South London Weekly - March 7th 2025

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MERTON STARTS WORK ON ‘FIRST NEW COUNCIL HOMES IN A GENERATION’

By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter

MERTON COUNCIL has begun construction on the borough’s first new council homes ‘in a generation’, aiming to deliver 400 by 2027

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While the move is seen as a step towards tackling the housing crisis, critics argue it’s taking too long and costing too much

Like many councils across the UK, Merton is facing a housing shortage, particularly for temporary accommodation, as demand continues to rise. In response, Merton Council has pledged to build 400 new affordable homes across the borough to help meet this need.

The initial construction phase will take place at four locations across the borough and, when the 93 homes are complete, they will represent the first new council homes in 40 years. Work will start at Farm Road Church in Morden.

In addition to the Morden site, council homes will be built at Elm Nursery Car Park, Raleigh Gardens Car Park, and land at Canons, Madeira Road, in Mitcham. The homes will be designed to align with PassivHaus principles,

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focusing on green design and energy efficiency to reduce living costs for tenants.

Demolition work is already under way at Farm Road Church, clearing the site for construction to begin later this year. Contractor DDS Demolition has committed to ensuring the work is carried out safely, with measures in place to reduce dust, avoid traffic disruption, and protect the environment, the council says.

An ecology survey confirmed that no roosting bats were found on the site, and demolition work is being carried out when bats are least active to protect local wildlife. The developments are supported by a multimillion-pound investment from the Mayor of London’s Affordable Homes programme for 2021-2026.

Following the project tender announcement last October, Councillor Andrew Judge, Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, said: “With over 10,500 people on the waiting list in Merton alone, it’s crucial we build more council homes.”

He praised the government’s ‘ambitious’ target of 1.5 million new homes, many of which are social housing. He continued: “Historically, we’ve only met housing targets

when councils lead the way. We’re taking that lead now, and by the time these homes are completed, we’ll have built up valuable experience. We should be building better homes than the private sector.”

Despite this progress, Merton’s Lib Dem opposition criticised the council’s delays and ‘overspending’ on the housing project, pointing out that, two years in, not a single home has been delivered. At the budget meeting on February 26, they highlighted that fewer than a quarter of the original target is planned this year, suggesting there is no clear plan for the remaining 307 homes.

The affordability of the new homes was also under scrutiny. Each house now costs £611,505, nearly double the original budget, now set at £57 million. They also noted that these homes won’t be used for temporary accommodation, leaving the ongoing displacement crisis unresolved.

Meanwhile, the opposition also proposed building 100 modular homes at £27,000 each to reduce the ‘soaring’ costs of temporary housing. Councillor Anthony Fairclough, Leader of the Merton Lib Dems, said: “Merton Council has repeatedly over-promised and under-delivered. We need housing solutions

now, not broken promises. Modular homes are cheaper, quicker to build, and offer a real solution.”

The Labour-led council voted against this proposal. Council Leader Ross Garrod described the demolition at Farm Road Church as a milestone in the borough’s housing efforts. He said: “We’re committed to ensuring these new homes provide a good and decent quality of life for all new residents.”

Councillor Judge added: “We’re very proud to see the work get under way in building our first new council homes. Merton’s new council homes will help relieve some of the pressure on our local housing crisis, transforming the lives of individuals and families in the borough by supplying quality, affordable housing that people are proud to call home. We’re focused on making the new developments as energyefficient as possible so residents will benefit from warmer homes and lower energy costs.”

DDS Demolition’s Contracts Manager, Dylan Lovelock, emphasised the project’s significance. He said: “This milestone represents a real commitment to the community and dedication to providing much-needed homes for families and future generations.”

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DDS Demolition contractors and councillors in front of Farm Road Church

Photo by Merton Council

WHY IS THIS BERMONDSEY GAMES CAFE SO POPULAR?

By Isabel Ramirez

NO MATTER the day, if you’re a regular at The Blue in Bermondsey, you’ll have seen this games cafe that’s always buzzing.

Once a Santander bank, The Brotherhood Games now attracts thousands of tourists from across the globe – as well as plenty of locals – to play, trade and bond over tabletop card games (TCG).

If the ‘Godfather’ logo and the name didn’t already give it away, the business is a family affair.

It’s run by brothers and Bermondsey boys, Michael and Elias Loizou.

Both came from humble beginnings. Elias, the eldest, went into teaching, while younger brother Michael spent hours in his bedroom gaming – a hobby that eventually led to them opening two shops in and around The Blue.

