South London Weekly - August 8th 2025

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CUTS TO SENIOR STAFF AND RECRUITMENT FREEZE AS LAMBETH FACES BUDGET BLACK

HOLE OF £18M

It also plans to end all non-essential spending

By Ruby Gregory Local Democracy Reporter

LAMBETH COUNCIL facing a budget black hole worth £18million this year is set to cut the number of senior staff as well as a recruitment freeze in order to balance the books.

Lambeth Council’s cabinet members approved the “urgent” cost cutting measures during a meeting on last week .

The authority estimates it will be able to save more than £1m each year by cutting the number of directors and corporate directors by October.

It also plans to end all non-essential spending and there will be a pause and review of the council’s capital investment programme to reduce costs.

But it’s not just this year’s £18m projected overspend that the council is concerned with, as its 2026-27 budget gap has increased by some £26.6m in the space of a few months.

As part of its MTFS (Medium Term Financial Strategy) which was presented in March of this year, the council was reporting a £23.3m funding shortfall for 2026-27, but this has now jumped to £49.9m.

Claire Holland, leader of Lambeth Council, said the updated MTFS represented an “extremely challenging financial position”, and said the council will need to find an extra £84m in savings over

the next four years to address continued demand in services such as temporary accommodation, adult social care and children social care.

Cllr Holland told cabinet: “This is in addition to the £99m that the council is already having to make and that was agreed by full council in March, I appreciate these are big numbers.

“So we’re going to continue to lobby the government to work with us and to avoid funding a cliff edge to ensure that we are able to continue to protect key services that our most at-risk residents rely on. We will continue to be on the side of our residents and those who need us most.”

Cllr Holland added: “We’re taking the tough action here in Lambeth needed to secure the council’s future as responsible representatives, we’re going to continue to do all we can to protect the frontline services that our residents rely on but we

know it’s a challenge.”

She went on to say “difficult decisions” will need to be made to ensure the council stays financially afloat.

Opposition councillor for the Greens, Nicole Griffiths said while she appreciated the updated report and acknowledged officers were doing their “absolute best” to protect frontline services, she said it was “obvious” more budget cuts are on the horizon.

Cllr Griffiths said: “What the cabinet won’t acknowledge is that this Labour government has made the political choice to continue austerity. Lambeth is a Labour council and we have a national Labour government.

“Yes officers are responding to the consultation on funding formulae, but what is this council doing politically to fix Lambeth’s funding crisis for residents?”

She added: “Lambeth Labour needs to

stop blaming past governments and act courageously and immediately to stop this nonsense.”

However later on in the meeting, on Monday July 28, Cllr Holland dismissed Cllr Griffith’s comments, and said they were “simply inaccurate”.

Speaking to cabinet members, Cllr Holland said: “I take my hat off to you, all the hard work you’re [doing] and the lobbying that you continue to do politically and that we do collectively as Lambeth and that we do across London as London Councils.

“We’re doing it as creatively as possible, with different angles and different avenues. Unrelenting, has been our lobbying and we will continue to be so because as I said Lambeth Labour is on the side of Lambeth residents, that’s who we represent and will continue to advocate for Lambeth residents and represent them.”.

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IS THIS THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL FROM KENT TO LONDON BRIDGE AND BACK?

The

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is currently sailing from Gravesend

By Abigail Finney

THE UBER Boat by Thames Clippers is now offering dedicated sailings from Kent to London Bridge. These special trips are a great alternative for people coming in from or going to Kent and take around the same amount of time as a train.

The Gravesend to London Bridge single tickets one-way are £19.50 (£9.75 for children) and a £25.70 return (£12.85 for children) - there are all day passes and other offers on the website.

The river boat is currently a popular choice for Londoners wanting to avoid packed tube carriages and congested roads. It connects with 24 piers, located in key areas across London, allowing you to visit places including the O2, Greenwich, Canary Wharf and Westminster, as well as residential areas such as Battersea Power Station and Barking Riverside. Services run every 10-20 minutes, early until late, seven days a week.

The sailings from from Gravesend to London Bridge are less frequent - there are just five more trips planned, with the last one being on Sept. 21. There will likely be more sailings during Christmas.

When I heard about the Uber Boat I had to check it out. As an American temporarily visiting London, it was the perfect opportunity to take a trip to the city centre in style. I went from Gravesend Town Pier to London Bridge, which took just over an hour.

I arrived a little early, so I took some time to explore the Heritage Quarter located right across from the pier. I grabbed a coffee from Costa and wandered around Primark before I walked back to wait for the boat.

Boarding began exactly 15 minutes before departure and was a breeze. I immediately beelined for the cafe in the centre of the boat. I was pleasantly

surprised to see the prices were reasonable and grabbed a raspberry pastry for £2.

I snagged a seat by the window and enjoyed the smooth ride down the Thames. As we started to arrive in the city, I made my way to the back of the boat where the outdoor seats were. I joined the busy deck as people took photos as we passed iconic views like the London Cable car and the O2.

Of course, my favourite was passing under ower Bridge. It wasn't my first time seeing it, but it was by far the best view of this iconic structure.

If you’re looking to take the trip for pleasure like me, the company hosts events such as comedy nights, secret Sofar Sounds gigs, and guided tours of Illuminated River, the world’s longest art installation. Check out the website for deals as one round-trip 2 hours long for a comedy night is currently being advertised for £20.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers also hosts special New Year’s Eve sailings featuring live music, drinks, and exclusive views of London’s fireworks.

While it’s a lovely trip for a special occasion, the Uber Boat also hopes to become accessible for daily commuters to and from Kent.

Currently season tickets are aimed at daily commuters in London - the ticket could save passengers up to 78% compared to making two journeys per day and paying as you go with an Oyster or contactless payment card.

Like the tube, the river is divided into zones: West, Central and East. Tickets must be valid for all the zones passengers travel through. For instance, if travelling between Embankment and North Greenwich piers, you will need a Central and East ticket.

You can purchase tickets online or through the Uber app.

Tate Modern extends opening hours at weekend

By Tara Russell

TATE MODERN has announced it will stay open until 9pm every Friday and Saturday from September 26, expanding access to the world's mostvisited modern art museum and adding new energy to the capital's night-time culture.

The move, giving young Londoners and visitors free evening access to the museum, follows records turnout of young visitors to Tate Modern’s 25th birthday weekend.

Held in partnership with UNIQLO, over 76,000 people visited the gallery in three days — 70% of whom were under 35. It builds on the momentum on the Tate Modern Lates, the popular end-of-month events that have attracted over 750,000 people to the gallery since launching in 2016.

Director of the gallery, Karin Hindsbo, said: “Over the last decade, Tate Modern Lates have become a cornerstone of London’s nightlife… I’m delighted that Tate Modern will soon be open late every Friday and Saturday evening, making it even more accessible."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has also welcomed the news, recognising the transformation Tate Modern has given London’s cultural landscape: "From museums and music venues to late-night galleries and grassroots spaces, there's no better places to enjoy a great night out."

Alongside the extension of weekend hours, Tate Modern Lates will continue on the last

Union Shorts #4

"The quality is always high"

Arts Page 19

Friday of each month, offering a special programme of artist talks, creative workshops, film screenings, live music and DJ sets.

Future Lates will explore the inaugural Infinities Commission (28 August), Korean artist Do Jo Suh's large-scale installations (26 September), and a celebration of Nigerian modern art (31 October).

Meanwhile, Tate's late Night Bar Corner and Starr Cinema will be hosting events, including food and drink workshops exploring kombucha (26 August) and kimchi (16 September).

A discussion with acclaimed artist Yinka Shonibare is also scheduled for 9 October.

With weekend evening access now becoming the norm, Tate Modern affirms its centrality not only as a gallery, but as a vital organ of London's nightlife.

Millenium Bridge, North bank and Southwark Bridge

LAND OWNED BY PRINCE WILLIAM TO BE USED FOR THE HOMELESS

By Ruby Gregory

Local Democracy Reporter

LAND OWNED by Prince William in Kennington will be turned into new homes for young people who have experienced homelessness after plans were unanimously approved by local councillors.

More than a dozen homes on Duchy of Cornwall-owned land will be used to support people aged 18-25 who have been homeless, are at risk of homelessness, or have made the transition from supported housing and are in employment and are ready to live independently.

The plans will see seven existing flats at 60 Sancroft Street, SE11, refurbished and turned into 16 new homes, consisting of studios and one-bedroom flats.

All of the homes at 60 Sancroft Street

will be ‘affordable’, with rents set at one third of a tenant’s gross earnings, while accommodation will be managed by the youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint.

The plans form part of the Royal Foundation’s Homewards programme, which was set up with the aim to show it is possible to end homelessness.

Homewards, which is led by Prince William, has committed to delivering Innovative Housing Projects across six locations across the UK, including Lambeth.

During a meeting of Lambeth Council’s Planning Applications Committee on Tuesday, July 29, Michelle Donovan, who is Head of Independent Living at Centrepoint, said: “Centrepoint is delighted to be working with the Duchy of Cornwall on the delivery of 16 new independent living homes at 60 Sancroft Street to help formerly homeless

Mum forced 'to carry

By Ruby Gregory Local Democracy Reporter

A BERMONDSEY mum says she is having carry her nine-yearold daughter up three flights of stairs days after having a major operation on her leg because the block of flats they live in has no lift.

Jade Kendall and her two young children live in a top floor flat and a few weeks ago, her daughter Chloe underwent an eight-hour surgery on one of her legs.

Chloe was being diagnosed with a health condition two years ago and is due to have a second operation, on her other leg once she has recovered from the first procedure.

While in recovery, Jade’s daughter is using a wheelchair and crutches, however only the first flight of stairs in their block of flats is fitted with a handrail which her daughter can hold on to.

Jade, who is asking to be moved somewhere more appropriate, claims she first informed Southwark Council

young people move on from council accommodation and live independently.

"This will allow them to hold down a job, end their reliance upon benefits and escape homelessness for good.”

Ms Donovan went on to say of the 16 future tenants, 12 of them must be in fulltime employment while the remaining four will be actively supported by Centrepoint and Lambeth Council to find permanent employment.

Martin Bailey, ward councillor for Vauxhall, said: “This scheme embodies the very best of what planning should achieve, combining a sensitive approach to heritage, outstanding design-quality and most importantly delivering essential social value in our borough.

“[The Duchy of Cornwall] has taken responsibility as stewards of the sensitive site seriously by investing in meaningful pre-application engagement, adjusting

their scheme to reflect feedback and working closely with Centrepoint and Lambeth’s own supported housing team to bring forward a model truly in the public interest.”

The site forms part of the Kennington Conservation Area and was developed by the Duchy of Cornwall from the early to mid-20th century. 60 Sancroft Street was built in 1937 and was used as accommodation for nurses who worked at the then-Children’s Day Hospital at 35 Black Prince Road.

When the hospital closed in 1990, a long lease began with South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, with the site sub-let to Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Trust which provided subsidised living accommodation for medical staff. The building has been empty since June 2024 after the lease ended.

The Duchy of Cornwall’s plans will also

see a former health centre at 65 Sancroft Street demolished and a new, five-storey building consisting of 23 flats built in its place.

The building was used as a health centre up until 2014, but has been on a rolling lease since 2015 as an assessment centre for people looking to claim PIP (Personal Independence Payment). Of the 23 flats, two of them will be intermediate, a type of ‘affordable’ housing offering discounted market rent. The remaining 21 flats will be private. Once built, there will be six one-beds, 11 two-beds, and six three-beds. All of the flats will have their own balcony.

The plans were unanimously approved by councillors, meaning planning permission has been granted. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the first homes will be delivered on site by the end of 2026.

9-year-old daughter up three flights of stairs'

about her daughter’s operation over a year ago.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) just before her daughter’s first operation, Jade said:

“[The council] has got to learn they can’t treat people like this, especially because we’re going into hospital tomorrow not knowing the unknown.

“It’s going to take me longer trying to

get my daughter up and down the stairs, and then I’ve got to try and make sure my four-year-old doesn’t fall down the stairs; he’s only little, he’s got little legs. I feel like I’ve been let down and I feel like [the council] just don’t care.”

Jade said she practised carrying her daughter’s wheelchair up and down the stairs but struggled. She said: “It’s also going to be very weighty and I’ve got to

try and make sure I don’t do my back in.

It’s all concrete floor as well.”

Jade, who gave up her job as a teaching assistant two years ago to care for her daughter, said she was told by the council that because her block of flats has a communal stairwell, a stair-lift can’t be fitted. Jade says she is also overcrowded, and has been bidding weekly on properties however she is currently on Band 4 of the council’s housing register, which is the lowest priority for rehousing.

She believes that because she has historical rent arrears, she has never been moved to a higher priority band.

Jade grew up in care ever since she was born and was given the flat by the council when she was 17. She said because of her circumstances as a care leaver, she fell into rent arrears and has been paying them off using a payment plan.

Her friend, Kathleen Coughlan, told the LDRS: “Jade has challenged this for so long and all the council just keep holding onto is historical rent arrears which she’s been paying off. She’s

paying her rent, she’s maintained that tenancy for 17 years. I don’t understand how she’s only on Band 4, I really don’t get it.”

She added: “Just the simple fact of bringing a wheelchair up and down with a poorly child; she’s going to be very poorly afterwards as well. She’s not really being listened to. It’s the children that are in need, medically this can’t be right. They’re not listening, they don’t listen.”

Cllr Michael Situ, Cabinet Member for Council Homes, told the LDRS: “Our priority is for all residents in Southwark to have a safe, decent home which fits their needs. There is a huge demand for social housing in the borough with a waiting list of over 18,000 households with varying requirements and accommodations needed.”

Cllr Situ added: “Despite the difficulties this presents we are rising to the challenge to build more council homes and do everything we can to support residents in transferring or transforming homes to meet their needs.”

Kate and William in Canada in 2011

Jade’s children on the stairwell before Chloe’s operation Image: tsaiproject / Flicker

How 60 Sandcroft Street will look once refurbished How the development will look at 65 Sancroft Street if plans are approved

© Lambeth Council documents

WANDSWORTH COUNCIL PLEDGES TO BUILD OVER 14,000 NEW HOMES OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS

By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter

MORE THAN 14,000 new homes

could be built in the London Borough of Wandsworth over the next decade, under council plans to grow the local economy.

It has published a new ‘growth plan’ outlining key investment opportunities in the borough and its strategy to attract development in a “decade of renewal”.

The Wandsworth Growth Plan maps a ‘growth corridor’ extending from Battersea and Nine Elms to Clapham Junction and Wandsworth Town, which could accommodate 14,400 new homes.

It sets out capacity for 8,400 new homes in Nine Elms, 3,000 more homes in Clapham Junction, including the regeneration of the Winstanley and York Road Estate, and 3,000 extra homes in Wandsworth Town. This aligns with City Hall’s London Growth Plan, which was published in March.

The plan pledges to prioritise building affordable homes by partnering with developers, along with slashing residents’ living costs by retrofitting existing properties. It says the council will make sure new developments benefit existing residents through developer contributions to affordable

housing and infrastructure.

The document says planned improvements to transport in the borough will improve services, including upgrades to Clapham Junction, Wandsworth Town, Battersea Park and Queenstown Road stations.

Network Rail said it is working with

Labour Council Leader Simon Hogg was joined by Howard Dawber, London’s Deputy Mayor for Business, and Putney MP Fleur Anderson to launch the plan this week and talk to local businesses.

Councillor Hogg said: “It was great to talk to local businesses about how our plan will put people first and unlock inclusive growth that works for everyone in Wandsworth – whether you’re a young person looking for your first job, a family in need of a secure home, or a resident who wants to see real investment in your local high street.

