Southwark News - July 18th 2024

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Issue 1694

Established: 1987

see page 14

CounCil pushes neW government on housing reform

50p

July 18 2024

southwarknews.co.uk

see page 4

bermondsey Carnival to honour blue fishmonger With tribute

lions’ boss Wants another ‘keeper see page 23

unseen photos from bermondsey sChool

peCkham: tWo shot just six days apart

20-year-old dies from gunshot wounds after an incident on wednesday - and on monday a 15-year-old is shot just three minutes’ walk away See page 4

2 NEWS © Charlotte Lillywhite

Contents

St George's Hospital.

Photo by Charlotte Lillywhite

NEWS Pages 2-19 opinion Pages 16-17 arts Pages 20-21 Property Page 22 History Pages 23 Classified & jobs Page 24 Public notices Pages 25-26 SPORT Pages 29-32

Contact us if you have a story on editor@ southwarknews .co.uk

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Wandsworth Council leads campaign against moving children's cancer services to Evelina hospital in waterloo amid travel concerns

By Charlotte Lillywhite

Local Democracy Reporter Wandsworth Council is leading a campaign against the NHS decision to move children’s cancer services from two South London hospitals into Central London and the new Labour Government will be asked to step in.

NHS England announced its decision to move the children’s cancer centre based jointly at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, and The Royal Marsden, Sutton, to Evelina London Children’s Hospital, in Waterloo, in March.

Wandsworth has now confirmed it will refer the decision to new Health Secretary Wes Streeting in a bid for him to intervene.

The council is particularly concerned about the prospect of parents having to travel via public transport into Central London with immunosuppressed kids to reach the Evelina.

The authority said Richmond, Kingston, Merton, Sutton and Surrey councils are set to join the cross-party campaign, as children in their boroughs currently receive care at the existing children’s cancer centre. Richmond approved plans to challenge the decision in May.

Opposition to the plans began to grow after the NHS launched a consultation on two options for the future location of the centre last year – either moving it entirely to St George’s or to the Evelina.

The centre has provided specialist children’s cancer services to those aged 15 and under living in South London, Kent, most of Surrey, Brighton and Hove, Medway and East Sussex for 25 years.

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

Labour Wandsworth Council leader Simon Hogg urged Mr Streeting to work with local authorities challenging the decision to find ways to keep services at St George’s. He said: “We have opposed these plans to move specialist children’s cancer care from St George’s from the start.

MILLWALL EXCLUSIVE

DOUBLE DEAL DELIGHT

Issue 1693

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

Established: 1987

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THE ELECTION RESULTS FOR SOUTHWARK EXCLUSIVE

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hutch’ Peckham BMX star on ‘Rabbit flats approved track for Olympics in Rotherhithe despite injury

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15 years on from Lakanal House fire Page 7

GOING FOR GOLD

"Our serious concerns remain – getting to Evelina hospital through Central London traffic will be challenging at the best of times. Travelling by public transport is not an option for vulnerable children who are on immunosuppressant medication.

"So there has to be a better solution to these plans.”

Local MPs have also publicly opposed the plans. Tooting MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan described the decision to move services from St George’s as ‘deeply disappointing’ when it was announced in March, and signed a letter to previous Health Secretary Victoria Atkins asking her to review it. The letter was also signed by Putney MP Fleur Anderson, Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh, Richmond Park MP Sarah Olney and Twickenham MP Munira Wilson.

Services are not expected to move until 2026 at the earliest.

An NHS London spokesperson said: “Evelina London has been chosen as the future location for the children’s cancer centre following a rigorous process, including involving clinical advisers, parents, charities, nurses and research staff. The future centre will stand ready to give cutting-edge treatments that

require intensive care on site, like other major centres worldwide.

“Service reconfiguration is rarely easy and we recognise that during consultation, parents and families raised a number of concerns about the change in location, including about travelling further into London, and what that will mean for them.

"Our focus now is on detailed implementation planning which takes all of these concerns into account to support families and staff.”

An Evelina spokesperson added: “We are fully committed to working with patients, their families, staff from the current service, and other partners to design the new service with children, young people and staff at its heart. This will ensure continuity of care during the transition period and a plan for the safe transfer of the service.”

A St George’s spokesperson said: “We understand the concerns being raised by our communities who want to keep specialist children’s cancer care at St George’s. We are working with NHS England and our partners and will continue to provide outstanding care to children and their families throughout this process."

The Southwark News is proud to be the only independent, paid for newspaper in London Southwark News started life as the Bermondsey News in 1987, as an A-4 photocopied sheet of paper and rapidly grew to cover the entire borough and the surrounding area. As the borough grew, so did the newspaper.

It is owned and run by Chris Mullany and Kevin Quinn.

Former reporters for Southwark News, they bought the title in 2002, after the founder Dave Clark died suddenly from cancer four years earlier.

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

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NEWS 3

Who is the millWall fan behind the viral euros rap?

Watch the video Watch the video nline

nline

southwarknews.co.uk

southwarknews.co.uk

L: Rags the Goat in the Sapnin Girl video

EXCLUSIVE

By Isabel Ramirez a MillWall fan has gone viral online just days after releasing a euros-themed music video which he filmed around bermondsey.

As England got through the quarter-final, local rapper Rags the Goat was making waves on social media with his single Sapnin Girl.

In the song, which samples Ruff Sqwad’s Together, Rags is seen to be ‘giving it the Barry’ as he reels off a hilarious string of cockney rhyming slang.

Speaking to us the artist, whose real name is Ryan, said: “It all stemmed from a funny freestyle. Now, I’m about to perform it to 3,000 people.”

Just twelve days after launching his new career, his videos have amassed a total of 2 million views on TikTok alone. “I didn’t even have an account a week ago,” he said.

The viral video follows him and his friends around Bermondsey locations like The Windsor pub and shops on the Old Kent Road, the Millwall stadium and the famous Kirby Estate.

Ryan’s dad, who lives just across the road from the estate, even makes an appearance. The Kirby has been dubbed the UK’s most patriotic estate for decking out the balconies with flags during every football tournament.

Apart from being a Millwall fan, Ryan, who was working in construction

before now, said he wanted to film it in Bermondsey as it was where his ‘roots’ were.

“I grew up around here and I love the Kirby Estate so I wanted to give back to my roots.”

Whilst speaking to us he was preparing to perform his song to 3,000 people at an England vs Netherlands fanzone event in Brighton. He has also already booked to perform at a music festival.

Asked what he makes of his overnight fame, he said: “I just want people to have a good time.

“Whatever comes from it, I’m game.”

When the song was doing well, he hopped on a flight out to Germany for the quarter-final against Switzerland and ended up meeting former player and pundit, Chris Kamara.

“I saw him standing outside a hotel and asked if he’d be in a video. I showed him a bit of the song and he liked it.”

Other celebrities have shown their support for the track, including comedian Dapper Laughs and Josh Denzel.

Despite gaining recognition for this Euros rap, he said in the future his music won’t only be about football.

“The style going forward will be cockney geezer living,” he continued, “about things everyone can relate to.”

“All I can say is I’ve got so much coming, not just for Bermondsey, but the world,” he added.

The song is available to download on Spotify.

Unseen photos of Southwark Park Primary

HISTORY Page 23

4 NEWS @ LFB

@ Google Maps

Peckham church damaged by fire with around 32 people escaping

two shootings in peckham within days of one another

By Herbie Russell Around 32 people escaped from a Peckham church when a fire ripped through two of its floors on Sunday

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters attended the blaze on East Surrey Grove on July 14.

The ground floor and lower ground floors of the church were damaged by the fire, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

Around 25 people left the building before the LFB arrived. Firefighters rescued seven other people from the lower ground floor.

There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire is believed to be accidental and caused by an electrical event.

A LFB spokeswoman said: “Overloaded sockets are one of the most common causes of electrical fires.

Some electrical appliances use more power than others, so be mindful not to overload extension leads and always check that you’re using the right fuse for the plug.

“Power-hungry appliances such as kettles, toasters and microwaves, shouldn’t be on the same extension. It’s also important to fully unwind drum extension leads. If you leave them coiled, they can overheat and cause a fire.”

The LFB was called at around 3pm and the fire was under control by around 4.30pm.

Bermondsey Carnival legend and local fishmonger Russell Dryden

Police were called to East Surrey Grove on last Wednesday week at 4.54pm and victim later died - then on Monday a 15-year was shot on Sumner Road at 11.12pm just a three minute walk away

By Herbie Russell A boy, aged fifteen, was shot on Monday night - Peckham’s second shooting in less than a week.

The teen has been taken to hospital and, thankfully, is not in a life-threatening condition.

Police have appealed for witnesses and those with information to step forward Met Police officers and paramedics were called to Sumner Road at 11.12pm on Monday, July 15.

They found the victim suffering from gunshot injuries who was then taken to a south London hospital Trident detectives are leading the investigation and are working closely with colleagues from the Central South Command Unit who police Southwark

There have been no arrests and a crime scene is no longer in place.

The shooting comes less than a week after another shooting claimed the life of a twenty-year-old man in Peckham.

In that incident, a man was found suffering from gunshot wounds on East Surrey Grove, at 4.54pm on Wednesday, July 10.

Tragically, the man died from his injuries in hospital the following evening.

East Surrey Grove is a three-minute walk away from Sumner Road where yesterday’s shooting took place.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila said: “We have just been informed of this tragic development, and our thoughts are with his family.

“I would like to repeat just how vital it is for anyone who saw anything suspicious,

or perhaps witnessed the shooting or have footage, to please get in touch and share it with us.

“In the coming days local residents will notice additional police patrols in the area to provide reassurance. Please do approach officers and speak to them if you need to.”

Anyone who has information or footage can call 101 or post on X @ MetCC quoting CAD 6886/10Jul. Police retain an open mind as to whether the incidents are connected as enquiries continue.

Addressing the most recent shooting, Detective Inspector Ray Sekalongo said: “It is sheer luck that this is not a murder investigation and I am very keen to hear from anyone who has information or footage relating to this

incident.

“Removing guns from our streets is a priority for the Met. The injuries caused by guns are often devastating and the effects of being a victim of gun crime linger far beyond the healing of wounds.

“This was an attempt on the life of a 15-year-old boy and I know that there are people who can name the person responsible. Please help us remove guns from your streets by sharing what you know.”

Anyone with information or footage should call police on 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting reference CAD 9057/15Jul. To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

EXCLUSIVE

and associates of Russell have come together to honour his legacy with a set that includes his original songs and some lively covers to energise the crowd.”

This year’s event features two stages; the main stage and a brand-new 250-capacity tent.

R&B artist Shola Ama is the headliner and will be joined on the main stage by DJ G-Smallz and 2Ton. Lively disco group The Wild Violets will also perform, followed by the Aboriginal reggae from No Fixed Address and world music from Tajabones.

In the tent stage, Noel from Bermondsey Radio will kick off the show with a mix of soul, motown, and more.

Later, electronic music will take over with the Nancy Noise headlining the second stage. She will be joined by the beloved outlaw Jessie James, local

legend Rafe, and the up-and-coming star DJ Izzie.

Plenty of activities will be on offer in the main arena, including the chance to test your football skills in a ‘Beat the Keeper’ game.

A team from sports retailer Decathlon will be around to keep audiences active while stalls organised by local community groups will be on hand with advice, information and good conversation.

Bermondsey Carnival will take place in Southwark Park from 1pm until 8pm on Monday, August 26.

For more information email bermondseycarnival@gmail.com or go to their website www.bermondseycarnival. com You can also follow them on: Instgram bermondsey.carnival Facebook bermondseycarnival X (formerly twitter) @BermoCarnival

Bermondsey Carnival to honour Russell Dryden with special tribute

By Herbie Russell Bermondsey Carnival will honour its late organiser Russell Dryden with a special tribute set at this year’s celebration.

The free annual festival in Southwark Park will be held on the bank holiday Monday of August 26.

Russell Dryden, a local fishmonger who worked tirelessly to keep the 124-year-old festival running, sadly passed away last month.

Bermondsey Carnival organisers said: “A special tribute set is planned in memory of Russell.

“Russell’s profound love for the arts, particularly music, and his talent as a musician are remembered through this dedicated performance.

“Former band members, dear friends,

Ghetts to headline Literature Festival at Southbank Centre

Ghetts

df Kevin and his son, Ross

By Isabel Ramirez British rapper Ghetts is headlining this year’s Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre, where he’ll perform some of his new album.

The annual event celebrates the power of spoken and written words to bring audiences together and illuminate the issues of the present.

From Wednesday 23 October - Sunday 3 November, the seventeenth edition of the London Literature Festival will take place across various venues at the Southbank Centre with an unbeatable line-up of international and local voices.

Setting the pace is one of the most prominent figures in grime: Ghetts. On Saturday (26 October) there will be the chance to hear his new album, On Purpose, With Purpose as he showcases his razor-sharp lyricism, humour and wordplay. On Sunday (27 October) he will host Ghetts Presents, which will bring together some exciting names in poetry and rap for an open discussion.

The award-winning MC currently stars in Netflix’s Supacell, which was filmed locally around Peckham and Deptford. Director Rapman later revealed on a podcast that Ghetts initially wasn’t supposed to have much screen time, but Netflix was so impressed with his table read he was asked to write more scenes for him.

On his upcoming shows at the festival, Ghetts commented: “As a writer and lyricist, literature sits at the heart of what I do, so I’m excited to bring together lovers of spoken and written word to celebrate the incredible power of contemporary literature at the Southbank Centre.”

Other highlights include writer and one-half of duo Rizzle Kicks, Jordan Stephens reading his book (Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs) and a children’s pet-themed show by comedian Russell Kane.

NEWS 5

As well as ticketed events, there are also some free ones, such as Poetry Day (Saturday 26 October) and ‘Rug Rhymes’ (Friday 25 October) - a song and rhyme session for under 5s.

It also allows writers to showcase their new works.

British playwright and author Hanif Kureishi (31 Oct) unveils his memoir Shattered, a tender reflection on the incident which left the writer paralysed, with an exclusive launch event and accompanying free live stream. On the twentieth anniversary of her historicalfantasy novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, the novelist Susanna Clarke (26 Oct) introduces audiences to the latest story to join this fictional universe, The Wood at Midwinter. Kevin Barry will narrate a staged, abridged reading of his expansive novel The Heart in Winter (2 Nov) accompanied by live theatrical and musical performances.

Ted Hodgkinson, Head of Literature & Spoken Word at the Southbank Centre, says: “I’m thrilled that award-winning rapper and songwriter Ghetts will be headlining London Literature Festival this year with a series of specially curated events drawing us into his distinctive artistic sensibility and delving into the deep connections between the city’s music and spoken word scenes.

“From spotlighting the cultural communities on our doorstep to an incredible array of world-renowned voices, the festival celebrates the power of poetry, plurality and dialogue to spark new thinking. In these turbulent times, the Southbank Centre’s London Literature Festival provides an evermore vital space for democratic discussion and we’re proud to offer a fantastic programme to inspire and nourish the next generation of creators and storytellers.”

Event listings are available on southbankcentre. co.uk with more programming set to be announced in the summer.

When: Wednesday 23 October - Sunday 3 November

6 NEWS Scammers tricking Dulwich drivers with ‘obviously fake’ parking tickets demanding £120

Here’s how much drivers could soon have to pay to enter Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels Greenwich entrance to Silvertown Tunnel

By Monty Healing ‘Evil’ scammers are swindling Dulwich drivers using ‘obviously fake’ parking tickets printed on ‘terrible paper’.

