South London Weekly - July 25th 2025

‘THIS SUCKS!’

Kids stage ring of protest to save Robert, their lollipop man ARE POLICE NOW WINNING THE WAR ON CRIME WITH LIVE FACIAL RECOGNITION CAMERAS IN CROYDON?

Contact us if you have a story on 07973175511 or email hello@cm-media.co.uk

We are a London Living Wage employer

DO YOU HAVE A STORY for our news team? Call 0207 231 5258 You can WhatsApp us on 07494 070 863.

THE 10 LONDON BOROUGHS WITH THE MOST DRIVERS CAUGHT ON THEIR PHONES REVEALED

By Abigail Finney

THE 10 London boroughs with the most drivers caught on their phones was revealed through recent figure, with Westminster solidly in first place.

The Metropolitan police force compiled a whopping 10,563 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) concerning illegal phone use between April 2023 and March 2025. The only boroughs to exceed 500 reports were Westminster and Lewisham, but Southwark was high up with 461 and in fourth place.

“The number of mobile phone driving offences is extremely worrying, especially given the potentially devastating consequences of someone not paying full attention when operating a vehicle.”

Accident Claims Advice solicitor Michael Higgins said.

Given the £200 fixed penalty for the offence, Westminster drivers alone were faced with a potential £134,000 in fines over two years. Westminster also has

the road with the most reports, Victoria Embankment which was the location of 57 reports.

While Westminster, Lewisham, Barnet, Southwark, and Ealing were marked as the places with the most drivers caught on their phone, Croydon, Enfield, Sutton, Haringey and RPC had the least amount of reports. The five lowest had a combined total of 532, still substantially lower than Westminster’s 670.

“It’s important that they know that legal support is available to them if they want to seek compensation for the harm they suffered,” Higgins said.

Accident Claims Advice is a support service that offers guidance on personal injury compensation claims, including legal action for people injured in road traffic accidents.

It connects potential claimants with expert personal injury solicitors and operates a free 24/7 support line on 0800 6524 881.

Greenwich Council asking for consultation on Sustainable Streets proposals

By Abigail Finney

IF YOU’RE a resident or business owner in the areas of Charlton, Kidbrooke and Blackheath, Plumstead, Shooters Hill, Thamesmead West or Woolwich you can express your thoughts on the Sustainable Street proposals that are underway,

A few key points of the proposal are car club facilities, cycle storage hangars and dockless cycle bays, electric vehicle (EV) charge points and permit parking and pay and display bays.

“The Royal Borough of Greenwich is one of the fastest-growing boroughs in London,” Councillor Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, said. “With more new development than ever before we need to make sure that our streets work for everyone, as well as responding to the climate emergency.”

There were more than 3,000 responses from residents and businesses to the council’s initial survey in February 2025, which called

Michael Holland

Digital Transformation Editor: Katherine Johnston

Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips

Advertising: Clarry Frewin

Design: Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen

Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758

Subscriptions/Announcements: Katie Boyd

Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany

01223 656500

for feedback on local traffic and parking issues in each area, and what they thought would make their street more sustainable.

The information gathered has been used to inform the designs of what a sustainable street could look like in each of the six areas.

“If introduced, Sustainable Streets will prioritise residents and businesses to help travel in cleaner and greener ways, while making parking more accessible,” Lekau said. “Improving the borough’s infrastructure is key to addressing those points, and installing more electric vehicle charging points will help residents switch to more sustainable vehicles.”

Feedback on the proposed designs, as well as parking surveys and feedback from the emergency services, will help develop and refine the proposals.

There will be a further stage of statutory consultation where you can formally support or object to the proposals. A final decision will then be referred to the Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Environment and Transport, Cllr

Averil Lekau, to decide if the schemes should be implemented or not.

You can offer feedback by going online, visiting a participating library, or coming

to a feedback event, by midnight on Aug. 22. There will also be several community events that will serve as an opportunity for thoughts on the proposals.

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

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

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

A dedicated team of staff work tirelessly to cover as much of what is going on as possible and strive to ensure that community-led, independent newspapers can survive and excel in a market dominated by national and multinational media groups. The South London Weekly is an independent newspaper covering all of south London and beyond

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

BERMONDSEY BISCUIT MUSEUM UNVEIL A NEW 'CAKE WING' AFTER JAFFA CAKE DEBATE WITH MCVITIE'S

EXCLUSIVE

By Evie Flynn

BERMONDSEY’S BISCUIT Museum

unveiled a new ‘cake wing’ last week following a meeting at McVitie’s HQ, after the snack company publicly urged the removal of the museum’s Jaffa Cake display, claiming they’re categorically cakes.

The Biscuit Museum in Bermondsey originally shared a new Jaffa Cake Display on 30 June. Yet, just one day later on Tuesday 1 July, the museum received an unexpected reply from McVitie Ltd, who called for “the immediate removal of Jaffa Cakes from your biscuit exhibition.”

Both parties met at McVitie’s HQ last week to discuss how to move forward and ‘quell the crumbling tensions’ sparked by the letter.

The letter led to a wider social media debate on the categorisation of Jaffa Cakes, which has been a topic of contention for McVitie’s over the years.

A pdf of the letter was shared directly onto the official Jaffa Cakes instagram account, which has over 45,000 followers compared to The Biscuit Museum’s 600.

“Allow us to be clear,” The letter read. “Jaffa Cakes are, in fact Cakes. Not

biscuits. Not hybrid snacks. Just cakes. Some would say the clue is in the name on the box.”

The Biscuit Museum responded on their instagram account: “Well, this is unexpected… @jaffacakesofficial have sent us a letter asking me and Frank to remove our latest addition to the Biscuit

moved away in the late 1980s, one of the last factories to leave Bermondsey after the docks closed.

Museum due to… misclassification?! Apparently, it’s not a biscuit? Who knew?”

Despite the mini feud, the outcome of the meeting last week was positive. Last Thursday July 17, the Biscuit Museum unveiled a brand-new ‘cake wing’ sponsored by Jaffa Cakes.

This new wing means the museum can give Jaffa Cakes their very own dedicated space and acknowledges that they are and always have been, cakes.

The Biscuit Museum is housed in what was once the factory on Drummond Road. The factory was a major employer for the area until it

Gary Magold, curator at the museum, said: “We never could have imagined how the public would have responded to the news of the letter we received after unveiling the Jaffa Cakes exhibit it’s been amazing to see so many people support the work we do in preserving biscuit history.

“We want to say a huge thank you to McVitie’s for their support in opening the Cake Wing, too – it means we can still proudly feature Jaffa Cakes here at the museum, in its new, very own, dedicated space.”

rmg.co.uk/oceanmap

The new 'cake wing' unveiled by the museum team

Letter sent by McVitie’s to the Biscuit Museum

GWYNNETH CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY BY ASKING FOR HOSPICE DONATIONS INSTEAD OF GIFTS

Her top tip to a long life is Brazil nuts

practising her

By Evie Flynn

A DULWICH woman who turned

100 this week asked for donations to the hospice that is providing her care instead of presents.

Gwynneth Pedler, celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday (Wednesday July 23) with a party for 104 people who have had an impact on her life.

The centenarian was referred to St Christopher’s Hospice in Sydenham in 2023. She suffered a fall and long hospital admission, which resulted in her being offered physiotherapy.

With the support of the rehab team, Gwynneth has been practising dance moves to ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen’ for her upcoming party.

She is so grateful for the support she has received at St Christopher’s, so is requesting guests from her party to donate rather than give her a present.

Approaching this milestone,

Gwynneth shared some thoughts on the end of life: “Death is an event I can’t stop happening. It’s part of my life. I’ve had my funeral planned for a long time.

“Because of my faith I expect God to look after me and to get me through whatever leads to my death. I find it hard to understand people who don’t know how to face their death.”

She had a successful career teaching and became a headteacher at three schools, finishing at a primary school in Oxford before retiring in 1990 at the

age of 65.

Gwynneth was born in Bow and was evacuated at 14 during World War II. Her journey includes serving two years in the Women’s Royal Naval Service as an air mechanic before embarking on a career in education. Even during retirement, Gwynneth took on a mentoring role with teaching students at Oxford Brookes University and later taught English in a small mountain village in Poland.

Her impact on her Polish students was so profound that two parents and eight of her former students, most of whom are now English teachers themselves, are travelling from Poland to attend her birthday celebration.

Gwynneth has been taking weekly

East Dulwich Poundland store is set to close next month

It opened just two years ago in March

By Evie Flynn

EAST DULWICH is among the first

25 Poundland stores set to close in August under the retailer’s restructuring plan, despite only opening two years ago.

The East Dulwich Poundland, 29-35 Lordship Lane SE22 8EW, will close to customers on 17 August.

The store has only been open since March 2023 when it replaced Foxton’s Estate Agents and was part of a 50 store roll out by the retailer.

Poundland’s closure plan launched

in June and announced the closure of 68 stores nationwide. It’s designed to drive business growth after a period of underperformance and to get the business back on track.

In time, Poundland expects to operate a network of around 650 to 700 stores, compared to around 800 today.

Poundland’s arrival on Lordship Lane divided local opinion in East Dulwich, with many saying it was “reverse gentrification” and another saying it was a “disaster” due to its reputation as a budget retailer.

But lots of Dulwich locals were excited to welcome the store back in 2023. One

2023

Facebook user wrote: “In a time like this a lot of people will need to shop there. Not everyone can afford to buy or rent in East Dulwich and surrounding areas. What do you expect to open, another pizza shop?”

The News spoke to Dulwich locals in December 2024, who had warmed to the shop after initial hesitations: “I thought it was awful at the time but it seems to have settled in quite nicely,” said Ben Skipper, 77.

However, its position on one of London’s most sought-after high streets was short lived, and the store will be closing its doors on 17 August.

Polish classes with a neighbour of hers in Dulwich, determined to understand what her guests say in their native tongue.

Despite facing physical challenges that limit her mobility, sight, and hearing, Gwynneth maintains an inspiring outlook on life. “Enjoy life and take all it has to offer. It’s a wonderful world. I can’t walk, see or hear, but my mouth and brain work overtime and I want to be on the ball,” she said.

“The physio at St Christopher’s was really good. They asked me if I had a goal and I told them I wanted to be able to walk as far as the pub and the post office down the road, as well as walk up the stairs at my daughter’s house.

The people there were so good and I

did exactly what they told me to. I just wish I could have had more than the six sessions.”

GWYNNETH OFFERS THREE PIECES OF ADVICE THAT HAVE HELPED HER LEAD SUCH A LONG AND HEALTHY LIFE:

● Brazil nuts- one a day with breakfast to feed her brain

● Soap-free washing- which she credits for her wrinkle-free face

● Surround yourself with younger people - something she did throughout her almost 50-year teaching career

To donate to St Christopher’s and celebrate Gwynneth, please visit: stchristophers.org.uk/gwynneth

Gwynneth

ABBA dance moves with the physio

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

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

Contact us: venues@lambeth.gov.uk

@venuelambeth

Discord within the Labour Party's ranks?

By Issy Clarke

THE MOVE by Keir Starmer to eject cantankerous rebels and tighten his grip on the party comes amid signs of brewing discord within Labour ranks.

Earlier this month, two Labour MPs - former leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP for Coventry South Zarah Sultana - announced they were breaking off to build a new left-wing alternative.

Closer to home, the party is also facing accusations of seeking to 'rig' the Southwark Labour leadership contest which saw the election of left-winger James McAsh as the next leader of the party, and thus the council.

As exclusively revealed by Southwark News, the central party subsequently ordered a re-run on the basis that proxy votes had been admitted in the election, breaching local party rules.

Among the voices who flagged this was MP Coyle, who sits to the right of the Labour Party. McAsh, by contrast, is from the party's left flank and has previously received support from the leftwing Labour faction Momentum.

An online run-off was scheduled for the following Monday (July 7) which resulted in Sarah King, who would have won the first round had the two proxies not been taken into account, winning the leadership by two votes. The regional party has declined to explain why it insisted on an online vote, with McAsh telling colleagues both he and King had had requests for election monitors declined.

In a sign of a collapse of discipline within the party, the two proxy voters, who have been identified as Cllrs Ketzia Harper and Laura Johnson, stood up in a meeting of the full council held last Wednesday alongside Cllr Sam Foster to vote against the confirmation of Sarah King as the next leader of the council.

In the latest twist, last Saturday we reported that party chair Kath Whittam had resigned the Labour whip after forty years of party membership over the debacle.

In an email circulated to colleagues after the original vote was overturned, Whittam slammed Coyle for mounting a "direct attack" against the local party's processes and accused him of running a "one man campaign" to change the result.

Meanwhile in a sign of fracturing party unity across Labour circles in South London, a Lewisham Labour councillor defected to the Green Party last week - the second to do so this year. In nearby Greenwich, two councillors have also resigned from Labour in recent months.

The Labour Party has consistently declined to comment on the leadership saga.

SOUTH LONDON MP STRIPPED OF TRADE ENVOY ROLE FOR VOTING AGAINST CUTS TO DISABILITY BENEFITS

By Issy Clarke

THE MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill has been stripped of her position as the UK's Trade Envoy to Ghana after voting against the government's plans to restrict disability benefits.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy was one of 47 Labour MPs to vote against watereddown government proposals on July 2, to tighten eligibility for people claiming personal independence payments and universal credit.

In a statement posted on X, the MP said: "This afternoon I was informed by Downing Street that I have been stripped of my role as the UK's Trade Envoy to Ghana for voting against cuts to disability benefits.

"Trade Envoys have historically been chosen as the person best suited to boost relations and trade with a given country. In some instances, this is regardless of party affiliation. However, it is the Prime Minister's prerogative to choose his representatives on the international stage and I wish my successor all the best."

Ribeiro-Addy added she was "concerned" about the removal of the party whip from four Labour MPs who had also voted against the cuts - Neil Duncan-Jordan, Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff and Rachael Maskell. Two other MPs - Rosena Allin Khan and Mohammed Yasin - were also stripped of their trade envoy positions,. She continued: "No Labour MP votes against the whip lightly, especially in government, but when our constituents speak clearly, we must listen." She finished by thanking "the UK-Ghanaian diaspora for all their support in the role which, like their jollof, is unmatched."

THE GOVERNMENT WAS FORCED INTO A CLIMB DOWN

The government had previously presented a more stringent package of measures, designed to create £5 billion worth of savings by 2030.

The original plans would have tightened the criteria for those claiming personal independence payments - an allowance paid to disabled people to assist with daily living tasks - and cut the sickness component of universal credit.

An impact assessment prepared by the Department for Work and Pensions warned the changes could push an additional 250,000 people into poverty.

The government was forced into a climb down on the proposals after more than 100 Labour backbenchers, including Southwark's MPs Helen Hayes and Florence Eshalomi, signed a "reasoned amendment" designed to thwart the bill.

All five Southwark MPs ultimately fell in line, backing the revised proposals when they appeared in Parliament on July 9. Under the amended bill, the stricter eligibility rules for personal independence payments will only apply to new claimants from 2026.

The plans to freeze the rate of universal credit for people out of work due to long-term sickness were also reversed.

Overall, the changes to the package of measures will cost the government £3 billion.

The chief executive of the left-leaning Resolution Foundation think tank, which had originally warned that up to 1.2 million disabled people could lose thousands of pounds in support

payments by 2030, welcomed the concessions, stating: “The concessions today mean that over two million people currently receiving support due to ill-health or a disability will no longer suffer income losses from forthcoming welfare changes. This is a welcome change that will reassure vulnerable claimants, as is the commitment to bringing forward employment support."