“Wandsworth is open for business – we have incredible assets and innovation here, coupled with a readiness to play our part in the capital’s growth story with a new growth corridor connecting us to Central London.”

the council to drive investment in the borough, supporting its residents and passengers.

The council is set to deliver the plan in phases to balance “immediate wins with transformational change”, firstly unlocking development opportunities by improving transport, upgrading

public spaces and other works. It then plans to promote the borough as a key destination to attract investment, support business growth and develop partnerships, before “securing lasting positive change” through major development projects – including new affordable housing.

Mr Dawber added: “With strong existing infrastructure and real assets, including the UK’s busiest interchange at Clapham Junction, Wandsworth has a major role to play in unlocking the inclusive and sustainable growth we need to see across London over the next decade.

“The Mayor and I are committed to working with boroughs across the capital through the London Growth Plan to build a fairer and more prosperous city for all.”

rmg.co.uk/oceanmap

Wandsworth Council leader Simon Hogg and Howard Dawber, London’s deputy mayor for business.

Credit: Wandsworth Council

By Kevin Quinn

TWO TEENAGERS have been found guilty of killing a fifteen year old with a machete in Woolwich.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to his age, was found guilty of the murder of Daejaun Campbell after jury deliberations of more than 19 hours.

Marko Balaz 19, from Abbey Wood was found guilty of manslaughter, but acquitted of murder.

A third defendant, Jacob Losiewicz, 18, also from Abbey Wood was cleared of murder at the Old Bailey last week, Wednesday July 30.

After the convictions Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn attempted to explain what happened to see such a young life taken on the streets of Woolwich just a week after two sixteenyear-old boys were convicted of killing a 14-year-old boy on a Woolwich bus.

DCI Kate Blackburn said: “We have never fully established why Daejaun was murdered in such a brutal way. I believe it is likely because he did not live in the area and had been exploited into dealing drugs there. It is possible that the defendant’s were linked to an opposing drugs line.”

The murder investigation was launched on Sunday, 22 September last year after police were called to reports of the stabbing of a boy on Eglington Road, SE18.

Witnesses called the police at around 6:30pm to reports of a boy screaming for help and being chased down the street before being attacked with what looked like a machete. Brave members of the public ran to help Daejaun, who was lying on the floor after sustaining multiple stab wounds.

London Ambulance Service and HEMS attended the scene but sadly Daejaun died a short time later in the road where he had been stabbed.

A murder investigation commenced, quickly identifying a car which had been used to bring the defendants to the scene.

CCTV footage including doorbell camera footage was identified which showed the teenagers leaving a property to attack Daejaun. The identities of the group were soon established, said police.

The court heard that Losiewicz was arrested the following day with the distinctive top he was wearing during the murder being recovered on his bedroom floor, but his tracksuit bottoms and sliders were missing. During his interview, Losiewicz denied being involved in Daejaun’s murder and claimed to be a witness who ran from the scene after being scared. He claimed to have been unable to stop the attack.

Police said Balaz was arrested at his home address on 25 September where he denied any involvement, claimed to have been at home during the offence and denied any prior knowledge of Daejaun or his murder. Balaz was, however on an electronically monitored tag which demonstrated he was lying

ANOTHER SCHOOLBOY’S LIFE TAKEN AT JUST 15

The attack on Daejaun Campbell came months before a 14-year-old was killed on a bus in the same area

and had travelled to Eglinton Road at the time of the murder. Officers were to later find multiple internet searches on Balaz’s phone around relating to Daejaun’s murder.

The 17-year-old boy was arrested on 27 September. Police said his phone was analysed and messages were found which showed he was worried about spending 20 years in prison after killing someone and joking with friends that his life was “about to take a massive turn”.

Losiewicz sliders were found in the 17 year old’s house and Daejaun’s blood was found on them.

At trial the 17 year old admitted to stabbing Daejaun but claimed he did so in self defence. Giving evidence in his defence, the 17-year-old defendant claimed he was the only person to have inflicted any injuries to Daejaun that day and that he only did so as he was acting in self-defence, as Daejaun also had a knife.

DCI Kate Blackburn said: “This group were willing to bring a machete out in broad daylight and use it to kill a 15-yearold boy who, when challenged, threw his knife away and ran in the opposite direction.

“Today’s convictions conclude a lengthy and emotional investigation, and we can expect the two convicted teenagers to spend a considerable time in prison.

However, they will still be able to have lives after their incarceration, Daejaun was not given that opportunity.

“I hope that the conviction today provides some sense of justice to Deajuan’s family.”

DCI Kate Blackburn added: “Daejaun’s murder shocked the local community and will forever impact his grieving family and those who loved him.

“I commend the strength of Daejaun’s family, in particular his mother, throughout this awful ordeal. She has demonstrated exceptional courage and composure throughout this trial and has become an advocate to raise awareness of the dangers of young people carrying knives and the devastation that knife violence causes.”

After the convictions the BBC revealed that it can now be reported Daejaun was friends with 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa, who was fatally stabbed by two 16-yearold boys with machetes on a bus in Woolwich months later on 7 January.

The two 16-year-old youths were detained for at least 15 years and 10 months after pleading guilty at the Old Bailey to Kelyan’s murder.

The boys’ murders, though not directly related, bore similarities and resulted in pleas by their families to end the “senseless killings”.

Following the sentencing of the two teenage boys, who cannot be named because of their age, Kelyan’s mother Marie Bokassa made a heart-rendering plea for young teenagers to stop carrying knives.

She said: “To the young people who

Bokassa and his mum Marie Bokassa.

KELYAN BOKASSA’S

MUM

MADE

A

HEART-RENDING PLEA FOR YOUNG TEENAGE BOYS TO STOP CARRYING KNIVES

carry knives, I beg you to stop, before you raise that blade, think of your own mother, think of the mothers who will cry every night like I do, who will scream into her pillow, who will walk past her child’s empty room and collapse with grief.

“Don’t let a moment of anger steal your future. Don’t let the streets raise you in a way your mother never would.

In the wake of Daejaun’s

family

a

and musically talented”.

Sentencing for Daejaun’s murder has been adjourned to October 6.

“Knife crime is not just statistics to us, its caskets, flowers, funerals. Our children being buried before their parents.”

murder, his

released

statement in which Daejaun was described as “naturally gifted, intelligent, creative

Daejaun Campbell murdered on the streets of Woolwich

Photo from Met Police

Kelyan

Photo from Met Police

Marko Balaz, 19, convicted of manslaughter

FEARS THAT SOUTHWARK COULD LOSE LAST REMAINING POLICE FRONT COUNTER

Met says half in London are at risk

EXCLUSIVE

By Issy Clarke

THE MET Police have refused to rule out the closure of Southwark’s last remaining police counter.

When we met with the new Borough Commander, Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, she was unable to state whether the front desk in Walworth Police Station would be protected from cuts.

Since Rotherhithe lost its police hub in March this year, the 24/7 police front desk at Walworth Police Station has remained the last public-facing counter in the Southwark where residents can report crimes to officers in person.

However, under plans currently being consulted on by the Met, up to 18 front counters across London could be closed in the coming months, as the force fights to fill a £260 million black hole in its finances.

It has been reported that the Met could close half of its front counters in London, slashing the number from 37 to 19 - despite an earlier pledge to keep at least one 24/7 counter open in all 32 boroughs.

Under the plans, only eight would

remain open 24/7, while the remaining 11 would see ether opening hours reduced, closing at 7pm on weekends and 10pm on weekdays.

When this paper asked the Borough Commander for Southwark and Lambeth whether Walworth was one of the front counters which had been earmarked for closure or reduced hours, she refused to answer directly, stating that there were "proposals for some front counters to either close, some will be restricted in hours and some will remain open. That is still in consultation so I can't tell you what the outcome will be."

Pressed again on whether Walworth was at risk, DCI Bond said she "wasn't going to discuss it because that's not something that's been confirmed."

The Southwark Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to save the front counter, with local party leader Victor Chamberlain stating that the move risked harming trust in the police among residents.

Referring to the loss of Rotherhithe's police hub this year, the opposition leader said: “Residents are rightly worried.

"We have already lost one local police base, and now the last front counter

in the borough is under threat. This is happening while crime is rising and trust in the police is falling.

"We need proper, long-term investment and a return to real community policing" he stated, adding: "You can’t rebuild trust by closing front counters."

The move to axe some front counters is just one of the cost-cutting measures to be announced by the Met in recent months - earlier this year, it also outlined plans to cut the number of staff and officers it employs by 1,700.

Deputy Commissioner of the Met Police Matt Jukes told us that front counters were "not used very much by people to report crime - around 5 per cent come in through that route" adding that the force was looking to "prioritise the other routes we can now offer" such as online reporting.

Asked why the Met had abandoned its former pledge to safeguard final remaining front counters, Jukes said it was "clearly a question which we focused on because of challenging financial times."

He continued: "The balance we are looking to strike is to make sure that there still is the opportunity for people to access [officers] in person", adding

EXCLUSIVE

By Issy Clarke

TWO TEAMS of twelve neighbourhood officers will be deployed in Peckham and North Walworth, where they will tackle issues within communities such as anti social behaviour, shoplifting and phone theft.

Both areas will gain two sergeants and 12 police constables as part of the Met’s plans to beef up existing neighbourhood policing teams.

When we asked when the new units would be rolled out, Borough Commander for Southwark and Lambeth Emma Bond said that the teams were still being put together, but added that she hoped that they would be up and running within the next few months.

The increase in the number of neighbourhood police officers is a London-wide initiative, with the Met adding a total of 170 additional officers to be split between the West End and town centres across London, including Brixton, Kingston, Ealing, Finsbury Park, Southwark, and Spitalfields.

Neighbourhood policing teams work within local communities and tackle issues such as anti social behaviour, shoplifting and theft. Each ward in London is patrolled by a minimum of two constables and a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

The announcement comes after the Met revealed earlier this year it would be slashing the number of officers and staff it employs by 1,700 to fill a £260m hole in its finances.

The Met said that while most cuts would still be going ahead, an extra £32 million allocated by City Hall would reduce staff reductions in the most important areas.

Bond said the move to beef up neighbourhood policing teams was part of the force’s efforts to “be more efficient and effective with the resources we’ve got”.

The Met has started moving officers from other units within the force, such as the dedicated Royal Parks policing team and schools officers, into local policing teams.

that "we want our local teams to be out focusing on community-based crime fighting, not hiding away in police stations and behind front counters."

Days after the Met's plans to cut front counters were revealed, the force announced that London would be receiving more than one hundred additional officers spread across local neighbourhood policing teams.

Southwark will gain 24 new officers, who will patrol areas which have been identified by the Home Office as 'crime hotspots'. So far, Peckham and North Walworth have been announced as two areas which will benefit from a boosted police presence.

Walworth has been the last 24/7 front counter in Southwark since Rotherhithe lost its police hub in March this year.

Local officers were asked to leave their former base inside Seven Islands Leisure Centre on March 26th by the council, which is redeveloping it into council homes.

However, despite being given 12 months’ notice by the council, the force ‘failed to prepare' for its closure by lining up a local alternative, with officers now based 45 minutes away at Southwark Police Station on Borough High Street.

MP for Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Neil Coyle welcomed the announcement of the new policing teams, which he said would help “free up the Safer Neighbourhood Teams, who will also be more visible and proactive in their local areas”.

He continued: “Southwark had more police in 2010 but suffered years of cuts under the LibDem-Tory Coalition, which cost our borough over 400 police officers and PCSOs.”

Latest crime figures from the Office of National Statistics reveal London now accounts for a third of all knife attacks in England and Wales, with 16,344 attacks recorded by the Met in the year leading up to March 2025 – an increase from 14,939 in 2023/24.

Meanwhile homicides have gone down by nine per cent to 104 killings, compared to 114 the year before. Violence against the person was also down by six per cent – but theft was up by 28 per cent.

Confusingly the Met last week decided to cite different figures from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime starting from April this year, claiming that in the last four months knife crime was actually down by 18.1 per cent and theft from the person down by 15 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

Reacting to the announcement of the new units, Leader of Southwark Council, Cllr Sarah King, said: “We’ve been asking for more police support to work

One of the families making the challenge. (L: Edith)

Borough Commander Bond has been in post since February this year

SOUTHWARK GETS 24 NEW POLICE OFFICERS

alongside the council’s community safety teams, so we’re pleased to see this extra resource coming to our borough.

“We know how important feeling safe is to our residents and local businesses.

This announcement means more officers on our streets, more visible patrols, and more targeted action on the issues that most affect our communities.

“Our teams will continue to work closely with the Met, to make sure these resources deliver real results for people living, working, and visiting Southwark.”

Met Commissioner Mark Rowley said the initiative was part of a “targeted approach to tackling volume crime and bolster our specialist tactics, to disrupt the criminal gangs who fuel anti-social behaviour, robbery and theft.”

He continued: “The Met is getting smaller but more capable. We have a laser-like focus on ensuring our officers and staff are in roles where they can drive down crime on issues that matter the most to Londoners.

“This is what the public expects of the police, which is why we are putting neighbourhood policing first, tackling the crimes that we know are impacting the public in the busiest areas, and making the capital’s streets safer.

Advertorial

“We’re adding up to 170 additional officers, split between the West End and town centres across London. Thanks to the hard work of our local teams, neighbourhood crime has already fallen by almost a fifth over the last year and moving these officers to the frontline will make sure we are a more visible presence in London.”

Mayor Sadiq Khan said the new teams would have a focus on “tackling antisocial behaviour, phone robbery and shoplifting in key areas”. He said: “Thanks to record funding from City

Hall, the West End will see a 50 per cent increase in the number of police officers on the beat and an additional 90 police officers working in new or enhanced town centre teams in hotspot areas.

“Despite years of austerity by the previous government, this is the latest example of the Met Police and I prioritising what Londoners want and delivering on our pledge to put high visibility policing at the heart of fighting crime and rebuilding community confidence and trust.

“This fresh targeted action is happening in tandem with enhanced police and partnership work already underway in our high streets and town centres this summer. We will continue to build on the crime reductions already achieved in the capital – with robbery, theft and knife crime down since the start of the financial year – to build a safer London for all.”

Brixton’s neighbourhood policing team with Matt Jukes, Deputy Commissioner of the Met (Second from Left)

Brixton is also set to benefi t from an uplift in police officers

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL IS CONSIDERING A PUBLIC SPACES PROTECTION ORDER

EXCLUSIVE

By Issy Clarke

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL is looking into passing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) as it seeks to take a tough line on antisocial behaviour (ASB) across the borough.

A PSPO allows both police officers and authorised council staff to enforce the order through fixed penalty notices, which in other areas are around £100.

The PSPO would list specific forms of anti-social behaviour in public spaces that local people have identified urgently needs tackling, with Southwark already listing rowdy drinking on the streets, public urination, unlicensed music events and pet-owners who don't pick up dog poo being particular problems they want to crackdown on.

But the policy is the subject of a public consultation which is due to end in Southwark on August 31.

Police, who are struggling with fewer officers and rising street crime, have said that the absence of PSPOs makes managing anti-social behaviour more challenging. An additional army of people like council officers who are able enforce powers in their neighbourhoods allows police officers to deal with high level crimes.

Alongside PSPOs the Met Police is increasingly turning to data-driven methods to track down offenders and make better use of officers’ time. Chief among these tools is live facial

recognition (LFR)

LFR scans faces in real time and checks them against a police watchlist. If there’s a match, officers can step in immediately for questioning and a potential arrest.

Croydon was chosen for the fixedcamera pilot due to “previous success” and an assessment of local risk. It could be rolled out across London.

As front desks close due to cut backs PSPO and LFR could be part of a bigger strategy to deal with rising street crime at its source. Both do and will continue to come into conflict with organisations concerned with civil liberties.

