BIG PLANS FOR OXFORD STREET
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EDUCATION SECRETARY BRIDGET PHILLIPSON SAYS CLOSING PRIMARY SCHOOLS OFFER
‘OPPORTUNITIES TO THINK CREATIVELY’
By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter
LONDON’S FALLING birth rate and the rising number of schools closing across the capital could present positive “opportunities to think creatively” about other forms of provision for children, the Education Secretary has said.
In an interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Bridget Phillipson admitted that the demographic trend was “already starting to present challenges for local councils” but suggested it could also free up buildings to provide other educational services for young Londoners.
25-26
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According to London Councils, there was a reduction of 27,490 live births across the capital between 2012 and 2022 – with the change being felt especially in the city’s inner boroughs like Southwark. It is thought to be due to London’s lack of affordable family housing – which has pushed parents outside the city or discouraged them from having children altogether.
In the last four years, six primary schools in Southwark have been forced to close their doors due to a drop in demand for places.
London Councils warned last month that lower demand for pupil places is already affecting schools’ budgets, as funding is allocated on a per-pupil basis. While the Education Secretary acknowledged this concern – and said measures in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill would help address this – she also spoke positively about the situation.
“I believe there are opportunities to think creatively about how we use the school estate,” Ms Phillipson said.
“For example, our plans to open more nurseries within primary schools, using the spare space which is opening up because of the shift that we’re seeing around demographic changes.
“Alongside that, I know that lots of parents have to fight really hard to get the support that they need for children with SEND [special
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educational needs and disabilities], and again I think that [with] the space that is opening up, we need to think about how we can use that to create the provision that is required for children with SEND too.”
In Southwark the council is developing a capital plan to expand SEN provision, which once finalised could see at least two of the closed four school buildings they own being re-purposed as a special school between 2025 and 2030.
The other two church-run schools in Southwark are being used for other purposes rather than lying empty.
The topic arose as the Education Secretary defended her proposed reforms to academies, which include giving councils the right to
object to any decisions by academies about their ‘published admission number’, or capacity per year.
The Tories’ shadow education minister Neil O’Brien has argued that the move will “rightly leave school leaders nervous about pupils being ‘shared out’ from good schools to prop up failing schools”.
Asked whether the change will stop highperforming schools from growing their pupil numbers, even if they want to, Ms Phillipson denied this.
“No, it won’t,” she said. “What we need to do is to work together to ensure that across every school, we have higher standards.”
Despite the minister’s insistence on this point however, her own department’s impact
assessment has acknowledged that the reform could in some cases “limit the ability of popular schools to grow”.
The LDRS also asked Ms Phillipson about the fact that while primary school children across London currently enjoy free school lunches, thanks to a policy introduced by mayor Sir Sadiq Khan in 2023, the same is not true across the rest of the country.
“Mayors have powers that they can choose to exercise, and the Mayor of London has taken the decision around how he uses the resources he has available,” she said.
Rather than introduce free school meals nationally, Labour has promised to introduce free breakfast clubs in every school. But in what appeared to be a hint that the Government could eventually consider a national version of Sir Sadiq’s scheme, Ms Phillipson added: “We’ll of course look at the evidence that emerges from that, in terms of impact, as you would expect.”
The Education Secretary earlier this week welcomed an interim report from a panel of experts reviewing how the national curriculum should be changed.
The panel said it had “heard concerns that [GCSE] exams – coupled with the volume of content needing to be covered and their use in accountability measures – can lead to ‘teaching to the test’”, and said its members “will consider carefully whether there are opportunities to reduce the overall volume of assessment” at GCSE level.
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott responded to the report by saying that the “soft bigotry of low expectations is back” and warning that qualifications would be “less rigorous and less credible”.
Ms Phillipson told the LDRS: “The curriculum assessment review will build on the best evidence that’s out there around how we drive up standards – a knowledge-rich curriculum that is broad and allows every child to thrive.
“GCSEs and exam-based assessment are here to stay. What the panel wants to look at in the months to come is how we ensure that we maintain the rigour of the GCSE system, but get the balance right.”
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Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson gave a speech at Mulberry Academy Shoreditch.
By Evie Flynn
THE SUNDAY Times have released their annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, a list of
Two locations in south east London have made it onto the list: East Dulwich (SE22) and Telegraph Hill (SE14).
Saffron Walden in Essex has been crowned the best place to live in the UK and Walthamstow as the best in London. Apart from the winners, the locations are not ranked but published in alphabetical order.
We spoke to the chief judges behind the list, Tim Palmer, a property journalist who has been involved in the judgement process since 2016. He said that “south east London is where the interesting stuff is happening now...it’s absolutely the best of the London experience which you can’t get in the ‘traditionally posh’ areas.”
When assessing London, The Sunday Times judges are looking for somewhere exciting with things to do, but also places where families can be happy, taking into account parks, schools, and communities.
EAST DULWICH - WHY IT BEAT ITS MORE AFFLUENT NEIGHBOUR:
East Dulwich was praised by the judges for its deeply-rooted community spirit, which is one of the key factors in the judging process. How much people actually like living there makes up a big part of the score on ‘community’. The judges visit all locations and speak to the residents before naming it on the list.
When asked about East Dulwich’s appearance on the list rather than Dulwich village, Tim said that it’s “a little bit less grand, a little bit more affordable, and the very poshest areas don’t always have the best community spirit.”
Tim said that alongside its cheaper rent and house prices when compared to Dulwich Village, it boasts numerous independent cafes and 76 acres of Dulwich Park. It is also located in close proximity to Peckham “when a dose of urban energy is required”.
TELEGRAPH HILL MAKES THE LISTFOR BEING EVER SO TRANQUIL:
Telegraph Hill, bordered by Nunhead and Brockley, was also named on the list and is described as an ‘urban
THESE SOUTH EAST LONDON LOCATIONS HAVE BEEN NAMED ON THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST PLACES TO LIVE LIST
Do you live in one of the best locations in the UK?
hamlet’.
It has highly regarded state schools, a community centre and the two beautiful parks offering panoramic views on London. The Sunday Times say that it there’s “blissfully not a lot else” to do in Telegraph Hill, and is described as a “tranquil part of London”.
We questioned Tim about the transport links to Telegraph Hill and Dulwich, as neither have a Tube station.
Tim made a good point, he said that sometimes “a tube station might be a disadvantage. Ibn that people are living there not because they want to live there, but because they want to be somewhere else”.
Tim says that the main aim of this The Sunday Times list is to “celebrate places, highlight how good they are and give credit to the people who make the place”.
He says that the judging panel aims to “make sure the list has something for everyone on it”. Yet, he also emphasises
that it is a judgement call and is not a definitive list.
The Sunday Times love feedback and welcome debate and discussion as an inevitable result of this list.
Telegraph Hill Upper Park
Lordship Lane East Dulwich
HOUSING CAMPAIGNERS CALL ON COUNCILLORS TO REJECT BOROUGH TRIANGLE REDEVELOPMENT
By Issy Clarke
HOUSING CAMPAIGNERS took to the streets once more last Thursday to urge councillors to oppose a planning application to redevelop the Borough Triangle. It comes days before a decision is expected on the Berkeley Homes proposal to build almost 900 properties on the site between Newington Causeway and Borough Road, which could be made at a planning committee on 26 March.
Protestors from Southwark Housing and Planning Emergency - SHAPEgathered outside Southwark Council’s Tooley Street offices and called on members to reject the scheme, which contains 35 per cent homes set at affordable rent and 25 per cent at social rent.
Southwark Council’s planning policy requires new developments to contain a minimum 35 per cent affordable housing, ‘subject to viability’.
Earlier this month, more than 600 people marched through Peckham to campaign against the Berkeley Homes redevelopment of the Aylesham Centre, after the developer reduced the proportion of affordable homes on the site from 35 per cent to 12 per
cent.
Last week, Peckham MP Miatta Fahnbulleh joined the chorus of voices opposing the present planning application, warning if the developer failed to increase the affordable housing supply it would find “this community united in opposition – and me by their side.”
Berkeley Homes previously submitted plans to transform the Borough Triangle in 2022, which
Locals ponder origins of mysterious sculpture in Peckham
By Issy Clarke
LOCALS WERE left puzzled after a mysterious sculpture appeared overnight in a park in Peckham.
The art installation, which appeared in a tucked away corner of William Griggs Garden off Bellenden Road on Monday night and has since been taken down, depicted a generic tower block with a twist - it has an ATM screen.
One Peckham resident compared the sculpture to the “off-the-shelf towers you see springing up around King’s Cross or Elephant and Castle”. She added the ATM made the sculpture look as if “one could quite literally cash out from the building itself”.
Local WhatsApp groups have been rife with speculation about the possible origins of the tower block, with some theorising it could be by Banksy - although the true artist is still a mystery.
included proposals to demolish Mercato Metropolitano and build 838 homes across buildings ranging up to 46 storeys in height.
However the developer was forced back to the drawing board after council planning officers said the scheme was ‘too tall’ and fell foul of fire safety rules.
Under the present plans submitted in July last year, the tallest building would be 44 storeys, located on the
SHAPE demonstration on 1 March with over 600 people
present Institute of Optometry site which Berkeley purchased last year.
The developer has said it hopes to keep Mercato Metropolitano on the site, adding it had been engaged in “constructive conversations” with the market.
Campaigners also highlighted British Land’s planning application to build 4,000 new homes on the Canada Water Masterplan, of which the developer originally promised 35 per
cent would be set at affordable rents.
Objectors fear that the offering of affordable housing will be substantially less after a viability report from January revealed that currently, the scheme would only be profitable with less than 10 per cent of affordable housing.
Councillor Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said: “Southwark Council is focused on delivering the affordable housing that our residents need and we are proud that to date, 22% of all social rent homes started in London this year, have been started in Southwark.
“Our planning policies clearly set out what we expect from developers in our borough and as a result of these, we have secured huge investment into a new Northern Line entrance and ticket hall at Elephant & Castle, a new Leisure Centre soon to be opened at Canada Water, and over £20m for investment in Neighbourhoods via our Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
“The Borough Triangle application is live and a decision will be made by Planning Committee later this month. All of the documents relating to that application are available through our online planning register.”
Pop-up shop with groceries for a fiver to open in Walworth this April
By Isabel Ramirez
A POP-UP pantry offering affordable food shops for just £5 is launching in Walworth this April.
Peckham Pantry, which has been providing low-cost, healthy food since 2019, is expanding with three new temporary locations to help more people access essential groceries without breaking the bank.
Last year alone, the pantry saw up to 15,000 shops take place, proving the high demand for affordable food in the community.
The first of the shops opens on Tuesday, April 15, at the Rachel Leigh Community Hall, 32 Andrews Walk, Walworth SE17 3JQ.
For just £5, shoppers can fill their baskets with fresh fruit, vegetables and store cupboard staples worth at least £15—offering a major boost to households struggling with the cost of living.
Shahid Mughal, Head of Food Services & Finance, explained: “Given our operational experience of running both the Southwark Foodbank and Peckham Pantry, we are proposing a pathway to transition from reliance on food banks to a more sustainable pantry model that offers a more dignified and financially viable alternative for communities.
“Our flagship store on Peckham Park Road is now offering support from Thames Reach for members on Thursdays from 10am-4pm. Plus, we have a steering group that organises
events, and meetings and even produced a cookbook. We are looking forward to being part of the change in Southwark on how we deliver food to those affected by the cost of living.”
From April 1, 2025, the cost of a shop at Peckham Pantry will rise from £4.50 to £5. This will be the first price increase since 2020, ensuring the service remains sustainable while continuing to provide great value for money.
To mark the launch of the Walworth pop-up, community members and representatives from Southwark will be in attendance, along with a few surprises for those joining on opening day.
Reserve your place and be part of the movement for affordable food in
Southwark by registering via Eventbrite.
OPENING TIMES
Peckham Pantry, 49-53 Peckham Park Road –Tuesdays 10am-4pm, Wednesdays 9am-4pm, Thursdays 10am-7pm, Fridays 9am-4pm and Saturdays 9am-3pm
St.Luke’s, Chandlers Way –Wednesdays 11am-2pm
Rachel Leigh Community Hall, 32 Andrews Walk – Tuesdays 10am3pm (from 15 April 2025)
© Peckham Pantry
Step into the Spotlight at The MoonWalk London and 5K ZOOM –For Fun, Fitness, and Fundraising! ―
Step into the Spotlight at The
MoonWalk
London and 5K ZOOM – For Fun, Fitness, and Fundraising! ―
Saturday 17th May 2025
Saturday 17th May 2025 Clapham
Common
Clapham Common
Get ready for a night like no other as Walk the Walk’s iconic fundraising challenge returns to London this May with not one, but two unforgettable walking events designed for all ages and abilities.
Whether you're looking for a fun, family-friendly fitness activity or a marathon challenge that lights up the night, The MoonWalk London and the 5K ZOOM offer something for everyone – all while raising vital funds for breast cancer causes.
New for 2025: More Lights, More Music, More Magic!
This year’s MoonWalk theme is all about Musicals – so dust off your dancing shoes (or walking boots!) and come dressed as your favourite stage or screen star. From Mamma Mia to Matilda, Hairspray to Hamilton, this is your chance to sparkle under the stars in full musical glory!
To add to the magic, we’re introducing more dazzling LED light installations along the night-time route than ever before, turning the streets of London into a glowing, immersive celebration of music, movement, and community. And that’s not all, in honour of this special night, iconic London landmarks will once again Light-Up Pink, casting a powerful message of unity and support across the city skyline.
The 5K ZOOM – Perfect for Families and First-Timers
New to Walk the Walk events? The 5K ZOOM is the perfect introduction to the energy, spirit and fun of The MoonWalk – and it's ideal for families!
Taking place earlier in the day, the 5K ZOOM is a 5-kilometre walk through the buzz of Clapham Common, packed with music, entertainment, and a fantastic atmosphere. It’s open to all ages and abilities, so whether you're walking with little ones, teenagers, or even grandparents, it’s a brilliant way to get active together for
a great cause.
Once you cross the Finish Line a hot drink and a muffin will be waiting for you plus your unique year 2 collectible medal. You’ll go home with a medal and the satisfaction of making a real difference for those living with cancer.
The MoonWalk London –A Night to Remember
For those looking for a bigger challenge, The MoonWalk London returns with its iconic overnight walk through the heart of London, starting and finishing at Clapham Common. Choose between the Half Moon (15.1 miles) or Full Moon (26.2 miles) marathon and walk your chosen distance alongside thousands of others – united by purpose, dressed in fabulous, decorated bras, and cheered on by lively entertainment along the route.
Open to anyone aged 13 and over, The MoonWalk is a unique experience that combines fitness, fun, and fundraising, with the electric energy of a midnight walking party. This is not just an event – it’s a movement.
Walk for a Cause, Celebrate Spring, Make Memories
Taking part in The MoonWalk London or the 5K ZOOM isn’t just a brilliant way to get active this spring – it’s also a powerful way to support those living with and beyond breast cancer.
Every step you take helps Walk the Walk fund vital breast cancer services and support projects across the UK. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just looking for a great night out with meaning, this is your chance to walk with purpose and be part of something special.
Don’t Miss Out – Sign Up Today!