Shocked locals have spotted the bogus paper fines, which demand £120 payments, tucked under wipers in recent months.

Southwark Council has said it will inform police and urged residents to contact the parking team if they had been effected.

An East Dulwich resident wrote online: “Walking up to my car in Tuesday [sic] I noticed a parking ticket tucked under the wiper.

“Several other cars on the road had them too. The ticket was from a company called PMC but obviously a fake as the copy and the paper were terrible.

“Also my reg etc was not printed on it. My car was parked legally on a public road.”

The tickets feature a QR code which takes you to the website of a ‘company’ called Parking Measure Control (PMC).

Visitors are invited to insert the registration plate number and the penalty charge notice number.

LBC reported that users are then directed to a payment page but it did not work when we tried.

On its website, PMC claims to be a ‘leading private parking company’ that works ‘in partnership’ with local boroughs.

An online commenter slammed the ‘evil people of this world’ while another said ‘criminals are stopping at nothing’.

There has also been a report of the tickets appearing in Peckham.

Councillor James McAsh said: “We are aware of the issue and will be informing the police. We would urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and please report any suspicious parking tickets directly to the council’s parking team to verify by emailing parking@southwark.gov. uk or calling 0800 138 9081, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Anyone who thinks they have been victim of a scam should contact their bank and the police as soon as possible.”

The Met Police was approached for comment.

Picture of fake fine found in Dulwich

By Isabel Ramirez Drivers will have to pay to enter the Blackwall and new Silvertown tunnels next year and Londoners are getting their say on how much it will cost.

The new Silvertown tunnel, first proposed in 2012, is hoped to reduce congestion and deliver faster, more reliable journeys in east London, including new public transport and cycle connections, and help to improve air quality around Blackwall Tunnel.

When the tunnel opens in spring 2025, user charges will apply at both the Blackwall and Silvertown to manage traffic and pay back construction costs.

It is proposed that the standard offpeak rate of £1.50 for cars, motorbikes and small vans would apply the majority

of the time for vehicles registered for TfL AutoPay. Charges will be incurred between 6am and 10pm, seven days a week. It will be free to travel through the tunnels overnight.

To manage traffic during the busiest times, peak charges will apply. It is proposed that peak charges will be £1 more than standard off-peak charges for motorbikes and an extra £2.50 for cars and small vans, and will apply for four hours northbound in the morning (from 06:00 to 10:00) and three hours southbound in the evening (from 16:00 to 19:00), Monday to Friday.

As the tunnels are so close together both need to be charged to ensure that traffic levels do not increase as a result of drivers seeking to use the uncharged crossing.

There is now an eight-week consultation where Londoners can comment on the proposed tunnel user charges, discounts and exemptions.

This will enable TfL to ensure the user charge and range of discounts have been informed by feedback from the public.

To support residents and businesses, a green and fair package of concessions and discounts is proposed, including a 50 per cent charge discount for people on low incomes across east and southeast London, as well as free cross-river bus, cycle shuttle and DLR travel for at least one year.

The consultation will run until 3 September 2024 and can be viewed here

Deptford councillor resigns from Labour Party after denying organisational role in pro-Palestine rally Hau-Yu Tam

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter A South London councillor has resigned from Labour after she was investigated by the party for allegedly organising a pro-Palestine protest, which she denies.

Hau-Yu Tam, a councillor in Lewisham, said she revoked her Labour Party membership on polling day last week (July 4).

Lewisham Labour Group said Cllr Tam, who represents Evelyn ward in Deptford, was handed a formal warning by the party earlier this year following an investigation.

Her temporary suspension from the party, which was in place during the inquiry, was lifted in February.

However, in a resignation statement posted on X on Tuesday (July 9), Cllr Tam said she’d decided to leave the party, claiming she was falsely accused of organising the rally by people who wanted to expel her from the party.

According to Cllr Tam, who described the allegations as ‘absurd’, other Labour Party members argued that she posed a security threat and as a result weakened the council’s financial resources. “They claimed (hypocritically) that I acted out of retaliation, given that the Israel-Gaza

ceasefire motion I proposed had been denied a debate by colleagues at Labour Group,” she added.

Cllr Tam said she remained in the party until the investigation was complete because she wanted to clear her name and ‘fight back against wrongdoing.’

She said she would continue to represent Evelyn ward as an independent councillor and remain as vice-chair of the council’s safer stronger communities select committee.

Cllr Tam was elected to Lewisham Council in May 2022. Lewisham Council is now made up of 54 Labour councillors and one independent councillor, Cllr Tam. A spokesperson for the local Labour group said: “Lewisham Labour Group was saddened and disappointed to hear that Councillor Hau-Yu Tam has decided to leave the Labour Party.

“Lewisham Labour Group was informed by the Labour Party in November 2023 that Councillor Tam was being investigated by the Party.

During this investigation, Councillor Tam’s membership of the party and the Lewisham Labour Group was administratively suspended.

“The investigation resulted in Councillor Tam receiving a formal warning from the party. Her suspension

from the party and the Lewisham Labour Group was lifted in February 2024.

“Lewisham Labour Group will continue to work to support and deliver for residents in Evelyn ward and across the borough. We will be working closely with

our newly elected Labour government to bring about the meaningful progressive change needed to rebuild Britain after 14 years of divisive and chaotic Tory rule.”

Councillor Hau-Yu Tam was contacted for comment but didn’t reply.

NEWS 7

Waterloo phone box can be turned into a coffee shop

By Robert Firth

Local Democracy Reporter a Waterloo phone box can be turned into a coffee shop, a planning inspector has ruled.

Lambeth Council had refused proposals to fit out the Grade-II listed structure on Baylis Road in Waterloo with a coffee machine and mini fridge last year.

But a government-appointed inspector has overruled the council’s refusal following an appeal. In its original refusal letter, Lambeth had argued that the loss of the telephone and other fittings from the structure would ‘impair an understanding of the box’s function’ and ‘erode its interest’.

The council also raised concerns that the new fittings would be visible from outside the telephone box and ‘impair an appreciation’ of its design. But in their appeal to the government’s Planning Inspectorate Saira Iqbal and Bilal Hassan argued that the proposed alterations wouldn’t change the appearance of the telephone box in any way that would be ‘at odds with the traditional character and fabric of the kiosk’.

They added that they aimed to bring the red telephone box to life with their proposal.

Cullum Parker, the planning inspector for the case, said the changes wouldn’t be ‘especially intrusive’ to the building and accepted their appeal.

Explaining his decision, he said: “In

Lambeth’s top boss resigns after being charged by police

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter a south london council’s top boss has resigned after being charged with drink driving, class A drug possession and failing to stop after a crash.

The Telephone Box on Baylis Road, South London terms of the proposed use as a coffee shop I acknowledge the council’s concerns that this would be an a historical use of the building.

“Ideally, the historical use as a phone box would reflect best the original intention of the building’s design. However, it is evident that use of the listed building for telecommunications is no longer considered necessary by phone providers

given I have not been presented with any evidence of such.

“In the absence of such demand (which is not surprising given the dominance of mobile telephones), it makes sense to consider alternate uses for the heritage asset.”

The cast iron telephone box was designed in 1927 by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. It is one of nine listed phone kiosks in Lambeth.

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

Sat 19 Oct, 8pm

Lambeth Council confirmed that Bayo Dosunmu would step down as chief executive from next Monday (July 15).

The 46-year-old has been off work since last month when he was arrested by police over the incident in Westminster. He was charged on June 24 with possession of a class A controlled drug, failing to stop after an accident, driving above the prescribed alcohol limit, and using a motor vehicle in a public place without third-party insurance.

Dosunmu, of Hammersmith, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on

August 1.

Dosunmu was appointed chief executive of the council in April 2022, taking over from Andrew Travers. He joined Lambeth in 2019 from Homes England and was previously the council’s deputy chief executive and strategic director for resident services.

Fiona Connolly, the council’s corporate director of housing and adult social care, is currently acting chief executive. Lambeth intends to soon begin recruiting for a new permanent chief executive.

Bayo Dosunmu, chief executive of Lambeth Council

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NEWS 9

reCreation of toWer bridge photo 130 years after it Was taken

Today’s photo

The original photo from 1894

By Isabel Ramirez residents and schoolchildren have recreated a victorian photo from 1894 of when tower bridge first opened to the public.

Exactly 130 years ago, Tower Bridge opened to the public and an iconic photo was taken. To celebrate that legacy, last week a big group of locals gathered on the bridge to recreate it.

The original public opening in 1894 Comparing the two photographs side by side, the contrast couldn’t be more striking. An example of the fundamental change in Britain over the past 130 years, and a snapshot of social history. In 1894, a crowd of largely white Londoners, a mix of working and middle class, young and old, in formal attire.

Today, a diverse populace of all ages, genders and ethnicities, in informal clothing all taking part.

It features pupils from Tower Bridge Primary School and members of The Prince’s Trust, The Black Prince Trust, Latin America Disabled People’s Project, City of London Police Project Servator Team, The Bike Project, Hackney Shed,

City of London Board Members, London Metropolitan Archive, Patrick Molineux: the great-grandson of the engineer who built the bridge, Social Pantry, Tower Bridge staff and contractors and the team at City Bridge Foundation.

The event not only marks the milestone for London’s defining landmark but also showcases its local communities, both in Peckhamplex cinema, near Peckham Rye station

1894 and in 2024.

Dirk Bennett, Exhibition Development Manager at Tower Bridge, whose idea it was to recreate the image, said: “Tower Bridge is more than just a remarkable feat of engineering, it’s a symbol of London’s everlasting spirit.

“By recreating this photograph, we celebrate both our rich history and the vibrant communities that make up our great city today. The people captured in the original photograph were the first to cross Tower Bridge when it opened to the public in 1894, with a staggering 140,000 people turning up to cross the bridge that day. We now have upwards of 40,000 pedestrians, cyclists and motorists using the Bridge every day.

The photograph from the 1894 public opening was recently unearthed by the

family of Tower Bridge Resident Engineer, Edward Cruttwell, who oversaw the building of Tower Bridge and continued to work for the Bridge House Estates, overseeing the working Bridge, until 1897.

The original photograph is currently featured in a free exhibition which features previously unseen, undocumented, unknown and unpublished photographs of the workers of the Bridge and of the public opening. Launching A Landmark: The Unseen Opening Weeks is an outdoor summer exhibition that can be found along the pavements and piers on the Bridge, running now until the end of September.

For more info on Launching a Landmark: The Unseen Opening Weeks exhibition, visit: towerbridge.org.uk.

By Herbie Russell

Films should be up to fifteen minutes in length with organisers aiming to feature a range of runtimes on the night. Submissions will be selected and curated by PNFFF. Now in its fifteenth year, PNFFF is a volunteer-run event offering a range of free indoor and outdoor screening events from August 30 to September 8. The full programme will be announced later this month.

Completed short films must be submitted for consideration by Wednesday, July 31. Send details of your film, including a brief synopsis and a viewing link, by email to pnfff@ freefilmfestivals.org (with Short Film Submission in the subject line), or by direct message to _pnfff on Instagram.

PNFFF would like to hear from anyone interested in helping as a festival volunteer. Get in touch via the contact page at free�ilmfestivals.org/ �ilmfestival/peckham-nunhead/

Peckhamplex to screen short films submitted by locals FilMMakers Could have their work screened at Peckhamplex in a one-night short film showcase.

Peckham and Nunhead Free Film Festival (PNFFF) 2024 is inviting people to submit their completed short films by July 31.

Joshua Hubert, event co-organiser, said: “PNFFF is a celebration of our community, the diversity and variety of our culture, and the shared love for film.

“Whether it’s Peckham and Nunhead, wider London, or further afield, we are all united by the general political, social, cultural, and economic undercurrents which mark and shape our communities.

“So, in that spirit, auteur or amateur, near and far, we invite all filmmakers to make submissions!”

10 NEWS

Council wants to merge a school in Herne Hill that is ‘viable on its own’ with one that is mostly empty St Saviour’s pupils hold up signs saying ‘Save our School’

By Isabel Ramirez Parents and the church say a school in Herne Hill with ‘healthy pupil numbers’ is ‘viable on its own’ as the council threatens to merge it with one that is 71 per cent empty.

In May, Lambeth Council proposed to merge St Saviour’s with St John Angell Town, in a bid to tackle falling pupil numbers.

However, 100 per cent of parents at St Saviour’s school are opposed to the plans. The chair of the Save St Saviour’s committee, Madeleine Knowles, told us: “Our school is brilliant and unique and we have healthy pupil numbers.”

The St Saviour’s School site is 155 years old and is located next to Ruskin Park, which she said the school regularly uses for activities and sports.

When the consultation was launched in May, the school was at 88 per cent capacity (87 per cent in January) whereas St John was 71 per cent empty.

“We have to keep the school on this site,” Madeleine commented.

Although Lambeth’s proposals don’t explicitly say the school would have to close, Madeleine said in practical terms St Saviour’s could not accommodate the other school.

She added that the initial correspondence from St Saviour’s suggested the school move to St John’s site in Brixton.

“Our campaign has been based on this,” she continued, “and at no point in all our engagement with Lambeth, and meetings with councillors have they denied that the merger would result in the closure of St. Saviour’s.”

As a Church of England school, the Diocese of Southwark commented that whilst it doesn’t have the power to stop the merger, it agreed that the school was viable on its own.

A spokesperson said both the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education (SDBE) and the Church had responded to the

consultation to express that: “St Saviour’s is viable as a standalone school with the current pupil numbers on roll.”

They continued: “The Church has the opportunity to engage with - and respond to - the current informal consultation, but does not have any direct power to stop the amalgamation if a decision is made by cabinet.”

Lambeth Council said no decisions had been made yet and they would continue to review the options available.

Cllr Ben Kind, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “Brexit, the cost-of-living crisis and birth rates falling by a third mean the number of children starting local primary schools in Lambeth alone has fallen by 1,000 over the last decade. This is a challenging situation for Lambeth’s schools, and one that many councils across London are having to grapple with.

“Lambeth has thoroughly reviewed, and continues to review, the available data, to

produce options for informal consultation that reflect the reality the Borough’s schools face in relation to admission numbers and forecasts.

“The General Election has impacted our timeline but has allowed us to give people more time to feedback on this important matter. The proposals that we are currently sharing are based on the data, however no decisions have been made at this point.

“This is a really difficult situation for school communities, pupils, parents, and school staff - as well as for the council and the wider community. But ultimately with current funding arrangements and pupil forecasts, there aren’t enough children starting school in Lambeth and we have a surplus of school places across our primary schools in the borough, and failing to act now risks this problem only getting worse for Lambeth’s schools.”

The consultation was extended until mid-August and if approved the actual amalgamation would go ahead in

September 2026. Click here to respond to the consultation.

St John’s Angell Town has been approached for comment.

In addition to this, Lambeth is proposing to close two schools and merge another four.

By Isabel Ramirez

to the stage to take us on a journey through orchestral music. It will be hosted by classical musician and presenter Myleene Klass, who will also be performing.

Sunday will bring A Night at the Musicals featuring over 25 songs from down the ages of musical theatre. Fans of musicals such as Chicago, Rent, Six, The Greatest Showman, Grease, and many more will have a chance to hear their favourite songs.