On a Wednesday evening at the Southwark Park Road shop, Michael told the News: “Every day I come to work, it surprises me why we are as popular as we are.”

“A lot of people say that we create a great atmosphere – that it’s homely, it’s a sense of belonging.”

“I think what we do right is the basics.” The pandemic saw a surge in people returning to the games they played as children.

Jamal, who started out as a player and now works there, said nostalgia is the main driver behind the resurgence.

“A lot of the people who played these games when they were younger have ‘adult money’ now – so nostalgia plays a big factor in collecting.”

And adult money is definitely needed, with some cards selling for hundreds, even thousands of pounds.

A professional musician when he’s not at the shop, Jamal explained that this hobby funded all of his music equipment.

That said, for those who genuinely love it, money isn’t the main motivation.

“Enjoyment is number one. I don’t think it should be about money,” Michael commented.

Jamie Packham, a 26-year-old software engineer from Elephant and Castle, says he comes up to six times a week.

Chatting with regulars, it’s clear that the food is a huge draw – with the owners regularly switching up the menu to include customer favourites.

Keeping with the family theme, their mum often stops by with Greek-Cypriot pastries and homemade desserts.

“I used to play rugby, but I shattered my shoulder so I can never play again. But I like that competitive aspect, so this is my substitute for that.”

“And the food is banging.”

Back at the cafe, people come to chill, trade cards or play in tournaments for a small fee – the cheapest being Backgammon at £5.

They aim to strike a balance between the competitive side of gaming and a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere.

“We also take people to large-scale tournaments.” Just last week, a group attended the 2025 Pokémon Europe International Championships at the Excel Centre.

At these big events, prize pots can be huge. At the last one, winners walked away with up to $25,000 (£19,800).

For the tournaments they run at the cafe, such as Yu-Gi-Oh, prizes are usually a pack of cards. “We want to make it worth people’s while,” Michael said.

“In terms of card shops, this is probably the best space in London,” Jamie added.

“And I’ve been to pretty much all of them.”

“The others tend to be dark, dank and in the basement. Some don’t even have toilets.”

Michael said: “I don’t have a bunch of customers – I like to think I’ve got a bunch of friends who pay my bills every week.”

As for the future of Brotherhood Games, Michael reflected: “To get this place, we had to put very close to six figures into renovating it to what you see today.

“I really want to give back to the community in terms of food and show a bit of my culture – growing up with homecooked Greek food and bringing that into Bermondsey.

“This is my home, this is where I was raised, and this is where I feel special.”

Niamh Tomlins, who lives just down the road, says she keeps going back because of the people.

“It’s a really lovely community,” she said, “I’m relatively new to TCG and everyone is so welcoming and patient in guiding you through it.”

The Brotherhood Games Cafe and Event Space is located at 210-212 Southwark Park Rd, Bermondsey SE16 3RW.

Their Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh Store is down the road at 148 St James’s Rd, Bermondsey, SE1 5BW.

Review: Backstroke - Donmar Warehouse Arts Page 20

L: Owner: Michael Loizou, Regulars at the cafe: Niamh, Jamie, Jamal.

FEARS GROW THAT CANADA WATER MASTERPLAN COULD HAVE ‘LESS THAN TEN PER CENT AFFORDABLE HOUSING’

EXCLUSIVE

By Isabel Ramirez

UNCERTAINTY IS growing over whether the Canada Water Masterplan will have more than 10 per cent affordable housing, following a recent report released by British Land.

The £4 billion regeneration of the area includes a new town centre, with more than 3,000 homes, 40 new buildings, and three clusters of high-rise towers.

Negotiations are taking place between British Land, the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Southwark Council to ensure that the affordable housing offering in the masterplan stays at 35 per cent.

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.

To make what they have promised possible - i.e. 35 per cent affordable housing - British Land said it was exploring

options, including securing grant funding from the GLA and using the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

In the report, it said these changes would allow the number of affordable homes to be increased 'above the currently viable 10 per cent.'

We asked British Land outright whether there was a possibility that the affordable housing in the masterplan could be as low as 10 per cent.

A British Land spokesperson said: "Given the independent reviews currently taking place, and the ongoing discussions around Affordable Housing delivery, we are not yet in a position to comment on the level of Affordable Housing which will be secured as part of the S73 application."

Jerry Flynn, a housing activist from the 35% campaign, commented: "It puts the ball in Southwark's court - it gives them a reason to refuse the application."

That said, he added: "We tend to take the viability reports with a big pinch of salt as they nearly always say this.

"They are profitability assessments - and it just means the developer won't make as much money as they wanted to.