Whether you’re walking with your family, your friends, your partner or solo, The MoonWalk London and 5K ZOOM promise an experience you will never forget! Sign up today at walkthewalk.org
– plus, get a second MoonWalk London entry for half price when you register for The MoonWalk London now!
SUPPORT GROWS FOR A TOURIST TAX
By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter
SIR SADIQ Khan has voiced his support for a London ‘tourist tax’ in a move which could eventually see overnight visitors charged extra for every night they spend in the capital.
Similar charges already exist in several European cities, like Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam, and are typically added to a traveller’s hotel bill at the end of their stay.
In England, no local authority has the power – without permission from the Government – to directly impose a straightforward tourist tax, though Manchester and Liverpool city councils have introduced a form of tourism levy via a legal workaround.
The mayor told the Local Democracy Reporting Service in October last year that he was “happy to look into” whether a charge on overnight stays for travellers could work for London. He said he would be “following the evidence”, after the idea was discussed at the Centre for London think tank’s annual conference.
But in a shift in tone this week, Sir Sadiq expressed his support for the idea, after being publicly asked about it at City Hall by a Labour ally.
Speaking at Mayor’s Question Time on Thursday, London Assembly member Bassam Mahfouz listed Tokyo, Lisbon, Barcelona, Prague and New York City as places which already have tourist taxes.
“Isn’t it about time that London has the power to do the same thing?”, the Labour member for Ealing and Hillingdon asked.
Sir Sadiq said: “The thing about those cities is, many of us visit them, and don’t really mind paying the extra few euros, in relation to a tourism levy.
“I think the Government should be looking at giving us the powers to have an accommodation levy. But my promise to the hotels and AirBnbs and so forth is the money would be used to improve the environment around that, to encourage
more tourists.
“What would be unfair, I think, is if money was raised and was spent elsewhere, and people not seeing the benefits of the moneys being raised locally or regionally – so it’s really important to give that reassurance to the sector, because they’ve had a tough few years, particularly postpandemic.
“If we can reassure the sector that we can work on a scheme that benefits inward tourism, it benefits more tourists to come, I think they’d be supportive of it as well.”
Mr Mahfouz replied: “Thank you, mayor, for that reassurance, and clearly if it works well in places like Paris and New York City, it could work here.”
At October’s Centre for London conference, local politicians from each of London’s major political parties gave their backing to a tourist tax.
Taylor-Smith, the
said the idea was a “no brainer”, while City Hall’s Lib Dem group leader Hina Bokhari said she was “very supportive” of it.
However, UKHospitality, a trade body representing the sector, said additional taxes would be “extremely damaging”. The Government has been approached for comment.
Transport for London is searching for 25 young transport-lovers to record PA announcements
If you are aged between 5 and 16 you can enter the competition
By Evie Flynn
TRANSPORT FOR London (TfL) is searching for 25 transport enthusiasts, aged between 5 and 16 to record the special 25th anniversary PA announcements and get an exclusive behind-thescenes tour.
TfL are on the hunt for transport ‘superfans’ who want to share their love for London’s transport network. Those chosen will make their mark and share their stories with millions of people
across the city.
To enter the draw, participants need to explain in 100 words or less why they are a ‘superfan’ of a particularly mode of transport. This could be anything, from a specific Overground line, a particular bus route, or even the Cable Car.
There will be 25 winners, who will be chosen by the staff of each service.
Alongside the announcement, winners will also get an exclusive behind-thescenes tour which is unavailable to the public. The tour will relate to the favourite mode of transport the winner
has chosen. For example, bus fans can explore bus depots or train-lovers can choose a Tube or rail station and learn the secrets of how TfL keeps London moving every day. Participants will also get a ‘goodie bag’ which 25th anniversary merchandise, including an iconic poster.
This opportunity is part of TfL’s wider 25th anniversary celebrations. This kicked off with a line-up of buskers at Liverpool Street station and collections of posters highlighting milestones from over the years.
South London teens swap lives with small town USA students on new TV series
By Isabel Ramirez
A GROUP of diverse South London teens have swapped lives with kids in rural Arkansas, USA, for a new Channel 4 documentary series. School Swap: UK to USA follows seven students from Elmgreen School in Tulse Hill as they venture 4,500 miles to small town America, where they will spend three weeks immersing themselves in a culture a world away from their own.
London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord said that “It’s vital that London is a place where all children can grow up healthy and happy… with milestones from the last 25 years, such as free travel for young people, helping to promote equal opportunities.”
The closing date for this competition is Wednesday 23rd April. For further information and entry details, visit the TfL Travel for Life website. All entries must be sent to TfLSuperFansComp@tfl.gov.uk
During their stay, they attend Mena High School, in America’s bible belt.
Whilst they navigate the challenges of being in a staunchly conservative, mainly white school, the American teens get to experience life in south London, which the show introduces as ‘one of the most diverse areas of the UK’.
In rural Arkansas, host families battle culture shock and home sickness before the UK students learn about the town’s racist past the hard way, leaving the group questioning their safety.
Not only do the British young people have to cope with being away from home for longer than they ever have, there are also difficult moments along the way.
Instances of casual racism at school remind the Brixton kids of how different the two places are - among other things. For instance, one American student Waylon, a keen hunter, has hardly put down his suitcase at the exchange family’s house before he freely mentions he has ‘six guns at home.’
The next episode on Tuesday on Channel 4 at 8pm. Catch up on the first two episodes on Channel 4 online now.
Kim
Tory deputy leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council,
Bassam Mahfouz, Labour assembly member for Ealing and Hillingdon
FOUR SANTANDER BRANCHES ACROSS SOUTH LONDON ARE AMONG ALMOST 100 TO CLOSE THIS SUMMER
By Isabel Ramirez
FOUR BRANCHES of Santander are due to close this summer, as the bank plans to close almost 100 UK branches.
Santander has announced plans to update its branch network from June 2025 to better serve the changing needs of its customers.
The Surrey Quays branch, based in the Shopping Centre on Redriff Road, is one of 95 branches that will close.
Other London branches to shut will include Brixton, North End Croydon, Edgware Road, Eltham, Finchley, Greenford, Hackney, Holloway, Kilburn, Ruislip, Sidcup, and Tottenham.
They cite a rapid movement of the majority of customers choosing to do their banking digitally as a reason behind the closures.
These locations will be covered by new Santander Community Bankers providing face-to-face money management and general support for customers, visiting local communities weekly, as well as attending local Banking Hubs.
As well as the planned closures, the bank will be changing the format of a number of branches to include 18 counter-free and 36 reduced hours branches, alongside its 290 full-service
branches and five Work Cafés.
The bank is also investing in more Work Cafés, with two new Work Cafés recently opened, and an additional site to be announced shortly.
The Work Café concept, which Santander is rolling out globally, provides a hub for local communities and businesses, including co-working space, superfast WiFi and dedicated event space - which can be accessed for free by customers and non-customers alike.
In addition to the bank’s Work Cafés, it has invested tens of millions of pounds in a branch investment programme over the last two years, refurbishing 99 branches, with a further 50 branches due to be completed over the coming year.
The newly refurbished branches include a digital self-serve room providing customers with privacy as well as the space to talk to specific teams, and access online banking.
Approximately 750 colleagues would be placed at risk of redundancy if the proposals proceed after consultation with the unions has been completed.
Support will be provided to those impacted colleagues, including assistance in finding redeployment roles within the bank, access to specialist outplacement support, and dedicated wellbeing support.
A spokesperson for Santander UK, said: “As customer behaviour changes, we are ensuring that our branches remain fit for the future. Our new combination of fullservice branches, alongside Work Cafés, counter-free branches and reduced hours branches, aims to provide the right balance between digital banking and face-to-face money management and guidance.
“As a business, we must move with customers and balance our investment across all the places where we interact with customers, to deliver the very best for them now and in the future.
“Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision and we spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers. However, we believe that the introduction of our new Community Bankers and the exciting plans we have for our remaining network of 349 branches and Work Cafés, alongside the rapid and innovative improvements to our award-winning mobile banking app, will provide the right balance of digital banking and human interaction when required.”
Following the changes, 93% of the UK population will continue to be within 10 miles of a Santander branch. All Santander current and business account holders can also bank using one of over
F A ALBIN & SONS
11,000 Post Office branches nationwide and 112 Banking Hubs. Closing branches are all within one mile of the nearest Post Office.
To support the changes, Santander will be proactively contacting all potentially vulnerable customers by phone and will assist those customers of closing branches to find other ways to bank that best suit their needs, including help to find alternative branches and
access digital, telephone and Post Office banking services. A dedicated phone number is available to provide customers with help and information on the closures (0330 678 2469).
Santander also remains committed to Cash Access UK and is present in the Banking Hubs across the UK, contributing towards the setting up and expansion of new Banking Hubs.
FAMILIES’ CONCERN OVER ‘DROP IN LARGE COUNCIL HOMES AVAILABLE’
By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter
SOUTH LONDON families stuck on a council’s housing waiting list for over a decade have expressed concern about an apparent drop in the number of larger social homes available to bid on.
The Lambeth residents, who are among the more than 35,000 households on the borough’s housing waiting list, claim there used to be around a dozen three and four-bedroom properties showing on the council’s bidding platform every month.
But recently the families, who are either living in overcrowded conditions or staying outside of the borough far from their workplaces and kids’ schools, claim they’re lucky if a single three or fourbedroom flat appears each month. They say the apparent decrease in the number of larger properties available has left them stressed and feeling hopeless about their chances of ever securing a suitable home.
One of the residents, Consuelo Gutierrez Collazo, said she has moved between temporary accommodation six times in the 10 years she has been waiting for a council house in Lambeth. The 41-yearold is currently living in an outer London borough with her three children, aged 10, six and four.
Speaking partially through a translator last week (March 13), she said: “Recently, I’m seeing monthly maybe one or two suitable [three bedroom] flats to bid on. It’s getting worse. Before, it was a little bit better. I was seeing maybe 12 per month.
“The situation is stressful. Last week, there was one three-bedroom flat but there are hundreds bidding on the same property. The chance of getting the property is very low.”
Ms Gutierrez Collazo said her two boys, who attend school in Lambeth, sometimes struggled to get to school on time from their current temporary accommodation due to the over twohour commute. She added: “A permanent house would be a big improvement. It would make taking the kids to school and going to work much easier.”
Marianela Ramos Apiricio, who has been waiting 11 years for a council house, said the drop in suitable homes appearing through Lambeth’s bidding system was a ‘very bad’ development. The 33-year-old currently pays £1,600 per month for a two-bedroom flat she rents off a private landlord in Wandsworth and shares with her daughter, 13, and son, 11.
She said: “At the moment, it’s a struggle. There’s usually just one property that has three bedrooms in a month, sometimes zero. A property a month is not enough for all the people needing one.”
Ms Ramos Apiricio said that now both her kids were teenagers, sharing a room is ‘complicated’. She added that while they were both thriving at school, studying was also a challenge, due to the little space in their bedroom or the flat’s kitchen-cum-lounge.
Esther King, who lives in a twobedroom flat with her husband and five children, has been waiting for a fourbedroom council home in Lambeth since 2004.
The 46-year-old said she first noticed a drop in the number of larger properties
opposed to the Labour-run council making direct offers in ‘exceptional circumstances’, she said there was ‘no guarantee’ social homes allocated in this way were ‘going to those with the highest housing need’.
becoming available after the Covid-19 pandemic and said the problem had worsened since.
She said: “It’s sometimes three months – no [four bedroom] properties. Sometimes [it’s] eight months – no [four bedroom] properties. There are clearly not enough houses.”
When asked about the apparent decrease in the number of three and four-bedroom social homes available, Lambeth Council said that ‘huge demand and limited supply’ meant these larger homes were being ‘allocated quicker than ever’ and spending ‘less time on the bidding system’.
But Liz Wyatt from Housing Action Southwark and Lambeth (HASL), a local housing support group, had a different
explanation.
Ms Wyatt said HASL believed that in an attempt to reduce the number of families in temporary accommodation, the council was making more direct offers of social housing to families in temporary housing.
The result of this is that fewer homes are now available to bid on through the council’s bidding platform, Ms Wyatt claimed. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) asked Lambeth Council if it would like to respond to HASL’s claims but it didn’t reply.
Around 4,800 Lambeth households are currently in temporary accommodation, which the council says is often of ‘substandard’ quality.
Ms Wyatt said that while HASL wasn’t
She added: “The council runs a housing waiting list which is rightly ordered according to housing need. Those families in emergency Band A [on] the waiting list… are essentially facing queue jumping by the council’s direct offer process, which is focusing on those in temporary accommodation.”
A Lambeth Council spokesperson said: “The shortage of family-sized accommodation and the need to use temporary accommodation is driving our need to make huge savings as a council.
“Homeless households supported by the council have increased by 50 per cent in the last two years and the cost of housing homeless households in overnight accommodation is expected to reach £100 million this year.
“It’s not just Lambeth that this is impacting. London Councils have reported that London boroughs are forecast to overspend on their original budget plans for this financial year by more than £700 million.
“Homelessness represents the largest single driver of London boroughs’ current financial pressures.”
Part of Brixton Tube station could be converted into a restaurant
By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter
PART OF Brixton Tube station could be converted into a restaurant under plans submitted to Lambeth Council.
The proposed new eatery would operate out of a disused rear part of the Underground station on Electric Lane.
The section of the station was previously used by Transport for London (TfL) workers as a recreation space.
Under the plans submitted by TfL’s property arm, Places for London, existing shutters would be replaced with new
entrance doors and ventilation for the proposed restaurant would be installed
While the potential operator of the proposed eatery remains unknown, the plans include provision to fit a sign above the entrance door. According to documents submitted to the council by Places for London, the risk of the new venue attracting antisocial behaviour will be minimised by not offering takeaways
Rather, Places for London says that the ‘creation of another active frontage on the street is likely to deter existing antisocial behaviour’. The restaurant’s proposed opening hours are 10am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 11am to 12am on
weekends (Friday and Saturday).
Planning documents add: “Overall, the proposal for a change of the rear part of Brixton Underground station would create an attractive new restaurant in the centre of Brixton.
“It would also not have a negative impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties. The enhanced frontage would improve the appearance of a building which is currently identified to make a negative contribution to the character and appearance of the Brixton conservation area.”
Lambeth Council will make a decision on the application at a later date.
Members of Housing Action Southwark and Lambeth (HASL), a housing support group
Housing Action Southwark and Lambeth
Consuelo Gutierrez Collazo has moved temporary accommodation six times in the decade she has been waiting for a council home.
Credit: Robert Firth
The rear part of Brixton Tube station could become a restaurant.
Marianela Ramos Apiricio has been waiting for council home in Lambeth for 11 years.
Credit: Robert Firth
TOWNHOUSE WORTH £4.5M UP FOR GRABS
By Isabel Ramirez
A FIVE-STOREY Georgian townhouse in Borough, plus £250,000 in cash, is up for grabs in the latest Omaze prize draw supporting The King’s Trust.
The winner of the Omaze Million Pound House Draw will take ownership of the historic four-bedroom home, which boasts views of The Shard from
its award-winning garden.