You can pre-order luxurious picnic food or bring your own.

Bank Holiday Monday’s event will be dedicated to all that jazz with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra. Before Ronnie’s, audiences can enjoy a long afternoon of live music featuring the London African Gospel Choir who will bring their joyous interpretation of Paul Simon’s Graceland album with a full live band.

Then there’s the food. Attendees can pre-book a range of gourmet picnics crafted by The Luxury Picnic Co., featuring artisanal cheeses, a selection of cured meats and delicious desserts.

Brand new for this year, KERB, famous for their fantastic street food, will curate the culinary and bar experience, ensuring a delectable selection of treats for all. Alternatively, you can bring your own picnic.

Families with young music enthusiasts will be delighted by the newly introduced Kids Tipiland. Open every day, our giant kid’s tipi will feature interactive activities and games for children, perfect for exploring their creativity and imagination.

To purchase tickets visit batterseaparkinconcert.com.

Admission: Weekend ticket £118.53; General day admission £43.10

These are: • • •

•

Closure of Fenstanton Primary School, Abbots Park, Herne Hill SW2 Closure of Holy Trinity C of E primary school, Upper Tulse Hill SW2 Amalgamation of Christ Church primary school, Cancell Road, Brixton SW9 with St John the Divine, Warham Street, Camberwell SE5 Amalgamation of Glenbrook primary school, Clarence Avenue / Clarence Crescent Clapham SW4 with Kings Avenue primary school, Park Hill, Clapham

Battersea Park in Concert returns with open-air picnics and live orchestras A three-day music festival where you can picnic whilst listening to live renditions of Mozart returns to this south London park in August.

Battersea Park in Concert last year

Following its successful debut last year, Battersea Park in Concert is back for another long summer weekend of picnic concerts, live performances and more.

From Saturday 24 to Monday 26 August, attendees will have the opportunity to experience the best classical, West End, and jazz music, all set against the stunning backdrop of Battersea Park. Each day boasts a different programme.

Kicking off on Saturday with Proms in the Park, the world-famous Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, led by conductor Pete Harrison, will take

Free public and patient event to hear the latest updates from leading researchers in skin health

A Sheltered home for the elderly in the heart of Herne Hill Applications are now open for people over the age of 70 who are reasonably active and mobile and able to live independently but in need of companionship, support and healthy home-cooked food in a friendly community.

• Independent living within a secure setting

• Pleasant communal dining area with large well-tended garden

• Six comfortable 2-room flats and one studio flat, all with en-suite facilities

• Optional programme of activities and events

• Affordable, all-inclusive fees

• Strong links to the local community

For more information please visit abbeyfielddulwich.com Abbeyfield Dulwich is affiliated to The Abbeyfield Society, a charity established to relieve loneliness in the elderly.

Please note Abbeyfield Dulwich is not a care home or nursing home and is not suitable for people with dementia or wheelchair users

F.A.A.

F A ALBIN & SONS Family Run Funeral Directors

Serving the local community for over 200 years

WELLING 4 Welling Way, Welling, KENT, DA16 2RJ T: 020 8856 7514

020 7237 3637 ROTHERHITHE 52 Culling Road, London, SE16 2TN OUR OTHER BRANCH ADDRESSES ARE: SIDCUP 163 Station Road, Sidcup, KENT, DA15 7AA T: 020 8308 0015

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www.albins.co.uk

NEWS 13 EXCLUSIVE

Gloucester Grove leaseholders are urging Southwark Council to get a grip on the estate’s heating anomales

By Herbie Russell PeCkhaM leaseholders have raised the alarm after discovering gas usage on their estate is triple government guidelines even though their ‘awful’ heating system often breaks down.

Gloucester Grove Estate residents have accused Southwark Council of “mismanaging” the district heating system, resulting in “extortionate bills” and a greater carbon footprint.

A local leaseholder’s group has reiterated claims that leaseholders are being “screwed” by a council that uses them as a quick and easy revenue stream.

Southwark Council has insisted that district heating “offers better value for residents long-term” and blamed expensive bills on the rising cost of fuel. It added that the Gloucester Grove Estate boiler has “outstanding repairs that still need to happen”.

Ellen Parker, a Gloucester Grove Estate leaseholder, said she could no longer afford the home she bought because of her high gas bills.

“As a midwife I have a very basic salary so I don’t have the ability to say I might have another £10,000,” she said.

“I’ve pretty much budgeted to buy this small flat, on my small salary, for me so I don’t have the earnings I’m gonna need to.”

Simon Manyonda, a freelance artist and leaseholder, said: “It’s stressful. When I bought this house I planned so I could afford it but, all of a sudden, I can’t do that.”

Residents are particularly surprised by their £2,500-plus gas bills, given heating and hot water reportedly break down regularly on the estate.

Several residents told Southwark News they had experienced heating and hot water outages for weeks at a time.

Others reported problems like heating “blasting out” during the height of summer, even when they try to turn radiators off.

Lucy Bush, another leaseholder, said: “The bill is extortionate and the service you get for it is awful.”

Southwark Council uses a district heating system to heat 17,000 out of its 55,000 properties.

Rather than having individual boilers, flats are connected to the system are heated by boiler houses, often located on estates.

On estates where flats don’t have individual meters, like Gloucester Grove, the cost of heating is divided between the different properties based on the number of bedrooms they have.

But data obtained by Gloucester Grove leaseholders shows the estate’s gas usage is far higher than expected.

According to Ofgem, the government gas and electric regulator, an average two

se15 residents faCe ‘triple’ gas bills on estate Where heating ‘often breaks doWn’ to three-bedroom property should use 11,500kWh annually.

But on the Gloucester Grove Estate, properties are using roughly 30,000kWh on average.

This has meant higher bills for residents.

While Ofgem estminates £1,568 as the total energy for a typical household, the average Gloucester Grove household pays £2,570 for heating and hot water alone. These high bills come even though Southwark benefits from cheap wholesale prices on gas purchases.

Leaseholders have identified numerous possible causes. They say their boiler expired in August 2020 and repair works, scheduled for completion in May, are ongoing.

In the meantime, the boiler has been placed in ‘temporary mode’ which residents believe could be making it more temperamental and inefficient.

Some residents also say the absence of meters in individual flats means some households are not incentivised to keep

their energy use down.

“I feel like adding heat meters is a solution so we all pay our individual costs and there if there is still an over-costing issue we can identify that,” Ms Parker said.

Max Templer, a Gloucester Grove Estate leaseholder, said Southwark Council had failed to get a grip on the problem.

“It points to a lack of broader oversight the council has,” he said, adding: “The gas usage is crazily high but nobody in the council seems to have realised that’s the case.”

Leaseholders, who are charged for district heating maintenance as well as hot water usage, often find their bills are far higher than tenants’.

Southwark Council typically argues that tenants and leaseholders pay the same amount and the extra for leaseholders is because agree to pay for maintenance when they buy their homes.

But Tom Lloyd, a vocal advocate for leaseholder rights in Southwark, believes leaseholders pay a disproportionate

amount.

“The bottom line is they’re using direct heating to screw another income channel out of leaseholders,” he said.

He said Southwark Council makes it deliberately difficult to “disentangle” which charges are for heating and which are for maintenance.

Ms Bush agreed, saying leaseholders were treated as a “get-out-of-jail-free card” and lumped with the costs of inefficient heating and hot water usage.

Gloucester Grove Estate leaseholders have also raised concerns about the carbon footprint caused by high gas usage.

In a presentation prepared for Southwark Council, they said the local authority would be “unable to achieve” its climate targets amid such wastage.

In recent years, Southwark Council has been refurbishing the system with maintenance estimated to cost £25 million annually by 2025.

The council announced plans to build 7km of insulated pipes from the South-East

London Combined Heat and Power as part of an expansion programme in 2023.

But in February, Southwark Council’s then-acting housing director said there were “existential questions” about district heating’s long-term viability.

A Southwark Council spokesperson said: “We know that district heating offers better value for residents long-term and offers opportunities for meeting our Net Zero targets for carbon reduction. In terms of maintenance, it’s also easier to achieve economies of scale on repairs.

“As we all know, however, the cost of fuel has risen exponentially over the past years, meaning prices are very high. As we buy in advance, the more recent reduction in price is not yet reflected in bills. There are also still outstanding repairs to the boiler which need to happen.

“The costs should come down and the heating system offer significant savings over time. If anyone is struggling to pay their heating bills, please get in touch with the council so we can support you.”

Nurses and teachers to be offered flats in Bermondsey development

By Herbie Russell Key worKers will be offered affordable homes in a new, purpose-built housing complex spearheaded by southwark Council.

The new flats will be built on site of former Beormund Community Centre. Image: Google

Around 100 flats will be built on the site of the Beormund Community Centre in Bermondsey under the proposals.

Southwark Council would establish a replacement community facility on the ground and first floor of the new development.

A Southwark councillor said key workers were “the backbone of our city”, adding that there was “market appetite” for the project.

Once the proposals are rubber-stamped, Southwark Council will begin looking for a development partner to design and build the scheme.

The developer would then manage the building over a 40-year lease. If the lease is not extended, the land and buildings would return to council ownership.

Nurses, social care staff and teachers would benefit from short-hold tenancies let at London Living Rent - roughly twothirds of average market rates.

In October 2023, rent for a two-bedroom London Living Rent home was £1,240 compared to £1,877 on the market, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The site at 177 Abbey Street has been selected because it is next to Zone 1. It also has good transport links and is within walking distance of Southwark’s primary service sectors.

Despite being praised by royals and prime ministers for its work, the Beormund Community Centre closed in 2020.

Southwark Council pulled the plug on funding saying it offered poor value for money, sparking a bitter row between the centre and the Labour-run authority.

Visitor numbers dwindled during lockdown, according to council bosses.

They also said the centre had made no effort to provide community services during the pandemic.

14 NEWS

Southwark Council urges Labour government to ‘nationalise’ council debt and reform right to buy in sweeping housing demands

Southwark Council approved just sixteen council homes last year, claim Lib Dems

The Aylesbury Estate in Walworth, Southwark

By Herbie Russell Southwark Council has urged the new Labour government to reform right to buy and ‘nationalise’ local authorities’ debt in a sweeping report.

Spearheaded by Southwark, the ‘Securing the Future of Council Housing’ report has been developed by twenty local authorities.

Responding to the report, Jim McMahon, minister for housing, communities and local government, admitted that councils have “had to deal with very significant budget pressures”.

The paper suggests five ‘solutions’ for a reinvigorated council housing system including:

Establish a new and fair and sustainable HRA model

Housing Revenue Accounts (HRAs) are the funds local authorities use to finance housing stock maintenance, repairs and major works projects.

Southwark’s HRA, like others, is depleted. In August 2023, the council took £6.7 million from its reserves to stabilise the account.

The report calls for a £644 million cash injection to strengthen HRAs and a promise not to impose borrowing caps. The paper also urges the government to ‘nationalise’ a share of HRA debts.

Reform unsustainable Right to Buy policies

Right to buy allows council tenants to buy their homes at discount prices. But housing charity Shelter

A council housing scheme in Bermondsey, Southwark.

By Herbie Russell

estimates that only four per cent of sold homes have been replaced.

The report has called on government to review discount levels in England, reducing these from their current rate of £75,000 outside of London and £100,000 in London.

Southwark Council also wants to be permanently allowed to keep 100 per cent of the proceeds from sales of council homes.

In March 2023, the Government announced that councils could retain 100 per cent of their receipts from Right to Buy sales - but only for two years.

Remove red tape on the Affordable Homes Programme and other funds

The report calls on the government to remove red tape on funding pots used to finance council house building.

Local authorities want to see the system simplified with different funding pots combined into just two; one for investment in existing homes and one for building new homes.

Announce a Green and Decent Homes Programme

Local authorities want the government to announce a Green and Decent Homes Programme that would bring dilapidated housing stock up to standard.

The report notes that in the 1990s, central government provided an estimated £37 billion of government funding over ten years through the Decent Homes Programme.

The estimated cost of fire

remediation work alone across the country’s housing stock is estimated to be £7.7 billion, the report notes.

Fund the completion of new council homes

Southwark Council has urged the government to ‘take councils off the bench’ and put them at the center of housebuilding.

Local authorities want government to provide funding that they can use to buy privately-funded developments that are stalling.

Southwark Council Leader Kieron Williams said: “ “We are releasing this interim report now, from England’s largest council landlords, because we want to work with the new government from day one to deliver the more and better council homes that our communities need.

“With a growing number of council landlords on the brink, urgent action is needed to put our national council housing finances back on firm foundations.”

Housing minister Mr McMahon said: “Our councils do a wonderful job but they’ve had to deal with very significant budget pressures.

“Building 1.5 million new homes will deal with significant demand in temporary accommodation because people have a safe, secure, affordable place to live.”

The other councils involved in the paper were Birmingham, Bristol, Camden, Dudley, Greenwich, Hackney, Hull, Islington, Kirklees, Lambeth, Leeds, Leicester, Lewisham, Newcastle, Nottingham, Rotherham, Sandwell, Sheffield and Wolverhampton.

Southwark Council approved just sixteen council homes last year, the Liberal Democrats have said.

Less than one per cent of the total residences signed off by the Labourrun authority in 2023/24 were council homes, data obtained by the Liberal Democrats shows.

Southwark Council responded that council housing finances had been “torpedoed” by the last government forcing it to “pause new build developments”.

But Cllr Victor Chamberlain, the local Lib Dem leader, said the data showed Labour’s housebuilding claims were “spin and smoke and mirrors”.

Southwark Council approved 173 council homes in 2021/22 and then 1,207 in 2022/23. But in 2023/24, the number of council homes approved plummeted to just sixteen while 2,656 non-council homes were rubberstamped over the same period.

Southwark Council often claims to be one of the most ambitious council house-builders in the UK. In May 2023, it said it was building a third of England’s council homes after starting construction of 726 homes between 2021 and 2022.

Cllr Chamberlain said: “For Labour to continue to try to boast about their record is nothing short of insulting.”

Council homes are not the only way local authorities can create affordable housing. Housing associations and private developers can also provide social and intermediate-rent homes.

Social-rent homes are typically 60 per cent of market rates while intermediate homes are typically 80 per cent.

In 2023/24, Southwark Council approved 424 social-rent homes and 270 intermediate-rent homes although these will not be council-run.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said: “The more we scratch away at the surface of Labour’s housebuilding claims, the more we find spin and smoke and mirrors. Southwark is at ground zero of this housing crisis, so to approve just 16 council homes in the last year is a disaster for any hope of ending it.”

Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said: “Council housing finances have been torpedoed by policy choices from our last government, leaving the system’s future in danger.

“Councils have had no choice but to pause new build developments to focus on keeping their existing residents in homes that are safe, dry and warm. We are working with the country’s top 20 landlords to agree what is needed to save the broken financial model, and we look forward to working with the new government to deliver more homes that our residents can afford.

“We are using every tool at our disposal to help meet the housing need in our borough, including taking a proactive approach to plan making and planning decisions. We have not refused a major housing scheme in the last three years and have issued planning consents for over 5,500 homes in the last two years alone with 39 per cent being affordable.”

This comes after Sadiq Khan was blasted by the statistics authority for his claim that “a record-breaking 25,000 genuinely affordable homes [were] delivered in the last year alone”.

