation Warm Welcome’, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer, said any refugee who turned down an offer of accommodation would not be offered a second alternative.

But Hadi says this rhetoric is misleading and some families still haven’t received a single offer of accommodation.

All Afghans who arrived in Southwark have either been rehoused or, in many cases, moved to hotels elsewhere in the UK. “We will see a lot of homeless application in local authorities where bridging hotels are,” Hadi warned.

When former Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced ‘Operation Warm Welcome’ he said: “We will never forget the brave sacrifice made by Afghans who chose to work with us, at great risk to themselves. We owe them, and their families, a huge debt.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Hotels are not, and were never designed to be, suitable long-term accommodation for Afghans resettled in the UK. That is why we have announced a plan, backed by £285 million of new funding, to speed up the resettlement of Afghans into long-term homes.

“Where available, the Government will continue to make offers of suitable housing, which we strongly encourage

Chaos on the streets of Kabul during the Taliban takeover Boys listening to a speech in Afghanistan.

Hadi estimates 80 per cent of them have since fled the country

Afghan families to accept. Where an offer cannot be made or is rejected, increased government support is available to help Afghans find their own homes and begin rebuilding their lives here.”

Councillor Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Refugees, said: “The London Borough of Southwark has a

long and proud history of supporting people fleeing persecution overseas.

"We do everything that we can to support all refugees and people seeking asylum, in every way we can.

"We took immediate action to help as soon as we got the call from the government to urgently implement a national refugee resettlement programme for people fleeing

Afghanistan.

"In this case, two resettlement workers were on hand to act as a contact person for each hotel, both are Afghans themselves and proficient in both Dari and Pashto, and were based at the two hotels full-time. Panjshir Aid worked well with them and they were available throughout the period the hotels were open, including for any

Box office 020 8463 0100 • blackheathhalls.com • & DANCE PART OF TRINITY LABAN CONSERVATOIRE OF MUSIC

ANDY HAMILTON PHIL BEER

SAT 14 OCT 11AM & 3pm WED 1 NOV 8pm

SAT 2 SEP 8pm

MIDSUMMER MUSIC

LINDISFARNE

AKA TRIO

SAT 7 OCT 8pm

SAT 28 OCT 8pm

SAT 17 JUN 6.30pm

Magic in the Air Tour

What's On 2023

REVEREND EDWARD LEER'S DREAM RICHARD COLES

SAT 10 JUN 8pm

At St George's Garrison Church

emergency, until the point of closure (by the Home Office) of the hotels in Southwark.

"We are very grateful for all the efforts Hadi and his volunteers put in to ensure that our guests were well supported in their time here.”

“Southwark will always stand ready to play our part in resettling those who need sanctuary."

Antonio Forcione/Seckou Keita/Adriano Adewale

IVO GRAHAM FRI 17 NOV 8pm

16 NEWS

South London animal rescue centre need £25k for new ambulance to meet ULEZ rules

Lucy Bennett, finance manager for Foal Farm, shown with Bug the pug in front of the farm's current animal ambulance.

© Joe Coughlan

The centre in Biggin Hill, Bromley, was started over 60 years ago to take in unwanted animals and restore them to good health

By Joe Coughlan Local Democracy Reporter An animal rescue centre in south London is trying to raise £25,000 for a new animal ambulance, as their current van will see them being charged £12.50 a day to use under Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) regulations.

Foal Farm, which stands for Friends of Animal League, has started a campaign to raise funds for a new van to transport neglected animals in need of help.

The animal rescue centre in Biggin Hill, Bromley, was started over 60 years ago to take in unwanted animals and restore them to good health, including cats, dogs, rabbits and a variety of farmyard animals.

Denise Hodge, commercial operations manager for Foal Farm, said that the farm’s current 12-year-old van was an essential tool for the charity, who re-home about 500 animals every year.

“It’s used almost every day for routine operations, all sorts of checkups and to take them down to the vet or any medical emergencies. It’s also used to go and collect animals from situations where they’ve been in a poor environment or have been neglected,” she said.

The commercial operations manager said staff could drive as far as Ashford or the Midlands to collect animals at risk.

Lucy Bennett, finance manager for Foal Farm, explained that most of the farm animals that the centre received were saved from slaughter. She said staff also regularly found animals left abandoned at the front gate of the farm. “The lambs we had in were literally found by the side of the road. One had a broken leg and could barely walk, one had been attacked by a dog… They’ve all got different stories, they’ve all come from various places.”

From August, people in outer London will have to pay £12.50 a day to drive under the ULEZ expansion scheme if their car or van is not considered environmentally friendly enough. Aside from the cost of upgrading their animal ambulance, Ms Hodge said the charge would also impact staff and

The farm also keeps rabbits before they are rehomed. volunteers who work at the farm.

“The other way it’s affecting us is obviously we rely on volunteers," she said.

"We’ve got a lot of volunteers to come help us out on a regular basis, either working with the animals or in the shops and the tearoom. And unfortunately, a few of them have said that they won’t be able to come anymore because they don’t mind giving up their time coming along, but once it starts costing them money to get here, they’ve said that they won’t be able to sustain that.”

The farm is hoping to raise £25,000 to buy a four-year-old ULEZ compliant van with the necessary fittings for animals, with a £40,000 stretch goal for a newer van with more sophisticated features.

Ms Hodge said that despite the Mayor of London’s scrappage scheme for updating older vehicles, the charity would only be offered £5,000 to trade in their current van.

Ms Hodge said: “It’s what it’s like for everybody with the cost of living.

Everything is going up, our energy bills are three times what they were last year. Vet

fees have all gone up. Food has gone up, everything has gone up.

"So this is just one more thing that we’ve got to try and raise money for.

"We get no government funding at all.”

Ms Bennett added: “It’s happening whether you like it or not. We can do our best to fight it, but it’s happening.

"So we basically have got to plan ahead and be prepared. And for us, that means making sure we have got an ambulance that we can use and not get charged for every time.”

Conservative Councillor Nicholas Bennett, Executive Councillor for Transport, Highways & Road Safety for Bromley Council, said: “This is yet another example of why expanding the ULEZ does not work and actually jeopardises a much loved charity where finances are already incredibly tight.

"We have outlined our profound concerns about the Mayor of London’s proposal for many months now and whilst we all support cleaner air, even the Mayor’s own figures suggest that the impact on

A rooster and hens shown walking around the farm. air quality locally will be marginal, yet the costs of this tax for residents, businesses and this much loved charity will be immense.

"We are taking legal action along with a coalition of other councils and we will update local residents when we know more.”

The High Court announced on April 12 that it had granted permission for a coalition of councils to legally challenge the Mayor of London’s planned ULEZ expansion.

Included in the coalition is Bromley Council, along with Bexley, Hillingdon, Harrow and Surrey County councils.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “The Mayor has been clear that the decision to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone London-wide was not an easy one, but necessary to tackle toxic air pollution.

"Around 4000 Londoners die prematurely each year due to air pollution, children are growing up with stunted lungs and thousands of people in our city are developing life-changing illnesses, such as

Pigs kept at the farm have been saved from slaughter. cancer, lung disease, dementia and asthma.

"Bromley has the highest number of deaths attributable to air pollution out of all London boroughs, with up to 204 people dying prematurely each year.

“The ULEZ is a very targeted scheme.

Nine out of ten cars driving in outer London are already ULEZ compliant and will not have to pay the charge. For drivers of the most polluting vehicles, the Mayor is delivering the biggest scrappage scheme yet – £110m – to help the Londoners who need it most, including charities, low income and disabled Londoners, small businesses and sole traders."

The spokesperson said TfL would contact Foal Farm to discuss what options were available to help support them and their staff switching to using ULEZ compliant vehicles.

The link to the Crowdfunder to raise money for a new animal ambulance for Foal Farm is www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ ulez-compliant-animal-ambulance-forfoal-farm

NEWS 17

By Noah Vickers

Local Democracy Reporter MAyor oF london sadiq Khan has insisted the launch of his book was not “spoiled” by a small group of protesters who heckled and swore at him in front of a large audience.

The mayor was promoting his book Breathe at the Royal Festival Hall last week – but was interrupted by around ten protesters, who were angry about the planned expansion of the Ultra low emission zone (Ulez).

LBC presenter James O’Brien, who was questioning the mayor on stage, warned they would be evicted if the protests continued.

Speaking the next day, Mr Khan said: “I had a great night last night, it was a really good experience – one of my most memorable nights over the last few years.

“Not just because friends and family were there – my team were there, green activists were there, some of the world’s leading experts were there, parliamentarians were there, so I had a lovely night, and it was masterfully chaired by James O’Brien.

“A handful of protesters aren’t going to spoil what was a great event.”

Asked if he was worried about further such protests in the run-up to the next mayoral election in May 2024, he said: “In a democracy, people are entitled to protest – I think that’s fine. As long as you don’t use offensive language or act in a violent way.

“I think one of the joys of living in a democracy is that people can protest. We also have, in a democracy, elections where you can choose leaders and mayors.

“I’m looking forward to the next campaign and am hoping Londoners will lend me their trust like they did in the last two.”

The protesters at Wednesday’s ticketed

event interrupted the mayor while he read extracts from his book, including during a section about the death of nineyear-old Ella Kissi-Debrah in 2013, which inspired him to clean up the capital’s toxic air.

When one man shouted that it was “a lie” that Ella’s death had been caused by air pollution, he was removed by the venue’s security staff.

At one stage, one of Mr Khan’s brothers, who was sat with his wife near the protesters, stood up and told them to be quiet. One man approached him, threatening a fight.

A second man was evicted shortly before 9pm after shouting obscenities at Mr Khan. The rest of the group then left.

Mr Khan is planning to expand the Ulez from August 29 to cover all London boroughs, although a High Court hearing which could potentially derail that timeframe is planned for July.

The mayor has insisted expansion is necessary to prevent the contribution air pollution makes to the premature death of thousands of Londoners every year.

However, opponents of the Ulez expansion say it will have little impact on overall pollution levels but will hit people’s pockets during a cost-of-living crisis.

Drivers of vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards are charged a £12.50 daily fee for entering the zone.

outer London.

He has also promised to abolish Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) across the capital, as well as reducing crime and boosting the number of homes built.