A PSPO approved by Thanet Council in Kent last July was rescinded just weeks later following a threat of costly legal action by the Free Speech Union. Part of the wording of that order included a restriction preventing the use of foul language, which caused alarm or distress to other people. There is no indication that foul language is on Southwark's list, but this instance shows not everyone is in favour of this new form of policing.

Councillor Natasha Ennin, Southwark's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods, said: "We want Southwark to be a borough where everyone feels safe and respected. "We know that antisocial behaviour is affecting people’s quality of life and we’re taking it seriously. This is your chance to tell us about the problems in your area so we can take informed action together."

WHAT IS A PSPO?

A public space protection order

(PSPO) is a legal tool which gives councils powers to prevent anti-social behaviour in specific public spaces including streets, town centres and parks.

Councils have been able to introduce them since 2014 under the provisions of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

They are designed to prevent behaviour which has a harmful effect on people living or working in an area - such as loud music, rowdy drinking and swearing.

These can be put in place for up to three years and must be reviewed regularly.

WHY IS SOUTHWARK COUNCIL CONSIDERING INTRODUCING ONE?

The council wants to crack down on problem behaviours which it says have consistently been flagged by residents.

These include:

● Drinking alcohol in the street or other open spaces leading to ASB

● Public urination

● Dog fouling and dogs not being kept under control in public spaces and parks

● Loud amplified music and noise from cars

● Unlicensed Music Events

WHAT OTHER COUNCILS HAVE PSPOS?

Several other councils in London have PSPOs in place, including Hammersmith & Fulham, Newham

and Brent.

In Newham, the entire borough is covered by an Alcohol Control PSPO, which gives local police powers to confiscate alcohol from people who are behaving rowdily.

Newham Council has strict rules requiring dog owners to clear up after their pets and keep their dog on a lead if asked to do so by a police officer. Other orders apply to specific wards in the borough, such as restrictions on engine revving and playing loud music out of a car.

Brent Council has strict dog-related restrictions covering the whole borough, including punishments for not picking up dog mess and rules limiting the number of dogs which can be walked on a lead at once to four.

Southwark Council may seek to introduce a borough-wide PSPO, ward-specific restrictions, or both.

The absence of a PSPO by Thanet Council in Kent this year made managing incidents of abuse, public drinking and drug taking, aggression and other incidents ‘challenging’ for Kent Police to deal with, said Chief Inspector Ian Swallow, Thanet District Commander of Police.

As reported by the Isle of Thanet News, he told an earlier committee meeting that an approved alcohol and antisocial behaviour Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) would create an additional “small army of people” who can use enforcement powers while police officers are dealing with higher level crimes.

He described the PSPO as a ‘tool’ that sits below police powers under the Public Order act but above the extra provision of dispersal orders.

He said: “What this (PSPO) does is gives us another piece of that tool kit. If you take the Public Order Act, that’s a sledgehammer to crack what could be a very small nut. We have Section 34 dispersals, which is probably below a PSPO, because all that does is give us the power to disperse people.

“Where this (PSPO) would sit is right in the middle and the important part for us is it then gives us another small army of people in our partners who are able to use that enforcement capability while my officers are dealing with the higher level stuff.

“It gives you that bigger ability to deal with what we are trying to deal with.”

Chief Inspector Swallow confirmed British Transport Police are among those who are able to issue fixed penalty notices.

WHAT ARE THE PUNISHMENTS FOR BREACHING A PSPO?

Breaching a PSPO is a criminal offence. Although Southwark has not detailed what the penalty for beaching a PSPO could be, in other parts of London it can result in a fine, via a fixed penalty notice, of up to £100, which if not paid on time can increase to £1,000.

The consultation closes on August 31 and can be accessed via the council’s website.

A NIGHT OUT IN THE BOOZER AND AT THE THEATRE - ROLLED INTO ONE

By Michael Holland

GREENWICH THEATRE’S bar is being transformed in a 1980s boozer for three weeks where audiences can watch a show unfold around them while buying a pint and playing classic pub games.

First performed in 1989, Jim Cartwright’s play Two invites’ audiences into an evening at a classic British boozer, The Clock and Compass, where two actors take on the roles of both landlord and landlady — and a whole cast of regulars, visitors, and late-night dreamers.

From the old woman whose only respite from caring for her bed-bound husband is a nightly drink at the pub, to Maudie and her philandering boyfriend

Moth who can’t resist chatting up everyone else in sight.

James Haddrell, Artistic Director, said:

“Two is a moving, comic picture of a classic British pub and those who pass through it, and the prospect of staging it in a new space specially created at the heart of our historic theatre is an exciting one for us.”

There will be a Gin Tasting Masterclass in partnership with Greenwich Gin on selected dates during the run.

Two at The Café-Bar, Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8ES from 21st August - 12th September.

Tues-Thurs: 7pm Fri-Sat: 8:30pm

Sunday: 5pm.

Admission: £22.50 (includes a drink voucher)

Booking and full details: greenwichtheatre.org.uk

By Emily Driver

TIPS & Test' Salon is pairing selfcare with sexual health ahead of Notting Hill Carnival weekend, offering free express manicures alongside informal conversations around HIV prevention.

Carnival-themed manicures and confidential HIV testing tips will both be on offer at the pop-up nail salon, ‘Tips and Test’, in the run up to Notting Hill Carnival. Aiming to raise awareness of the importance of regular testing, particularly among black women in London, the event is hosted by the London HIV Prevention Programme (LHPP) as part of the Do It London campaign.

Running from 3pm to 9pm at Peckham Palms on Thursday 21 August, the salon

FREE NAIL BAR OFFERING HIV ADVICE POPS UP IN PECKHAM

boasts three vibrant custom designs by Shea Osei, the artist behind Cynthia Erivo’s nail looks which dazzled the big screens in Wicked.

While visitors beautify their nails according to carnival spirit, they’ll also be able to speak with nail technicians equipped to discuss HIV testing and have the option to sign up for a free at-home HIV test kit.

Recent LHPP research has found that 31% of women in London have had their nails done in the past year, while just 4% have taken an HIV test. As London seeks to make progress towards its zero-HIV targets by 2030, the campaign aims to close that gap by making testing and advice around testing more accessible within comfortable, familiar settings.

“Women account for a quarter of new

HIV diagnoses, but they are living in an information vacuum when it comes to HIV information and education” comments

Marc Thompson, Lead Commissioner of the LHPP. Thompson hopes that the pop-up will help to fill in the blanks and empower women towards discussions around sexual health in “an environment they know, feel comfortable and at ease.” Londoners looking for advice and nails worth parading can walk in on the day or book ahead for a guaranteed appointment.

Peckham Palms, 1-14 Bournemouth Cl, London, SE15 4PB Thursday 21 August 2025, 3pm-9pm. Book a free appointment at www. eventbrite.com searching tips-and-testnail-bar-pop-up

FIVE TOP SUMMER HOLIDAY KIDS' EVENTS

By Abigail Finney

BOPPIN BUNNIES IN THE PARK FOR £11

Enjoy a day outside bouncing with your little ones, dancing along to music and other activities.

It can be hard constantly entertaining a child under the age of five, so this is a perfect event to keep 'em bouncing along to tunes for a bit.

This event is in a park so take care to put your babies in their cutest rain coats and wellies in case of rainy weather.

Dates: Several dates throughout Aug., late date set for Aug. 29

Time: Varies, around 10am, lasts 35 minutes

Location: various parks in south London

Price: £11 for the first child and £5.50 for siblings

Booking and more information: www.boppinbunnies.co.uk/shows

BE A FARMER FOR A DAY FOR £8

Take a break from city life and enjoy weighing and feeding animals for the day.

After that, kids can walk to the field to check on the other animals. It’s a

perfect taste of farm life, but you better wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Watch your toes! Sturdy, close toed shoes are required for this event. It is also recommended for those over the age of eight.

Dates: Aug. 20

Time: 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm

Location: The Woodlands Farm Trust, Welling Price: £8 for children, free for accompanying adults

Booking and more information: thewoodlands-farm-trust.sumupstore.com

COME PLAY TV’S TASKMASTER AT ELTHAM PALACE FOR £16.80

Explore Eltham Palace and Gardens while completing tasks put together by TV's Taskmaster.

Alex Horne and Greg Davies won't be there, so unfortunately that means the reins are entirely in your hands. So, take it away!

All you need to do is pick up your score card and embark on a journey for the whole family. Once you reach the finish zone a celebration is sure to ensue.

If you think ahead, you can save 15% by booking before you arrive.

Dates: Aug. 4-31

Time: 10am to 5pm

Location: Court Yard, Eltham

Price: Event included in palace admission, £16.80 for adults, £10.40 for children

Booking: english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ whats-on

GO RIVER DIPPING AND PLAY WILDFLOWER BINGO FOR FREE

Get up and close with plants and wildlife in a fun-filled day at the Creekside Discovery Centre's annual open day.

You will be able to enjoy a wide range of activities including river dipping, bug hunting, badge making and wildflower bingo.

This annual event is the perfect chance for children to learn all about the urban wildlife that surrounds them every day. There are sure to be events to entertain tots and adults alike. Lunch and refreshments will be available to purchase at the event.

Dates: Sept. 13

Time: 11am- 3pm

Location: Creekside Discovery Centre, Deptford

Price: Free

Booking: creeksidecentre.org.uk/events/

LEARN ABOUT ANIMALS AT THE ROBOT ZOO WITH PRICES STARTING AT £6.50

Take a chance to see an entire zoo of giant mechanical animals and learn where each animal gets its abilities from.

Made from easily recognizable parts, children will be able to easily learn how animals eat, hunt, see and hide.

There are also interactive murals that promise to delight, allowing you to search for chameleons and match animals to their correct habitats.

Dates: Daily until Nov. 5

Time: 10am-5pm

Location: Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill

Price: £6.50 to £28.60

Booking: horniman.ac.uk

What's on for adults during the summer holidays?

By Abigail Finney

SOUTH FACING FESTIVAL - FROM £50

This is the perfect event for music lovers of all genres.

Enjoy the remainder of the summer heat, grab a drink and dance the night away in Crystal Palace.

The South Facing Festival is featuring 10 sets from Aug. 7 to 24, each featuring an array of musicians and themes. Some of the artists include Mogwai and Lankum, Flagstock and Basement Jaxx.

Each show has different age restrictions and ticket prices, so be sure to check all the details before booking your tickets.

Most of the shows are for people 18 or older, but a few are for those over 16 or for all ages.

Dates: Aug. 7-24

Times: Evening, depending on chosen show

Location: Crystal Palace Bowl, London SE19 2BA

Prices: Ranging from £50 to £150

depending on show and ticket type Line-ups and more information: southfacingfestival.com

RALLY FESTIVAL CELEBRATING MUSIC AND ARTS FOR £55

A one day festival inspired by DIY culture and grassroots movements, celebrating London's music and arts communities, RALLY is the perfect event for those looking for an arts-filled day. Some artists featured include AMORE, Asha Puthil and Atstrid Sonne.

If you’re a resident of Bermondsey, tickets are offered at a reduced price.

Dates: Aug. 23

Times: Evening, depending on chosen show

Location: Southwark Park

Prices: £55 to £65

Line-up and more information: rallyrallyrally.co.uk

THE RIVER WALK FOOD MARKET IN BATTERSEA

Take a stroll through a market teeming

with independent food vendors and local producers.

The open-air market will showcase a rotating selection of stallholders, from independent and up-and-coming food traders including Cornish Gouda Co, Midnight Pantry, and Biltong Boss. Located at the Battersea Power Station, you can make a day of the market by also exploring the over 100 other shops the station has to offer, including designer

labels and a variety of restaurants.

Dates: June 22-Aug. 31

Times: Every Sunday, 11:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Battersea Power Station

Entry: Free More information: batterseapowerstation.co.uk/events

THEATRE, CIRCUS AND DANCE ALL FOR FREE

Celebrating 30 years in 2025, the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival has put together a programme promising to be a spectacle. There will be performances of theatre, circus and dance all free of charge.

You will have a chance to see an all-female high-wire walk framed by London’s best view, extraordinary onwater physical theatre with an urgent climate message, an unmissable fusion of engineering and circus.

All venues are wheelchair accessible and have seating available.

Dates: Aug. 22- Sept. 6

Times: varies, see schedule

Location: Greenwich, varies, see schedule

Prices: Free

More information: festival.org/gdif2025/

BEER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL FROM A TENNER

Try over 50 beers and ciders while enjoying live performances at this festival in Balham.

You can also win goody bags worth over £150 in total. Simply buy a £1 raffle ticket on the day to join in the fun.

Need a break from pints? Try other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and some of the food being offered. Those under 18 years old are allowed, but must be accompanied by an adult and may not consume alcohol.

Date: Sept. 21

Time: 12:00 pm-7:00 pm

Location: Balham, 77 Bedford Hill, SW12 9HD

Price: From £10

Booking: thebedford.com/event

Eltham Palace

Greenwich+Docklands International Festival

Brockwell Hall is now open again thanks to a transformative £7.7 million investment from Lambeth Council, including £3.9 million funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and support of the Brockwell Park Community Partners. Be among the first to experience the timeless charm of this historic venue, which is beautifully restored to blend heritage with modern elegance. Whether you're planning a private celebration, a corporate or community event or simply want to explore, Brockwell Hall offers the perfect setting for any occasion. Book your event today and become part of the next chapter in Brockwell Hall’s rich history.

Established in 1813, Brockwell Hall is a stunning Grade II* listed Georgian Mansion House set centrally within the grounds of the historic Brockwell Park, surrounded by over 125 acres of abundant nature, with panoramic views of the City. Offering a variety of multipurpose spaces, Brockwell Hall is the ideal location for celebrations, conferences, and community events, with the capacity to accommodate up to 200 guests.

Contact us: venues@lambeth.gov.uk

@venuelambeth

By Harrision Galliven

Local Democracy Reporter

WITH ITS lanes of empty shopfronts and drip buckets scattered across the marble flooring, it’s no surprise that many now see the Whitgift Centre as more of a cut-through than a destination.

Far from the buzz of its heyday, the shopping centre sits in a kind of stasis, awaiting its long-promised redevelopment under URW (formerly Westfield).

But looks can be deceiving. There is still life in the Whitgift for those who know where to look. Tucked away in a once-bustling corner is what some now call Croydon’s ‘real cultural quarter.’

At its heart is the brightly coloured and heavily greened Turf Projects.

“It’s a Tardis of art,” said co-founder B Atherton, describing the complex of creative spaces hidden beyond its shop front exterior.

Turf has occupied its Whitgift space since 2017, though it began its work in Croydon in 2013. Inside its premises and across the borough, it provides exhibition opportunities and creative spaces for under-supported local artists.

From town centre murals to community-designed crazy golf courses, Turf’s work is rooted in place and participation. Their Whitgift base is a vibrant, multi-layered hub, home to painting and sculpture studios, a graphic design station, and more, all within its organised creative chaos behind an unassuming shopfront.

‘WE SPENT FIVE MONTHS WITHOUT HEATING’

Yet the space has faced numerous setbacks and remains far from secure. Although footfall has long been declining, Turf once benefited from passers-by heading from the town centre to the Wellesley Road underpass, right outside its entrance.

That changed overnight when Croydon Council closed the underpass without warning, virtually wiping out Turf’s ground-floor passing trade. The council later apologised to affected businesses but has no plans to reinstate the route. Instead, it is pressing ahead with a new and safer surface-level crossing on Wellesley Road.

According to B, this is just one of several challenges Turf has faced during its time at the Whitgift. She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We always knew the Whitgift had a limited lifespan.”