The property is mortgage-free, with all stamp duty and legal fees covered, and comes fully furnished with interiors worth £150,000. The winner can choose to live in the house, rent it out for an estimated £8,000-£10,000 per month, or sell it to become an instant multimillionaire.
Located on Park Street right near Borough Market, the townhouse
features original Georgian architecture combined with modern design elements. Highlights include a bespoke kitchen, formal dining room, multiple reception areas, and a sunroom extension.
The home also retains historic charm, with a “Take Courage” ghost sign on its exterior, a nod to its past as part of the former Anchor Brewery.
Outside, the professionally designed
garden features an office studio, fire pit, seating areas, and an aromatic herb garden. Designed by Chelsea Flower Show Gold winners, it offers a tranquil retreat with The Shard as a backdrop.
Funds from the draw will support The King’s Trust, a charity helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds develop skills and access job opportunities. Omaze has pledged a minimum donation of £1 million to the
charity, following a previous partnership in 2021 that raised £500,000. Entries for the draw close on 27 April 2025 for online submissions and 29 April 2025 for postal entries. An early bird cash prize of £500,000 is also available for those who enter by 13 April 2025 (online) or 15 April 2025 (postal).
Full details can be found at omaze.co.uk. Over 18s and UK residents only.
CALLS FOR MAYOR TO MAKE FREE SCHOOL MEALS VEGAN BY DEFAULT
By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter
SIR SADIQ Khan faced calls on Thursday to make his free school meal programme “plant-based by default” as a way of “showing climate leadership”.
The question came up as the mayor was asked at a public meeting by Zack Polanski, deputy leader of the Green Party, whether he would first consider making changes to the City Hall’s own canteen menu.
“I’d love to have the conversation with you about how we do this all over London, but I want to start with the most local place possible, which is the canteen just behind me,” said Mr Polanski during the monthly Mayor’s Question Time session.
“Would you consider working with the contractor to make sure that our canteen at City Hall is plant-based by default? What I mean by that is the first thing on the menu is vegan or plant-based, that it’s the biggest font, that it’s the most attractive option.
“People can still have meat and dairy if they wish – but they ask for it – so we’re just flipping it the other way
around, and making sure a healthy and sustainable diet is the default.”
Sir Sadiq said there was a need to be “a bit careful about taking away people’s choices”. But Mr Polanski interjected by saying that the change would in fact be “enabling people to have more choice and those choices are going to be cheaper for people, healthier for people and better for the planet too”.
The mayor said he was “very happy” for the assembly member to raise the canteen suggestion with City Hall’s chief officer, Mary Harpley, adding: “What I’m not in favour of is not giving people choice, and I think what we’ve tried to do is to promote plant-based options, but also to allow people to have choice.”
Mr Polanski claimed Sir Sadiq was “outsourcing responsibility” over the issue.
“You’re the Mayor of London,” he said. “I’d love to talk to you for instance about free school meals and how we can be making those plantbased by default.”
That suggestion elicited groans from other assembly members, but Mr Polanski continued: “This is the very
first option though, it’s just City Hall’s canteen… Would you show climate leadership and talk to the contractor and say ‘climate leadership would be plant-based by default in City Hall’, to show good example?”
Sir Sadiq repeated his position that the canteen already has “a good balance” of options, and said that making an option the default “often leads to that being the only option available”.
Responding to Mr Polanski’s point that the vegan menu options should be made more prominently visible than those containing meat, the mayor added: “Is he suggesting assembly members haven’t got enough common sense to know when there’s plant-based foods in the cafeteria? If he’s suggesting they’ve not got common sense, he should say that.”
The exchange was brought to a close as the Assembly’s Green group had begun to run out of its allotted amount of time to speak.
Assembly chairman Andrew Boff concluded the discussion: “Thank you to the assembly member for really getting to the meat of the matter.”
Zack Polanski, Green member of the London Assembly
THEATRE COMPANY OFFERING ‘PAY WHAT YOU CAN’ PERFORMANCES IN CAMBERWELL
Those who need it can see the performance for as little as £1
By Evie Flynn
A GROUP graduates from the highly prestigious Italia Conti are embarking on a plan to make repertory theatre ‘accessible, affordable and current’ by offering performances on a ‘pay what you can’ basis at the Golden Goose Theatre in Camberwell
The New Rep Theatre Company is a group of 19 graduates, whose next production is The Importance of Being Earnest running until March 29, and the Friday performance will be on a “pay what you can basis”.
This theatre at the back of the Golden Goose pub at 146 Camberwell New Road (ten minutes walk from Oval Station) is between Brixton and Camberwell is relatively new to the fringe scene. Tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest on other nights are very reasonably priced at £15 (£8 concession).
David Knight, the company’s Artistic Director, said that he wants The New Rep Theatre to offer “more than just
a night at the theatre” and create something that also supports and nourishes the community, not just actors.
The idea for the company started after David and his cohort graduated from Italia Conti in July 2024 and found the job market in the creative industry “incredibly difficult”.
He had a fascination with the craft and technique of “old repertory style theatre” but is often inaccessible or
expensive.
He reminisced that he was sat in a beer garden with his friends and “just had this idea..why don’t we just do this ourselves?”. David and his team then spent the next months building upon his vision of brining repertory theatre to life so that “more and more people can have access to these stories and experiences”.
Most of the graduates in the company are performing the plays alongside
The New Rep Theatre rehearsals
Easter event coming to Castle Square
By Issy Clarke
A FREE Easter event including face painting and storytelling is coming to Castle Square next month (Friday 18 April).
There will be a range of familyfriendly activities including face-painting, performances from local dance schools and even captivating storytelling by the Easter Wizard himself.
Adults and kids alike will be invited to take part in interactive dance workshops and even bid to win prizes from Castle Square traders.
All are invited to join the fun which will start at 11am and finish at 5pm at 40 Elephant Road, SE17 1EU.
working full-time jobs, which David says is “by no means an easy feat”.
The New Rep are constantly developing their approach and model and are currently looking at ways to establish workshops and opportunities to grow outreach within the community.
The ‘pay what you can Fridays’ mean you can see the performance for as little as £1. Tickets are available on Eventbrite
The Shard becomes UK’s ‘tallest timepiece’ The Shard becomes London’s new clock for the night
WITH THE clocks going forward next Sunday 30th March, the Shard changes it’s spectacular hourly light show to mark the occasion.
It will change the display every hour starting at sunset, around 18:12pm and running until 1am.
Visible for up to 40 miles, the light show can be seen from numerous iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye and so many rooftop bars and restaurants. If you are further away, it can even be seen as far as Greenwich Park, Harrow on the Hill, and Richmond Park.
The Shard describes this as the “firstof-its-kind Timepiece” when the top 20 storeys will illuminate nearly 600 energy-efficient LED units. The lights are controlled by an expert team of technicians who programme the show.
The Shard, constructed in 2012, is already London’s tallest building, towering over 1,000ft above sea level. However, it takes on a spectacular new role next week to mark the start of British Summer Time.
The Shard “aims to create a legacy for London through a truly unique display.. solidifying its place in the London skyline and becoming an enduring symbol of the city.”
Two-day festival coming to Burgess Park to celebrate end of Ramadan
By Isabel Ramirez
THOUSANDS OF people are set to come together in Burgess Park this weekend for a vibrant two-day festival marking the end of Ramadan.
Now in its 20th year, the muchloved event is a key part of London’s Eid in the Park celebrations, bringing the community together for prayer, festivities, and plenty of food.
The festival will take place on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 March, kicking off both mornings with a joint prayer at 10am.
From there, families can enjoy a range of activities, including henna painting, arts and crafts, and a bouncy castle for children. A variety of food stalls will also be serving up delicious dishes throughout the day.
The event will be held on the East Lawn side of Burgess Park, accessible via Old Kent Road. Visitors are encouraged to bring a prayer mat and picnic blanket to fully enjoy the celebrations.
Everyone is welcome to join in and celebrate this special occasion together.
Anyone wanting to take part is advised to bring a prayer mat and a picnic blanket.
It will take place on the East Lawn side of Burgess Park, accessible via Old Kent Road.
By Evie Flynn
The world’s largest public collection of modern poetry is on your doorstep
TUESDAY, 12 NOON – 6PM WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY, 12 NOON – 8PM
AN EXTENDED BAKERLOO LINE WOULD SEE MORE TRAINS RUNNING EVERY TWO MINUTES
By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter
BAKERLOO LINE trains could run every two minutes under Transport for London plans to upgrade and extend the Tube route.
The proposals, which depend on government funding, would allow 27 trains per hour to run on the line, seven more than the current 20.
On Thursday (March 20), four Labour London council leaders renewed their calls for the government to commit cash to deliver the upgrade and extension of the 119-year-old Underground route.
The leaders of Southwark, Lewisham, Brent and Westminster councils said Chancellor Rachel Reeves should commit to deliver the transport project in the upcoming 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy and secure initial funding for the scheme in the Spending Review, both expected in June.
Councillor Kieron Williams, Leader of Southwark Council, said: “The time has come for the Bakerloo line upgrade and extension – a shovel-ready project that would unlock thousands of new homes along the line and bring a national economic growth boost of £1.5 billion, creating thousands of jobs across the UK supply chain.”
Brenda Dacres, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “For too long South East London has been excluded from the world-class London Underground network and the benefits of being a well-connected inner London borough.
“With Lewisham wages nearly 40 per cent lower on average than neighbouring boroughs, the Bakerloo line extension would be a game-changer for unlocking
The current Bakerloo line
is 53 years old
inclusive growth and opportunities not just in the South East, but across the UK.”
The first phase of the proposed extension—which TfL is currently conducting feasibility studies for—would see new Tube stations at the Old Kent Road and Burgess Park in Southwark.
The line would then continue South East to New Cross Gate and Lewisham.
The second phase would take the Bakerloo line beyond Lewisham to Hayes and Beckenham Junction. The existing
National Rail line would be incorporated into the London Underground network and Ladywell, Catford Bridge and Lower Sydenham stations would be converted into Tube stations.
As part of the planned revamp of the London Underground route, the Bakerloo line’s 53-year-old trains would be replaced. The current fleet is 16 years past its estimated lifespan and the trains are the oldest in regular passenger service in Britain.
The planned upgrade would support 150,000 jobs in Goole, East Yorkshire— where the new trains would be built.
Around 107,000 new homes are predicted to be built around the new Tube stations in London, if the project goes ahead. The scheme is expected to add £1.5 billion to the UK economy every year.
Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said without the government’s commitment, the Bakerloo
By Ben Lynch
Local Democracy Reporter
A £3.5 million refurbishment of the Millennium Bridge expected to begin by this spring has been pushed back to next year.
The City Bridge Foundation, which owns the Central London crossing, said the delay is due to a ‘lower than expected number of responses’ to its tender for a
contractor to carry out the works.
The Foundation has chosen to retender for the project, which will see the bridge’s deck resurfaced, a retensioning of the suspension cables and its steelwork repainted.
The original tender, which closed in January, gave an estimated start date of February 10, with the contract to last six months. A spokesperson for the City Bridge Foundation however clarified
work was expected to begin by the spring. The tender detailed how the works were to consist of three key elements: resurfacing the aluminium desk to improve slip resistance; repainting the steelwork; and retensioning the suspension cables, which the tender stated ‘has not been completed before and will restore the profile of the central span following the initial relaxation of the cables and abutments’.
The City Bridge Foundation wrote disruption of the crossing should be minimised, though that it would be for contractors to pitch how this would be achieved.
“Contractors are encouraged to explore alternative solutions and approaches to maximise the time that the bridge can remain in operation during the project,” the tender stated. “Details of alternative solutions should be included separately as
line was ‘at risk of total failure’. Out of the ageing Underground line’s current 25 stations, 10 fall in Brent.
Councillor Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council, said: “The Bakerloo line upgrade and extension is vital to London and the UK’s drive for inclusive growth and to tackle the housing crisis. It would also mean improving air quality by taking 20,000 car journeys off the road each day, supporting inclusive growth across London.”
part of your submission.”
A contract value was estimated as between £2.75m and £3.5m. The City Bridge Foundation has however since told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the works are not expected to begin now until 2026.
A spokesperson said: “Earlier this year, we went out to tender for a contractor to carry out refurbishment work on Millennium Bridge. Due to a lower than expected number of responses, we have taken the decision to retender for the work, splitting the bridge redecking and painting and the retensioning of the cables that support the bridge into two separate briefs.
“This means we won’t now be in a position to begin the refurbishment work until next year. We will make a further announcement in due course.”
The Millennium Bridge was opened in June 2000, linking St Paul’s Cathedral with the Tate Modern Gallery on the south side of the Thames. It was quickly closed due to excessive swaying, earning it the nickname the ‘wobbly bridge’.
Following works to stabilise the crossing it was reopened in February 2002.
The City Bridge Foundation is a 900-year-old charity which looks after five Thames crossings: Tower, London, Southwark, Millennium and Blackfriars. Its sole trustee is the City of London Corporation, and elected members sit on the foundation’s board.
fleet
Southwark Council Leader Kieron Williams
Brenda Dacres, mayor of Lewisham, said the Bakerloo line extension would ‘unlock growth’ © Back
the Bakerloo
By Issy Clarke
THE AUTHORITY that runs the River Thames is as ‘unaccountable as Uzbekistan’, according to former Bermondsey MP Simon Hughes.
A public inquiry which ended last Friday has shed light on the archaic system run by the Port of London Authority (PLA), which has no regulator or ombudsman and is governed by a selfappointed board of its own members.
Uzbeikstan is an authoritarian state where there is no free press and it is illegal to criticise the government.
The PLA is both the “policeman and the court”, said Hughes, who gave evidence at the inquiry, with powers to determine the charge as well as the outcome.
“It appoints the majority of trustees itself. That does not belong in a democratic UK in 2025 - that is the sign of an undemocratic regime like Uzbekistan” he told the inquiry.
The PLA’s charging system has seen residents living in flats with balconies overlooking the river hit with fees of up to £10,000, with some paying more per square metre than their entire flats
AUTHORITY IN CHARGE OF THE THAMES IS AS ‘UNACCOUNTABLE AS UZBEKISTAN’, SAYS FORMER MP HUGHES
are worth. One of the changes the PLA wants to make is to its charging system.
One resident, Tom, who lives in New Concordia Wharf in St Saviour’s Dock, told the News his balcony charge had “more than tripled” since he first moved in ten years ago, from £400 a year to £1,300.
He said the part of the river his balcony, which is the same size as your average sofa, overlooks is “full of years and years of detritus” such as abandoned shopping trollies, bar stools and building scraps.
He added the PLA gave “inconsistent” reasons for the annual increase in the river works license, a charge levied on fixed structures on the Thames.
“One year it was because they said operator costs had gone up. Another time it was because of inflation. A third time it was because the property valuations had gone up.”
The PLA submitted a Harbour Revision Order (HRO) in 2020, allowing it to amend the 1965 Act of Parliament by which it controls the Thames. The PLA has said the HRO is intended to “modernise” the way it manages the river - however river residents have labelled it a power grab.
It is seeking further powers to end leases early “in the interests of the safe navigation of the Thames”, remove liability for board members and end the practice of sending yearly reports to Parliament.