Reform UK – formerly known as the Brexit Party – did not stand in the last mayoral election, instead throwing their weight behind the actor Laurence Fox, who went on to receive 1.9 per cent of the vote.

Mr Cox’s lobbying group, Fair Fuel UK, campaigns to reduce charges on diesel and petrol powered vehicles, most notably fuel duty. He says he has stopped more than £200 billion of planned tax rises to help keep fuel duty frozen since 2010.

The candidate claimed he had received “something like 10-20,000 emails saying ‘Please will you take on Sadiq Khan in London?’Particulary regarding Ulez, LTNs, 20mph limits, cycle lanes, all those sorts of things – because they are really crippling Londoners”.

Asked whether he would even get rid of LTNs which local communities wanted to keep, he said: “It depends whether they’re benefitting businesses locally, and benefitting communities – they have to prove that to me.

“If that is really doing good for business and it’s good for all the local people, then yes, I’m open to keeping them.”

He added however that he was concerned about drivers across the country becoming increasingly seen as “pariahs, the devil incarnate” and “an easy cash target”.

Aside from driving-related policies, Mr Cox said he would “cut crime by having

Cox launches mayoral campaign as an anti-Ulez candidate

Howard Cox, pictured with party leader Richard Tice

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter reform uK have revealed their car-loving candidate to take on sadiq khan in next year’s London mayoral election.

Howard Cox – the founder of the Fair Fuel UK campaign – pledged to scrap the entire Ultra low emission zone (Ulez) if he is elected, not just its expansion to

more bobbies on the beat, [and] also increase social housing”.

Mr Cox, who said he has voted Conservative all his life, said anti-Ulez voters would be better off supporting him over the Tory candidate.

“They’re not calling for a complete scrapping of the Ulez, they’re only talking about the extension… the Tories have lost the last two elections against Sadiq Khan, and I believe this time is enough,” he said.

In tweets last month, Mr Cox claimed “there is no climate crisis” and he has also said he is “convinced man is not responsible for global warming”.

He nonetheless said it was “unfair” for him to be labelled a “climate change denier”. He clarified that while he believed the climate was changing, he did not think that change represented a “crisis”.

There is a large scientific consensus that humans are the leading cause of climate change. In their latest report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stated unequivocally that human activity is the cause of global warming.

The IPCC has said global warming

is already “causing dangerous and widespread disruption in nature and affecting the lives of billions of people around the world”.

Richard Tice, leader of Reform UK, said: “London has just recently been announced as the slowest large city in the world. That’s a disaster. It’s a disaster for businesses, it’s a disaster for residents.

We’ve got to get London moving again.”

He insisted the Conservatives should stand aside for his party.

“What I’m saying to the Tories is, if they stand a candidate, they’re the ones that risk splitting the anti-Khan vote…

“We did the right thing in [the general election of] 2019, we stood aside in many seats. It’s now time for the Tories to do the right thing and stand aside in London, so that the whole anti-Khan vote coalesces behind Howard Cox.” The election is being held on May 2, 2024. Mr Khan has confirmed that he will be standing for a third term as Labour’s candidate.

The Green Party have revealed that they will be standing Hackney councillor Zoë Garbett, while the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have not yet selected their candidates.

© Stephen Richards

sadiQ khan says his Book launch was not 'sPoiled' as he was heckled By Protesters

18 NEWS

Residents in mouldy block of flats have voted to bulldoze their own homes

Local Democracy Reporter Residents of a block of mouldy flats have voted to have their own homes knocked down because they are so fed up with the problems there.

Many flats are empty now because of the problems. It was terrible

of the flats.

Kingomzila Ludiambele has lived in the block which was worst affected by damp and mould for 15 years and faces regular leaks in his flat. He said: “These buildings aren’t good any more, they have to demolish them and build new ones.

"They ask us to choose whether to come back but if the place I go to is fine I would stay there. Many flats are empty now because of the problems. It was terrible.”

In March 2021 the problems reached a national audience when Fransoy Hewitt was featured on ITV News. Footage of her flat showed water gushing through the ceiling while the walls were caked in black mould. It was only after the shocking conditions were featured on the national news that Croydon Council took action.

©Tim Clarke

It comes two years on from awful living conditions first being exposed on the estate in South Norwood, Croydon, which opened up a national discussion on the state of council housing in the country.

A ballot on whether to demolish the flats in Regina Road closed on Monday and those who voted have backed plans to demolish the flats.

Overall there was an 81.7 per cent turnout of eligible residents of which 88 per cent voted to have the blocks demolished, equivalent to 118 people. Just 16 people voted ‘no’ to the offer.

The area that will be demolished include the three 11-storey tower blocks as well as low rise blocks surrounding them and houses, including Sunny Bank numbers 1-8B. The result will be referred back to the council’s mayor and cabinet before the next stage of the project is reached. Cabinet

is expected consider whether the council should apply for funding from the GLA (Greater London Authority) to fund the rebuild.

Mayor Jason Perry said: “I’d like to thank Regina Road residents for getting involved and having their say on the future of the Regina Road estate.

"The council will continue to work with them and listen to their views as the project progresses. My thanks go out to Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, Cllr Lynne Hale, and our staff who have worked so hard on this issue.

“All council tenants and leaseholders should expect to have warm, safe and dry homes that they are proud to live in and I am committed to delivering this pledge as part of the transformation of Croydon’s housing service.”

A meeting for residents will be held on May 31, from 6pm at Stanley Arts to find out more about the results and ask the council questions.

Earlier this month residents told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the demolition couldn’t come soon enough.

Some have faced persistent leaks and mould which they blamed on the condition

Over £17k worth of CCTV to be installed to prevent addicts ‘loitering’ on Brixton estate

By Adrian Zorzut

Local Democracy Reporter A Brixton estate is set to spend £17,500 installing CCTV to stop drug users from shooting up in stairwells and breaking into homes.

The City of London said 11 cameras would be installed across the Gresham Almshouses Estate in Lambeth in a bid to stop junkies using the estate as their own drug den. The cameras will cost £800 a year to maintain, council documents revealed.

The layout of the estate, with its open communal green and stairwells, has become a target for drug addicts who enter from Ferndale Road, the report read.

It said estate managers had been asking addicts to leave the site on a daily basis and were negotiating with the Met Police to increase patrols in the area after one of the vacant properties was broken into.

The report read: “As referred to earlier in this report there has been an increase of non-residents loitering on the grounds of COL Almshouses / Gresham Almshouses.

“The design of the scheme allows people to access communal areas, such as stairwells and loiter and take drugs in these areas.

“The [estate] manager is approaching these people daily to ask

© Google

By Tara O'Connor

Some residents in Regina Road are living in terrible conditions.

We are working with the local Safer Neighbourhood Team to increase patrols in the area

them to leave the site and is liaising with the local Safer Neighbourhood Team to increase patrols.”

The City of London, which runs 42 properties on the estate, is expected to fork out £14,700 for the installation, while the Gresham Almshouses Trust could be asked to cover the cost related to the eight homes it manages on the estate.

In March, The City of London, which owns the estate, agreed to install CCTV after being told that addicts were “entering and loitering” in hidden areas of the housing block.

Gresham Almshouses area manager Marie Rene said installing CCTV was “the best option” as closing the entrance and installing more lighting would be costly and intrusive for residents.

She said: “Unfortunately, because of the layout of the almshouses, where we put the lighting, we don’t want it to affect the residents. We don’t want the lighting to go into their homes, so we’ve got to be

The Gresham Almshouses in Lambeth will get CCTV installed to stop addicts 'entering and loitering'.

careful about that.

“The problem is it will affect people’s properties unless they keep their curtains shut all the time, which we can’t ask residents to do.”

A visit by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) in April found the estate was wedged between a drug dealing hotspot and ad-hoc shelters for the homeless.

Residents told the LDRS they regularly witnessed dealers selling drugs on Ferndale Road, which runs parallel to the almshouses. They also said homeless people camped outside two churches around the estate at night.

The City of London was expected to approve the plan during a meeting on Friday, May 26.

A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation, which manages the almshouses as a registered charity, said: “Drug taking on the estate is completely unacceptable, and we are working with the local police Safer Neighbourhood Team to increase patrols in the area. We are also installing CCTV to improve onsite security.”

NEWS 19

© NCA

Government finally stumps up cash for new Sutton hospital

By Tara O'Connor

Local Democracy Reporter The government has finally stumped up the funding for a new hospital in Sutton and the refurbishment of St Helier Hospital. But there is still no clear timeline of when work will take place and it will be at least four years, if not longer, until the new hospital will be ready.

Convicted: Christopher Zietek (left) and Anthony Beard (right).

Jailed for supplying fake 'golden ticket' passports to notorious fugitives

By Herbie Russell

Two south London crooks have been sentenced after supplying fraudulent passports to some of the UK’s most wanted fugitives.

Anthony Beard, 61, and Christopher Zietek, 67, both of Sydenham, were handed jail time of six and eight years respectively.

The court heard how Beard would find people who looked similar to his clients and buy their expired passports from them.

Beard would then use their details and passports to apply for new versions but with photographs of his clients.

Zietek, formerly known as Christopher McCormack acted as a broker, using his criminal connections to find clients.

Customers paid between £5,000 and £20,000 to get their hands on the “golden ticket” documents.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said clients included “Glasgow murderers Jordan Owen and Christopher Hughes, Liverpool drug trafficker Michael Moogan – who was jailed for twelve years on March 17 – Manchester fugitive David Walley,

and suspected Scottish drug traffickers Barrie Gillespie, Jamie Stevenson and James White”.

A third member of the gang, Alan Thompson, 72, from Surrey, was a broker who chauffeured Zietek to criminal meetings and was sentenced to three years.

The trio were sentenced at Reading Crown Court on May 16.

NCA Deputy Director Craig Turner said: “The fraudulent passports this crime group supplied were seen as golden tickets by criminals, as they allowed them to operate internationally under false identities and pose a sustained threat to the public.

“The investigation demonstrates the NCA’s unique role in tackling the most serious and complex crime threats facing the UK. We have dismantled a crime group that enabled drug and firearm traffickers, murderers and fugitives to evade justice.