As URW advances its Masterplan Framework to transform the shopping centre into a multi-use development, Turf says it is still unclear how the changes will affect them.

“All we need is certainty,” B added. “But being stuck in stasis means we can’t invest in the space or plan for the future. We spent five months without heating because we didn’t know what was happening.”

Even so, Turf continues to attract a wide audience. B estimates half their visitors come from outside the borough; proof, she says, that Croydon has cultural pull when given the platform.

“It is hard to get people down to Croydon,” she told the LDRS. “But there’s really good evidence that people will travel here.”

She pointed to local successes like board game café The Ludoquist! and the nearby Pollock’s Toy Museum

CROYDON’S CREATIVE HUB GIVING LIFE TO WHITGIFT CENTRE

as signs that creative, independent businesses are still choosing Croydon.

While B acknowledged the council’s efforts to support the arts, particularly through the Borough of Culture which Croydon was named in 2023, she believes their impact is limited by financial pressures and a lack of confidence in local communities.

“The council can’t really help, to be honest; they don’t have the money,” she said. “We’re realistic. We know essential services come first, but we just want more support.

“They said they would bring art into empty units in the town centre, but that never really happened.

The council doesn’t believe its local communities can deliver. It has shown that repeatedly.”

REGULAR CAMPAIGNING

Though Turf is not aligned with any political party, it is proudly political and regularly campaigns on local issues affecting access to culture and community space. One example was their bid to save Heathfield House, a council-owned building they hoped to turn into artist studios at no cost to the council.

That grant-funded proposal was ultimately rejected in favour of a 125year leasehold. “We had funding, but it wasn’t enough,” B told the LDRS.

B and the team believe Croydon must take a more holistic approach to cultural support and avoid what she calls ‘art washing’, which she describes as superficial gestures that mask the lack of meaningful investment.

“It’s not just about supporting popups and murals,” she said. “It’s about

creating permanent spaces and forcing developers to include existing communities.”

Croydon has a proud artistic legacy, home to filmmaker David Lean and artist Tracey Emin, but B believes the borough’s size and diversity mean its creative potential is far from fully realised.

“We’ve supported over 500 artists since launching,” she added. “And we bring Turner Prize people down to Croydon. One hundred per cent of people say Turf is a welcoming place to be. That says so much.”

For the past year, Turf has used a space at Reeves Corner to showcase local artwork to pedestrians and tram and train users.

Alongside partnerships with the BRIT School and artist collectives

such as MOSS (learning disabled artists) and Art Press (young creatives aged 13 to 18), Turf sims to support talent at every stage.

A spokesperson for Croydon Council said: “We have worked closely with Turf Projects as a community partner, such as during the London Borough of Culture, when they received grant funding to deliver creative programmes. They have worked with our placemaking and regeneration teams over a number of years on town centre projects and were commissioned to lead the public engagement around the Town Centre Regeneration Strategy.

“We will continue to engage with the charity and our other partner organisations as the Executive Mayor’s Growth Plan and Town

Centre Vision projects develop.

“As part of the Town Centre Vision, we are building a surface-level crossing on Wellesley Road that will improve connectivity from East Croydon to the town centre. We closed the underpass in Wellesley Road due to health and safety concerns following a fire, caused by antisocial behaviour, and to allow structural surveying work for the crossing to take place.

“We are working to minimise disruption to local businesses by progressing the in-fill of the subway and construction of the crossing at pace. We continue to keep our residents and businesses updated and have been speaking directly to Turf Projects to address any concerns.”

 Atherton described Turf as a ’Tardis of art’, hiding its cascading complex of art studios behind a humble exterior Credit: Facundo Arrizabalaga

 Rosie CraneEckmire (Left) and B Atherton (Right) are part of the all-Croydon team behind Turf Projects Credit: Harrison Galliven

By Cameron Blackshaw

Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS TO convert a derelict hospital in Bexley into over 100 new homes have been approved despite parking and affordable housing concerns.

Bexley Council’s Planning Committee approved the proposal to redevelop the former Bexley Maternity Hospital building on Erith Road by Bursted Woods and build several new buildings on the site at a meeting on July 31.

The 121-home development—which was put forward by the council’s own residential developer BexleyCo Homes—will be contained within the refurbished hospital building as well as three new six-storey tower blocks and eight two-storey terraced houses.

The contentious plans garnered 90 objections from local residents.

One objector who spoke at the meeting felt the development was a “missed opportunity on various fronts” as they believed there was a distinct lack of social housing included.

They said: “I think we should make the most of the green space that we have and not overbuild. I totally understand and most residents understand that housing is imperative, but you’ve missed the opportunity for social housing here and that’s where the lack is in the council.”

One of the committee members, Cllr Larry Ferguson “totally agreed” with the objector’s point about the scheme’s lack of affordable housing. He said: “Yet again we have a major planning application that’s come before this committee and it fails to meet affordable housing targets.

“This is a repeated pattern. We’ve spoken about this, or certainly on this [Labour] side of the committee, have spoken about this many, many times on previous applications. We’ve even spoken about this in full council about how all of this works.

“I think it illustrates a bit of a flaw in our planning system that this can keep happening. Developers of whatever kind can keep coming forward with applications which fail to meet what’s in our local plan, what’s in the London Plan, and so on.”

He said that only 18 affordable units being included within the 121-home scheme (about 15 per cent) was “very concerning”.

Fellow Labour Cllr Nicola Taylor was sceptical of the viability assessments that had been carried out to determine that the scheme could only provide 18 affordable units.

She said: “We’re being asked to take that viability assessment, pass this application at a time when tonight’s application has had an unprecedented amount of representations raising over 200 issues, many of which are material planning positions, and we’re expected to pass this as a time when Bexley residents are struggling for housing, many in temporary accommodation, many for long periods, and temporary accommodation for the cost of which is picked up by the very council taxpayers who are representing against this application tonight.

“I do think that actually there is a dark art in terms of the viability assessment, and BexleyCo have manipulated it for their gain.”

The political jabs continued when Conservative Cllr Howard Jackson came to BexleyCo’s defence. He said:

PLANS TO CONVERT DERELICT HOSPITAL IN BEXLEY INTO HOMES APPROVED

“The fact is that BexleyCo is building affordable housing on this site, even though it’s not viable. Social housing has come up again and again.

“Well, if it’s not viable at 15 per cent, how many extra units would we have to build on this site to make it viable and hit that 50 per cent that the mayor wants us to make?

“Because, let’s be honest, the only way that we’re going to get more social housing at the 50 per cent level that we say we want and that’s in the London Plan, is to slap some tower blocks on there, some very tall ones. We’re talking 10, 15, 20 storeys.

“I’m not joking, and the Labour Party knows that which is why they will now vote against this proposal because what they’ll hope is that we’ll reject this proposal, BexleyCo won’t be able to bring this back within nine months, and when the election rolls around, we’ll no longer be in control.

“They’ll control BexleyCo and they will do it as one unit, and it will go to the mayor who will insist that we slap more and more housing on there. I’m not particularly keen on any of that.”

Cllr Rags Sandhu spoke on the behalf of several Bexleyheath residents at the meeting and he said that despite the proposal adhering to the capital’s and the council’s planning policies, it was still different to the “lived experiences” of those living nearby.

He wished for the council to impose

further conditions on the developers to improve road safety around the new homes, with suggestions such as enhanced street lighting. He also wanted greater protections put in to safeguard the biodiversity of the surrounding areas.

Parking was the main concern for residents, with many feeling that the 96 parking spaces provided for the 121 dwellings would not be sufficient, causing motorists to park in adjacent residential streets.

Cllr John Davey acknowledged that the scheme’s parking provision did comply with the relevant planning policies, but said: “We always

complain that there’s not enough parking because it’s a one-size-fitsall thing for London and we need cars more than they do in central London, but there’s nothing we can do about that.”

Cllr Cameron Smith picked up on this point as well after acknowledging that the “lion’s share” of the 90 objections were to do with parking.

He said: “Residents are going to be very frustrated to hear that it is an area where we have very little power because the number of car parking spaces is set by the London Plan which we can’t overrule and we don’t get to write the London Plan.

“That is written by the Mayor of London and it does not necessarily reflect the reality of life in Bexley and the requirement to drive.”

Highways officers confirmed that the council would be monitoring the parking situation during the development’s construction and past completion and it would be able to impose restrictions if issues arose. When it came to voting on the application, the number of committee members voting for and against the proposal were tied which meant the casting vote was offered to chairman Cllr Kurtin Christoforides. The proposal was approved with his vote.

what’s on

THE LEGENDARY Union Shorts, the talk of fringe theatre for many years after its 1998 induction under the erudite guidance of Sasha Regan, the Union Theatre's founder and Artistic Director, has been making a welcome return in recent months, writes Michael Holland...

Cameron Corcoran, who kindly took time out from the important work of selecting the plays as well as producing them to talk to us.

Cameron became involved with theatre by accident: 'After studying Law at

university I was feeling quite adrift with no real expressive outlet,' he surprises me with. 'I thought I wanted to be a screenwriter so I attended a drama class to understand writing, but I realised I much prefer playwriting and theatre as a medium. Since then, I’ve had eleven plays on in London and did a Masters in Acting at Rose Bruford College.'

I asked about his role at the Union: 'I have, with Sasha’s overview, selected the plays as well as selecting the directors and actors who perform. The intention is to make sure it’s new writers, actors

and directors every time as we want the Union to be a hub for creatives who sometimes are work-starved; it’s a place for them to flex their muscles.'

In its new incarnation The Shorts has already had over thirty directors and writers involved, and eighty actors, which sounds like a lot of people to be dealing with but Cameron is very much on top of it: 'There are some actors who applied for the first round of shorts and still haven’t had the opportunity to perform; it’s a genuine motivation to find them a play that suits their talents,

so that all the actors who apply get the opportunity to be a part of Union Shorts.'

But being motivated does not make it an easy task: 'It is quite complicated at times. Sometimes we’ll really like a play, but may struggle casting it, so we cannot select it at this time. The same goes for actors; there have been some terrific actors still waiting to be selected, as we want to make sure casting is as appropriate as possible. These are nights of theatre the audience pay to see, so it’s important the quality is always high, and so far we’ve maintained high standards.'

What can the audience expect from Union Shorts #4? 'An eclectic mix of theatre. There are two-handers, monologues, casts as large as eight, with plays ranging from 10-20 minutes. Some plays have dealt with relationships, some have been dystopian, some have been comedies and some have been heightened dramas; it’s fantastic to watch these nuggets of amazing plays as you see just how much talent is out there.'

What can people do to get involved?

'We have an open submission policy, so if you have a script or you’re a director or actor and would like to be considered, email offmainstage@gmail.com and we’ll do our best to find something that works for you in our bi-monthly event.'

Union Shorts #4 will consist of eight new plays, featuring 20 actors. Along with co-producing the new plays, Sasha Regan will also direct one, which will be a marvellous boost to the writer and cast.

Union Theatre, Old Union Arches, 229 Union Street, SE1 0LR from 26th28th August. 7.30pm.

Admission: £12, £10. Two hours including interval. Booking: https://uniontheatre.biz/show/ union-shorts-3-2

The Estate at the Dorfman Theatre

COMPLETELY ENGAGING from curtain up, Shaan Sahota's The Estate introduces us to Angad Singh, MP for Reading Central and Shadow Secretary of State for the backwater department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, writes Katie Kelly...

When the sudden downfall of his party leader opens a path to power, Angad must decide: will he run for leader, or won’t he? His office team, full of youthful ambition, leaps into action—until a deeper crisis hits. His father, the man who paved Angad’s way to Parliament after arriving in Britain in 1978 with barely a suitcase, dies.

A more intimate question then arises: will Angad honour his promise to divide the estate with his sisters, Malicka and Gyan, or will he claim the full inheritance, risking both family harmony and political opportunity?

These two narrative threads—the public and the personal—initially complement each other, but diverge increasingly as the play progresses. The political satire leans

on familiar tropes: Oxbridge-educated schemers and their vacuous power play. It’s occasionally sharp but mostly lacks originality or depth. There is a slightly deeper exploration of the toxicity of public schools —particularly in a subplot around a vile hazing ‘game’ inflicted on Angad in his youth there, but this doesn’t break any new ground.

In contrast, the family drama grows in emotional weight and complexity. Angad’s betrayal of his sisters leads to scenes of real emotional pain and visceral tension. This strand of the play is powerful - at times breathtaking - and is anchored by a superb performance from Adheel Akhtar. He moves effortlessly between affable self-deprecating humour, raw vulnerability and viciousness; delivering long monologues and emotional pivots with masterful control. His ability to pack volumes of meaning into a single line or gesture is extraordinary.

Akhtar is ably supported by the ensemble. Shelley Conn, Dinita Gohil, and Thusitha Jayasundera bring depth and

A dazzling celebration of fashion and fame

THE GIANNI Versace Retrospective brings all the glamour, drama, and high-impact style you'd expect from the iconic fashion house, writes Luigia Minichiello...

This is the first and largest exhibition of its kind in the UK, showcasing over 450 original pieces from private collections around the world, from Munich to Malaga to Manchester - many of which have never been displayed here before.

The preview night delivered pure Versace energy. Guests arrived in their finest OTT fashion tributes, with paparazzi flashes lighting up the red carpet. Singer Myleene Klass wowed in a bold, floor-length red gown paired with bright yellow Louboutins, while presenter Vanessa Feltz turned heads in a soft pink A-line number.

Versace was never about blending in. He created clothes with vivid colour, daring cuts and luxe fabrics, mixing pop art with aRock and Royalty attitude. He didn’t just design, he shaped a cultural moment while helping to launch the supermodel era and cementing fashion’s connection to celebrity. This exhibition captures all of that and more.

Set in a dramatic brick railway arch, the space channels the edgy energy of 90s' nightlife – a deliberate nod from curator Karl von der Ahé, who believes Gianni would have loved the setting. There's a mock-up of his design studio and, remarkably, nothing is behind glass, so you can get up close to study the cut, detail and craftsmanship.

by Justin Sutcliffe

presence, while Fode Simbo is hilarious and engaging as Isaac, the diversity scheme hire.

Yet as the emotional stakes rise, the tonal whiplash between farce and tragedy becomes harder to reconcile.

Some comedic set-pieces land well— particularly a party conference speech with all the hallmarks of classic farce—but the laughs thin out as the play delves into darker territory.

The Estate resists easy categorisation. It aims to blend satire with familial tragedy, but the political strand never quite earns its place alongside the far more compelling personal drama. Still, it’s a bold and ambitious piece, gripping from start to finish. Some sharp new writing elevated by a cast capable of handling both the comic and the tragic with real finesse.

Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX until 23rd August. Booking and full details: https://www. nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/theestate/

From Princess Diana’s elegant pieces and the ‘Diana Bag’ to iconic looks worn by Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Elton John, Liz Hurley and George Michael. It is like walking through the glossy pages of 1990s' fashion history.

Co-curator Saskia Lubnow, dressed head-to-toe in classic Versace print with her young daughter, revealed the show will tour to Paris next, but London is the only stop where you’ll see all the celebrity looks together.

One notable absence: the original safety pin dress worn by Liz Hurley in 1994 - the unforgettable moment that catapulted her to global fame at the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral. A similar version is displayed, but not the actual dress that made fashion headlines.

If you’re fascinated by how fashion intersects with fame and pop culture this exhibition is perfect. It is a love letter to Gianni Versace, and London is the perfect place to receive it.