The PLA argues it is the only trust port which is required to submit an annual report to Parliament.
It also wants to make it a criminal offence for boat-owners to moor their vessels against the bank unless they have a license.
The changes would affect the 17 London boroughs which the Thames runs through or alongside.
“The PLA act like a ruthless private landlord but at the same time they are the statutory authority of the river and are free to make criminal offences” said Nick Lacey, who has owned private moorings in Tower Bridge since 1983.
He also owns moorings in Rotherhithe, and said a few years ago the PLA pulled the boats tied up there out of the river bed “without warning or explanation” - which they were legally allowed to do as the harbour authority.
“As a private company the PLA are determined to make as much money as they can from their land holdings - but
they are completely unaccountable” he said.
Meanwhile, the HRO contained no provisions about improving the quality of the filthy Thames - in part caused by boats which get their license from the PLA.
Between 2020 and 2023, the equivalent of 29,000 Olympic sized swimming pools in sewage was pumped into the river by Thames Water.
A spokesperson for the PLA said:
“The Port of London is the UK’s biggest port and busiest inland waterway.
For six years we have been seeking to modernise the 60-year-old Port of London Act under which we operate.
“Our proposals are not about apartments with balconies overhanging the river, but about strengthening measures to keep ships, people, and the environment safe, and to improve public transparency in decision making on developments affecting the river.
“We are seeking updates to improve availability of navigation lighting, so boats move safely on the river; to ensure grab chains and escape ladders are installed where they are needed; and to secure powers to intervene if static boats are found to be overcrowded.
“We are also seeking to update the system for licenses permitting works and dredging on the river which will enable public representations - similar to planning applications - for the first time and expand the right of appeal.”
The spokesperson said the PLA was the only trust port required to present an annual report to Parliament, and that there was an existing arbitration regime to handle disputes on license fees. They added third parties could also appeal to the Department for Transport and seek a judicial review against the PLA.
The spokesperson said balcony charges averaged around £950 per year plus VAT, making up around 0.3 per cent of the PLA’s overall revenue, the majority of which comes from charges on the over 50 million tonnes of cargo it handles annually.
They continued: “We are committed to a fair and reasonable approach, reflecting market rates and practices elsewhere in the residential property sector. To that end, we have written to the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and invited them to review our approach and make any recommendations for setting fees in the future.”
Tom was hit with a £1,300 river works license for his balcony. Inset; The view of the rubbish-filled river from Tom’s balcony
Sir Simon Hughes
BREAK-IN AT TRAINING CENTRE THAT HELPS YOUNG SOUTH LONDONERS INTO WORK
By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter
A South London business that delivers training to young people has been left ‘devastated’ after thieves stole over £25,000 worth of laptops, cameras and microphones.
Burglars are believed to have broken into Orange Bow CIC, and Sage & Poppy coffee shop, in Tulse Hill late last Wednesday (March 12) and made off with thousands of pounds in electronics
Orange Bow has provided training and employment help to hundreds of young people in Lambeth since 2018.
“We can’t do any training because we don’t have any laptops. We do free support for disabled kids. We’ve had to put that on pause,” says co-founder.
Ryan Bakure, co-founder of Orange Bow, said the break-in had forced it to put on hold training it delivers to dozens of local teenagers and young adults.
The 43-year-old said: “We can’t do any training because we don’t have any laptops. We do free support for disabled kids. We’ve had to put that on pause.
“We go into local schools and we can’t do that because we don’t have the equipment. We’ve tried to do some [training] with them [students] jumping on their phones, but you can’t pass your maths GCSE like that.”
Mr Bakure received a phone call from police in the early hours of Thursday morning last week (March 13) informing him about the break-in. A driver who delivers croissants to Sage & Poppy coffee shop, which is at the front of the building,
had noticed the door had been forced in, according to Mr Bakure.
The driver is believed to have briefly spoken to one of the suspected thieves, who claimed they were a cleaner. He then returned to his vehicle and phoned police.
Mr Bakure, who lives in Bromley, arrived at the building at around 3.45am.
Recalling the scene, he said: “I came in and everything was gone. We had 60 something laptops—gone. The iPads, everything, anything technical—gone.
The camera hardware for the CCTV was gone.
“It was a well planned operation. They knew what they came in for. They knew about the security. They knew about the alarm system and everything.”
Mr Bakure worked as a project manager
Man charged with Brixton murder
By Issy Clarke
A MAN has been charged with murder following a fatal stabbing in Brixton.
Ibrahim Gonclaves-Cumare, 30, of no fixed address, was charged with murder on Sunday, 23 March in connection with the death of 34-year old Troy Ramsundar (pictured) who was stabbed on Brixton Road last Thursday. Ibrahim has been remanded in
custody to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 24 March.
Police were called in the early hours of the morning on Thursday, 20 March to reports of a man suffering a stab injury in Brixton Road.
Officers and London Ambulance Service attended but despite their efforts Troy sadly died at the scene, his family continues to receive support from specialist officers.
BRAND-NEW IKEA STORE COMING TO OXFORD STREET
at an IT firm in the City before setting up Orange Bow. He quit his job after becoming dissatisfied with the lack of progress around diversity. He set up Orange Bow with three university friends seven years ago.
The firm was originally located on Brixton Road, before moving to Stockwell. It relocated to Tulse Hill around two years ago.
Orange Bow now employs 14 staff and delivers training in local schools such as City Heights Academy and Elmgreen School.
Thai Walker, 23, a student at Orange Bow, said she was ‘devastated’ by the break-in. Fabien Moseley-Hylton, another student, added: “The cameras were gone so we couldn’t film anything for two days. We lost a lot of files and old work.”
A fundraiser set up last week to raise money to pay for replacement equipment has raised around £1,000 in donations so far.
Cllr Dr Mahamed Hashi, Lambeth Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “Orange Bow runs vital support for our community in Tulse Hill, so we are shocked and saddened that they have been so cruelly targeted in this way.
“Having visited them in the wake of this incident to see the full impact I have pledged, alongside the Mayor of Lambeth, to do all we can to help get them back on their feet.”
The Met Police was contacted for comment on the break-in, but hadn’t replied at the time of publication.
By Adrian Zorzut Local Democracy Reporter
SWEDISH FURNITURE giant IKEA will open its hotly-anticipated Oxford Street store on May 1 –marking a step towards returning the famous road to being Britain’s shopping Mecca.
Shoppers can expect the full traditional IKEA experience of a showroom packed with trinkets and room sets and a market hall filled with home furnishing accessories.
There is also a 130-seater Swedish Deli where you can get the retailer’s signature meatballs dish for £4.95, or a hot dog for just £0.75. The brand new store at 214 Oxford Street will span the ground and two lower floors of the seven-storey Grade II listed building and offer 5,800 square metres of shopping space, which is a similar size to the IKEA store in Hammersmith.
There will also be 3,500 home furnishing accessories on sale and the store will have the first Changing Places disabled toilet in the area. It will be the only available facility in a 4,000 feet radius from Oxford Circus. The store’s opening follows a meticulous three-year renovation, which saw an overhaul of the site’s interior to boost its environmental performance.
In addition to the IKEA store, the building will accommodate three other retail outlets and offer four floors of office space. The changes included replacing fossil fuel gas-fired boilers with energy-efficient air source heat pumps, installing secondary glazing for improved insulation, carrying out tedious cleaning and restoration of the building’s historic façade, and a lighting scheme to illuminate the building at night.
The Hus of FRAKTA pop-up concept store will close on March 23 to make way for the new furniture showroom. The new IKEA store will be open daily from 10am until 8pm.
Peter Jelkeby, Chief Executive at IKEA UK, said: “London is an iconic shopping destination, and we are thrilled to now have a home in its centre. IKEA Oxford Street’s location complements
our network of stores in London – and beyond – and allows us to be closer to where our customers live, work and shop, while importantly being easily accessible by foot or public transport. We look forward to welcoming you in. Councillor Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council, said the shop would breathe new life into Oxford Circus. He said: “There is a growing buzz around Oxford Street’s shopping offer, with fewer and fewer vacant units, and it will be fantastic to see IKEA opening its doors, attracting many more visitors to the West End. “The mix of shops and experiences now on offer really does cater to everyone and we are working to create even more opportunities to help support upcoming businesses and big names to Oxford Street.”
He said the council’s employment service helped locals apply for the 150 roles available while the Town Hall hosted IKEA’s selection process.
A raft of new shops have opened on Oxford Street in recent years. HMV and Footasylum, The Fragrance Shop and Reserved have all returned to the popular high street since 2023. Jewellery store Pandora, Doc Martens and new brands like Miniso and Italian kebab house Kebhouze have also opened stores recently.
The Mayor of London has also launched a consultation to pedestrianise the western end of Oxford Street. The famous high street fell into disrepair during the pandemic when American candy stores and unregulated pedicabs flooded the area. But many of those candy stores have since shut and pedicabs are now set to be regulated by Transport for London. Details of the pedestrianisation are limited at this stage but Mayor Sadiq Khan intends to set up a Mayoral Development Corporation which will allow him to oversee planning matters on the western end of Oxford Street and one block either side of it, taking powers from Westminster City Council as the local planning authority. A consultation is running until May 2 giving Londoners the chance to shape the project.
IKEA is opening its Oxford Street store in May. Credit: Alex Rumford/IKEA.Photo
Staff and students at Orange Bow CIC and Sage & Poppy coffee shop. From left:
Michael Bakare, head of production, Alex Andrei, barista, Thai Walker, student, Valentina Ortiz, student, Ryan Bakare.
Photo from Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon
WORLD-CLASS PUBLIC SPACE, TAXI DROP-OFF POINTS AND NEW CYCLE ROUTES, KHAN’S PLANS FOR OXFORD STREET
By Adrian Zorzut Local Democracy Reporter
SADIQ KHAN’S latest plan to transform Oxford Street includes a raft of changes alongside the well-known pedestrianisation, with new cycle routes and a ‘world class’ public space.
Public consultation on the Mayor’s plan, which includes the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC), launched Friday, February 28, and will run for six weeks.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) spoke with the Mayor about his plans to rejuvenate the ailing high street and what he hopes will come from the consultation.
In September, Mayor Khan shocked local authorities when he announced plans to take over and pedestrianise Oxford Street and impose an MDC, a statutory body set up by metro mayors in England to deliver regeneration schemes, to carry out his vision.
The version Mayor Khan is proposing, and forms part of this leg of the consultation process, will have its own planning powers and be able to overrule Westminster City Council, which currently runs the iconic high street.
It will consist of a minimum of six people and Mayor Khan has already promised three of those seats to representatives of Westminster City Council.
According to consultation documents, the planning body will cover a 1.3-mile strip between Tottenham Court Road station and Marble Arch and could launch as early as January 1, 2026. City Hall said it has no plans to review the body until January 2029.
Mayor Khan told the LDRS: “This consultation is genuinely meaningful. We’re going to wait and see what people say in response to our plans [but] the three big things in these plans today are, one –the principle of pedestrianisation; two – the area we’ve set up [that] we’d like to have as the area; and third – that’s being in charge of that area.”
Mayor Khan said he wants to introduce a ‘phased pedestrianisation’ of Oxford Street that will begin between Oxford Circus and Orchard Street. This transformation would remove most of the traffic and see public realm improvements along the eastern end of Oxford Street because those areas will ‘take longer to pedestrianise’, according to consultation documents.
City Hall said the plans are an attempt to compete with the likes of Fifth Avenue in New York, the Champs-Élysées in Paris and the Ginza district in Tokyo.
Mayor Khan said: “I think the reality is [that] the way to regenerate, to revitalise and to reinvigorate the [Oxford Street] is to pedestrianise it but we’re going to do it in phases.
“Why? Because I think a big bang won’t work. We don’t want to inconvenience residents.
“We don’t want to cause problems for buses so what we will do is, once people have responded to the consultation, which ends on May 2, we’ll then work on plans, subject to the consultation, in relation to that phasing.
“In previous plans and previous conversations I’ve had with businesses and others who know this area very well, the first phase will probably involve –again, probably – that area from Oxford
Circus going towards the sort of Selfridges area, which is the phase we had in the last plan in 2017/18.”
The LDRS understands the Greater London Authority (GLA) will take over the collection of business rates while Transport for London will manage the roads within the MDC.
Plans for Oxford Street remain vague at the present time but Mayor Khan said any changes will make the street easy to access.
He said the GLA is considering installing cycle bays outside the pedestrianised zone. It will also look at drop-off points for black taxis being used by disabled people.
There is also a promise of a ‘world class’ public space.
There are plans to create cycle routes around Oxford Street while the move to pedestrianise the area will not happen before public realm improvements are made to the street overall. He said: “The idea is to make it as easy as possible for people to come to, subject to consultation, a future pedestrianised street whether it’s those that are disabled, whether it’s those that want to come there by bike. We encourage active travel.
“So, we will be, later on, working on plans for drop-off points for black taxis for those who are disabled, where we can have cycle bays for those who want to come by bike. For those who want to carry on cycling, you won’t be able to cycle through the pedestrianised bit but you’ll have routes to cycle around.”
The GLA has already put aside funds in its 2025/26 budget to keep the MDC running for three months. Further funding from the GLA will be confirmed during next year’s budget process.
Regardless, the Mayor believes the project can be funded from ‘philanthropic sources’ alongside public and private sector contributions. There is also an
expectation revenue will come from planning application fees, fees from developers and Community Infrastructure Levy receipts.
Mayor Khan refused to name private sector entities backing his scheme but promised to reveal who they are at a later stage of the process. He also said he does not envisage increasing taxes for local residents to fund the project.
He said: “It’s really important for them to see the benefits of this project. Look, this is a street that has got a fantastic history but not such a great present.
“We want to restore this street to its former glory and the good thing is we’ve got support from government, we’ve got support from businesses, we’ve got support from many people who want to
see this street improve and we know from previous projects we’ve been involved in but also previous projects run around the world, that not only are these scheme selffinancing, but they can lead to huge profits and huge growth as well.”
According to GLA’s own estimates, pedestrianising Oxford Street could lead to an increase of Gross Value Added – a key indicator of economic performance in a region – of nearly £82m in a year compared to a non-pedestrianised Oxford Street, while supporting an additional 781 jobs. This figure appears to come from a study on pedestrianisation in Spanish cities.
In addition, City Hall’s analysis predicts that on average, pedestrianisation could be expected to raise an additional
£30m-£40m in VAT receipts, while raising an extra £10m-£20m in business rates, depending on the scenario and assumptions.
Oxford street currently welcomes approximately 120 million visitors a year and contributed an estimated £25 billion to London’s economy in 2022. That equates to 1% of the UK’s total economic output that year.
Mayor Khan has also dismissed claims by a West End councillor that he will push ahead his pedestrianisation plans regardless of the feedback he receives from this year’s consultation. He has also ruled out repaying Westminster City Council the £22m it spent on its own transformation programme, which was cancelled late last year.
Oxford Street concept art.
Map of the proposed Mayoral Development Area.
what’s on
The tension rose by each minute
THE BEST part about this very American play about Sidney Poitier is that it is written by a very London playwright from Lewisham, writes Michael Holland.