“We worked across international borders to bring the masterminds to account, and we will continue to protect the UK from criminals who present a threat to our security, people and economy.”

Comedy night sees comedians find the humour in paintings and artefacts

By Holly O'Mahony New history or tell its story in a more relatable way, with a few laughs thrown in for good measure?

Such is the deal at Art Laughs, a roving comedy night that brings some humour into arts and heritage spaces. It’s coming to The Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre for the first time this weekend – marking the first time the archive space will host a comedy night.

Comedians including Jamie D'Souza, Harriet Braine and Annie McGrath will be taking audiences through some of Royal Museums Greenwich's most, er, unusual objects, while the event’s host, art criticcomedian Verity Babbs, will be taking visitors on comedy-led tours of the store. Improvisers Dom O'Keefe, Giles Gear, and Sophie Ward of Giddy Aunt

Improv will also be on site, poking playful fun at the collection’s paintings.

Art Laughs is taking place at Prince Philip Maritime Collections Centre, Nelson Mandela Road, London SE3 9QS. June 3, 7pm - 9pm. Admission: £20/£18 concessions. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/

St Helier Hospital, which is plagued by leaks and crumbling buildings that have seen wards forced to shut in recent months, will get a revamp. The separate emergency hospital will include an accident and emergency department, critical care, acute medicine, emergency surgery, inpatient paediatrics and a maternity unit.

The south London project is expected to cost £500million and was approved back in 2020, but no progress has been made since then. The original date for completion was 2025 but now the earliest it would open is 2027.

It is part of the government’s New Hospital Programme which it confirmed it would invest £20 billion in on Thursday, May 25. The news was welcomed by the local NHS. In a joint statement, bosses of South West London NHS, Sarah Blow and Mike Bell, said: “We know our frontline NHS staff will be delighted with this long-awaited news. This commitment from government will ensure our residents get the care they need, in buildings and facilities fit for the delivery of modern healthcare.”

Earlier this week Merton Council announced it would commission an independent assessment of plans to move vital services away from St Helier Hospital. Responding to the latest announcement, council leader Ross Garrod said

the council’s position was the same – that it wanted to see A&E, maternity and paediatrics kept at St Helier.

The Labour leader said: “Urgent investment is needed now to fix the poor state of repair that the St Helier Hospital buildings are in, so that hard working NHS staff can care for the patients who rely on these vital services at our muchloved community hospital.”

Conservative MP for Carshalton and Wallington, Elliot Colburn, said he was “delighted” with the announcement following reports of disrepair at St Helier. He said: “As recently as this week I was pressing ministers on the urgent need to get the ball rolling in a debate on local healthcare.

"I was born in St Helier, many of my family were born in St Helier, and not so long ago it saved my life.

"This is a deeply personal campaign for me, and I will continue to press ministers to ensure these plans are carried out as effectively and timely as possible.”

St Helier Hospital, Sutton

20 ARTS

what’s on mischieF, lust and magic

a midsummer nights dream kicks off the summer season at shakespeare’s Globe and it did not disappoint. Being one of shakespeare’s most frequently performed plays, you might be tempted to think it has been overdone with no room for originality, but oh, how wrong that would be. director elle White creates a ferociously powerful and delightfully mystical interpretation of the well loved comedy, one that draws the audience into a world of mischief, lust and magic, writes Bella Christy.

The play follows three distinct groups of characters that interweave and meddle in each others’ lives: the young lovers and aristocrats, the troupe of actors and the fairy people. The costumes, designed by Takis, allowed this distinction to be clear and brought

the world to life. The young lovers were dressed in regal colours: blues, greens and oranges with such richness and depth of colour. There were billowing sleeves and structured skirts all contributing to the construction of wealth and high class. This contrasted with the acting group who were dressed in less sophisti-cated garments draping simply from them, the colours muted and earthy. Though it was the fairy costumes that were the most intriguing.

The combination of tones, with embellishments of flowers and gold, signified their connection with nature and the forest as well as their power.

There were a lot more innuendoes in this play than my young thespian self remembers. White certainly drew out the sexual tensions on stage. Lysander oozed self assurance and sexual energy. He stands tall, shoulders back with his hands on his crotch, confident and cocky he portrays a charm that

is both seductive and loathsome. I am somewhat disappointed that this energy is lost towards the end of the play. After the fairies lift the spell from the lovers, Lysander, who is now in love with Helena, disregards his cocky personality. But, maybe that is what love does to you, love plus character development.

This production had me bellylaughing, openly and authentically chuckling - not that polite laugh you do to indicate you appreciate the humour, but true cackling. There were even a num-ber of moments that the audience stopped to clap the sheer hilarity of the action. Bottom, played by Mariah Gale, was particularly talented in her comedy. Her character wants to be in the limelight and tries to convince the troupe of actors to let her play multiple characters. This eagerness and desire to be the centre of attention reminded me of the classic drama kid stereo-

type (something relatable as a drama graduate myself). She got the audience giggling at her ‘eee awww’s’ when transformed into an ass, and I was absolutely howling during her lusty and inti-mate scenes with Titania.

The acting was flawless and it is difficult to pick a standout performance.

Though I must dis-cuss the portrayal of Puck. Michelle Terry, the Globe’s own Artistic Director, truly and uniquely embodied this character. While her depiction of the mischievous Puck was still playful, it also incorporated darker elements that differed from the ‘cheeky’ interpretations I have watched be-fore.

This version of Puck comes across as sinister and cruel in their meddling, yet there is also a childlike, playful energy that creates an almost uncomfortable but brilliant watch.

The Globe doesn’t have understudies, we were told before the performance started, they do, however, have

‘superheroes’. And a superhero is what we witnessed as Helena’s part was cov-ered by Lizzie Shenk. I initially thought that someone wearing blacks, with script in hand would take away from the production, but I truly believe that it added to my experience. Shenk barely glanced at the script and acted the part confidently with emotion and conviction. There was on-ly one moment we saw her reliance on the script, and Puck snatched it from her, holding it up for her to read, adding another comedic layer to the scene (and lets face it, who doesn’t love a bit of meta theatre?).

Rightfully so, Lizzie earned herself a huge round of applause.

The standing ovation A Midsummer Night’s Dream received was thoroughly deserved, I would certainly watch it again and I am very excited to see what the rest of the summer season has to offer at Shakespeare’s Globe.

Until 12 August

FRI 12 MAY A - SAT AY A 03 JUN AT BOX OFFICE 020 8858 7755 greenwichtheatre.org.uk

www.southwarknews.co.uk/arts

Arts

The Hilarity of Errors

Everything about this engaging ensemble piece is so good that it seems invidious to single anything or anyone out… But huge praise must go to the Comedy of Errors director, Sean Holmes, who has drawn such excellent performances from the whole cast, writes Elizabeth Carlin.

trouble starts. Both the Antipholuses and the Dromios are constantly mistaken by each other for the other one. The wrong Antipholus is dragged into dinner by his mistaken wife and the door of the house is barred against the real husband. He storms off to the courtesan (Phoebe Naughton) to whom he gives the chain, originally intended for his wife. And so it goes on.

It is frankly hilarious, and very impressive the way the ensemble works, either moving in sympathy with the action of the main actors or in showing amazement and adding to the confusion. There is some very funny interaction with the audience, a riff on bald heads an hilarious example. The scene when Dr Pinch, (Philip Cumbus) is called to incarcerate Antipholus of Ephesus, as he is believed to be raving, is particularly well done with lots of very funny ensemble business.

The darkness hinted at by the helmets and lances at the side of the stage can be seen in the way both the women and the servants have so little power and the beatings both Dromios receive are, although funny, shocking in the ease and regularity with which they are dispensed Outside the Priory, in which the Syracusans have sought sanctuary,

Photo by Marc Brenner

After taking in the set, simply laid out with barrels at the back and capstans around the front and sides, nets by the pillars and rather sinister metal helmets on lances stage right, and having greatly enjoyed the band, pretty in pink, the audience is assaulted by a crowd waving flags and repeatedly chanting Eph-e-sus, Eph-e-sus, powerfully and aggressively.

The Duke (Philip Cumbus) stands at their head waiting for a boat, which to everyone’s surprise and amusement, pushes its way through the groundlings.

Two prisoners disembark and one is summarily executed behind a screen.

His head rolls and is held high with the expected reaction of amusement and repulsion from the pit. The second prisoner, Egeon(Paul Rider), a merchant from Syracuse - and illegal alien - is invited by the Duke to buy his release. In reply he makes a long speech completely changing the tone and pace,

explaining his history. He recalls a shipwreck which separated him from his wife, his twin sons and their twin servants. This is clearly and movingly delivered and this is vital because it explains the confusion on which the play pivots. His story moves the Duke to grant him a day to find one of his sons, whom he believes to be in Ephesus, to get the money to buy his freedom.

The chaos which is about to ensue is illustrated in the following rowdy scene of nonsense, sword fights, general bawdiness(including a nun with a gun), before settling down to the real plot with Antipholus of Syracuse (Michael Elcock) coming centre stage and giving money to his servant Dromio of Syracuse (Jordan Metcalfe).

After much humorous repartee, he is sent off with the money to discharge his duty.

So far so good. Then Antipholus of Ephesus (Matthew Broome) arrives on stage with a jeweller and his friend Balthazar and acquires a gold chain.

Meanwhile, Adriana(Laura Hanna), is waiting for her husband, Antipholus of Ephesus to come home for dinner.

She has her sister Lucians(Jessica Whitehurst) with her. They send Dromio of Ephesus (George Fouracres) to find him. And this is where the

the denouement builds to revelation.

Egeon is to be executed. With nearly everyone now on stage and talking at cross purposes, the two Antipholuses and Dromios come face to face. The Prioress recognises Egeon as her husband and all is resolved amongst great joy.

Luxury and Power: Persia to Greece

The Greek historian Arrian records Alexander the Great saying of Persia, ‘Our enemies are Medes and Persians, men who for centuries have lived soft and luxurious lives; we […] for generations past have been trained in the hard school of danger and war. Above all, we are free men and they are slaves,’ writes Madeleine Kelly

Photo by The Trustees of the British Museum

It is a binary view that defined Western identity after the fall of the Persian Empire at the hands of the Greek states. Persia – the Achaemenid Empire brought down by its own excess. Athens – the small, austere city state that fought an Empire and won. It is an old tale, one that pits Western democracy against the illusion of Eastern excess, but might the truth be more complex?