SOUTHWARK

MPS SPLIT - WITH MP NEIL COYLE CLAIMING "MORE IS NECESSARY"

One consistent backer of the government's original plans to restrict welfare payments has been Bermondsey and Rotherhithe MP Neil Coyle.

In an interview with Southwark News in April, Coyle defended the bill which he said would bring "huge gains" to his constituents.

Speaking in Parliament on July 9 during the third reading of the amended bill, Coyle said he was "concerned" about some of the concessions and claimed that "more was necessary" to reform the benefits system.

He said: "The bill needs to go further in tackling barriers to work for disabled people, such as the benefits structure, including for those in supported accommodation.

"We also need to go a bit further with employers, including around reasonable adjustments and ensuring that employers do not accept resignations based on ill health immediately, but look at the packages of support that might be necessary, as well as working with them to tackle discrimination.

"We must not end up with a system in

which people are written off and parked in a system because it is too difficult to get them into work.

"The longer that somebody is out of work, the more ill health that they experience, including mental health and depression, and the more costs they incur for the NHS."

Coyle previously told the Southwark News that encouraging people with mental health issues back into work could help alleviate conditions such as anxiety.

It is a point which has been disputed by mental health campaigners. Dr Sarah Hughes, chief executive of mental health charity Mind, warned that cuts to personal independence payments risked mentally ill people being " plunged in poverty and seeing a deterioration in their health, which will ultimately lead to more people falling into unemployment.”

Mental health is an issue close to Coyle's heart. He has spoken movingly in the past about his mother's battle with schizophrenia and the impact it had on his childhood, and previously campaigned for changes to the Mental Health Act to give patients more of a say over their own care.

Speaking during the debate, Coyle added he spoke from "rather too much personal family experience. My mum has schizophrenia and my dad had a stroke in his 40s. He was told by the job centre: 'This is what you will get. Now, basically, sod off—we do not want to see you, and we do not expect to provide you with anything.

"He found his own way back into work through going to university as a mature student - well, not that mature - at Newcastle University, and he graduated in the same year as me."

Meanwhile, the MP for Dulwich Helen Hayes, one of the Labour backbenchers who threatened to rebel against the government over the measures, told MPs she "welcomed the substantial changes agreed to in discussions last week to which I was a party.

"The protection of existing PIP and universal credit health top-up claimants will alleviate the anxiety so many of our constituents have been experiencing for months that they would see their incomes drop, with no additional support, without any change in their condition."

„ Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP

„ Neil Coyle MP

Four great activities for the kids and families to enjoy this summer holiday

By Abigail Finney

MONTAGE AT THE ALBANY - THEATRE CAMP FOR 5-12 YEAR OLDS

Children aged 5-12 can learn skills in singing, dancing, and acting in the three week-long courses the Albany Theatre is offering.

Each week has a different performance–Outside In, Secret Garden Party and Montage at the Movies. Each play is inspired by a famous movie such as Inside Out and Alice in Wonderland.

Family and friends will be able to join the fun at the end of each week as the children put on a show.

Dates: July 28- August 15, each session is Monday-Friday

Time: 9:30-16:30

Location: Albany Theatre, Deptford, SE8

Price: £10-65

Booking on Albany Theatre’s website

THE LOST KINGDOM - FOR DINOSAUR FANS

Take a time capsule to the Jurassic/ Triassic era and take a close look at dinosaurs from that time.

Featuring over 50 impressive installations of animatronic dinosaurs with moving parts, the Lost Kingdom

is a highly educational and entertaining family event perfect for the summer in The Grange Gardens in Wallington, deep south past Sutton and into Surrey.

Each installation will have an educational information panel overing, allowing visitors to test their knowledge.

There will also be a range of street food and drink stalls, merchandise trailer and fossil dig pit, where younger children can play at being mini Paleontologists!

Dates: Jul. 25- Aug. 10

Time: Daily from 10:00 a.m

Location: The Grange Gardens in Beddington Park, Wallington, London Price: £12.50 for kids, £14.50 for adults Booking: www.allinlondon.co.uk/whatson/event-234905-the-lost-kingdom

SUMMER FAMILY GARDEN TRAIL - THROUGH ANCIENT BEXLEY WILDERNESS

Take a jaunt into what used to be the ancient wilderness in Bexley. Families will have the chance to fill out a trail sheet and learn about the animals that used to live there. Through the walk, visitors will be able to experience the location of stories of heroes, fools, fear and incredible

adventures that have been passed down the generations.

Children that complete the tasks assigned will be given a sweet prize at the end of the adventure.

Dates: Aug. 1-31

Time: Daily from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m

Location: Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ United Kingdom

Price: £3 per trail card

Booking: www.hallplace.org.uk/event/2/

NATIONAL

MARITIME MUSEUM –“FREE FUN ACTIVITIES ABOUT THE OCEAN

The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich is offering a variety of fun activities that allow children to learn more about the ocean.

Tuesdays are marked for outdoor activities while Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sundays are craft days. On Saturdays, musicians and storytellers will lead the whole family through tales from the sea.

All of the events are free and do not require booking in advance.

Dates: Jul. 23- Aug. 31

Time: Various times daily except Mondays

Location: National Maritime Museum, Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF

Price: free

More information: www.rmg.co.uk/whatson/national-maritime-museum/oceanabove-below

„ The protest took place on a busy four way junction which many parents say can be busy and unsafe during drop off and pick up times

By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter

DOZENS OF school children and parents formed a protective ring around their lollipop man in protest at Croydon Council’s plans to axe crossing patrols in the borough.

The demonstrators filled a busy fourway junction in South Norwood on Friday, July 11, to protest Croydon Council’s decision to axe the borough’s remaining school crossing patrols by the end of the year.

The protest focused on supporting longserving lollipop man Robert Boyce, who has helped children cross safely outside Cypress Primary School for over two decades.

The demonstration took place at the junction of Auckland Road and Sylvan Hill, one of six locations across the borough affected by Croydon Council’s decision. Children from held signs and surrounded Robert in a show of appreciation, with chants of “We love you, Robert” heard as he continued the role he had undertaken for 23 years.

Sarah Watters, a local resident and parent of two children in Reception, said the turnout included about a third of her children’s class. Her children carried signs reading “The council want the lollipop man to go, say no” and “Lollipop man don’t go.”

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the crossing is used not only by Cypress pupils, but also by children attending Harris Academy South Norwood. “This particular junction is pretty dangerous during drop-off and pick-up times,” she said.

“Even as an adult, it’s dangerous to cross there. I have nearly been hit trying to cross before. We’ve lived here for two years, and there have been seven crashes that we have seen in that time. There was a crash here on Wednesday.”

She added that despite the 20mph speed limit, drivers often ignore it due to a lack of enforcement.

“Everyone gets impatient at that fourway crossing, so without our lollipop man, it will be dangerous,” she said.

“They are genuinely endangering the lives of children by removing the lollipop patrols. It seems a really crazy thing to do to save not much money,” she added. “I feel like this decision is just an indicator of how little they care about road safety. It just does not seem like a priority for them.”

Fellow parent Hannah Thompson, who has children aged five and seven at Cypress, said the issue highlights wider concerns about local inequalities. She told the LDRS: “Wouldn’t it be amazing if child road safety decisions like this could be taken out of the remit of individual councils?

“Numerous other boroughs have lollipop people, so it feels like a postcode lottery depending on where you live.”

She added: “The protest was beautiful, calm and joyful. Hopefully, we brought

STOP! DON’T CROSS OUR LOLLIPOP MAN

„ Lollipop man Robert has been helping children cross the road for the last 23 years

to light the short-sightedness of cuts like these. And what a great way for elderly people to remain engaged in local society.”

WHY ARE LOLLIPOP PATROLS BEING CUT?

Croydon Council has said the cuts are part of a broader cost-saving effort and that school crossing patrols are a nonstatutory service, meaning they are under no obligation to provide them.

It also confirmed risk assessments have been completed and insists that road safety remains a priority.

The decision to end the patrols was approved in the 2024/25 budget, following a service review in 2022.

Furthermore, the LDRS understands the remaining lollipop patrol guards have been handed their P45s.

In acknowledgement of the decision, Croydon said that some sites, including

the one outside Cypress Primary, will benefit from alternative safety measures such as permanent crossings and Healthy School Street schemes. However, when questioned by the LDRS, Croydon could not provide further details on the permanent crossings.

Labour’s candidate for Croydon Mayor, Rowenna Davis, joined the protest alongside Green Party candidate Peter Underwood and Liberal Democrat councillor Claire Bonham. The three described the demonstration as an example of cross-party support for retaining the borough’s remaining patrol officers.

Cllr Davis expressed concern about the loss of experienced staff who have worked in their roles for decades. “These cuts save pennies, and our children’s safety is at stake,” she said, urging residents to support a petition calling for the patrols

„ Road crossing safety is a non-statutory service, meaning Croydon Council is under no legal obligation to provide it

to be reinstated.

Mr Underwood said the decision puts children at risk and fails to address deeper concerns within the council. “It is financially stupid and morally wrong,” he said.

Claire Bonham, who represents Cypress Primary as the councillor for Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood, also spoke out about the impact of the cuts on her ward and the wider community. “Lollipop men and women are a valued part of the community, keeping children safe and providing a safe, reassuring presence for families on their way to school,” she told the LDRS.

“This feels like penny-pinching from the Tory Mayor, and I have written to him to set out my opposition to cutting these services from Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood, and other locations around the borough,” she said.

A Croydon Council spokesperson said:

“The safety of all our residents on our roads remains a priority for the council. The decision to close our six remaining non-statutory School Crossing Patrols was taken in 2022, following a service review.

“The savings were first agreed as part of the 2022/23 budget, before being finalised by Full Council at their budget meeting in March 2023. Most patrols had already been phased out many years ago.

“Croydon’s Healthy School Streets programme has improved safety for around 40 schools in the borough, including at Cyprus Primary School. Our Road Safety Team continues to work with schools on road safety initiatives, such as Junior Roadwatch and Healthy School Streets, by reducing the number of vehicles during drop off and pick up times.”

„ Children from Cypress Primary School led chants of ”Don’t stop our Lollipop”

10 NEWS

WHY A 'ONCE-IN-A-GENERATION REDEVELOPMENT' PLAN FAILED TO CONVINCE LOCALS OF ITS BENEFITS

By Ruby Gregory Local Democracy Reporter

PLANS FOR a controversial regeneration scheme in Peckham which is offering just 12 per cent affordable housing have been rejected by the local council.

Southwark Council’s Planning Committee voted unanimously to reject the plans from Berkeley Homes, which involves redeveloping the Aylesham Centre on Rye Lane, for several reasons including the lack of affordable housing on offer and the impact the plans will have on the area’s local heritage.

The council’s decision to refuse the plans will not actually determine the outcome of the application, as Berkeley Homes has already appealed the plans directly to the Planning Inspectorate, which will have the final say following an eight-day Inquiry which is expected to begin on October 27, 2025.

Th meeting on July 15, which lasted almost six hours, was to confirm the council’s reasons for refusing the development ahead of October’s Inquiry.

Berkeley Homes’ original plans submitted in July 2024 consisted of bulldozing the 1980s Aylesham Centre and the current supermarket to deliver a 877home development, of which 270 homes would be ‘affordable’, consisting of 185 social rented and 85 intermediate homes which equated to 35per cent affordable housing by habitable room.

However in December 2024, Berkeley Homes amended its original plans to redevelop the site by Rye Lane by dropping the number of homes built to 867 and drastically reducing affordable housing by habitable room to just 12per cent – which equates to 77 affordable homes, of which 50 would be social rented and 27 would be intermediate.

The amended proposals will also see a Community Land Trust (CLT) scrapped, which would have provided low cost locally-designed housing. Under the latest plans, the buildings will be replaced with a new Morrisons store, the new homes, plus shop and restaurant space. The application also includes plans for several buildings up to 20 storeys high.

Berkeley Homes says it reduced the affordable housing on offer due to the uncertainty around the availability of GLA (Greater London Authority) funding for affordable housing, and not being able to secure planning permission as soon as it had hoped, as well as building costs increasing and regulatory changes.

The plans were supposed to be heard in spring 2025, however the amended application meant the council had to launch a 30-day consultation period where locals were invited to drop-in sessions to have their say on the latest plans.

During last night’s meeting, planning officers said they had advised Berkeley Homes that the reduction in affordable homes meant the public benefits of the

proposal would no longer be sufficient enough to outweigh the heritage harm which would from the plans.

Additionally, the existing buildings in the Rye Lane Peckham Conservation Area are 3 to 5 storeys high, whereas Berkeley Homes intends to build on this specific part of the site up to 7 storeys high, which would change the Peckham skyline forever and would fail to preserve the character and appearance of the area.

The scheme has undergone two public consultations, one for the original plans and one for the amended one, and in total 27,141 neighbours were consulted.

The plans received 2,505 responses, of which 2,427 are objections, 59 are in support while there are 19 neutral comments.

The plans have received strong opposition from the local community and SHAPE (Southwark Housing and Planning

Emergency), which is a coalition of local groups who have campaigned against the plans.

Last night, SHAPE organised a rally which saw more than 50 people gather outside the council’s headquarters in Tooley Street to protest against the scheme from going ahead.

There were nine registered objectors who were supposed to speak last night, however only five were given the chance to speak.

The committee first heard from local resident, Siobhan McCarthy, who argued the development is offering “the wrong type of homes” and said the lack of affordable housing is unacceptable for the area.

Ms McCarthy said: “50 units of social rent housing is insufficient for the site as access to genuinely affordable housing is very low across Peckham, for such a major site

to provide such a low level of affordable housing is a significant lost opportunity.

“The shortage of affordable housing displaces people on low incomes, officers accept the proposals are likely to increase house prices in the area, there is evidence that families [who are] economically disadvantaged and global majority people are most affected, therefore changing the local demographic.”

Ms McCarthy went on to say around 25 small independent and global majority-run businesses who offer affordable shopping opportunities will be “directly misplaced” by the plans, and accused Berkeley Homes of wanting to replace the existing shops with high-end and boutique businesses.

She said: “This proposed development in its lack of benefit for local people fails to take into account local people’s well-being and sense of belonging, especially those African and Caribbean people f[who came]

from the 1950s onwards who have built lives here when it was nothing and not valued by others.”

‘WHOSE PECKHAM REALLY IS THIS?’

Reverend Dean Pusey, Vicar of St Mary Magdalene Church in Peckham, also spoke out against the plans.

Rev. Pusey said: “I come here as a Peckham boy, I left Peckham at the age of seven and I’ve come back via places like Woking and Surrey who also had similar schemes.

“I’ve seen what happened there, displacement, and I’ve seen other things that have happened where people are deeply concerned.”

He added: “I’m very struck in listening to this that we’re talking about economics, and there’s a driver that I sense strongly and people have said, whose Peckham is this? Is it the developer’s Peckham?

Whose Peckham really is this?”

COUNCIL’S REASONS FOR REFUSAL ‘ENTIRELY SUBJECTIVE’

However Nick Alston, senior director at Averson Young, which is Berkeley Homes’ planning consultant, said the council’s reasons for refusal were “entirely subjective”.

Mr Alston told the committee: “The view of our heritage advisor is that overall the development would not harm the Conservation Area or the wider townscape.