Sir Robert Chote, Chair of the UK Statistics Authority, said in a letter that “the mayor’s use of the word ‘delivered’ could be misinterpreted by the average person to mean the housing had been completed rather than started”.

NEWS 15

hundreds of affordable homes are being built in london With ‘no one to take them’

Karen Jordan is among the Southwark residents desperately needing adaptations to her home

Housing associations are less able and willing to buy them, City Hall was warned

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter hundreds oF affordable homes are being built in london with “no one to take them”, as housing associations are less able and willing to buy them, City hall was warned last week.

The London Assembly was told by one of the capital’s biggest home builders that the system used by private developers to deliver affordable homes is “creaking at the seams”.

Syreeta Robinson-Gayle, head of affordable housing at Barratt London, told assembly members that this was due to “a lack of capacity” among housing associations which are dealing with high costs and a tough economic outlook.

She cited one recent example where Barratt had been building 100 affordable homes as part of a development in Southwark, including 58 homes for social rent – but had no registered provider to take them.

Last month we also highlighted a case in Bermondsey where a developer was wanting to scrap all affordable housing in an unfinished block where apartments have sold for up to £660,000.

Bombay Development Limited had applied for permission from Southwark Council to sell six shared ownership flats in an apartment block under

construction in Bermondsey at full price.

The ‘shared ownership’ flats in the Bermondsey block have been on the market for eighteen months. But the developer has been unable to find a housing association to take them on.

When councils grant planning permission for new private housing to be built, they will generally do so only after striking a deal with the developer, known as a section 106 agreement – which will usually require a portion of the homes to be classed as ‘affordable’.

The affordable houses built are then typically sold to and managed by a ‘registered provider’, which is usually a housing association.

But speaking at a meeting of the Assembly’s planning and regeneration committee, Ms Robinson-Gayle said: “Currently, the Section 106 system is kind of creaking at the seams.

“There is a lack of capacity from registered providers to take the number of affordable homes that are currently in [the] planning [process].

“So we will be in an unusual position where developers will be building out affordable homes and there will be no one to take them.”

She added that the issue was affecting several developers and needs resolving “urgently, because it will start to act as a collar on development”.

Approached for comment, Fiona Fletcher-Smith, chair of the G15 group

of London housing associations, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “G15 members have significantly reduced our purchases of section 106 homes due to soaring costs, economic pressures, and the critical focus we are putting on building safety and investment in existing homes and services.”

The focus on repairs to existing homes has intensified following the passing of ‘Awaab’s Law’ last year. The law was named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died in Rochdale in 2020. The coroner found that the boy “died as a result of a severe respiratory condition due to prolonged exposure to mould”.

The new law requires social housing landlords to investigate hazards within 14 calendar days, and to begin repair works in seven calendar days if the hazard could pose a significant risk to the health or safety of tenants.

Ms Fletcher-Smith, who is also chief executive of L&Q housing association, added: “Quality, design and high service charges are also concerns, especially when housing associations are involved late in the section 106 design process.

“However, we are unwavering in our commitment to delivering affordable housing and are proactively seeking solutions with developers and the new Government to tackle this challenge head-on.”

The capital’s borough authorities meanwhile said they were also aware of

the issue and were equally “keen to work with the new Government on stabilising social housing finances as a matter of urgency”.

A London Councils spokesman said: “This extremely frustrating situation is further evidence of the worsening funding crisis in London’s social housing sector.

“We’re facing record levels of homelessness and there is a desperate need for more affordable homes in the capital. However, the squeeze on social housing resources is so tight that providers are finding themselves unable to afford newly built properties made by private developers under section 106 agreements.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, Tory assembly member Lord Bailey told Ms RobinsonGayle it would be “horrific for those homes to be developed and nobody to take them on”, and he asked what the solution could be.

Ms Robinson-Gayle cited one recent example where Barratt had been building 100 affordable homes as part of a development in Southwark, including 58 homes for social rent – but had no registered provider to take them.

She said that it was only due to Barratt’s large size that the company was able to start building the homes without a housing association already signed up, but that smaller home-builders would not have been able to start construction

without knowing that the housing had a buyer, due to the costs involved.

“We’re big enough that we carried on building, and we got to 60 per cent of the way through before we were able to find a [housing association] partner, but if you were smaller, you just wouldn’t be able to keep building those homes,” said Ms Robinson-Gayle.

She added: “I understand that the GLA [Greater London Authority] is looking at it [as a problem], but I suspect it’s going to overtake us if we’re not very careful, [and] that we will have lots of homes that are getting towards completion without registered providers to take them.”

Jonathan Seager, policy delivery director at BusinessLDN, said: “The new Government has rightly set out its stall to boost housebuilding, and there is nowhere in the UK that needs this more than London.

“The plans set out so far are positive but what will get spades in the ground quickly is finding ways around logjammed systems such as the delivery of affordable homes through section 106 agreements.”

He said one “quick fix” could potentially involve allowing councils “to receive the cash equivalent of the affordable homes from the developer”, which local authorities could then use to support their own affordable housing schemes.

16 OPINION

Comment

‘This is a time for hope. It is a time for change, and a time for us to kick on and continue to deliver for you’

t

his Month we saw democracy in action. When the results started coming in, late on 4th July, i like millions of others across our country felt a sense of relief and hope.

A sense that politics can and will be done differently, and that a serious government is now at the helm.

Labour have set out a necessary, long-term plan for change, and their five national missions will transform our country for the better.

I want to congratulate our brilliant team of new and returning MPs: Ellie Reeves, Florence Eshalomi, Helen Hayes, Miatta Fahnbulleh and Neil Coyle, and of course our outgoing MP Harriet Harman, who has been an ever-present champion of our community and now deservedly has been granted a seat in the House of Lords.

I very much look forward to working with all of them as they serve to deliver the change our community and country so desperately need.

Closer to home we also had two council by-elections in our Faraday and Rye Lane wards, with the Labour candidates Mohamed Deen and David Parton both elected. I know that they will be fantastic, hard-working representatives for our community.

It is no over statement to say this feels like the beginning of a new era. A moment of national

renewal, as we look to fix the mess that fourteen years of Tory and Lib Dem governments have left us in.

The new government have clearly hit the ground ruing with a host of policy announcements.

It has been brilliant to see tackling the housing crisis up at the top of their agenda, with Labour acting in its first week to set new national house building targets. With 17,000 people on our waiting list in Southwark for a new council home, this new national commitment could not be more welcome, and I’m determined we build our share of those much-needed homes here.

That’s why this month we have set out the next phase of our ambitious new homes plans in Southwark, launching our renewed plan to delivering more council homes, key worker homes and affordable homes to buy.

We will be agreeing these plans at our Southwark Council Cabinet meeting next week, setting out how we will work with partners to build hundreds more new council homes, in addition to the 3,000 we have already completed or are on site building today. Plus there will be a new programme of homes for key workers, including nurse, teachers and social workers, all at low affordable rents, and plans to deliver community land trust

KIERON WILLIAMS

Southwark Council leader

‘I want to congratulate our brilliant team of new and returning MPs: Ellie Reeves, Florence Eshalomi, Helen Hayes, Miatta Fahnbulleh and Neil Coyle, and of course our outgoing MP Harriet Harman, who has been an everpresent champion of our community and now deservedly has been granted a seat in the House of Lords’ homes, providing a low cost route to home ownership for Southwark residents on modest incomes.

We will also be agreeing an update to our planning polices to ensure we keep getting the maximum number of truly affordable homes out of private development in our borough.

Our Southwark planning policies are already some of the most robust in the country, requiring that over a third of homes on private developments must be truly affordable, at least 25% of the total being at social rents and another 10% on top of that being other types of affordable home like shared ownership or London living rent.

These tough planning policies – combined with the fact we have the country’s biggest new council homes programme – are the reasons why Southwark has delivered the highest number of new social rent (council or housing association) homes in the country since 2015 –

delivering over 6,500 more homes.

Transport and community infrastructure are also essential in order to unlock these new homes, and to help us achieve wider priorities to clean up our air, tackle the climate emergency, reduce inequality, and create decent jobs.

We are delivering over £100 million of investment to do just that, including to upgrade Elephant & Castle and Peckham Rye stations, and spearheading the Bakerloo Line extension with other London councils.

It is great to see the new government commit to this kind of ambitious long-term approach to homes and growth across the country. I look forward to working with them to deliver even more homes for people here in our community.

This work will not be easy. The economic circumstances left by the Conservatives cannot be understated.

With house builders, businesses,

‘Labour have no excuses now – only the Lib Dems can hold them to account locally and nationally’

councils and ordinary people alike all having been set back by Liz Truss’s disastrous min budget and the Tory’s wider wrecking of our economy – from Brexit to austerity. However, with a new sense of national purpose across our country there is at last reason to be optimistic for the future.

This is a time for hope. It is a time for change, and a time for us to kick on and continue to deliver for you.

The world we are in is still tough, and there is work to be done, but by working closely with the new Labour government we can rebuild our city and country – and deliver the benefits that our community so urgently needs.

VICTOR CHAMBERLAIN Leader of the Southwark Lib Dems

o

n the 5th July, i woke up bleary eyed after a long night at southwark’s election count to a new political dawn.

After 14 years of Conservative chaos and decline, they have finally been reduced to a historic low. As the Tories lick their wounds, the Liberal Democrats celebrated the election of 72 Members of Parliament, the largest Parliamentary showing in our history.

For those of us on the centreleft of politics, this was as good a result as we could hope for – the Conservatives out of power, and a strong showing for progressive parties including those who can now hold the Labour Government to account.

But we should be careful to celebrate too soon – whilst Labour may have won, Keir Starmer hardly

strikes as an inspiring figure.

The landslide we saw was a rejection of the Tories rather than a ringing endorsement of the Labour party.

Labour hold 100% of the power on just 34% of the vote. Polling shows the number one reason for voting Labour was to get the Tories out – and many progressives only lent their vote to do so.

Many of us are still asking what a Labour government will look like other than simply not being the Conservatives. Already we’ve seen Labour refuse to ditch the Tories appalling two child benefit cap.

It falls to the Liberal Democrats, as the largest progressive opposition party in Parliament, to hold them to account. On the NHS, the environment, and housing, we will make sure that this new Government delivers the fair

‘Without Liberal Democrats Southwark would be a Labour one party state – that’s not good for democracy or accountability.

So it’s left to us to expose Labour’s failure on housing, push them to act bolder and faster on the environment, and put residents first before feathering their own nests’ deal we got a mandate to push for.

In Southwark, we’ve already been holding Labour’s feet to the fire as the sole opposition party on the council.

The Tories and Green Party can’t win in Southwark. Without Liberal Democrats Southwark would be a Labour one party state – that’s not good for democracy or accountability. So it’s left to us to expose Labour’s failure on housing, push them to act bolder and faster on the environment, and put residents

first before feathering their own nests.

At every turn Southwark Labour have tried to pin their failures on the last Tory government. But now they hold every lever of power, in Government, in London, and the Council, accountability lies squarely with them. Blaming the Tories simply won’t wash any more.

In Bermondsey and Old Southwark, Liberal Democrats held our vote share against a national Labour tide, and saw the Labour majority

slashed. There is now only one other constituency in the country where there is a larger Labour majority over a Liberal Democrat second place. It’s clear that people here want and need a strong Liberal Democrat voice.

Emboldened by our new national standing and having held our ground locally, we will continue to be the voice of residents who time and again have been let down by this Labour council.

Please get in touch if we can help.

OPINION 17

Southwark Council’s apology for failing residents on electrical safety is meaningless without proper soul-searching

s

outhwark Council has apologised for failing to conduct adequate electrical checks on residents’ homes. but ‘sorry’ is meaningless while it refuses properly to discuss the root cause of failings.

Last month, Southwark Council referred itself to the Regulator for Social Housing after admitting it had failed to conduct the electrical safety checks it is statutorily required to perform in council tennts’ homes. On Monday, we learned the scale of the problem. Only 10,000 out of 38,000 homes have been checked. In our eyes, and that of the law, this is a breach of basic safety standards.

To add insult to injury, senior Southwark Council officers appeared reluctant to discuss what may have led to this abject failure. Councillors attended the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting hoping to, unsurprisingly, scrutinise the council over its oversights. So they appeared to be shocked when a senior council officer said he “did not wish to speculate” why thousands of tenants’ safety has been compromised.

After everything that’s happened - the ongoing major works scandal, sky-high housing complaint figures and repeated warnings from the housing ombudsman - this is a confusing response to give. And on the night, the elected Cabinet Member for Housing, Sarah King, opted not to press for detailed responses on the nub of the issue.

There is rightly real concern about this issue. Councillors from both Labour and the Liberal Democrat opposition gave the council officer and Sarah King a good grilling on Monday. They seem to understand the gravity of this issue. So what is going on? Does the housing department intend to investigate the issue properly? In which case, eschewing speculation for hard fact is understandable. Simply doing nothing is not.

The leadership challenge to Council Leader Kieron Williams earlier this year may well have been off the back of disquiet among Labour members around housing issues – about which this paper has reported in detail.

Cllr Williams saw off that challenge – just – but that should have been a wake-up call that a ‘bury-my-head-in-the-sand’ culture with these problems isn’t going to wash – with politicians or more importantly with affected residents. He needs to lead from the front on this – ensuring Flyer_A5.pdf 22:35 all those involved 1in 12/10/2021 this department give proper explanations – as well as meaningful apologies where they are needed.

CRYPTIC PUZZLE Clues across 1

Appropriate with regard to the Eastern Mediterranean (8) 4 Dress to boast about (4) 8 A minister after gold (6) 10 A terrible experience, or a bargain (6) 11 Permission to resign? (5) 12 It’s very old about 51 before Christ, initially (5) 14 Make certain of condemnation after being executed (6) 17 Blacken a study with one fireplace (9) 18 Well pleased with not being heavily armed in an exploit (9) 22 A social evening, so I dance endlessly (6) 23 Method of command? (5) 24 There’s trouble in mayonnaise, on reflection! (5) 26 Harass with feints that are subtly arranged (6) 27 Grow weary about a commercial harangue (6) 28 It’s universally accepted as a rule (4) 29 Scare straight into a marsh (8)

Clues down 1 2 3

This trick is disappearing (4) Carried out a roll and heeled over (6) This kind of bow is used with a string, but won’t fire arrows (6) 5 A meetingplace in a boulevard (6) 6 A charge in a news report (8) 7 You have to change near a stadium (5) 9 Beneficiary of nice trip organised around the East (9) 10 Go too far and fire a warning? (9) 13 Merrymaking recoiling in a bar (5) 15 Horse with last of harness got ready for driving (5) 16 Nothing on a religious enterprise is a failure of duty (8) 18 What people beg to do when rowing (6) 19 Tales get distorted very little (5) 20 Attempting to take part in a ministry in governments (6) 21 Leave and tread clumsily around head of path (6) 25 Average, of little importance (4)

QUICK PUZZLE Clues across

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1 Changed (8) 4 Disorder (4) 8 Alcove (6) 10 Subject (6) 11 Litter (5) 12 Superstitious symbol (5) 14 Hear (6) 17 Fight back (9) 18 Natural phenomenon (9) 22 Something that brings bad luck (6) 23 Rage (5) 24 Tendency (5) 26 Hate (6) 27 Proffer (6) 28 Pipe (4) 29 Strayed (8)

Clues down

1 Uncommon (4) 2 Agent (6) 3 Reddishbrown (6) 5 Property (6) 6 Might (8) 7 Madness (5) 9 Signalling apparatus (9) 10 Baleful (9) 13 Lukewarm (5) 15 Sharp pain (5) 16 Unmarried man (8) 18 Place (6) 19 Barbarians (5) 20 Certainly (6) 21 Sex (6) 25 Grating (4)

SOLUTIONS TO LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD

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CRYPTIC

Across: 1 Derivations 9 Pea 10 Opportune 11 Needs 13 A la mode 14 Oxtail 16 Assort 18 Airline 19 Tryst 20 Existence 21 Rio 22 Inoculating Down: 2 Era 3 Irons 4 Appeal 5 Inroads 6 Neurology 7 Opinionated 8 Delectation 12 Extortion 15 Idiotic 17 Kernel 19 Treat 21 Run

QUICK PUZZLE

Across: 1 Millionaire 9 Eel 10 Reinstate 11 Slope 13 Taunter 14 Exempt 16 Stools 18 Titania 19 Basin 20 Variation 21 Ape 22 Switchboard Down: 2 Ill 3 Large 4 Opiate 1 Assault 6 Reactions 7 Perspective 8 Represented 12 Overthrow 15 Pennant 17 Pariah 19 Bingo 21 Air

18 NEWS

United Voices of the World union members raising banners outside JAGS ahead of their industrial action

By Herbie Russell Cleaners WorkinG at a dulwich private school have voted to strike, claiming their hours and £13 hourly rate have been cut.