Luxury and Power: Persia to Greece, the British Museum’s new exhibition, complicates this false dichotomy between luxury and austerity, between East and West.

The exhibition sets out its stall right from the start. Two heads stare at each other as though across a great divide. One, made of limestone, is decorated in distinctly Persian style. The other, a bronze head, is recognisably Greek. But both heads

were found within about 30 miles of each other in Cyprus, and on closer inspection, the Persian head wears a Greek wreath. It appears that rather than rejecting Persian ideas of luxury, the Greeks learnt to subtly co-opt them.

The story is told in 3 parts. Starting

with the Persian Empire, silver and gold cups called rhytons shine in the centre of the room. Friezes illustrate how the Persian Empire used these objects to legitimise their rule – an ostentatious and dazzlingly effective display of power.

You then make your way to

ARTS 21

Athens. The Persian rhytons appear again, this time rendered in clay to avoid looking too luxurious. The Athenians laugh at the obvious trappings of Persian luxury. But it is clear from the carefully crafted items on display that they were engaged in what viewers of HBO’s

And finally it has to be said, George Fouracres and Jordan Metcalfe excelled as the Dromios.

Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT until July 29th. Times: 7.30pm; Admission: £5 - £65.

Booking: www.shakespearesglobe.com

Succession might call ‘Quiet Luxury’ – think swapping heavily branded items for beige cashmere and calling it democracy. The testimony of a young slave boy further complicates the story.

Finally, you emerge into the world of Alexander the Great. Here the Persian and Greek cultures merge free from Athenian disdain. The gold rhytons are back, gleaming under display lights. In the corner, a wreath of oak leaves made from sheet gold vibrates in the glass case. Made between 350-300 BC, the delicate craftsmanship distracts me from the curator’s talk. Beautiful enough to make the trip to the Museum worth it, I am sold.

The wreath stands as testament to the power of luxury not just in legitimising power but in obscuring truth. After all, despite their loud disavowal of Persian wealth, Athenians annually paraded their pillaged Persian goods. This parade will be familiar to visitors of the British Museum who on the ground floor alone can see the Parthenon Marbles and Rosetta Stone – two items taken from their home soil and kept, despite repeated requests for their return.

Where luxury is concerned, the story of East and West cannot be categorised as democrat vs despot or excess vs austerity. The real story is more complex and less flattering. The real story is not finished.

British Museum until 13 August 2023.

Open daily from 10.00–17.00 (Fridays 20.30). Last entry 70 mins before closing.

Adults from £15, Members and under 16s free.

24 CLASSIFIED CLASSIFIED COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Southwark Pensioners’ Centre Supporting older people in Southwark for over 35 years.

Offering advice, support, activities, rooms for hire and a voice for older people.

ScotsCare is here to help and support Scots and their families in Greater London

Contact us on 020 7708 4556 or info@southwarkpensioners.org.uk

Our services include: Financial Support | Advocacy | Counselling | Sheltered Housing | Homelessness | Job Coaching | Social Events | Volunteering

Or pop into 305 -307 Camberwell rd, Camberwell Green, SE5 0HQ

Elim House Day Centre

YOU MATTER TO US programme started Tuesday 9th May. 100 Day programme combating loneliness within our elders

To find out more, visit

www.scotscare.com or call

0800 652 2989 to speak with a case worker to see how we can assist you.

We are accepting walk-ins

Contact us on 020 7358 9502 or elimhouseoutreachworker@gmail.com Or pop into 86-88 Bellenden Road, Peckham, SE15 4RQ Website: elimhousedaycentre.com

Registered Charity No.207326

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

WANTED RECORDS ROCK, POP, PUNK,

In Loving Memory of

Linda Jane Casey

INDIE, REGGAE, SOUL...

LPS AND SINGLES - WHOLE COLLECTIONS WELCOME

Call: 07956 832314 / 020 8677 6907 Or Email: vinylwanted@aol.com

• Learning Disabilities Service • Youth Adventure Project • Starfish, Domestic Abuse Project

www.bedehouse.org Tel: 0207 237 3881 A local charity supporting our neighbours in Southwark since 1938 Registered charity number: 303199 Registered company number: 420386

WANTED

CARS + VANS ANY CONDITION ANY AREA PROMPT & POLITE SERVICE TELEPHONE

020 8659 8988 ANY DAY, ANY TIME, 7 DAYS MOBILE

07850 323 508 CLASSIC & UNSUAL CARS ALSO WANTED

Send in your FREE

Father’s Day messages To be included in our edition before Father’s Day, One message per email please (no photos)

Send to Katie on katie@cm-media.co.uk by June 12th

CASH / CASH / CASH / CASH / CASH

Making life better:

CASH / CASH / CASH / CASH / CASH

ALSO INTERESTED IN NON CHART CD COLLECTIONS

Linda miss you very much.

I’ll never forget you, when I walk through the alley I think of you.

Love Jackie (Mark & Iris)

PUBLIC NOTICES 25

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (GILKES PLACE)

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (RYEDALE, CORNFLOWER TERRACE, ATHENLAY ROAD, BROCKLEY WAY ALMA GROVE) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF VEHICLES)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF VEHICLES) 1.

NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN that to enable development works to be carried out by Aquinna Homes Plc or it’s appointed contractor, the Council of the London Borough of Southwark made an order the effect of which would be to temporarily:-

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.

Prohibit vehicles from entering, proceeding, stopping, waiting and loading in a section of carriageway on Gilkes Place. The prohibition applies to 25 metres of carriageway from the junction of Gilkes Crescent.

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:

3.

The alternative route for affected traffic will be via Dulwich Village, East Dulwich Grove, Gilkes Crescent.

4.

The Order will come into force on the 12th June 2023 and it is anticipated that the works will be completed by the 12th October 2023.

5.

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

6.

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

(a) Ryedale, ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions will be introduced on the north east side between No’s 54 – 48 located between Balchier Road and Cornflower Terrace (b) Cornflower Terrace, ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions will be introduced on the north east side between No’s 22 – 24 near the junction with Ryedale (c) Athenlay Road, ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions will be introduced on the north and south side between No’s 43 – 49 located between Homeleigh Road and Brockley Way/Merttins Road (d) Brockley Way, ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions will be introduced at the side of No’s 43 opposite the side of No’s 43 near the junction with Brockley Way/Merttins Road (e) Alma Grove, between Southwark Park Road and Lynton Road will be closed (f) Alma Grove, between Southwark Park Road and Lynton Road all parking bays will be suspended on both sides of the road

Dated this 1st June 2023

3.

The alternative route for affected traffic will be(2a) (2b) (2c) (2d) not applicable (2e) & (2f)

Ian Law Traffic Manager London Borough of Southwark Network Management Regulatory Services Environment and Leisure 160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX Ref: 6568/LBSHO12085-1newTTO

4.

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

5.

The existing ‘one-way’ working, will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes

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 between (2a) 13- 15 June (2b) 13th – 15th June (2c) 12th – 14th June (2d) 12th – 14th June (2e)& (2f) 12 June – 22 September, the works will be carried out in sections

8.

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

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark PUBLIC NOTICE: ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 16A THE (RESTRICTION OF TRAFFIC) SPECIAL EVENTS ORDER 2023 1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that it has made the above named Traffic Order under section 29 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specified in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2.

The purpose of the Order is to facilitate a special community event, as indicated in the schedule to this notice.

3.

The effect of the Order is to prohibit any vehicle or cyclist from:(a) entering or proceeding in the length of street specified in the schedule to this notice on the date and between the hours specified in that schedule;. (b) waiting (including waiting for the purpose of delivering or collecting goods or loading or unloading a vehicle) in the length of street specified in the schedule to this notice.

4.

The prohibitions will not apply in respect of: (a) any vehicle being used for the purposes of that event or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes; (b) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by the Council of the London Borough of Southwark.

5.

The alternative route will be adjacent roads as applicable.

For information regarding this notice, please contact Network & Parking at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk

Dated this 1st June 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 Ref: LBSEVOMEARA

Dated this 1st June 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 )6486/ MCW-SOWA-SL-012524 (2b) 6486/MCWSOWASL012524 (2c) 6487/MCW-SOWASL-012519 (2d)6487/ MCW-SOWA-SL-012519 (2e) & (2f) 6481/BER8-ALMA280-01 LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (DARTFORD STREET, MORECAMBE STREET, TALFOURD ROAD, TYRRELL ROAD) (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) Dartford Street, between Pelier Street for 46m east (b) Morecambe Street, between East Street and Townley Street (c) Talfourd Road, between Peckham Road and Talfourd Place (d) Tyrrell Road, between Oakhurst Grove to it’s blocked end

3.

The alternative route for affected traffic will be (2a) Pelier Street, John Ruskin Street, Dartford Street (2b) East Street, King & Queen Street, Browning Street, Brandon Street (2c) ) Peckham Road, Bushey Hill Road, Lyndhurst grove, Talfourd Road. (2d) not applicable

Schedule Road

Extent

Date of event

Prohibited Hours

4.

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

Union Street

Southwark Bridge Road – Borough High Street

Friday 9th – Saturday 10th June

Friday 9th June at 17:00hrs - Saturday 10th June at 23:00hrs

5.

Redcross Way

Omeara Street to Quilp Street Friday 9th – Saturday 10th June

Friday 9th June at 17:00hrs - Saturday 10th June at 23:00hrs

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

6.

The works will be in operation for (2a) 15th – 16th June (2b) 13th – 17th June between 20:00hrs and 05:00hrs (2c) 14th June (2d) 13th -16th June

Omeara Street

at its junction with Southwark Friday 9th – Saturday Street 10th June

7.