Arches London Bridge, 8 Bermondsey St, London, SE1 2ER until March 1st. Booking and full details: https:// archeslondonbridge.co.uk/

Photo by Helen Murray

Photo

Heading south - our pick of upcoming summer events

Help make

props for Woolwich Carnival:

In preparation for Woolwich Carnival on Saturday 14 September, kids get the chance to help make props for the celebrations. This FREE workshop welcomes children to learn how to reuse materials in a creative way with TARU Arts. You will help make decorations for the square and props for the carnival. Suitable for all, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Date: 13 August and 20 August

Location: Woolwich Works, 11 No.1 Street, Woolwich, London, SE18 6HD

Time: 14:00 – 15:30. Price: Free Book: https://www.woolwich.works/events/woolwich-carnival-2025-workshops

Rainforest immersive experience for kids:

Head 2 Head theatre are bringing an immersive experience to the Old Library at Charlton House. Through the inclusive, SEND friendly, sensory experience, kids can journey deep into the wild rainforest and discover the wonders of tropical flowers with strange powers. This performance is suitable for everyone – including those with Visual, Hearing or Sensory Impairments, Autism, PMLD, SLD, and great for neurotypical siblings too. If your child needs a break, the brand new quiet/sensory room will be open in another part of the house for anyone needing a calm space.

Date: 14 August. Price: £5 per child

Location: Charlton House & Gardens, Charlton Road, Charlton, London, SE7 8RE

Time: 10:30 – 11:00. 11:15 – 11:45, 13:30 – 14:00, 14:15 – 14:45

Big Band at Fox and Firkin:

Fox and Firkin’s very own Big Band are a collective of world class jazz musicians based in Lewisham and South East London, who come together once a month to perform classic Big Band music. Expect to hear tunes made famous by the great bands of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Thad Jones, Stan Kenton and Woody Herman. Family and dog friendly. No Booking required

Date: Sunday 10 August

Location: Fox and Firkin, 316a, 316 Lewisham High St, London SE13 6JZ

Time: 3 – 6pm Price: Free

SPLAT! Theatre show:

SPLAT! is a family-friendly physical comedy all about art and creativity. Set in an artist’s studio, it follows two aspiring artists - one dedicated and serious, the other erratic and messy. The two characters attempt to complete their masterpieces whilst antagonising each other in the process. They take a journey through the history of visual art, experiencing the techniques of the great masters and movements before eventually realising that to achieve anything they must embrace their opposites and work together. The show explores themes of collaboration, play, dedication, spontaneity and letting go. The show features no language and is accessible for deaf audiences. Suitable for ages 3 to 7.

Date: 16 August

Location: Woolwich Works

Time: 11:30 – 12:25 and 14:00 – 14:55

Price: £12.65 per person

Book: https://www.woolwich.works/events/splat

Wine tasting in Greenwich:

A wine school tasting at Davy’s Wine Shop in Greenwich welcomes guests for a fun and engaging evening. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or just starting your wine-tasting journey, this provides an inclusive environment to expand your palette and deepen your wine knowledge. Guided by their expert host, you’ll explore a selection of six wines, learning about grape varieties, regions, and the art of food pairing—plus plenty of fascinating wine facts along the way.

Date: 12 August. Location: 161 Greenwich High Rd, London SE10 8JA

Time: 18:30 – 20:30

Price: £47.50 per adult, includes 6 wines Book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/davys-wine-school-tasting-at-davys-wine-shopgreenwich-tickets-1109157342469

Southwark Pensioners’ Centre

Supporting older people in Southwark for over 35 years.

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

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

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

LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM SAFER ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAMME PROPOSED CROSSINGS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the London Borough of Lewisham, in exercise of their powers under Section 23 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended), and after consultation with the Chief Officer of Police in accordance with Section 23(2)(A) of the said Act 1984, propose to introduce the following pedestrian controlled crossing in order to improve safety for pedestrians and/or to improve safety routes within the vicinity of Schools –

1. a Toucan Crossing on Perry Hill, SE6 centred at a point 1.5m northeast of the property boundary line of Nos.5/6 St Georges Parade, Perry Hill and will measure 4m between the studs. The existing Zebra Crossing on Catford Hill adjacent to the junction with Woolstone Road will be removed;

2. a Puffin Crossing on Honor Oak Road, SE23 centred at a point 31m north of the centreline of Woodside Walk and will measure 2.4m between the studs. There is currently a Zebra Crossing on the same length of road on a raised table; this will be converted to a Puffin Crossing as specified;

3. a Puffin Crossing on Brockley Rise, SE23 centred at a point 25 metres north of the junction with Grove Close and will measure 2.4m between the studs. There is currently a Zebra Crossing on the same length of road; this will be converted to a Puffin Crossing as specified;

4. a Zebra Crossing on Kirkdale, SE26 centred at a point 11m south-east of the centreline of Kelvin Grove and will measure 2.8m between the studs;

5. a staggered Puffin Crossing on Sydenham Road, SE26 centred at a point 18m north-east of the centreline of Sunnydene Street and will measure 2.8m between the studs;

6. a Zebra Crossing on Manor Lane, SE12 centred at a point in-line with the property boundary line of Nos. 176/178 and will measure 2.4m between the studs;

7. a Zebra Crossing on Fernbrook Road, SE12 centred at a point 8m west of the junction with Manor Lane and will measure 2.4m between the studs;

8. a Zebra Crossing on Woolstone Road, SE6 centred at a point 16m west of the junction with Perry Hill and will measure 2.8m between the studs;

9. a Toucan Crossing on Hither Green Lane, SE13 centred at a point 15m south of the junction with Beacon Road and will measure 2.8m between the studs.

The Council invites the public to send in their representations. All representations will be fully considered before making a final decision and if necessary, the crossings may be modified or removed.

A copy of the plans showing the location of the crossings may be obtained by emailing a request to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk quoting reference ‘PTO-1087’.

If you wish to make a representation to the pedestrian crossings you must send the for your representation in writing to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk or Lewisham Transport Policy & Development, 5th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU, quoting reference ‘PTO-1087’ to arrive not later than 21 days from the date of publication of this notice. All written representations received concerning are public documents that may be inspected by any person on demand.

Dated: 8 August 2025

Zahur Khan, Director Public Realm, 5th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU

LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice of application for a Premises Licence. Notice is hereby given that ZEE’S KITCHIN LTD has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Zees Kitchin, 660 Garratt lane, London SW17 0NP for The Provision of late night refreshments 11pm – 02.00am.

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 20/08/2025 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk

The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden,Surrey, SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Information on all new and variation applications received by the Licensing Authority can be viewed on the Council’s website www.wandsworth.gov.uk

It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application, punishable upon conviction by an unlimited fine.--

LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM School Streets

The Lewisham (Prescribed Routes) (School Streets) (No.3) Traffic Order 2025

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Council of the London Borough of Lewisham on 8 August 2025 made the above Traffic Regulation Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended).

The Order will come into force on 9 August 2025.

PTO 1086

1. The general effect of the Order will be to make permanent the following experimental measures as imposed by “The Lewisham (Prescribed Routes) (School Streets) (No.1) Experimental Traffic Order 2024” and “The Lewisham (Prescribed Routes) (School Streets) (No.2) Experimental Traffic Order 2024”:- (a) introduce new ‘pedestrian and cycle zones’ to restrict vehicle access in the vicinity of, comprising the roads or parts of roads listed in column (2) of Schedule 1 to this Notice. These pedestrian and cycle zones will operate at the times listed in column (3) of Schedule 1 and with permits identified in column (1) and (4) to this Notice; (b) prohibit vehicles proceeding in a road or length of road in column (1) from entering the road or length of road specified in column (2) of Schedule 2, except pedal cycles using a pedal cycle gap; and (c) revoke the Orders as specified above.

2. All motor vehicles except exempt vehicles will be restricted from entering each pedestrian and cycle zone during their hours of operation. Any vehicle that is already within a pedestrian and cycle zone prior to its commencement of operation will be permitted to leave.

3. A pack of documents giving more detailed particulars of the Order may be inspected between 9am - 5pm Mondays to Fridays at the office of the London Borough of Lewisham, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU. Please go to the security office at the rear of the building and request a pack of documents for ‘PTO-1086’. Alternatively, the Order and other documents giving more detailed particulars of the Order can be obtained by emailing a request to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk quoting reference ‘PTO-1086’.

4. If any person wishes to question the validity of the Orders or of any of their provisions on the grounds that it or they are not within the powers conferred by the 1984 Act, or that any requirement of that Act or of any instrument made under that Act has not been complied with, that person may, within 6 weeks from the date on which the Order was made, apply for the purpose to the High Court. SCHEDULE 1 – PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE ZONES

(1) Permit identifier (2) Road(s) or length(s) of road (Pedestrian and Cycle Zones) (3) Prescribed Hours (4) Permit eligibility

1. SS49BIRKHALL ROAD between the south kerb line of Ardoch Road and the junction with Bellingham Road

Monday to Friday 8.15 am to 9.15 am, 2.45 pm to 3.45 pm

62 to 104 Birkhall Road (evens)

69 to 91 Birkhall Road (odds)

Road (odds)

BELLINGHAM ROAD between the east kerb line of Penderry Rise and the junction with Hazelbank Road

HAZELBANK ROAD between the east kerb line of Ardgowan Road and the junction with Bellingham Road

TORRIDON ROAD between the south kerb line of Ardoch Road and Hazelbank Road

2. SS50The entire length of the north-western arm of the south-eastern extent of DUNFIELD ROAD, which extends from the south-eastern kerb-line of Sedgehill Road south-eastwards to the north-easternmost entrance to St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School & Nursery

to 9.15 am, 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm

Road (evens)

Road (evens)

Road (odds)

SCHEDULE 2 – NO ENTRY FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC OTHER THAN PEDAL CYCLES USING A PEDAL CYCLE GAP

(1) Road or length of road in which the vehicle is proceeding (2) Road or length of road into which entry is prohibited (other than for pedal cycles using a pedal cycle gap)

1. ARDOCH ROAD BIRKHALL ROAD the southern arm

Dated: 8 August 2025.

Zahur Khan – Director of Public Realm, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.

LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice of application for a Premises Licence.

Notice is hereby given that Mr. Ankit Hudani has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Pepe’s Piri Piri, 18 St John’s Road, London, SW11 1PN to provide the following licensable activities: Late night refreshment, food takeaway

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 12/08/2025 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk

The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden,Surrey, SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Information on all new and variation applications received by the Licensing Authority can be viewed on the Council’s website www.wandsworth.gov.uk It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application, punishable upon conviction by an unlimited fine.

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A217 GLA ROAD (ARMOURY WAY, LONDON BOROUGH OF WANDSWORTH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF STOPPING) ORDER 2025

1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it has made the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable sewer rehabilitation works to take place on the A217 Armoury Way.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from stopping on Armoury Way between its junctions with Putney Bridge Road and Wandsworth Plain.

The Order will be effective at certain times from the 11th August until 21st August, every night from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM or until the works has been completed, whichever is sooner. The prohibitions will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for re brigade, ambulance or police purposes;

(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.

Dated this 8th day of August 2025

Claire Wright Co-ordination Manager Transport for London

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A3205 GLA ROAD (BATTERSEA PARK ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH WANDSWORTH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) ORDER 2025

1. Transport for London in consultation with the London Borough of Wandsworth hereby gives notice that it has made the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable bridge inspection works to take place on A3205 Battersea Park Road.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from stopping in the Parking and Disabled Persons' Vehicles Bay outside Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, Battersea Park Road.

The Order will be effective at certain times between from 10:00 PM on 13th August 2025 until 6:00 AM on 14th August 2025 or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibitions will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for re brigade, ambulance or police purposes;

(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.

Dated this 8th day of August 2025

Paul Matthews Co-ordination and Permitting Area Manager Transport for London

IRENE ISADORA TYNDALE Deceased

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 14 Walberswick Street, London, SW8 1XG, who died on 07/03/2018, must send written particulars to the address below by 09/10/2025, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests notified. Rebecca Stapleton c/o Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP, Narrow Quay House, Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA. Ref: 119392.0001/RLS

PHILIPPE ANDRE MARIE JACQUES FOURNIER-LEVEL Deceased

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone having a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 7 Vauxhall Grove, London, SW8 1TD; 35 Grand'Rue, Gard; 18 Church Lane, Ryde, O W, PO33 2NB, who died on 28/02/2025, must send written particulars to the address below by 09/10/2025, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to claims and interests notified. Alice Clewes c/o Hay & Kilner, The Lumen, St James' Blvd, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 5BZ. Ref: AEC/LUB/01F3399/1

in writing to the Licensing Authority by post: Licensing Team, London Borough of Sutton, Civic Offices, St Nicholas Way, Sutton SM1 1EA or by email: licensing@sutton.gov.uk It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum penalty on conviction of such an offence is an unlimited fine.

No. 115-123 Dunfield Road

Road.

3. Phase 2 (1) to suspend the northbound lane and ban vehicles from parking, waiting, loading, and unloading and suspend parking places n Norwood Road, between a point opposite the common boundary of Nos. 217 and 219 Norwood Road and a point opposite the common boundary of Nos. 197 and 199 Norwood Road and to suspend northbound Brockwell Park Gardens

(2) to ban vehicles from entering, parking, waiting, loading, and unloading and suspend parking places in Brockwell Park Gardens, between the junction of Norwood Road and the common boundary of Nos. 52 and 53 Brockwell Park Gardens.

(3) to ban vehicles from parking, waiting, loading, and unloading and suspend parking places in Brockwell Park Gardens (a) the south-east side, between the junction of Norwood Road and the common boundary of Nos. 48 and 49 Brockwell Park Gardens; (b) the north-west side, between the junction of Norwood Road and a opposite the common boundary of Nos. 49 and 50 Brockwell Park Gardens; (4) to ban the left and right turn from Norwood Road into Brockwell Park Gardens.

4. Phase 3 (1) to suspend the southbound cycle lane and ban vehicles from parking, waiting, loading, and unloading and suspend parking places in , the south-east side, between the common boundary of Nos. 199 and 201 Norwood Road and the common boundary of Nos. 217 and 219 Norwood Road.

(2) to ban vehicles from entering, parking, waiting, loading, and unloading and suspend parking places in Brockwell Park Gardens, between the junction of Norwood Road and the common boundary of Nos. 52 and 53 Brockwell Park Gardens.

(3) to ban vehicles from parking, waiting, loading, and unloading and suspend parking places in Brockwell Park Gardens, (a) the south-east side, between the junction of Norwood Road and the common boundary of Nos. 48 and 49 Brockwell Park Gardens; (b) the north-west side, between the junction of Norwood Road and a opposite the common boundary of Nos. 49 and 50 Brockwell Park Gardens; (4) ban the left and right turn from Norwood Road into Brockwell Park Gardens.

5. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available: Phase 1- the A2199- Croxted Road, the A205- South Circular Road and the A215 Northwood Road and vice versa. Phase 2 and 3- Trinity Rise, the A204 Tulse Hill, the A2214 Brixton Water Lane, the A2214 Dulwich Road and Norwood Road and vice versa.

6. The bans would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall, from time to time, be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.

7. The Order would come into force on 18 August 2025 and would continue for a maximum duration of 6 months, or until the works have been completed whichever is sooner.

Dated 8 August 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ON POMFRET ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to facilitate Telecom repair and maintenance works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an Order, the general effect of which would be to ban vehicles from entering, waiting and loading and and suspend parking bays in Pomfret Road, from the north-western kerb-line of Coldharbour Lane, north-westward for 20 metres.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via the (A2217) Coldharbour Lane, Luxor Street, Flaxman Road and viceversa.

3. The bans would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall, from time to time, be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.

4. The Order would come into force on 21 August 2025 and would continue for a maximum duration of 1 month, or until the works have been completed whichever is sooner. In practice, the works are expected to be carried out between 09:30 and 15:30 on 21 August 2025, but if the works cannot be completed or carried out during that time the Order would also have effect at a subsequent time within the maximum period of 1 month.