The workers are employed by DB Services to work at James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) - a £25,000 year independent school.

Gloria Chalaco, cleaner at JAGS and UVW member, said: “We are ready to strike because losing five weeks of work per year is deeply unfair. “[DB Services] didn’t consult us at all— they just started implementing cuts and changes, ignoring our voices. We can’t just find another job to make up for such a significant income loss, especially with scattered weeks off throughout the year.”

UVW says its members refused to sign new contracts offered by DB Services.

The contracts offered increased hourly rates of £13.15 but meant five fewer weeks of work each year, UVW said.

The union says DB Services had started paying the workers £13.15 per hour for two weeks in June but cut it back to £11.55 per hour when cleaners refused to sign the contracts.

The union claims staff have already lost two weeks’ worth of work following ‘unconsulted’ changes to their work patterns. DB Services reportedly wants to cut five weeks in total.

UVW has also piled the pressure on JAGS even though cleaners are not directly employed by the school.

Petros Elia, general secretary of UVW, said: “Our members refuse to be invisible, and we will support them in getting the pay and terms they need and deserve.

“While DBS employs the cleaners, JAGS holds responsibility too. They decide where to allocate their vast fortune accumulated from the wealthy and their tax breaks.”

The unionised cleaners voted unanimously in favour of strike action in

a ballot that concluded on Friday, July 5.

The dates of industrial action are expected to be announced in due course.

The upcoming strike comes after JAGS teachers launched industrial action over ‘low pay awards’. That dispute has now been resolved, JAGS said.

A JAGS spokesperson said: “The disputed employment arrangements are directly between the employer, DB Services, and their staff. These developments have nothing to do with VAT on school fees but reflect a change to the school’s requirements during school holidays.

“We value everyone who contributes to life at JAGS and we are confident that DB Services and its staff can work together to find a constructive solution. If during the negotiations between the union and DB Services there is anything with which JAGS can assist, we will carefully consider any points raised.”

DB Services was approached for comment.

Bermondsey Square Jazz Days: Two more free concerts between now and September

© UVW

Cleaners Working at private sChool to strike - Claiming ‘Cuts to £13 per hour Wage’

ChanCe to Win priZes at southWark libraries

By Monty Healing

Children aCross southwark can win prizes in a summer holiday reading challenge in libraries around the borough.

The summer reading challenge is aimed at children aged 4-11 and is completely free.

The idea is you pick any book, novel, comic or factual and collect stickers for a special folder and after reading six

Fire in Walworth block of flats

By Herbie Russell a residential block caught fire in walworth with firefighters saving a woman on saturday, July 13.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued the woman via an internal staircase using a fire escape hood.

A man left the Beaconsfield Road property before the Brigade arrived. Both people were left in the care of the London

firefiGhters hAve tackled a blaze on a double-decker bus fire in Camberwell.

By Herbie Russell JaZZ Fans are invited to two free concerts on bermondsey square between now and september.

Bermondsey Square Jazz Days will host events on Sunday, August 4 and

Sunday, September 1.

Event founder Stephen Pierre and his Jazz Collective will play for those who come down.

Jazz Days have supported young musicians from renowned music schools including The Royal Academy,

The Guildhall and The Trinity Laban College of Music.

The concerts are managed by The Unity Music Arts Team, a grassroots organisation set up by Stephen Pierre.

Find out more here: bermondseysquare.co.uk

Ambulance Service.

Around 25 firefighters responded at 8.07pm and had extinguished the blaze by 8.58pm.

The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have involved a tumble dryer.

The blaze occurred at a split-level maisonette on the ground and first floors of a five-storey residential block.

Part of the maisonette’s balcony was damaged by fire.

Double-decker bus catches fire in Camberwell

By Herbie Russell

Musicians performing at a Bermondsey Square Jazz Day

books you earn a certificate. Each week children will be entered into a prize draw and get the chance to win fun prizes.

Southwark councillor Rebecca Lucy said: “Libraries are magical places, a way to escape everyday busy lives, take a moment out and lose ourselves in an amazing story” The challenge is at all libraries in Southwark between 9am-5pm and you can register from Saturday July 13. The challenge runs until September 7.

The London Fire Brigade was called to Grove Lane, Denmark Hill at 3.53pm on Sunday, July 7.

The Brigade had received reports of smoke coming from a hybrid-powered bus and extinguished a small fire in the engine compartment.

The road was closed to traffic while the incident took place. There were no injuries.

Two fire engines from Peckham and Brixton brought the blaze under control.

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “We were called at 1553 yesterday (7 July) to smoke reported to be coming from a hybrid-powered double-decker bus on Grove Lane, SE5.

Firefighters attended and extinguished a small fire in the engine compartment of the bus.

“There were no reports of any injuries.

“Two fire engines from Peckham and Brixton fire stations attended the scene.”

NEWS 19

CounCil admits only a Quarter of homes have had legally reQuired eleCtriCal CheCks

Council Leader Kieron Williams

By Herbie Russell southWark CounCil has only done legally obliged electrical safety checks on a quarter of the necessary homes, a senior staff member has said.

The senior council officer made the admission at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) meeting on Monday, July 15. But asked how this had been allowed to happen, the officer said “I cannot tell you” and “I don’t wish to speculate on reasons” The council is now embarking on a rapid, eighteen-month catch-up programme of electrical checks, expected to cost £4 million. This comes one month after the Labour-run authority referred itself to the Regulator of Social Housing over its failure to conduct adequate checks on its council homes.

Speaking at the OSC meeting, Cllr Victor Chamberlain, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition, said it was “another housing scandal” Since July 20, 2023, social landlords including Southwark Council have been legally required to produce Electrical Installation Condition Report tests on their properties every five years.

But Southwark Council has failed to

do so, only completing tests at roughly 10,000 of 38,000 relevant properties, a council officer said.

The council has now accelerated its programme in a bid to deliver all tests within the next eighteen months.

This will cost around £4 million and require 60 electricians working in tenants’ homes every day.

Committee members persistently asked how this had been allowed to happen. A senior council officer said “I cannot tell you what the reasons for that was [sic]... I don’t wish to speculate on reasons”.

Committee chair Cllr Ian Wingfield quickly intervened, saying “members need to feel assured.. that this type of thing won’t happen again”.

“We will be coming back to this,” he added.

Cllr Chamberlain said he was “concerned how we got to this stage”, especially after tragedies like Grenfell.

He added: “We’ve had the current leader of this council say that fire safety is of high priority for this council when he was the cabinet member [for housing]. But when he was the cabinet member this testing didn’t happen.”

Cllr Sarah King, the housing cabinet member, responded by saying “electrical

safety checks were taking place” in highpriority homes.

But she admitted that an audit found the “speed and the plan” for completing all the tests was neither “thorough enough” nor “good enough” She also said the data the council had gathered did not make clear where the tests had taken place.

Cllr King added that she could not say why the situation was allowed to arise because she was not the cabinet member for housing at the time.

The Liberal Democrats previously asked the Regulator of Social Housing to investigate the ‘poor condition of housing’ in Southwark.

The suggestion was put to a vote in March, but Labour councillors unanimously voted against it.

Council Leader Kieron Williams previously said in a statement: “I apologise for this delay. We have started a major programme to do the required tests.

“In the meantime, we are making this self-referral to, and working with, the Regulator of Social Housing, as the independent organisation responsible for driving improvements in social housing through robust regulation.”

The idea for the tribute came from a young resident of Masterman House in Camberwell. Part of the Elmington Estate, the block has a long wall on New Church Road opposite Burgess Park, which is visible to the public. Not only did Kye Whyte live there, but he also used to train over the road at the BMX track.

Whyte made history when he won silver at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and he is currently gearing up for Paris, which is due to start next week.

To honour his incredible achievements, the Poets Corner TRA has teamed up with Camberwell Arts and the Camberwell

by phone.

The phone messages showed she had been taking ‘balloons’, the court was told. Ms Osborne said the relative had challenged Ms Clarke about taking laughing gas and said she “shouldn’t be boring because it was Christmas.”

Police and paramedics were later called to an ‘incident’ at the flat at 22:02pm.

The first medic to enter the flat found Ms Clarke lying on the kitchen floor and unresponsive.

“There was a single stab wound that was to the right-hand side of her chest wall, around the 4th/5th rib which was 3-4cm long,” said the prosecutor.

“At the time that the paramedics arrived Kacey Clarke was in cardiac arrest.

“In order to facilitate the necessary medical treatment, a space was cleared in the living room, so that Kacey could be moved from the kitchen, where she was lying when the paramedics arrived, into the lounge.

“Whilst she was there the medical team did everything they could to try

and save Kacey Clarke.

“They performed surgery on her in the living room to ensure that the heart was undamaged and capable of functioning – they found no damage to the heart but there was substantial bleeding to the right lung which was significantly damaged.

“Despite inserting breathing tubes to ensure that oxygen was entering the body and carrying out blood transfusions to replace the blood that was being lost, Kacey never regained consciousness. Her life was pronounced extinct at 22:42.”

The court was told the teenager was arrested and made no reply to caution.

“The arresting officer noticed that he had a scratch to his neck and also an injury to his left arm,” said Ms Osborne.

He also had a rip to the rear of his T-shirt, the court was told.

It was said that when arrested for murder the 16-year-old ‘broke down’ and said ‘For What? You’re lying, you’re lying….”.

Police later found a ‘large collection’ of nitrous oxide cannisters in his bedroom

along with a sheaf to a knife on the floor, but with no blade, the court heard.

Photographs were then taken of the defendant’s injuries and a blood stain on the defendant’s right foot between his big toe and the next one.

“The blood, when later analysed, was found to match that of Kacey Clarke,” said Ms Osborne.

The 16-year-old was examined and found with “a 2cm x 3 cm red bruise with no skin loss, no bleeding and minimal hair loss, 2 cm above the hair line.

“The second injury noted was a red blistered wound on his inner left arm, which he told the nurse he had sustained a few days previously from a nitrous oxide cannister,” said Ms Osborne.

“The third injury was a scratch to the left hand side back of his neck, which was about 2cm long with a faint cluster of smaller linear lines to the right.

“Once at the police station and having recovered from the initial shock, the defendant remained entirely calm, and at times was laughing and joking with

Mural of Olympian Kye Whyte to be painted on Camberwell estate block he used to live in

By Isabel Ramirez an estate where olympic bmX racer kye Whyte used to live is calling out to artists to paint a mural of him

Identity Group to commission an artist to create a new artwork of him for the wall.

The brief says that whilst other themes can be included, the BMX champion should be at the heart of the design. They have asked for it to be ‘bold, exciting, dramatic and a pleasure for all to see and experience.’

The deadline for submissions is Saturday 27 July at 11:59pm. The total budget for the project is £7,000.

The mural is projected to be completed by the week starting Monday 23 October.

It will be owned and maintained by Poets TRA (supported by Camberwell Identity Group) and will remain in place for potentially 10 years.

Go to camberwellarts.org.uk/muralcommission for more information on how to apply. The email for submissions is camberwellmurals@gmail.com.

Murder trial starts after woman was stabbed in Bermondsey on Christmas Eve By court reporter A younG woman was stabbed by a 16-year-old boy after inhaling laughing gas on Christmas eve, a court heard

Kacey Clarke, 22, was knifed at a flat in Bermondsey on December 24 last year.

Police officers attended along with paramedics who provided emergency first aid but Ms Clarke died at the scene.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested a short time later.

The court was told Ms Clarke had been taking ‘balloons’, slang for inhaling nitrous oxide, before she was attacked and clumps of the defendant’s hair were found on the floor of the flat.

Jane Osborne, KC, prosecuting, told jurors: “Unfortunately, Kacey Clarke was never to see Christmas day, because on Christmas Eve, she was stabbed by this defendant and died.”

The court heard that a relative had suspected Ms Clarke been taking ‘intoxicating substances’ earlier that day as she had been in contact with her

officers saying that the charges would go nowhere. He didn’t ask about Kacey Clarke at any point,” said Ms Osborne.

“When the flat was searched clumps of his hair were found which appeared to have been ripped from his head.

“There were clumps of hair that were seized from near the door of the kitchen. Those clumps of hair, when later analysed, had the appearance of having been ripped from the scalp and they were found to belong to the defendant,” she added.

Police later analysed footage from a CCTV camera belonging to the occupants of a neighbouring flat.

The prosecutor told jurors: “A clip which shows no people on the footage but contains audio which consists of a male saying ‘I’m gonna ching you up yeah’ and a female voice saying ‘Just f-king stop’ and the male finally saying ‘I’m going to kill you’.

“This clip lasted only 11 seconds, and was recorded shortly before 22:00.”

The 16-year-old, of south London, denies murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.

20 ARTS

what’s on

Myself and my young friend Tommy eagerly lined up in Mr Gruber’s shop waiting to get the okay from The Paddington Bear Experience ticket office to go through and get on the train.

When we were ushered on board it was not long before we were moving, writes Michael Holland.

A jolly train guard joined us to explain that Paddington Bear had lost his suitcase that held his aunt’s secret marmalade recipe and without it the Marmalade Day Festival could be ruined. What could be done? Most of the young people in the carriage shouted out their ideas.

Eventually the case was found and the recipe made safe but now our group had other tasks to carry out, so, after disembarking at Windsor Gardens we were led to The Browns’ beautiful house where Mrs Brown showed us around some of the tastefully decorated rooms. But! We could hear Paddington crying out in despair behind a door. As Mrs Brown looked in to see what was wrong you could hear a panicked Paddington. Children craned their necks to peek inside the art room where Paddington had been painting.

With Paddington sent off to get cleaned up we entered the room. What a mess! So much disarray that we had to fit all his artworks back together before we were handed over to Mrs Bird, a truly lively lady who had us finding keys and codes. By now the kids were all working together while the grown-ups looked on enviously and hoped they could have a go at solving the problems. Mrs Bird, though, kept the focus on the young ‘uns.