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

Ayres Street

at it's junction with Clenman Street

Friday 9th June at 17:00hrs - Saturday 10th June at 23:00hrs Friday 9th June at 17:00hrs - Saturday 10th June at 23:00hrs

Friday 9th – Saturday 10th June

To place a public notice, please email em@cm-media.co.uk Our weekly deadline is 4pm on Tuesdays

Dated this 1st June 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) 6508/HHH-02-21-250523-NR (2b) 6450- 000812493470045-001-re-a-Thames (2c) 6505/LPPAT2122/0418/JS-sapphire/us (2d) 6478/00812097960325-001-thames

26 PUBLIC NOTICES 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;

CANADA WATER MASTERPLAN - LAND BOUNDED BY LOWER ROAD (WEST), REDRIFF ROAD (SOUTH), QUEBEC WAY (EAST) SURREY QUAYS ROAD AND CANADA WATER DOCK (NORTH) AND SITE AT ROBERTS CLOSE LONDON SE16 (Ref: 22/AP/2439) Details of all Reserved Matters pursuant to 18/AP/1604 in respect of Zone G of the CW Masterplan comprising mixed-use redevelopment including residential accommodation in 5 buildings (Class C3) above a retail superstore (Class A1) and town centre car park and ancillary retail floorspace (Class A1-A5), together with car parking, cycle parking, landscaping, public realm, plant and associated works. This application is pursuant to 18/AP/1604, which was accompanied by an Environmental Statement. The application is accompanied by a Statement of Conformity submitted pursuant to the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017. This ES Statement of Conformity should be read in conjunction with the CW Masterplan ES which can be viewed in full on the Council's website. Re consultation due to: Reduction in residential units (385 proposed - 13 x studios, 140 x 1bed, 156 x 2-bed and 76 x 3-bed) Buildings A and B footprint reduced to under 900 sqm GIA, internal alterations to unit numbers, size mix and layout and second fire escape stair introduced. Associated façade changes.

Building C footprint increased to accommodate second stair within the core.

Below podium plant rooms and amenity spaces redesigned and 1 additional

apartment Building D change of tenure from intermediate to private. Redesign of the core to introduce a second stair with associated footprint increase. Massing and fenestration adjusted. Car park lift removed. Loss of a ground floor retail unit and gain of 1 apartment Residential Building E all cores redesigned and street fenestration adjusted.

Internal alterations to unit numbers, size mix and layout. Loss of ground floor retail unit.

New ground floor plant rooms and minor increase to building height Minor amendments to the Tesco store plan resulting in slight reduced floor area. Loss of two ancillary retail units below Buildings D and E. Podium landscape area increased by 339 sqm, and design amended Residential accessible car parking relocated The amended plans and documents are as follows Amended floor plans, elevations, sections and detailed layouts Revised Application Form Revised CIL Form Planning Statement Addendum Revised Area and Accommodation Schedules Design and Access Statement Addendum Energy Statement Addendum Sustainability Statement Addendum Travel Plan Addendum Delivery Servicing and Refuse Management Plan Addendum Environmental Statement Statement of Conformity Addendum Internal Daylight and Sunlight Assessment Addendum Planning Compliance Report Addendum Housing Delivery Plan Addendum Two Fire Statement Addendums Revised Viewpoint Study and Arboricultural Method Statement Reason(s) for publicity: EIA MAJ (Contact: Gemma Usher 020 7525 7935)

95 KENNINGTON PARK ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE11 4JJ (Ref: 23/AP/1435) Listed building consent for the replacement of existing roof tiles and lead flashings (Within: Kennington Park Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Athena HyltonThompson 020 7525 2161) 95 KENNINGTON PARK ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE11 4JJ (Ref: 23/AP/1434) Replacement of existing roof tiles and lead flashings (Within: Multiple CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Athena HyltonThompson 020 7525 2161) 2 - 4 BEDALE STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 9AL (Ref: 23/AP/1443) Installation of a new shop front and new signage proposed on front, side and rear elevations of the unit: fascia and projecting signs, backlit roof sign, wayfinding signs and menu box. (Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Michelle Meskell ) Dated: 30 May 2023 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date.

STEPHEN PLATTS - Director of Planning and Growth

APPLICATION FOR PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003

APPLICATION FOR PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice is given that :In The Park Events LTD, 86 – 90Paul Street, EC2A 4NE has applied for the Grant of a Time Limited Premises Licence for the following premises: Addington Park, Kent Gateway, CR0 5AR.

Notice is given that :In The Park Events LTD, 86 – 90Paul Street, EC2A 4NE has applied for the Grant of a Premises Licence for the following premises: Highams Farm, Sheepbarn Lane, CR6 9PQ.

It is proposed that the following licensable activities will take place at the premises: Retail sale of alcohol (on sales only) and provision of regulated entertainment (recorded and live music) on Saturday 16th September 2023 between the hours of 13:00 & 22:00.

If you wish to make any representations in relation to this application, please do so in writing, no later than 22th June 2023. (last date for making representations): Place Department, Licensing Team, 6th Floor, Zone A, Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk,Croydon,CR0 1EA.

It is proposed that the following licensable activities will take place at the premises: Retail sale of alcohol (on sales only) and provision of regulated entertainment Friday & Saturday 14:00 until 23:00. There shall be no licensable activity on any other day.

Seasonal Variations: Bank Holiday Monday or Sunday preceding Bank Holiday Monday: 14:00 noon until 23:00.

The venue shall not operate on consecutive weekends and shall limit events to two weekends per calendar month.

If you wish to make any representations in relation to this application, please do so in writing, no later than 26th June 2023. (last date for making representations):

Postal address of local authority where register of applications is kept for general viewing: London Borough of Croydon, Place Department, Licensing Team, 6th Floor, Zone A, Bernard Weatherill House,8 Mint Walk,Croydon,CR0 1EA.

Licensing, Public Protection, Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH.

Application details can be viewed at Access Croydon Reception, Bernard Weatherill House, between 9 a.m. & 3.45 p.m., Monday to Friday by appointment (except bank holidays), or online via www.croydon.gov.uk

Application details can be viewed at Licensing, Public Protection, Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley, BR1 3UH. Monday to Friday by appointment (except bank holidays), or online via www.bromley.gov.uk

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine on summary conviction for such an offence is £5000.

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine on summary conviction for such an offence is £5000.

To place a public notice, please email em@cm-media.co.uk Our weekly deadline is 4pm on Tuesdays

Local media reaches you in huge numbers.

Local news brands now reach 40 million people every single month, which is 73% of the total GB population.

And we’re growing, with online audiences continuing to increase.

Thank you for relying on us to represent you. Trust Local.

PUBLIC NOTICES 27

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

are available for inspection at Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth, 3rd floor hub 2, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH, by appointment only. E-mail traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk or call 020 7525 3497 for booking details.

CONTROLLED PARKING ZONE 'T' EXTENSION The London Borough of Southwark (Charged-for parking places) (CPZ 'T') Order 2023 The London Borough of Southwark (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (CPZ 'T') Order 2023 1. Southwark Council hereby GIVES NOTICE that on 1 June 2023 it has made the above orders under sections 6, 45, 46, 49 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended.