Ryan Calais Cameron has been writing this labour of love for many years and put in many hours of research and watching films to ensure Retrograde captured the true essence of Poitier and his struggle within the confines of a business meeting the actor had with a dubious business lawyer and a writer friend, Bobby(Oliver Johnstone).
So, ultimately, Retrograde is not about whether Poitier would sign his reputation and life away but about the centuries of racism, slavery, white supremacy and black people in
A DRACULA TO DIE FOR
A COMEDY Dracula that is billed as channeling the spirit of RuPaul, Monty Python, and Mel Brooks! What’s not to like, writes Michael Holland.
We enter to the pounding bass of Eurotrash hip-hop. I wondered if there was a connection. If not, why subject us to such torture?
The four Vampire Hunters appear and state their case, and within a minute, I was laughing out loud.
When athecamp AF Dracula made his entrance through a Stars in Your Eyes haze, the whole theatre was in hysterics.
The scene for Dracula - A Comedy of Terrors was set, and it was covered in gore and laughter. It was garish Gothic from start to finish, replete with visual gags, noise gags, verbal gags; nowhere in the field of human drama has a water spray done so much with so little: graveyard fog, dry ice entrances, North Sea storms were all made real with the fine-mist spray.
Charlie Stemp showed himself the master of the one raised eyebrow; Sebastian Torkia the tyrant of the torturous accent, Safeena Ladha was going down on ships while contemplating the same with meek and mild Estate Agent Jonathan Harker, and James Daly in the title role was lizarding all over the lounge and making almost everyone in the theatre fall for him, which made his
America having to ‘know their place’.
These big points are made just subtlely, a look, a pause, a phrase. At one point I thought Poitier(Ivanno Jeremiah) was going to slap Mr Parks(Stanley Townsend) in an action replay of the famous slap from In the Heat of the Night, which I know would have raised a great cheer from the audience.
The tension rose by each minute of the ninety. As each new revelation was drip-fed in we learnt something new about Poitier, the lawyer and American society in the late 50s. As the play went on we loved Sidney more and White America less. I felt the theatre getting ready to scream ‘NO!’ when the pen was poised over the dotted line.
Ivanno Jeremiah once again brings
being
designated bloodsucker role that much easier as he left vein-drained bodies all over Whitby.
But my favourite was Dianne Pilkington doubling-up as Doctor Westfeldt and her beetle-eating patient Renfield, making her the Number One in quick costume changes. Towards the denouement, her conversions were receiving rousing cheers for their hilarity and inventiveness.
This version by Steve Rosen and Gordon Greenberg(who directs this production superbly, dragging out laughs from every way possible) is loosely based on Bram Stoker’s book. Very loosely. Most of our time is spent in a mental asylum in Whitby, which affords more humour than the Count’s no-fun, one-way-ticket-toDead castle.
The way each character is portrayed
is fantastic: Harker is the Q in LGBTQ, Mina is man-hungry, Dracula does not wear capes to swish for nothing, and Pilkington confirms the old cliché of psychiatrists becoming as mad as their patients. It is farce, it is panto, it is everything you want it to be for a night of matchless comedy. This is a Dracula I’d die for. I couldn’t see a connection with the opening music. Perhaps the cheesey hip-hop was Transylvanian…
Menier Chocolate Factory, 4 O’Meara Street, London, SE1 1TE until 3rd May.
Times: Tue – Sat 7:30pm | Sat & Sun 3pm. Tickets: £35 - £49.50. Booking and full details: https://www.menierchocolatefactory. com/tickets/
confirmed as truth and fact today. It is played, seemingly, for laughs, with great gags aplenty flying about between the three, gags that would give Neil Simon a run for his dollars. I’m not sure if this dilutes the message.
Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbuty Avenue until 14th June.
Tickets: £25 - £90.
Booking: https://nimaxtheatres.com/ shows/retrograde/
A gateway to Mary Wolstencraft
MARY AND the Hyenas tries to tell the tale of Mary Wolstencraft, one of the first feminist writers whose unconventional life and thoughts caused a stir in 18th-century Britain. Maureen Lennon’s play, however, creates more questions than answers, writes Michael Holland.
But that is a good thing because now I will be reading all about this woman whose name I barely knew before seeing this production. A woman who wrote novels, books (her most famous being A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Wolstencraft taught, argued her corner with powerful men, and witnessed royal beheadings in the French Revolution!
This last piece of information was skimmed through in a matter of seconds on the stage but explained to me in detail by the woman who had convinced me to see this play, a woman with her own unconventional life and thoughts who happens to be an expert on all things Wolstencraft.
Which was very handy when I needed bits filled in on Lennon’s rollercoaster ride through Wolstencraft’s life that never stopped for the facts to settle.
We see her battling injustices while other women do not; fighting against being told to ‘Be a good girl’, demanding equal rights for women, and the right to inherit.
Her mother had told her she was an unwanted child, so Laura Elsworthy plays Mary with a permanent angry face. She hardly mellows when teaching young women to think for themselves; but when your life is a constant war with patriarchal
confines it must be hard to raise a smile. As the years and place are flashed up on the stage a short skit would be performed depicting what had happened there and then. We journey from London to the north, to Ireland and to France, with the whole evening punctuated by music in the style of 80s synth(written by Lennon and Billy Nomates), which gave it a Rock Follies vibe whenever Mary and the Hyenas broke into song but did little to further the story. In fact, the tunes distracted from it but that is not the fault of the wonderful Hyenas who sang and took the roles of everyone who passed through Mary’s life: Kate Hampson, Elexi Walker, Beth Crame, Kat Johns-Burke and Ainy Medina.
Overall, this is a worthy production that comes from a good place - Maureen Lennon related to Wolstencraft’s struggle as a woman writer - but this show is far from the full story of such a strong woman who had to cut out her very own and unique path in life. It is, though, a gateway play to stronger texts and information about this trailblazing woman.
My education continued on the journey home as I posed questions that my theatre companion answered - I have had my first lesson in Mary Wolstencraft. And if you don’t know her or her work, I suggest you begin yours here.
Wilton’s Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley, London, E1 8JB until 29th March.
Tickets: £13.50-£28
(£11-£25.50 Concession)
Box Office: 0207 7702 2789 / https:// wiltons.org.uk/
Poitier to life and Amit Sharma is back to direct after their successful run at Kiln Theatre.
Retrograde is a history lesson, perhaps one that was never taught in American schools but one that is
© Marc Brenner
© Matt Crockett
A BOOZY, BRILLIANTLY BONKERS AUSTEN PARODY
PLIED AND Prejudice is a riotous, immersive theatrical experience that takes Jane Austen’s beloved novel and infuses it with unbridled energy, chaotic comedy, and copious amounts of liquor, writes Luigia Minichiello...
This unique production transports audiences to the grand halls of Pemberley, where Mr. Darcy’s infamous ball is in full swing. Whether you’re an Austen purist or someone who prefers their period dramas with a side of debauchery, this show promises an evening filled with laughter, dancing, and delightful disorder.
As soon as I saw the words Punch Drunk associated with the production I knew I was in for a night to remember. Upon arrival, guests are led through a long hall into the reception bar lounge, where live musicians set the scene and cocktails flow freely. Many audience members embraced the theme, dressing to the nines—with more than a few exquisite Mr. Darcy lookalikes gracing the room. Those familiar with The Vaults venue came prepared in comfortable shoes, expecting the usual cold, dark, and uneven flooring. However, I can safely assure you— there’s no need to worry this time. So, dust off your glad rags and your best ‘ones and twos’ and prepare for a night of high-energy merriment.
The seating in the main hall is divided by class: Paupers, Middle Class, Upper
Class, Aristocrats, and, of course, the most prestigious seat at the table of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. I did wonder where us media mortals would be placed! No matter where you sit, the action is unmissable, as the five-strong cast scrambles to portray twenty different characters, cartwheeling onto the stage in a chaotic retelling of this British classic.
The pace is frantic, the costume changes are fast and furious, and the entire production gleefully abandons any notion of respectable theatre. Naturally, drinks are encouraged throughout the performance, with servants on hand to deliver them to your seat. The show is a rollercoaster of fun-filled gags, as the cast races through chapters of the novel—often discarding those deemed uneventful. The tale of eligible bachelors and five unmarried daughters becomes a brilliant farce, with the actors determined to stay true to the beloved source material— avoiding any cousin marriages!
Despite the raucous nature of the performance, the actors showcase their true theatrical prowess in moments of genuine sincerity, providing balance to all the absurdity. And then, of course, comes the moment—the recreation of that wet-shirt scene that made Colin Firth a household name, with a lucky few audience members getting involved. This is Pride and Prejudice as
the BBC would never dare to present it. The immersive element—essentially pantomime moments—adds to the hilarity. At one point, the audience is asked to suggest a name for a character and enthusiastically shout it whenever he is mentioned. The result?
A 120-minute cavalcade of comedy, packed with plenty of hoots and hollers.
And what’s a grand wedding without a party? At the show’s end, the audience
is led back into the bar lounge, where the cast encourages everyone to learn a traditional dance. There are ample Instagram opportunities, including a cash-grab machine and themed photo areas.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a jolly good giggle with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a classic drama with its tongue firmly in its cheek, Plied and Prejudice is the perfect night out. While it certainly
caters to the All Bar One/Simmons crowd, it’s a smart and playful way to introduce younger audiences to the theatre. So, raise your glass, loosen your corset, and immerse yourself in a delightfully disorderly evening of love, laughter, and libations!
The Vaults, Launcelot St, London SE1 7AD until May 18th. Booking and Full Details: www.pliedandprejudice.com
Poems from the Kitchen Sink and Beyond
I TOOK myself off to the hallowed galleries and rooms of the old Deptford Town Hall, now part of Goldsmiths University, to meet with Neil Bradley and talk about his latest book, Kitchen Sink Dharma, writes Michael Holland.
It is vastly different from his last book, Four Funerals and a Wedding, that told the story of his family and growing up in and around the Old Kent Road. This is a book of poetry,
The book begins with COVID-19, literally and metaphorically. It is the title of the poem and actually the first one Neil wrote, ‘in anger’, he says, ‘during the week leading up to the first lockdown’.
Five years on, that single poem became many poems, along with unfinished plays, novels and songs that filled up more and more space at home.
Neil’s father died in recent months and pushed a button, ‘I was determined to get to grips with all my outstanding writing projects, if only to free up space on my computer, as well as typing up the reams of writing I’d accumulated in notebooks over the years.’
In that self-proclaimed mission he found ‘hundreds of thousands of words which have never seen the light of day, many of which I can’t even remember writing!’
All those words, all those ‘worksin-progress’ will now be finished and published as Neil finds himself in ‘a rich seam of writing form’. A follow-up memoir and a novel, ‘My Dead Girlfriend’, which he has been working on for the last five or six years, should all be ready for publication in the next few months.
‘All in all,’ says the writer, ‘it’s been an
exhausting, yet rewarding, few months for me, which I thank my dad for inspiring. He was always really interested in my writing, even if he often couldn’t make head nor tail of any of the stuff I wrote!’
I wondered if there was a theme to the poems. ‘There’s no real theme as such. Naturally, with my first poem coming on the eve of Lockdown, the pandemic influenced a lot of my early poems but I eventually broke away from that and simply started writing about the things that were happening to me there and then; the things I was observing on public transport or whilst sitting drinking coffee in a café…
The most important thing for me was that my poetry should be accessible, especially for those who have either no real experience of reading poetry or, very much like me, who come from a background where poetry was definitely not for the likes of them.’
I began reading my copy on the way home on public transport and found it very accessible, very readable. I wanted to read one out to the people in the train carriage, give my own open mic performance on the train. This one especially resonated:
Conspiracy Merchant
I think it’s all a conspiracy
My friend said Even though for weeks At the start
He was sick in bed
And his mother died from it
The virus, the covid You’ll be telling me next That a man didn’t land On the moon, I said
Even though my dad made me watch it Got me up out of bed.
The last poem in the book is a tribute to his dad, and brings the poetry part to its conclusion; after that is a selection of songs(Neil taught himself to play the piano during lockdown, which led on to the songwriting).
‘Most of the poems are very me,’ reveals Neil. ‘They’re all very flippant, or matterof-fact, and are very much based on my somewhat “out-of-kilter” view of the world. Others, I think, are really poignant’ I asked if poetry was a big shift away from writing a regular column in one of the nation’s earliest fanzines - The Lion Roars - The Millwall mag that once had a readership of thousands before it faded out when up against podcasts and too many copycat publications. He answered simply, ‘Not that much different, to be honest.’
And that seemed to be a good place to finish talking to a man who has created an alter-ego (Brad) where he can be a poet, a painter, a playwright, a novelist and a blogger without hiding behind it.
Kitchen Sink Dharma (Poetry and Songs), along with his memoir, Four Funerals and a Wedding (Journeys in Creative and Life Writing), is available from Amazon.co.uk priced £10.00.
You can also view the work of Brad the Artist at The Long Pond, 110 Westmount Road, Eltham, London SE9 1UT and at the Capital Art Gallery, 13 Well Hall Parade, Eltham, London SE9 6SP Neil’s podcast, The Likes of Us (dedicated to Working-Class Life, Art, Politics and Culture), is available via Apple podcasts and all other podcast outlets.
© Guy Bell
Heading south - our pick of upcoming spring events
The Jay Rayner Sextet at Woolwich Works
As a man who came of age in the 1980s, restaurant critic, MasterChef judge and jazz pianist Jay Rayner has long been fascinated by the chart hits from that decade, which weren’t just jazz inflected but had jazz in their very bones. Making their debut at Woolwich Works, Jay leads a sextet of topflight musicians to celebrate the greatest of those ’80s songs, with new arrangements of tracks by Sade, Matt Bianco, Working Week, Everything But The Girl, Paul Weller, Sting and much more. The sextet sees Pat Gordon-Smith, voice; Dave Lewis, sax; Robert Rickenberg, bass; Chris Cobbson, guitar; Sophie Alloway, drums. Get your jazz on with the Jay Rayner Sextet. Box-shouldered jacket and big hair optional.
Date: Thursday 3 April 2025, 7:30pm. Tickets: From £18 Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, Royal Arsenal, SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works/events/jay-rayner-sextet
Bach to Baby Easter Family Concert
Come and join Bach to Baby this Easter Holiday for a specially designed programme of classical music for all ages. Bach to Baby creates concerts for the whole family to enjoy together. Featuring outstanding musicians and exhilarating performances in inspiring venues right on your doorstep. The programme for this concert date will be announced shortly, but Bach to Baby programming always ranges from Bach and Barber to Chopin and Shostakovich. Feel the benefi ts of classical music as a whole family.
Date: Sunday 6 April 2025, 3pm
Tickets: £16 adults, includes two children for free Christ Church, Trafalgar Road, SE10 9EQ www.bachtobaby.com/greenwich-music-concerts-for-baby-and-family
Pirates opens at National Maritime Museum
The Littlest Yak
On the tip of the top of a mountain all snowy, where the ice-swirling, toe-curling blizzards were blowy, in a herd full of huddling yaks, big and small, lived Gertie… the littlest yak of them all. Gertie is the littlest yak in her whole herd, and she’s feeling stuck in her smallness, she wants to grow up and have bigness and tallness. But when it turns out that there are some things that only Gertie can do, might she come to see that she’s perfect, just the way she is? This musical adaptation of the award-winning children’s book will delight audiences young and old at The Albany with beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and an uplifting tale of self-acceptance for all the family.