Before we knew it we were bundled into a large pantry to watch an amazing light-show explaining why we were being transported to a Peruvian jungle to collect oranges and make marmalade in a special machine. Excitement levels visibly rose.

Suddenly we found ourselves in a rain forest, with Morgan as our guide, seeking plans for the machine, maps and fresh fruit in the undergrowth.

There was a frenzy of young people running around excitedly, looking beneath plants, behind trees and in every nook and corner until all the components were found for the next piece of fun - Making marmalade!

From that moment it was not long before one little person had the job of putting the oranges into the marmalade

Photo by Alex Brenne

All Aboard For Paddington

in Southwark

machine, another turned a crank to ensure a certain part moved smoothly, while 8-year-old Tommy pulled on a rope that lifted a huge boulder up and down to guarantee the whole operation ran smoothly. We knew it had gone well when the first two jars of Paddington Bear’s favourite treat dropped out at the end. Success was ours!

Rather sweaty from the exertions, or from the tropical temperatures in the jungle, we made our way to our favourite bear’s party for marmalade sandwiches, orange-influenced drinks and funfair games.

The Paddington Bear Experience is fast-forward, high-energy and just about perfect for getting youngsters working together, problem-solving and enjoying some audience participation with the well-known characters who make this a wonderful event. Right from the ticket office the actors are out to put a smile on everyone’s face who comes through, up until you can take on Mrs Bird at the coconut shy.

The adults’ enjoyment comes from seeing their offspring having so much fun. Young Tom voted the jungle as his favourite part as he could show off his

muscles when he lifted the big rock up and down with the rope.

My favourite bits were the clever visuals that made the train move, and the animatronic Paddington Bear that talked and moved. When he looked you in the eye it was like you were connecting to a living thing.

County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB. Daily, 10 am - 6pm (Timed slots).

Admission: Adults, £29, Children £19.

Booking and Full Details: https:// paddingtonbearexperience.com/

Bermondsey Artists’ Group film screening in Bermondsey Almshouse A documentary that tells how the Bermondsey Artists’ Group came into being will be screened for free at Appleby Blue, United St Saviour’s Charity’s newest almshouse that was designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects, Witherford, Watson and Mann, writes Michael Holland.

Young artists had been drawn to Bermondsey after graduating by the abundance of empty houses and warehouse space left by the closure of the docks and local industry, and when their work was rejected by the famous Whitechapel Gallery annual open they decided to start their own group and have their own open show where everyone who submitted work would have their art hung. This may have been the beer talking as these disgruntled artists were nursing pints in The Ship in Rotherhithe at the time.

Needless to say, in the fuzzy, sober light of a Bermondsey dawn they set about making their dream a reality by first taking over the abandoned café in Southwark Park where they put on regular exhibitions for many years.

Those art graduates kept the faith and worked hard to make a go of it in an area not known for its love of art. As well their exhibitions they also began

community art workshops that have continued to this day.

The group grew and grew as the area was slowly revitalised, and with a big injection of funding they were able to build a new, purpose-built gallery at the start of the 21st century opening up a whole new era for the now very respected Bermondsey Artists’ Group.

Their art adorns not only the walls of art-lovers but also several areas of SE16 where it all began, the dockworkers bus stop mural in Redriff Road and the swan mosaic in Swan Lane being two of the more prominent pieces of public art created by group members.

Now, forty years on from those ale-filled beginnings, in a revived Bermondsey where street art is now the norm, the members still have exhibitions and the annual open still hangs every piece of art submitted; it is one of the highlights of the gallery’s calendar.

And most of those early founders of the Bermondsey Artists’ Group still live in SE16.

Roy Terse Fab Lolly Boy

Appleby Blue, 94 Southwark Park Road, SE16 3RD. August 1st 12.30 - 2.30.

Admission: Free.

Screening followed by Q&A

ARTS 21

Heading south - our pick of upcoming summer events

Bollywood Day

Out of the Shadows

The Deptford Lounge is hosting a Bollywood Dance Workshop, welcoming everyone from professionals to complete beginners. The workshop will allow you to discover the energetic world of Bollywood Dance with experienced instructor Chinmoyee Biswas, who will guide you through the choreography. The free class is divided into three sections, starting with warmup exercises, followed by a simple Bollywood choreography and ending with a cooldown session.

After the Bollywood dancing, stay for the Bollywood special movie session, too.

A classic Bollywood action/thriller will be screened from 1:30pm-3:45pm.

Experience a close-harmony vocal ensemble with a contemporary approach to choral singing at Woolwich Works this July. The Out of the Shadows choir has been hailed as “a new breed of choir”, performing brand new arrangements of an uplifting and eclectic mix of genres. Expect anything from Bohemian Rhapsody to Gershwin, from The Greatest Showman to Alanis Morrisette. Come out of the shadows for an evening of music and entertainment…

Date: Saturday 20 July 2024, 11am to 3:45pm Tickets: Free 9 Giffin Street, Deptford SE8 4RJ deptfordlounge.org.uk/whats-on/

Date: Saturday 27 July 2024, doors open 7pm Tickets: Adults £17.50, concession £15, under 16s are free but must have a ticket and be accompanied by an adult ticket holder The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works

Park It in the Market

Art in the Park

Returning to Greenwich Market for the first of two events this year is Park It in the Market. Fans of super-stylish vintage cars, beautiful classic bikes and rollicking rock’n’roll will be in their element at this event. You’ll also find vintage vinyl stalls, live rock’n’roll, skiffle and rockabilly from Ronnie Ripple and the RipChords, the Losers Motorcycle Club tea stall, and DJs playing 50s and 60s classics between sets. And, of course, there’ll be Greenwich Market’s ensemble of world-food street stalls to keep dancers fuelled for the whole evening.

Step into an immersive market and live performance festival at the National Maritime Museum this summer, curated by the Youth Collective. Delve into a day of relaxation and creativity, and celebrate the vibrant sounds, words and work of local artists right here in Greenwich. You will be able to explore the art of jewellery making, painting and poetry writing at the free event, designed as an outdoor extravaganza for young people aged 16-24. The festival will have live performances and creative workshops, and offers the chance to forge new connections. What will you discover?

Date: Thursday 25 July 2024, 7:30pm to 10pm Free Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ www.greenwichmarket-london/events/detail/park-it-in-the-market-july-2024

Date: Saturday 27 July 2024, 12pm to 3pm Tickets: Free, but the National Maritime Museum asks you to RSVP online Romney Road, SE10 9NF. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on

Experience the medieval It’s medieval season at Eltham Palace. Head on over every day of the summer holidays to learn what life was like in medieval times.

From storytelling and sword school to the opportunity to have a go archery and archaeology activities, there’s something for children of all ages during Medieval Season.

Activities will change from week to week, and will be centred around the following themes: · 20-26 July: Robin Hood and Richard III · 27-2 August: Medieval Storytelling · 5-9 August: Medieval Toys and Games · 10-16 August: Sword School · 17-23 August: Medieval Archaeology Activities · 27 August – 1 September: Medieval Combat Dates: Saturday 20 July to Sunday 1 Sep 2024, from 10am to 5pm Tickets: Prices vary, free for English Heritage members Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, SE9 5NP www.english-heritage.org

Friday Late at the Castle Experience Severndoog Summer Lates – with music, dancing, drinks and food in the courtyard – as part of their summer lates series. Expect a great evening of the Cygnet Committee, performing music from all your favourite bands – from The Cure to The Clash, via Bowie, The Stones and much more. Among the history of the castle, which is surrounded by ancient woodland and with access to 360-degree views of London and surrounding counties, you can bop along to the Cygnet Committee’s sweet melodies. Plus, you can book a premium ticket and experience the sunset view from the rooftop.

Date: Friday 26 July 2024, doors open at 6:30pm Tickets: From £9.92 Castle Wood, Shooters Hill, SE18 3RT www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cygnet-committee-severndroogsummer-lates-2024-tickets-914074901637

HISTORY 23

History

Unseen photographs of Victorian Southwark Park Primary School released on its 150th birthday

Southwark Park School children enjoying maypole dancing

David Martin (left and centre) student from 1966 to 1974. His father Charles Martin (right) was also a student at the school

By Herbie Russell Southwark Park Primary School celebrated its 150th birthday this month and has released previously unseen historical photographs.

The school opened on July 4, 1874, roughly midway through the Victorian era. Imperial troops had just defeated the Ashanti in modern-day Ghana, Tsar Alexander II of Russia had just made a state visit, and Conservative prime minister Benjamin Disraeli had just won the general election.

But inside the walls of Southwark Primary School, teachers would have been firmly focused on the upcoming school year, not least because Southwark Primary School was something of a revolutionary venture.

That is because The Elementary Education Act of 1870 had been passed four years earlier. It was a landmark piece of legislation that laid the foundation for the universal education of children in England and Wales. This led to the establishment of the London School Board which gave local governments the power to run elementary schools.

Southwark Park Primary School was among the first such schools in London.

In many ways, it was a typical Victorian school. Girls and boys were taught separately and entered via different entrances. Inside, they could expect strict discipline, enforced by dunce hats and canes. Walls would have been lined with chalkboards and fireplaces, while desks were littered with inkwells.

If children needed a toilet break, they would have to use outside lavatories, as

Southwark Park School children acting in a nativity play

was the norm in Victorian buildings. The school underwent expansions in 1899 and 1910.

The original building was designed by the famous architect Edward Robert Robson, who was renowned for the progressive spirit of the schools he designed in the late 19th century. The Architects Journal has since described it as ‘an object lesson in Victorian school design’.

World War Two saw Bermondsey undergo heavy bombing but the school emerged relatively unscathed. However, a large bell in the tower is believed to have been melted down to aid the war effort.

Parents at the school, many of whom attended the school themselves, and their grandparents before them, have at times petitioned the school to reinstall the bell.

But bombing nonetheless remained a

Southwark Park Schook pupils on a visit to Swanage in 1984.

threat, prompting the school to establish evacuation procedures by 1939.

Extra-curricular activities and involvement in the local community has long been a cornerstone of the school’s ethos. For Queen Elizabeth II’s 1977 Silver Jubilee, students planted a tree in Southwark Park. Photos taken in 1984 meanwhile show children enjoying a school trip to Swanage, where they posed in front of Corfe Castle, which dates back to William the Conqueror’s invasion of Britain.

In 2007, the Grade II listed school underwent one of its most significant expansions to date. Children were decanted to a nearby temporary site so more classrooms could be added, taking the school from a one-and-a-half to twoform entry. Architects were confronted with a mix of structurally unsafe but

Photo by Southwark Park School

Southwark Park School children acting in a nativity play

beautiful buildings and huge cracks had appeared in the masonry. Internal spaces were reworked, new classrooms added, and a link block connected the infants to the juniors. Important features, like parquet flooring and fireplaces, were retained.

Recently, former students, who attended between the ‘50s and ‘80s came to share their memories with the students. Their memories included performing in nativity plays, “messy” inkwells, safety first competitions, and “scary, freezing cold” outside toilets teeming with “big spiders”. Some families have attended the school for three or four generations. One former student, who attended from 1961 to 1969, said: “I really enjoyed myself at this school and have hundreds of fond memories”.

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LPS AND SINGLES - WHOLE COLLECTIONS WELCOME

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

ALSO INTERESTED IN NON CHART CD COLLECTIONS

RECRUITMENT Southwark Park Primary School 383 Southwark Park Road, London, SE16 2JH Tel: 020 7394 4000

Premises Manager Contract: 36 hours a week, all year round Start Date: 1st September 2024 or sooner Salary: Grade 6, Spine point 9-19) Salary: £30,309 - £35,313 Southwark Park School is a fully inclusive two-form entry primary school in Bermondsey, South East London. Our latest Ofsted rating is Good with a grading of Outstanding in Personal Development. We believe very strongly that when children leave our school they should be confident, kind and tolerant individuals who have achieved their full potential academically and retain a love of and excitement in learning.

We are looking for someone who can: • Undertake minor repairs work, maintenance tasks, painting, decorating and small DIY projects • Manage the daily running and upkeep of systems e.g. security, fire alarms, heating • Manage external contractors and maintenance staff • Establish and adhere to regular maintenance schedules • Manage site Health & Safety and Fire strategies, ensuring that policies and procedures are up-to-date and put into practice • Liaise and communicate with cleaning contractors • Open/close the building at the start/end of the day • Carry out daily health and safety checks at various times of the day

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

Transport can be challenging for many older people. Help them maintain active social lives.

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An experienced applicant should: • Be IT literate or keen to develop IT skills • Have experience and training in one or more of; plumbing, electrical maintenance, general building maintenance or extensive DIY skills and is willing to learn further skills.

• Have experience of managing paperwork and maintenance schedules • Have experience of managing Health and Safety for a site.

To apply, please visit the careers section of our website and download an application pack: https://www.southwarkparkschool.co.uk/Careers-at-SPPS/ Application Deadline: 22 July 2024 Interview Date: 26 July 2024 The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for the successful applicant..

Southwark Pensioners Action Group (SPAG)

is holding a husting at the Denmark Hill Community Centre, Blanchedowne London SE5 8HL, on 21st of June, 2:00-4:30pm.

The 5 largest parties are invited.

Please register if you want to attend by phoning 020 7708 4556 or emailing info@southwarkpensioners.org.uk.

The Southwark Pensioners Centre can support any older person who is not yet registered to register to vote or who is unsure about voter ID requirements.

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24 CLASSIFIED

PUBLIC NOTICES 25

Thursday, July 18th 2024

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (MARINE STREET, FREAN STREET, SUN PASSAGE)

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (WARNDON STREET)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC)

1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable crane operations 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.

1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable development works to be carried out by Guildmore Limited, it has made an order, the effect of which is to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named road.

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 on (a) Marine Street, from the junction with Old Jamaica Road to underneath the railway bridge (b) Frean Street, for 25 metres from the junction with Marine Street.

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 on Warndon Street, at the junction of Rotherhithe New Road for a distance of 25 metres.

3.

The one way restriction and no entry restriction on Sun Passage and Frean Street will be lifted during the works to allow two way traffic.

3.

The alternative route for affected traffic is Luxford Street and St Helena Road.

4.

3.

The alternative route for affected traffic will be shown by the signage displayed.

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.

4.

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

5.

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

5.

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

6.

The works will be in operation between the 19th of July 2024 and the 18th of December 2024.

7.

6.

The works will be in operation on (a & b) 22:00 on the 12th of August to 06:00 on the 14th of August 2024.

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

Dated this 18th of July 2024

7.

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

Dated this 18th of July 2024 Ian Law Traffic Manager, London Borough of Southwark, Network Management, Environment, eighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street, PO Box 64529, London, SE1 5LX

Ian Law Traffic Manager, London Borough of Southwark, Network Management, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street, PO Box 64529, London, SE1 5LX Ref: 6959 LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (DEKKER ROAD, WOODWARDE ROAD, COURT LANE)

Ref: (a) 6923 LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK FORMER CHERRY GARDEN SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS The London Borough of Southwark (Charged-for parking places) (Former Cherry Garden School improvements) Order 202* The London Borough of Southwark (Free parking places and Waiting restrictions) (Former Cherry Garden School improvements) Order 202*

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF PARKING) 1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable safe passage of cyclists during highway works on an adjacent road, it has made an order, the effect of which is to prohibit vehicular traffic from stopping, parking, loading and waiting on parts of the above named roads.

