South London Weekly - February 14th 2025

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Greens ur Ge Mayor of London to ban Chinese fashion G iant s hein’s adverts

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter

Sir Sadiq Khan has been urged to ban all advertising from the fashion giant Shein on London’s transport network, amid concerns over the firm’s human rights record.

The clothes company, founded in China but now headquartered in Singapore, has been criticised over its environmental impact and working practices, which include allegations of forced labour in supply chains.

Shein denies this, saying it “strictly prohibits forced labour in its supply chain globally”.

In a letter to the mayor on Thursday, the London Assembly’s Green group leader Caroline Russell said that by accepting advertising revenue from the company for posters across the Tube network, Transport for London (TfL) was putting “profits before human rights and dignity”.

The assembly member’s concerns were raised in the same week that the campaign group Stop Uyghur Genocide launched a judicial review to prevent Shein’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) listing on the London Stock Exchange.

“As you will be aware, Shein was one of the companies questioned on labour standards in their supply chain by Parliament’s business and trade committee in early January,” Ms Russell told Sir Sadiq.

“The Shein EMEA General Counsel, Yinan Zhu, did not respond to any of the committee’s many questions about the company using cotton sourced from China, specifically from the Xinjiang region, which is notorious for the forced labour of the minority Muslim Uyghur people.

“Yinan Zhu also refused to answer questions on Shein supply chains or labour standards, something the committee condemned as ‘wilful ignorance’. Concluding the session, chair Liam Byrne MP said: ‘The committee has been pretty horrified by the lack of evidence that you [Shein] have provided today, you’ve given us almost zero confidence in the integrity of your supply chains.’”

In written evidence to MPs, Shein later said it only allows cotton from approved regions, which do not include China, for its products sold in the U.S., its biggest market, as part of its compliance with the U.S. Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act, which prohibits the importing of products made in Xinjiang.

Aside from concerns over human rights, the assembly member also said Shein was a “fast fashion” brand which “encourages throwaway culture and ultimately ends up as landfill”.

A TfL spokeswoman said: “We have received the letter from Caroline Russell and will be responding to her shortly.

However, according to the news agency Reuters, Shein did not specify whether its restrictions on cotton sources applied to products sold in other markets, such as the UK. The retailer does not prohibit the use of Chinese cotton in its products where such use would not breach relevant laws and regulations, it said.

In 2024, Shein also admitted it had found two cases of child labour in its supply chain in the previous year. The firm said it had temporarily suspended orders from the suppliers involved and did not resume business with them until they had stepped up efforts to tackle the issue.

Ms Russell told the mayor: “Shein should not be allowed to advertise on the TfL network, when there are serious – and public – questions being raised about such appalling human rights abuses in connection with its working practices. I am shocked that the adverts were even permitted, and it suggests that TfL has no ethical safeguards in place when accepting campaigns.

“I ask you to immediately ban these adverts that promote a company with such a disgraceful record and a complete lack of transparency about its business practices.”

“Any copy submitted for our network is reviewed on a case by case basis, to ensure it complies with our advertising policy, the Committee of Advertising Practice code and Advertising Standards Authority guidance.”

A Shein spokeswoman said: “Shein takes supply chain risks extremely seriously and strictly prohibits forced labour in its supply chain globally. Shein complies with all applicable laws and regulations in the countries in which it operates, including the Modern Slavery Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act in the UK.”

In response to Ms Russell’s complaint about the “throwaway culture” encouraged by “fast fashion”, Shein’s spokeswoman added: “There is a common misperception that affordable prices must mean low quality.

“Thanks to our on-demand model, we aim to reduce waste and inefficiency in the production process and pass these cost savings on to our consumers, allowing us to offer great style and quality at accessible prices. We want our customers to keep their Shein products in use for as long as possible.

“We conduct testing to ensure our products meet our product quality standards and continually look for ways to improve product longevity. Our user surveys show that more than two thirds of Shein customers report that they wear their Shein clothes as often or more often than those from other brands.”

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Caroline Russell, Green Party London Assembly member. CREDIT- Greater London Authority

By Isabel Ramirez

A Bermondsey-BAsed personal trainer is gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime—an extreme survival trip to the arctic, where he’ll face temperatures plummeting to -20c.

To prepare for the brutal cold he is expected to face, Phil Hyland - who calls himself ‘Bear Phils’told the us he ‘sits in a wheelie bin full of ice water every day.’

In April, he will embark on the 19th Fjällräven Polar, a gruelling seven-day, 300km dog sledding expedition across the Scandinavian Arctic tundra.

Hosted by Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven, the annual challenge sees just 20 participants selected from around the world out of an astonishing 30,000 applicants.

When Phil, who trains clients at The Hidden Gym near Tooley Street, found out he’d secured a coveted spot, he could hardly believe it.

“I nearly fell off my chair,” he admitted. “I only found out about the competition two days before the deadline.”

To enter, the 40-year-old had to create video content showcasing his love for the great outdoors—something that came naturally to

why is this Man sittinG in a wheeLie bin fiLLed with iCe every day?

him. “I’ve been fishing since I was seven and do a lot of wild camping,” he shared. “I love the survival element.”

As well as bathing in ice, Phil says during the winter months he cooks outside over a fire he has made every night - just for fun. Fortunately, Fjällräven provides all the necessary high-quality gear designed for extreme conditions.

The trip aligns perfectly with Phil’s life mission: pushing himself to be his best while inspiring others to do the same.

“When I’m not out trying to catch sea bass for dinner or camping on top of a mountain somewhere, I work as a self-improvement coach,” he explained. “I try to help people worry less, laugh more, and squeeze a bit more out of life.”

About a decade ago, he founded The Upgraded Mind, a company running wild camping events in Surrey to teach survival skills. Alongside this, he volunteers with Bromley Council, mentoring young adults in need of support.

“I’ve even started taking one kid out to the woods—his parents want him off his game console and out of the house more.”

Phil’s passion for fitness and the outdoors stems from his own struggles with anxiety as a teenager.

2,000 CapaCity MusiC venue and food haLL to open up where ranGe surrey Quays used to be

By Robert Firth

Local Democracy Reporter

a new 2,000 capacity music venue and food hall will be based in the former branch of The range at Surrey quays Shopping centre.

It is expected to open in the next few months. The 1980s shopping centre is set to eventually be demolished as part of larger plans to redevelop the area near to Canada Water station.

A Southwark Council Planning Committee approved plans for the new venue on Wednesday February 5.

When The Range closed last Summer many locals were upset at the loss of the discount store saying they feared affordable shopping would be replaced by high prices as the area undergoes massive regeneration with an estimated 18,000 new residents expected to move in.

The shopping centre will not be bulldozed until at least 2028 when the large Tesco is replaced with a new store, but this 55,000 sqaure foot venue, to be known as Corner Corner, will open up and stay open on the site for five years.

According to proposals submitted by developer British Land, Corner Corner will include an events space, food hall and an indoor farm. Herbs and salad leaves grown on the farm will be used in meals served in the venue’s food hall.

The indoor vertical farm, dubbed London’s largest commercial farm, will allow up to 200 different crops to be supplied to the food hall and an all-day café, as well as to restaurants in the local area.

Corner Corner is expected to open in the next few months

It will also host interactive experiences to encourage local people to engage creatively with sustainable produce and cooking.

A Minecraft Experience is being advertised to open there on April 4. A ‘Village Rescue’ has also been announced recently as one of its first installations in Corner Corner’s 18,000 sqaure foot live events space. This space will also be available to hire for other events

Broadwick, who ran nearby club

Printworks which closed in 2023, will manage the new venue. Corner Corner is expected to mainly host jazz and other ‘low key music events’ rather than the huge club nights Printworks was famous for.

Printworks is expected to be reborn in a new venue a part of Canada Water’s wider regeneration.

According to council planning documents related to the Corner Corner application: “The internal music levels

assumed in the noise assessment do not allow for a traditional live music / concert hall type venue as the internal levels they are using are too low to enable most commercial artists.”

Proposals approved by the committee would in principle allow Corner Corner to open until 3am from Thursday to Saturday. The venue would still need to get licensing permission from the council.

But a representative from Broadwick told the meeting that Corner Corner was not

intending to regularly open until 3am, adding that the late opening hours applied for ‘just gives us flexibility in the future for the odd event that might come up’.

Resident DJs spinning jazz, funk, soul, disco and world music are expected to be performing on Thursday evenings, while there will be live jazz and ticketed shows every Friday and Saturday (subject to licensing).

Roger Madelin, Head of Canada Water at British Land, said: “Having worked with world-leading organisations Broadwick and KERB for many years, we never cease to be amazed with their appealing, relevant and uplifting ideas, and Corner Corner is going to be no different.

“This new cultural venue is a totally fresh concept, and securing consent to deliver our proposed vision is fantastic recognition of the critical role Canada Water has within London’s cultural offering.”

A British Land representative told Southwark Council’s planning meeting: “This venue will create new employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phase.”

A Planning Committee made up of Labour councillors Richard Livingstone, Cleo Soanes, Kath Whittam and Michael Situ approved the application unanimously. Cllr Whittam, member for Rotherhithe, said she had concerns about the late opening hours but accepted the proposals were ‘good’ and had lots of variety. She joked: “The music offer apparently is going to be jazz mainly, which I would vote against.”

southwark’s monthly gym membership goes up by £12 at leisure centres

By Robert Firth

Local Democracy Reporter

gym goers have expressed unease at planned £144 annual increases to the cost of a Southwark council’s memberships.

Leisure centre fee rises waved through by cabinet in the 2025/26 budget on Tuesday, February 4, would see membership prices rise by over a third.

The price of a general monthly membership would increase from £31.99 to £43.99 per month under the plans — a rise of £144 over the year.

Some gym goers at the council’s Seven Islands Leisure Centre in Rotherhithe, said the inflation busting fee hikes would make them consider switching gyms, when asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) on Thursday, February 6. Vanessa, 62, who declined to give her surname, said: “I’ve been coming here for eight years, but the increase is a huge amount of money. I think I might change my membership when it comes into place. It’s too much.

“I think the rise is going to stop a lot of people using the gyms and coming to the centres. We’ve got the park [Southwark Park] around the corner and I think people will just use that.”

Luana, 48, who preferred not to give her surname, added: “If there was something

better, I would go there. I think if the prices go up, they should really improve the gyms here. The state of the gyms is shameful and I have complained many times.

“There were flies in the women’s changing rooms at one point. They should make sure the classes are not overcrowded too.”

But Simon Treacy, 37, said that the

Islands once or twice a week, added: “It’s tricky. I can afford it so I wouldn’t mind paying £40 or so a month. But I know there’s a lot of people here for whom that’s a big increase and they would feel it.”

Another gym goer, who declined to give his name, said he thought the opening of the nearby Canada Water Leisure Centre in spring would make the council’s membership price rise worth it.

leisure centre would still remain cheaper than alternatives in the area despite the price rise. He said: “The other options around here are private and they are very expensive. Relative to private membership, I still think it’s a good deal.

“I would rather my fees go to the council rather than some large corporation.”

Mr Treacy, who said he visited Seven

The new gym and pool, which is nearing completion, will replace Seven Islands as the local area’s leisure centre when it opens.

The Southwark Council centre will include a gym with 150 pieces of equipment, two swimming pools, three fitness studios, and a sports hall. Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People, said: “We are committed

to providing high-quality, accessible leisure facilities that promote health and wellbeing. Our centres offer great value, ensuring affordability and inclusivity for all.

“Our leisure service is built on the goal of providing a public health service that prioritises our vulnerable residents. That’s why we continue to offer Free Swim and Gym, targeted free sessions for over-60s, and discounts for students, veterans, and emergency service workers.

“The recent membership fee increase reflects our significant investment in maintaining these targeted programs and funding the refurbishment of all gyms. We recognise the importance of a clean, safe, and welcoming environment, which is why we are addressing cleanliness and overcrowding while continuing to invest in our facilities.”

Simon Treacy said that the leisure centre would still remain cheaper than alternatives in the area despite the membership price rises

The new Canada Water Leisure Centre will open in Spring 2025

Made from mushrooms - the world’s first ‘living coffin’ now being sold in south London

EXCLUSIVE

By Isabel Ramirez

The worLd’S first ‘living coffin’ made from mushrooms is now being sold at a funeral home in Forest hill, as part of a drive for more sustainable funerals.

Poetic Endings, an independent funeral director on David’s Road, has become the

first in the UK to offer this groundbreaking option, which its creators believe represents the ‘future of burials.’

Unlike traditional coffins made from wood or metal—materials that can take decades to break down—this one is made from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms.

The mycelium naturally enhances the soil, helping to speed up the body’s decomposition while enriching the

Community sauna to open in Camberwell

surrounding earth.

The coffin, called the Loop Living Cocoon, was invented in the Netherlands by Loop. Bob Hendrikx, the creator, explains that the product biodegrades within 45 days and enriches the soil in the process. Regular coffins, on the other hand, can take decades to decompose and often leave harmful residues behind.

Each ‘living’ coffin costs £1,250. While it’s pricier than some conventional

By Isabel Ramirez

a communiT y sauna with cold plunges is set to open in camberwell’s ruskin Park this spring.

Plans were submitted for the site, in Ruskin Park’s former depot area, last January.

Community Sauna Baths, the company behind the venture decided to expand after their site in Hackney became so popular.

The new site will feature three saunas and multiple plunge pools. Off-peak tickets start at £9.50 to £16.50 peak, alongside concessionary rates.

Developed in partnership with Lambeth Council, it will transform a long-vacant space into a community wellness hub, with access via the park’s south side.

To celebrate its opening, Community Sauna Baths offers exclusive and limited pre-sale tickets, discounted 1.5h sauna and cold plunge passes, and lifetime unlimited access across all locations.

Community Sauna Baths CIC has flourished since its 2021 launch, operating successful locations across London in Hackney Wick, Stratford, Bermondsey, and Peckham.

The flagship Hackney Wick location,

options, Louise at Poetic Endings acknowledges the benefits it provides.

She notes that it allows people to leave a positive environmental impact.

Cremation is often seen as the modern alternative to burial, especially in crowded urban areas where space is scarce. However, Bob points out that cremation consumes large amounts of energy and releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants, including mercury from dental fillings.

housed in a 1930s former bathhouse, features seven saunas and nine cold plunges.

It also offers a range of unique events such as storytelling, sound bath sauna and life drawing, as well as traditional sauna rituals such as the German Aufguss and Finnish leaf-whisking, massage treatments and private sauna bookings.

Joe Beek, head builder of the Camberwell Community Sauna, said:

“We’re thrilled to be creating a new sauna site that promotes health and wellbeing right in the heart of nature.

It’s been a pleasure working alongside the Parks Team and the Friends of Ruskin Park to bring this vision to life.

“We hope this beautiful sauna site will provide significant benefits to the community and beyond.”

The organisation maintains its commitment to accessibility with standard pricing from £9.50 off-peak to £16.50 peak, alongside concessionary rates. Working with NHS trusts in Hackney and Newham, they provide social prescribing schemes offering free sauna sessions to those who would otherwise not be able to and free sessions for NHS workers, with plans to extend these programmes to Camberwell.

“Looking purely at the ecological footprint, cremation has a bigger impact than burial,” he says. “Our goal is to get as close to nature as possible by composting bodies naturally. The mushroom coffin helps the body return to the earth in a way that actively benefits the local environment.”

He said 2,000 people have already opted for a mushroom coffin and the trend is growing worldwide.

Polly Joy Wilson, Social Prescribing and Outreach Manager:

“As a Community Interest Company, we believe that the health benefits of sauna bathing should be accessible to everyone. To make this vision a reality, we have developed a fully selffunded social prescribing scheme. This initiative allows NHS-funded organisations and selected charities to access our saunas free of charge.

“We prioritise partnering with local charities to support individuals and groups who might otherwise be unable to use our saunas or are facing significant life challenges with free, regularly occurring saunas. Through this work, we’ve seen firsthand how sauna bathing can reduce stress, improve physical health, and foster meaningful connections.

“Our commitment is to break down barriers so that more people can experience the profound benefits of sauna bathing. By operating as a not-for-profit organisation, we’re demonstrating that it’s possible to create real and lasting change in community wellbeing while maintaining a sustainable model.”