Date: Sunday 30 March 2025, 1pm and 3pm. Tickets: £9.50
The Albany, Douglas Way, SE8 4AG www.thealbany.org.uk/shows/the-littlest-yak
Teach Rex: The T-rex Show
Get up close and personal with life-like dinosaurs and let Teach Rex take you on an immersive, prehistoric journey into the anatomy of the most amazing creatures that have ever roamed our planet at Blackheath Halls this April. This interactive, theatrical show has been developed by a team of educational experts and plunges audiences into an awe-inspiring prehistoric world, creating a whole new learning experience and an interactive show like never seen before. The show is recommended for those aged 3 years old and over, and their families.
Date: Sunday 13 April 2025, 11am. Tickets: £12 adults, £12 under 16s, £42 family ticket Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ www.blackheathhalls.com/whats-on/teach-rex-t-rex-show
Heroic rascals or violent criminals? Discover the truth behind pirate life in a major new exhibition at the National Maritime Museum. Pirates traces the changing depictions of pirates through the ages and reveals the brutal reality behind the fi ction. The exhibition explores the perception of piracy in popular culture – from comical characters like Captain Pugwash and Captain Hook to anti-heroes like Long John Silver and Captain Jack Sparrow – and examines why the idea of a pirate’s life still fascinates us today. While often portrayed as swashbuckling scoundrels, the real history of pirates is far more complex. Pirates follows the global history of piracy from the South China Sea to the coast of North Africa and explores the issues of modern piracy facing seafarers today. The exhibition illuminates real-life fi gures, including Edward “Blackbeard” Teach, William Kidd, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, and refl ects on how perceptions of pirates, both past and present, are shifting. The exhibition is recommended for those aged 7 years old and over.
Dates: Saturday 29 March 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026
Tickets: £15 adults, £11.25 student, £7.50 child
National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/pirates
Wot’s the Firkin Answer???
The Fox and Firkin has launched a brand new weekly pub quiz, Wot’s the Firkin Answer???, hosted every Monday. Quizzers will take part in “questions, games and the best music round ever created”. Of which, you’ll have to show up to find out. You’ll have the chance to win a £50 bar voucher and a cash jackpot, so grab your mates for an evening of general knowledge testing. You’ve got to be in it to win it, as they say.
Date: Every Monday, 7:30pm Tickets: £2 The Fox and Firkin, 316 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6JZ foxfirkin.com
MOTHER’S DAY MESSAGES
To the best Mum in the world
happy Mother’s Day - Lots of love
Eddie King
A Big Happy Mother’s Day Lauren Baker to the bestest mum in the world, we love you to the moon and beyond and all the stars in the sky, have a wonderful day, all our love Lily-Rose and Teddy xxxxxxxxxxxxx
A Big Happy Mother’s Day to Chrissie Baker, the Bestest Mum and Nan and Stepmom we could ever ask for, have the bestest day we love you all the world Lauren Johnboy Katie Lily-Rose Teddy Brooke-Lyn Josie Jamie jnr and the Viking xxxxxxxxxx
Mum, We all love you and appreciate everything you do for us.
Happy Mother’s Day, Love Lisa, Billy, Dennis and Michael xx
Happy heavenly Mother’s Day to our wonderful Mum, taken from our eyes, never from our hearts, missed so much, Rita, John, David, Alan, Tony, Gary and Debby xxx
Mum, Happy Mother’s Day, thanks for everything that you do for us. We love you!
Lots of Love Jamie, Tayla, Charlie & Alfie xxxx
To my Mum Mary Buckingham, love ya, and all the mums at Parkside Lodge. Wishing you all a Happy Mother’s Day. Love Jackie and Tony xx
Happy Mother’s Day Mum/Nanny Maggie!
Have a lovely Mother’s Day
Lots of love Danielle, Freddie, Arabella & Poppy xxxxx
To our lovely mummy Danielle, Wishing you a very happy Mother’s Day!
Lots of love from, Freddie, Arabella and Poppy xxx
Chris Osborne happy heavenly Mother’s Day love and miss you every day, love your children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. xxx
Happy Mother’s Day, Love Lillie, H, & Reg xxx
Thinking of you Nannie Annie Gallivan
This Mother’s Day. You are always in our hearts & thoughts
Until we meet again.
Lots of Love From Your Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
As you would say Nan See you later. xxxxxx xxxxxxx A Kiss from all of us
Happy Mother’s Day Mummy (Katie) Thank you for all you do for us Lots of Love From Your Boy’s Zenas & Nexus xx
Happy Mother’s Day Mummy (Joanne) Thank you for all you do for us Lots of Love Ben, Olly, Rose, Freddie & Belle xxxxx
Happy mother’s day xx Lots of love The Beehan’s (Emma and Steve)
JAYNE KIDDEY. Happy Mother’s Day. Hope you have a great day. Love from Josh and Jess. XXXX XXXX
To Mum, Happy Mother’s Day Thank you for everything you do for us. Love you always. Maisie & Bella girl xxx
To the best Mum in the world Joanne White, Happy Mother’s Day. We love you lots, Love Teddy & Tilly-May xxx
Happy Mother’s Day Mum (Chelsea Duffin) Have the best day. Love you, Ivy-Rose xxx
Happy Mother’s Day to my wonderful Mum. Love you so much - you are simply the best. Thank you for always being there. Love you, Chris xxx
Happy Mother’s day Maggie Boyd, Have the best day. Love always, Liam, Bobby & Katie xxx
Happy Mother’s Day (Vicky Clarke) We love you. Megan, Ron & Pops xxx
Happy Heavenly Mother’s Day Maggie Duffin! The Best Mum/Nan there was. We love and miss you always. Joanne, Kelly, Chelsea & kids xxx
Southwark Pensioners’ Centre
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE A3 GLA ROAD (BEVERLEY WAY, ROYAL BOROUGH OF KINGSTON UPON THAMES) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) ORDER 2025
1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it has made the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.
2. The purpose of the Order is to enable water connection works to take place on Beverley Way.
3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from entering, exiting or proceeding on the unnamed on and off-slip road connecting the southbound carriageway of the A3 Beverley Way with the westbound carriageway of Coombe Lane between its junction with the southbound carriageway of the A3 Beverley Way and the access road to the former Coombe Hill House/the service road at the rear of Nos. 253 to 271 Coombe Lane. Local access to Beverley Way Service Road fronting 18 to 154 Beverly Way will be maintained. The Order will be effective at certain times between the dates of 31st March 2025 and 5th April 2025, 9:00 PM until 5:00 AM every night 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 trafc 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 trafc signs for Eastbound trafc via A3 Beverley Way southbound, Malden Junction, A3 Beverley Way northbound, Beverley Way, Coombe Lane West, Coombe Lane Flyover to normal route of travel. For westbound trafc via Coombe Lane, Lambton Road, Worpole Road, Pepys Road, Approach Road, Kingston Road, Bushy Road to normal route of travel.
Dated this 28th day of March 2024
Claire Wright
Co-ordination Manager
Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
LICENSING ACT 2003 APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF PREMISES LICENCE
MR JAN MATTEEN has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth to vary a Premises Licence, in respect of the following premises:
QUICK STOP 14 ACRE LANE LONDON SW2 5SG
The nature of the variation is as follows: FULL VARIATION OF SUPPLY OF ALCOHOL 11:00 TO 03:00 MON – SUN INCLUSIVE OFF SALES ONLY AND NEW CONDITIONS
The record of this application may be inspected during normal office hours by an appointment at the Licensing Section, London Borough of Lambeth, 3rd Floor, Civil Centre, 6 Brixton Road, 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 SUN 13TH APRIL 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).
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS –ATKINS ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable telecommunication repair and maintenance works to be carried out, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth, subject to the agreement of Transport of London, intend to make an Order the effect of which would be to ban vehicles from entering in that length of:(a) Atkins Road, which lies between South Circular Road and Scrutton Close (alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Poynders Road, Clarence Avenue and Atkins Road); (b) Atkins Road, which lies between Scrutton Close and South Circular Road (alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Atkins Road, Thornton Road, King’s Avenue and South Circular Road).
2. The bans would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.
3. The Order would come into force on 7th April 2025 and it would continue for a maximum duration of 1 month or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice it is anticipated that the works would be carried out in two phases and that the bans referred to paragraph 1(a) and (b) above would have affect between 7th April 2025 and 11th April 2025 but if the works cannot be carried out or completed on those dates then the Order may have effect on subsequent days and dates up to the maximum period of 1 month.
Dated 28th March 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE– KILLYON ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable water repair and maintenance works to be carried out safely, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an order the effect of which would be to temporarily ban vehicles from entering that length of Killyon Road which lies between the property boundaries of Nos. 61 and 63 and Nos. 71 and 73 Killyon Road (access for residents would be maintained).
2. An alternative route for vehicles affected by the closure would be available via Wandsworth Road, Union Road and Larkhall Rise and vice-versa.
3. The bans would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs. A temporary two-way system would be introduced on Killyon Road at the junction with Larkhall Rise to enable access.
4. The order would come into force on 7th April 2025 and would continue for a maximum duration of 1 month (to allow for contingencies) or until the works have been completed whichever is the earlier. In practice
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE A24 GLA ROAD (CROWN LANE, LONDON BOROUGH OF MERTON) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF STOPPING) ORDER 2025
1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.
2. The purpose of the Order is to enable electrical vehicle charging point installation works to take place at A24 Crown Lane.
3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from stopping in the:
(1) Parking and Disables Persons Vehicles bay outside Nos. 30A to 40A Crown Lane;
(2) Loading, Unloading and Disabled Persons Vehicles bay outside Nos. 22B to 28A Crown Lane.
The Order will be effective at certain times 7:00 AM on 7th April 2025 until 6:00 PM on 7th April 2026 or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc 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 28th day of March 2025
Matt Standell
Performance and Planning Manager
Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 16A
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES FOR SPECIAL EVENTS – PLAY STREET DAYS VARIOUS ROADS
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable local residents/communities to hold special events
(Play Street Days), the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an Order the effect of which will be to ban vehicles from entering:-
(a) Athlone Road, between Upper Tulse Hill and Elm Park, on (i) Saturday 24th May 2025, (ii) Saturday 19th July 2025, and; (iii) Saturday 27th September 2025, between 1pm and 4pm (alternative routes will be available for affected vehicles via Elm Park and Claverdale Road and vice versa); (b) Briarwood Road, between Abbeville Road and Allard Gardens on (i) Saturday 19th April 2025, (ii) Saturday 10th May 2025, (iii) Saturday 14th June 2025, (iv) Saturday 12th July 2025, (v) Saturday 9th August 2025, and; (vi) Saturday 20th September 2025, between 3pm and 6pm (alternative routes will be available for affected vehicles via Abbeville Road and Crescent Lane and vice versa);
(c) Chalford Road, the whole length, on (i) Sunday 27th April 2025, (ii) Sunday 6th July 2025, and; (iii) Sunday 7th September 2025, between 2pm and 5pm (an alternative route will not be applicable); (d) Cheviot Road, between Roxburgh Road and Tredwell Road, on (i) Sunday 11th May 2025, (ii) Sunday 8th June 2025, (iii) Sunday 13th July 2025, (iv) Sunday 10th August 2025, (v) Sunday 14th September 2025, (vi) Sunday 12th October 2025, (vii) Sunday 9th November 2025, (viii) Sunday 14th December 2025, (ix) Sunday 11th January 2026, (x) Sunday 8th February 2026 and (xi) Sunday 8th March 2026, between 1pm and 4pm (alternative routes will be available for affected vehicles via Cheviot Road and Roxburgh Road and vice versa);
(e) Claverdale Road, between Upper Tulse Hill and Elm Park, on (i) Sunday 27th April 2025, (ii) Sunday 22nd June 2025, (iii) Sunday 31st August 2025, (iv) Sunday 12th October 2025, and (v) Sunday 8th March 2026, between 1.30pm and 4.30pm (alternative routes will be available for affected vehicles via Elm Park and Athlone Road and vice versa); (f) Eastmearn Road, between Rosendale Road and Dalmore Road on (i) Sunday 20th and 27th April 2025, (ii) Saturday 17th and 24th May 2025, (iii) Sunday 1st, 22nd and 29th June 2025, (iv) Sunday 14th and 21st September 2025 and (v) Sunday 26th October 2025, between 1.45pm and 4.45pm (alternative routes will be available for affected vehicles via (a) Rosendale Road, Thurlow Park Road and Dalmore Road and vice versa and (b) Rosendale Road, Idmiston Road and Tulsemere Road and vice versa);
(g) The Chase, between No. 4 The Chase and No. 80 The Chase on (i) Sunday 6th April 2025, (ii) Sunday 4th May 2025, (iii) Sunday 1st June 2025, (iv) Sunday 6th July 2025, (v) Sunday 3rd August 2025, (vi) Sunday 7th September 2025, (vii) Sunday 5th October 2025, (viii) Sunday 2nd November 2025, (ix) Sunday 7th December 2025, (x) Sunday 4th January 2026, (xi) Sunday 1st February 2026, (xii) Sunday 1st March 2026, (xiii) Sunday 5th April 2026, (xiv) Sunday 3rd May 2026, (xv) Sunday 7th June 2026 and (xvi) Sunday 5th July 2026 between 4pm to 7pm; (alternative routes will be available for affected vehicles via (a) Clapham Common North Side, Orlando Road, Lillieshall Road, Lambourn Road and Hannington Road; and (b) Wandsworth Road, Victoria Rise and Clapham Common North Side).
2. The bans will only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs on the dates and times specified above. Dated 28th March 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS - GIPSY HILL
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable water main maintenance connection works to be carried out, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth subject to the agreement of Croydon Council and Southwark Council, intend to make an order the effect of which would be to temporarily:(a) impose a one-way system in that length of Gipsy Hill which lies between Gipsy Road and Oaks Avenues, in a north-westerly direction (towards Gipsy Road); (b) ban vehicles from stopping, waiting and parking (including waiting for the purpose of loading or unloading a vehicle) in that length of Gipsy Hill which lies between Gipsy Road and Oaks Avenue (both sides).
2. An alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via (the roundabout at the junction of Gipsy Road, South Croxted Road and Dulwich Wood Park) Gipsy Road, Dulwich Wood Park, College Road, Crystal Palace Parade, Church Road, Westow Street and Gipsy Hill.
3. The ban and one-way system would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.
4. The order would come into force on 7th April 2025 and would continue for a maximum duration of 1 month (to allow for contingencies) or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice it is anticipated that the order would have affect from 7th to 10th April 2025, but if the works cannot be carried out or completed in that time then the Order may also have effect on subsequent days up to the maximum period of 1 month.
Dated 28th March 2025 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager
BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS BOWDEN STREET, CLEAVER STREET AND METHLEY STREET
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable water main repair and maintenance 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:(a) ban vehicles from entering that length of Cleaver Street which lies between its junction with Kennington Lane and Kennington Road and a point 19 metres south-east of Kennington Lane and Kennington Road; (b) suspend the one-way system in Cleaver Street between Kennington Lane and Kennington Road and Bowden Street; (c) suspend the one-way system in Bowden Street; (d) suspend the one-way system in Methley Street between Bowden Road and Milverton Street.