Dated 8 August 2025

Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (GENERAL PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT) (ENGLAND) ORDER 2015 (AS AMENDED)

NOTICE OF THE CONFIRMATION OF A NON-IMMEDIATE DIRECTION UNDER ARTICLE 4(1) TO WITHDRAW CERTAIN PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS RELATING TO CHANGE OF USE FROM DWELLINGHOUSES TO SMALL HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION WITHIN STREATHAM COMMON AND VALE WARD AND STREATHAM ST LEONARD’S WARD

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth (the “Council”) being the appropriate Local Planning Authority on 6 August 2025 confirmed a direction made on 7 August 2024 under Article 4(1) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (the “Order”), being the Targeted HMO Article 4 Direction 2024 which affects certain land in the London Borough of Lambeth, and which withdraws permitted development rights in respect of development comprised within Class L(b) of Part 3 of Schedule 2 to the Order.

The Targeted HMO Article 4 Direction 2024 applies to all of the land in Streatham Common and Vale ward and Streatham St Leonard’s ward (the “Land”).

The Targeted HMO Article 4 Direction 2024 applies to development that is comprised within Class L(b) of Part 3 of Schedule 2 to the Order, namely the making of a change of use of a building from a use falling within Class C3 (dwellinghouses) of Schedule 1 to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (the “1987 Order") to a use falling within Class C4 (houses in multiple occupation) of Schedule 1 to the 1987 Order.

On the Land the effect of the Targeted HMO Article 4 Direction 2024 is to withdraw that Class L(b) permitted development right and therefore to require an application to be made to the Council for the grant of planning permission under Part III of the Town and Country Planning Act, as amended, before such development can be undertaken.

The Targeted HMO Article 4 Direction 2024 will come into force on 11 August 2025.

A copy of the Targeted HMO Article 4 Direction 2024 and maps showing the extent of the Land affected can be inspected in person by sending an email to planningpolicy@lambeth.gov.uk or phoning 0207 926 1880 and arranging a time to view them at Lambeth Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1EG between 9 30 am and 4 30 pm Mondays to Fridays. The Targeted HMO Article 4 Direction 2024 and maps can also be viewed on-line at https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/planning-building-control/planning-policy-guidance/article-4directions

8 August 2025

Nabeel Khan - Corporate Director: Climate & Inclusive Growth

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ON GUILDFORD ROAD AND ST. BARNABAS VILLAS.

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to facilitate ducting works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intends to make an Order, the general effect of which would be in:

2. Phase 1 (1) to ban vehicles from parking, waiting, loading, and unloading and suspend parking places in Guildford Road, between the junction of Thorne Road and the common boundary of Nos. 20

and 30 Guildford Road.

4. Phase 3 (1) to ban vehicles from parking, waiting, loading, and unloading and suspend parking places in Guildford Road, between a point opposite the common boundary of Nos. 22 and 24 Guildford Road and the northern kerb-line of St. Barnabas

5.

in Guildford Road, between a point opposite the northern boundary of No. 34 Guildford Road and the southern boundary of No. 36 Guildford Road.

(2) to ban vehicles from entering, parking, waiting, loading, and unloading and suspend parking places in St. Barnabas Villas between the common boundary of Nos. 2 and 3 St. Barnabas Villas and the western kerb-line of Guildford Road.

(3) introduce one-way southbound working on Guildford Road between a point opposite the northern boundary of No. 34 Guildford Road and the southern boundary of No. 36 Guildford Road.

(4) introduce a prohibition of entry for vehicles heading north on Guildford Road past a point opposite the southern boundary of No. 36 Guildford Road.

(5) introduce a prohibition of entry for cycles heading north at the junction of Guildford Road and Lansdowne Way

6. Phase 5 (1) to ban vehicles from parking, waiting, loading, and unloading and suspend parking places in Guildford Road, between a point opposite the northern boundary of No. 36 Guildford Road and the southern boundary of No. 50 Guildford Road.

(2) introduce one-way southbound working on Guildford Road between the northern boundary of No. 36 Guildford Road and the southern boundary of No. 50 Guildford Road.

(3) introduce a prohibition of entry for vehicles heading north on Guildford Road past a point opposite the southern boundary of No. 50 Guildford Road.

(4) introduce a prohibition of entry for cycles heading north at the junction of Guildford Road and Lansdowne Way.

7. Phase 6

(1) to ban vehicles from entering (except the southbound cycle lane), parking, waiting, loading, and unloading and suspend parking places in Guildford Road, between a point opposite the northern boundary of No. 50 Guildford Road and the southern boundary of No. 90 Guildford Road.

(2) introduce a prohibition of entry for cycles heading north at the junction of Guildford Road and Lansdowne Way.

8. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available:

(1) Phase 1, northbound cycle diversion via St. Barnabus Villas, Lansdowne Gardens and Thorne Road.

(2) Phases 2 and 3, St. Barnabas Villas, Lansdowne Gardens and Thorne Road.

(3) Phase 4,

(a) Guildford Road, Lansdowne Way, South Lambeth Road, Thorne Road and Lansdowne Gardens.

(b) Lansdowne Gardens and Thorne Road.

(c) Cyclists via Lansdowne Way, Lansdowne Gardens and Thorne Road.

(4) Phase 5 (a) Guildford Road, Lansdowne Way, South Lambeth Road, Thorne Road and Lansdowne Gardens.

(b) Cyclists via Lansdowne Way, Lansdowne Gardens and Thorne Road.

(1) Phase 5, St. Barnabas Villas and Lansdowne Gardens.

9. The bans would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall, from time to time, be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.

10. The Order would come into force on 18 August 2025 and would continue for a maximum duration of 3 months, or until the works have been completed whichever is sooner.

Dated 8 August 2025

Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 16A

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES FOR SPECIAL EVENTS – STREET PARTIES

BARNWELL ROAD, CARSON ROAD, CLAVERDALE ROAD DURBAN ROAD, EASTMEARN ROAD, FERNDENE ROAD, GREENHURST ROAD, GUERNSEY GROVE, HAVERHILL ROAD, KAY ROAD, LOWDEN ROAD, MEDWIN STREET, PENTNEY ROAD, PYRMONT GROVE, STRATHBROOK ROAD, SUNSET ROAD, THURLBY ROAD, THURLOW HILL, AND UFFINGTON ROAD.

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to enable residents/ communities to hold special events, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an Order the effect of which would be to ban vehicles from entering:(a) Barnwell Road, between Dahlberg Road and Railton Road on Saturday 6 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Barnwell Road, Railton Road, Effra Parade and Dulwich Road and vice versa).

(b) Carson Road, between the junction with Thurlow Park Road and No. 41 Carson Road on Sunday 7 September 2025; (alternative routes would be available for affected vehicles northbound via Carson Road, Rosendale Road, Eastmean Road, Dalmore Road, and (A205) Thurlow Park Road; southbound Carson Road, (A205) Thurlow Park Road, Rosendale Road and Carson Road).

(c) Claverdale Road, between the junction of Elm Park and Upper Tulse Hill on Saturday 13 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Claverdale Road, Upper Tulse Hill, Athlone Road and Tulse Hill and vice versa).

(d) Durban Road, the entire road on Saturday 6 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Durban Road, St. Gothard Road, St. Cloud Road and Hubbard Road and vice versa).

(e) Eastmearn Road, between Rosendale Road and Dalmore Road on Sunday 21 September 2025; (an alternative routes would be available for affected vehicles via Tulsemere Road, Idmiston Road, and Rosendale Road and vice versa).

(f) Ferndene Road, between Poplar Walk and Herne Hill Road on Sunday 28 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Poplar Walk, and Denmark Hill and vice versa).

(g) Greenhurst Road, between the junctions of Cheviot Road and Truslove Road on Saturday 13 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Greenhurst Road, Cheviot Road and Lamberhurst Road and vice versa).

(h) Guernsey Grove, between Nos.1 and 41 Guernsey Grove on Sunday 7 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Rosendale Road, Hawarden Grove and Croxted Road and vice versa).

(i) Haverhill Road, between the junctions of Cambray Road and Burnbury Road on Saturday 13 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Haverhill Road, Cambray Road, Radbourne Road and Burnbury Road and vice versa).

(j) Kay Road, the south-western arm, between the junction of Kimberley Road and No. 50 Kay Road on Saturday 20 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Kay Road, Kimberly Road and Landor Road and vice versa).

(k) Lowden Road, between the junctions of Herne Hill Road and Poplar Walk on Sunday 14 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Lowden Road, Poplar Walk, Oakbank Grove, Braxted Park and Herne Hill Road and vice versa).

(l) Medwin Street, the entire road on Saturday 23 August 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Medwin Street, Ferndale Road, Allardyce Street and Santley Street and vice versa).

(m) Pentney Road, between the junctions of Hydethorpe Road and Emmanuel Road on Saturday 6 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Pentney Road, Hydethorpe Road, Scholars Road and Emmanuel Road and vice versa).

(n) Pyrmont Grove, the entire road on Saturday 20 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Royal Circus, Chartham Grove and Canterbury Grove and vice versa).

(o) Strathbrook Road, between the junction with Fontaine Road and the common boundary of Nos. 24 and 26 Strathbrook Road on Sunday 7 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Strathbrook Road, Fontain Road, Heybridge Avenue, Braxted Park and Strathbrook Road and vice versa).

(p) Sunset Road, between the junction with Ferndene Road and the common boundary of Nos. 2 and 2B Sunset Road on Sunday 14 September 2025; (alternative routes would be available for affected vehicles via (a) Sunset Road, Ferndene Road and Herne Hill Road; (b) Sunset Road, Denmark Hill, Deepdene Road and Ferndene Road).

(q) Thurlby Road, between the common boundary of Nos. 9 and 11 Thurlby Road and the north-western boundary of Nos 30 and 32 Thurlby Road on Saturday 30 August 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Thurlby Road, Uffington Road and St Julians Road and vice versa).

(r) Thurlow Hill, between the entire road on Saturday 20 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Thurlow Hill, Lovelace Road, Birkbeck Place and Birkbeck Hilland and vice versa).

(s) Uffington Road, between the common boundary of Nos. 13 and 15 Uffington Road and the common boundary of Nos. 41 and 43 Uffington Road on Saturday 6 September 2025; (an alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Uffington Road, Thurlby Road and St Julians Farm Road and vice versa).

2. During the periods of road closure specified in paragraph 1 above, any parking places situated within the lengths of roads will be suspended

3. The bans would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs on the dates and times specified above.

4. The Order would come into force on 23 August 2025 and would continue for a maximum duration of 1 month.

Dated 8 August 2025

note: The

25/02164/ADV but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 25/02163/SPF). 25/02164/ADV Flat 1 3 Moorland Road London SW9 8UA Erection of a single storey outbuilding to the rear garden. 25/02309/FUL

18 Regents Bridge Gardens London SW8 UR Demolition of basement level conservatory and erection of single storey basement extension.

25/02019/FUL

384 Clapham Road London SW9 9AR Replacement of 1 existing timber framed window to the side elevation at first floor level with a larger timber framed window, involving lowering of the cill (To Flat C). 25/02152/FUL 9 Wilberforce House Clapham Common North Side London SW4 ORG Relocation of two partitions and the installation of one new plasterboard

42 The Chase London Lambeth SW4 ONH Erection of an enlarged rear dormer window extension. 25/02169/FUL

104 Kennington Road London SEll 6RE Application for Listed Building Consent for internal and external alterations, including the following:

External Alterations:

Replacement of existing clay roof tiles, along with fibreglass flashings and gutters. Replacement of existing dormer roof windows. Structural repairs to cracked and bulging brickwork on the flank and

damaged bricks.

Replacement of all existing windows. Removal of the metal guard rail on the front elevation. Widening of an existing door opening and replacement of the

Reduction in the number of drainage fittings and downpipes on the rear elevation.

Replacement of retained rainwater and soil water pipes. Demolition of the existing lean-to timber and uPVC extension, along with the outhouse.

Lowering of an existing window sill and installation of a new Ooor, external metal staircase, and stucco at the upper ground floor rear elevation.

Internal Alterations:

Removal of cement screed, ceramic tiles, and linoleum toor coverings at the lower ground floor level. Increase in the height of the

floor level. Replacement of modern sanitaryware in existing bathrooms. (Associated full planning with reference number: 25/02287/FUL received). 25/02288/LB

77 - 81 Haverhill Road London SW12 OHE Replacement of all existing windows and external doors with timber windows and doors. 25/02329/FUL

58A Sunnyhill Road London SW16 2UL Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission 25/01347/FUL (Erection

Original condition states: The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the approved drawings and documents Variation sought:

To provide

1 Cardigan Street London SE11 SPE Replacement of existing single- glazed timber windows throughout, and rear

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A2 GLA ROAD (BLACKHEATH ROAD, ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC, STOPPING AND BANNED TURNS) ORDER 2025

1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable highway improvement works to take place at A2 Blackheath Road in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from:

(1) turning right into Blackheath Hill from Lewisham Road;

(2) turning right into Lewisham Road from Blackheath Road;

(3) turning right into Greenwich South Street from Blackheath Hill;

(4) turning left into Blackheath Hill from Greenwich South Street;

(5) turning left into Lewisham Road from Blackheath Hill;

(6) turning right into Lewisham Road from Blackheath Road;

(7) turning left into Blackheath Road from Greenwich South Street;

(8) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Lewisham Road between its junctions with Blackheath Hill and Friendly Place;

(9) stopping in the Loading, Unloading and Disabled Persons’ Vehicle Bay outside Nos. 107 to 109 and 111 Blackheath Road;

(10) stopping in the Loading, Unloading and Disabled Persons’ Vehicle Bay outside Nos. 3 to 9 Blackheath Hill;

(11) stopping at the southern kerbline of Blackheath Hill between its junctions with Lewisham Road and Plumbridge Street;

(12) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Greenwich South Street from its junction with Blackheath Hill to outside No.143 Greenwich South Street.

Works will be phased such that some restrictions will apply only at certain times.

The Order will be effective at certain times from 8.00 AM on the 18th August 2025 until 11.59 PM on the 31st January 2026 or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for re brigade, ambulance or police purposes;

(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.

5. At such times as the prohibitions are in force alternative routes will be indicated by trafc signs for Lewisham Road Closure via Greenwich South Street, Greenwich High Road, Deptford Bridge, New Cross Road, Amersham Road, Lewisham Way, Loampit Hill and Lewisham Road to normal route of travel. for Greenwich South Street closure via Blackheath Hill, Shooters Hill Road, Sun in the Sands Roundabout, Blackwell Tunnel Southern Approach, Woolwich Road, Trafalgar Road, Romeny Road, Greenwich High Road and Blackheath Road or reverse to normal route of travel. for trafc travelling in a westbound direction via Blackheath Hill, Blackheath Road, Greenwich High Road and Greenwich South Street to normal route of travel. for trafc travelling in an eastbound direction via Blackheath Hill and Shooters Hill Road or reverse to normal route of travel. for Blackheath Hill for Greenwich South Street via Belmont Hill, Lee Terrace, Lee Road, Blackheath Village, Goffers Road, Shooters Hill, Blackheath Road, Lewisham Road and Lewisham High Street to normal route of travel.

Dated this 8th day of August 2025

Andrew Rogers Performance and Planning Manager, Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

LICENSING ACT 2003

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF A PREMISES LICENCE

Notice is hereby given that CIVAENA 2 ESPANA BAR Y RESTAURANT LTD (15945752) has applied to the Licensing Authority of London Borough of Lewisham to Vary the Premises.