“The view of your officers is there would be some harm but this would not be substantial, the benefits of the development must be properly weighed up in this context of no, or at worst, nonsubstantial harm. The proposal offers clear and substantial benefits and these should be afforded great weight in this

balancing exercise.”

Mr Alston added: “The government has made it clear that we all have a moral duty to see more homes of all tenures built, and built quickly.

“Berkeley Homes is committed to playing its part in meeting this emergency but is reliant on the NPPF [National Planning Policy Framework] requirement for planning applications that accord with the development plan to be approved without delay.”

COUNCIL VERDICT

After almost six hours of discussing the application, the committee ultimately decided to refuse the plans, with every councillor unanimously voting in favour of rejecting the application.

Reacting to last night’s decision, SHAPE campaigner and local resident, Tanya Murat, said: “We are delighted that the planning committee refused the Berkeley scheme. We believe this is a result of years of campaigning and organising.

developers to do so.

“In the adjusted proposal from Berkeley Homes for the Aylesham site, the low proportion of affordable housing and uncertainty about the delivery of Community Land Trust homes does not justify the development and impact on the heritage of the Rye Lane Peckham Conservation Area.”

Cllr Dennis added: “The new plan also contradicts stipulations around design, character, conservation and heritage of the [NPPF]. Southwark Council therefore does not support the proposal from Berkeley in its current form.”

A spokesperson for Berkeley Homes previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “This is a site that has been earmarked for housing for 11 years now. Two previous developers failed to come up with a workable project. We have been working with the council, local residents and businesses for four years and have sought to accommodate everyone’s wishes, as far as possible, along

This will not actually determine the outcome of the application, as Berkeley Homes has already appealed the plans directly to the Planning Inspectorate

“At just 12per cent, [the] so called affordable housing is an insult to the people of Peckham. But the proceedings showed the planning system is stacked in the developers’ favour and is geared to prioritising their profits.”

Ms Murat went on to say: “We will support Aylesham Community Action to fight the scheme at the Planning Inspector’s Inquiry. We continue to demand a revolution in housing and planning that puts people and the planet before profit.”

Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said the council has a responsibility to deliver affordable housing to the borough’s residents.

Cllr Dennis said: “Our target proportion for affordable homes in any new development is 35 per cent and we fight to uphold and meet, and where possible exceed this target, working with

Here is where you can become a TV

show contestant

the way, while keeping the project viable.

“After all this time, effort and money, if Berkeley is to build homes, we have no other option but to appeal for nondetermination.”

Rye Lane’s Labour councillors, Cllrs Jasmine Ali, Esmé Dobson and David Parton, said: "Rye Lane’s Labour councillors have always been clear: an offer of 12 per cent affordable housing on the Aylesham site is an insult to our community. We welcome the Planning Committee’s decision to refuse the application on the grounds that the abysmally low level of affordable housing on offer fails to deliver sufficient public benefit to outweigh the significant harm it will cause to our area.

"We will continue to work with our community, our MPs, the mayor and the government to get the best possible social housing allocation on the Aylesham site for Peckham, and take

By Evie Flynn

HAVE YOU ever envisioned yourself as a contestant on a TV game show? Or maybe you are looking for an alternative evening activity in South London that offers something more memorable than the usual pub or dinner?

Now you can step into the spotlight (quite literally) in the heart of Southwark with the arrival of Quiz Boxing, a brand new immersive experience designed to bring the fun and intensity of a TV game show to life.

The team behind Quiz Boxing opened their first London venue in Camden back in 2023, having numerous Quiz Boxing venues in France. They extended their vision to Southwark, opening a brand-new game space on Ewer Street in May. It’s located just a five minute walk from Southwark tube station and ten minutes from London Bridge.

Quiz Boxing is designed to drop you into the heart of a fast-paced quiz show environment, where you can test your trivia skills and friendships whilst simultaneously fuelling your competitive side.

Suitable for groups of four to twelve, the new venue places contestants within ‘game arenas’ featuring six game podiums, so you can choose to play individually in a group of six or in pairs in a group of twelve. It’s set in a Mixed Martial Arts cage, with smokemachines, sound and lighting, all adding to the drama of a gameshow.

Despite the prominence of ‘boxing’

in its name, there’s no physical contact involved at Quiz Boxing. Instead, it's described as ‘a battle of the mind’, where each player is given a selection of boxing themed wildcards to use against their opponents.

An ‘uppercut’ prevents a player from earning their points, a ‘hook’ steals the points from another player and a ‘double-jab’ lets you choose a player and double your winnings if they answer correctly.

The team behind the game describe Quiz Boxing as a “place where you can scream at your friends and get away with it.” It really is just you and your opponents in the room, with the moderator and referee being virtual. Within six rounds of questions, players get the opportunity to personalise the categories, choosing a range of themes, including the TV, cinema, music, sports, history, geography and pop culture. But, it’s not all about how well-read you are, some questions and situations require you to be savvy as well as smart.

The game itself lasts 60 minutes and there’s an opportunity to fully customise the percentage of each theme to really cater for yours and your teams tastes.

A trip to Quiz Boxing is suitable for all sorts of groups, from a family or friend day out, team bonding events, birthdays, or Hen / Stag-dos.

Location: 60 Ewer Street, SE1 0NR

Price: £25 per player (aged 12+)

Duration: 60 minutes

Website: quiz-boxing.co.uk

The Peckham skyline would permanently change if the plans were to go ahead

The plans have been met with strong opposite from the local community and SHAPE, a coalition of local groups who are campaigning against the redevelopment

CELEBRATING IN THE GAYBOURHOOD

B y Abigail Finney

A FREE grassroots LGBTQ+ Pride event in Elephant and Castle returns for its sixth year this Saturday, July 26.

'Welcome to the Gaybourhood' is a celebration of local life and diversity held in the newly-built Elephant Park. Both residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a full programme featuring live music and drag performances on a community stage, all showcasing talented local LGBTQ+ artists. Founded in 2019, Welcome to the Gaybourhood is a community-led, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ life and promoting inclusivity in and around the Elephant and Castle area.

The Pride event was founded by Elephant Park residents Richard Parsons and Taj Tabbah, who run a WhatsApp group by the same name that has over 1,000 members. “We wanted to create an event that wasn't just a party you travel to, but something that celebrated our identity right where we live,” Richard said.

“It’s about visibility, community, and showing that the Elephant and Castle neighbourhood has become a hub for the LGBT+ community, a ‘Gaybourhood’–a safe, welcoming, and proud space for everyone.”

Aside from the performance, the event is set to also have restaurants and bars on hand, offering delicious refreshments throughout the day.

Elephant Park recently became home to Betty and Joan's, London's newest gay bar. It opened in December 2024 as the latest business to join SE1's thriving gay scene, which includes with The Rising which is just yards away on Harper Road.

Known as 'BJs', the venue is also home to the Queer Comedy Club, the first of its kind in the UK. Co-owner and comedian David Ian even jokingly referred to Elephant Park as "a Disneyland for gay men".

Date: Saturday, 26th July

Time: 2:00 p.m. - Late

Location: Elephant Park, London, SE17 1UB

Cost: Free admission, open to all.

RSVP: www.outsavvy.com/event/27870/ elephant-park-pride

Southwark backs calls for a London-wide tourist tax

By Ruby Gregory Local Democracy Reporter

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL has backed calls to implement a London-wide tourist tax through accommodation costs such as hotels.

During a council meeting on July 9, Lib Dem councillors initially proposed a motion for the introduction of a voluntary, £2-a-night levy for the borough, which is currently being used by cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh.

However, this was taken out following a Labour amendment.

Labour’s amended motion, which was passed, agrees on the principle of a tourist tax, and for it to be implemented across London with legal backing to make it mandatory.

Victor Chamberlain, Leader of Southwark Liberal Democrats, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “This is a big win for our campaign to support local services with a tourist tax. We’re extremely lucky to be such a fantastic area for people from across the world to visit, and most of them would be happy to pay less than a coffee to ensure that local people see the benefit.

“Though the final motion didn’t contain our full proposal, we’re pleased that we’ve secured a call for the powers to implement a mandatory tourist tax. It could raise millions of pounds for Southwark to put towards community safety, cleaner streets, or cost of living support.”

Southwark is currently home to

around 6,000 hotel and hostel bedrooms and at average occupancy rates, the Lib Dems argue it could raise over £2million for the borough. Southwark is home to some of London’s most visited attractions and areas including London Bridge, The Shard and the Tate Modern.

The LDRS has previously reported on the impact visitors have on residents in some areas of the borough, such as the Bermondsey Beer Mile. The visitor tax would go some way to ensuring clean up and maintenance costs are not entirely shouldered by council tax payers.

The move comes after Brent Council passed a similar motion last week (July 7) which could see a mandatory visitor levy on hotel and shortstay accommodation to help fund improvements to the area.

Last year, almost three million people attended events at Wembley Stadium from across the UK and internationally. The North West London council said the success of attracting more visitors to the area also brings “very real challenges” and the local authority wants to make sure visitors “contribute fairly” to the area’s upkeep.

EXCLUSIVE

By Issy Clarke

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL could face

a £70 million financial shortfall in a "best case scenario" over the next three years under proposed changes to the way funding for local authorities is calculated.

The government is looking at reforming the council funding system, including a change to the measure of deprivation which calculates the amount of cash allocated to each local authority.

In a report circulated ahead of the council's Cabinet, finance lead Stephanie Cryan warned that the changes could leave Southwark Council with a gap of "between £23 million and £68 million in a three year period".

However during the meeting itself on July 7, a council officer said the £68 million figure in fact represented a "very understated scenario" and warned the actual figure would "definitely" be higher.

The new deprivation index being consulted on by the government would exclude housing costs, potentially creating a distorted picture of the stability of household finances in London where incomes are dented by higherthan-average rent and bills.

The government has said the model represents a "crucial step towards a fairer, simpler funding system that targets money where it is most needed, to the benefit of working families.”

However a spokesperson for London Councils, which represents 32 London boroughs, warned that by failing to include housing costs the new model "failed to fully account for the high levels of need, deprivation and cost of delivering services in the capital".

As well as changes to the deprivation index, the government is also looking at reforming the way business rates are calculated and distributed among local councils. Since 2013/14, if revenue from

By Evie Flynn

HELEN ROBSON from Ilderton Primary School in Bermondsey has taught across South London since 1976, but will be swapping the classroom for retirement at the end of the school year, marking an inspiring career spanning nearly five decades.

Helen, 70, lives in Lewisham and has worked at Ilderton Primary School since 2016. She first joined the school as a supply teacher and for the last two years she has given one-to-one support to a pupil named Emily.

She began her teaching career at 22, leaving behind Llanelli, her small hometown in Wales, for London, where teaching jobs were more readily available.

"I'm one of those people that was born to be in education," Helen shared. "I've only ever known school, university and then school again."

Helen began as a PE teacher in Stockwell, later moving to the Gipsy Hill Federation of schools. She reminisced that some of the pupils she taught back at the start of her career are now parents of pupils at Ilderton Primary School.

In 2012, she transitioned away from sports into the classroom, where she found a new purpose offering one-to-one support. Helen has worked closely with Emily, who is now preparing to move on to secondary school, which Helen sees as a natural time to say goodbye as well.

We sat down with Helen and Derrick Ogunsola, Head of School, to reflect on Helen's years at Ilderton and the other

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL COULD FACE '£70 MILLION FUNDING SHORTFALL' IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS

business rates in a local area is higher than the levels in 2012/13, councils have been allowed to keep a proportion of the increased income.

This top-up currently makes up around a fifth of Southwark Council's total income - but would be wiped out under the changes proposed by the government.

A London Councils spokesperson expressed concern that "the current proposals fail to fully account for the high levels of need, deprivation and cost of delivering services in the capital.

"In particular, it is vital that any measures of deprivation used to allocate funding properly reflect housing costs. The proposed funding formula for children's services should also be reviewed to ensure it is robust and accurately measures the level of demand in London."

Southwark Liberal Democrat Group

Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain accused the government of "levelling down" London, adding: “We've already seen cuts to welfare, winter fuel payments, and a refusal to scrap the Tories’ cruel two child benefit cap. Now Labour are turning on London.

"You can’t grow the national economy whilst pulling funding away from the nation’s capital. This is going to hurt Southwark residents – and with Labour at the helm at all levels of power, it’s up to them to make sure we’re able to deal with the cost of living crisis, build genuinely affordable homes, and keep our streets safe and clean.

"Residents need assurance that Southwark council is on their side –that's why we’re calling for the Leader to join us in asking the government to think again, and lay out how it will protect vital local services.”

The government minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon, said: "We inherited a local government sector on its knees— councils pushed to the financial brink, facing rising demand, and working people not receiving the quality local services they rightly deserve.

"There’s broad agreement across council leaders, experts, and parliamentarians that the current funding model is broken and unfair. This government is stepping up to deliver the fairer system promised in the 2017 Fair Funding Review but never delivered.

"These reforms are urgently needed to put councils on a stable footing and ensure better services for residents — especially working people — right across the country. It’s a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver the outcomes people deserve."

RETIRING AFTER NEARLY HALF A CENTURY AT SOUTH LONDON SCHOOLS

South London schools she has worked at over her 50-year career.

Derrick, who has been Head at Ilderton for nearly three years, confided: "I have been working in education for 17 years and Helen is the nicest person i've ever met.

"I feel like the work she has done as a one-to one-is like a calling for Helen," said

Derrick. "It requires personal approach so has brought out all her natural instincts to be caring, kind, attentive and inclusive.

"The children just want to be around her because it's such a calming, loving influence that it's just infectious.

"Anyone who knows the journey of some of the children she has worked with

„ Emily and Helen pictured in the ‘Tiger Room’ at Ilderton Primary School

will understand what a monumental difference she has made to their life, not just school life but their life going forward into further education or whatever path they choose to take."

This isn't Helen's first attempt at retirement: "I think I drove my husband and my two sons mad," she laughed. "This time, I've slowly resigned to it over

Cllr Stephanie Cryan, Southwark Council’s Cabinet Member for Equalities, Democracy and Finance, said: “The Government is still consulting on proposed changes to local government funding, and we do not yet know their final funding decisions or what this will mean for Southwark.

“We are working hard to ensure decision makers understand the needs of the people of Southwark. We fully support the principle of funding redistribution to support areas with high levels of deprivation as the current funding system is broken.

“Too many people in our borough face daily struggle and hardship. London is the epicentre of the housing crisis with 37% of children in Southwark living in poverty after housing costs. It is vital Government understands this when making decisions.”

months and got used to the idea."

Helen had a stint in leadership positions, becoming an Assistant Head in the early 1990s, but always found her way back to the classroom.

"I think when we all start out in teaching we think we are going to progress to the very top, but you soon realise that's not for everybody," she explained. "It wasn't for me because I loved the classroom and that was what I was best at."

"Obviously, learning is very important," Helen said, "but the children also need to know that they are respected and valued.

"The experiences we provide for the children, whether it's the residential, the amazing trips like the Isle of Wightsome of these children would never, ever get the chance to go otherwise.

"Working in schools has been the best years of my life," Helen admitted.

Though she requested a quiet send-off, staff at Ilderton say she deserves public recognition for her decades of service.

Derrick told us: "She's very quiet and unassuming so this is probably out of her nature, but we feel like she deserves more than just a quiet getaway.