2. Alternative routes for vehicles affected by the road closure described in paragraph 1(a) above will be available via Kennington Road, Milverton Road, Methley Street and Bowden Street and vice versa.
3. The ban and suspensions will only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing and covering of the appropriate traffic signs.
4. The Order will come into force on 7th April 2025 and it will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month (to allow for contingencies) or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice it is anticipated that the Order will only have effect between 7th and 15th April 2025, but if the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time, then the Order may have effect at other times within the maximum duration of 1 month.
Dated 28th March 2025 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – LAMBETH WALK
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable water repair and maintenance works to be carried out, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth have made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily ban vehicles from entering that length of Lambeth Walk which lies between Lambeth Road and the southeastern wall of No. 5 Lambeth Walk.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE AND REMOVE DISABLED PERSONS’ PARKING PLACES IN VARIOUS ROADS
(This notice is about the proposed removal of certain disabled persons’ parking places where they are no longer required and the introduction of new disabled persons’ parking places where they are needed. In controlled parking zones, this would involve (a) the introduction of new parking space where the disabled persons’ parking places are removed; and (b) the removal of existing parking space to accommodate the new disabled persons’ parking places.)
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth proposes to make The Lambeth (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and
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: (a) to remove the disabled persons’ parking places from the locations specified in Schedule 1 to this Notice; (b) to introduce new disabled persons’ parking places at the locations specified in Schedule 2 to this Notice (these parking places would operate at any time and be for the use of vehicles displaying a disabled person’s “blue badge” only).
3. The general effect of the Charged-For Parking Places Order would be, where the locations are in a controlled parking zone, to extend any parking space adjacent to the locations specified in Schedule 1 to this Notice so as to replace the disabled persons’ parking places that would be removed, and to remove any existing parking space at the locations specified in Schedule 2 to this Notice so as to accommodate the new disabled persons’ parking places.
4. In some cases, the disabled persons’ parking places specified in Schedules 1 and 2 to this notice may already have been removed or provided informally. Where this is the case, the effect of the Orders would be to formalise that situation so as to reflect the parking controls that currently apply on the ground and enable enforcement to be carried out if necessary.
5. If you have any enquiries, please telephone Lambeth Council’s Parking Design Team on 020 7926 6799 or email: disabledparking@lambeth.gov.uk
6. A copy of each of the proposed Orders and other documents giving detailed particulars about them are available for inspection online at: https://streets.appyway.com/lambeth or www.lambeth.gov.uk/traffic-management-orders and at the offices of Lambeth Council’s Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking, Network Management & Fleet), 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1EG, between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm on Mondays to Fridays, except on bank or public holidays. To arrange inspection please email trafficorders@lambeth.gov.uk.
7. All objections and other representations relating to the proposed Orders must be made in writing and all objections must specify the grounds on which they are made (quoting reference Disabled Bays 134), and can be made using our consultation portal at https://streets.appyway.com/lambeth or sent by post to Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking, Network Management & Fleet), London Borough of Lambeth, PO Box 80771, London, SW2 9QQ or by email TMOReps@lambeth.gov.uk by 18 April 2025. Any objection may be communicated to, or be seen by, other persons who may have an interest in this matter.
Dated 28 March 2025 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager
SCHEDULE 1 Barcombe Avenue, adjacent No. 118; Bristow Road, adjacent No. 21; Claverdale Road, adjacent No. 10; During Road, adjacent No. 32; Egremont Road, adjacent No. 52; Haverhill Road, adjacent No. 49; Hepworth Road, adjacent No. 4; Kimberley Road, adjacent No. 38; Leander Road adjacent No. 111; Meadow Road, adjacent No. 41; Rollscourt Avenue, adjacent No.25; Rosedene Avenue, adjacent Nos. 17 and 24.
SCHEDULE 2
Athlone Road, adjacent No. 30; Brighton Terrrace, adjacent Nos. 1-16; Clive Road adjacent No. 172; Dalyell Road, adjacent Nos. 9-11; Drewstead Road, adjacent No. 70; Ellison Road, adjacent No. 182; Fieldend Road, adjacent No. 30; Gipsy Road, adjacent No. 230; Hayter Road, adjacent Nos. 31 and 68; Heybridge Avenue, adjacent No. 44 Braxted Park; Hill House Road, adjacent No. 8; Holmewood Gardens, adjacent No .2; Horsford Road, adjacent No. 37; Lilford Road, adjacent No. 11; Linton Grove, adjacent No. 68; Mayall Road, adjacent No. 172; Railton Road, adjacent No. 217; St. Denis Road, adjacent No. 14; St. James Crescent adjacent No. 119; Telferscot Road, adjacent No. 54 Emmanuel Road; Weir Road, adjacent No. 96; Wingford Road, adjacent No. 3. LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS –MOUNT EPHRAIM LANE
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE A316 GLA ROAD (CHERTSEY ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF RICHMOND UPON THAMES) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) ORDER 2025
1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.
2. The purpose of the Order is to enable pedestrian island reconstruction works to take place on the A316 GLA Road Chertsey Road.
3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from:
(1) Entering, exiting or proceeding on the southern arm of London Road between its junction with the A316 Chertsey Road and the extended common boundary of Nos. 202 and 204 London Road;
(2) Entering, exiting or proceeding on the northern arm of London Road between its junction with the A316 Chertsey Road and the extended common boundary of Nos. 217 and 219 London Road.
The Order will be effective from 7:00 AM on 4th April 2025 until 7:00 PM on 20th December 2025 or when the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.
4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:
(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for re brigade, ambulance or police purposes;
(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.
5. At such times as the prohibition is in force, an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs via: Chertsey Road, St. Margaret’s Road, Richmond Road, South Street and vice versa then onto normal route of travel OR Chertsey Road, Whitton Road and vice versa and then onto normal route of travel. [For Cole Park Road closure] via Chertsey Road, London Road, Hill View Road and vice versa and then onto normal route of travel.
6. The A316 GLA Road (Chertsey Road, London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames) (Temporary Prohibition of Trafc) Order 2024 is hereby repealed.
Dated this 28th day of March 2025
Henry Cresser
Planning and Performance Manager
Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out maintenance and repair works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an Order the effect of which would be to temporarily ban vehicles from entering that length of Mount Ephraim Lane which lies between Woodfield Avenue and the common boundary of Nos. 53 and 55 Woodfield Avenue.
2. An alternative route is not applicable as Mount Ephraim Lane is a no through road.
3. The ban would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.
4. The Order would come into force on 7th April 2025 for a maximum duration of 1 month or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. In practice it is anticipated that the order would have affect from 7th to 18th April 2025, but if the works cannot be carried out or completed in that time then the Order may also have effect on subsequent days up to the maximum period of 1 month.
Dated 28th March 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
on subsequent days up to the maximum period of 1 month.
Dated 28th March 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
FISH DROP POINTS IN DERBY
By John Kelly
PROMOTION-CHASING FISHER had to settle for a point as they came from behind to draw 1-1 in the SCEFL Premier Division derby against Stansfeld at The Artic Stadium last weekend.
Mayowa Olufeko gave the Stans the lead in the 25th minute before Donald Macaulay’s equaliser fourteen minutes from time in front of a 130 attendance.
Fisher were missing midfielder Charles Yiadom-Konadu and left-back Ed Sata, with Omotunmise Akanni starting on the wing as Jake Lovell dropped into midfield.
Tyron Mbuenimo went to right-back and captain Jack Gibbons played left-back.
Ange Djadja headed wide from ArmaniJordan Martin’s corner from the Fish’s first chance of the game ten minutes in.
Hamlet struggle to get out of the woods
By John Kelly
DULWICH HAMLET were beaten 1-0 by Dover Athletic in the Isthmian League Premier Division last weekend as they struggle to mathematically secure their survival against relegation.
Luca Cocoracchio scored the only goal in the twelfth minute.
Bradley Quinton’s side are nine points clear of the relegation zone with six games left. They host leaders Dartford at Champion Hill this Saturday. Meanwhile, Dulwich Hamlet Women’s Capital Women’s Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur has been moved. The tie was originally scheduled for April 20 (Easter Sunday) but will now be at Champion Hill on Sunday, April 6.
It was a scrappy game on a hilly, rough pitch and there were no real clear-cut chances until a free-kick landed in the visitors’ penalty area and Olufeko was unmarked on the edge of six-yard box to head past Isaac Ogunseri as Fisher players began the inquisition into those man he was.
Fisher were clearly missing YiadomKonadu’s creative spark against a side over 20 points behind them in the table.
Courtney Barrington needed treatment for a knock to his ankle late in the half before Lovell had an effort blocked and Martin forced a save from Albert Penny with a long-range shot.
Fisher pushed play more towards the Stansfeld box after the break without creating clear opportunities. Jacob Katonia was introduced on the hour to replace Barrington who was struggling
with that injury.
Halim Bakre came on for talisman Kesna Clarke who was affected by a broken finger, with Katonia going to centreforward.
But there was another blow for Ajay Ashanike’s side when Katonia was brought down and needed treatment for a suspected cracked rib. He was later brought to hospital. That foul led to the leveller, as Stans goalkeeper Penny tipped Martin’s
Donald Macaulay just before heading in the equaliser Inset; The travelling Fish faithful
free-kick onto the crossbar and Macaulay nodded the loose ball over the line.
Dan Flemming came on up front as Fisher pushed for a winner.
And it almost came when there was a mad sequence of blocked shots in 90-second spell, with the Stans throwing their bodies on the line to protect their goal.
With runaway duo, leaders Faversham and VCD Athletic in second, separated by a point in the race for the title and only automatic promotion spot, there are three play-off spots up for grabs. It is looking like that is realistically between four teams, with the Fish in sixth place, ten points ahead of seventh-place Erith & Belvedere.
Fisher can further strengthen their playoff claims with three points against bottom side Lordswood at St Paul’s this Saturday (March 29). Kick-off in Rotherhithe (SE16 6NT) is at 3pm.
Surrey sign Aussie all-rounder Harris
By Sports Reporter
SURREY HAVE signed Australian international Grace Harris for their inaugural Women’s Vitality Blast 2025 campaign.
The Aussie all-rounder becomes the first overseas women’s player to represent the club in the new era of women’s cricket. Harris will join up with the squad ahead of Surrey’s first Vitality Blast home game against Hampshire on June 5 at the Kia Oval.
This first fully-professional international signing falls hand in hand with what is set to be a historic summer of cricket with the Three Feathers and will be available until the end of the T20 competition.
The right-handed all-rounder is renowned for her fast-scoring, power-hitting with an ability to score all round the wicket. Her innovative approach to batting and shot selection has seen her score over 4,500 T20 runs, a career best of 136 not out, and 51 WIT20 caps. Harris has been a part of several
Dubois camp target Chisora
By John Kelly
PROMOTER FRANK Warren says Derek Chisora is the mandatory challenger for Daniel Dubois’ IBF world heavyweight title.
Chisora, 41, defeated Otto Wallin on points in Manchester in February to leave his record at 36-13.
Dubois was supposed to be fighting Joseph Parker in Riyadh earlier this month but pulled out late on due to illness.
Dubois wants to fight unified champion Oleksandr Usyk but the Ukrainian is down for a mandatory defence of his WBO title against Parker.
“Chisora is [the IBF mandatory challenger],” Warren said.
“He won it in his last fight and everyone knew what the fight was going to be for. He is the mandatory to our man, Dangerous Dan, so that’s the position he’s in.”
Chisora has fought all the main men at heavyweight, including Usyk, Parker (twice), Tyson Fury (three times), Dillian Whyte (twice) and former world champion Vitali Klitschko. He went the full twelve rounds with all of them but never managed to get over the line.
There are suggestions Chisora - who is promoted by Eddie Hearn - will retire after his 50th fight.
Warren added: “He wants a big fight to go out on. Eddie and I have had a couple of chats and in due course will let people know our views on what we’ll do.
“We both have been involved in his career, he started off with me, been with me a long time, was with me for the last few fights.
“We want to deliver that 50th fight. I want to work something between us that we both walk him out.”
major franchise tournaments, representing UP Warriorz since their inaugural WPL season, London Spirit in The Hundred, and both Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat in the WBBL.
Harris said: “I can’t wait to take to the pitch with the team at Surrey and the Kia Oval. The Club has shown a strong commitment to the women’s side and I know the team have been preparing hard over the winter.
“I’m really looking forward to contributing to the team and making the most of my time with them.”
Emma Calvert, Surrey’s Director of Women’s Cricket, added: “We are incredibly excited to be able to announce Grace as our first overseas signing for our newly professional Surrey women’s team.
“Grace brings international and franchise experience which we believe will really add value to our squad both on and off the pitch. She plays exactly the style of cricket we look to play and I can’t wait to see her wearing the three feathers at the Kia Oval this summer.”
By Myles Thornton at St Paul’s
LIV MCGREGOR SCORED a late equaliser as Millwall Lionesses and Newhaven Ladies played out an exciting 2-2 draw in the L&SERWFL Premier Division at St Paul’s last weekend.
Millwall manager Ted Jones kept the same line-up as the one that started in the 10-0 win against Haywards Heath Town the previous weekend.
In the fourth minute, Maisie Joyce scored her fourth goal in the last two games as she capitalised after Elise Jennings’ shot had been saved. Newhaven equalised through Dani Parfitt just before half-time.
The second half saw Millwall dominate possession, but it was Newhaven that struck first against the run of play, with Chloe Winchester netting their second goal.
In a thrilling finish, Ciara Watling found Jennings who crossed for McGregor to convert and rescue a point.
Millwall will aim to extend their unbeaten streak to three games this Sunday when they face Saltdean United at Hill Park at 2pm.
Photo by Dave Anderson
Photo by Rob Avis
Dulwich’s Ben Mason wins a header
HENDO AIMS TO BE ONE OF TUCHEL’S PICK
Eagles stopper up for No.1 challenge against established Everton rival
ByJohn Kelly
CRYSTAL
PALACE goalkeeper Dean
Henderson gave a fascinating insight into Thomas Tuchel’s first training camp as England manager - and said the aim is to win the 2026 World Cup.
Henderson has been impressed with the high standards in training under Tuchel, who guided Chelsea to the Champions League title in 2021.
Henderson also admitted he approached the camp “in a different frame of mind” as he aims to challenge Jordan Pickford for the No.1 jersey.
Tuchel has shown he is not swayed by previous decisions as he recalled 34-yearold Jordan Henderson who was left out of the Euro 2024 squad by Gareth Southgate. Tuchel has made no secret of the fact that his aim is to win the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico next year.
“There’s excitement around the place, of course, which is normal,” Henderson said. "I joined in a possession [game] and it was so fast and free-flowing, and the standard was so high, and obviously it gets everyone
excited with everything that's ahead of us.
“You'd like to think that a new manager, a clean slate and if you do your bit, you'll get rewarded. I've come in with high optimism and I'm really excited for the new challenge and what’s ahead. I'm really looking forward to seeing what it holds.