Premises Known as: CIVAENA 2 ESPANA BAR Y RESTAURANT Situated at: 481 NEW CROSS ROAD, LONDON, SE14 6TA To permit: The Retail Sale of Alcohol - Regulated Entertainment to include – Recorded Music - Late Night Refreshment Sunday from 09:00 until 01:30 (Basement only) Thursday from 09:00 until 00:30 (Basement only) Friday to Saturday 09:00 until 03:30 (Basement only) Hours Open to the Public Sunday from 09:00 until 02:00 (Basement only) Thursday from 09:00 until 01:00 (Basement only) Friday to Saturday 09:00 until 04:00 (Basement only)

ANYONE WISHING TO OPPOSE THE APPLICATION MUST GIVE NOTICE IN WRITING TO LICENSING AUTHORITY, LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM, HOLBEACH OFFICE, 9 HOLBEACH ROAD,LONDON SE6 4TW OR Email licensing@lewisham.gov.uk WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, SPECIFYING THE GROUNDS OF OPPOSITION. THE APPLICATION CAN ALSO BE VIEWED AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS DURING OFFICE HOURS BY APPOINTMENT.

IT IS AN OFFENCE KNOWINGLY OR RECKLESSLY TO MAKE A FALSE STATEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH AN APPLICATION. THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR WHICH A PERSON IS LIABLE ON SUMMARY CONVICTION FOR THE OFFENCE IS UNLIMITED.

Dated 22nd August 2025

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE AND REMOVE DISABLED PERSONS’ PARKING PLACES IN VARIOUS ROADS

(This notice is about the proposed removal of certain disabled persons’ parking places where they are

no longer required and the introduction of new disabled persons’ parking places where they are needed. In controlled parking zones, this would involve the introduction of new parking space where the disabled persons’ parking places are removed or the removal of existing parking space to accommodate new disabled persons’ parking places.)

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth proposes to make The Lambeth (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (Amendment No. *) Order 202* and The Lambeth (Charged-For Parking Places) (Amendment No. *) Order 202* 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 Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions Order would be to: (a) revoke the disabled persons’ parking places specified in Schedule 1 to this Notice; (b) revoke the motorcycle parking place in Thorparch Road, adjacent Nos. 56 to 59 Webb House; (c) designate parking places in certain lengths of the streets specified in Schedule 2 to this Notice in which vehicles authorised by the Order may be left for any period without charge; (d) provide that the parking places would operate “At Any Time” (e) provide that certain vehicles may wait in the parking places in certain circumstances, e.g. to allow persons to board or alight, to load or unload, etc.

3. The general effect of the Charged-For Parking Places Order would be to: (a) revoke Permit Parking Places in certain lengths of the streets specified in Schedule 3 to this Notice; (b) revoke Permit or Charged For Parking Places in certain lengths of the streets specified in Schedule 4 to this Notice; (c) increase in length the existing permit parking places in certain lengths of the streets specified in Schedule 5 to this Notice following the revocation of the no longer required Disabled Persons Parking Places; (d) increase in length the existing shared use, permit or charged for parking places in Barnwell Road, adjacent Nos. 33 and 35 following the removal of the no longer required Disabled Persons Parking Place.

4. In some cases, the disabled persons’ parking places specified in Schedules 1 and 2 to this notice may already have been removed or provided informally. Where this is the case, the effect of the Orders would be to formalise that situation so as to reflect the parking controls that currently apply on the ground and enable enforcement to be carried out if necessary.

5. If you have any enquiries, please telephone Lambeth Council’s Parking Design Team on 020 7926 6799 or email: disabledparking@lambeth.gov.uk

6. A copy of each of the proposed Orders and other documents giving detailed particulars about them are available for inspection online at: https://streets.appyway.com/lambeth or www.lambeth.gov.uk/traffic-management-orders and at the offices of Lambeth Council’s Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking, Network Management & Fleet), 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1EG, between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm on Mondays to Fridays, except on bank or public holidays. To arrange inspection please email trafficorders@lambeth.gov.uk

7. All objections and other representations relating to the proposed Orders must be made in writing and all objections must specify the grounds on which they are made (quoting reference Disabled Bays 156), and can be made using our consultation portal at https://streets.appyway.com/lambeth or sent by post to Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking, Network Management & Fleet), London Borough of Lambeth, PO Box 80771, London, SW2 9QQ or by email TMOReps@lambeth.gov.uk within 21 days from the date on which this Notice is published. Any objection may be communicated to, or seen by, other persons who may have an interest in this matter.

Dated 8 August 2025

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

SCHEDULE 1 Appach Road, adjacent No. 85; Barnwell Road, adjacent No. 22 and 24, adjacent Nos. 33 and 35; Durand Gardens, adjacent Nos. 54 and 56; Hambalt Road, adjacent Nos. 37 and 39; Heathdene Road, adjacent No. 14; Pathfield Road, adjacent No. 70 and 72; Truslove Road, adjacent No. 18; Woodmansterne Road, adjacent No. 204.

SCHEDULE 2 Aberfoyle Road, adjacent No. 22; Alexandra Drive, adjacent No. 43; Aytoun Road, adjacent No. 3; Casewick Road, adjacent No. 77; Darlington Road, opposite No. 26; Englewood Road, adjacent No. 67; Fentiman Road, adjacent Nos. 4 and 5 Noel Caron Houses; Gleneldon Road, adjacent No. 6; Hamilton Road, adjacent No. 151; Honeybrook Road, adjacent No. 26; Hydethorpe Road adjacent Nos. 2 and 4; Idmiston Road, adjacent No. 91 Rosendale Road; Kirkstall Road adjacent No. 21; Lakeview Road, adjacent No. 12; Larbert Road, adjacent No. 46; Leander Road, adjacent No. 91; Leigham Vale, adjacent No. 82; Lennox Road, opposite No. 6; Liberty Street, adjacent Nos. 67 to 72 and Nos. 73 to 78; Margate Road, adjacent Nos. 39 and 41; Meadfoot Road, adjacent No. 34; Netherford Road, adjacent No. 20; Poplar Road, adjacent Nos. 9 and 11; Railton Road adjacent Nos. 84 and 86; Shakespeare Road, adjacent Nos. 45 and 47; Sherwood Avenue, adjacent No. 36; Southwell Road, adjacent Nos. 31 and 33; St. Rule Street, adjacent Brooklands Court, No. 460 Wandsworth Road; Thorparch Road, adjacent Nos. 59 to 56 Webb House; Valley Road, adjacent No. 19; Victoria Rise, adjacent Nos. 207 and 209; Whiteley Road, adjacent

LICENSING ACT 2003

Notice of application for a Premises Licence. Notice is hereby given that Bio Andes Limited / TA: Brioche Coffee & Brunch has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Bio Andes Limited / TA: Brioche Coffee & Brunch, 10, Station Parade, Balham High Rd, London SW12 9AZ. for :

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by the 3rd of September 2025 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk

The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden,Surrey, SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Information on all new and variation applications received by the Licensing Authority can be viewed on the Council’s website www.wandsworth.gov.uk

It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application, punishable upon conviction by an unlimited fine.

By ECB Reporters’ Network

CAPTAIN RORY Burns saluted a “massive win” as Surrey’s cricketers took a vital step towards the retention of the Rothesay County Championship when they defeated Durham by five wickets at the Banks Homes Riverside.

Indian slow left-armer, Sai Kishore, took five for 72 as Burns’ side dismissed Durham for 344 in their second innings and Sam Curran made 40 to help Surrey score the 176 runs they needed for their fourth victory of the season.

With the game between Nottinghamshire and Somerset drawn, Surrey extended their lead at the top of the Division One table and are even stronger favourites to clinch their fourth successive title at some point in September.

“That was a massive win for us, especially with the Kookaburra ball, and it was nice to get it done in three days,” Burns said.

“Our bowlers were brilliant throughout the game. Dan Worrall got his name in lights for getting four wickets but the way they went about things throughout the game was really impressive.

“Dan Lawrence and Jordan Clark both got eighties but the way they went about things and the intent they showed allowed us to pull away in that first innings to get a nice lead.

“Captaining Sai Kishore was really easy. To have someone who can do what he’s asked and do what he wants is impressive and we benefitted from it. He’s also a fantastic bloke around the group and I hope we get him back at some stage. Sai has an ability to control one end

“We’ve been on a bit of a road trip up here, so to get this game done a day early is very pleasing.”

But this third day did not go entirely according to Surrey’s morning plans. For nearly 45 minutes, the spin bowling of Sai Kishore and Dan Lawrence gave Durham’s overnight pair, Graham Clark and Codi Yusuf, few problems and it was no surprise when Rory Burns took the new ball as soon as it was available. However, neither Dan Worrall nor Jordan Clark, the latter bowling to his brother, could make a breakthrough and it was left to Lawrence to take the first wicket of the day twenty minutes before lunch when Clark insideedged a sharply turning off-spinner to Ryan Patel at short leg and departed for

SURREY CLOSE IN ON FOUR IN A ROW

By John Lewis

DULWICH HAD their second close finish in successive weeks in the AJ Sports Surrey Cricket Championship, but this time they lost their crucial match at Sunbury by just one wicket last weekend.

Dulwich were put in to bat, but got off to a good start as Ahmed Khan and Sam Seecharan put on 40 for the first wicket in ten overs before Seecharan fell for 21 off 29 balls. Tim Raglan joined Khan in a stand of 53 in ten overs for the second wicket before

also falling for 21, off 36 balls. Khan and skipper Ollie Steele then added 78 in 16 overs for the third wicket before Khan fell for 90. This was his highest score in the Championship and had come off just 94 balls. Steele went on to his own half-century before becoming the fifth wicket to fall with the score on 219 in the 48th over, having made 55 off 91 balls. Left arm spinner Vishal Manro then worked his way through the rest of the batting to take 6-87 off 21.3 overs. He was held up by Kaif Ramzan, who launched a familiar late assault which saw him score 36 off 30 balls, including all 19 in a last wicket partnership with Joe Payne, before being last man out with the score on 285 after 64.3 overs.

Sunbury had 55 overs to get the runs, and opened up with skipper

Rajan Soni and Australian overseas player Hugh Weibgem, the same pair who had added 157 together in the first match between the sides. This time Will Jenkins had Soni caught at slip for 10 with the score on 31, but Weibgem continued as before. He added 106 in 15 overs for the second wicket with Stuart Van der Merwe, who made 42, followed by stands of 24 for the third wicket and 41 for the fourth. He reached his second hundred against Dulwich before being caught at midwicket off Harvey Booth for 105, off just 88 balls, to make it 202-4 in the 34th over.

Three more wickets then reduced Sunbury to 237-7 to raise Dulwich hopes of victory. But they were thwarted by an eighth wicket partnership of 45 by Aditya Prakasan

42.

But Clark’s 71-run partnership with Yusuf had increased Durham’s lead to 121 and that figure had been nudged up to 136 at the first interval, when the home side were 305 for six, with Yusuf unbeaten on 38.

After lunch, though, Durham lost their last four wickets for 33 runs in ten overs and the magnitude of Surrey’s task became clear. After batting for 149 minutes and facing 117 balls, Yusuf was caught at the wicket by Ben Foakes off Kishore for 43, seven short of what would have been only his second first-class fifty; Bas de Leede was then lbw for five when he pushed forward to a ball from Kishore that slid on with the arm; and the lefthanded Ben Raine departed for 27 when he moved a yard or so across his stumps and was hit on the pads when trying to swing Sam Curran to leg.

Kishore then completed his first fivewicket haul for Surrey in his final spell for them this year when Matthew Potts drove him to Patel at short extra-cover and Surrey were left with the task of scoring 176 to secure their fourth win of the season.

Their pursuit began in straightforward fashion. Despite being handicapped by a groin strain and needing Tom Lawes to run for him, Dom Sibley made 35 and had put on 49 with Burns before he was caught at slip by Colin Ackermann off Callum Parkinson. Patel joined his captain and the pair had put on 45 runs either side of tea before both were dismissed in the space of three balls.

Having made 28, Patel was the first to go when he attempted to pull Metthew Potts through the leg side but only skied a catch to Clark at midwicket. Two balls later, Burns was stumped by Robinson off Parkinson for 24. That left Surrey on 94 for three and Durham’s hopes were raised once more.

Not for long, however. Curran and Lawrence took their side to 135 for three, just 41 runs short of their target when the umpires decided the light was too bad and briefly took the teams off the field. When they returned, Surrey’s batsmen accelerated towards their target with a flurry of boundaries. Although Curran was caught at long-on by Ben McKinney off Parkinson when nine runs were needed and Foakes was bowled for seven by Potts in the next over, Clark ended the game by hitting his first ball through the covers for two.

Surrey’s next County Championship game is against Warwickshire at the Kia Oval on September 8.

By John Kelly

and Kevin Smith which raised the score to 282. Smith was then caught on the boundary off Khan going for the winning hit, and Booth took a return catch in the next over to remove Prakasan on the same score. This brought the last man in with four still wanted, but he hit his third ball to the boundary to secure a one wicket victory. The wickets were shared around, with Khan taking three, Booth and Jenkins two each, and Ramzan and newcomer Will Phillips one each.

This defeat leaves Dulwich at the foot of the table, 24 points behind Sunbury who climb to eighth.

This weekend, the format reverts to 50 overs a side and Dulwich have a home fixture against Sutton, who have led the table for most of the campaign, but have now slipped to second.

FISHER ARE through to the preliminary round of the FA Cup after their 3-1 win against Camberley Town at St Paul’s last weekend.

Chibueze Echem and Michael Sarpong scored in the first half against the Combined Counties League Premier Division South side, one tier below Fisher.

Kesna Clarke added the third from the penalty spot after the break.

Ajay Ashanike’s side will travel to Jersey Bulls in the next round. The Bulls play in the Isthmian League South East Division, one tier higher than the Fish.

Fisher are back in SCEFL Premier Division action this Saturday when they host Hollands & Blair in Rotherhithe at 3pm. Meanwhile, Stansfeld lost 4-0 at home to Harrow Borough in the extra preliminary round.

Photo by Keith Gillard Dan Worrall took

Luton shade battle thanks to late own goal JACKO POSITIVE DESPITE DONS LOSS

By John Kelly

JOHNNIE JACKSON said there was “a lot to like” despite AFC Wimbledon starting their League One campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Luton Town at Kenilworth Road last weekend.

In a meeting of two sides who were two divisions apart last season, Dons defender Ryan Johnson’s 85th-minute own goal gave the Hatters a narrow win.

New Luton signing Nahki Wells sent a ball forward searching for Cauley Woodrow, with the backtracking Johnson unfortunately heading over goalkeeper

Nathan Bishop. Wimbledon defended resiliently against a side that has suffered successive relegations, but couldn’t register a shot on target.

Jackson picked out the positives in the performance of last season’s League Two play-off winners.

“Very promising. We didn’t deserve that, we stuck to the game plan, I felt we defended really well,” Jackson said. “Our shape was outstanding, we limited what is a top side to very little. We’ve conceded one of the more fortunate goals [for Luton] that you’re going to see.

“I’m not saying we deserved to win the game, but we more than deserved a draw. If you perform like that, more often than not you’re going to get what you deserve.

“It’s so hard to fault what the lads have gone and done – they’re running, they’re covering, they’re blocking, they’re doing everything I ask of them and more. They did everything that the supporters want to see.”

The Dons only had two attempts on goal as they struggled to create.

Jackson said: “We have to be better when we win it. Our shape allows us to

win the ball in good areas – there were opportunities to counter attack.

“Just before their goal, if Sedds’ [Steve Seddon] cross had been an inch or so higher [Antwoine] Hackford would’ve been in.

“[Danilo] Orsi could’ve also been slipped in, the pass got over-hit - we had opportunities in transition.

“We came to frustrate them and they’ve changed their formation three or four times in-game. There’s loads to like and a lot to look forward to.”