For more information: Community Sauna Baths

Instagram: @communitysaunabaths

Bob Hendrikx invented the coffin

By Isabel Ramirez

A Bermondsey-B orn comedian, who does stand-up about her childhood on an old Kent road estate, is set to perform at one of London’s top comedy venues.

Kerry Fitzgerald has been shortlisted for the Chortle Hotshots competition, which offers the winner funding for an Edinburgh Fringe show—an opportunity that could be life-changing for the rising comic.

Now 35, Kerry grew up on the Mawbey Estate, opposite the big Asda on Old Kent Road. She recalls a childhood full of fun, blissfully unaware of any financial hardship. “I didn’t know it was any different to anyone else,” she says. “It was only when I went to uni that I realised not everyone grew up like I did.”

Her upbringing heavily influences her writing, and she aspires to be a “working-class Phoebe WallerBridge.” Class identity is a major

theme in her stand-up. “My parents were Irish, so people don’t often see me as a Bermondsey girl—which hurts.”

By her own admission, she doesn’t sound like someone raised down the Old Kent Road. “I always have to explain where I’m from early on because I don’t fit the stereotype. It’s only been trendy to sound like you’re from an estate recently.”

In her comedy, she shares personal experiences, including missing out on an opportunity for working-class performers because someone else ‘sounded’ more working-class. It’s something that still frustrates her.

After attending drama school at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, she reflects on the stark contrast in privilege. “I was living back at my dad’s on the Old Kent Road, and it used to take me hours to get there. Meanwhile, one student had a parent buy them a flat right next to the school.”

berMondsey funny woMan shares her Love of GrowinG up on CounCiL estate in bid to Get top stand-up spot

Despite the challenges, Kerry is grateful for the opportunities she found along the way. “I went to a poor school, but there were loads of opportunities. I got work experience at Shakespeare’s Globe when I was 16. I was the only one there from my background.” That experience turned into a part-time job that, as she puts it, “changed the course” of her life. “It showed me all of this could be a real job.”

Her love for performance started at Eveline Lowe Primary School, encouraged by her teacher, Aliki, before continuing at Bacon’s College in Rotherhithe and the City of London Academy. “There were only three of us doing A-level drama, so we had so much freedom,” she recalls. She later studied Drama and English Literature at Kingston University before securing a scholarship to Royal Central.

Since then, she has landed roles in BBC’s Casualty and sitcom King Gary, and recently filmed her first co-lead

By Isabel Ramirez

and the Wasp).

As a writer, she was shortlisted for BAFTA Rocliffe for her comedydrama A Dark Night at Number 20, inspired by her upbringing at Lanark House in the 1990s. “Producers loved it because it wasn’t the usual estate story—it was about love, family, and community.”

Kerry wants to see different experiences portrayed on TV, especially involving council estates: “Those depictions shouldn’t all be so narrow - knives, Reeboks, drugs.”

Though acting and writing were her first loves, she discovered her true calling in stand-up. “I’ve lost both of my parents now, so it’s all about trying to live with joy after so much grief.”

She performed her first gig in 2019.

“It was like being shot out of a cannon. I think I only had one joke in the whole routine, but it was amazing.”

Now, she’s determined to take her comedy to the next level. “Comedy is medicinal.”

Winning Chortle Hotshots could be a game-changer, providing financial support to take a show to Edinburgh— something she acknowledges remains out of reach for many working-class comedians.

“It’s really expensive to take a show to Edinburgh. A lot of opportunities are still out of reach for people from backgrounds like mine.”

Now a mum to an eight-year-old, Kerry said: “I feel really passionately about people from our area not seeing any barriers to where they want to get to.”

For young people looking to break into the industry, she has some advice:

“Do what you love at school. Ask your drama teachers for advice.

“Follow casting directors online— there are more opportunities now than ever before. And be wary of agents who charge young performers.”

role in the indie feature ManBaby alongside Divian Ladwa (Detectorists, Lion, Ant-Man

L: Kerry Fitzgerald. R: Kerry loved growing up in Lanark House One parking space for sale at The Madison, Borough, London, SE1 for

(Foxtons)

five Men arrested on suspiCion of druG offenCes in London bridGe operation

By Isabel Ramirez

FiVe men were arrested on suspicion of various drug offences in a British Transport Police (BTP) operation to identify passengers who might be involved in county Lines drug dealing at London Bridge.

On Friday, January 31, BTP officers, including the County Lines Task Force and Violent Crime Task Force, were joined at the station by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service and by officers and passive drug detection dogs from the City of London Police and Kent Police.

Five men were arrested during the operation, alongside 74 stop and searches that were carried out and eight community resolutions handed out.

A man in his 20s was stopped by officers after he was seen pushing through the ticket barriers of the main concourse. He was searched after officers felt something concealed under his clothes, and was found to have been hiding crack cocaine and heroin on his person.

The man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to sell and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, and a later search of his home by officers uncovered £4,000 in cash, a bag full of cannabis and crystal rocks, as well as a burner phone.

He was later charged with being in possession with intent to sell and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court Monday, February 3.

Two other men were stopped and searched after they were spotted by plainclothes officers avoiding the drug detection dogs. The pair were stopped and searched, and one of the men was found to be in possession of two blocks of cannabis, while the other was found with around £2500 in cash.

The men, in their 30s and 60s

respectively, were both arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to sell and being concerned with the supply of class B drugs and have been bailed while enquiries continue.

Another man in his 60s was stopped by plainclothes who noticed a strong smell of cannabis emitting from him. He was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of Class B drugs with intent to sell after being found to have multiple blocks of cannabis, scales, and over £400 of cash on his person.

A man in his 20s was arrested and taken

into custody after being stopped and identified by police, with the man being found to have failed to appear at court for a hearing as part of a Metropolitan Police investigation.

During the multi-agency operation, dubbed Operation Blume, officers were deployed to detect and disrupt criminal activity and to safeguard those being exploited.

They were supported by Home Office immigration officers, Transport for London revenue officers, representatives from the local Independent Advisory

Group, and Southwark social services. The operation was also aided by the local Business Improvement District, Team London Bridge.

County Lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within England, Scotland and Wales, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other forms of ‘deal lines’.

PC Lee Noble said: “I’m extremely pleased with the success of the operation, which saw us identify and apprehend people involved in County Lines activity.

“Our dedicated team works across the rail network throughout the country to tackle this exploitative activity, making critical interventions to safeguard vulnerable people from predatory and ruthless gangs.

“These operations can take place at any time and anywhere, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to make our communities and the railway network safer.

“If you have concerns for someone you know who is using the railway network, we urge you to contact us by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. Be aware that victims of exploitation may not always be obvious, and they may not be aware they are indeed victims.”

Dear Residents,

Art-Invest are presenting developed designs for a replacement for the Albion Bridge, and we are now pleased to present our proposal to you for feedback.

We are proposing a wider new crossing that allows for an improved experience for pedestrians, as well as providing a unique place to take in the views of Canada Dock and supporting the vibrancy of the emerging town centre.

Event details

We will be hosting further drop-in events to showcase the developed proposals for the Albion Bridge and how these have responded to feedback from the community.

These events will be held in our Dockside Project Hub, Retail Park, Unit 1 Canada Water, Surrey Quays Rd, London, SE16 2XU (enter via Maritime Street) on:

Wednesday 26th February, 4:00 – 7:00pm

Saturday 1st March, 10:00am – 1:00pm

contact@canadawaterdockside.co.uk

New plans for Peckham Square

By Melina Block

a PuBLic consultation on the new Peckham Square design will be held this Thursday, 13 February,

Southwark Council has budgeted £7 million for the remodelling, and is set to place a memorial for Damilola Taylor at the centre of the newly designed square.

Another possibility, demolishing Peckham Arch, has sparked debate for several years, with 80% of asked residents in support of not retaining it, according to the council.

More development of the adjacent sites, increased employment and business opportunities for locals, and better natural surveillance in the evening are all supposed benefits of removing the Arch, according to the council.

People have voiced support for Peckham Arch remaining, however, including local architect Benedict O’Looney: “Urbanistically, it dates back to structures like the Agora in Athens where people young and old could gather and exchange ideas.

“It’s precious and shouldn’t be disposed of lightly”, he previously told Southwark News.

Your opinion on these proposals and more can be given at Thursday’s consultation, which will take place from 3PM-8PM.

Those unable to attend can meet the Peckham Square team at Peckham Library, which will also host an exhibition between 13-21 February. The team will be available to answer questions, discuss the design, and receive feedback from residents and stakeholders from 10AM-1PM on 15 February, and

approved: oLd Kent road £80M sCheMe with 200 new hoMes

By Isabel Ramirez

Sou T hwar K counci L has approved the sale of a site on old Kent road, paving the way for an £80m scheme with 200 new homes - half of which will be affordable.

At a cabinet meeting on Thursday, 6 February, the council agreed to sell the Folgate site at 711-733 Old Kent Road to Weston Homes.

Subject to planning consent, the developer will create a residentialled scheme featuring 200 mixedtenure homes. Of these, 50 per cent will be affordable, with at least half designated for social rent.

The 0.9-acre site, valued at £80 million, represents a significant investment to the area just north of Commercial Way by Lidl supermarket.

In addition to housing, an existing industrial building on the site will be refurbished to provide 30,000 sq ft of commercial space, which could include a new healthcare centre.

NHS South East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) has expressed its intention to provide health services from the site.

Bob Weston, Chairman of Weston Group, welcomed the decision: “This is an exciting day at the start of a new journey for Southwark and the Weston Group. Today’s decision shows the Council’s clear support behind our competitive offer for the regeneration of the Folgate site. We look forward to working with Southwark Council in the months and years to come.”

Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes & Sustainable Development at Southwark Council, said: “The redevelopment of the Folgate site will be another positive step in our efforts to renew the whole Old Kent Road area, delivering the genuinely affordable homes, green spaces and infrastructure that we need.

“I’m really excited to be moving forward with Weston Homes on a plan which will deliver 200 new homes with 50 per cent being muchneeded affordable housing and at least half of those being social rent –vital for those residents who are on Southwark’s housing waiting list.

New images released of huge new Blackfriars Road development which

By Izzy Clarke

imageS haVe been released of an huge new development consisting of homes and offices on Blackfriars road

The development, 18 Blackfriars, will include a 44-storey office block, and residential blocks of 40 and 22-storeys.

The office block will be 195 metres tall, dwarfing the neighbouring One Blackfriars and South Bank Tower buildings.

The 1 million sq ft development is named ‘The Round’ inspired by the circular hub at its centre, and will see the empty site at 18 Blackfriars Road transformed into a mixture of homes and offices spread across three buildings.

The plans for the unusual site have been brought by property developer Hines, with construction set to begin later this year.

Two buildings will deliver more than 400 new homes with 40% set at affordable rents, while the third will be for offices and will contain more outdoor terraces than any other high-rise in the UK.

The two residential buildings will separate private residents from those in

will dwarf surrounding buildings

affordable and social rent homes.

The 40-storey Stamford Building will house private households with the rest in the 22-storey Paris Building. Of the 433 new homes, 273 will be

National Theatre and the Southbank Centre.

Ross Blair, Senior Managing Director and Country Head of Hines UK, said:

“We’ve listened carefully to our

“The scheme will also refurbish and reuse the locally listed Victorian building and its shop frontages on the Old Kent Road and has the potential to deliver a new state-of-the-art health centre, which we hope to deliver working in partnership with the NHS.” For more information, visit: www.weston-homes.com

customers and want to create a place that really does support people’s wellbeing, and ultimately leaves them feeling better than when they arrived.

“The workplace and home are where we spend most of our days, so improving these places can have a transformational impact on people’s body and mind –that is our main driver for the Round’s vision, and why we are focused on ‘social wellbeing’.

“Our commitment to bringing this scheme to life, and our investment in ensuring it becomes a destination with community and social wellbeing at its core, underlines our long-term conviction in London as a thriving, global centre for culture, education and business.”

Man sentenCed for MansLauGhter over ‘unprovoKed’ stabbinG Captured on CCtv

By Isabel Ramirez

a man has been sentenced for manslaughter by diminished responsibility – after investigators recovered footage of the killing itself

Twenty-one-year-old Caudel Haughton, from Catford, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, February 7. He was sentenced to an indefinite term in a secure hospital for fatally stabbing of 20-year-old Filipe Oliveira on his doorstep on 15 April 2023.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who led the investigation, said: “My thoughts today are with Filipe’s family and friends, who have had to wait almost two years for justice. This was an unprovoked attack, which saw Filipe fatally stabbed outside his own home.

“Our investigation utilised extensive CCTV evidence and witness testimonies.

“Haughton will be detained indefinitely in hospital – and may spend the rest of his life there, meaning he will no longer be a risk to the public.”

On the day of the killing, Filipe Oliveira was standing outside his home

sentenced to an indefinite stay in a secure hospital

in Norwood Road, West Norwood, when he was approached by Haughton.

The defendant was caught on CCTV approaching Filipe, armed with a flick knife. He stabbed him five times, before fleeing the scene.

Officers arrived at Norwood Road around 6pm and administered CPR, but Filipe tragically died later that evening

Eyewitnesses to the stabbing came forward, and detectives received vital anonymous tipoffs via Crimestoppers. Police said that Haughton had bragged about killing Oliveira after the incident.

Comprehensive CCTV enquiries were able to map Haughton’s entire route from his home address in Catford across several train journeys to Filipe’s

Charity appeals for new homes for fifteen cats that are facing eviction

By Izzy Clarke

caT LoVerS with gardens are being urged to re-home pairs of cats facing eviction from their territory that has been earmarked for redevelopment.

The colony of 15 cats live on a triangle of waste ground in New Cross Gate, bordered by Besson Street, New Cross Road and Briant Street, but they will be displaced as the land, which has been empty for ten years, is being developed into housing.

The cats are inbetweener cats, meaning they are neither feral or domestic. Campaigners fear that once the land is cleared they could disperse into the surrounding roads, putting them at risk of being run over.

Cats Protection, the national cat welfare charity, is calling on people with large gardens or businesses with outdoor spaces where the cats can live safely in pairs.

The new owners will need to provide daily food and water for the cats, while Cats Protection will supply a temporary relocation pen and a more permanent shelter if required

Inbetweener cats thrive in outdoor environments with access to shelter and regular feeding. Many are even comfortable living alongside people and will form a bond of trust with their feeders but will shy away from being touched.

Elle Hatam, Cats Protection Regional Behaviour Officer, said: “This type of

cat would thrive in a setting such as a spacious garden, where they have access to food and shelter, with the choice and space to interact with their owners if they wish. These cats are not the usual lap cats but, on

home. This journey saw him travel by foot, bus and two trains for over an hour and a half.

Firearms officers from British Transport Police arrested Haughton

their own terms, they can make great companions.”

Those interested in caring for these inbetweener cats should visit www. cats.org.uk/blackheath or email enquiries@blackheath.cats.org.uk.

at Waterloo Station five days later, on Friday, 21 April 2023, the culmination of a manhunt operation involving the Met Police, Dorset Police and British Transport Police.

Ulez charges rake in £71m

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter

more Than £71 million of ulez charges have been paid over the last six years, according to released by Transport for London (TfL).

Statistics published in response to a Freedom of Information request showed that drivers in Croydon paid more (£4.1m) than any other borough since the clean air zone’s introduction in 2019, followed by Hillingdon (£3.8m), Ealing (£3.7m) and Enfield (£3.6m)

This was despite the fact that all of those boroughs – except for the eastern part of Ealing – did not become part of the Ulez until the zone expanded in August 2023 to cover all of Greater London.

In the case of Croydon, the borough’s drivers paid more in Ulez charges in the two calendar years before the zone expanded (£1.9m in 2021 and 2022), than in the two years during and following the expansion (£1.2m in 2023 and 2024). The same is true in Hillingdon and Enfield, suggesting that most of the Ulez’s financial impact in outer London was felt before the expansion there actually occured.uk.

TfL has said the Ulez is “not about making money”, with any income generated “reinvested back into the public transport network”.

The boroughs in which the Ulez raised the smallest amount of money were Camden (£960,000), Hammersmith and Fulham (£1.2m), Kensington and Chelsea (£1.2m) and Tower Hamlets (£1.2m). Drivers in the City of London’s ‘square mile’ have only paid a total of about £59,000.