2. The general effect of the orders, as part of the extension of the existing controlled parking zone ‘T’ in the north-east Peckham area are:(a) to provide new permit holders' parking places, in which vehicles in respect of which have been granted either a valid residents' permit, a valid business permit or a valid visitors' permit may be left between the hours of 8.00 am and 6.30 pm on Mon-Fri inclusive, in:- ALBERT WAY, ASHMORE CLOSE, ASYLUM ROAD, BIRD IN BUSH ROAD, BONAR ROAD, BULLER CLOSE, CLIFTON CRESCENT, COMMERCIAL WAY, ELCOT AVENUE, FENHAM ROAD, FRIARY ROAD, FURLEY ROAD, GELDART ROAD, GLENGALL ROAD, GREEN HUNDRED ROAD, HAYMERLE ROAD, HOLBECK ROW, JOCELYN STREET, JOWETT STREET, KINCAID ROAD, LATONA ROAD, LEDBURY STREET, LISFORD STREET, MARMONT ROAD, MEETING HOUSE LANE, NAYLOR ROAD, NUTCROFT ROAD, NUTT STREET, PECKHAM HILL STREET, PENNETHORNE ROAD, RADNOR ROAD, ROSEMARY ROAD, SPRINGALL STREET, and STUDHOLME STREET; (b) to refresh existing and provide new 'shared-use' parking places in which either:- i) vehicles which have paid the parking charge of £4.75 per hour (using 'Pay by Phone') may be left for up to 4 hours (provided no vehicle may return to a parking place on that same day), or (ii) vehicles in respect of which have been granted either a valid residents' permit, a valid business permit or a valid visitors' permit may be left without time limit, between the hours of 8.00 am and 6.30 pm Mon-Fri inclusive, in:- ASYLUM ROAD, BIANCA ROAD, BIRD IN BUSH ROAD, BONAR ROAD, CLIFTON CRESCENT, COBOURG ROAD, COLEGROVE ROAD, COMMERCIAL WAY, ELCOT AVENUE, ETHNARD ROAD, FENHAM ROAD, FRENSHAM STREET, FRIARY ROAD, FURLEY ROAD, GELDART ROAD, GERVASE STREET, GLENGALL ROAD, GLENGALL TERRACE, GREEN HUNDRED ROAD, HAYMERLE ROAD, JOCELYN STREET, JOWETT STREET, KINCAID ROAD, LATONA ROAD, LEDBURY STREET, LEO STREET, LISFORD STREET, LONCROFT ROAD, MAISMORE STREET, MARMONT ROAD, MEETING HOUSE LANE, NAYLOR ROAD, NEATE STREET, NILE TERRACE, NUTCROFT ROAD, NUTT STREET, OAKLEY PLACE, OSSORY ROAD, PECKHAM HILL STREET, PECKHAM PARK ROAD, PENNETHORNE ROAD, RADNOR ROAD, REDDINS ROAD, ROSEMARY ROAD, SPRINGALL STREET, STUDHOLME STREET, TRAFALGAR AVENUE, and WAITE STREET; (c) install 4 new car club parking places 5.5m in length for the use of car club only (at any time, and any day of the week) in BONAR ROAD north-west side south-west of its junction with Peckham Hill Street, LATONA ROAD north-west side, north-east of its junction with Haymerle Road, NILE TERRACE south side, side of No. 16 Trafalgar Avenue, and STUDHOLME STREET south-east side, south-west of its junction with Asylum Road; (d) accommodate the provision of 55 new cycle hangars on the carriageway, each 2.55 metres in length, 2.05 metres in width and aligned parallel to the kerb, at the following locations:- ALBERT WAY north-east side, north-west of its junction with Studholme Street; ASHMORE CLOSE south-west side, opposite No. 38; ASYLUM ROAD 2 cycle hangars north-east side (i) north-west of its junction with Gervase Street, and (ii) south-east of its junction with Gervase Street; BIRD IN BUSH ROAD 4 cycle hangars (i) north-west side o/s No. 19, side of No. 1 Haymerle, (ii) north-east side opposite No. 46a, (iii) south-west side, west of its junction with Lympstone Gardens, and (iv) south-east side, north-east of its junction with Ledbury Street; BONAR ROAD 3 cycle hangars (i) south-east side, side of No. 78 Peckham Hill Street, (ii) north-east side rear of No. 62 Peckham Hill Street, and (iii) south-east of its junction with Commercial Way; BULLER CLOSE north-west side, south-west of its junction with Hastings Close; CLIFTON CRESCENT 3 cycle hangars south-east side, (i) opposite No. 1a, (ii) opposite No. 9, and (iii) opposite No. 42; COLEGROVE ROAD south-west side, o/s No. 3; COMMERCIAL WAY 2 cycle hangars north-west side (i) opposite No. 292 and (ii) opposite Nos. 330 and 332; ELCOT AVENUE 2 cycle hangars (i) south-west side opposite No. 31, and (ii) north-east side south-east of its junction with Commercial Way; ETHNARD ROAD north-east side, o/s No. 27; FENHAM ROAD 2 cycle hangars north-west side, (i) west of its junction with Friary Road, and (ii) opposite Nos. 44 and 46; FRENSHAM STREET south-east side, north-west of its junction with Peckham Park Road; FRIARY ROAD 5 cycle hangars (i) south-west side, opposite Breamore House, (ii) opposite No. 75c, (iii) west side o/s No. 114, (iv) north-east side, o/s No. 131, and (v) o/s No. 157; FURLEY ROAD 3 cycle hangars (i) south-west side, opposite No. 106, (ii) north-west side, opposite No. 52, and (iii) opposite No. 8; GLENGALL ROAD 2 cycle hangars west side (i) opposite No. 7 and (ii) opposite No. 35; GREEN HUNDRED ROAD north-east side, side of Reading House; HAYMERLE ROAD north-east side opposite No. 13; HOLBECK ROW north-west side, south-west of its junction with Friary Road; JOCELYN STREET north-east side, opposite No. 16; KINCAID ROAD north-east side, north-west of its junction with Meeting House Lane; LATONA ROAD south-east side o/s Nos. 38/74; LEDBURY STREET north-east side opposite No. 3; LEO STREET south-west side of the north-west to south-east arm, rear of No. 3 Burnhill Close; MAISMORE STREET north-east side, north-west of its junction with Peckham Park Road; MARMONT ROAD south-east side opposite No. 24; MEETING HOUSE LANE north-west side opposite Nos. 11 and 13; NAYLOR ROAD 2 cycle hangars (i) southwest side o/s Nos. 10/26, and (ii) north-east side, north-west of its junction with Meeting House Lane; NUTCROFT ROAD north-west side, o/s No. 24; NUTT STREET south-east side opposite No. 24; OAKLEY PLACE west side o/s No. 17; PECKHAM HILL STREET 2 cycle hangars south-west side (i) o/s No. 10, and (ii) o/s No. 72; PENNETHORNE ROAD north-east side opposite No. 4; STUDHOLME STREET north-west side south-west of its junction with Asylum Road; TRAFALGAR AVENUE west side o/s No. 18; (e) accommodate the provision of a cycle hangar (2.55 metres in length and 2.05 metres in width), on the footway of PECKHAM PARK ROAD north-west side opposite No. 45, aligned parallel to the northwestern edge of the footway area; (f) provide 2 new ‘unlimited stay’ disabled persons parking places each 6m in length, which may be used without time limit by vehicles displaying a valid disabled persons 'blue badge' in CLIFTON CRESCENT south side, opposite Nos. 43 to 50; (g) install 2 new electric vehicle only re-charging points each 6m in length, which may be used by electric vehicles for re-charging only either for a max stay of 4hrs, no return within 2hrs between the hours of 7 am to 10 pm Mondays – Saturdays, or without time limit for the remaining hours in the week in (i) LISFORD STREET north-west side opposite Nos. 52 and 54, and (ii) PENNETHORNE ROAD north-east side o/s No. 25; (h) install new loading places for the purpose of loading only 'at any time' any day of the week (max stay 1hr and no return within 2hrs) in (i) HAYMERLE ROAD (north-west of its junction with Latona Road) 11m on the south-west side and 18m on the north-east side, (ii) LATONA ROAD 10m on the north-west side opposite Nos. 48/84 Latona Road, and (iii) OSSORY ROAD west side, 14m o/s Nos. 2 to 10, 12.5m o/s Nos. 14 to 22 and 60m o/s Nos. 24 to 50 Ossory Road; and (i) to introduce new and amend existing 'at any time' (AAT) waiting restrictions - double yellow lines - at road junctions, footway and vehicle crossovers, and between kerbside designated as parking places in the above-mentioned streets and in OLMAR STREET, PIONEER STREET, SHARD’S SQUARE, SUMNER ROAD, and WILLOWBROOK ROAD (in so much as is public highway and on those areas which are not designated as ‘School Keep Clear’, with the exception of Pennack Road – where no new waiting restrictions will be added on all sides of its easternmost extremity). Loading or unloading to or from attended vehicles will be permitted for a maximum of 40 minutes at any single location on AAT waiting restrictions. Existing car club parking places, cycle hangars, disabled persons’ parking places, and any other existing designated parking places (for electric vehicles, solo motorcycles, ambulances, or doctors only) located in the above streets will not be affected.

NOTES: (1) All measurements are in metres ‘m’ and are approximate. (2) Parking charges are listed on www.southwark.gov.uk/parking 3. Residents’ permits, business permits and visitors’ permits will be available to residents and businesses located at qualifying addresses located within the parking zone boundary, which are not subject to a planning agreement restricting the grant of permits.

4. Copies of the orders, which will come into force on 5 June 2023, and of all other relevant documents Continues....

5. Any person desiring to question the validity of the order/s or of any provision contained therein on the grounds that it is not within the relevant powers of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 or that any of the relevant requirements thereof or of any relevant regulations made thereunder has not been complied with in relation to the order/s may, within six weeks of the date on which the order was made, make application for the purpose to the High Court.

Dated 1 June 2023 Dale Foden - Head of Service, Highways

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (LAVINGTON STREET, BASSANO STREET, BAWDALE ROAD, SUMNER STREET, LONGLEY STREET) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF VEHICLES) 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) Lavington Street, between Ewer Street and Great Suffolk Street (b) Bassano Street, between No’s 17 to the side on No’s 22 (c) Bawdale Road, between No’s 23/26 and 26/32, located between Lordship Lane and Fellbrigg Road (d) Sumner Street, between Southwark Street and Holland Street (e) Longley Street, between Southwark Park Road and Thornburn Square (f) Longley Street, between Southwark Park Road and Thornburn Square all parking bays will be suspended on both sides of the road, the existing double yellow lines will be amended to ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions.

3.

The alternative route for affected traffic will be (2a) as indicated by the signs displayed (2b) Bassano Street, Blackwater Street, Lordship Lane, Bassano Street (2c) Hansler Road, Lordship Lane, Whateley Road, Fellbrigg Road (2d) as indicated by the signs displayed. (2e & f) not applicable

4.

The existing ‘one-way’ working in Lavington Street, will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes for (2a)

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 between (2a) 17th – 18th June (2b) 19th – 23rd June (2c) 19th – 23rd June (2d) 17th – 18th June (2e & 2f) 19th June – 19th August

8.

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

Dated this 1st June 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) LBSCR12932 (2b) 31577802 (2c) 000031951119-001 (2d) LBSCR12955 (2e & 2f) BER8LONG160-01

IT’S LIKE A

FORTRESS SE

ANTIC

NS

EO

IPATIO F

N

Buy online at tickets.millwallfc.co.uk

WELCOME BOOKLET

THE LL MILLWA FAMILY

PRIORITY PERIODS

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT

AND MUCH MORE...

Visit millwallfc.co.uk for the full breakdown

SPORT 29

Tom alsoP’s brave unbeaten 51, and a classy 28-ball 48 from Michael burgess, swept sussex sharks to a tenacious, againstthe-odds Vitality blast five-wicket victory against surrey at the kia oval – with just one ball to spare.

After bowling out the hosts for 148 on a used pitch, Sussex looked out of it when they struggled to 57 for four after Sunil Narine, who took two for 18 from his four overs, produced a wicket maiden in the 11th over.

But then Burgess joined Alsop in a match-winning partnership of 77 in eight overs that shocked Surrey, who had won their first two Blast fixtures of the season, and propelled the Sharks to the brink of an opening South Group win.

Burgess, having just deposited Dan Worrall for a huge six into almost the second tier of the JM Finn Stand, was brilliantly caught at short third man from the last ball of the 18th over – slashing a low full toss to Nathan Barnwell, the substitute fielder, who hung on gallantly.

That left Sussex needing 16 from the last two overs, and then ten from the last after Sam Curran bowled a tight penultimate over, and Alsop was equal to the task of taking ten off Tom Lawes.

Left-hander Alsop hit the second ball through extra cover for three and, with James Coles taking a single from the next, levelled the scores by hammering Lawes’ fourth ball back past the bowler for a lofted boundary.

Alsop then pulled Lawes over a ring field for the victory-clinching single and his 42-ball anchor knock included legside sixes off Cameron Steel and Worrall and four fours besides.

But it had been Burgess, on-loan from Warwickshire and originally a product of Surrey’s youth system before joining Sussex for three seasons from 2017, who played the innings of the game. He took the lion’s share of the 19 runs that came from the 15th over, off Worrall, including a remarkable square cut six that landed on the boundary rope.

That left Sussex needing 52 from the final five overs and Burgess, in all, hit two sixes and five fours as the Sharks shook off injury setbacks that included opener Ali Orr having to bat with a runner – but still hitting 24 from 15 balls – after hurting his knee trying to take a boundary catch early in the match.