Jackson praised the efforts of the Dons fans in the 11,735 attendance. He said:

“I’m walking off the pitch, they won 1-0 and I can’t hear their crowd, all I could hear is the Wimbledon fans behind the goal.

“I want to salute our supporters for that. I said to the boys that if they put in that amount of effort, they’ll get applauded off no matter the result.”

Bishop joined Wimbledon from Sunderland during the summer.

“Honestly, being a part of this club has been incredible.,” Bishop said. “The last six weeks have been amazing. The fan base is phenomenal and just to be part of a bigger thing, it's a family.

“It's not just to wear the shirt and crack on with games - it is genuinely a family and it's really nice to be a part of.

“The coaching staff have been phenomenal. They give me clear pictures, they tell me what they want from me and it just gives me a peace of mind to just come in and give my best for the boys and try and do what I can.”

Bishop added: “Kenilworth Road's a tough place to come against good opposition, I thought the lads were fantastic tonight.

“Our boys were outstanding, they battled for every minute that the ball was in play.

“They were honestly outstanding tonight and you see the fans clapping the boys at the end there and I think, they just want to see fight, they want to see passion and they got everything tonight.

“Honestly, the fans, especially our fans, they can be the twelfth man. They were non-stop the whole game.

“We’ve come away from home and it feels like you're in a home game essentially, just the outlook's different. But honestly, they're phenomenal and to come out on a Friday night and do thatoutstanding.

Luton boss Matt Bloomfield admitted his side had enjoyed a slice of luck.

"The most important thing is that we've found a way,” Bloomfield said. “We can't always have a little fortune like we did tonight.

"We have to create more clear-cut chances for ourselves. We kept probing and I thought there was a unity and clarity in our performance and the boys were together and kept playing as a group which we were really pleased with.

"We know there are plenty of improvements and we're not the final product right now and we have to keep working towards that."

The Dons host Lincoln City at Plough Lane this Saturday at 3pm.

Charlton finally land their man as goal-scoring midfielder pens deal

By John Kelly

CHARLTON ATHLETIC finally got their man as they signed Harvey Knibbs from Reading for an undisclosed fee.

Knibbs, 26, has agreed a four-year deal to become the Addicks’ ninth signing of the summer.

There was doubt last week that the deal would go ahead at all when Royals boss Noel Hunt said the move was off as agreement couldn’t be reached.

Knibbs scored 32 goals and provided twelve assists in two seasons with League One Reading.

“I’m pleased to be here and glad it’s all done.,” Knibbs said. “The gaffer convinced me straight away. You can tell how passionate he is about what he’s doing, the team and the plans

that he’s got for me. I’m excited to test myself at Championship level and I can’t wait for the season to start now.”

Manager Nathan Jones added: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to get the signing of Harvey over the line. We wanted to add goals to us over the summer and Harvey is a key player we earmarked a long time ago. He’s a goal-scoring midfielder who is a consistent performer. He has good pedigree, he’s athletic, he scores goals and he’s young enough that he will continue to improve.”

Bristol-born Knibbs began his professional career at Aston Villa where he signed his first contract in the summer of 2017.

He completed a permanent move to Cambridge United ahead of the 2019-20 seasons and finished his debut campaign with the U’s as their

top-scorer, before helping them promotion to League One in 2020-21. Knibbs joined Reading in July 2023 and went on to feature 100 times for the Berkshire side, finishing as the club’s top-scorer in both seasons.

Meanwhile, Nathan Asiimwe signed a new contract before joining League One side AFC Wimbledon on a seasonlong loan.

Asiimwe signed a deal that runs until 2027, with a club option of a

further year.

Right-sided defender Asiimwe, 20, had loan spells at Hartlepool United and Walsall last season and links up with former Addicks midfielder and manager Johnnie Jackson.

Jones said: "We're delighted that Nathan's signed a new contract. He's a young player that's come through the academy and he's one that we hope ends up in our first team.

"Last season he had a wonderful test and got to a play-off final with Walsall during what was a real productive loan spell.

“We feel that the best thing for his development now is to go to a League One team and he's done that with Wimbledon. We obviously know Johnnie, so it's a club that we trust and we know that he's going into a good place."

© Keith Gillard

Charlton Athletic/Focus Images

AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson

Harvey Knibbs signs Addicks contract

By Will Scott

ALFIE DOUGHTY revealed signing for Millwall fulfils a long-held ambition to play for his boyhood club.

Doughty, 25, joined the Lions from Luton Town for an undisclosed fee on Monday, July 28, and penned a long-term deal.

The left-sided player spent the past three seasons with the Hatters, helping them secure promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs in the 2022-23 season.

Doughty was delighted to sign for a club he has supported since he was a child.

“I've always said I wanted to play for the Lions, and the fact that it's happened sooner than I thought, I think is even better,” Doughty said. “So I'm really happy.

“I've come here now for the past twenty years, really, watching the games. So for me, I know what it's all about to play for the Lions, and I know that it's going to be week in, week out, proper passion.”

Doughty comes from a family of Millwall fans, who were emotional when he broke the news.

“I rang my dad, and apparently he and my uncle started crying,” Doughty said. “It was a big thing for us, and everyone's coming down to The Den to watch me and watch the team. We're chuffed and there's going to be a lot of people every week.”

His support for Millwall was not the main reason he signed, however.

“I think when you sign for a team, it's not about who you support, but it's what you think is the best decision for you personally and your family,” Doughty said. “I think this one just ticked all the boxes.

“Yes, I support them, but it was never the first straw for me. It was the last straw, if anything. I had to make sure. I'm a London boy. My family's down here, my girlfriend lives down with me now. So do you know what? It just made sense.”

He joins a side who have narrowly missed making the play-offs on the final day in two out of the past three seasons.

The Lions’ late surge into top-six contention in the previous campaign was particularly impressive, with Alex Neil’s side winning seven games in eleven in March and April.

Asked whether Millwall’s excellent lateseason form adds pressure heading into the new campaign, Doughty said: “No, not really, because I think it's happened for the past how many years now.

“It's about those fine margins now, winning games at home, getting those clean sheets away. I think as long as we tighten that up, we'll be absolutely fine this year.

“I think with the Championship, all it takes is about three or four wins on the spin

or even a draw to push you up to the top of the league. It's not the easiest league in the world, and I know that from first-hand experience.

“We have to respect all the other teams in the league. Ones that are coming up, ones that are coming down. But I think as long as we're all together in it and we know what we want at the end of the season, then there's no reason why we can't do it.”

“The fact is: we have come close three years on the spin now, I reckon. With Luton, I did it, and I think I'm going to do it again with Millwall.”

Doughty brings Premier League experience to a side that already includes several players who have featured in the top flight, including Massimo Luongo, Steven Benda, and Japhet Tanganga.

DOUGHTY FULFILLS MILLWALL DREAM

Roberts turned down Lions deal

By Will Scott

New Lions star on his connection to the club, emotional family reaction, and season ambitions

Doughty’s sole season in the Premier League was impressive - he recorded eight assists from left wing-back despite Luton getting relegated.

“As a team, we didn't do what we wanted,” Doughty said. “But for me personally, I think I had a brilliant season, and I want to do the same thing again. I want to find that form again.

“Last year wasn't the best for me because I was injured, but this year, it's all about me getting back down to basics, getting those assists, and providing for the team.”

While Doughty was hindered by injuries last season, he was still in fine form when he was on the pitch, leading the Hatters in expected assists and chances despite only starting 25 Championship games.

His creativity from the left-hand spaces

fits in well with Millwall’s duo of aerially imposing strikers, Josh Coburn and Mihailo Ivanovic.

“They will rely on me to give them service, and I'll have to rely on them to finish it, really,” Doughty said. “But as you've seen from the past two games I've played this pre-season, all I have to do is just find a pass or a cross, or a corner.

“As long as I can find the right areas and the big men on top and even the big men at centre-half, they can head the ball as well. It's a job that you have to do, and I take that very well.”

On his goals for the season, Doughty said: “Definitely getting as many assists as I can for the big men on top. Just playing my own game really, showing the fans what I'm about and showing how I play.”

MILLWALL OFFERED former goalkeeper Liam Roberts a two-year contract this summer, Alex Neil said in a fans' forum on Monday, July 28. Roberts signed with the Lions ahead of the 2024-25 season and deputised for Lukas Jensen, making two league appearances when the Dane was out injured, and starting four cup games. The club attempted to retain Roberts on a two-year deal with the shot-stopper's existing contract due to expire at the end of June.

Neil said Roberts asked if he would be guaranteed the No.1 spot next season with Jensen out injured for an indefinite period of time, but the club could not guarantee him that.

Roberts opted to leave due to not being guaranteed regular football and wanting to move closer to his home in the Midlands, and signed with League One side Mansfield Town.

Neil confirmed Roberts' red card in Millwall's FA Cup Third Round tie with Crystal Palace, and the subsequent media coverage did not influence his decision.

Millwall have signed two goalkeepers this summer, Max Crocombe and Steven Benda, on loan from Fulham, who Neil said will provide cover and competition at the position.

'Happy' new Blues winger reveals motivation Ravens boss: ‘Embarrassing’

By John Kelly

ESTEVAO SAID his favourite word in English so far was “happy” after he was officially unveiled by Chelsea this week.

The Blues agreed an initial £30million deal for Estevao with Brazilian side Palmeiras last summer to sign the eighteen-year-old winger in this transfer window.

Estevao played and scored against Chelsea in Palmeiras’ 2-1 defeat in this summer’s Club World Cup, which Enzo Maresca’s side went on to win. He scored 27 goals and registered fifteen assists in 83 appearances for Palmeiras Estevao, who already has five Brazil caps, linked up with his new teammates as they started their pre-season

this week following time off after their tournament in the United States went into mid-July.

He is learning English and was asked if he had a favourite word. He replied: “Yes. It is, ‘I am happy’. I am very happy.”

He added: “I think my biggest motivation is to give pride to my family. Not titles, not achievements, but for my family, because I know how much people have worked when we struggled to get where we wanted to go, where our dream was.

“So it was more for them that I persevered during my childhood and I persevere to this day.

“My inspiration is my father, my dad. He was always with me, and he is with me now [in England]. We always trained together and had that dream of playing,

of getting into a professional team, of playing in Europe.

“I have come here to England with my family. They are everything to me. For them to be here means everything to me.”

Estevao revealed his admiration for two Chelsea legends.

He said: “Eden Hazard is the one that I watched the most at Chelsea. He’s ace.

“It’s a pleasure to be here where so many Brazilians made history. I hope to follow those who wrote a beautiful story here at Chelsea, just like they did.

“After I had signed for Chelsea and in the final game of 2024, I played against Thiago Silva. He came and talked to me. He said I was going to love the club, which has an incredible structure and is an incredible club. And now [I am here], I can see how amazing this club is.”

By John Kelly

ANDY WOODMAN slammed a seventeen-minute delay to find a fourth official as “embarrassing” as Bromley opened their League Two campaign with a 0-0 draw at Shrewsbury Town.

After one of the linesmen pulled up injured, the fourth official stood in. The Shrews then had to ask on the public address system if there was a qualified referee present.

Alan Cork, a level-five qualified referee, answered the call and stood in as fourth official.

"First of all, let's hope the official is okay. He seems to be okay, and that's most important,” Woodman

said.

"It was an embarrassing situation for the referees' management, to have to ask for someone to come out of the crowd to get the game going.

I've never known that in my life.

"I don't really know what to say about it - it's embarrassing. It stops the momentum of the game, and we had the momentum at that point. I'm sure [Shrewsbury manager] Michael [Appleton] will look at it differently.

"The second half then becomes a bit of a damp squib because these players have been out on their feet since two o'clock. It's a red-hot day and a long shift for them. It's tough on both teams, and shouldn't happen."

Alfi e Doughty made 37 Premier League appearances for Luton

Photo by Brian Tonks

SURREY CLOSE IN ON FOUR IN A ROW

MORO BACKS MILLWALL TO CONTEND

Lions legend optimistic about former club’s play-off chances under Alex Neil

By Will Scott

STEVE MORISON thinks Millwall have the chance to "do something good" this season.

The Lions legend, now Sutton United head coach, got a close look at his former side as they beat the U's 6-2 in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, July 29.

Alex Neil's squad finished their pre-season schedule with five wins from seven games, scoring eighteen goals. They are aiming to build on last season’s eighth-placed finish, just two points shy of the play-offs.

Morison backs Millwall to give it a good go.

"I think they'll have a really solid season," Morison told this paper. "It's probably the first time for a long time that you're not sitting there going, first and foremost, you always want to get

to 50 points. It's always the way in that league. We always used to talk about that when we played. It was to get to 50 points to see where we are.

"But I think it's the first time for a while where you're actually sitting there going, go on, let's see how good this team is. Let's see where they can get to. Which I think is a real positive place to be.

"You still have to make sure, and I'm sure the dressing room will make sure of that, the likes of Coops, Luongo as well, will make sure complacency does not pop in because it's a really, really good league, isn't it? Millwall did well last year, and they will want to build on that, and the building phase on that is finishing higher, and possibly play-offs.

"But you look for the teams who have come up from League One, who are going to have a right go, and the teams that have come down are pretty big as well. So it's not going to be easy,

but I think Millwall have got some real young, exciting players that can be anything, and if they can get them as much out of them as they can, then they've got a right opportunity to do something good."

Asked whether he still keeps up with Millwall, Morison said: "You check everyone's results. You look at all games, all leagues.

"Obviously, I'm always interested in what Millwall are doing. I always keep an eye on them. My lad loves Millwall as well, so he's always telling me everything that's going on at Millwall. I don't even need to look at it. I do keep in touch. It's really easy to."

Despite the heavy loss, Morison was pleased with how his side played against a team who are three divisions above them - with Sutton scoring two out of the six goals Millwall conceded all pre-season.

"It was a great game for us," Morison

said. "It was always going to be hugely challenging. We'd had a good preseason. It was a tough game. I said to the players after, there's levels to this game.

"On actual shots on target, I think we had seven and Millwall had eight, and they scored six. So it was just that difference in clinicality and putting the ball in the back of the net. They were ruthless, and it was a pleasure to watch. It was really positive for our boys to be able to stand there and go toe to toe at times.

"I don't think Millwall have conceded very many in preseason, and we managed to nick a couple. Should have definitely had two more with [Ashley] Nadesan's chance in the first half, and Henry Sandat's in the second.

"It was a great outing for us, and it's nice to see everyone that I hadn't seen for a while, and seeing Millwall in action and seeing how well they're getting on."

By Will Scott

OLIVER GLASNER is “confident” Crystal Palace will win their appeal and take their place in this season’s Europa League.

The Eagles were demoted to the Conference League after Uefa said they had breached multi-club ownership rules.

Palace’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will be heard on Friday (August 8) with a decision expected the following Monday, one day after the FA Cup winners face Premier League champions Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley.

"We don’t have any influence on the decision from UEFA, we don’t have any influence on the decision from CAS, so it just makes no sense that we're thinking about it,” Glasner said.

"We focus on what we have to do on the pitch, how to create this spirit in the group, this togetherness, this commitment, and this is what we are doing day by day.

"We’re waiting for the final decision, we’re still confident that the appeal will be successful and that we will play in the Europa League.

"But in the end, on August 11, we will know the final decision – then we will start to prepare for Europe." Nottingham Forest have currently taken Palace’s place in the Europa League.

The draw for the Conference League play-offs took place this week, with the Eagles to face Norwegian club Fredrikstad or Danish side FC Midtjylland if their appeal is unsuccessful.

The first leg is scheduled for Selhurst Park on August 21, with the second leg a week later.

Oliver Glasner

© Keith Gillard