When it launched in 2019, the zone only covered the area of central London also covered by the congestion charge. In 2021, the zone expanded to cover inner London, using the North and South Circular roads as the new boundary. Two years later, in a move fraught with political jeopardy for mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, the zone expanded again to cover the entire city.

The figures show that, in total, £5.6m was paid in penalty charge notices (PCNs) in 2024, less than half of the £11.8m paid the year before. The biggest year for PCNs was 2022 when £22.1m was paid out by drivers.

Separate data revealed that about £2.4m was paid in refunds relating to the Ulez between August 2020 and July 2024.

The figures do not cover PCNs issued to drivers outside of the 32 London boroughs.

A TfL spokesperson told the BBC on Thursday: “The Ulez is not about making money. Any income generated from the Ulez is being reinvested back into the public transport network, including improving bus routes in outer London.”

They added: “The expanded Ulez has led to cleaner air while generating ever smaller net revenues, as has been the case with the previous expansion to inner London where people switched to greener vehicles The most recent data shows that on average, more than 96% of vehicles seen driving in the Ulez are compliant.

“If a customer receives a PCN they can pay the penalty at a 50% discount within 14 days, or have up to 28 days to pay the penalty in full, or challenge the PCN by making a representation.”

Caudel Haughton, now 21 - was

The victim, Filipe Oliveria, was 20 years old when he was fatally stabbed five times.

four uniQue thinGs to do for vaLentine’s day in south London

By Isabel Ramirez

From PeTTing alpacas in Vauxhall to hearing a historical love story in rotherhithe, here are some unique things to do to celebrate Valentine’s day in south London this year.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

PoP-uP vAlentine’s cinemA in BrocKLey

The Rivoli Ballroom will be screening Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet on Valentine’s Day, along with other romantic classics in the days leading up to it. With its red velvet decor, chandeliers, and Chinese lanterns, this venue is perfect for a nostalgic Valentine’s night. address: Rivoli Ballroom, 350 Brockley Rd, London SE4 2BY admission: From £10.

ThameS TunneL LoVe STory Tour in roTherhiThe Discover the enchanting love story of Marc and Sophia Brunel during this special tour celebrating the Thames Tunnel’s 200th anniversary. Begin the evening with prosecco in the atmospheric Tunnel Shaft while exploring the engineering marvel’s romantic history.

address: Brunel Museum, Railway

Southwark

Ave, London SE16 4LF admission: £20 pp or £35 for a pair (includes a glass of prosecco per person)

By Issy Clarke

Two PuBS in Southwark are offering bottomless guinness until march to celebrate the Six nations.

The Marquis Of Wellington, Bermondsey and The Bridge Tap, London Bridge are among 26 branches of the Social Pub and Kitchen chain participating in a brunch deal, where punters can pay £34 per person for two hours of unlimited booze.

Non-Guinness drinkers won’t be left out, as the deal also includes espresso martinis, Prosecco and low-alcohol options.

Alongside the booze offering there are plenty of mouth-watering menu items including pizza, nachos and chicken wings.

The offer kicked off on January 31 to coincide with the first Six Nations match between France and Wales, and wraps up on St Patrick’s Day.

It follows a national Guinness shortage in December which forced many pubs to temporarily to suspend sales of the iconic stout. But the taps are now firmly back on, and the full list of participating venues can be found here: www. socialpubandkitchen.co.uk/ bottomless-brunch

FeeL good VaLenTine’S ParTy in PecKham Dance the night away at the Greyhound pub’s newly renovated

good vibe.

Address: The Greyhound, 109 Peckham High St, London SE15 5SE

Admission: £5

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

meeT The animaLS aT VauXhaLL ciTy Farm

Animal enthusiasts will love this special meet-and-greet experience with their choice of a furry or feathered friend. Spend time with rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, or alpacas, then wrap up the visit with a delicious meal in the cosy farm bar.

address: Vauxhall City Farm, 165 Tyers St, London SE11 5HS admission: Packages include: dinner only: £15-£20 per person (cheese/meat boards).

animal meet & dinner: £55-£65 per couple.

Petting alpacas at Vauxhall City Farm

basement. With Baby Rollén and the Flow State duo on the decks, plus soulful beats upstairs from Plots & Parcels DJs, this party promises a

diy arT marKeT in PecKham Browse over 150 artists and publishers showcasing ceramics, prints, jewellery, zines, and more. Find unique, affordable Valentine’s gifts while supporting emerging talent.

address: Unit 8, Copeland Park, SE15 3SN

admission: £1.50

The Shard expects record-breaking number of Valentine’s proposals

By Melina Block

The Shard is expecting a record number of 50 proposals this Valentine’s day, with a new, giant love heart illuminating its spire for the special day.

The illumination will light up the spire of the award-winning venue for the first time ever on Valentine Day, from 5pm.

Last year, there was the equivalent of one proposal every six hours at the Shard. In total 1,566 proposals have taken place at The Shard since it open in 2013.

One of the most popular places to pop the question, the venue expects an increase this year to get them over 2,000 proposals.

There is even a dedicated team to help with the special moment; the world’s first luxury proposal company, Shangri-La, who were featured on E4’s Will You Marry Me?

Over 5,000 couples have used one of Shangri La’s host of packages.

Various other Valentine’s Day packages are available across The Shard’s restaurants and bars, including: Hutong, Aqua Shard, Oblix, Shangri-La Hotel and The View From

The Shard.

To find out more go to www.theshard.com, but beware love Shard style can certainly comes with a hefty price-tag.

The deals include a Valentine’s Day afternoon tea for £98 including a flute of Veuve Clicquot Rosé, NV. On all other dates, the tea is priced at £78 with tea and coffee or £88 with a flute of Veuve Clicquot Brut, NV. Dinner on this special day cost £210 per person with an extra £50 per person to guarantee a window seat. And a room for you and your Valentine will set you back £1,215.

t he sweet sMeLL of suCCess

Public

toilets

‘used by a young Charlie Chaplin’ will reopen as a florist

By Robert Firth

Local Democracy Reporter

LooS rumoured to have been used by charlie chaplin during his childhood are set to reopen as a florist.

The comic actor and filmmaker grew up near the public toilets in Kennington, which closed in 1988.

Best known for silent movies Chaplin, who grew up in poverty in neighbouring Walworth moved on to become a Hollywood legend, but apart from a pub at the Elephant & Castle, which is now demolished, there was little to mark

his roots in the area. That was until a Southwark Blue Plaque organised and run by Southwark News was put up in East Street some years back.

An application to turn the underground men’s lavatories into a florist were approved by Lambeth councillors at a meeting this Tuesday (February 4).

A flower fridge and flower bins would be fitted in the Victorian toilets to support the new venture, according to plans submitted to the council by Abasine Taus.

The toilets are located underneath a traffic island in Kennington, South London. CREDIT: Google Street View

The urinals would be retained under the proposals, but wash basins would be removed. Retained parts of the Victorian loos would be ‘cleaned, refurbished, sealed, repainted, and where necessary, repaired’, according to council planning documents.

A small amount of graffiti from the 1980s that ‘relates to the LGBTQ community’ would be removed as part of the plans. The council has retained

records of the writing for historical reference.

The toilets on Kennington Lane were built by the local authority in 1900 in response to the 1891 Public Health/ London Act. This piece of legislation placed a duty on local authorities to provide and maintain public toilets.

The interior of the lavatories consists of white tiled brick walls, 10 urinal stalls with porcelain bases and marble modesty screens. It also includes an

A small amount of graffiti in the toilets is from the1980s and ‘relates to the LGBTQ community’, according to council planning documents. CREDIT: Lambeth Council planning documents

scheme never went ahead.

The toilets were given a Grade-II listing by English Heritage in 2001. They were partially refurbished and used as an art gallery between 2013 and 2017.

Last year, the team behind Bermondsey Arts Club revealed plans to convert the toilets into an underground cocktail bar, similar to their venue on Tower Bridge Road. The

Planning documents submitted to the council by Mr Taus in relation to the lavatory conversion say the proposals are the ‘right fit for the space’ and would result in modern services being installed in the toilets ‘carefully and sensitively’.

The proposals would result in a ‘stylish and attractive retail shop that is a benefit to the wider community’, the documents add.

photographic

attendant’s kiosk with wood panelling and a multicoloured mosaic floor.

The interior of the underground Victorian lavatories. CREDIT: Lambeth Council planning documents

The toilets are located underneath a traffic island in Kennington, South London. CREDIT: Google Street View

Chaplin – Wikimedia Commons

Man C auGht shop L iftinG froM water L oo

Co-op is jaiL ed

By Issy Clarke

a man caught shoplifting from Lower marsh co-op by police officers carrying out a targeted sting operation has been jailed.

Derick Bell, 36, (29.02.88) and of no fixed address, was arrested at around 8.30AM on Monday, 27 January while attempting to stuff the contents of the meat-chiller section into a plastic bag.

However he was unaware that police were waiting in the back office monitoring CCTV footage after several recent reports of theft from the store.

As he attempted to load up his bag with stolen goods, CCTV footage shows a police offer racing around the corner and tackling the thief to the ground.

Mr Bell was charged the next day

and appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to two counts of shoplifting. He was jailed for eight weeks.

Inspector Darren Watson, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Lambeth, said: “This is an excellent example of how the Met is taking a targeted approach to tackle the type of offending that matters most to Londoners.

“We know shoplifting has a significant impact on businesses and shop staff. It often also fuels other crime and anti-social behaviour.

“In Lambeth alone, our enforcement activity means 11 of the 14 most prolific shoplifters in the area are currently in prison and we will continue to take action against those who cause misery in our communities.”

Mayor says shoplifting in London has doubled

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter

Sir Sadiq Khan has blamed London’s recent 50 per cent surge in shoplifting on the capital’s particularly high cost of living, as well as the fact that the city has “a lot of shops” compared with other parts of the country.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics last week showed that 80,041 shoplifting offences were recorded by the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police in the 12 months to September 2024 – up from 53,202 for the same period a year earlier.

London’s 50 per cent increase is twice as big as the 22 per cent jump seen across the whole of England and Wales in the same period, as shoplifting cases rose overall from 402,482 to 492,914.

Asked why the problem is particularly bad in London, and what he is doing

to tackle the issue, the mayor referred back to a piece of research published by the London School of Economics (LSE) last year.

“What the LSE report showed –without in any way excusing criminality – is that as the cost of living crisis gets worse, acquisitive crime is going to go up, and has gone up,” said Sir Sadiq.

“[There are] three areas where acquisitive crime has gone up – personal theft, personal robbery, and shoplifting.”

Pressed on why the increase in London was so much higher than the rest of the country, the mayor said: “Because we have a lot of shops here, and because the cost of living crisis is more acute in the capital city.

“Personal theft and personal robbery is a big concern for me in London, as well. That’s one of the reasons why I support the [Metropolitan Police] Commissioner in him having, as a priority, neighbourhood teams.

“I’ve been out on patrols myself with neighbourhood teams, in Waterloo and elsewhere, where the work they’ve been doing with the retailers, using facial recognition, having good neighbourhood watch teams, has led to a reduction [in crimes] in those particular shops.”

He added: “I’m really pleased that the Home Secretary has now convened a roundtable [meeting] to address this issue, which includes concerns around shoplifting…

“I speak regularly to retailers, including USDAW – which represents retailers – [about] staff who were assaulted as a consequence of working in shops, by people who want to shoplift or commit personal theft or personal robbery.

“So it’s an issue that’s personal to me, as someone who used to work in retail, but it’s also an issue that’s important to Londoners.”

Man who died after falling down Waterloo escalator was not pushed say police

By Issy Clarke

PoL ice haV e ruled out that a man who died last year after falling down the escalator at waterloo Station was pushed Officers said the CCTV footage shows Ian Airlie, 48, accidentally falling down the Jubilee Line escalator on September 15 last year. Mr Airlie (pictured) fell traveled home after his fall but was found dead at his property in Greenwich on Thursday, October 10. It follows a police appeal for information after Ian’s family told police he had reportedly been pushed down the station escalator.

Detective Inspector Chris Rogers, who is leading the investigation, said: “This new evidence means we have been able to rule out that Mr Airlie was pushed. His fall down the escalator was a very sad and unfortunate accident.

“His death, however, remains unexplained and we will continue to investigate all avenues until we can build a full picture.

“We continue to offer support to Mr Airlie’s family. They have been updated by officers and we request that they receive privacy at this difficult time.”

A post-mortem examination on Tuesday, 29 October 2024 was inconclusive and officers await the result of further tests.

EXCLUSIVE

By Herbie Russell

a waLworTh residential building still has unsafe cladding over three years after getting planning permission for its replacement.

22 Amelia Street Management Ltd, claims the delay was because central government did not provide the first phase of funding until January 2024over three years after it began its funding application.

A disagreement has now broken out between the landlord and government departments responsible for processing and administering funding over who is responsible for the delay.

Approached for comment, The Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) said landlords “responsible for remediating their buildings are failing to do so”.

But a spokesperson for 22 Amelia Street Management Ltd said all parties involved in the funding application followed “due process”, suggesting the delay was not its fault.

A resident said the delay had been “a concern” but the repairs were believed to be “on track now”. The nine-storey development at 22 Amelia Street is managed by Rendall & Rittner and was built by developer First Base in 2010.

The 164-apartment building is covered in ‘non-compliant’ cladding, according to a fire statement, and received planning permission for its replacement in August 2021. The Printworks building qualifies as a high-risk building (HRB) due to its nine-storey height and multiple residential units.

On its website, First Base describes the “striking bronze aluminium cladding” as giving the building “a sharp and contemporary architectural finish”.

But First Place was forced to apply for pre-tender support funding from the Building Safety Fund for its replacement.

The fund is a UK government initiative supporting the removal and replacement of unsafe cladding from residential buildings in the aftermath of the Grenfell fire.

Pre-tender support is a package of funding available to some private sector landlords that do not have the finances to start the project.

The idea is that the funding will help kickstart the process of remediation while ensuring the financial burden does not fall on leaseholders who might otherwise be charged for the works.

According to planning documents and statements shared by 22 Amelia Street Management Ltd, its funding application was “successful” following an application made in November 2020 and planning permission for remediation was granted

By Callum Smyth

The oL d Vic has announced they have raised a record total of £235,000 for charity waterloo Foodbank from audiences attending its c hristmas production Repeated year in year out the Waterloo Theatre’s 2024 production of A Christmas Carol saw the highest total of in-person donations received from festive audiences yet.

In 2023 alone, Waterloo Foodbank and its partners supported over 27,000 people, of which 17,500 were children. Waterloo Foodbank is based just minutes away from The Old Vic, providing vital food distribution services alongside other support services and pastoral

buiLdinG stiLL Covered in unsafe CL addinG More than three years after reMovaL approved

in August 2021.

However, First Place has claimed it only received the funding in January 2024 and that this has delayed the works.

It has now had to apply for fresh planning permission, practically identical to the original permission, to replace the materials.

We asked the MHCLG which party was to blame for the delay in funding. Had the landlord failed to properly submit a funding application, or were government delays the problem?

An MHCLG spokesperson failed to explicitly say what the cause of the delay was despite repeated requests for comment but appeared to shift the blame onto the landlord.

The spokesperson only said: “Too many of those responsible for remediating their buildings are failing to do so, despite the availability of funding. We have been very clear that those responsible for buildings already in funding programmes must make swift progress or face action.”

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London, which administers funding through the GLA, said: “The Mayor has been clear that more than seven years after the tragic Grenfell fire, it is vital that all buildings with unsafe cladding are remediated, and he supports the government’s plans to accelerate remediation.”

The various entities associated with 22 Amelia Street Ltd - including the entity

care.

The Old Vic has held collections throughout the run to raise money for different charities focussed on poverty and food deprivation. The theatre can today confirm that the total raised over the last eight years has now reached an astonishing £1.9million globally.

The Old Vic’s Artistic Director and Director of A Christmas Carol, Matthew Warchus, said: “I am extremely proud of our annual charity initiatives on A Christmas Carol... We put a lot of hard work and commitment into reviving this show year on year, and it is very rewarding to see these efforts paying off, not only in ever-increasing audience numbers but also in this everincreasing charity donation tally”

itself and First Place - have insisted it followed “due process” in its application.