Narine earlier hit three sixes in a quickfire 29 but he then became the first of Ravi Bopara’s three victims in a canny spell of three for 18 from the 12th, 14th and 16th overs, and Surrey’s innings rather fizzled out as their last four wickets tumbled for just two runs

Sussex Sharks earn win at the Kia Oval with one ball left

Laurie Evans in nine balls.

Surrey at first took the attack to a Sussex bowling unit shorn of both their overseas players, Pakistan’s Shadab Khan and Australia’s Nathan McAndrew, who were rested as a precaution following their unfortunate on-field collision in the Sharks’ opening game defeat against Somerset at Hove. Laurie Evans took two legside fours off George Garton in the second over and then lifted Coles’ left-arm spin for a six into the back tier of the Bedser Stand in a third over that brought 16 runs as Will Jacks also plundered two fours.

But Tymal Mills, introduced for the fifth over, made the breakthrough when Evans, making room to carve,

lost his off stump on 23 and Jacks fell for 13 – splicing Henry Crocombe’s fast-medium to mid wicket – as Surrey ended the six-over powerplay on 42 for two.

A quite brilliant low diving catch at backward point by Coles cut Sam Curran’s innings short on just two, the fielder scooping the ball up righthanded as the England all-rounder slashed Archie Lenham’s leg spin hard for what he must have thought would be a boundary.

Narine’s mid-innings aggression helped to take Surrey to 82 for three by the halfway point as he and Tom Curran added 53 for the fourth wicket but then Bopara began to produce his own particular brand of medium-paced

magic as Narine lofted to long on and Curran (23) skied to extra cover, where Alsop took a fine running catch over his shoulder.

Jamie Smith did bludgeon Lenham for two straight fours but on 19 was bowled by Bopara as he tried to sweep a straight ball after moving outside his off stump.

Mills returned to help his captain turn the screw on Surrey’s lower order and Jamie Overton was bowled for 13 by a thunderbolt that hit his off stump and both Steel and Lawes were run out trying to come back for a second run – Lawes being dismissed without facing a ball.

The innings ended with three balls unused, Jordan Clark swinging and

and Dani Gregory each claimed two wickets apiece for Stars.

Orla Prendergast returned miserly figures of 2-12 from four overs as Storm produced their most incisive new-ball bowling performance of the campaign to reduce their opponents to 31-4. But Alice Davidson-Richards staged a rescue act, top scoring with 43 from 45 balls and dominating a stand of 52 for the fifth wicket with Phoebe Franklin, while Tash Farrant clubbed an unbeaten 32 to hoist Stars to 126-6.

Needing to bounce back after being

comfortably beaten by Southern Vipers 48 hours earlier, Storm suffered a third defeat in four outings and are now adrift of the top four, while Stars registered their second win in five games to keep alive their hopes of progressing.

Stars bowler Freya Davies said: “It's the kind of ground where you know you can score runs and we would probably have wanted a few more than 126 when we arrived here today. But having batted on it ourselves, we knew that, if we put the ball in the right areas,

we could make it move about enough.

It offered a little bit and that's why we went with a seam-heavy attack.

“We've been put in some pretty tough situations this season and we felt we always had things under control.

There was a real calmness about our work and a clarity about what we were trying to achieve, which helped us in a tight situation.

“Sophie Luff batted exceptionally well and I was just trying to get her off strike in that last over. We had got ourselves in a difficult situation and

missing at Garton to go for just eight and leaving Surrey short of a par total and guilty of losing their way against some excellent Sussex out-cricket.

Tom Clark was Sussex’s first wicket to fall, caught at extra cover off Worrall for 9 and after Orr was taken at backward point off Lawes the Sharks reply stuttered further when Bopara edged Narine’s third ball behind and the West Indian mystery spinner also had Garton caught by keeper Smith for 7.

Alsop and Burgess, though, held their nerve in front of a big crowd and, with Narine bowled out at the end of the 14th over, an equation of 71 from six was achieved. Their stand, meanwhile, was a fifth wicket T20 record for Sussex against Surrey.

Disciplined Stars calm Storm in six-run victory

By Andy Stockhausen

souTh easT stars produced a disciplined performance in the field to beat western storm by six runs in a close-fought Charlotte edwards Cup contest at Taunton's Cooper associates Ground last weekend.

Chasing 127 for victory, Storm were bowled out for 120 with two balls to spare, skipper Sophie Luff left high and dry on 43 not out from 46 balls, while Freya Davies, Phoebe Franklin

this was a must-win game for us. But that will just make for an even better story when we win the trophy.”

Storm all-rounder Orla Prendergast added: “It's frustrating to lose the game, because we started really well.

That's probably our most complete fielding performance of the season and we did really well to restrict a team like Stars to 126. We executed our bowling plans really well, especially with the new ball, on what was a good pitch and we need to take that into the next game against Sunrisers on Wednesday.”

Photo by Mark Sandom

surrey Feel sharks’ Bite

By Mark Baldwin

Photo by Rob Avis

30 SPORT

eZe For eBere

Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze

By Wilf MacDonnell Three CharlTon academy products signed their first professional deals last week.

Southgate said. “He was very unfortunate just before the [2020] Euros. We were going to call him into a prep camp and he got an injury.

“He has finished the season very strongly, he can play in a couple of positions across that front line. He has high quality and bursts of speed to go past players with those dribbling skills.”

Eze has particularly flourished since 75-year-old Hodgson took over from the sacked Patrick Vieira.

Eze has recently been linked with a move to one of the Premier League’s top six.

“I’m not really too bothered about that. I’m just focusing on the present,” Eze said. “I want to continue enjoying it and contributing to the team as much as I can. I’m improving every game.”

“I feel like I’ve got the freedom to play, to do my thing. I’m just happy to be enjoying my football.”

“I found it difficult at times [when he wasn’t playing under Vieira]. As a team we were going through a tough period so that’s natural to lack confidence.

“Since Roy has come in, it’s given me the freedom to express myself. I’ve obviously played for him before, so I understand exactly what he wants.

That’s helped.”

After he was released by Millwall, Eze was picked up by the Hoops, and he has spoken about how the west London club revived his career.

“They put that belief back in myself that I had when I was young, at Arsenal,” Eze said. “Once I had that in the under-23s, I felt unstoppable.

“It wasn’t until I got to QPR that I got

that click with those guys and I started to unlock new levels I didn’t know I had in terms of my work rate, running stats, stuff like that.”

Eze was under the watch of the Hoops’ technical director Chris Ramsey.

“He is an outstanding person. He was very engaging, willing to learn,” Ramsey said. “Most flair players now tend to think that flair is enough, but myself, Andy [Impey] and Paul [Hall] were able to connect with him on different levels at different times and put our individual input into trying to get him to unlock what he had.

“We looked at somebody who was really desperate to be given some patience, which is what you really need in player development, and also just a bit of care, though I’m not saying he didn’t get that at his previous places.”

Chibike Okechukwu, Ollie Holden and Toby Bower have all made the step-up from academy scholar to full-time professionals.

The news comes after the Addicks’ youth side won a third consecutive Professional Development League 2 South title.

Forward Okechukwu, who has been with the club since under-10 level, told Charlton’s media: “I’m delighted, honestly. I’ve been at Charlton a long time so it means a lot to me. It’s been a tough year for me personally, I had a massive injury.

“I can’t put the determination into words, every day I’m in the gym, putting 110 per cent in sweating and working to make sure that when I’m back on the pitch, first off I’m as fit as anyone.”

Defender Holden has been at the club since under-13 level and scored in this season’s under18s’ national play-off final against Barnsley.

Upon signing his first professional contract, Holden said: “It’s a very proud moment for me and my family. As a team we’ve been on a lot of cup runs, we went to the Milk Cup in Ireland and we went all the way through to the final.

Holden outlined his ambitions, saying he wants “to become a main starter for the under-21s next year and hopefully try and push my way into the first team”.

Bower is also a full-back who has been with the Charlton academy since the age of nine. He captained the victorious under-18 side in the 2022-23 campaign.

Bower said: “It’s something I’ve dreamed of, I’m now following in the footsteps of people that I have looked up to.

“It’s something that the club has always managed to do, bringing players into the first team. Whether it’s having a career here or at different clubs. There’s a few in my team as well, Zach Mitchell, Nathan [Asiimwe], Dan Kanu. They've all had chances with the first team and I’m looking to kick on and do the same thing.”

put the visitors 1-0 up in the 31st minute, but Palace drew level when Will Hughes headed in Michael Olise’s brilliant cross in the 66th minute.

The draw meant that Palace finished eleventh and above Chelsea for the first time in Premier League history.

Hodgson was asked about his future after the game.

“No, I haven’t spoken to Steve [Parish] about anything,” Hodgson said. “As far as I’m concerned, I had a contract to do a job here and I’ve done that. I shall now go back

to where I was before the phone call and then I shall see what the future holds for me.

“This spell, of course, has been the more glamorous but the first spell was probably the more important because in those four years the club could have gone down at any time and we had to work very, very hard to make sure that didn’t happen.”

The 75 year-old returned to Crystal Palace in March after the sacking of Patrick Vieira with Palace just three points above

the relegation zone.

“I must also say that it’s not been my work alone,” Hodgson said. “Patrick Vieira deserves credit as well because he started this season off and he won games and got points for the team as well. Between the two of us, I think we’ve put the club once again in the position it wants to be in.

“I think the future for the team and the club looks very bright.

“Eleventh place for Palace is more than acceptable. At the moment, that would be where we would definitely want to be, at

least.

“We could always hope that we could have a better finish in some of the seasons to come, and get beyond that and into the top half of the table.

“I don’t think it’s a big ask that when you’re finishing around this position in the league, you could perhaps go a bit higher than that, and certainly with a good season I hope we would.

“But I think the season should be regarded as a very satisfying one for the club.”

Former Millwall youngster and current Crystal Palace star in England squad

By Wilf MacDonnell former millWall and current Crystal Palace star eberechi eze has earned his first england callup.

Eze was rewarded for his sensational form towards the end of the season for Palace, particularly since the return of Roy Hodgson to Selhurst Park. Eze scored ten goals and got four assists last season.