2.

Whilst the authorised road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to stop, wait, load or unload at any time at the following locations; (a) Junction of Woodwarde Road and Dekker Road, for a distance of 10 metres into each road, on both sides of the junction.

1. Southwark Council hereby GIVES NOTICE that it proposes to make 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, within Controlled Parking Zone (‘CPZ’) 'TS' in the vicinity of the former Cherry Garden School, the purpose of which would be to accommodate the installation of a new kerb build-out and to facilitate the new parking priorities of the area now that the school at this location has closed, would be to:(a) remove existing lengths of ‘School Keep Clear’ markings:- (i) in ALEXIS STREET a total of 47 metres removed east of its junction with Macks Road (23.5 metres per side), and (ii) in MACKS ROAD a total of 47 metres removed south of its junction with Alexis Street (23.5 metres per side); (b) in ALEXIS STREET east of its junction with Macks Road (i) on the north-east side extend existing 'permit-holders only’ parking by 18 metres (new bay will be 42.5 metres in length) and add 5 metres of new ‘at any time’ waiting restrictions (double yellow lines ‘DYLs’), and (ii) on the south-west side add a total of 10 metres of new DYLs and install a new free ‘short stay’ parking place (13 metres in length) operating ‘at any time’ every day of the week (maximum stay of 1 hour, and no return within 2 hours) and extend existing 'permit-holders only’ parking by 2 metres (new bay will be 17 metres in length) and remove 2 metres of existing DYLs to accommodate; (c) in MACKS ROAD south of its junction with Alexis Street (i) on the north-west side add 23.5 metres new DYLs, and (ii) on the south-east side add 24 metres new DYLs and amend existing DYLs to accommodate the new kerb-line build-out.

NOTES: (1) 'permit-holders only’ parking refers to parking places in which holders of a valid permit for the Controlled Parking Zone listed are permitted to park within the permitted hours. (2) All measurements are in metres and are approximate. (3) Parking charges are listed on www.southwark.gov.uk/parking 3. For more information contact Ioannis Lampropoulos of the Council's Highway Development team Highways@southwark.gov.uk 4. Copies of the supporting documents (this Notice, the proposed Orders, and a statement of the Council's reasons for making the Orders) may be found online at www.southwark.gov.uk/trafficorders; paper or digital copies of plans showing the location and effect of the Orders and the supporting documents may be requested by emailing traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk, or inspected by appointment only at: Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth, 3rd floor hub 2, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH - from the date of this Notice until the end of a period of six weeks from the date on which the Orders are made. Email traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk (or call 077 3132 4742) for booking details.

5. Anyone wishing to make any representations either for or to object to the proposals, may use the form labelled 'Parking - Road traffic and highway schemes - responding to statutory consultation notices' at www.southwark.gov.uk/statutoryconsultationnotices or send a statement in writing to: the Traffic Orders Officer, Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth, P.O. Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX or by e-mail to traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk quoting reference ‘TMO2425-008 Former Cherry Garden School‘ by 8 August 2024. Please note that if you wish to object to this proposal you must state the grounds on which your objection is made.

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

Dated 18 July 2024 Steven Grayer Interim Head of Service - Highways, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth

To place a notice in this paper and online, please email em@cm‐media.co.uk. Deadline is 3pm on Wednesday

(b) Junction of Court Lane and Dekker Road, for a distance of 10 metres into each road, on both sides of the junction.

3.

Double yellow lines will be in place when the restriction is in force. These lines will be removed once the restriction is lifted.

4.

The works will be in operation between the 22nd of July 2024 and the 30th of November 2024.

5.

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

Dated this 18th of July 2024 Ian Law Traffic Manager, London Borough of Southwark, Network Management, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street, PO Box 64529, London, SE1 5LX Ref: 6984

Notice of Application for a Premises Licence made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 Please take notice that I / we Michela Giugno Have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of KLEMENTINO'S PIZZA 69 Enid Street, London SE16 3RA The relevant licensable activities and proposed times to be carried on, or on from the premises are Days

Start time

Finish time

The retail sale of alcohol:

Monday to Sunday

12:00

22:00

Opening hours:

Monday to Sunday

10:30

23:00

A register of all applications made within the Southwark area is maintained by: The Licensing Service, Hub 1, 3rd Floor, 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH A record of this application may be inspected by visiting the office during normal office hours by appointment on 020 7525 2000; details are also available on our website at http://app.southwark.gov.uk/licensing/licenseregister.asp It is open to any interested party to make representations about the likely effect of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives. Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Service at the office address given above (or by email via licensing@southwark.gov.uk) and be received by the Service within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below.

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

Date of application: 11th July 2024

26 PUBLIC NOTICES

Thursday, July 18th 2024

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; 71 - 79 SOUTHWARK STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 0JA (Ref: 24/AP/1903) Redevelopment of existing building including three storey upward extension and construction of eight storey wing to create Class C1 Hotel facilities, including landscaping and public realm works and other associated works. Reason(s) for publicity: MAJ (Contact: Zaib Khan 0207 525 0311) 117 CAMBERWELL ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 0HB (Ref: 24/AP/1961) Change of use of the lower ground floor from office to residential including alterations to listed building (Within: Addington Square CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Sean Gomes 020 7525 0666) CHRISTCHURCH GARDENS BLACKFRIARS ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK (Ref: 24/AP/1967) Listed Building Consent for repairs to the Christ Church Gardens Drinking Fountain and restoration to lost features. To include dismantling, repair and re-erection of timber roof; replacement of concrete foundation; stone repairs including reinstatement of stone drinking bowl and step; and renewal of plumbing for connections to drinking water and waste.

Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Richard Craig 020 7525 0436) 47 BURBAGE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE24 9HB (Ref: 24/AP/2003) Construction of a part single, part two storey side/rear extension. Loft conversion and extension including construction of 1no. rear roof dormer, and installation of solar panels to

the rear roof slope. Front garage extension, fenestration replacement, internal alterations and associated works. (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: William Tucker 07925 637 210) ABM FACILITY SERVICES UK LIMITED 75 83 BOROUGH HIGH STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 1NH (Ref: 24/AP/2005) External alterations to shopfront (Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Michèle Sterry 020 7525 5453) ABM FACILITY SERVICES UK LIMITED 75 83 BOROUGH HIGH STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 1NH (Ref: 24/AP/2006) The display of 1 no. replacement externally illuminated fascia sign and 1 no. replacement externally illuminated projecting sign (Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Michèle Sterry 020 7525 5453) THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY 53 SOUTHWARK STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 1RU (Ref: 24/AP/2010) Temporary display of a 12.6 X 6.6 metre scaffold shroud advertisement. (Within: Thrale Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Michèle Sterry 020 7525 5453) WOODHALL DRIVE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE21 7HJ (Ref: 24/AP/1974) Replace the kissing gate with a wheelchair accessible kissing gate, replace the vehicular access gate like-for-like, replace a short length of dilapidated fence with black steel security

Notice of Application for a Premises Licence made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 Please take notice that I / we S Lyons Ltd Have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of 1 Bermondsey Square, London SE1 3UN The relevant licensable activities and proposed times to be carried on, or on from the premises are Days

Start time

Finish time

The retail sale of alcohol:

Monday to Saturday Sunday

11:00 11:00

23:00 22:00

The provision of regulated entertainment:

Monday to Saturday Sunday

08:00 08:00

23:00 22:00

Opening hours:

Monday to Saturday Sunday

08:00 08:00

23:00 22:00

A register of all applications made within the Southwark area is maintained by: The Licensing Service, Hub 1, 3rd Floor, 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH A record of this application may be inspected by visiting the office during normal office hours by appointment on 020 7525 2000; details are also available on our website at http://app.southwark.gov.uk/licensing/licenseregister.asp It is open to any interested party to make representations about the likely effect of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives. Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Service at the office address given above (or by email via licensing@southwark.gov.uk) and be received by the Service within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below.

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

Date of application: 11th July 2024

To place a public notice, please email em@cm-media.co.uk Deadline is 3pm on Wednesday

fencing and add an entrance sign. (Within: Dulwich Wood CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Alex Lambert 020 7525 1353) 42 WOODWARDE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE22 8UJ (Ref: 24/AP/2036) Replacement of the existing ground floor extension, replacement of all existing windows with double-glazed windows to match existing, enlarging one window to the rear elevation, relocating the door and window to the side elevation, enlarging of the existing dormer, erection of a new garden studio. (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876) 161 TURNEY ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE21 7JU (Ref: 24/AP/1991) Construction of a single storey extension, rooflight insertion, internal redesign and all other associated works. (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Chloe Rimell 0207 525 0666) 85 CALTON AVENUE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE21 7DF (Ref: 24/AP/2064) Demolition of an existing rear conservatory and construction of a single storey rear extension.

(Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: William Tucker 07925 637 210) Dated: 16 Jul 2024 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date.

STEPHEN PLATTS - Director of Planning and Growth

View all weekly and archive public notices at www.southlondon.co.uk/ category/public‐notices/

NO B O O K IN G F EES

TAVARES STRACHAN

THERE IS LIGHT SOMEWHERE 18 JUN – 1 SEP

Tickets for under-30s and Lambeth residents: £8

jaCks has sixes sense

SPORT 29

Surrey guarantee home Blast quarter-final

© Mark Sandom

Surrey celebrate

Surrey (189-9) beat Essex (176-8) by 13 runs

By Mark Baldwin will JACKs hammered five sixes in a scintillating 84 to consolidate surrey’s place at the head of the vitality blast south Group and guarantee a home match in the quarter-finals.

Jacks hit five sixes in his 46-ball knock and put on 63 in five overs in a stand with Jordan Clark that constituted a record for the sixth wicket against Essex. That rescued Surrey after they suffered a midcollapse before the reset that helped them post 189-9 and eventually prevail by 13 runs/ Surrey had struggled against the Essex spin pair of Matt Critchley, who took 2-22, and Simon Harmer, whose 3-44 was a season’s best. Paul Walter chipped in with

two late wickets to finish with 2-26 to take his tally to 15.

Adam Rossington tried manfully to take Essex to a third win in four days, and qualification for the knockout stages, but he fell for a 49-ball 78 with five sixes and with it went home hopes. Essex now need at least a point from Friday’s final match at Hampshire to reach the quarter-finals.

Chasing 190 to win, Essex lost Dean Elgar in the third over as he slapped Clark to cover point, but that was before Rossington and Michael Pepper got moving. Sam Curran was lofted for sixes by both batsmen in one over to square leg as they put on fifty inside five overs.

When he reached 12, Pepper, a centurion at Hove 24 hours earlier, passed 500 runs in this season’s Blast. But he had added just 15 more when he skied Cameron Steel to short extra cover. Steel struck again five balls later when he bowled Charlie Allison with one that kept low.

Steel had piled pressure on Essex by

conceding just seven runs in his first two overs before Rossington smashed him for six over long-on shortly after he reached a 33-ball fifty.

Clark got lucky with a full-toss that Walter hit vertically into orbit, giving Rory Burns time to run round and take the catch in front of the stumps. And Critchley followed quickly when he lifted Chris Jordan to deep midwicket.

However, with Jordan and Curran both conceding single-figure overs, the required run-rate rose towards 15 with 47 runs needed from the last three overs. And that became an impossible target when Rossington fell to the third ball of the 18th over, flailing Curran to the mid-off boundary.

Surrey, put in on a used wicket, moved along serenely initially, reaching the end of the powerplay at 62 for the loss of Dom Sibley, lbw to Shane Snater to one that kept low. However, the stuffing was knocked out of their stride when Critchley and Harmer

shared three wickets in eight balls and stemmed the mid-innings runs.

Laurie Evans was first to go, bowled by one that turned appreciably from Critchley before Harmer accounted for Burns and Curran in consecutive balls. Burns was beaten by on the outside of his bat to dislodge his stumps and Curran misjudged his first ball and was lbw.

Jamie Overton was typically belligerent, hitting a six off Luc Benkenstein over midwicket and smashing another past the bowler for four. But he then picked out Eathan Bosch on the long-off boundary to give Critchley a second wicket.

All the time Jacks was quietly accumulating. He had already swept Harmer for a huge six, launched Snater for another, and reached his half-century from 28 balls with a straight maximum off the Essex captain.

Jacks hammered Harmer for two more sixes off successive balls but departed to the next ball trying for a third, caught on

the boundary at cow corner. But his sixthwicket stand with Clark got Surrey back on track.

Jacks’s departure signalled another clatter of wickets as Clark, Chris Jordan and Tom Lawes all fell to catches in the deep.

“We’re very happy with that win,” Jacks said. “It’s a tough place to come to and we’re very pleased to come out with a victory It was hard-fought.

“Everyone knows the powerplay is the best time to bat, and it’s really good here.

We knew if we did the right things we would be in a good position.

“It’s brilliant we’ve got a home tie in the quarter-final. We love playing at the Oval.

That’s what we aimed for at the start of the competition, so this is one step closer.

“I’m really pleased with my performance.

I had to stick it out while we lost a few wickets and then played to my strengths to see it out.”

Surrey host Hampshire Hawks at the Kia Oval this Thursday (July 18) at 6.30pm.

them to 33-3 after 11.1 overs. Chris Purshouse and Apoorv Wankhade set about rebuilding the innings and added 71 in 20 overs for the fourth wicket. Wankhade, as so often, took the lead and had already reached 42 when Purshouse fell, having faced 85 balls in a solid supporting innings of 27.

This brought in Seecharan, who gradually took command and comfortably outscored his partner, who unselfishly gave him the strike.

The fifth wicket pair put on 99 before Wankhade fell for 71, off 92 balls.

Seecharan had already reached 66 by this stage, and he continued in the same vein while wickets tumbled at the other end, with only keeper

Michael Harms, who made 16 off 19 balls, reaching double figures.

Seecharan reached his first century for the Club off just 74 balls, and remained unbeaten when the last two wickets fell to successive balls one run later. His 102 had come out of 159 and included seven sixes, four of which came off one over by opposition skipper Ewan Parker. The last three wickets had fallen to opening bowler Keval Jadhav to give him figures of 6-75, as Dulwich were dismissed for 263 off 57 overs..

Seecharan then opened the bowling in company with Harvey Booth, but it was the latter who made the breakthrough. Booth bowled a superb opening spell of seven overs for just

12 runs in which he dismissed both openers. Gary Ardoll and keeper Chris Morris added 27 for the third wicket before Morris was forced to retire hurt. Ramzan joined the attack two overs later and removed Ardoll for 27 in his first over. Ahmed Khan took the fourth wicket in the next over, and Wimbledonians went in to tea precariously placed on 63-4 after 21 overs.

But there was to be no recovery as Ramzan proceeded to demolish the rest of the batting order. He struck three times in the first over after the break and picked up his fifth wicket shortly afterwards. Five consecutive batsmen had been dismissed without

scoring as Wimbledonians declined to 71-8 after 26 overs. Sam Mulligan made merry in a stand of 26 with last man Harry Chappell, finishing with 42 not out off 53 balls. Ramzan took a return catch to dismiss Chappell, and with Morris unable to resume the innings closed on 97-9. Ramzan finished with the remarkable figures of 6-17 off 7.5 overs, with five of his six wickets being bowled or leg before.