The MHCLG’s position is understood to be that, ultimately, landlords are responsible for ensuring a building’s safety.

First Place’s other developments include MK Gateway in Milton Keynes, Edward Street Offices in Brighton, and Soapworks in Bristol.

As of September, only 1,412 of the 4,821 buildings identified with unsafe cladding in England have completed remediation works – about 29 per cent, according to the latest government statistics.

In London, 2,676 buildings have so far been identified as needing remediation but works have only been completed on 727 (27 per cent) of those buildings.

In November, the National Audit Office said up to 60 per cent of buildings with dangerous cladding have still not been identified by the Government.

At the current rate of progress, it is due to miss its own estimated completion date of 2035 for the works, the National Audit Office warned. The London Mayor’s Office has previously admitted it is “aware” of “concerns” about delays around getting money from the Building Safety Fund.

Processing issues and sheer volume are understood to have overwhelmed government departments.

End Our Cladding Scandal, a national campaign for fire safety remediation, says

Just 27 per cent of London buildings requiring remediation have been fully addressed, government data shows

the previous government failed to tackle industry constraints exacerbating the cladding crisis.

“Capacity constraints – whether in relation to materials, scaffolding, assessors or contractors to do the work – have been known about for years, with costs soaring as a result,” it said.

“The previous government failed to deliver a comprehensive solution – leaving an approach that is too complicated with several funding schemes, layers of unequal leaseholder protections, complex building ownership structures, self-interested stakeholders arguing over liability, and ongoing disputes over vital safety work.”

There remains a dispute over who will pay for remediation on buildings under eleven metres in height, it warned.

Hina Bokhari, Chair of the London Assembly’s Fire Committee, has called on the government to provide more money to accelerate remediations. Ms Bokhari said: “The measures [recommended by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry] will only be effective if fire and rescue services, and those responsible for fixing fire safety issues, have the money they need. That includes proper funding to enforce any new regulations, so that anyone failing to implement the lessons of the Grenfell Tragedy is held to account and compelled to take action to protect the public.”

In December, Deputy Prime Minister

Christmas Carol audiences were no Scrooges

Angela Rayner announced an acceleration plan on cladding replacement.

The plan mainly focuses on incentivising freeholders to speed up the pace of works, through measure like penalties and giving authorities more powers to enforce remediations.

She promised to fix dangerous cladding on all buildings of eighteen metres or more, in government-funded schemes in England, by 2029.

However, End Our Cladding Scandal said it was not the “meaningful change” it had hoped for, with the plan adding more layers of bureaucracy to an already-snail pace process.

A statement prepared by managing agents Rendall & Rittner and First Place said: “We received Pre-Tender Support (PTS) funds from the Building Safety Fund (BSF) in 2024 after going through the Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) due process.

“This has allowed us to prepare for Stage 2 of the BSF application. Once this has been submitted and approved, funding for remediation works will be available, and we will await approval from the Building Safety Regulator that works can commence. We will continue to work with the Residents Association as we move forward with this.”

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government was approached for comment.

Printworks is a nine-story residential development situated at 22 Amelia Street

STAFF AND patients at Guy’s and St Thomas’ are celebrating 75 years of modern cataract surgery.

Since the pioneering operation was invented by Sir Harold Ridley at St Thomas’ Hospital in 1950 there have been nearly 1 billion surgeries. This has saved the sight of hundreds of millions of people across the world.

To celebrate its invention, ophthalmologists at Guy’s and St Thomas’ have unveiled a portrait of Sir Harold Ridley, gifted to the hospital by the Ridley Eye Foundation.

Jasmin Landim, 21, was born with cataracts in both eyes which made her vision blurry. At the age of 6 she had surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital to replace the lens in her right eye, which had the larger cataract.

Jasmin has continuous care at the adult cataract clinic at St Thomas’. The hospitality team member who enjoys cheerleading, said: “If I hadn’t had the surgery, I would have a completely different life now. I now have great vision and don’t rely on glasses.

“Seeing how far the surgery has come in 75 years gives me hope that newer, better lenses are being developed all the time.”

The operation involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens made out of acrylic plastic. Sir Harold made his medical breakthrough after treating a Spitfire pilot who had splinters of acrylic in his eye. Ridley noticed that, unlike most foreign bodies, the eye did not reject this plastic.

At the time, Sir Harold’s invention

was considered a radical concept, which was initially resisted by much of the medical profession.

Today, the surgery takes only 15 to 30 minutes per eye, and patients are discharged within 4 hours.

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF CATARACT SURGERY

Some patients may even have no need to wear glasses afterwards. Sir Harold never patented his discovery so that everyone could benefit from the life-changing operation.

Progress Pride Badges launched

GUY’S AND St Thomas’ has introduced Progress Pride Badges for staff who want to show their commitment to LGBT+ inclusive healthcare.

The new design better represents the many identities within the LGBT+ community. These include trans, non-binary, intersex people, and people of the global majority. This builds on the NHS Rainbow

Free Wills Month in March

FREE WILLS month provides an opportunity to make or update wills for free through the will writing services of Guy’s and St Thomas’ 3 NHS charities. This service is available online, over the phone, or in person with a local solicitor.

Making a will is a personal and important decision. After ensuring

that loved ones are cared for, the charities are asking people to consider leaving a gift.

A donation in a will can help support compassionate care and innovative treatments that make a real difference. It will make sure future generations in the community receive the best possible care.

Badge that began at Evelina London in 2019. Wearing the badge conveys an offer of a safe, open and nonjudgemental space to talk about issues of sexuality and gender identity.

The new badges are part of Trust activities to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

People do not need to leave a gift to use these services, but the charities hope people will consider supporting their vital work.

To access the free will writing services, visit the charities’ websites at: https://gsttcharity.org.uk/support-us/ https://guyscancercharity.org.uk/ support-us/ https://evelinacharity.org.uk/support-us/

Dr Sancy Low, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “The story of Sir Harold Ridley’s journey is an incredible reminder of how we can bring light to the world.

“We learn that innovation is not always easy, and silver linings show up at the most unexpected times, as long as we never give up on doing our best for one another.”

Council of Governors elections

ELECTIONS TO Guy’s and St Thomas’ Council of Governors will be held in Spring 2025, from 27 February to 21 May. Governors are the eyes and ears of the public, patients and staff. They help Guy’s and St Thomas’ to understand and respond to what patients and members of the public expect from the Trust.

If you are interested to stand for elections to the Council of Governors,

visit: www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/ governors-elections-2025

You can also email members@gstt. nhs.uk

A governors awareness session will also be held on Tuesday 25 February at 5.30pm. This is an opportunity to meet the current governors, to learn about the governor role, election process and to ask questions.

For more information, visit www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/events

The ophthalmology team with the Sir Harold Ridley portrait

Residents thanked by senior police officer after high street disturbance

By Izzy Clarke

a S enior police officer has thanked Lewisham residents for their patience after a 17hour stand off on monday between armed police and a shirtless man waving a knife from a window.

The road between Lee High Road, Belmont Hill and A2211 Rennell Street was closed after armed police and emergency services swarmed to the property opposite the HSBC bank branch at around 10.45 AM on Monday morning.

Residents living in the cordonedoff area were unable to return home until 6 AM on Tuesday morning, as fears circulated on social media suggested it could be a ‘hostage situation’.

Police eventually entered the property at 02:35 AM on Tuesday morning where they arrested the man who was by himself and took him to hospital

Enquiries remain ongoing

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who leads policing in the South East Area, said: “I appreciate the incident in Lewisham High Street yesterday caused a lot of concern for residents and I would like to thank them for their patience.

“To clarify, this situation did not involve any hostages and our specially-trained officers engaged with a man who was believed to be suffering with a mental health crisis.”

t fL responds to frustration over notorious 154 bus route

By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter

A ‘di ABolic A l’ bus route through South London will have immediate changes made to address its reliability, after community pressure and coverage by the Local democracy reporting Service (LdrS).

Transport for London (TfL) has announced steps to improve the reliability of the 154 bus route after the LDRS reported widespread problems including people being stranded miles from their destinations, and buses terminating abruptly.

The service, which connects the important transport hubs of Morden and West Croydon, has gained a reputation for skipping stops and terminating unexpectedly. Research published by Bobby Dean MP found that over 2,000 journeys were cut short in 2024, leaving passengers stranded and unable to get to work or appointments. The service was particularly loathed by residents living in Sutton’s Roundshaw estate, in the heart of Dean’s Carshalton and Wallington constituency.

Last month, residents told the LDRS how the service often skips the area during peak hours, leaving them to walk home ‘for miles’ in the wind and rain. The service also suffered from frequent and unexpected terminations or curtailments.

Curtailments happen when bus controllers monitor the route in real time and instruct drivers to cut short their journey. These can be

due to factors like heavy traffic, time constraints, hazards, or school hours.

Roundshaw resident Daren Fishwick, who has been using the 154 for the past six years, told the LDRS of his frustration with these curtailments. He said: “I’m on crutches with a bad knee and have been left stranded at Waddon for hours. Sometimes, I get a 157 and walk, but it’s tiring and painful.”

Following growing passenger frustration, highlighted in the LDRS article published last month, the local MP Mr Dean launched a petition demanding urgent action. The petition gathered more than 600 signatures and highlighted the widespread dissatisfaction with the service.

TfL has now committed to introducing short-term measures to improve the 154 route’s reliability

with a permanent fix promised in the near future. These measures are now in place and are as follows:

• Increasing the frequency of services to West Croydon

• Splitting the route at mid-way points, such as Wallington. This will see one bus run from Croydon to Wallington and another from Wallington to Morden. Passengers heading from Croydon to Morden will need to change at Wallington, but TfL says this won’t affect many

• Adding more journeys by utilising extra drivers and vehicles where available

Bus operator Go-Ahead London has submitted a proposal for long-term

Giant 34-storey riverside tower with 147 flats could be built next to London’s only licenced Heliport

By Charlottee Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter

a huge 34-storey tower block could be built next to London’s only licensed heliport.

The building next to London Heliport would be the tallest in Battersea, if the plans from developer Heliport London Ltd move forward.

The tower on Lombard Road, by the River Thames, would contain up to 147 flats and commercial units on the ground floor. It would replace an empty five-storey office building, known as Heliport House, and two industrial garages.

The council approved plans to build a 15-storey tower on top of Heliport House in 2014, containing no affordable homes, but it was never built. The latest plans include a taller tower to accommodate affordable housing, at 35 per cent by ‘habitable room’.

The plans were originally revealed in a screening opinion request submitted by London Heliport Ltd to Wandsworth Council in November. The request outlined the scheme to determine if an environmental statement should be

provided as part of the formal planning application, which has not yet been submitted.

The developer has now launched a website with more details on the plans. It is seeking feedback from the public as it continues to work on the proposals, with the website including an enquiry form for people to get in

improvements to the service. Once it completes its internal proposal review, TfL will announce a ‘permanent fix’ to the route in March 2025.

Lib Dem MP Mr Dean welcomed the progress. He said: “This is a big win for local residents who have been let down time and time again by the unreliability of the 154. No one should have to worry about whether they’ll make it home from work or pick up their kids on time. I’m pleased TfL has finally listened to the community and taken action.” Mr Dean also emphasised the need for continued pressure to ensure the changes deliver lasting improvements. “We need a long-term fix, not just a short-term patch-up,” he added. “I’ll be keeping the pressure on to make sure these improvements actually deliver for passengers.”

touch. The developer said the scheme would see the replacement of unattractive buildings that ‘blight the local environment’ with a high-quality development in an ‘iconic design’. It pledged to make other improvements to the area, including making the section of the Thames Path behind

London Heliport more accessible. The developer added: “The delivery of up to 147 residential units, including 35 per cent affordable housing by habitable room is highly valuable, since the provision of market and affordable housing is a fundamental policy objective at the local, regional and national level.

“The proposal would set an exemplary standard for design, which would raise the bar for future developments in the area. The extremely low carbon nature of the development would reinforce its potential to improve design standards in the area.”

More details about the plans will be revealed in due course.

CGIs of the proposed 34-storey tower on Lombard Road, Battersea. Credit: Nest Battersea

south Londoners baCK rent ControL s after havinG to hand over 40 per Cent of waGes to private L andL ords

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter

SouTh LondonerS have backed rent controls after a city hall politician declared the capital was facing a ‘cost of rent crisis’—with the city’s over two million renters handing over on average over 40 per cent of their wages to landlords.

A report published by Green Assembly member Zoë Garbett on Friday (February 7) called on Labour Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to set up a commission to examine how rent controls could operate in the capital.

She said: “We need to break this cycle of unaffordability, and get a grip of the private rental market before even more Londoners can no longer afford to live in their own city. The evidence is clear: while there’s no guarantee more private housebuilding will limit or drive down the price of renting, there is a guarantee a rent control will.”

Patrick Dunne, 26, who rents a flatshare with two others in Kennington, Lambeth said restrictions on rent increases would bring him ‘peace and security’. He said: “We started paying £540 per month each four years ago. We now pay £780 each. That’s almost a 40 per cent increase. My wage had not risen by that amount. It’s not even close to keeping up with it.

“You don’t have [the] security of

knowing where we are going to be long term. Every 12 months your living situation is at risk. If the rent increase is too high, you have to move out and enter a market that’s full of extortionately priced crappy properties. It’s hard to build a life or have a family. It’s really depressing when you think about it.”

Another renter, who described herself as living in a ‘mouldy’ two-bed property

in Bromley with her partner and another housemate, said rent controls couldn’t come soon enough. She said: “Rent controls are absolutely essential. As it stands, I definitely don’t see myself in London long term. I can’t save with so much money going towards rent.

“Currently we pay £525 each but my other housemate is about to move out and the rent will soon just be between the

two of us so it will work out at over £750 per month each. That’s 47 per cent of my income and I wouldn’t consider my house fit to live in.”

Sadiq Khan currently lacks powers from central government to impose rent controls in the private rented sector. In 2019, he published a report in which he expressed support for rent controls and said he would seek to establish a commission to design what an effective system of rent control could look like.

But six years later the commission has yet to be brought into being. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer’s government has so far ruled out giving Khan the power to

impose rent controls.

A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan said:

“The Mayor is concerned about the impact of unaffordable private rents and is determined to do everything in his power to make housing more affordable for London’s 2.6 million private renters.

“The Mayor is focused on working with government, London boroughs and housing associations to deliver more affordable homes. Last year, Sadiq unveiled an innovative new proposal for key worker living rent homes, which could save Londoners in vital frontline jobs up to £600 a month, helping to build a better and fairer London for all.”

Homeless crisis ‘fuelling violence among young people’

By Noah Vickers

Local Democracy Reporter

London’S homeLeSSneSS crisis is helping to fuel violence among young people, the director of Sir Sadiq Khan’s Violence reduction unit (Vru) has warned.

Lib Peck, the former Lambeth Council leader who has headed up the mayor’s VRU since 2019, said the lack of “belonging and identity” that comes with being homeless is causing young Londoners to disengage from school and “drop out of the system”.

Speaking with the Local Democracy

Reporting Service this week, Ms Peck said: “Look at the amount of people in temporary accommodation across London.

“When we speak to young people –consistently, really – whether it’s why they don’t engage with school or why they don’t engage with other institutions or they drop out of the system, [they say] it’s because they don’t feel a sense of belonging and identity.

“What is more profound than not having a home that you can actually take pride in and feel a sense of permanency in?”

A report by London Councils in

October 2024 found that more than 183,000 Londoners are estimated to be homeless and living in temporary accommodation arranged by their local borough. The number of households on the waiting list for social housing also rose last year to reach over 336,000 –the highest level since 2013.

Ms Peck suggested that an improvement in the housing crisis across the capital could play some role in contributing to a reduced level of youth violence in the city, saying: “I’m not sure there’d be a direct correlation, but it is absolutely a long-term driver.”

She also emphasised that even for those young people who are not homeless, and whose parents may be renting a property, “the lack of permanency, the stresses of being able to rent somewhere, the difficulty in the system” are “absolutely” felt by those young Londoners.

The VRU was established by Sir Sadiq six years ago, with a mission “to understand the complex causes of violence and prevent it from happening”.