"There'll be a chasm in this school that will just be a void of where Miss Robson was. We have children who are in Year Six whom she's known from reception and who at lunchtime just want to spend time with Miss Robson.

"She is really loved, admired and revered in this school and she deserves everything retirement has to offer."

Helen will be kicking off retirement with a well-earned holiday, hopefully somewhere like Greece or Sicily, and also visiting her family back in Wales.

„ Cabinet member in charge of finance at Southwark Cllr Stephanie Cryan

JULY AUGUST

By Harrision Galliven

Local Democracy Reporter

THE MET Police is now turning to data-driven methods to track down offenders and make better use of officers’ time. Chief among these tools is live facial recognition (LFR), with fixed cameras being installed in Croydon for the first time.

Live facial recognition has already been used in several London boroughs, including during the King’s Coronation in 2023.

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

Croydon was chosen for the fixedcamera pilot due to “previous success” and an assessment of local risk.

The Local Democracy Reporting (LDRS) took to the streets of Croydon to see how the pilot is going.

The summer heat always brings Croydon town centre to life. Market traders joke with shoppers, office workers hunt for sunny lunch spots, and children pester their parents for a go on the fairground rides temporarily set up along North End.

Together, they create a lively atmosphere that contrasts with the negative image often associated with the high street. But some say the mood changes noticeably as the sun sets.

“It’s OK in the morning, we can manage with two staff members,” says Mohammed Kamzi, owner of U Fone. “After 4pm, it’s different. We need three or four people working because someone has to be ready to chase thieves while another watches the shop. We see crime here all the time. Just two days ago, someone stopped outside our shop for drugs, and people swarmed around them.”

Mohammed has worked on North End for four years, a time he says has seen rising crime and waning police visibility. He told the LDRS that the street is a hotspot for gangs, wanted criminals, and people skipping court appearances.

Last year, LFR cameras were sporadically deployed on mobile vans on North End. In March, the Met announced it would go further by installing fixed facial recognition cameras on North End and London Road.

These will look like regular CCTV cameras but will only be switched on when the technology is in use. Despite this move towards fixed surveillance, the use of LFR has so far met with a mixed reaction from locals.

Mohammed sees the benefit in terms of safety but admits some customers aren’t comfortable with it. He told the LDRS: “It’s good for safety, especially with all the stabbings and gangs in Croydon.

“But lots of customers aren’t happy about being watched. They feel anxious, like they’ve done something wrong, even if it’s just for a fine.”

Shane Barrett, a local resident, believes the technology could help, but questions its placement. He said: “Croydon’s getting worse, there are stabbings every other week. The cameras might help, but the stabbings happen on side streets and around Surrey Street, not North End.”

Shopper Helen Matthews said she wanted more clarity from the police. “I can see it being useful, but we don’t know how it works or when it’ll be used.”

On Friday July 4, the Met celebrated its 1,000th arrest using LFR. Among those arrested were 93 registered sex offenders and several others in breach of court orders.

Lindsey Chiswick, who leads the Met’s facial recognition programme, said: “This technology is making London safer by removing dangerous offenders. It’s saving

ARE LIVE FACIAL RECOGNITION CAMERAS WORKING FOR THE POLICE IN SOUTH LONDON?

“If you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve got nothing to fear,” says Mayor of Croydon

officers valuable time and delivering quicker, more accurate results.”

However, some civil liberties groups remain deeply concerned. Madeleine Stone, a Senior Advocacy Officer at Big Brother Watch, says the scale of surveillance is alarming.

She said: “There will be biometric cameras fixed throughout Croydon, which will have a chilling and dystopian effect on the high street. This is Chinese-style surveillance.”

Ms Stone also criticised police for stopping people who turn away from the cameras and try to seek an alternate route. “You’re meant to have the option to avoid them,” she said.

She argued that the technology may not actually save officers time, since police still need to be nearby to act on matches.

“I’m sure Londoners would rather see more officers on the streets than these cameras,” she added.

So far this year, LFR has scanned 1.5 million faces in London, leading to 459 arrests – roughly one for every 3,300 scans. More than half of the Met’s socalled “true matches” did not result in an arrest.

Charlie Whelton, Policy and Campaigns Officer at human rights group Liberty, said the technology is being used without proper legal oversight. “It’s a regulatory wild west,” he said.

While the Met mostly uses LFR to catch

serious criminals, Mr Whelton warned there’s nothing stopping police from using it on victims or people linked to crimes. Currently, LFR operates under a patchwork of legal rulings, with no unified legislation guiding its use nationwide.

“Some forces use it responsibly, others don’t,” he told the LDRS. “Right now, it subjects people to a digital strip search that goes far beyond traditional policing.”

LFR misidentification has also raised concerns, particularly around race.

Some say high-profile mistakes, like the misidentification of anti-knife crime campaigner Sean Thompson, show the technology still has flaws and may disproportionately affect minority communities.

On November 13, 2024, Policing Minister Diana Johnson said facial

recognition was a powerful policing tool but acknowledged the need to balance safety with privacy. The government is expected to publish a draft white paper on LFR next year.

In the meantime, Croydon’s own political leaders have largely backed the use of LFR in the town centre.

Croydon Council said it supports LFR in town centres to “identify suspects on a watchlist” and tackle violent crime.

Mayor Jason Perry also regularly cites the number of serious offenders taken off the street as proof of LFR’s success.

Last year, he told the LDRS: “If you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve got nothing to fear.”

Croydon South MP and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp echoed that view, saying: “This technology means wanted criminals can’t roam around town and city centres without being caught.

Labour’s Croydon mayoral candidate Rowenna Davis also gave her cautious support. “I was initially suspicious,” she said. “But the number of violent and sexual offenders caught has convinced

me.”

She added: “Do I like the idea of being watched? Not really. But the priority has to be making our streets safe again.”

In contrast, Green councillors Ria Patel and Esther Sutton, whose Fairfield ward will host some of the cameras, remain strongly opposed. Back in March, Cllr Patel said: “Ever since this announcement, my inbox has been flooded with messages from local residents concerned about this attack on their privacy and possible consequences for them.”

The Met insists it has strict safeguards in place. It says biometric data is permanently deleted if someone isn’t on the watchlist. It added that independent testing by the National Physical Laboratory found the system to be accurate and showed no significant bias based on race or gender.

The fixed cameras aren’t yet operational and will be attached to street furniture. No official start date has been confirmed.

The Met believes the use of facial recognition cameras will free up officer time, meaning they will be able to spend more time in the public eye Credit: Harrison Galliven

A Met spokesperson added: “We’re committed to making London safer by using technology to target the most dangerous offenders. This has helped us take hundreds of violent individuals off the streets.

“We continue to engage with the public to explain how the technology works and to reassure people that strong privacy protections are in place.”

„ Jason Perry, Mayor of Croydon „ Councillor Rowenna Davis

„ Croydon MP Natasha Irons

By Cameron Blackshaw Local Democracy Reporter

THE COURT of Appeal has ruled in two separate cases that building owners and developers can’t recoup costs from leaseholders for fire safety remediation work, in a landmark decision that could save Londoners thousands.

The ruling could have far-reaching implications for who bears the costs of building safety-related costs in the future, with judges ruling that parts of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) can be applied retrospectively, favouring leaseholders and residents.

Specifically, this means a paragraph that states building owners can’t charge leaseholders for such work can be applied to fire safety defects that were discovered before the act came into force.

WHAT WERE THE TWO CASES?

The court decisions relate to disputes concerning Hippersley Point in Abbey Wood, right on the border of Greenwich and Bexley, and to five residential blocks in the East Village Estate in Stratford’s Olympic Park.

In the Hippersley case, the tower block’s owner Adriatic wanted to charge leaseholders the costs incurred during a tribunal process in which it asked to do away with certain regulations so it could charge residents more than £250 each to carry out remedial fire safety works

Both the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) and the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) ruled that Adriatic could not recoup these tribunal costs from residents, so it challenged these rulings in the Court of Appeal.

In the East Village case, the Court of Appeal had to consider applications from social housing provider and long leaseholder Triathlon for remediation contribution orders (RCO) it wanted to make against the East Village developers that would require the developers to pay for remedying fire safety defects.

The East Village RCOs were the first to be made under the BSA, with the developers appealing the First Tier Tribunal’s original decision to allow the orders.

Both cases were heard at the same time by the same three judges with judgments handed down on July 8. Separate judgments were issued because the court believed that despite the overlap, both cases raised “distinct issues”.

WHAT WERE THE KEY ISSUES?

The key issue in both cases was whether the BSA could be applied retrospectively. It came into force on June 28, 2022 in response to the issues raised by the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017.

Fire safety defects at Hippersley Point and in the East Village Estate were both discovered prior to when the BSA became law.

WHAT DID THE COURT OF APPEAL JUDGMENTS SAY?

In both cases, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the leaseholders over the developers, deciding that parts of the BSA do indeed have retrospective effect.

In handing down their judgment in the Hippersley case, Lord Justice Nugee said: “I consider that Parliament cannot have intended that leaseholders should still continue to face the uncertainties and difficulties of the large and unaffordable bills that the legislation was designed to address.

“The only way to give effect to the Parliamentary intention of breaking the logjam and protecting leaseholders is to my mind to interpret the provisions that ‘no service charge is payable’ as meaning

COURT OF APPEAL RULES IN FAVOUR OF LEASEHOLDERS FOR FIRE SAFETY REMEDIATION WORK

what they appear to say, namely that from the date of such provisions coming into force no such service charge is indeed payable.”

The retrospective nature of the act was a key factor for its creation in the first place. The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner made written submissions in both cases attesting to this.

She said: “Retrospectivity is central to achieving the aims and objectives of the BSA. Many of the building safety issues identified in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire arise in relation to buildings constructed many years ago.

“A retrospective approach provides for effective routes to redress against those responsible for historical building safety defects that have only recently come to light, whatever level of the supply chain they operated at.”

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR DEVELOPERS?

Lawyer Nitej Davda, a partner at law firm Cripps, said it was “quite unusual” for such legislation to have retrospective effect. However, he also thought it made sense when it came to the BSA due to its origins at Grenfell.

He said: “If you take a step back and you think about what happened with Grenfell, which is where all of this emanates from ultimately, and then you think about what is the intention behind the legislation and what is it intended to do.

“The BSA is intended to do two things fundamentally. It is intended to give leaseholders protection and it is intended to make developers pay. Those are the two fundamental tenets of the act. If it doesn’t have retrospective effect then you are trying to make the act work with at least one hand tied behind your back.”

Mr Davda thought that Adriatic and Triathlon might appeal the Court of Appeal decisions to the Supreme Court because “there’s enough money at stake” and “enough points of principle”, but he was doubtful these appeals would be successful.

That is because in May of this year in another case concerning the cost of fire safety remediation work, the Supreme Court ruled that the BSA did have some retrospective effect.

Despite these recent and significant decisions, Mr Davda said he was sure developers were aware of the retrospective nature of the BSA, and those appealing rulings against this were likely trying to limit financial and reputational damages.

He said: “Since the BSA came into force, developers have always known that they were going to have to take responsibility for these matters, and of course there would have been consultation between government and stakeholders before the act came into force.

“It’s not something that will have taken them by surprise, but it doesn’t mean they won’t try and limit their liability. But the retrospective aspect of the act should not have come as a surprise given what it was intended to address.”

He suspected that most developers would probably have nine-figure contingency funds when it came to the possibility of paying for remediation work due to the massive costs involved.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR LEASEHOLDERS?

Although these two Court of Appeal rulings represent wins for leaseholders in each case, Mr Davda wasn’t quick to state that it was a victory for all He said: “The people that are in limbo throughout all of this are the leaseholders because they can’t sell, they’re stuck in a property that has plummeted in value because of the defects and safety issues that are there, and they’re subject to being concerned about what happens if there is a fire and the exterior is unsafe.

“Works need to be undertaken and if you’re asking leaseholders collectively or freeholders to then take action against developers, that’s expensive, longrunning, protracted, potentially uncertain

litigation. That doesn’t help anybody.”

When asked whether these rulings give more impetus and power to leaseholders to take legal action against developers, Mr Davda said: “It does to a point, but only to a point because of course, from a leaseholder’s point of view, the Hippersley Point case is perhaps more relevant because it concerns specifically, the ability or the lack of an ability to recharge certain costs through a service charge.

“From the leaseholders’ point of view, they are not going to be responsible for certain costs. That’s great, but does it take them any closer to actually having remedial work undertaken? Not in and of itself.”

Mr Davda said leaseholders need to be “brave enough, sufficiently well advised and potentially well funded” in order to take action against freeholders and developers.

“It’s not a quick fix unless the relevant stakeholders take responsibility,” he said.

„ The East Village Estate in Stratford’s Olympic Park

„ Hippersley Point in Abbey Wood.

what’s on

FOLLOWING A successful run of shows at Southwark Playhouse, Jonathan Maitland’s nostalgiafuelled celebration of Wilko Johnson makes its way to the West End. Dubbed not a musical but a ‘play with music’, Love and Death and Rock ‘N’ Roll is a fun trip down memory lane for Wilko and Dr. Feelgood fans, writes Jake Millicheap.

The play begins in hospital as Wilko (Johnson Willis) is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and told he has less than a year to live. Far from daunted by this diagnosis, he is reinvigorated with a sense of ecstasy and feels more alive than ever. His mind then drifts back to his youth, uncovering a troubled relationship with his father and initial meeting with future wife Irene (Georgia Fairbanks). A talented guitarist and wordsmith, Wilko’s dream of forming a band is realised when he meets Lee Brilleaux (Jon House), Sparko (Georgina Field) and Big Figure (David John), who together become Dr. Feelgood.

Johnson Willis is perfect for the role of Wilko (not least due to his name), doing well to capture his unique Essex drawl and captivating stage persona. With only five cast members, the actors switch between characters brilliantly, doubling up as Wilko’s parents, Irene’s parents, medical staff, teachers and journalists when needed.

At times feeling like half-play, half-gig, the cast are able to pull this off through their impressive musicianship, reeling through Dr. Feelgood classics like ‘She Does It Right’ and ‘All Through The City’ with ease. Willis nails Wilko’s signature choppy guitar technique, using his Telecaster as a machine gun and aiming it at the audience. Jon House also shines as

WILKO DOES IT RIGHT

prowling frontman Lee Brilleaux, treating the audience to some great blues harmonica solos.

The second act sees Wilko living with his diagnosis and is filled with philosophical monologues about mortality and spirituality. A dream-like sequence at the doctor's sees Wilko reunite with Dr. Feelgood once again, and the performance concludes with some more songs from the band. Wilko’s son, Simon Johnson (Eight Rounds Rapid) and legendary bassist Norman Watt-Roy (Ian Dury and the

Blockheads, the Wilko Johnson Band) join the cast members on stage for a couple of numbers, resulting in a genuinely moving end to the night.

Starting a new run at Leicester Square Theatre, the production wasn’t without its teething issues, a lighting fault causing the play to briefly stop midway through the first half. This was quickly rectified, however, and resulted in one of the biggest pops of the night - Willis remarking ‘we normally play shitty places like this, where the lighting doesn’t work’, midway

through a monologue about Dr. Feelgood’s legacy.

Perhaps worth seeing more for the music than its retelling of Wilko’s story, this is nevertheless an entertaining watch, particularly for fans of Wilko and Dr. Feelgood.

Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX until 27th April Booking and full details: www.leicestersquaretheatre.com020 7734 222

Themes of love misdirection and deception

SOME THINGS are ever present in a London Summer, packed tubes of commuters, pubs spilling out onto the streets and a busy mix of tourists and locals waiting to get into The Globe Theatre to cap off their day's entertainment with some Shakespeare, writes Christopher Peacock.

The Merry Wives of Windsor is a rarity in the works of Shakespeare as it is one set wholly in England and as a comedy it is truly unique in that nature. The themes of love misdirection and deception are to be found here as in many other Shakespeare comedies, and the Merry Wives of Windsor focuses around Sir John Falstaff (previously seen in Henry IV Part 1 and Part 2), who is attempting to woo two wive - Mistress Ford and Mistress Page - and extract from them their husband's riches to keep him in his lavish lifestyle. The two women wise up to this and look to torment Falstaff along the way. The secondary love line is that of Mistress Page’s daughter Anne trying to find a suitor, and those that have been chosen for her falling short of what she longs for.

Holmes’ production keeps things simple, matched with Grace Smart's stage design

and the Jacquie Davies costumes; the art nouveau colour palette matched on to traditional costume certainly helped with clarity and did not distract. This helps pave the way for some strong comedic performances. Most notably George Fouracres as Falstaff, whose delivery and characterisation brought plenty of laughs and even some depth in what is quite a bombastic role. Emma Pallant as Mistress Page and Katherine Pearce as Mistress Ford were both at their joyous best when plotting together.

The innuendo gets laughs and is leaned into in this production at every given opportunity.

However, much of the comedy found in the script would probably face more scrutiny if it were written today. Jokes about the appearance of Falstaff and his weight and the stereotyping of the Welsh and French would not go down as well without trying to make a grander point. That being said, the audience do laugh at those same points that were probably bringing the house down over 400 years ago.

Booking and full details: https://www. shakespearesglobe.com/

MEDIEVAL CHRISTIAN lore gets a witty update in Chiara Atik’s Poor Clare. We follow the actually rather wealthy Clare as she comes to terms with the reality of poverty and inequality in her society after she meets the righteous Francis, writes Melina Block. Clearly a commentary on the pitfalls of contemporary capitalism as much as it is a look at religious history, the strong moral message of this show doesn’t ever weaken the comedy. Equal parts provocative, thoughtful and hilarious, Atik delves into the story of Clare of Assisi to deliver a historical comedy that feels thoroughly modern.

© Nick Haeffner

Arsema Thomas, perhaps best known for her role in Netflix’s hugely popular Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, makes her stage debut as the titular Clare. Clearly no stranger to donning a regal gown and stepping into the past, what is surprising is how comfortable Thomas appears on stage for someone in their first professional play. Her mannerisms and tone of voice feel perfectly chosen to most effectively portray her endearing character. Clare is naïve yet open- minded, with a playful but headstrong attitude that ensures lines, which could otherwise come off as overly earnest or preachy, feel authentic.

Starring opposite Thomas is Freddy Carter, who invokes the stereotypical upper-middle class Gap Yah traveller in his performance as Francis, son of a noble family who has renounced his wealth and chosen to live in poverty. He is delightful in the role, using his excellent comedic timing and chemistry with Thomas to draw out genuine, roaring laughter from the audience. As pretentious as he is pious, Carter’s portrayal, along with Arsema Thomas, does justice to the outstanding script which Atik has created.

The rest of the cast are equally talented, playing off each other with ease and confidence. With its tight performances, sharp writing and thought-provoking storyline, Poor Clare has something for everyone. Entertaining yet educational and perfectly paced, not one scene feels overdone or out of place. This faith-based play deserves all the praise.

Directed by Blanche McIntyre. Orange Tree Theatre until August 9th.

Booking and full details: https:// orangetreetheatre.co.uk/whatson/poor-clare/

Heading south - our pick of upcoming summer events

Summer Lovin’ Park it in the Market:

The vintage market will be returning to Greenwich Market and this year with a Grease theme, Summer Lovin’. Park it in the Market is a past winner of Time Out’s ‘Best Vintage Event’ and is for fans of super-stylish vintage cars, beautiful classic bikes and rollicking rock’n’roll will be in in clover from 7:30-10pm on Thursday 31st July. There will be vinyl stalls, DJs, and Greenwich Market’s famous ensemble of world-food street stalls to keep the dancers fuelled for the whole evening. Whether you’re a Beach Boy, a Greaser or a Pink Lady, put Park it in the Market into your summer diaries.

Date: 31 July. Time: 19:30 - 22:00. Tickets: Free entry, no need to book

Location: Greenwich Market, Greenwich, London, SE10 9HZ

Baby Gospel family concert:

Baby Gospel is a family concert that blends soul, Motown and gospel classics, performed by members of London’s acclaimed CK Gospel Choir. Enjoy traditional gospel songs and familiar nursery rhymes in a relaxed, child-friendly setting, complete with bubbles and interactive moments perfect for all ages

Date: 3 August. Time: 11:00 - 11:45

Location: Woolwich Works (The Fireworks Factory), 11 No.1 Street, Woolwich, London, SE18 6HD

Tickets: £13.20 adults, £11.00 concessions, £11.00 children. Babies under 6 months are free. Book here: https://www.woolwich.works/events/baby-gospelfamily-concert

The Sky Tonight 1675 at the Royal Observatory:

Celebrate 350 years of the Royal Observatory Greenwich by exploring the past and present night sky with the astronomers at The Sky Tonight 1675. The live planetarium show will be hosted by an astronomer and will explore the night sky on the day of your visit, comparing what you can see today with 350 years ago, when the Observatory was first established. Recommended for ages 7+.

Date: 1 - 31 August (daily except Thursdays)

Times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 14:45 and 15:45. Saturday and Sunday: 13:30, 15:30 and 16:30

Location: Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, London, SE10 8XJ

Tickets: Adults: £12, Child: £6, Student: £8

Lucie Kundalini Book signing:

Be among the first to hear Lucie read from Colour Me Kundalini—a poetic and powerful collection that honours the rawness, beauty, and mystery of the awakening journey. There will be a live reading, blue lotus (tea) ceremony, book signing, meet the author and a chance to meet others on the path to self-discovery.

Date: 2 August. Time: 17:00 - 19:00

Tickets: £10 per ticket . Book here: https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/book-launch-party-celebrating-the-release-of-colour-mekundalini-tickets-1425683290099?utm-campaign=social&utmcontent=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utmsource=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Location: Firepit Art Gallery and Studios CIC10, Cutter Lane , London SE10 0XX

Family printing workshop at Cockpit Deptford:

For just £5 per family, the makers at Cockpit Deptford are putting on a polyblock printing workshop with Kethi Copeland. Each participant will learn block printing skills, create print blocks, and use them to print a repeat pattern onto fabric. Make and take a custom set of prints home with you to display or turn into something new. Workshops are family friendly and suitable for all. Children under 10-years-old may need some help from the adult accompanying them. Children over 10 are welcome to participate on their own, while parents/carers spend time in the on-site café.

Date: 27 July. Time: 13:30 - 15:30

Tickets: £5 per family (two children and two adults), book here: https://www. tickettailor.com/events/cockpit/1735883

Location: Cockpit Deptford, 18-22 Creekside, Deptford, London, SE8 3DZ

THE PECKHAM GHOST - AND OTHER THINGS OF THE NIGHT STILL LINGERING

For centuries, strange sightings and stories recounted through generations have left Peckham with a somewhat spooky reputation...

By Abigail Finney

WHETHER IT be the famed ‘Peckham Ghost’ that roamed the land during the 1870s or the odd happenings at the King's Arms in Peckham Rye in the mid 1900s, there seem to be a lot of worrisome creatures nipping at the ankles of the citizens of Peckham. Though, the question is: are these historical beings still with us today?

If you're wanting to set out on your next spooky adventure, here’s what to know:

WHO – OR WHAT – IS THE PECKHAM GHOST?

It’s important to start at the beginning when it comes to ghost stories. Here’s how the tale goes:

You’re on a jaunt in the evening, the moon is shining down just enough to barely light the path in front of you. All is calm, all is as it should be. Well, that is until a tall figure cloaked in white emerges from the hedges, arms opened wide as if it may engulf you within its robes. Very dramatic, really.

One might think this a strange, rare sight,

but for the people of 1870s' Peckham this was a rather common occurrence.

Everyone greeted by the figure gave similar reports: a tall, swift man in white making odd noises in the night.

The townsfolk were terrified and the police scrambled to make a move. After each sighting, officers would scour the area, looking for any signs left behind of the incident. However, they never seemed to find any. It was almost like the man had disappeared from thin air. Along the rumour mill came a whisper of something that gave people quite the fright…what if Spring-heeled Jack had made a return?

Just decades prior in the 1830s a ‘supernatural being’ named Spring-heeled Jack wreaked havoc upon London. Luckily for Peckham, if it was Spring-heeled Jack, he no longer breathed blue fire or donned sharp claws he had years before.

Like many tales of the night, this one remains a bit of a mystery. After weeks of fear, people were angry and the police were heavily criticized. The fateful night came in December of 1872, roughly a month after the first sighting, when a 43 year-old man named Joseph Munday was arrested. As a labourer with no permanent housing, he was charged with loitering in

Bath Place in Blackheath and frightening several residents. When asked to show the inside of his coat, a white smock lay within, evidence of his alleged crimes.

Not everything lined up, though. Many still wonder how these were Munday’s crimes when he didn’t fit any of the descriptions the victims gave. Pledging his innocence did him little good as he was placed behind bars for six months.

Thoughts remain murky and disagreeing. Was Munday in fact the culprit behind it all? Probably, but what would it mean if he wasn’t…?

OTHER GHOSTLY TALES

The King's Arms on Peckham Rye was a pub dating back to 1878. What was once a proud building was left destroyed by a bomb during a World War II German air raid. Tragically, 11 people died, leaving a devastated community in its wake.

Over time, the pub was rebuilt into a nightclub, Kings on the Rye. It didn’t take long for word to get around that there must be restless spirits within its four walls. Objects being moved, the sound of ghostly footsteps, apparition and strange noises were all reported by customers.

The club lived a short life before being demolished and turned into a block of flats in the 1990s.

A hungry, fiery blaze made its way through the Stringer family home on Trafalgar Avenue in Peckham. The terrifying event was hardly out of the ordinary, with a string of fires almost downing the home between 1958 and 1962.

The aggressive nature of the blazes caused the Stringers to believe that the fires were an intentional act to destroy the home and the family that lived within it. Every Easter, like clockwork, an unexplainable fire with seemingly no cause would break out in the home.

After years of strange sightings in the home and annual fires, whatever was in the home seemed to give up, bringing the end to the family’s misfortune.

DISCOVER IT FOR YOURSELF

If you’ve found yourself intrigued with these haunting details, there are several ways you can experience other haunted places in south London first-hand. Here are a few haunted tours in south London:

London Bridge Ghost Walking Tour

This hour and a half long tour takes

you to several locations in Southwark including the Clink Prison Museum, the Golden Hinde and the Crossbones Graveyard & Garden of Remembrance. The walking guide will take you through a series of spooky and daunting tales about the more unsavory history of the area. This tour is only in English and allows ages eight and up to join.

Date: Every Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Meeting spot: 2 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RS, UK

Price: £8 for under 16, £16 for adults

The Cloak and Dagger Tour in London

Take a trip to spots like the Borough Market and the Southwark Cathedral and hear about the little-known dark history behind it all.

This 2-3 hour long walking tour allows everyone above the age of 12 to join and can take up to 35 people.

Date: Every Tuesday-Sunday weather permitting Time: 7:30 p.m.

Meeting spot:77 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH, UK

Price: £20

24 PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO VARY A PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE GAMBLING ACT 2005

Notice is hereby given that: Luxury Leisure of the following address:

Fifth Avenue Plaza, Queensway Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE11 0BL is applying under section 187 of the Gambling Act 2005 to vary an Adult Gaming Centre premises licence issued under that Act.

The application relates to the following premises: Admiral, Ground Floor, 510 Brixton Road, London, SW9 8EN

The application is to vary the licence as follows: to remove the opening hours condition and make consequential amendments to one related condition

The application has been made to: Licensing Team, London Borough of Lambeth, 3rd Floor, Civic House, 6 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1EG

Information about the application is available from the licensing authority, including the arrangements for viewing the details of the application.

Any of the following persons may make representations in writing to the licensing authority about the application:

• A person who lives sufficiently close to the premises to be likely to be affected by the authorised activities

• A person who has business interests that might be affected by the authorised activities

• A person who represents someone in any of the above two categories

Any representations must be made by the following date: 18/08/2025

It is an offence under section 342 of the Gambling Act 2005 if a person, without reasonable excuse, gives to a licensing authority for a purpose connected with that Act information which is false or misleading.

Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence

J V Orthodontics LTD of 66 North Quay Great Yarmouth NR30 1HE is applying for a licence to use 47B Bellegrove Road, Welling, Kent, DA16 3PB as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicles and 0 trailers.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centres who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-guide-tomaking-representations-objections-andcomplaints-goods-vehicle-operator-licensing

LICENSING ACT 2003

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE

Take notice that I/we: Something Good Workshops Limited have made an application to Lewisham Council acting as the Licensing Authority, for a New Premises Licence in respect of 2 Carriage Way, London, SE8 4BZ

The details of the application are as follows: Application for the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption on the premises during pre-booked, ticketed arts, crafts, wellness and community events. Proposed licensable hours: Monday to Sunday –9:00 to 23:00

The application and the Licensing Authority’s public register can be inspected at: Lewisham Council, Safer Communities Service, 9 Holbeach Road, London, SE6 4TW by appointment between Monday to Friday (except on public holidays) and between the hours of 9.00 am to 4.00 pm; or at www.lewisham.gov.uk

The last date by which responsible authorities or other persons may make representations to the Licensing Authority in relation to this application is: 18th August 2025

Any representations must be made in writing to the above address or by emailing licensing@lewisham.gov.uk

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction is unlimited.

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A22 GLA ROAD AND SIDE ROAD (GODSTONE ROAD AND HAYES LANE, LONDON BOROUGH OF CROYDON) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) ORDER 2025

1. Transport for London in consultation with the London Borough of Croydon 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 junction improvement works to take place on the A22 Godstone Road and Hayes Lane.

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

(1) entering, exiting or proceeding on the A22 Godstone Road between its junctions with Little Roke Road and Waterbourne Way. Local access will be maintained between Whyteleafe Hill/Hillbury Road Roundabout and Waterbourne Way and Downs Court Road and Little Roke Road;

(2) entering or exiting on Hayes Lane at its junction with the A22 Godstone Road;

(3) proceeding on the northbound carriageway of Hayes Lane between its junctions with the A22 Godstone Road and Station Road;

(4) exiting the car park outside No.60 Godstone Road and the unnamed access road to the rear of Nos. 60 and 62 Godstone Road into Godstone Road;

(5) stopping on the A22 Godstone Road between its junctions with Station Road and Hayes Lane;

(6) stopping on Hayes Lane between its junctions with the A22 Godstone Road and Station Road;

This Order will also:

(7) close the southern footway of Godstone Road between its junction with Hayes Lane and the extended common boundary of Nos. 62 The Kenley Hotel and 64 Godstone Road;

(8) close the northern footway of Godstone Road between its junction with Hayes Lane and the extended common boundary of Nos. 62 The Kenley Hotel and 64 Godstone Road.