This victory lifts Dulwich back into second place in the table.

This weekend, they have a return fixture against Walton on Thames, who are currently eighth. Dulwich will be looking to repeat their victory in the first match between the sides.

unbeaten century for seecharan helps dulwich to crushing win old wimbledonians 97-9 (31.5) lost to dulwich 263 (57) by 166 runs

By John Lewis A suPerb unbeaten century by sam seecharan, followed by a devastating bowling spell by Kaif ramzan, saw dulwich to a crushing 166-run victory at old Wimbledonians in division 1 of the AJ sports surrey Championship last weekend.

Dulwich were put in to bat and started brightly, but the loss of James Schofield and Harrison Perry, both for 13, and skipper Ollie Steele for 7, reduced

30 SPORT

Tanging on

By Kiro Evans neil harris has revealed that he was on the phone multiple times a week persuading Japhet tanganga to come back to Millwall.

The 25-year-old made an eyecatching return to The Den in a permanent deal having impressed during a loan spell in SE16 last season.

Plenty of suitors had been pursuing the defender after he was released by Tottenham Hotspur in June and became a free agent.

But the Lions pulled through – even if Harris admits they had to “hang in there”.

Asked if he was confident about getting the deal over the line, Harris said: “No. All I can do is praise Japhet. We spoke at least once a week, if not two, three times. Really open, strong relationship. There’s been times when it looked like Japh might end up somewhere that’s seen as bigger clubs and better levels than us and we had to hang in there.

“My relationship with Japh has always been strong and positive and important in this and ultimately he’s come because he loved his time here and wants to help us get better.

“So no, I wasn’t always confident in Japhet coming and probably relieved to get him over the line as much as anything.”

kent stalemate

Lions held to a draw in opening pre-season friendly

Millwall had the better chances in the 0-0 draw at Priestfield Stadium

frIENdLy Gillingham - 0’ Millwall - 0 date: Saturday 13 July 2024 attendance: 4,280 (1,811 away) man of the match: Aidomo Emakhu referee: Carl Brook

By Kiro Evans millwAll PlAyed out a quiet goalless draw with Gillingham in their opening game of pre-season.

In a friendly that never quite caught fire, Neil Harris effectively sent out two different teams for the first and second halves mixed with experience and youth.

It was the first game for the Lions since the passing of Matija Sarkic last month and players wore black armbands to honour him.

The hosts had the first big chance when full-back Remeao Hutton charged down the touchline, evaded Joe Bryan and swept a wonderful cross to the edge of the six-yard box. The late-arriving Jayden Clarke headed over.

Clarke was influential in that opening period and almost waltzed his way into the Millwall box before George Saville came across to casually and calmly kill the move with a well-timed tackle.

Millwall grew into the game with young striker Tom Leahy chasing every ball and debutant keeper Lukas Jensen looking comfortable in possession.

They only really began to take control once wide men Duncan Watmore and Romain Esse began seeing more of the ball.

It took until 22 minutes for the first real chance at the Rainham End when Jake Cooper mis-timed his header from a corner and put the ball wide.

Then came the best move of the half as Saville swept a wonderful ball in behind the defence for Bryan, he cut it back into the box on the run before Esse fired over.

Gillingham, having retreated into their shell the longer the half went on, suddenly broke through on the Millwall box through striker Josh Andrews. Young defender Kamarl Grant felt he had no choice but to bring down the forward on the edge of the box. Jack Nolan’s free-kick flashed wide of the post.

Japhet Tanganga returned to Millwall last week

he’s a keeper Harris excited by Jensen’s potential

By Kiro Evans

neil harris believes new goalkeeper lukas Jensen has “huge potential” as he explained his delight in getting last week’s deals over the line.

The 25-year-old became the third signing across four days last week after Millwall managed to land Lincoln City’s no.1 keeper.

He made his first Lions appearance on Saturday against Gillingham but was given little to do before he was subbed

off at half-time.

Harris said: “I was delighted with Macaulay [Langstaff] at the start of the week followed by Japhet [Tanganga] who I know has been a hugely popular signing in the changing room and he will be with the fanbase as well.

“And then obviously Lukas coming in just in response to the goalkeeping situation with us losing Matija [Sarkic], which was a big blow. It’s not a position we thought we’d be searching for this summer. It’s been a hard process at times because it brings up so many memories

however we had to try and act quickly and Lukas comes in with huge pedigree, great potential, really solid season last year. It’s a really exciting proposition for us.

“It was a position we need to fill and we need to have three goalkeepers that are competitive this year.”

Harris explained that the process of finding a keeper is very similar to that of finding an outfield player but with goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall more involved”.

The Lions boss added: “Similar process

to the fact that we obviously look at past performances over the course of one, two and three seasons in particular.

“We look at value and potential as another avenue. We look at the stats and then Marsh is hugely instrumental with his eye and his thought-process.

Once we’ve done all that, then we talk about references from all the people who have worked with him [including] goalkeeping coaches and players he’s shared the changing room with.

“The recruitment process isn’t a lot different.”

Jensen ended the half without a save to make on his non-competitive debut as he and eight of his Millwall teammates made way for the second half team. Jensen was replaced by an unnamed trialist keeper.

Aidomo Emakhu would immediately stamp his authority on this sleepy friendly by showing off sharp footwork in the box before drumming a shot off the underside of the crossbar. A few minutes later, the Irish attacker was in again before cutting inside and whipping his effort just past the woodwork.

At the other end, Millwall’s trialist goalkeeper was forced to deal with the renewed attacking thrust of Gillingham’s second half team. New signing Elliott Nevitt was played through into the box but his shot was fended away by the trialist.

More subs – senior striker Tom Bradshaw alongside youngsters Sha’Mar Lawson and Kyle Smith – came on to try and liven the Lions up.

Bradshaw almost did exactly that when half-time sub Niino Adom-Malaki swung a cross into the box but the Welshman could not get a clean connection with the header. Minutes later, a cross towards the near post by Ryan Leonard was steered off-target by Bradshaw.

No real chances would follow in the final ten minutes as both sides stumbled their way through to the end of the game.

Millwall won this friendly 2-0 last year but lost George Honeyman to a long-term injury. Considering that, a goalless draw with every player getting through it fit seems like a fine way to start pre-season.

Gillingham: 4-4-2: Turner (Morris 46’); Ehmer (Clark 46’), Ogie (Masterson 46’), Giles (Gbode 46’), Hutton (McKenzie 46’); Little (Rowe 46’), Trialist (Williams 46’), Gale (Hawkins 46’), Nolan (Nevitt 46’); Andrews (Webster 46’), Clarke (Dieng 46’).

Millwall: 4-4-2: Jensen (Trialist 46’); McNamara (Leonard 46’), Grant (Harding 46’), Cooper (Wallace 46’), Bryan (Adom-Malaki 46’); Esse (Smith 60’), Saville (De Norre 46’), Honeyman (Lawson 60’), Watmore (Emakhu 46’); Leahy (Massey 46’), Nisbet (Bradshaw 60’).

Lukas Jensen signed from Lincoln City last week

SPORT 31

better, fitter, stronger

EXCLUSIVE

Moving with the times

Joe Bryan 25 appearances for Millwall last season

By Kiro Evans Joe bryAn believes he has reached his best physical condition for years as he looks to build on a “bang average” debut campaign at Millwall.

The full-back’s season was interrupted by repeated injuries, including a groin problem that saw him miss the Lions’ final seven games.

But after multiple surgeries and turning up to pre-season four weeks earlier than his teammates, Byran is confident he can finally put his setbacks behind him.

He told our newspaper: “I’m feeling stronger than I’ve felt in a long time. I’ve spent a long time on the training ground over the summer with the physios and fitness coaches making sure I recovered from surgery properly and can do my best this season.

“It was essentially four small surgeries in one hit. So hopefully we’ve isolated the problems and what was causing all of my issues last year in regards to injury, fitness and not feeling quite myself.

“It feels like it has worked in building fitness and getting back to myself.”

Bryan was among the Millwall players who featured in the friendly at Gillingham on Saturday and he almost helped open the scoring when he cut the ball back to Romain Esse, who proceeded to put his shot over the bar.

The 30-year-old said match fitness takes a while to build back up. He said “[Even when] you spend a lot of time running, you’re not doing the uncontrolled movements you would do in a match. So once you add the concentration of a match back in and the unpredictable movements of football, your body just isn’t used to it as it hasn’t done it for five-six weeks.

“And if you’ve had surgery, all your muscles have tightened up so it’s a just slow process of easing back in. Match fitness doesn’t come until four, five games into the season.”

Having signed for Millwall as a free agent in the summer of 2023, Bryan has made 25 appearances in all competitions.

The defender was self-critical and

Neil Harris and Millwall return to The Den next month

Millwall will play a few games at their training ground this month

By Kiro Evans neil harris said he understands why clubs have so many pre-season games behind closed doors but admits he prefers the old-fashioned approach.

Lions defender ready to bounce back after surgery brutally honest as he reviewed his first season in SE16.

He said: “Completely bang average.

Potentially below average. I was pretty disappointed with the majority of my performances but that is life, unfortunately.

“Football does throw curve balls at you when you think you’ve dealt with everything and this is another thing I have to deal with.

“If I come off the pitch at the end of this season having had a healthy year and tried my best, I’ll be happy.”

All of Millwall’s players will be looking to have a stronger season after last year’s topsy-turvy thirteenth-place finish in the Championship. They have been boosted by the arrivals of striker Macaulay Langstaff and goalkeeper Lukas Jensen and the return of the very popular Japhet Tanganga.

Bryan said: “Ah Japh, I love the boy.

When he first came in, he fit in really well and I think that played a huge part in him wanting to come back.

“It’s a place where he’s comfortable and a place where, as you saw in the last six months of the season, he can do really well and thrive.

“This club gives him the platform to do that, show off his quality and show leadership.”

Millwall played Charlton Athletic on Tuesday and will play Reading tomorrow, all without fans present to watch their teams ahead of the new season.

Behind closed doors friendlies have become a growing trend in football as they are easier for clubs to arrange.

Lions boss Harris said: “The last few years it’s become the norm in football, almost. Unfortunately, it cost a lot of money to put games on nowadays with risk assessments, health and safety, stewards and policing.

“So you end up charging quite a lot of money for people to come.

Some people want to come but the majority don’t.

“For me, I’m still a bit old-fashioned and would like to have a few more games in front of fans. But I totally understand the thought-process of pretty much every football club in the country that does it.

“What I will say is the club have done really well to open up the trip to Spain so supporters can go.

I know it’s a long way but when we go to Spain for two games, mums and dads can bring kids if possible and have a little break.”

millWall only plaCe to be Come to Den over ‘boring’ clubs, says Harris

by Kiro Evans neil harris said he is delighted with Millwall’s recordbreaking attendance numbers and believes the den offers something different to “boring” clubs elsewhere in the capital.

While attendances are up across the EFL, the Lions are celebrating their highest average numbers since the 1950s.

This includes people from overseas attending with a record-breaking 1,764 international supporters coming to watch the 1-0 win over

Norwich City last December.

Harris is pleased by the growing appeal of the Lions ahead of the new season.

He said: “The football club has progressed so far in the last five years. To see matchday attendances where they are at is phenomenal.

“My children have been on many occasions as fans and witnessed it.

We’ve just come so far as a football club.

“Football is changing all the time and to see so many foreign fans on matchday has really surprised and amazed me. But it also makes sense

as well that overseas fans come into England to watch so much Premier League football that naturally they might want something slightly different.

“And if they want something slightly different, then a trip to The Den is certainly going to be that at times.

“If you’re going to be in London, why would you want to go to so many London clubs that are seen as just middle of the road and boring?

Come to Millwall - what a great day out.

“But that’s just my opinion.”

Neil Harris has so far made three signings

INSIDE

Sport Southwark

JACK HAS SIXES SENSE

not done yet

Harris keen to add another goalkeeper EXCLUSIVE

By Kiro Evans neil harris wants to bolster his goalkeeping ranks even further despite last week’s signing of lukas Jensen.

The Danish keeper arrived from Lincoln City but could face immediate competition with the Lions boss keen to recruit for the “priority position”.

Millwall last week signed three players including Jensen but Harris insists there is still work to be done to add quality across the pitch before warm weather training begins in Spain.

He told our paper: “We need to add another goalkeeper. We’re certainly in the process of that, as we are other positions.

“Goalkeeper is a priority position that we’re looking at the moment with Connal Trueman being injured so we certainly need to add a goalkeeper before we go to Spain.

“And there’s a focus on the top end of the pitch to add more creativity to us but, while we’re doing that, we have to be mindful that goalkeeper is a specialised position and we can’t afford to be short in that position.”

A group of 24 players will be on the plane to Spain this Sunday with Millwall set to play Premier League Nottingham Forest and Spanish side Real Murcia on the continent next week.

Like many managers, Harris is using the non-competitive fixtures to get a better look at his young players and he said their actions off the pitch are just

as important as what they do on it.

Asked what he will be looking out for, the Millwall boss said: “Just be good people, good human beings and good professionals around the place.

“Romain [Esse] and Aidomo [Emakhu] are the two candidates that people will be thinking they’re close to the first-team because they featured last year. But they’re still young men that are still developing their game.

“And the players that are coming in at a similar age need to learn from good senior professionals like Jake Cooper, Ryan Leonard, George Honeyman and Murray Wallace.

“I’m always excited about seeing the young players taking the pathway through under-21 football. And I’m excited about giving young Millwall players the opportunity to train with

Visit www.newsatden.co.uk for all the latest Millwall news online

and play with the first-team.

“But they have to earn that right. And that comes from training well with the group, being good men and good pros, and then showing their qualities if and when they’re afforded the opportunities to be on the pitch.”

With the first proper pre-season game out the way, Harris said he is happy with the way everyone at the club has conducted themselves following the difficult start to the summer with the death of first-choice keeper Matija Sarkic.

Harris said: “The attitude of the group has been fantastic. We’ve had to deal with real adversity over the off-season period and the players and staff have come back and showed great qualities as human beings and professional footballers.”

page 29

Mitchell out of Watford opener

By Kiro Evans billy mitChell is set to miss the beginning of the season after picking up a thigh injury.

The 23-year-old was absent for Saturday’s goalless draw against Gillingham in Millwall’s first friendly game and will now have the rest of his pre-season upended.

Neil Harris did not want to put a timeline on the midfielder’s absence but expected him to miss the opening day clash against Watford on August 10.

The Lions boss told our paper: “Billy Mitchell has got a thigh injury and a muscle tear in his quad.

“Quads, hamstrings and calves are very problematic over the pre-season period and we’re unfortunate that Billy has picked up that injury but we’re hoping he’s not going to miss too much of the season.”

Asked for a more specific return date, Harris added: “I’m not going to put a timescale on it but he won’t be fit for Watford.”

Zian Flemming and new signings Japhet Tanganga and Macaulay Langstaff missed the game at Gillingham but Harris is hopeful they will be more involved in the behind closed doors matches this week.

He added: “Zian, Japh and Macaulay trained really well on Saturday morning and will hopefully all feature at some stage this week.”

Billy Mitchell made 34 league appearances last season THE RECYCLED PAPER CONTENT OF UK NEWSPAPERS IN 2014 WAS 83.5%