The Unit has been running several targeted programmes aimed at early intervention, with Ms Peck reporting positive results from each of them.

The first of those schemes, called Talk Matters, is provided to young children across more than 70 primary schools who may be “manifesting communication problems”, which can often lead to bigger behavioural issues

once those children reach secondary school.

Ms Peck said: “We’ve reached 5,000 young people, and amazingly what we’ve seen there is reports back from teachers saying, to solve conflicts now, they [the children] are reaching for words rather than for violence, and the attainment gap between them and their peers has narrowed by 98 per cent, which is pretty staggering, I think.”

Another programme focuses on teaching children about “healthy relationships” and is being delivered in 66 primary and secondary schools.

The scheme has resulted in 15,200 children and young people taking part in arts and drama-based sessions, Ms Peck said, and has led to 90 per cent of pupils having a better understanding of healthy relationships and 80 per cent now able to spot ‘red flags’ in a friendship or relationship.

A third programme has been designed to provide mentors at pupil referral units (PRUs) – alternative education providers aimed at children who have been excluded from school or are otherwise unable to attend a mainstream setting. According to Ms Peck, 82 per cent of PRUs which have taken advantage of the mentoring have reported increased attendance, and 86 per cent reported reductions in incidents.

Over the last year, the VRU has also been focused on encouraging schools

not to suspend or exclude pupils, unless where necessary for the safety of children and staff. The VRU argues that keeping young people in school reduces their likelihood of becoming involved in violent crime, as it gives them an important positive influence in their lives.

Research by the Office for National Statistics in 2022 found that more than half (52.5 per cent) of young adults who received custodial sentences had been persistently absent during their school years.

Ms Peck said that in pursuit of the VRU’s goal to create more “inclusive” schools across the capital, some 100,000 children in London now attend schools with access to UNICEF’s ‘Rights Respecting School Award’ programme, which aims to put “children’s rights at the heart of school policy and practice”.

Asked what support she wants to see from the Labour Government, she said a commitment towards “long-term investment” for initiatives aimed at reducing violence was much-needed

While she praised the Government’s “mission-led” approach, she stressed the importance of preventative measures, saying: “We’re spending £3m a day in London on [tackling] violence. Can we start looking at how we prevent that from happening?

“That’s a fundamental shift, I think, that we’d be looking for from any Government.”

Lib Peck

Renter Patrick Dunne said rent controls would bring him ‘peace and security.

Photo supplied by Patrick Dunne

Zoë Garbett, Green AM, speaking at the London Rent Commission at City Hall Greater London Authority

what’s on in Southwark

we are aLL on the speC truM

‘Fukko FF sunnovv AB itch!’ comeS the cry from Fred when London taxi driver Lee joins him in the doctor’s waiting room, quickly followed by, ‘sorry, i have tourette’s.’ And so opens laurent Baffie’s docdoc, a play that describes the few hours when six ocd patients come to see doctor cooper who claims he can cure them in one visit, writes Michael Holland.

As each patient arrives we soon ascertain the problem they are dealing with: Bob needs symmetry, Mary thinks she has left everything on or unlocked at home; Blanche voraciously cleans and washes her hands; Lili needs to say everything twice twice; Lee is obsessed with numbers and calculations and knows how long they have all been waiting - in seconds! And we know that Fred cannot stop shouting out swear words or something sex-related. The scene is ripe for comedy.

Within minutes I could sense that the Bromley audience were not all aware at how ripe Fred’s outbursts could be, which made it all the funnier when some began clutching their pearls and others snorted all the more.

The doctor’s secretary appears to relay information that the doctor has been delayed but he is on his way. They play Monopoly to pass the time and get to know each other better, and that creates other roads to comedyTheir foibles were on fire now. Blanche can’t touch the germ-filled dice, Mary screams and panics and tries to leave

for home whenever someone lands on the water and electric companies, Lee constantly keeps count of the dice thrown… As time goes on they decide to have their own group therapy session, which allows us deeper into their lives and perhaps to the trauma that set off their OCD.

After a while you feel guilty about laughing at their afflictions because you realise that these are the people that constantly live under pressure to conform to society’s expectations when they find it impossible; the very people who hide their true selves away - either physically or metaphorically. In this

heaven is where performers exercise their storyteller skills

Fir ST haV ing opened at the dublin Theatre Festival back in 2022, followed by tours and runs in 2023 that took it from

ireland to edinburgh and new york, Fishamble: The new Play company’s heaven comes to the Southwark Playhouse for a short

run before heading back up to edinburgh and another tour of ireland, writes Christopher Peacock...

setting they could feel free to be who are they are because they knew they would be understood and not judged or snubbed by Doctor Cooper’s patients.

Eventually, I began to get fed up with their eccentricities. It wasn’t so funny now when Lili repeated everything she said, Fred shouted obscenities, or Mary

Having won an Olivier award back in 2016 and toured all over, Fishamble certainly handle new Irish writing well and have a great stock of work to go to when they want. Such as Heaven, written by Eugene O’Brien, a two-hander about a married couple heading back to county Offaly to attend a wedding.

Mairead and Mal, are in a stale but otherwise perfectly happy marriage.

As the wedding day unfolds we get to hear their perspectives of the events of the day and then how their evenings head in different directions.

Heaven is incredibly efficient in its storytelling. O’Brien is economic in writing this tale for two but it is so deftly handled nothing is missing.

A show as a series of monologues can get stagnant in style and bogged down in exposition. Thankfully here the characters of Mal and Mairead poured out of the script fully fledged in front of us. You were never left feeling like you were being dragged through the plot as Jim Culleton’s direction works well in keeping things moving.

With little set pieces or action on stage it is left to the performers to keep the energy up and everyone engaged. With Andrew Bennett and

thought she’d left the gas on. But then I began thinking of the people I knew who were on the spectrum - in much milder forms - who struggled with aspects of life that others of us do not and how I become annoyed with them. My guilt worsened as we continued to collectively poke fun at their idiosyncrasies.

Fortunately, DocDoc is not an exercise in mocking the afflicted but one to highlight the fact that there are people like this and with our help they can live full lives. Hence, the producers of DocDoc are working in partnership with UK-based mental health charity No Panic who support people with all anxiety problems, which eased my own apprehension and allowed me to enjoy this very funny play as Bob keeps adjusting shelves he feels are out of whack and who cannot walk on lines, hilariously getting around the room by making a bridge of books or bunny-hopping with a cushion; and Fred unnerves sections of the audience long after the other patients had come to terms with his cursing.

It was then, after relating to many of the foibles depicted in DocDoc, I realised that we are all on the spectrum at some level.

Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA until 15th February then Palace Theatre Southend until the 22nd. Cast: Sophie Bloor as Lili, Gareth Brierley as Fred, Ryan Early as Lee, Joanna Hudson-Fox as Blanche, Isabella Leung as Secretary, Julia J Nagle as Mary and Leon Stewart as Bob.

Janet Moran in the roles this was never in doubt. Both with excellent, charming and witty performances they draw out all of the humour and unease their characters go through on the night. As Mal and Mairead toil in the decisions they make, the secrets they wish to keep and the personal truths they have long wanted to suppress, both Bennet and Moran hold a lovely line.

Writing a play with an Irish wedding at the heart of the action certainly leaves open many avenues for the drama to go down. What Heaven does brilliantly is not to run away with any obvious clichéd potential storylines from its Irish wedding setup. O’Brien lightly weaves in many cultural touch points and details, which you could tell hit home for many of those of the Irish diaspora in the room. Heaven allows the performers to exercise their storyteller skills in this simplest of forms.

Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD until February 22nd.

Full Details and Booking: www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/ productions/heaven

Photo by Mark Senior Photography

Photo by Ste Murray

Heading south - our pick of upcoming winter events

Organ Concert at the Chapel

Experience the first playing of the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul organ since its restoration. Silent since 2020, the 235-year-old organ has undergone an overhaul. Originally installed in 1789 by Samuel Green, the King’s organ-maker, the organ is thought to be the largest of Green’s still in its original position and is widely recognised by musicologists and historians for its historical significance. Music will be provided by the Chapel choir of Trinity Laban, accompanied by Jonathan Eyre as the organist and Alexander Knight as guest organist. The Queen Mary Undercroft bar will be open during intermission, with drinks available for purchase.

Date: Saturday 1 March 2025, 6pm. Tickets: £10 to £40 Chapel of St Peter & St Paul, Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN ornc.org/whats-on/organ-restoration-celebration-concert

Country to Country 2025

The O2 welcomes the return of the three-day festival Country to Country this March. As a staple in the festival calendar, the event brings country music to the masses. This year, the headliners have been announced as Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley and Cody Johnson. Expect a weekend of the best in country music, featuring performances from the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, the UK and Europe. With more acts to be announced, it’s time to tip your cowboy hat and adorn your boots for a good ol’ line dance.

Dates: Friday 14 March to Sunday 16 March 2025

Tickets: Prices vary – day and weekend tickets available The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/c2c-country-to-country-2025

HERbal Health workshop

Join Herbal Hackney for a bespoke workshop to mark Women’s History Month at the National Maritime Museum. The event will explore some of the interwoven threads between women, plants and health through history and across different cultures. Through memories, stories and recipes, you will discover the healing properties of a range of plants, from growing herbs and cooking to making remedies – discussing how plants can be enjoyed and celebrated in many different forms. Enjoy an evening of delving into the world of aromatherapy and how to make simple products to enjoy at home.

Date: Wednesday 12 March 2025, 6:30pm

Tickets: Adult £7, Members £5

National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/herbs-health

The Museum of Marvellous Things

Welcome to The Museum of Marvellous Things, where the impossible can happen… Discover stars in jars, catch moons like balloons, dance with Doo-Dahs in cages, sing with Noo-Nahs on stages, because this is a museum like no other – it’s made from the magic of your imagination – and you get to bring it alive. With giant puppets, magical effects, interactive storytelling, live original music and a chance to make your own special puppet, enjoy this fun-filled family show at Tramshed, based on the picture book by Kristina Stephenson, creator of Sir Charlie Stinky Socks. Meet serious Norbert Norris and wild Tilly T. Pott as they give you a sneak peek inside their amazing museum and ask you to fill it with magic. Recommended for children aged 3-8 years and their adults.

Date: Saturday 15 February 2025, 11am and 2pm. Tickets: £6-£18 Tramshed, 51-53 Woolwich New Road, SE18 6ES www.tramshed.org/the-museum-of- marvelous-things

Celebrating George Michael

Your Father Figure, or Somebody to Love – celebrate George Michael at this special event at Bromley Theatre featuring Steve Mitchell. The show focuses on the more mature and seasoned style of George brought by performances such as the 1996 “MTV UNPLUGGED” from the Three Mills studio in London. As well as all of George’s best and most well-known hits, Steve and his hand-picked band also perform some of Wham’s classics, making it a very special show for all George Michael fans. Dave West, who played bass with George and Andrew on the very first recordings of Wham Rap! and Careless Whisper, will also be joining Steve and the band.

Date: Saturday 8 March 2025, 7:30pm. Ticket: £28.50 Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, SE6 4RU www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk/events/celebrating-george-michael

Free Open Sessions: CDJ & Vinyl

Bring your own records to play and practice at this AAJA drop-in evening – a space where music is appreciated, community is created and mistakes are encouraged. If you don’t have records, no need to worry, the facilitator will have records for you to play. The bar will also be open for you to enjoy a drink as you take to the decks. Guarantee your place by purchasing a £5 ticket, which will be refunded on attendance of the session. This is your chance to experiment or test out your latest set, and have some fun.

Dates: Every Tuesday

Tickets: £5, refundable on attendance AAJA, Comet Place, SE8 4EP www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-open-sessions-cdjvinyl-tickets-1125534797879

History

MusiCaL MiLestones at waLworth road’s a1 stores

By Debra Gosling

STand By kids, this is a nostalgia alert! let me take you back to the 1970s. Saturday afternoons in walworth road meant a trip to the a1 stores and an introduction to a musical wonderland.

After a dull afternoon grocery shopping, mum would take refuge in this fabulous shop. My mum is a very musical person; she can play the piano, once sung in a choir and has even tried her hand at the ukulele.

We always had the radio playing, so all the latest songs rang through our ears. Until CDs took over, mum’s vinyl collection was second to none and it was her who has influenced my music tastes from a very young age.

The only decent record shop in Southwark was the A1 Stores in Walworth Road, with a satellite store and a Sunday stall in East Street market (‘down the Lane’). This family business started here in 1913 as a gramophone shop, but it was the music that really flourished.

Besides the records, the shop also

sold flamboyant light shades, along with those groovy seventies mood lights. They looked like big dandelions which slowly changed colour, totally mesmerising us.

But the music was the big attraction. We would listen to the Hit Parade every Sunday and whenever a new song was released we bought the 45 single from A1. It was always crowded on a Saturday and it felt like an exclusive club.

The proprietors were Melvyn Samuels and his mum Eva, whose musical knowledge was extensive to say the least. They promoted all the popular stuff but introduced new artists and music you may be interested in. You got proper customer service there, as they spent time listening to your tastes and suggesting albums to try; they even played them in the shop so you could listen before purchasing.

Simon & Garfunkel’s album, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, was played to pieces in our house, with the album cover being sellotaped together. The shop always date stamped the

inside cover. And Melvyn introduced us to The Peddlers, a very cool 1960’s British jazz/soul trio of the 1960s and 1970s. Led by organist Roy Phillips, they had hits with ‘Birth’, ‘Who Can I Turn To’ and ‘Girlie’. Never heard of them? Google them and be converted. This shop had its own record label, ‘A 1’, and promoted up and coming talent, which included the launching of the Gypsy Kings with ‘Bamboleo’. Other artists included Steve ‘I found lovin’ Walsh’ and granny’s favourite, Joe Longthorne Raymond, who ran the label, brought upon us the Tweets with the ‘Birdie Song’. Yes, I do know all the movements. A glass or two of Malibu and I’ll be flapping away again...

With many famous music friends the shop hosted appearances and signings of newly-launched records. Celebs who supported the shop included Perry Como, Scott Walker, Andy Williams and Neil Sedaka. Marc Bolan was a customer who frequented the store’s sister shop in Tottenham. Danny Baker, another big record fan, was a regular. Minder star Denis Waterman popped in for

a signing when he brought out the theme song to the show. ‘I Could Be So Good For You’.

My very first single, purchased with my pocket money, was Slade’s ‘Gudbye t’Jane’. And one of my granddad’s faves, ‘Mouldy Old Dough’ by Lieutenant Pigeon, was bought there. The shop was a place for historic musical milestones. The great mourning for the death of Elvis in 1977 had us clamouring for ‘Way On Down’. When John Lennon was shot we rushed in to buy ‘Just Like Starting Over’. In 1984

we all became aware of the Ethiopian famine when we bought ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’. When the New Seekers brought out the Coca Cola inspired ‘I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing’ the shop had a delivery of 100 copies but half way through that morning they needed more!

Sadly, the shop has now closed, along with a host of musical memories and all that specialist knowledge Melvyn and his mum brought to us. They were happy days indeed.

© Leon Parker

Walworth’s A1 Stores

A1 owners

Melvyn, far left, and Eva, far right

Dennis Waterman visits A1

An A1 sleeve

© Leon Parker

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

Valentine’s messages

Lauren Happy Valentine’s day and Happy 40th Birthday soon Baby love you loads Mum Dad Lily Ted Johnboy and girls xxxxxxxx 

Frankie, Roses are red, Violets are blue, You nick all the duvet But I still love you <3 Love from T x

Dave, you are one lucky fella...well I think so, Happy Valentine’s Day, love you lots, Lisa xx

JAYNE. Happy Valentine’s Day. From Josh and Jess. XXX XXX

JAYNE HAPPY VALENTINE’S LOVE ****** XXX XX X Ruthie Baby GCR.FLM.X

To my darling Asta, Happy Valentine’s Day! All my love, Nandad xxx

To my darling Jude, Happy Valentine’s Day! All my love, Nanny Helen xxx

To my darling Rocco, Happy Valentine’s Day! All my love, Nanny Helen xxx

Chrissie Happy Valentine day baby Love you more than all the stars in the sky

Always and forever Viking x xx x x

Ronnie webb from our 1st kiss to my last breath I will love you all my love me xx

Reg valentine 2025. Ronnie webb from our 1st kiss to my last breath I will love you always love me xx

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A3 GLA SIDE ROAD (TOLWORTH RISE SOUTH, ROYAL BOROUGH OF KINGSTON UPON THAMES) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC)

ORDER 2025

1. Transport for London in consultation with the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames 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 water valve repair works to take place on Tolworth Rise South.