Local access will be maintained.

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

The Order will be effective at certain times between 7:00 AM on 11th August 2025 until 7:00 PM on 31st January 2026 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 for Godstone Road non HGV and Motorway trafc via Downs Court Road, Mitchley Avenue, Rectory Park, Limpseld Road, The Green and Hillbury Road to normal route of travel or in reverse. For HGV Trafc via Purley Road, Brighton Road, Farthing Way, Brighton Road, London Road, M23, M25, Godstone Interchange, Godstone Hill, Godstone Road, Caterham Bypass, Wapses Lodge Roundabout and Godstone Road to normal route of travel or in reverse. For Hayes Lane via Kenley Lane, Valley Road, Beverley Road, Hornchurch Road and Whyteleafe Hill to normal route of travel or in reverse.

Dated this 25th day of July 2025

Matt Standell Planning and Performance Manager Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

Licensing Act 2003 To whom it may concern: I/We: J & P Group ltd do hereby give notice that I/we have applied to the Licensing Authority at The London Borough of Bromley for a new Premises Licence at: 273 High Street Orpington BR6 0NW and known as: Crispy Dosa Orpington. The application is to: Retail Sale of Alcohol (On/ Off Sales): Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 – 23:00, Friday – Saturday: 10:00 – 00:00, Late night refreshment: Friday – Saturday: 23:00 – 00:00. Any person wishing to make representations to this application may do so by writing, stating the grounds of objection to: Licensing, London Borough of Bromley, Stockwell Close, Bromley BR1 3UH. Representations may also be sent via email to licensing@bromley.gov.uk not later than Date: 11/08/2025 Representations received after this date cannot be considered. All representations MUST BE IN WRITING. A copy of the application can be viewed at the Licensing Authority’s address during normal office hours by appointment; or on the Council’s website: www.bromley.gov.uk (search applications). It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application, the maximum fine on summary of conviction is currently unlimited.

To place a notice in this paper and online, please email hello@cm‐media .co.uk or call us on 020 7232 1639 Deadline is

Notice of application for a Premises Licence.

Notice is hereby given that The Polish Way Ltd has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Vermicelli Restaurant, Unit 11 & Unit 11B, Tooting Market, 21-23 Tooting High Street, London, SW17 0RH for Supply of Alcohol – On and Off the PremisesMonday to Sunday – 09:00hrs to 00:00hrs (Midnight) Late Night Refreshment – Indoors and Outdoors –Monday to Sunday – 23:00 hrs to 00:30hrs

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

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

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

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

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

1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it 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 sewer rehabilitation works to take place on the A217 Armoury Way.

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

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

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

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

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

Dated this 25th day of July 2025

Claire Wright Co-ordination Manager Transport for London

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

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

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

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

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

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

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

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

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

Dated this 25th day of July 2025

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

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A2 AND A102 GLA ROADS (ROCHESTER WAY RELIEF ROAD, EAST ROCHESTER WAY AND BLACKWALL TUNNEL SOUTHERN APPROACH, ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH AND LONDON BOROUGH OF BEXLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) (NO.2) ORDER 2025

1. Transport for London 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.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable carriageway maintenance works to take place on Dartford Bypass, East Rochester Way, Rochester Way Relief Road and Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach.

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

(1) enter, exit, proceed or stop on the A2 Dartford Bypass, East Rochester Way and Rochester Way Relief Road between the administrative boundary of the London Borough of Bexley with Kent County Council and its junction with Westhorne Avenue;

(2) enter, exit, proceed or stop on the A2 Rochester Way Relief Road between its junctions with Westhorne Avenue and Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach;

(3) enter, exit or proceed in a northerly direction on the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach between its junctions Rochester Way Relief Road and the unnamed on-slip connecting Blackwall Lane with the northbound carriageway of Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach;

(4) enter, exit or proceed in a southerly direction on the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach between its junctions with the unnamed off-slip connecting the southbound carriageway of Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach with Blackwall Lane and its junction with Rochester Way Relief Road;

(5) stop on the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach between its junctions with Rochester Way Relief Road and Blackwall Lane;

(6) enter or proceed on the Kidbrooke Park Road on and off slip roads connecting Kidbrooke Park Road/Henly Cross with the A2 Rochester Way Relief Road;

(7) enter or proceed on the unnamed on and off-slip roads connecting Woolwich Road with the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach;

(8) enter or proceed on the unnamed on and off-slip roads connecting the circulatory trafc system at the junctions of Shooters Hill Road, Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach and Rochester Way Relief Road commonly known as Sun in the Sands Roundabout with the A102 Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach and the A2 Rochester Way Relief Road;

(9) enter or proceed on the unnamed on and off-slip roads connecting the A2 Rochester Way Relief Road with Westhorne Avenue;

(10) enter or proceed on the unnamed on-slip road connecting the A2 Rochester Way Relief Road with Rochester Way;

(11) enter or proceed on the unnamed on and off slip roads connecting Rieeld Road with the A2 East Rochester Way;

(12) enter or proceed on the unnamed on and off-slip roads connecting the East Rochester Way with Danson Road, Lodge Lane and Keslake Road with the A2 East Rochester Way;

(13) enter or proceed on the unnamed on-slip road connecting with Upton Road and the eastbound carriageway of the A2 East Rochester Way;

(14) enter or proceed on Southwold Road between its junctions with the westbound carriageway of the A2 East Rochester Way and Bourne Road. Access will be maintained between Bourne Road and the vehicular entrance to the Holiday inn, Bexley;

(15) enter or proceed on the unnamed on and off-slip roads connecting the eastbound carriageway of the A2 East Rochester Way with Bourne Road;

The Order will also permit all vehicles eastbound bus lane on A2 East Rochester Way between the on and off slips to Bourne Road.

Works will be phased such that some restrictions will apply only at certain times. Restrictions will only apply for certain dates to allow for cyclic routine maintenance of the highway. Local access to Kidbrooke Park Road will be maintained.

The Order will be effective at certain times from 12:01 AM on 1st August 2025 until 11:59 PM on 1st August 2026 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 alternative routes will be indicated by trafc signs. For closure between Blackwall Tunnel and Westhorne Avenue via Blackwall Lane, Bugsby’s Way, Achor and Hope Lane, Woolwich Road, Woolwich Church Street, John Wilson Street, Grand Depot Road, Woolwich Common, Academy Road, Well Hall Road, Westhorne Avenue or reverse and return to normal route of travel. Trafc at intermediate junctions will be diverted along the remaining open direction of travel to join diversion route. For closure between Westhorne Avenue and the London of Bexley boundary with Kent County Council via Westhorne Avenue, Sidcup Road, Sidcup By-pass, Swanley By-pass, M25, A2 Dartford Bypass or reverse to normal route of travel. Trafc at intermediate junctions will be diverted along the remaining open direction of travel to join diversion route.

Dated this 25th day of July 2025

Gary Oliver Area Manager South – Asset Operations Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

Notice of application for a Premises Licence.

Notice is hereby given that Zeeshan Ahmad has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Zees Kitchin, 660 Garratt lane, London SW17 0NP for The provision of late night refreshments 11pm –02.00am.

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 04/08/2025 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

London Borough of Lambeth

NOTICE OF DESIGNATION OF AREAS FOR SELECTIVE LICENSING

Section 80, Housing Act 2004

1. The London Borough of Lambeth (“The Council”) in exercise of its powers under section 80 of the Housing Act 2004 ("the Act") hereby designates for selective licensing the areas described in paragraph 5 CITATION, COMMENCEMENT AND DURATION

2. This Designation shall be known as the London Borough of Lambeth Phase 2 Designations for Areas for Selective Licensing 2025. All privately rented residential accommodation situated within the designated areas must be licensed with the Council unless subject to statutory exemption as set out in paragraph 6.

3. The Designation was confirmed on 23rd May 2025. The Designation fall within a description of designations for which confirmation is not required by Secretary of State, and come into force on 1st September 2025

4. The Designations shall cease to have effect on 31st August 2030 (not more than 5 years) or earlier if the Council revokes the scheme under section 84 of the Act.

AREA TO WHICH THE DESIGNATION APPLIES

5. These designations apply to the following areas of the London Borough of Lambeth. The Designation is delineated in blue with the area itself coloured purple on the map in annex A below. The following wards are included:

Wards included in Designation Brixton Acre Lane Brixton North Ward Brixton Rush Common Brixton Windrush Clapham Common & Abbeville Clapham East Clapham Park Clapham Town Gipsy Hill Herne Hill & Loughborough Junction Kennington Myatts Field Oval St Martins Stockwell East Stockwell West & Larkhall Streatham Hill West & Thornton Streatham Wells West Dulwich

APPLICATION OF THE DESIGNATION

6. This designation applies to any house(1) which is let or occupied under a tenancy or licence within the area described in paragraph 5 unless:

a. the house is a house in multiple occupation [HMO] that falls within the nationally prescribed category of HMO that is required to be licensed as a ‘mandatory HMO’ under section 55(2)(a) Part 2 of the Act2(2)

b. the house is a house in multiple occupation that falls within the prescribed category of HMO that is required to be licensed under the London Borough of Lambeth Designation of an Area for Additional Licensing of Houses of Multiple Occupation made on 9th December 2021 under Section 56 of the Housing Act 2004(3)

c. the tenancy or licence of the house has been granted by a registered social landlord(4)

d. the house is subject to an Interim or Final Management Order under Part 4 of the Act;

e. the house is subject to a temporary exemption under section 86 of the Act; or

f. the house is occupied under a tenancy or licence which is exempt under the Act or the occupation is of a building or part of a building so exempt as defined in Paragraph 5(f): Exempted tenancies or licences, Selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006 SI 370/2006.

EFFECT OF THE DESIGNATION

6. Subject to sub paragraphs 6(a) to (f) every house in the area specified in paragraph 5 that is occupied under a tenancy or icence shall be required to be licensed under section 85 of the Act(5)

7. The London Borough of Lambeth will comply with the notification requirements contained in section 83 of the Act and shall maintain a register of all houses registered under this designation, as required under section 232 of the Act(6)

If you are a landlord, managing agent or a tenant, or if you require information regarding this designation, or to apply for a licence, further information and assistance is available from the Council’s Private Rented Property Licensing Team by telephone on 020 7926 8591 or by email to PRSlicensing@lambeth.gov.uk, or by writing to Private Sector Enforcement and Regulation Service, PO Box 80771, London, SW2 9QQ. The Designation may be inspected at the above address during office hours. All landlords, managing agents or tenants within the designated area should obtain advice to ascertain whether their property is affected by the Designation by contacting the Council’s Private Rented Property Licensing Team.

Upon the Designation coming into force any person having control of or who manages a licensable property without a licence or allows a licensed property to be occupied by more households or persons other than as authorised by a licence, is liable to prosecution and upon summary conviction is liable to an unlimited fine pursuant to the provisions of section 95 of the Housing Act 2004. A person who breaches a condition of a licence is liable upon summary conviction to an unlimited fine. The Council, as an alternative to initiating a prosecution, may pursue one or more of a range of other enforcement actions including the imposition of a financial penalty of up to £30,000 and/or taking management control of unlicensed property. Further, where an offence has been committed an application may also be made by the Council and/or tenant under the provisions of section 96 and 97 of the Housing Act 2004 for a Rent Repayment Order to pay back up to 12 months’ rent, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. No notice under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 may be given in relation to an assured shorthold tenancy of the whole or part of an unlicensed house so long as it remains an unlicensed house.

Signed by Cabinet Member for Safer Communities: Councillor Dr Mahamed Hashi for and on behalf of the London Borough of Lambeth

1 For the definition of "house" see sections 79 and 99 of the Act

2 Section 55 of the Act defines which Houses in Multiple Occupation are required to be licensed under the Act. See also The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Descriptions) (England) Order 2005 (SI 2006/371)

3 Additional Licensing covers HMOs that are not within the scope of Mandatory HMO Licensing where tenants share one or more ‘basic amenities’ i.e. a WC, personal washing facilities or cooking facilities.

4 Section 79 (3) of the Act. For the definition of a Registered Social Landlord see Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996

5 See the Selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006 SI 370/2006

6 Section 232 of the Act and paragraph 11 of SI 373/2006

Annex A: “Map showing selective licensing designations with the designation boundaries marked in blue and the designation areas”

26 PUBLIC NOTICES

LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM Safer Routes to School Programme

Proposed Pedestrian Crossings

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

1. a Zebra Crossing on Baring Road, SE12 centred at a point 4m south-east of the property boundary line of No.24/26 Baring Road and will measure 3m between the studs;

2. a Zebra Crossing on Cranston Road, SE23 centred at a point 1.5m south of the property boundary line of No.73/75 Cranston Road and will measure 2.8m between the studs;

3. a Parallel Crossing on Friendly Street, SE8 consisting of a segregated Zebra Crossing and Cycle Crossing, centred at a point 12m south-west of the centreline of Albyn Road. The Cycle Crossing will measure 3m between the studs and the Zebra Crossing will measure 2.4m between the studs;

4. a Zebra Crossing on Marvels Lane, SE12 centred at a point 2m south of the boundary wall of No.295/297 Marvels Lane and will measure 2.8m between the studs;

5. a Zebra Crossing on Sandhurst Road SE6, centred at a point 14m west of the centreline of the northern arm of Minard Road and will measure 2.8m between the studs;

6. a Puffin Crossing on Westwood Hill SE26, centred at a point 26m north-east of the centreline of Longton Grove and will measure 2.8m between the studs.

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

A copy of the plans showing the location of the crossings may be obtained by emailing a request to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk quoting reference ‘PTO-1081’.

If you wish to make a representation to the pedestrian crossings you must send the for your representation in writing to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk or Lewisham Transport Policy & Development, 5th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU, quoting reference ‘PTO-1081’ to arrive not later than 21 days from the date of publication of this notice. All written representations received concerning are public documents that may be inspected by any person on demand. Dated: 25th July 2025.

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

LICENSING ACT 2003

APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE

Brix FC Ltd has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth for the grant of a Premises Licence, in respect of the following premises: Brix Fried Chicken, 238 Coldharbour Lane, London, SW9 8SD which would authorise the following licensable activities: Late night refreshment licence from 23:0003:00

The record of this application may be inspected during normal office hours by an appointment at the Licensing Section, London Borough of Lambeth Town Hall, 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1EG, or via the licensing authority’s website, at www.lambeth.gov.uk/licensing

A responsible authority or any other person may make representation to the licensing authority in respect of this application. Representations must be made in writing, either by post to the above address, or by email to licensing@lambeth.gov.uk and must be received no later than 06.08.2025

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with a licensing application, and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for that offence shall not exceed level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000).

BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE – HOLMEWOOD ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable road defect repairs 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 Holmewood Road.

2. An alternative route for vehicles will be available via Brixton Hill, Upper Tulse Hill, Fairview Place and Holmewood Gardens. Access will be maintained for residents and cyclists.

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 force on 31 July 2025 and will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month (to allow for contingencies). In practice it is anticipated that the works will take place between 31 July 2025 and 1 August 2025, but if the works cannot be completed or carried out during these dates then the Order may also have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 1 month.

Dated 25 July 2025

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

GLENELDON ROAD- CARRIAGEWAY RESURFACING WORKS

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable carriageway

resurfacing works to be carried out, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth (with the agreement of Transport for London) have made an order the effect of which will be to temporarily ban any vehicle from waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading and unloading a vehicle) at any time, in that length of Gleneldon Road which lies between Streatham High Road and Madeira Road.