“I've come into camp in a different frame of mind. I'm really excited to see what's ahead. I've just got to try and work really hard in training, put your best foot forward and hopefully impress and see where that takes you. I've just got to try and train the best I can and hopefully leave a good impression.
“First and foremost, we can only control what we can control. That's this camp, and winning the games in front of us. But obviously with the new manager coming in, the sole aim is to win the World Cup, and we know that.
“We don't have many training days before that really, when you look at it, so we've got to make the most of it.”
Henderson has been the Eagles’ first choice this season and has nine Premier League clean sheets. Only Nottingham
Ravens miss chance to close play-off gap
By John Kelly
BROMLEY MISSED some big late chances as they lost a frenetic League Two clash
2-1 against Carlisle United at Brunton Park last weekend.
Andy Woodman’s Ravens could have moved to within four points of the play-offs with a win, but fell behind in the thirteenth minute when Stephen Wearne beat goalkeeper Grant Smith.
Harry McKirdy levelled in the 28th minute before Kadeem
Harris missed a penalty for the hosts.
But Mark Hughes’ side won it through Callum Whelan’s goal on 54 minutes.
Bromley were left kicking themselves when Jude Arthurs fired over the bar and then Nicke Kabamba’s effort was cleared off the line by Cameron Harper.
Michael Cheek had another big opportunity late on but missed the target.
Bromley host Salford on Saturday.
Forest’s Matz Sels and Arsenal’s David Raya having kept more.
Pickford, 31, has 74 caps and has been the No.1 since 2018, but Henderson, 28, is up for the challenge of trying to dislodge the Everton goalkeeper.
“Jordan got in at a time when there was a change and he took the opportunity, “Henderson said. “He's done brilliantly well and obviously ran with it for a long, long time. Credit to him, he's done a fantastic job.
“At the end of the day, if you come to camp and you've got to support as a number two and a number three, you've got to be the best team-mate you can to make sure he performs. But then, obviously, you're always chomping at the bit for your own opportunity.
“[You have to] bide your time, stay patient, don't get disappointed, don't give up and then just keep going. Hopefully, one day, everything will come.
“It’s no secret I think all the goalkeepers will come here to the camp and obviously want to play, of course. I think that's the level we're all at. It's all professional on the
pitch. We all train well together, help each other.
“At the end of the day, it comes down to what the manager wants, and what the manager decides, you go with and you support.”
Henderson said Tuchel’s first message to the squad was about “togetherness”.
Henderson added: “Building that up and holding tight onto it, on and off the pitch as well, and at big moments in games as well.
“When it gets late and you're in the trenches, that's what you're going to draw back on, that togetherness, really helping each other out and communicating through difficult scenarios. That comes from how tight you are as a group, and how much you look out for your mate as well.
“I think it will be built a lot around that. It's something we're not lacking in the group. We're very together, but if we can add extra layers, it's only going to benefit us.”
Meanwhile, Henderson believes it is only a matter of time before his club teammate Adam Wharton is back in the squad. Midfielder Wharton, 21, has had an injury-
hit campaign but did join in some senior training before linking up with the under21s.
Henderson said: “I think from Adam's point of view he probably didn't expect to get called up, just because he was back so soon and I think he only played one full 90 minutes.
“But to even get as close as he probably got to a call-up just shows how good of a player he is, so obviously I'm sure that will change if he keeps performing really well.
“Obviously he's been training with us the last couple of days and he's a really great character, so I just hope he can stay fit and keep putting up performances.
“He’s a phenomenal footballer and his IQ is high, so he's got to keep developing that and keep getting better and better.”
As for his own personal goals with England, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in North America, Henderson smiled: “To be on that flight, in all fairness!
“To be on that flight, that's the main aim in that space of time. That would be an incredible achievement to go to the World Cup with my country – hopefully I can.”
Former Lion hurts Dons’ chances
ByJohn Kelly
FORMER MILLWALL winger Connor
Mahoney scored a 96th-minute equaliser as AFC Wimbledon blew a two-goal lead with two minutes left and missed the chance to put some distance between themselves and the chasing pack in the race for automatic promotion from League Two.
The Plough Lane faithful were confident they were on the way to three points after Matty Stevens’ 85th-minute goal following Marcus Browne’s opener on 59 minutes.
Browne thought he had scored another only for the goal to be chalked off for offside, before Stevens’ seventeenth league goal of the season.
Dean Campbell halved the Dons’ advantage in the 88th minute and Mahoney broke home
hearts when he fired past Owen Goodman in the sixth minutes of added-time.
Johnnie Jackson’s side are still third, level on 64 points with Port Vale in fourth.
“That was a tough one to take,” Stevens said.
“To be precise, that’s the toughest one to take this season - especially with the number of games that are left.
“We played really well, particularly in the second half, got the first goal through Marcus Browne and then you’re sort of hoping to get the second and we did that. Then I felt that I may get another or one of the other boys might further increase our lead, but a lack of concentration resulted in us just taking a point.
“We face the top-of-the league side in Walsall next week, another massive game. We’ve got to go there and play like we did before Barrow
scored twice on this occasion, then we should be all right.”
Stevens added: "It was a relief for me to score and for us to get that second goal, because I only saw us going on and winning after that. However, the result took the joy out of the goal.
“It is a positive though for me, because I don’t like to go three games without a goal. This has been my longest period this season without scoring, so to get that goal was why it was a relief.
“It was a goal from the training ground really, with movement inside the box and I got a good connection - which I didn’t do in the first half. When I connected though, I knew it was going in.”
The Dons can cut the gap to the one-time runaway leaders Walsall to three points with a win at the Bescot Stadium on Saturday.
Dean Henderson has been impressed with the German manager so far
© Action Plus
EXCLUSIVE
By Will Scott
ALEX NEIL insisted Millwall had “no fear” heading into their trip to fourth-placed Sunderland this Saturday, the side the Scotsman guided back to the Championship in the 2021-22 season.
Sunderland have been challenging for automatic promotion all season, but have stumbled of late - losing 3-0 to Coventry City before the international break, a result that meant they had only won twice in their past six.
It is a run of form that has the Black Cats eleven points off second-place Burnley, and Regis Le Bris’ side head into this weekend’s fixture needing all three points if they want to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive.
Neil is hoping to disrupt those ambitions.
“It’s a great challenge for us,” Neil said. “They’ve had a great season. The Stadium of Light is a really difficult place to go, only Hull have won there this season. That just shows the task that we’ve got on our hands. But our away form has been very good.
“We certainly have no fear going into any of the games, and there’ll be more of an expectation, certainly from the home fans, for them to bounce back from Coventry. I think it’s a great game for us.”
Neil was appointed Sunderland boss on February 11, 2022, and led the Black Cats back up to the Championship by beating Wycombe Wanderers in the League One play-off final.
When asked if his prior experience at Sunderland gave him an advantage heading into the tie, Neil said: “Probably more so when I initially left. I think less so now. A lot of the players have changed over as well. They’re a few years older than what they were then when I had them.
“I do understand the Stadium of Light, I understand the club, I understand the expectation of the fans. I loved my time there. We managed to get promotion, which they’ve been trying to do for five or six seasons at that point. I think it was a successful period for them and for me. I got the job done that I was
hired to do.”
Despite their recent slip, Sunderland still boast a fearsome home record.
They have only lost once at The Stadium of Light all season - a 1-0 loss to Hull City on February 22, courtesy of an Anthony Patterson own goal.
The Black Cats nearly doubled their home losses when they went 1-0 down
NEIL: WE CERTAINLY HAVE NO FEAR
Alex Neil expects trip to Stadium of Light to be ‘a great challenge’ and wants to take the game to his former club
to Preston North End on March 11, and required an 86th minute Romaine Mundle equaliser to escape with a point.
When asked if Hull provided a blueprint for how to win at The Stadium of Light, Neil said: “It depends on your players and your team doesn’t it? Hull may well be set up brilliantly to do that.
Bryan: Alex Neil is one of the best coaches I’ve worked with
By Will Scott
JOE BRYAN called Alex Neil one of the best managers he has worked with in his career, and said “the match prep is second to none” ahead of Millwall’s trip to Sunderland on Saturday, March 29.
Neil was appointed Lions boss on December 30 and has overseen eight wins, four draws and six losses, while integrating eight January signings.
The Scotsman has previously guided Norwich City to the Premier League in 2015 and won the League One play-off final as Sunderland manager.
Bryan has previously worked with a number of successful head coaches, including Lucien Favre, Marco Silva, Scott Parker and Claudio Ranieri, but considers Neil to be one of the best he has played under.
“We’ve had a lot of time on the pitch recently in terms of matches,” Bryan said. “So having time on the training pitch to push across some ideas, maybe to work on some structures that we’ve struggled to break down when we’ve played against them, things like that, I think is very important.
“In terms of the manager, he’s incredibly detail-oriented. The match prep is second to none. He’s probably up there with some of the best managers I’ve worked with. I think that is exactly what a lot of the players here needed. I think having a definite structure and a plan has helped us.”
Neil’s appointment on the cusp of the new year stabilised the Lions’ formwho had one win in nine at the time. Millwall are now six points off the play-off spots with eight games left in the season, although although Bryan is keeping his expectations in check heading into the business end of the campaign.
“I think there’s no pressure on us really,” Bryan said. “We’ve got some big away games and we’ve got some winnable home games.
If we want to do anything and to sneak in there. We’ve got to probably, I know it’s cheesy and it’s cliche, but just go to Sunderland on Saturday and try and win and then if we win that one we’ll look to the next one.
I don’t think there’s any big plan of if we win this one and then we can take a draw here. No, we just have to try and win every single game now and then see where that lands us.
“I don’t think anyone’s putting a huge amount of pressure on us. We’ve hit that 50 point mark, which is always the first goal. The sooner you hit that in the season, the higher up the table you look. To have done that by the break, now we’ve eight games to go and attack the top six spots. We’ll have a go.”
“I watched a game the other day, it was a bit of an error, the lad in the front area ducks, Patterson doesn’t expect it and it ends up getting in the back of the net.
“But I think there’s been other teams that have gone there and done well. Preston recently went and did well. Mundle puts one in off the far stanchion in the 86th minute to get an
equaliser.
“There’s varying ways to try and win the game, but I think for us we’ll do it in the manner which suits our players and we’ll go and try and play as well as we can. If we can do that, our away form has been really good and we’ll go there with confidence that we can try and get something.”
Millwall forward handed first international cap
By Will Scott
RA’EES BANGURA-WILLIAMS made his international debut for the England Elite League Squad, formerly the under-20s, on Friday, March 21, marking another milestone in his remarkable breakout season.
The 20-year-old came off the bench in the 72nd minute of England’s 1-1 draw with Portugal, replacing Millwall’s club-record sale Romain Esse. He also featured in the Young Lions’ 2-2 draw with Switzerland on Monday, March 24, entering the game on the hour mark. It was Bangura-Williams’ first England call-up, another first in what has been a breakthrough season for the forward.
Just two seasons ago, he was playing for non-league side
Tooting & Mitcham. BanguraWilliams was called up from the under-21s in January and scored on his debut - coming on late in the FA Cup against Dagenham & Redbridge. He has gone on to make thirteen appearances, assisting three goals.
Three other Lions were also in action during the international break. Mihailo Ivanovic featured in both of Serbia under-21s fixtures - a 3-1 loss to Georgia and a 2-0 win against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Daniel Kelly started as the Scotland under-21s beat Republic of Ireland 2-0. He did not feature in Scotland’s 6-1 loss to Iceland.
George Saville started in both of Northern Ireland’s friendlies - a 1-1 draw with Switzerland and a 5-1 loss to Sweden.
Alex Neil took charge of Sunderland for six months, leading the Black Cats to promotion from League One
Sport
First England goal on tenth capas Reece James nets stunner EAGLE ON EZE STREET
By John Kelly
EBERECHI EZE realised a childhood dream by scoring his first England goal in the 3-0 World Cup qualifier win against Latvia at Wembley on Monday night.
On his tenth cap, the Crystal Palace attacking midfielder received the ball from Phil Foden on the left wing before cutting inside, beating two defenders and firing home a low shot.
Thomas Tuchel’s side went in front on 38 minutes through Reece James’ brilliant free-kick before Harry Kane scored his 71st goal on his 105th appearance in the 68th minute.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed of from young so it’s special for it to happen, grateful to God for the opportunity to even just be here and express the gift. I’m forever grateful,” Eze said.
“I always want to impact the game whenever I play, however long I get, and today it has come
off. I’m happy to get a goal, to contribute. I tried to create space, tried to destabilise the defender and get my shot off and it worked.
“I was told to come and make an impact, and that’s what I tried to do – just to be directly effective and try to create something.
“Sometimes it’s not easy against teams like this, because there’s not a lot of space, but the team worked well. We stuck to the plan and kept going. I felt it was a strong performance from us. We knew what we needed to do today, and it was important to win. That was the main thing and we’ve done that well.”
Eze has been impressed with new Three Lions boss Tuchel.
Eze said: “You can see that he’s implementing a different style of play which is definitely suiting us, it’s putting us in the right positions and giving players the chance to be really creative and effective.
“But, of course, it’s still early days. We’re still learning, trying
to understand more of what he wants and how he wants us to go in the right direction.”
James fired his free-kick into the top-right corner on his first England start in two-and-a-half years after he had come off the bench in the 2-0 win against Albania last Friday.
"There cannot be any doubt about Reece's quality, it's the highest level," Tuchel said. "We were in close contact in the last weeks.
"We were clear he'd trained without pause and if he didn't play it was the choice of the club, protecting him. We knew he was in a good space mentally.”
Tuchel added: "If you play a dominant match like today he can be, like in the last 20 [minutes], a hybrid midfielder and help to create an overload because he has the quality on the ball.
"Once it's an open game and a lot of transitions through midfield I'm not so sure it would suit him perfectly."
Lenny could be back for Sunderland EXCLUSIVE
By Will Scott
RYAN LEONARD is in contention to make Millwall’s match-day squad for their trip to Sunderland on Saturday, March 29, Lions boss Alex Neil told our paper.
Leonard, 32, has been sidelined with a calf injury since coming off in the second half of Millwall’s 2-2 draw with Cardiff City on January 21.
“He played in the under-21s on Friday, played 45 minutes, no problems,” Neil said. “Trained with us yesterday, so it’s just a case of keep building Lenny up.
“I don’t think he’ll be that long. Will he be ready for this weekend? Maybe, but I think it may be a little bit of a stretch. He could well be involved in the squad. Certainly in the next game, I don’t see why he couldn’t play.”
George Honeyman, who suffered a groin injury in the Lions’ 2-0 loss to Leeds United on March 12, is close to returning.
“George has made decent progress so we’ll see what happens with George today,” Neil said. “That’ll determine whether he’ll train with the squad maybe Thursday, Friday.”
Neither Femi Azeez nor Macaulay Langstaff will play a part in the tie - Azeez limped off against Leeds with a hamstring injury and will not be ready to train for another week, while Langstaff has not played since February 1.
“Macaulay trained with us yesterday but didn’t do the full session,” Neil said. “So he will probably be more of a slow burner coming back…next week I’d like to think he should be in full training.”
Eberechi Eze celebrates with Phil Foden
Ryan Leonard limps off against Cardiff City