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

(1) entering, exiting or proceeding on the Tolworth Rise South Service Road between its junction with Warren Drive South and the extended southern property boundary of No. 112 Tolworth Rise South;

(2) turning right into Tolworth Rise South from Warren Drive South.

The Order will be effective at certain times between 17th February 2025 and 19th February 2025, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day 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.

5. At such times as the prohibitions are in force an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs via Oakdene Drive, Raleigh Drive and Warren Drive South and in reverse to normal route of travel.

Dated this 14th day of February 2025

Claire Wright

Co-ordination Manager Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A3 GLA ROAD (WEST HILL, LONDON BOROUGH OF WANDSWORTH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) 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 allow water meter works to take place at A3 West Hill.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from entering, exiting or proceeding on the West Hill off slip road connecting the westbound carriageway of the A3 West Hill with Tibbets Corner Roundabout.

The Order will be effective from 10:00 AM on 20th February 2025 until 6:00 PM on 23rd February 2025 or when those works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by 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 prohibition is in force alternative routes will be indicated by trafc signs via West Hill Southwest bound, Kingston Road, Roehampton Vale, Kingston Vale, Roehampton Vale, Kingston Road, Tibbets Corner to normal route of travel.

Dated this 14th day of February 2025 Claire Wright Co-ordination and Permitting Area Manager Transport for London

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A21 GLA ROADS (RUSHEY GREEN AND BROMLEY ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) ORDER 2025

1. Transport for London having consulted with the London Borough of Lewisham 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 carriageway resurfacing to take place on the A21 Bromley Road.

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

(1) entering or proceeding in a northerly direction on Bromley Road between its junctions with Daneby Road and Downham Lane;

(2) entering or proceeding in a southerly direction on Bromley Road between its junctions with Downham Way and Bellingham Road;

(3) entering or proceeding in a southerly direction on Rushey Green between its junction with Sangley Road and the northern boundary of Nos.1 to 14 Octavia House, Rushey Green;

(4) stopping on Bromley Road between its junctions with Daneby Road and Downham Lane;

(5) stopping on the south-eastern kerb-line of Rushey Green/Bromley Road between its junction with Sangley Road and outside No.163 Rushey Green;

(6) entering, exiting, proceeding on Randlesdown Road between its junction with Bromley Road and the access road to Randisbourne Gardens, Bromley Road;

(7) entering or exiting Orford Road and the access road to Delamare Court, No. 246 Bromley Road at their junctions with Bromley Road;

(8) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Allerford Road between its junction with Bromley Road and the north-eastern building line of Nos. 7 to 12 Allerford Court, Bromley Road;

(9) entering, exiting, stopping or proceeding on Watermead Road between its junction with Bromley Road and the extended north-eastern building line of Nos. 13 to 18 Flatford House, Bromley Road;

(10) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Beckenham Hill Road between its junctions with Bromley Road and the access road to Homebase Beckenham Hill Road;

(11) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Ansford Road between its junction with Bromley Road and the extended southern property boundary of No.386 Bromley Road;

(12) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Chelford Road between its junction with Bromley Road and the south-western building line of No.400 Bromley Road;

(13) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Old Bromley Road between its junctions with Bromley Road and Bamford Road;

(14) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Downham Way between its junction with Bromley Road and the unnamed service road at the rear of Nos. 446 to 468 Bromley Road and Nos. 9 to 23 Old Bromley Road;

(15) entering, exiting, stopping or proceeding on the unnamed service road at the rear of Nos. 446 to 468 Bromley Road and Nos. 9 to 23 Old Bromley Road between its junction with Bromley Roan and a point 3 metres south-west of the north-eastern building line of No.446 Bromley Road;

(16) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Winlaton Road between its junction with Bromley Road and the extended eastern building line of No.9 Winlaton Road;

(17) entering or exiting Bromley Road at its junction with the access road to BP Petrol Station, Bromley Road;

(18) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Oakridge Road between its junction with Bromley Road and the extended western building line of No.5 Oakridge Road;

(19) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Oldstead Road between its junction with Bromley Road and the extended north-eastern building line of No.359 Bromley Road;

(20) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Daneswood Avenue between its junction with Bromley Road and the extended southwestern building line of Nos.271 to 275 Conisborough Crescent, Bromley Road.

The Order will allow two way operations on Oakridge Road between its junction with Haddington Road and extended south-western building line of No.5 Oakridge Road.

The Order will be effective between 16th February 2025 and 16th August 2025 every night from 9.00 PM until 5.00 AM 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 an alternative routes will be indicated by trafc for northbound trafc via Bromley Road, London Lane, Burnt Ash Lane, Southover, Downham Way, Northover, Verdant Lane, Brownhill Road, Plassy Road and Bromley Road to normal route of travel. (For HGV) Park Avenue and then follow the above diversion for southbound trafc via Bellingham Road, Hazel Bank Road, Verdant Lane, Northover and Downham Way to normal route of travel.

Dated this 14th day of February 2025

Matt Standell

Performance and Planning Manager, Transport for London

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH Notice Under The Town and Country Planning Acts

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council is considering applications as set out below under the following categories; FUL = FULL PLANNING PERMISSION

LB = LISTED BUILDING CONSENT

VOC = VARIATION OF CONDITIONS

Written representations should be made within three weeks of the date of this advertisement to the Director of Planning, PO Box 734, Winchester SO23 5DG. Any comments made are open to inspection by the public and in the event of an appeal may be referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. Confidential comments cannot be taken into account in determining an application.

Application plans can be viewed online at www.lambeth.gov.uk/searchplanningapps – search using the reference number at the end of each application listing.

8

Clapham High Street London Lambeth SW4 7ST Installation of 5 Air Handling Units to Ground Floor Rear Elevation to service Ground Floor. 25/00242/FUL

10A Lancaster Avenue London SE27 9DZ Erection of an entrance porch and bay window to the side elevatation and replacement

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A243 GLA ROAD (ACE PARADE, ROYAL BOROUGH OF KINGSTON UPON THAMES) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF STOPPING) ORDER 2025

1. Transport for London having consulted the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames hereby gives notice that it has made the above named Traffic Order under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specified in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable electrical vehicle charging point installation works to take place on A243 Ace Parade.

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

(1) stopping in the Parking and Disabled Persons' vehicles bay opposite Nos.10-18 Ace Parade;

(2) stopping in the Loading and Disabled Persons' vehicles bay outside Nos.68 Ace Parade;

(3) stopping in the Parking and Disabled Persons' vehicles bay outside Nos. 816 Ace Parade;

(4) entering, exiting or proceeding on Ace Parade between its junctions with Hook Rise South and Elmcroft Drive;

(5) entering, exiting or proceeding in an easterly direction on Elmcroft Drive between its junctions with Hook Road and the ingress/egress to the private car park. Local access will be maintained.

7AF Erection of a rear infill extension to the lower ground floor flat, and internal alterations including removal of the front store/bedroom wall, alterations to bathroom layout with relocation to the kitchen to the bedroom and steps and handrail repairs.

Erection of a single storey ground floor rear orangery extension, the installation of a disability lift, the relocation of a WC to staircase, relocation of the rear garden, and repositioning the doorway. Creation of shower room to the first floor and enlargement to the door between reception rooms. Alteration to the second floor en-suite bathroom/walk in wardrobe.

Formation of a side roof terrace to the third floor, together with the replacement of the windows to the second/third floors and other associated works. (Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 24/02291/LB but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 24/02290/FUL). 24/02291/LB

The Hub 21 - 25 South Lambeth Road London SW8 1SU Replacement of all existing claddings, associated insulations and external wall systems. 25/00277/FUL

Waterloo Station London SE1 8SW Variation of condition 15 (Use GIAs) of planning permission 22/01633/VOC (Variation and discharge of Condition 11 (Delivery and Servicing Management Plan) and removal of condition 12 (Delivery Vehicles Schedule Times) and condition 35 (Pedestrian Comfort Levels and Delivery Times) of planning permission 16/02973/FUL (Change of use of existing Waterloo International Terminal (WIT) to a mix of Class A1-A5 (retail) uses and Class D2 (assembly & leisure) use, the installation of mezzanine floorspace, external alterations, servicing and associated works) granted 19.05.2017) granted on Variation sought: amendment to wording of condition in reference to Use Classes. 24/03852/VOC

5 Cormont Road London Lambeth SE5 9RA Erection of a single storey ground floor side extension with the installation of french doors to the courtyard, the replacement of windows with double glazed timber sash windows, including the replacement of front/rear doors and the roof with the installation of roof lights, solar PV panels, and an air source heat pump, together with the provision of cycle/refuse store, the replacement of the front boundary wall and other associated works. 25/00097/FUL

3 Hilldown Road London SW16 3DZ Replacement of front porch steps and installation of balustrade, and erection of black painted railings to front boundary and gate - Resubmission. 25/00215/FUL

10 Clapham Common South Side London SW4 7AA Conversion of the second and third floors units to provide 2 x 1 bed residential units. 25/00128/FUL

The Quadrangle Herne Hill London SE24 9QR Application for Listed Building Consent refurbishment to Apartment 19 to include new insulated plasterboard to external walls, new plasterboard to side walls, reinstatement of walls, dropped timber screen, picture rail, doors, installation of kitchen, shower room, electrics, heating system and new external boiler flue and vent tile. 25/00228/LB

63 The Chase London Lambeth SW4 0NP Erection of two-storey rear extension at lower and upper ground floors, reinstating the lower ground floor side window, together with erection of a rear mansard roof extension including the installation of two front roof lights, and the replacement of windows and front doors, the provision of bin store and planter, plus the installation of metal entrance gate, railings to front garden and new gate with security railings above. 25/00258/FUL

Dated this Friday 14/02/2025

Rob Bristow

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LOWER MARSH FOR A CRANE OPERATION

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable works involving the operation of a crane to be carried out, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth, subject to the agreement of Transport for London, intend to make an order the effect of which would be to temporarily ban vehicles from entering that length of Lower Marsh which lies between Westminster Bridge Road and No. 11 Lower Marsh.

2. An alternative route for vehicles would be available via Westminster Bridge Road, Baylis Road and Lower Marsh (between Baylis Road and Frazier Street).

3. Whenever the above ban applies, the one-way system for vehicles in Lower Marsh between Westminster Bridge Road and its junction with Frazier Street and Launcelot Street would be suspended.

4. The Order would come into force on 2nd March 2025 for a maximum duration of 2 months (to allow for contingencies) or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works would be carried out, between the hours of 7. am and 6.30 am on 2nd March 2025 and 9th March 2025, with backup dates on 16th March 2025 and 23rd March 2025, but if the works cannot be carried out or completed on those dates then the Order may also have effect on subsequent days within the maximum period of 2 months.

Dated 14th February 2025

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LICENSING ACT 2003

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE

Name of applicant: La Petite Boulangerie Ltd

Postal address of premises: 51-55 The Broadway, Cheam, Sutton, SM3 8BL

Application Details: Monday to Sunday Supply of Alcohol both on and off sites from 11.00 – 23:00 hours

Full details of the application can be inspected on the licensing register, online at www.sutton.gov.uk or in person at the address given below.

Deadline for representations: 06 March 2025

Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Authority by post:

Licensing Manager, Regulatory Services, Kingston and Sutton Shared Environment Service, London Borough of Sutton, Civic Offices, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1EA or by email to licensing@sutton.gov.uk

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person liable on summary conviction for the offence is £5,000

The Order will be effective at certain times 7:00 PM on 14th February 2025 until 7:00 PM on 14th February 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 prohibition is in force an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs via Hook Road, Hunters Road and Fullers Way South to normal route of travel.

Dated this 14th day of February 2025 Matt Standell Planning and Performance Manager, Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE GLA ROADS AND GLA SIDE ROADS (WANDSWORTH) RED ROUTE CONSOLIDATION TRAFFIC ORDER 2008 A205 GLA ROAD (UPPER RICHMOND ROAD) VARIATION ORDER 2025

1. Transport for London, hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Order under section 6 of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984.

2. The general nature and effect of the Order will be to introduce a Parking and Disabled Persons’ Vehicles Bay outside No.125 Upper Richmond Road No Stopping Mon-Sat 7am - 7pm Except 10am-4pm parking 1 hour No return within 2 hours

3. The road which would be affected by the Order is A205 Upper Richmond Road.

4. A copy of the Order, a statement of Transport for London’s reasons for the proposals, a map indicating the location and effect of the Order and copies of any Order revoked, suspended or varied by the Order can be inspected by visiting our website at https://haveyoursay.t.gov.uk/tro and selecting the relevant borough and reference the Trafc Order relates to or by appointment during normal ofce hours at our ofce at the address below. To arrange an appointment please email trafcordersection@t,gov.uk. Copies of the documents may be requested via email at trafcordersection@t,gov.uk or by post at the following address quoting reference NMR/REGULATION/STOT/LL/TRO, GLA/2025/0132 •Transport for London Streets Trafc Order Team (NMR/REGULATION/STOT) Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road London, SE1 8NJ

5. All objections and other representations to the proposed Order must be made in writing and must specify the grounds on which they are made. Objections and representations must be sent to Transport for London, Streets Trafc Order Team, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ or by emailing trafcordersection@t.gov.uk quoting reference NMR/REGULATION/STOT/LL/TRO, GLA/2025/0132, to arrive before 7th March 2025. Please note due to hybrid working access to post is restricted and requests for documents and conrmation of your objections or representations may be delayed. Objections and other representations may be communicated to other persons who may be affected.

Dated this 14th day of February 2025

Matt Standell Planning & Performance Manager (South), Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE – ATKINS ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable water repair and maintenance works to be carried out, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth, have made an order the effect of which will be to temporarily ban vehicles from entering that length of Atkins Road which lies between the south-eastern kerb-line of Cavendish Road and a point 38 metres of that kerb-line.

2. An alternative route for vehicles will be available via Clarence Avenue, Poynders Road and Cavendish Road.

3. The restrictions will only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.

4. The order will come into effect on 18th February 2025 and will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month (to allow for contingencies). In practice it is anticipated that the order will only have effect between 18th February 2025 and 20th February 2025, but if the works cannot be carried out or completed between these dates then the Order may have effect on subsequent days within the maximum duration of 1 month.

Dated 14th February 2025 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ON VICTORIA RISE

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to facilitate water main repair works the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth after consulting Transport for London (TfL) have made an Order, the general effect of which will be to:(i) ban vehicles from entering, parking, waiting, loading, and unloading in that length of Victoria Rise, between the northern kerb-line of the A3 Clapham Common North Side and Long Road and a point 20 metres north of that kerb-line; and; (ii) suspend parking places on both sides of Victoria Rise.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Wandsworth Road, Ceders Road and the A3 Clapham Common North Side and vice versa.

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

4. The Order will come into force on 18 February 2025 and will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month, or until the works have been completed whichever is sooner.

Dated 14th February 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ON PORTSLADE ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to facilitate a bridge inspection the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth have made an Order, the general effect of which will be to:(i) ban vehicles from entering, parking, waiting, loading, and unloading in Portslade Road, which lies between the junction of the A3036 Wandsworth Road and Arch 656 on Portslade Road; and; (ii) suspend the parking places in Portslade Road, which lies between the junction of the A3036 Wandsworth Road and Arch 656 on Portslade Road

2. Access to local properties will be maintained during the road closure.

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

4. The Order will come into force on 18 February 2025 and will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month, or until the works have been completed whichever is sooner.

Dated 14th February 2025

Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

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

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to facilitate gas main repair works the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth after consulting Transport for London (TfL) have made an Order, the general effect of which will be to:(i) ban vehicles from entering, parking, waiting, loading, and unloading in that length of Carson Road, which lies between the southern kerb-line of the A205 Thurlow Park Road and a point 15 metres south of that kerb-line; and (ii) suspend parking places on both sides of Carson Road.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via (a) Thurlow Park Road, Rosendale Road, and Carson Road; and (b) Rosendale Road, Park Hall Road, Croxted Road, and Thurlow Park Road.