2. An alternative route for vehicles will be available via Streatham High Road, Streatham Common North and Valley 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 force on 25 July 2025 and will continue for a maximum duration of 12 months (to allow for contingencies). In practice it is anticipated that the order will only have effect on 25 July 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 12 months.

Dated 25 July 2025 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LICENSING ACT 2003

APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE

Stockwell Food Ltd has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth for the grant of a Premises Licence, in respect of the following premises: Shah’s Halal Food - stationary food van, outside Stockwell underground station, Clapham Road, London, Lambeth SW9 9AE which would authorise the following licensable activities:

Selling of Shah’s Halal hot food takeaway onlyserved to customers via the open arch counter on the side of the stationary van

The record of this application may be inspected during normal office hours by an appointment at the Licensing Section, London Borough of Lambeth Town Hall, 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1EG, or via the licensing authority’s website, at www.lambeth.gov.uk/licensing

A responsible authority or any other person may make representation to the licensing authority in respect of this application. Representations must be made in writing, either by post to the above address, or by email to licensing@lambeth.gov.uk and must be received no later than 14.08.2025

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with a licensing application, and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for that offence shall not exceed level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000).

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ON KENNINGTON ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to facilitate UK power repair and maintenance works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth, after consulting Transport for London (TfL) made an Order, the general effect of which will be to prohibit pedal cycles from using the cycle track on:

2. Kennington Road, the north-west side, from the northern kerbline of Cosser Street northward for 6 metres

3. The alternative route for affected cyclists would be via the main carriageway and northbound bus lane on Kennington Road.

4. 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.

5. The Order comes into force on 28 July 2025 and continues for a maximum duration of 1 month, or until the works have been completed whichever is sooner.

Dated 25 July 2025

Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ON JUXON STREET

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to facilitate bridge investigation works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth made an Order, the general effect of which would be in Juxon Street, from the north-western kerb-line of Ingram Close, north-westward for 42.5 metres to ban vehicles from entering and to suspend parking, waiting, loading and unloading.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Lambeth Walk, A3203 Lambeth Road, and Pratt Walk 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 comes into force on 31 July 2025 and continues for a maximum duration of 1 month, or until the works have been completed whichever is sooner.

Dated 25 July 2025

Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ON LEIGHAM VALE

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to facilitate bridge repair works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth made an Order, the general effect of which would be in Leigham Vale, between the junction of Kinfauns Road and the common boundary of Nos. 85 and 86 Leigham Vale, to ban vehicles from entering and to suspend parking, waiting, loading and unloading every night between 22:00 and 06:00.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Norwood Road, York Hill and Knollys Road 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 comes into force on 28 July 2025 and continues for a maximum duration of 1 month, or until the works have been completed whichever is sooner.

Dated 25 July 2025

Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

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

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to facilitate bridge works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth made an Order, the general effect of will be in Mepham Street, the north arm, from the south-western kerb-line of Tenison Way, south-westward for 30 metres, to ban vehicles from entering, parking, waiting, loading, and unloading between 22:00 and 05:00.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Mepham Street and (A301) Waterloo Road and Tenison Way.

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 comes into force on 28 July 2025 and would continue for a maximum duration of 1 month, or until the works have been completed whichever is sooner.

Dated 25 July 2025

Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

effect between 7 August 2025 and 8 August 2025 during the hours of 8pm and 2am, but if the works cannot be completed or carried out during that time the Order would also have effect on subsequent dates within that maximum period of 1 month.

Dated 25 July 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ON CRAWSHAY ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to facilitate water repair and maintenance works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth made an Order, the general effect of which will be in Crawshay Road, from the north-eastern kerb-line of Cowley Road, north-eastward for 12 metres, to ban vehicles from entering, parking, waiting, loading, and unloading. Access would be maintained for residents.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via (1) Eythorne Road, Cancell Road, Cowley Road and vice versa; (2) Cowley Road, Eleanor Road, Bramah Road 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 comes into force on 3 August 2025 and continues for a maximum duration of 1 month, or until the works have been completed whichever is sooner. In practice, the works are expected to be carried out between 09:30 and 14:30 on 3 August 2025, but if the works cannot be completed or carried out during that time the Order would also have effect at a subsequent time within the maximum period of 3 months.

Dated 25 July 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH

1.

2.

3.

Dated 25 July 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH CHANGES TO WAITING RESTRICTIONS IN HIGH TREES AND UPPER TULSE HILL [NOTE: This Notice is about the introduction of “at any time” waiting restrictions (double yellow lines) in the roads specified in this notice.]

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 22 July 2025 the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth made the Lambeth (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (Amendment No. 70) Order 2025 under sections 6 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended.

2. The general effect of the Order will be to prohibit waiting by vehicles at any time (to be indicated by double yellow lines) in certain lengths of High Trees and Upper Tulse Hill.

3. A copy of the Order, which will come into operation on 4 August 2025 and maps of the relevant areas can be inspected until the end of six weeks from the date on which the Order was made online at https://consultation.appyway.com/lambeth or www.lambeth.gov.uk/traffic-management-orders and at the offices of Lambeth Council’s Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking, Network Management & Fleet), 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1EG, between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm on Mondays to Fridays inclusive, except on bank or public holidays. To arrange an inspection please email trafficorders@lambeth.gov.uk

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

Dated 25 July 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

BOROUGH OF LAMBETH PROPOSED INTRODUCTION OF TULSE HILL WEST CONTROLLED PARKING ZONE (ZONE F) AND AMENDMENT TO ZONE H AND ZONE J

NOTE: This Notice is about proposals to implement the Tulse Hill West CPZ (Zone J) including introducing waiting restrictions, shared

comments may be made – see paragraph 6.]

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth, proposes to make The Lambeth (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (Amendment No. **) Order 202* and The Lambeth (Charged-For Parking Places) (Amendment No. **) Order 202* under sections 6, 45, 46, 49 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended.

2. The general effect of the Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions Order would be further to amend the Lambeth (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions Order 2023 so as to: -

(a)revoke restrictions on waiting in Leigham Vale adjacent the rear of No. 136 Palace Road, between the hours of 8.30a.m. and 6:30p.m. Monday to Friday;

(b)revoke the e-scooter parking place in Palace Road, opposite Dykes Court;

(c)revoke the Electric Vehicle charging place in Lanercost Road, outside No. 2;

(d)impose At Any Time Waiting Restrictions in certain lengths of the streets specified in Schedule 1 to this Notice;

(e)impose restrictions on waiting in certain lengths of the streets specified in Schedule 2 to this Notice between the hours of 10:00a.m. and 4:00p.m. Monday to Friday;

(f)impose restrictions on waiting in certain lengths of High Trees between the hours of 8:30a.m. and 6:30p.m. Monday to Friday;

(g)designate an e-scooter parking place in Palace Road, opposite Dykes Court;

(h)designate permit electric vehicle charging places in certain lengths of the streets specified in Schedule 3 to this Notice;

(i)designate existing electric vehicle charging places to permit holder electric vehicle charging places in certain lengths of the streets specified in Schedule 4 to this Notice.

3. The general effect of the Charged-For Parking Places Order would be further to amend the Lambeth (Charged-For Parking Places) Order 2023 so as to: -

(a)designate Zone F shared use resident permit holder or paid for parking places that will operate between the hours of 12:00p.m. to 2:00p.m. Monday to Friday inclusive, excluding bank holidays, in certain lengths of Palace Road;

(b)designate Zone F shared use permit holder or paid for parking places that will operate between the hours of 12:00p.m. to 2:00p.m. Monday to Friday inclusive, excluding bank holidays, in certain lengths of Palace Road;

(c)designate Zone H shared use resident permit holder or paid for parking places that will operate between the hours of 8:30a.m.

(e)designate Zone J shared use resident permit holder or paid for parking places that will operate between the hours of 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Monday to

5. A copy of the proposed Orders, of a map of the relevant area and of the Council’s statement of reasons for proposing to

https://streets.appyway.com/lambeth or www.lambeth.gov.uk/traffic-management-orders and at the offices of Lambeth Council’s Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking,

4.30 pm on Mondays to Fridays inclusive (except on bank/public holidays). To arrange an inspection please email: Trafficorders@lambeth.gov.uk

&

6. All objections and other representations relating to the proposed Orders must be made in writing and must specify the grounds on which they are made (quoting reference 146 Tulse Hill West CPZ) and can be made using our consultation portal at https://streets.appyway.com/lambeth, sent by post to Lambeth Council Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking, Network Management & Fleet), PO Box 80771, London SW2 9QQ or by email to TMOReps@lambeth.gov.uk until the end of a period of 21 days from the date on which this notice is published. Objections and representations may also be made for an additional 21 days to allow for additional consultation over the summer period. Any objection may be communicated to, or be seen by, other persons who may have an interest in this matter. Dated 25 July 2025 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

Schedule 1 - Elm Park, High Trees, Hillside Road, Kinfauns Road, Kingsmead Road, Lanercost Road, Leander Road, Leigham Vale, Ostade Road, Palace Road.

Schedule 2 - Hillside Road, Kinfauns Road, Kingsmead Road, Lanercost Road, Leigham Vale, Northstead Road, Palace Road.

Schedule 3 - Hillside Road, Kingsmead Road, Lanercost Road, Palace Road.

Schedule 4 – High Trees, Kingsmead Road, Northstead Road, Palace Road.

Schedule 5 - Hillside Road, Kinfauns Road, Kingsmead Road, Lanercost Road, Leigham Vale, Northstead Road, Palace Road.

Schedule 8 - Arborfield Close; Barstow Crescent; Limetree Close; Palace Road, Nos. 5A, 5B, 5C, 22, 24, 26, Regents Lodge and Belenoyd Lodge.

Schedule 9 - Abbots Park; Christchurch Road, odd Nos. 63 to 83; Gaywood Close; Hardel Rise, odd Nos. 9 to 11; High Trees; Jemma Knowles Close; Neil Wates Crescent; Tulse Hill, Baldwin House, Brooks House, Burnell

Local media reaches you in huge numbers. Local news brands now reach 40 million people every single month, which is 73% of the total GB population. And we’re growing, with online audiences continuing to increase. Thank you for relying on us to represent you. Trust Local

House, Derrick House, Godolphin House, Harbin House, Hart House, Maskall Close, Mccormick House, Morrison House, Portland House, Roycroft Close, Saunders House, Sheppard House, Taylor House, Williams House; Upper Tulse Hill, Nos. 10-21 Terry House, evens 198 to 210.

Schedule 10 - Hillside Road, odd Nos. 1 to 5, Hillside Gardens, St Simon & St Jude Church, even Nos. 2 to 24, Hillview, Southside; Kinfauns Road; Kingsmead Road; Lanercost Close; Lanercost Road; Leigham Vale, Nos. 100 to 127; Lupin Close ; Maytree Walk; Northstead Road; Palace Road, odds Nos. 31 to 151, evens Nos. 38 to 136, Palace Court, Redhill Court; Parade Mews; Presentation Mews.

3 To 27 Wilcox Road London SW8 2XA Variation of conditions 2 (approved plans) and 47 (roof terrace usage limitations) of planning permission ref. 22/03900/VOC (Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission ref. 18/05230/FUL (Redevelopment of the site, involving demolition of the existing buildings and erection of 2 blocks ranging from 2 to 7 storeys to provide a mixed-use development containing a Nursery (Use Class D1), Shops (Use Class A1) and Cafe/Restaurants (Use Class A3) at ground floor and part first floor and 22 residential units (Use Class C3) at first to sixth floors, together with the provision of internal and on-street cycle parking spaces, refuse storages and amenity spaces at second floor (This application is a departure from policy ED2 of the Lambeth Local Plan (2015) as it would result in the loss of employment generating sui generis floorspace).), granted on 14/04/2021. Variation sought: To alter the list of approved plans to reflect minor changes to the internal layouts, elevational treatment and landscaping; detailed design of roof top plant and lift overruns; reduction in floor space by 53 sqm, provision of flexible Class E (a) retail (b) food and drink unit and other associated works.), granted on: 06/12/2023.

Variations sought:

a)

b) Inclusion of a new residential concierge.

c)

Lane London SW9 8LF Change of Use of first floor from commercial (Use

E) to

(Use

C3) together with provision of refuse and cycle storage. 25/02137/FUL.

Dated this Friday 25th July 2025

Surrey 204-5 beat Warwickshire 179-9 by 25 runs

By Jon Batham at the Kia Oval

KIRA CHATHLI’S belligerent first half-century in the 2025 Vitality Blast led table-toppers Surrey to a 25-run win over The Bears to strike a psychological blow ahead of Finals Day.

In what may prove a dress-rehearsal for the final itself, the Surrey keeper thrashed 65 in 31 balls, including five sixes. She shared a second-wicket stand of 93 with Grace Harris (37 from 25) as the hosts piled up 204-5.

Laura Harris replied with a blistering 42 from fourteen balls and Amu Surenkumar, who took 3-33 with ball weighed in with 36, but Priyanaz Chatterji’s 3-23 and 3-38 for Kalea Moore meant The Bears came up short on 179-9.

Bryony Smith began with a spate of early boundaries before losing her off-stump with Harris was the one to initially pick up the baton, three fours from one Issy Wong over taking Surrey to 59 by the end of the powerplay.

It was Chathli though who cut loose. Having survived an lbw shout from Hannah Baker’s first ball, the wicketkeeper/batter belted a full toss for six. It was the catalyst to a cascade of shots that cleared the ropes, the pick of which were two fabulous lofted drives which crashed into the sightscreen.

Chathli’s 50 came in 24 balls and there would be one more maximum before she holed out, ending a gem of a knock.

Harris, starved of strike lost patience and was caught trying to clear the long boundary at mid-wicket and despite cameos from Alice Monaghan (24) and Paige Scholfield (15) Surrey

SURREY STRIKE PSYCHOLOGICAL BLOW

she took 18 from one Tilly CorteenColeman over and Monaghan was similarly dismissed in the next as the Australian’s strike rate soared over 300. Monaghan though had the last laugh as Harris attempted to drive through the off-side and was bowled.

Surenkumar cleared the ropes as the teenager and Natasha Wraith added 60 to keep the visitors hopes alive, but both fell in quick succession and despite a few dropped catches in the deep, Surrey closed the game out.

"I was pretty happy with that innings,” Chathli said. “I think I started the season well and then maybe had a bit of a dip, so ahead of final's day it was nice to get some runs under my belt again.

"I thought I was on leg (for Hannah Baker's lbw shout) but if I was umpiring I'd have probably given myself out, so I thought I've got my one life, I might as well use it.

It was a good partnership with Grace. It was nice to take the lead on that partnership. Grace is great to bat with, very clear with her plans.

"We said to the bowlers, Laura Harris was going to get a few away, but if you keep bowling your area she will miss one or hit one up because that's going to happen and if she doesn't then well played.

"Priya is going to be happy with that one I think. We dropped two catches off her so she could have been on for a five-for, but three wickets is fantastic. She just bowled really well and had clear plans.

needed successive boundaries by Moore to get beyond 200. Davina Perrin was given a life on one when Moore just failed to cling on to a catch in the deep diving forward, but she quickly atoned, safely pouching Meg Austin next ball to give Chatterji an early scalp.