Eze is one of three Palace players to be called up to the squad, alongside goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and defender Marc Guéhi.

England, under former Palace captain Gareth Southgate, face Malta and North Macedonia next month in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

“We've liked him for a long time,”

Charlton kids get pro deals

Roy coy on future after guiding Palace to safety

By Wilf MacDonnell

roy hodgson has remained tightlipped over whether Palace's 1-1 draw against nottingham forest last weekend was his last game involved in professional football.

The fixture happened to be the first time Hodgson had ever managed against Forest, in a 47-year managerial career.

With both teams already safe, there was nothing really on the line in the May sunshine at Selhurst Park. Taiwo Awonyi

chairman determined to strengthen sQuad

John Berylson

millWall Chairman John Berylson says the club are going to do “absolutely everything we can” to strengthen the squad over the summer to mount another promotion bid in 202324.

Gary Rowett’s Lions missed out on the top six on the last day after their 4-3 defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

Berylson paid tribute to Millwall’s Professional Development League squad and thanked fans for their support last season.

“I would like to start by expressing my delight at the success our under-21 squad have achieved this season, culminating in beating Sheffield United in the Professional Development League national final,” Berylson said.

“To win the southern division is one thing, a fine achievement, but to go on and get one better with that overall trophy is truly fantastic. I’d like to pay tribute to Kevin Nugent, Paul Robinson, the rest of the staff, and of course all the players, who have demonstrated their outstanding potential over the course of the campaign.

“Congratulations are also extended to Larry McAvoy, Chris Perry, and their under-18 squad, who also enjoyed another superb season reaching their play-off semi-finals.

Twice winning having scored seven, and with several other high-scoring victories and matches over the course of the season, there was certainly no shortage of entertainment following the under-18s and everyone involved can be very proud of another season of progress.

“It’s great that such a bright light has been shone on the academy – not forgetting of course the emergence of Romain Esse within the first team – and long may that continue as it is so important for us as a club to see players working their way through the age groups and into the senior squad.

“The dust is beginning to settle on what was ultimately a very painful end to a season which so promised so much. There is no hiding from the fact that what happened in that second half against Blackburn badly hurt us all, but what I’m focused on is ensuring that those negative emotions we’re collectively experiencing are channelled in the right way, and that’s by growing

Prince William makes Loftus Road visit

By John Kelly PrinCe William visited Queens Park rangers’ loftus road recently ahead of the sixth anniversary of the grenfell Tower fire next month.

Seventy-two people died in the tragedy on June 14, 2017, and the Prince met QPR Trust chief executive Andy Evans who explained the club’s work with those who have been impacted by the disaster.

Evans, a local resident, said: “It was a very special afternoon. It was a little bit surreal to be wandering around Loftus Road with Prince William and talking about football, but he very seriously believes football clubs have a role to play in the community.

“He said what we have done around Grenfell was particularly impressive which was great to hear.

“It was a day that makes me proud of the club and the Trust.”

Evans revealed Prince William was interested in two particular aspects of story.

“One was how the events of Grenfell had impacted people in the community, especially around mental health,” Evans said. “And he was also interested in the future, and how could he personally help support the Grenfell community.”

“I think the close connection we have with the community affected comes from a position of trust.

“I think they trusted us as a club and we have continued to be true to our word.

And we will continue to do that going forward.

“We will be here to support the community for years to come.”

Thoughts turn to next season after 'very painful' end to Lions' campaign

By John Kelly

SPORT 31

further, getting better, and going again next season.

“There is so much to look back on with such pride and joy, not least the quite incredible atmosphere and feeling within The Den during the early stages of that final game. It was better than anything I’ve seen and experienced during my association with the club and what we’re focused on as a club is continuing to try and harness that type of environment as often as possible in 2023-24 and beyond.

“Last season we had a series of sellout crowds, including the biggest ever one in the League and our highest average attendance at the current stadium. I believe that is testament to the way in which supporters have embraced our progress and rallied behind Gary Rowett, his staff, and the players, and backed them through highs and lows.

“Our objective for this summer is no different to any other in that we are going to do absolutely everything we can to help strengthen the squad as much as possible. In recent years we feel that “We’ve shown progress on and off the pitch each season and our aim is to do that again. It’s not easy, certainly not so early in the summer,

but Gary, Alex Aldridge, and the recruitment department are working incredibly hard to secure the players which can help take us to that next level. I’m certainly very excited and enthused by that challenge and have every faith that come the end of the window we’ll have a team and squad ready to compete strongly once more.

“I’d like to finish firstly by thanking all the staff throughout the club for their continued hard work, passion for Millwall, and desire to take us to the next level. I’m proud to represent the team behind the team, and while a lot of their work is unseen, I know it will be appreciated by you all.

“Finally, and most importantly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude on behalf of the board of directors and everyone else at the club for your amazing support over the course of the season just gone.

You excelled yourselves again both in the stands on match-days and in all your various fundraising and charitable endeavours. We came so close and we’ll need what you give us again to go that one step better.

“I hope you all enjoy your summer and I look forward to seeing you all when the fixtures recommence.”

Silva lining for Fulham

By John Kelly fulham Boss Marco silva has dismissed rumours linking him with a move away from the club.

Silva guided the Cottagers to a tenthplace finish in the Premier League in 2022-23. Fulham ended the campaign seven points ahead of eleventh-place Crystal Palace after their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United on the final day of the season.

Former Everton manager Silva has been linked with West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.

“It’s a moment of the season when everyone is going to talk about managers, about players, about everything. There are rumours around everything,” Silva said.

“When you do a good season, of course, it’s a consequence of the performance, the way the team is playing. It’s a normal situation. If there’s something new, we’re going to announce it.”

Fulham’s director of football Tony Khan said: “It has all come together for a really special moment and I am very positive about Marco.

“He is very happy at Fulham, and all of us are very happy with him. We want that to continue, hopefully for a very long time.”

Community matters

INSIDE

Sport S outhLondonWeekly.

Southwark

EZE FOR EBERE

Page 31

Departing Lamps has warning for new boss Poch after miserable Chelsea season

By John Kelly franK lamPard warned incoming boss mauricio Pochettino that “standards have dropped” in the Chelsea dressing room after the club’s all-time top scorer oversaw his last game in charge last weekend.

Chelsea drew 1-1 against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge to finish the season in twelfth place in the Premier League.

Lampard won one, drew two and lost

eight of his eleven matches in charge.

“I’m a big fan of Pochettino as a manager, I think he’s a very good manager,” Lampard said. “But it’s not about which individual it might be, it’s about getting the right high level of manager.

“Pochettino's history tells you he works at clubs of this sort of level and then letting him get to work with the players he creates a solid identity in a team that can win more games. Those things aren't always overnight things, so we have to be careful with expectations a little bit.

“There's a lot of work to be done. That's

my synopsis after six weeks, the basics that I keep talking about – standards are so relevant to this club at the minute.

Standards collectively have dropped – I can be honest about that as it's my last game and I might not see some of them that much anyway!

“Standards as a collective for a club like Chelsea have to be at the maximum or you won't be physically competitive enough, or you won't be able to play at a high level, high speed the Premier League demands.

“If you're not together in the dressing room and vocal in the dressing room,

Millwall set to make contract decisions

and driving each other and competitive because 'I want your place and you want mine'…every top team has to have that.

“When I came in, very quickly I could see that wasn't there enough. Of course a very good manager can help that but everyone has to take responsibility.

“When you're Chelsea and you have a season like we've had there are obviously lots of things to improve.

“The next manager will need a preseason. We're not physically competitive enough, that's a strong opinion I have.

“The new manager can get the squad

into the place he needs it to be. The squad has been too big and that has been the biggest challenge, coming in to work with players who for whatever reason are disillusioned. Those situations can be sorted out now and they need to be.

“The dressing room was pretty quiet and it's been a quiet dressing room since I got here. The players are probably sort of happy to take a break.

“They have to take responsibility for this season but it's up to them to go and show the pride and dedication it needs to be a Chelsea player.”

lions’ transFer PuZZle Millwall have previously recruited for a five-man defence but may adapt EXCLUSIVE

By John Kelly gAry roweTT has given an insight into his thinking on one of the big questions this summer – whether millwall’s recruitment will be with a four- or five-man defence in mind.

Rowett’s formation for much of his time in charge of the Lions has been five in defence, with variations in front of that including three attackers or three in midfield.

Millwall recruited last summer with a view to a default five-man defence formation with wing-backs. Callum Styles and Jamie Shackleton, both of whom also played in midfield, spent time in the wing-back roles last season.

Natural wing-back Scott Malone is leaving this summer. In Rowett’s previous preferred formation, 5-2-3, Mason Bennett was often deployed on the left side of the attack. Bennett will also leave when his contract expires at the end of this month.

The Lions are currently lacking an

out-and-out left-back. Murray Wallace has played there but his best position is centre-back.

At the other end of the pitch, Millwall have a shortage of natural wingers.

Last season, Zian Flemming, Duncan Watmore and Andreas Voglsammer played wide, but in a narrower set-up.

Millwall arguably haven’t replaced Jed Wallace, who could play through the middle but was often deployed on the right wing to stretch defences and get crosses in.

Millwall are busy working on a list of

targets. The Lions need to strengthen in a number of areas and Rowett would like players who are versatile to fit different formations.

“I think it’s a mix, really,” Rowett told the paper when asked which formation the club would be recruiting for. “You saw towards the end of the season that we played a five [in defence] up at Blackpool and I probably would have done that on the last day had I had the options.

“It’s a blend. You’ve got to head into the season thinking we’re a team that probably likes being flexible. I think it’s

interesting to see that out of the top two teams in our division, Sheffield United played a five all season. The two teams in the play-off final [Coventry City and Luton Town] play a five.

“I don’t think it’s necessarily always the formation, it’s within that. Having a little bit of luck with key injuries is crucial to any of those formations.

“We’ll always be flexible. I like playing a five, I like playing an attacking version of it. That’s always something that we have to think about so we can have both options.”

THE RECYCLED PAPER CONTENT OF UK NEWSPAPERS IN 2014 WAS 83.5%

SUN 2 JULY 2pm • B O O K N O W AT A X S . C O M