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

4. The Order will come into force on 17 February 2025 and will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month, or until the works have been completed whichever is sooner.

Dated 14th February 2025

Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14 TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ESTREHAM ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water maintenance works to be carried out, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth have made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily ban vehicles from entering in that length of Estreham Road which lies between the north-eastern wall of Nos. 50 and 51 Estreham Road and Hambro Road.

2. Alternative routes will be available for affected vehicles via (a) Streatham High Road, Guildersfield Road, Ellison Road, Kempshott Road, Streatham High Road and Natal Road; and (b) Lewin Road, Streatham High Road and Natal Road.

3. The ban will only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.

4. The Order will come into force on 18th February 2025, for a maximum duration of 1 month (to allow for contingencies) or unti the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take place on 18th February 2025 between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, but if the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time then the Order may have effect at subsequent times within the maximum period of 1 month.

Dated 14th February 2025

Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE – ELECTRIC LANE

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable bridge examination works to be carried out, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an order the effect of which would be to temporarily; (a) ban vehicles (including cyclists) from

2. An alternative route for cyclists would be available via Electric Avenue and Atlantic Road and vice versa. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would not be required.

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

4. The order would come into force on 26th February 2025 and would continue for a maximum duration of 1 month (to allow for contingencies). In practice it is anticipated that the order would only have effect between 26th February 2025 to 27th February 2025, during the hours of 10.pm and 6.am, but if the works cannot be completed between these dates, then the Order may have effect on subsequent days within the maximum duration of 1 month.

Dated 14th February 2025 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH HERCULES ROAD - HEALTHY STREETS IMPROVEMENTS CHANGES TO WAITING RESTRICTIONS AND PARKING PLACES

[NOTE: This Notice is about changes to existing, and introduction of new waiting restrictions (yellow lines) and the reduction of on street parking places in Hercules Road between Lambeth Road and Cosser Street. The wider scheme includes the construction of kerb-line buildouts and the provision of cycle parking.]

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth on 11 February 2025 made the Lambeth (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (Amendment No. 58) Order 2025 and The Lambeth (Charged-For Parking Places) (Amendment No. 54) Order 2025 under sections 6, 45, 46, 49 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and all other enabling powers.

2. The general effect of the Orders will be in Hercules Road, between Lambeth Road and Cosser Street:–(a) on the west and north-west sides, to: (i) extend the kerb-line build out at its junction with Lambeth Road and extend the double yellow lines to the full

5. A copy of the Orders, which will come into operation on 24 February 2025, and of other documents giving detailed particulars about the Orders are available for inspection online at: www.lambeth.gov.uk/traffic-management-orders and

Parking and Enforcement Group (Resident Services), 3rd Floor,

which the Orders are made. To arrange an inspection or request paper or digital copies of the documents please

Trafficorders@lambeth.gov.uk

6. Any person desiring to question the validity of the Orders or of any provision contained therein on the

relevant powers of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, or that any of the relevant

Dated

is

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS - CLAYLANDS PLACE

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to enable telecom repair works to be carried out, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth, with the agreement of Transport for London (TfL) have made an Order, the effect of which will be to ban vehicles from entering, parking, waiting, loading, and unloading in that length of Claylands Place, which lies between the south-west kerb-line of Elias Place and a point

10 metres south-west of that kerb-line.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Claylands Road, the A3 Clapham Road, and Elias Place and vice versa.

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

4. The Order will come into force on 17 February 2025 and will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month, or until the works have been completed whichever is sooner.

Dated 14th February 2025

Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE, SUSPENSION OF THE ONE-WAY SYSTEM AND INTRODUCTION OF A TWO-WAY TRAFFIC SYSTEM - CAMBRIA ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Virgin media to carry out repair and maintenance works safely, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth have made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily ban vehicles from entering that length of Cambria Road which lies between its junction with Coldharbour Lane and a point 10 metres south-east of Coldharbour Lane.

2. Alternative routes for vehicles will be available (i) Coldharbour Lane, Harbour Road and Southwell Road; and (ii) Coldharbour Lane, Padfield Road and Southwell Road.

3. Whenever the ban referred to in paragraph 1 above applies, the one-way system in that length of Cambria Road which lies between Coldharbour Lane and Southwell Road will be temporarily suspended and a two-way traffic system will be introduced to allow access to and egress from properties and premises in that length of road.

4. Whenever the restrictions referred to in paragraph 1 above apply, that length of the north-east bound bus lane in Coldharbour Lane which lies between the common property boundaries of Nos. 182 and 184 and Nos.176 and 174 will be suspended.

4. The ban and suspension will only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing and covering of the appropriate traffic signs.

5 The Order will come into force on 22nd February 2025 and will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month (to allow for contingencies) or until the said works have been completed, whichever is earlier. In practice it is anticipated that the Order will only have effect on 22nd February 2025, but if the works cannot be carried out or completed on that date, the Order may also have effect on subsequent days, within the maximum period of 1 month.

Dated 14th February 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE – RODENHURST ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable traffic calming works to be carried out, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an order the effect of which would be to temporarily ban vehicles from entering Rodenhurst Road.

2. The restrictions would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.

3. The order would come into force on 3rd March 2025 and would continue for a maximum duration of 6 months (to allow for contingencies) or until the works have been completed whichever is the earlier. In practice it is anticipated that the order would only have effect on 3rd March 2025 but if the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time then the Order may have effect on subsequent days within the maximum duration of 6 months.

Dated 14th February 2025 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

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Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A20 GLA ROADS (LEE HIGH ROAD AND ELTHAM ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) ORDER 2025

1. Transport for London having consulted with the London Borough of Lewisham hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Traffic Order under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specified in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable carriageway resurfacing to take place on the A20 Lee High Road and Eltham Road.

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

(1) entering, exiting or proceeding in a north-westerly direction on Lee High Road between its junctions with Burnt Ash Road and Bankwell Road;

(2) entering, exiting or proceeding in a south-easterly direction on Lee High Road between its junctions with Lee Church Street and the extended common boundary of Nos.340-342 Lee High Road;

(3) stopping on Lee High Road between its junctions with Burnt Ash Road and Bankwell Road;

(4) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Old Road between its junction with Lee High Road and the extended northern building line of No.334 Lee High Road;

(5) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Lenham Road between its junction with Lee High Road and the extended northern building line of No.340 Lee High Road;

(6) stopping in the loading, unloading and disabled persons’ vehicle bay opposite Nos.5-7 Eltham Road;

The Order will be effective between 7th March 2025 and 30th September 2025 every night from 9:00 PM until 05:00 AM 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 an alternative routes will be indicated by trafc signs (For trafc travelling in north-easterly direction) Lee Church Street, Dacer Park, Lee Terrace, Lee Road, and Lee High Road to normal route of travel. (For trafc travelling in south-westerly direction) Lampmead Road, Aislbie Road, Bankwell Road, Lee High Road, Lee Road, Lee Terrace, Belmont Hill and Lee High Road to normal route of travel.

Dated this 14th day of February 2025

Matt Standell Performance and Planning Manager Transport for London

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A2 GLA ROAD (OLD KENT ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF BANNED TURN) ORDER

2025

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

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable telecom works to take place at A2 Old Kent Road

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from turning left into Dunton Road from Old Kent Road.

The Order will be effective at certain times between the 19th February 2025 and the 24th February 2025 every night from 8.00 PM until 11.59 PM 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 prohibition will not apply in respect of:

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

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

5. At such times as the prohibition is in force an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs via Old Kent Road, Humphrey Street and Old Kent Road to normal route of travel.

Dated this 14th day of February 2025

Claire Wright

Co-Ordination Manager Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A202 GLA ROAD (VAUXHALL BRIDGE ROAD, CITY OF WESTMINSTER) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC, STOPPING AND SUSPENSION OF BUS LANE) ORDER 2025

1. Transport for London in consultation with the City of Westminster 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 carriageway lining works to take place at A202 Vauxhall Bridge Road.

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

(1) stopping on Vauxhall Bridge Road between its junctions with Neathouse Place and Stanford Street;

(2) exiting Udall Street at its junction with Vauxhall Bridge Road;

(3) stopping on Udall Street between its junctions with Vauxhall Bridge Road and Vincent Square;

(4) entering or exiting Gillingham Row at its junction with Vauxhall Bridge Road;

(5) stopping on Gillingham Street between its junctions with Vauxhall Bridge Road and Wilton Road;

The Order will also permit all vehicles to use all Bus Lanes on Vauxhall Bridge Road between its junctions with Neathouse Place and Drummond Gate.

The Order will be effective from the 3rd March 2025 until 2nd September 2025 every night between 9.00 PM and 5.00 AM 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.

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

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 an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs for Udall Street closure via Vauxhall Bridge Road, Bloomburg Street, Vincent Square, Wallcott Street and Rochester Row to normal route of travel.

Dated this 14th day of February 2025

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

whyte and riaKporhe head apriL

biLL

Fish slay Bear to go second

By John Kelly

TaLiSman KeSna clarke and courtney Barrington were on target as Fisher defeated Bearsted 2-0 in the SceFL Premier division at St Paul’s last weekend.

Clarke struck in the 34th minute before Barrington added the insurance goal nine minutes from time for Ajay Ashanike’s highflyers.

The Fish are second, six points off Faversham in first.

Isaac Ogunseri made an early save as the visitors started well and Ashanike switched from a back five to.a back four to try to wrestle the initiative.

The hosts went in front from their first real attack when Flavio Jumo crossed from the right and Clarke took down the ball with his first touch before finishing with his second.

Brixton fighter still wants showdown with Anthony Joshua

By John Kelly

diLLian whyTe and richard riakporhe will be back in action in manchester in april - and the former is still targeting a showdown with anthony Joshua. Brixton’s Whyte will take on Joe Joyce, and also on the bill Walworth’s Riakporhe will fight Lawrence Okolie.

Whyte has lost to Joshua but believes the former world heavyweight champion won’t want

his shock loss to Daniel Dubois to be what he is remembered for in his career.

Joyce lost to Derek Chisora last July and will prepare for the Whyte fight against Patrick Korte in March.

Whyte was scheduled to fight Joshua in 2023 only to return a positive drugs test leading to the bout being cancelled.

But he believes a fight can happen.

“Sounds perfect for me. They don’t need to ask me twice,” Whyte said.

“They talk about me as an option,

but they haven’t said anything to me, so it’s just negotiation tactics from them. But I’m up for the fight and I’m ready to fight again.

“If he wants to fight, then all they’ve got to do is call me. I’m always up for fighting AJ. No problem for me. However, personally, I think he’s finished.

“I think he made a huge mistake not taking the immediate rematch with Dubois. It was a world title fight, a great payday and the perfect opportunity to avenge his knockout

loss. He will forever have to suffer the memes of being face-planted at Wembley by Dubois.”

Riakporhe and Okolie have both lost to Chris Billam-Smith. Okolie lost his WBO cruiserweight world title to Billam-Smith but has since won the WBC’s bridgerweight belt.

The fight with Riakporhe will be at heavyweight.

English heavyweight champion

David Adeleye will fight Jeamie TKV on the same bill at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on April 5.

Bearsted’s goalkeeper Frankie Leonard prevented Fisher from going further ahead, his most impressive defence when he denied Clarke and then Jacob Katonia with a double-save.

Fisher’s Armani Jordan Martin hit the crossbar from a free-kick and they almost paid for their misses when substitute Connor French headed just off target.

Fisher finally settled the nerves of the majority of the 189 attendance when Martin found Barrington who fired past Leonard from 20 yards with the aid of a slight deflection. Ogunseri then impressively pressured his side’s clean sheet with two late saves as Fisher moved back up to second.

Fisher have played three more games than Faversham and six more than VCD Athletic, who are two points behind in third. Those teams will catch up on some of those fixtures before Fisher are next in action on February 22 when they travel to Lydd Town.

Surrey chair: ‘We have best partner to lead the way’ Bremang is Quins in

By Sports Reporter

a daVid Bremang brace helped boss Bradley quinton earn his first win in charge and gave dulwich hamlet some breathing space in their isthmian League Premier division relegation fight with their 3-0 win against Bowers & Pitsea last weekend.

Dulwich scored all their goals in the first half to thrill the majority of the 2,450 attendance, with Michael Chambers adding the third.

Dulwich were four points above the drop zone ahead of their midweek game against Folkestone Invicta at Champion Hill.

Dulwich travel to Hastings United on Saturday for a 3pm kick-off.

By Sports Reporter

Surrey ccc have announced that reliance industries Limited (riL) – owners of mumbai indians (mi) – through its subsidiary: riSe worldwide, is the club’s preferred partner for The hundred team when its ownership transfers from ecB to Surrey county cricket club at the end of 2025.

R1SE will have a 49 per cent share of the Hundred team, with Surrey retaining the majority 51 per cent.

The club hopes to benefit from Mumbai Indians’ vast experience and proven success, fresh off lifting yet another league title in South Africa over the weekend, to further strengthen and maintain the team’s position as the leading franchise in the competition.

The Oval Invincibles is the most successful team in the history of The Hundred, winning four titles in four years – with the women’s team winning back-to-back titles in the first two years and the men following suit in 2023 and 2024.

The Oval Invincibles’ success has been built on homegrown Surrey stars like Sam Curran, Will Jacks and Alice Capsey, alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket including Marizanne Kapp, Heinrich Klaasen and Adam Zampa.

Mumbai Indians brings a wealth of experience in building worldclass cricket teams, with a strong commitment to nurturing players and engaging fans globally. It currently has five T20 cricket teams across three continents in four countries, now taking the tally to seven teams across four continents and five

countries.

Over seventeen years, the dedication of the MI family has resulted in eleven league titles across the globe, including five IPL championships, two Champions League victories, and the inaugural WPL and Major League Cricket titles in 2023, ILT20 in 2024 and SA20 in 2025. Every team in the MI Family now has a winner’s trophy.

“We said at the outset that we wanted the best partner to ensure that Surrey continue to lead the way in English cricket and in Mumbai Indians that is what we have got,” Oli Slipper, chair of Surrey CCC, said:

“They share our passion for cricket, they own the biggest and most successful team in the IPL, the Mumbai Indians, and we believe this partnership will bring continued success to both Surrey CCC and our Hundred team.

“Beyond cricket, the huge success of RIL’s global business will help Surrey to thrive off the field too. I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Mrs. Nita Ambani, Akash and his team as our new partners.”

Nita M. Ambani, owner Mumbai Indians, added: “Cricket is more than just a sport, it’s a passion that unites people across geographies and cultures. Welcoming Oval Invincibles into our Mumbai Indians family is a proud and special moment. With this partnership, we expand our MI fan base across India, New York, the UAE, South Africa, and now England – ushering in a new chapter of our global cricketing journey. At Mumbai Indians, we remain deeply committed to nurturing young talent, building champion teams, and bringing fans closer to the game.”

Photo by Dave Thompson/Matchroom Boxing

Dillian Whyte returned a positive drug test in 2023 leading to the cancelling of the bout with AJ

CheLsea aLL Lost at seaside

Domestic challenges in tatters after dismal two months

ByJohn Kelly

enZo mareSca dismissed the idea that chelsea missed Joao Felix in their 2-1 defeat to Brighton & hove albion in the fourth round of the Fa cup last weekend.

Maresca started with Christopher Nkunku up front in the absence of the injured Nicolas Jackson. Maresca didn’t have much attacking experience on the bench, with Noni Madueke and eighteen-year-old Tyrique George introduced in the second half.

The Blues went in front at the Amex Stadium when Cole Palmer forced a mistake and own goal from keeper Bart Verbruggen in the fifth minute.

Georginio Rutter levelled in the twelfth minute and Kaoru Mitoma put the Seagulls ahead on 57 minutes.

Felix, a £45million summer signing from Atletico Madrid, joined AC Milan on loan in the January transfer window. Maresca was asked in the post-match press conference if it would be a ‘regret’ letting him go.

"I don't think we miss Joao,” Maresca said. “Joao is happy there and we are happy Joao is happy there. The only thing I can say is no one would predict on deadline day we had two strikers injured. This is something that is difficult to think. It unfortunately happened but we have Nico to be back very soon.