Surrey 204-5 (Jacks 100, Roy 35) beat

Sussex 197-7 (Hughes 75, Clark 41, Coles 39, S. Curran 4-18) by seven runs

By ECB Reporters Network (supported

by Rothesay)

WILL JACKS, with a magnificent 58ball century, and Sam Curran and Chris Jordan, with some canny late bowling, inspired Surrey to their eleventh victory in fourteen Vitality Blast games and snuffed out Sussex hopes of winning the last quarter-

By John Kelly

FRANK WARREN has backed Daniel Dubois to learn from his devastating stoppage against Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley Stadium last weekend and bounce back to claim a world title.

Usyk, 38, dispatched Greenwich’s Dubois with a brutal left - which the Ukrainian later christened ‘Ivan’ - in the fifth round to unify the major heavyweight championships for the second time.

final berth from the South Group.

Jacks powered three sixes and a dozen boundaries as he put on 65 for the first wicket with Ryan Patel and then 97 with Jason Roy as Surry scaled the 200-mark with a last-ball six from Tom Curran over long-off off Tymal Mills.

It all looked too much for the Sussex Sharks. But they were heroic in defeat. Knowing they had to win go qualify for the latter stages of the competition, with results going against them elsewhere, they strove valiantly for victory. Daniel Hughes, who has been disappointed with his return in the competition this year,

Perrin didn’t make the most of her reprieve, lifting one from Moore to the safe hands of Harris at deep mid-off and Chatterji struck again to remove the dangerous Sterre Kalis, caught by Chathli standing up to the stumps.

The Bears’ woes worsened when

Wong clubbed Monaghan’s first ball straight to Harris and the former Hampshire academy graduate should have had two when Laura Harris lofted one into the off-side but Alexa Stonehouse failed to cling on. Harris, sister of Grace, celebrated by clearing the long boundary as

century

plundered 75 from 43 balls, keeping his side in the hunt as he hit former Sussex man Jordan for four fours in over, before lofting Jamie Overton for a straight six. At the halfway stage Sussex were 81-1, ten runs behind the Surrey score. When Hughes was bowled, backing away to cut Jacks, it again looked difficult for Sussex. But Coles and Tom Clark changed all that, with a partnership of 58 in just four overs.

Coles, in great form this season in red and white ball cricket, hit Jamie Overton for successive sixes, one over long-off and then over long-on and with 33 needed

from three overs, and then 21 from two, the home side were favourite.

But Surrey turned the game in the last two overs, as Curran took two in three balls, taking a brilliant return catch to dismiss Coles for a delightful 39 off eighteen balls and then having Danny Lamb caught behind. That left Sussex needing 13 off the final over and even with captain John Simpson on strike they could not manage it against the clever Jordan, as he changed his paces.

“I’m really pleased to finish that way,” Sam Curran said. “We qualified for the quarter-finals a couple of games ago

"Our head coach has always been big on you need to do the small things, do the basics right. To beat them and put 200 on the board is making a statement against a team who potentially could be in the final against us.”

Finals Day is this Sunday (July 27) at the Kia Oval with Surrey’s opponents yet to be confirmed.

Dubois claimed the IBF title that Usyk vacated before his rematch against Tyson Fury last year. Usyk’s last four fights have been two wins over Dubois and two over Fury as he extended his professional record to 24-0.

Dubois’ promotor Warren rallied his fighter after the defeat.

"He has got to learn from it,” Warren said. “He is only 27. I look at Frank Bruno for example, three times he fought for a world title and he got it on the fourth

attempt.

"Daniel has won a world title so hopefully he will come back, but the bottom line is it was Usyk's night and he is a special, special boxer."

Warren added: "That is what Daniel needs to learn from this fight, to try and learn and develop the mental attitude that Usyk has.

"Daniel didn't stick to the task, he got careless, he dropped his hands and paid the price."

By John Kelly

FISHER ENDED pre-season with a 1-0 victory at Step 4 Heybridge Swifts ahead of the start of the SCEFL Premier Division this weekend.

With a number of players still on holiday, the side was bolstered by some trialists, one of them getting the winner thirteen minutes in.

but we really wanted to finish top of the group. That feels special.

“I thought Will Jacks was really special with his hundred. He’s a quality player and he’s shown that all round the world now. He’s in England colours now and he’s done so well for us. He was smart because the pitch wasn’t too easy and he used his head to pull it back before going ballistic at the end. Fingers crossed we can put in a performance when we’re back at The Oval in a few weeks time.” Surrey face Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the quarter-final at the Kia Oval on September 3 (6.30pm).

Jacob Katonia was denied a second as the

they

a

is 3pm.

Fish dominated.

Despite their superiority,

gave away

late chance with goalkeeper Tommy Taylor making a fine save to ensure a fourth preseason victory.

Ajay Ashanike’s side travel to the Culverden Stadium (TN4 9SG) to take on Tunbridge Wells this Saturday. Kick-off

Photo by Keith Gillard

Kira Chathli scored a halfcentury

Blues want to cash in on Sterling

By John Kelly

RAHEEM STERLING is attracting the attention of German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

England international Sterling, 30, isn’t wanted by Chelsea and has been told he can leave the club this summer.

Former Liverpool and Manchester City attacker Sterling is reportedly wanted by a number of European sides.

Leverkusen are coached by former Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag after Bundesliga-winning boss Xabi Alonso joined Real Madrid this summer.

Sterling spent last season on loan at London rivals Arsenal but failed to impress, making 28 appearances in all competitions - thirteen startsand failing to score.

PALMER GETS HIS KITTS ON Superstar Chelsea attacker visits birthplace of his grandfather

By John Kelly

COLE PALMER was given the royal treatment after he visited St Kitts for the first time.

Chelsea superstar Palmer travelled to the birthplace of his grandfather, Sterry, after scoring two goals in the Blues’ 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the Club World Cup in New Jersey earlier this month.

Palmer wears the flag of the Caribbean nation St Kitts and Nevis - as well as the England flag - on his football boots in honour of his family's roots.

The country’s deputy prime minister Geoffrey Hanley and tourism minister Marsha T Henderson met the 23-year-old and his family at the airport. They were joined by traditional Masquerade performers.

"Landing in St Kitts off the back of winning the Club World Cup felt really special,” Palmer said. “It's

where my grandad's love for football started. The island is beautiful and really chilled. I can't wait to explore the mountains, rainforest and sea, and to try out the food."

St Kitts' prime minister Terrance Drew said: "Cole Palmer's visit to St Kitts and Nevis is a powerful reminder of the strength and pride of our diaspora.

"His presence and mentorship will inspire the next generation to believe that global success is possible, no matter where you come from.

“We are proud to welcome him home and deeply grateful for his commitment to our young people and to the development of sports in our federation."

Henderson added: "The Palmers already have a special connection to the island and that will only grow as they spend time exploring our lush rainforests, picturesque mountains and stunning waters, and savouring our rich culture and cuisine."

Hoops boss pleased with progress as tour ends with win

By John Kelly

JULIEN STEPHAN is pleased with how his Queens Park Rangers side are progressing this summer after their 2-1 win over French top-flight side Toulouse last weekend.

Cristian Casseres gave the Ligue 1 side a ninth-minute lead before Paul Smyth’s cross from the right went into the Toulouse net.

Zan Celar converted a penalty just before the break for what proved to be the winner in Perpignan.

The victory came after last Saturday’s

loss to Spanish side CD Castellón in Spain the previous weekend.

“I saw a clear improvement compared to last week and the last game,” Stephan said.

“I enjoyed the way that we began the first half, especially the first ten minutes, because we created a lot of trouble in the defence of the opponent with three possibilities to score. And I like that.

“I also like the reaction, how the players reacted after goal was conceded. They stayed in the plan. They stayed very close to each other. It was a good game.

“They succeeded in increasing the level technically, physically, and tactically compared to last week and the last game, so it's a good step for everybody. We just need to continue to work and to improve each week and each game.”

Stephan added: “In pre-season, it's good to experience this kind of situation because you can analyse cleverly, honestly with all the players and then work on the pitch, to do better game after game.

“We had a lot of difficulties last week in our mid-block, especially. We had opened a lot of spaces, so we

needed to correct that – and they did well, they did very well.

“And with the ball also. We need to create more movement and I'm happy, especially with how we, after 20 minutes, played with the midfielders because we had more possession and created good movements on the width.”

The R’s came through the test unscathed.

“We need to deal with the fitness of the players, but we increased the playing time of the players to 60, 65 minutes, and they finished well with good energy, with a good structure.

with also the idea to continue to attack to create danger,” Stephan said.

“It was very interesting to continue to collect more information and to continue to work with the group. It's a very honest group, a very honest squad who want to improve each day - and I love that.

“With the staff, we are very happy because we have a very good staff, very good guys, a lot of involvement, but we are also very happy with the mindset of the players.”

QPR host Dutch side SC Heerenveen at Loftus Road this Saturday at 3pm.

Cole Palmer with the Golden Boot for most goals scored at the 2025 Club World Cup

Cole Palmer with the Golden Boot for most goals scored at the 2025 Club World Cup

Raheem Sterling

LIONS CHIEF WANTS RIGHT BALANCE

Millwall need

more goals - but not at expense of defensive stability

EXCLUSIVE

By Alex Grace

MILLWALL HEAD coach Alex Neil was encouraged by his side’s 3-0 win against AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane on Tuesday evening.

Goals from Femi Azeez, Jack Howland and Mihailo Ivanovic sealed a comfortable win for the Lions, continuing their momentum from their pre-season training camp in Spain last week.

“I thought there were plenty of positives,” Neil told our paper. “The

goals were the biggest positive. I thought we could have scored more, especially in the first half. We had a few chances.

“These games are always difficult. What we don't want to do is just turn the ball over and make it a fight. They are obviously direct in how they play, and they had great success with that last year. It's not easy to play against.

It’s tough - just one flick and you can be in trouble.

“First move of the game we lost the header, they got in behind and earned a corner straight from kick-off. Those

are the bits we want to minimise and avoid, and I thought we did that after that moment.”

Neil praised the technical quality his team showed throughout and highlighted the need for a balanced style of play.

“We showed some good quality at times,” Neil said. “We need to find a bit of balance with playing the ball short and longer. Every time we played forward when it was on, we looked dangerous.

“We’ve still got bits to work on, but three good goals scored, a clean sheet, and a lot of the younger lads getting

minutes - there was a lot to like.”

As Millwall look to evolve their style without losing their traditional strengths, Neil stressed the importance of maintaining the club’s defensive identity while improving their output, having managed to score just 47 league goals last season.

“We are very conscious of striking the right balance,” he explained. “Millwall, over the last three or four decades, has been built on a strong defenceand that’s something we don’t want to weaken. We want to strengthen that side of ourselves. But equally, we all

know we haven’t been a free-flowing, high-scoring team for the last two or three decades either, so we want to add goals to our team.”

Neil was particularly impressed with Ivanovic. The Serbian finished last season strongly and has carried that into pre-season.

Neil said: “I thought Mihailo showed why he did so well in the second half of the season for us, his link-up play, his running in behind, and his strength as a physical presence. The lads supported that really well by being in the right spaces when they received the ball.”

Ex-Addick May leaves Blues for Terriers after one season

By John Kelly

FORMER CHARLTON Athletic

striker Alfie May has left Birmingham City for Huddersfield Town for an undisclosed fee.

May, 32, left the Addicks for Blues last summer in a £775,000 deal and scored seventeen goals in 57 appearances in all competitions, including the first in the win at Peterborough United that clinched promotion for Chris Davies’ League One winners.

May joined Charlton from Cheltenham Town for £225,000 in the summer of 2023 and scored 27 goals in 50 games in his only season at The Valley.

Huddersfield finished tenth in League One last season and are going into a first campaign under new manager Lee Grant. May is their tenth signing this summer.

On the Terriers’ official website, May said: “It’s no secret that this is a club that I’ve come close to joining in the past, and I’m really pleased

the opportunity has come again to become a Town player.

“This is a huge club with massive ambition, and that’s all any player wants to feel a part of. I was in a team last season that felt similarly, so I know what’s possible when a squad clicks with a Manager and there’s a positive feeling across the whole club, and that’s something I recognise here.

“My job is to work as hard as possible and score goals, and I’ll do everything in my power to repay

the faith the Club has shown in me.

Lee Grant is an exciting manager and the way he wants to play and attack feels like the right fit for me, so I can’t wait to get going.”

Grant added: “Alfie is a natural goalscorer with a formidable record in recent years, so we’re really pleased to bring him into the group ahead of the new season kicking off.

“He has a strong mentality, an infectious personality and is full of belief, and those are the hallmarks of all successful strikers. His skillset

is different to what we already have in the squad and he compliments the players that he’ll be featuring alongside well, so we look forward to having the opportunity to get straight down to work with him this week.

“Alfie is another player we’ve introduced to the squad this summer that knows what’s required to be successful at the right end of this division, and that experience will be invaluable across the course of the season.”

Macaulay Langstaff, Alfie Massey, Ryan Leonard and Mihailo Ivanovic celebrate with goalscorer Femi Azeez, second from right

Sport

SURREY STRIKE PSYCHOLOGICAL BLOW

By John Kelly

CRYSTAL PALACE are appealing Uefa’s decision to demote them from the Europa League to the Conference League.

The Eagles have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against Uefa, French side Lyon and Nottingham Forest.

Palace were booted out of Europe’s second competition after Uefa said they had breached

their multi-club ownership rules.

John Textor owns 45 per cent of Palace and is the majority owner of Lyon. The French club finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season and so have retained their Europa League spot.

Palace qualified for the competition after winning last season’s FA Cup, but league finishes take precedence over cup wins.

Forest finished seventh in the Premier League last season and are

expected to replace Palace if their appeal is not successful.

A decision is expected on August 11, one week after the draw for the Conference League play-off round. The two-legged play-off games are scheduled for August 21 and 28.

The Europa League group stage begins on September 24

Clubs under the same ownership structure cannot play in the same European competitions. Palace have argued that Textor does

PALACE APPEAL

Steve Parish hopeful Euro decision will be overturned

not hold “decisive influence” at Selhurst Park.

Palace chairman Steve Parish is hopeful Uefa’s decision will be overturned.

He said: ”We don't think this is the right decision by any means. We know, unequivocally, that John didn't have decisive influence over the club.

"We know we proved that beyond all reasonable doubt because it's a fact."

Lions’ McLoone joins Orient

By John Kelly

MILLWALL’S HEAD of technical scouting

Dan McLoone has left the club after fourteen years.

McLoone has joined Leyton Orient as the League One club’s head of recruitment.

Lions supporter McLoone’s association with the club started with Millwall Community Trust before he became the academy video analyst in 2012.

In eight-and-a-half years as the first-team video analyst, McLoone worked under Kenny Jackett and Neil Harris and was part of two League One play-off final victories.

McLoone stepped up to become head of technical scouting in June 2022 under manager Gary Rowett.

"I am sad to see Dan go," Steve Gallen, Millwall's director of football, said. "Dan was a great help to me when I joined the club last summer.

"He is a big character around the place and a big Millwall fan, but he now moves on to his new role with our best wishes."

The club added: “Thanks for your service, Dan - and best of luck with what comes next.”

It is the second departure this summer of a long-term member of Millwall’s staff supporting the first team.

The Lions’ head of recruitment analytics, Nicholas Tyler-Hicks, left to link up with Harris at Cambridge United to become their new head of recruitment.

Dan McLoone