“Sometimes I think you need to play games without players to realise how important they are. We said many times about Nico, he is important on and off the ball. Off the ball, his intensity is very good and on the ball, he is always a threat.

"Over all, even without Nico, the game was both. We started the game very good. In the first half, probably the only shot on goal they had was the goal. We controlled, we created some chances and the second half, more or less it happened the same, probably the only shot on goal was the second goal.

"We had a few chances to draw and we missed.

Now, if there is something good after a defeat [it] is now we can be focused on the Premier League and Conference [League]."

Chelsea have dropped away from a potential title challenge and their only other chance for a domestic trophy has evaporated.

“For sure, it is a shame, no doubt,” Maresca said. “We see how complicated this competition is. We see big clubs against Championship, League One, how difficult this competition is. It is a big shame for us but probably, as I said, if there is something positive it is that we can be focused on the Premier League and Conference, especially in the Premier League.

“Hopefully we can continue our journey there that, for me has been very, very good until now and hopefully we can finish well.

"For me, a good season is seeing the team improving game after game, go through bad moments through difficulty - it is the only thing I think that can bring this club to compete for something important. This is exactly what I think.

"As I said, we can now be focused on the Premier League and Conference. Hopefully we can finish in the right way."

Chelsea haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last eight games against Premier League opposition.

“We need to learn how to win a game 1-0, I've said many times. No doubt,” Maresca said. “But in the same way, the last game against West Ham, we were losing 1-0 and then we went 2-1. It's part of the season, part of football.

Sometimes you are down and you win and sometimes it happens like tonight.

"For sure, I've said to the players weeks ago and tonight, in terms of the team, we need to learn how to win sometimes 1-0.

“That is what big clubs do, they do that."

Reece James missed the defeat. Maresca explained: "It was planned. He is okay. He is training, it was just to protect him a little bit to avoid injury again."

Chelsea are at Brighton again on Friday in the Premier League.

Thommo nicks it

ByJohn Kelly

Ben ThomPSon scored the only goal after michael cheek had missed a penalty to give Bromley a much-needed 1-0 win over milton Keynes in League Two on Saturday.

January signing from Millwall Connal Trueman saved from Cameron Congreve and then denied

Cheek from twelve yards after Congreve had been fouled by Connor Lemonheigh-Evans early in the second half.

Another former Lion, Thompson, scored the winner an hour in when he tapped home Danny Imray’s cross to earn Andy Woodman’s Ravens a first victory in seven league games. Trueman made a double-stop to deny Thompson and Congreve before Bromley goalkeeper Grant Smith saved from Alex Gilbey and later Travis Patterson.

Bromley moved above Milton Keynes to thirteenth in the table and host Fleetwood Town at 3pm on Saturday.

Hot Rod makes Cottager case

ByJohn Kelly

marco SiLVa revealed the fierce competition for a starting spot up front as rodrigo muniz scored twice to edge Fulham past League one wigan athletic in the fourth round of the Fa cup.

The Cottagers were 1-0 up at half-time after Muniz had headed home Ryan Sessegnon's cross at the Brick Community Stadium.

The Latics equalised against the run of play five minutes into the second half through Jonny Smith’s brilliant curling strike.

But that lead lasted only another five minutes as Andreas Pereira found Muniz who beat onrushing goalkeeper Sam Tickle.

"It has been a great fight between him and Raul Jimenez, great competition, healthy competition,” Silva said. “Every single day

they are trying to help each other but they know the most important thing is the team. Both are in a great moment. The last game against Newcastle is a good example. It is a good situation for us so let's keep working hard with them and it's up to me who starts the next game."

Silva started youngsters Martial Godo and Josh King in the wide attacking positions as he rotated his side from the Premier League.

Silva said: “They are players we believe and trust. We have to give them this experience for them to grow. Martial has had some senior football last season already and it made him grow in a good way. Josh is a top talent we have on our hands that we have to keep giving these experiences too. I think he showed his quality, his bravery and the way he can play between the lines."

Silva added: "It was a tough game. As I

said before the match, you get nothing as a guarantee at this level. We were the favourites and I think we showed that throughout the game but the last fifteen minutes we showed them they could fight for something. I don't remember one shot from them in the first 45 minutes. We had two or three chances to kill the game and we didn't and of course when the game is 1-0, anything can happen and they have belief.

"It was a great strike for the equaliser but a good reaction from us. When it was the moment to keep more of the ball in the last fifteen minutes, we should have kept it a lot more. It was open and we didn't want that because we gave them belief. It was a tough one but I think we deserved the win and deserve to be in the next stage."

Fulham play Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage on Saturday at 3pm.

Enzo Maresca has set his sights on Conference League title

Bromley boss Andy Woodman

‘it’s been Kind of refreshinG under aLeX’

Jake Cooper claps supporters after Millwall’s 2-0 win against Leeds United

straight into the team and they’ve been great. We’ve just tried to get around them and support them and show them how much that we need them, that we really support them as people.

“If they’re going to put the performances in like they have then they’re going to be loved by all of us lot. So that’s just the way we kind of work as a group and it’s going to be exciting the next week or two working with all these other new guys that we’ve signed and seeing how they work with us lot.”

One player Cooper has enjoyed working with is Crama, who was signed as a centre-back but who has had to fill in at right-back with injuries to Ryan Leonard and Danny McNamara.

“Crama has just fitted in seamlessly,” Cooper said. “He came on and did really well against Cardiff and then he’s just stayed in the team and we got two key clean sheets away from home and he’s looked really good even going forward.

Coops on working with the new gaffer, integrating eight new signings and juggling his master’s

EXCLUSIVE

By Will Scott

a LoT can change in ten weeks. when Jake cooper suffered a knee injury in millwall’s 1-1 draw with Stoke city on november 9, the Lions were flying - they had won four out of their last five under neil harris and just outside the play-off spots in eighth. when he came back in the Fa cup against dagenham & redbridge on January 13, millwall had won only one in nine. Since Cooper has returned to the first team, the Lions have been flying once again - they have won their last four

degree

consecutive games - only conceding a single goal in that stretch.

The 30-year-old centre-back is one of the most important cog’s in Millwall’s defence, but he’s not been the only change. Harris opted to step down in early December, and was replaced by Alex Neil - who has already started to make his mark on the team - especially tactically.

“He’s been really good,” Cooper said.

“The tactical side is incredible with the amount of detail.

The amount of time he must put into looking at the way he wants us to play, and the way he reviews opposition

“It’s always hard, talking about a new manager without making what Neil

Harris did sound bad because he was unbelievable for us and we had a great relationship with him and he was great from a motivational side and the way he supported the players and got the best out of us as people was great. So it was a shame to see him go.

“It’s been kind of refreshing under Alex and seeing his ideas, how he thinks the group can play and work with us. Hopefully this form continues and we keep moving forward.”

The Scotsman was appointed at a tricky time - Millwall were in poor form and there was the constant speculation about the future of starboy Romain Esse, which was resolved once Crystal Palace spent £14.5 million to bring him across

south London.

The Lions acted quickly, bringing in eight players, including a club-record deal for Dutch winger Camiel Neghli.

As part of the leadership group, Cooper helps integrate the signings, which is an important process.

“It’s been strange the amount of players that came in,” Cooper said.

“Obviously we lost Rom and fair play to the chairman to reinvest the money and go sign the amount of players that we have. It’s gonna be a challenge, I’m sure for the manager to manage all of those players.

“But it’s exciting, bringing young guys and people like Tristan [Crama] and Aaron [Connolly] who have come

‘Job done’ as Eagles book Lions tie

By Will Scott

oLiVer gLaSner was pleased with a “job done” as crystal Palace eased past doncaster rovers 2-0 in the fourth round of the Fa cup to book as last-sixteen tie with millwall at Selhurst Park.

Daniel Munoz tapped home on the half-hour mark at the Eco-Power Stadium before Justin Devenny - on his first start of 2025 - finished superbly early in the second half.

It was a night full of positives as Adam Wharton and Matheus França returned from their injury lay-offs and new signing Ben Chilwell made his debut.

“It is absolutely job done. The first 60 minutes I think we controlled the game. We scored two nice goals and missed one or two big chances to decide the game,” Glasner said.

“The last 20 minutes were maybe too

wild, giving them too many finishes, but overall there were many positive aspects.

“Adam Wharton coming back was one. He was originally going to play 45 minutes, but he did so well and did great, that’s why he played 60 minutes.

“A debut for Ben Chilwell as well, 45 minutes for him was very important.

Romain Esse got a longer time and I’m especially pleased for Matheus França who has been out for nine or ten months, getting some minutes back with the team.

“It was a really good evening for all of us.”

Glasner added: “I think they did well tactically, they man-marked our tens, Justin and Daichi [Kamada], with their sixes, so they always had a six against five in their back.

“That means we had a good build-up from the back, because there we had a five against four, six against four with

the goalkeeper, and we didn’t have a lot of troubles coming into the final third.

“But there, the last pass was not good enough, and especially our wing-backs were too deep so that we didn’t run in behind. We scored a great set-play goal. Big credit to my staff for preparing this and also for the execution from the players.

“In the second half, they changed the system, they went man-to-man, and we struggled a little bit more in the buildup, because we had more pressure there, but on the other side we could create better chances, because they played man-to-man in defence as well. We missed it in the first fifteen minutes with, I think, three clear chances, and we just scored one.

“And then at the end with their long balls, with some set-plays, with crosses, they did really well. And then it’s okay, defended like we did, and so everything went how we expected it to.”

Palace won 2-1 at The Den in the third round in 2022and there is an added edge as the Eagles signed the Lions’ top-scorer this season, Esse, for £14.5million last month.

“For me, I knew about it a little bit, because when we talked with Romain I saw the rivalry between Millwall and Crystal Palace,” Glasner said.

“Then I could see as well that all the staff were very excited when we heard we could play Millwall at home in the last sixteen of the FA Cup.

“Of course it makes it bigger this game - it’s an all or nothing game - and of course we want to go into the quarterfinals. It would be a big achievement.

“But it is still far away for me. Doncaster is done and now we have to find focus for Everton. We’ve had our fourth [successive] away win but now we have to be ready for a really strong Everton side at home. And we will be ready.”

“I think it’s been surprising to most people how good he is going forward and he seems like a great addition, a great guy and he’s obviously young and has a lot of potential ahead of him. It’s just been exciting to work with some new people.”

It has been a process made even harder by Cooper’s commitments off the pitch. He decided to start a master’s degree in football science at Solent University, something he has found challenging to juggle with the commitments of being a professional footballer.

“It’s not easy, Cooper said. “They’ve chucked me in full time with that so it is difficult.

“I’m using my evenings and times when we’re traveling away with the squad to try and get as much done as I can. They’re really understanding with me playing and putting all my time into playing and then just trying to catch up on the uni stuff when I can.

“The lecturers have been unbelievable actually in helping me. Just trying to give myself a platform for when I finish and it is something I enjoy.

“So it is everything football related, but it is mainly from a sports science background. I enjoy that side of the game, the physical side of things and staying on top of your fitness and injury prevention. So that’s where I’m at with it and I’m working my way through the modules at the minute doing a scouting one and a rehabilitation one. It keeps me on my toes. It’s good fun.”

FA CUP FIFTH ROUND

Preston North End vs. Burnley

Aston Villa vs. Cardiff City

Crystal Palace vs. Millwall

Manchester United vs. Fulham

Newcastle United vs. Brighton

AFC Bournemouth vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manchester City vs. Plymouth Argyle

Nottingham Forest vs. Ipswich Town

Ties to be played the weekend of March 1.

Sport INSIDE

Sheldon Kendall, Ra’ees BanguraWilliams and Alfi e Massey after Millwall’s 3-0 win against Dagenham & Redbridge. Neil handed BanguraWilliams and Kendall their debuts

Gillesphey fires Addicks to fifth

By John Kelly

naThan JoneS praised his team’s mentality after macaulay gillesphey scored an 89thminute winner for charlton athletic against Peterborough united at The Valley on Tuesday night.

Matty Godden put the Addicks ahead in a manic nine-minute spell. Godden scored from the spot in the 54th minute after Sam Hughes had handled.

Posh’s Emmanuel Fernandez was given a straight red card four minutes later for a foul on Thierry Small but the visitors shocked their hosts by levelling with a penalty by Malik Mothersille after Ricky-Jade Jones had been brought down.

‘there

EXCLUSIVE

is a reaLLy Good pathway’

Alex Neil the man to develop next academy star, says coach who helped produce Millwall’s record signing

By Will Scott

aLeX neiL’S willingness to play youth has shown academy players and potential recruits “there is a really good pathway” to the first team, according to the coach who helped produce £14.5 million-rated romain esse.

Neil has been at the heart of Millwall’s youth revolution, handing seventeen-year-old Sheldon Kendall his debut, trusting 20-year-old sensation Ra’ees Bangura-Williams with four consecutive starts only a few weeks after his debut, and starting a youthful front four against Leeds United including Luke Cundle, 22, Camiel Neghli, 23, Mihailo Ivanovic, 20, and Femi Azeez, 23.

He has been ably supported by the board, who signed eight players in the January window - all of whom are 25 or younger. They include

potential stars in Ajay Matthews, 18, Benicio Baker, 21, Lions academy product Zak Lovelace, 19, and firstteam contributors in Neghli, Cundle, Tristan Crama, 23, Aaron Connolly, 25 and loanee Zak Sturge, 20.

The Lions were able to splash the cash because of their record-sale of Esse to Crystal Palace earlier in the window, who snapped up the Lions’ academy product for £14.5 million.

Under-18s coach Larry McAvoy, who worked with Esse during his formative teenage years, said the sale was “brilliant” for his players.

“Romain’s been with us since the foundation phase, since under-9s,” McAvoy said. “He’s one who’s come all the way through.

“So to see someone command a club-record fee and move into the Premier League and who’s been with us from the foundation phase and through the youth development and professional phase is a really proud time for the moment for the

Academy. Not just the under-18 staff, who worked with Romain for the last two years, but also all the other coaches who’ve spent a lot of time with him.

“It’s brilliant for the younger players and he’ll be like a role model now. We’ve had good players, but to get someone that high profile and selling them for that sort of fee is brilliant. It’s a testament to the work that’s been done in the academy. The younger players now in our academy can look up to him and try to emulate what he’s done so far.

“Romain is a local lad from Deptford, living half a mile away from the Den and someone’s been with us from the age of nine. We’ve got players from all different backgrounds, so for them to see someone who looks like them, who’s from maybe the same area, it’s really helpful for us.

“In terms of recruitment but also in terms of retention of the

really good players we’ve got in the academy at the moment in the younger age groups. So there’s a really good pathway and at the minute we’re really lucky with a first team manager who’s not shy to put young players in if he thinks they’re ready.”

McAvoy thinks players like Lovelace, who turned down a contract extension at Rangers to return to south-east London, are more likely to join the club because of Esse.

“Zak played for me as an under-15 and under-16,” McAvoy said. “Even at that age group, he was good enough to play in the youth team.

“I worked with Zak a lot and it was a shame to see him go, and he had his reasons for that. But one of the big things he said about coming back was that he felt there was a pathway now better than ever before. So that was pleasing to hear and really pleasing to see him back.”

And just when it seemed Charlton were going to miss their chance to go fifth in League One, Gillesphey headed home Alex Gilbert’s corner.

“It’s a mentality to keep going,” Jones said. “I want us to instil that and to get late goals shows that we have that mentality and that we have the fitness levels.

“Then there is also there’s other things, like quality and also the game-changers in the squad that can come on and do that.

“I’m delighted with the win. We were pretty dominant for long periods of the game.

“I thought after about the first three or four minutes, we settled down and we were dominant.

Then we had a lot of chances, their keeper pulled off some great saves. We missed chances and we needed to score them really when we were on top, but we didn’t and we came in 0-0 at half-time.

“We got the first goal and then we didn’t really kick on and that’s probably the only disappointment.”

Jones added: “It’s pleasant to score late. We kept going. It’s not like we were lucky because you’ve had 19 shots, eight on target with three clear cut chances and it should have been in terms of the chances we created. At this stage of the season you’ll take any three points you can. We deserved the three points, but we had to wait till very late and from a probably an unorthodox source to do that.”