"Southwark should stand strong on

getting the offer of 35 per cent affordable housing."

He mentioned that the developer's suggestions to improve viability would mean the costs go back on the taxpayer.

In January, British Land submitted a Section 73 application to the council, which proposed several amendments to its original plans. If accepted it could see some buildings soar close to 50 storeys, significantly higher than the original masterplan’s approved maximum of 37 storeys. The developer cited new fire regulations and rising construction costs as reasons for the changes.

However, locals argue that the amendments prioritise profit over community concerns, intensifying fears about overcrowding, loss of light, and increased strain on infrastructure.

The consultation has already collected nearly 700 objections.

Mark, a resident, described the backlash as 'one of the most contentious planning amendments in Southwark in recent years,' highlighting concerns over British Land’s approach.

He continued: "Residents feel that British Land is prioritising developer profits over

“Southwark should stand strong on getting the offer of 35 per cent affordable housing ”

community needs, and the sheer volume of objections shows how strongly people oppose these changes."

The objections raise concerns over the excessive increase in building heights, arguing that significant height increases across multiple zones will alter the character of the area, making the skyline overbearing.

Others worried about the strain on transport and infrastructure.

A spokesperson for British Land commented: “We are aware that several public comments have been made on the s.73 application to vary the Canada Water Masterplan. Having reviewed these, it’s apparent that further clarification is needed on what changes are proposed and why the application is necessary.

“Discussions with Southwark Council and the Greater London Authority remain active and once they are further

progressed we will be able to provide more updates to the community.

“The proposed application allows us to continue delivery of significant benefits while responding to changes to building regulations including the Building Safety Act, as well as macro-economic factors such as steep construction cost inflation and sharp interest rate rises.

“Since planning permission was granted in 2020, we are proud of our strong progress at Canada Water and remain deeply committed to continue to invest in bringing tangible benefits to the local community and wider area.”

British Land said they expect to have completed new workplaces, restaurants and bars for Canada Water by May, with 186 new homes to come later this year.

As it's an active application, Southwark Council said they would not be commenting on the matter at this stage.

‘IS THIS A CITY THAT I CAN STILL CALL HOME?’: HUNDREDS JOIN PECKHAM PROTEST AGAINST ‘OVERDEVELOPMENT’

By Issy Clarke

MORE THAN 600 people marched through Peckham on Saturday 1st March to campaign against ‘overdevelopment’ in Southwark.

Protesters from all walks of life came together to demand 50 per cent of new developments on private land to be set aside as council housing, rising to 100 per cent on councilowned land.

One protester who was born and raised in south-east London said the issue was “close to my heart”, adding: “I was born on the Aylesbury Estate, raised in Elephant and Castle and now I’m living in Camberwell.

“In each of those periods it’s become more and more expensive for me to be able live in the area where I grew up.

“I now need to know what my future is going to look like living in London.

“Is this a city that I can still call home?”

Another campaigner claimed she had been forced to move back in with her parents because her student accommodation had become too expensive.

The march marks the beginning of a national campaign led by SHAPE (Southwark Housing and Planning Emergency), a coalition of 14 community groups who joined

together last year to object to oppose the Berkeley Homes re-development of the Aylesham Centre, a shopping mall on Rye Lane.

In December last year, Berkeley lowered the proportion of housing set at affordable rent to 12 per cent, down from 35 per cent.

Councillor Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development for

Southwark Council, said the council was at the “forefront” of delivering social and council homes, adding that this included a strategic target for 50 per cent of all new homes to be set at social and intermediate rent, with a minimum of 35 per cent subject to viability.

But Jerry Flynn, a longtime housing activist from the 35% Campaign, said he had not seen any new

developments containing 50 per cent affordable housing.

He added: “Southwark Council must not pass this planning application on Aylesham. They must not pass any planning application which has anything less than 35 per cent affordable housing – and they should really think whether 35 per cent is enough.

“They say they are going for 50 per

cent – well I haven’t seen one yet where they have done that.”

Cllr Dennis continued: “Wherever possible, we proactively negotiate an increase in the affordable and social rent components of a scheme. This approach resulted in us securing 338 social rent homes now being delivered on the Biscuit Factory in Bermondsey, the equivalent of a new council estate. On the Old Kent Road, over 50% of all the new homes built or currently being built, are genuinely affordable.”

Southwark Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain also attended the protest, where he gave a speech slamming Southwark Labour’s “mismanagement” of its housing stock.

He said: “It’s an honour to once again stand with SHAPE in calling for more genuinely affordable housing, and resisting the claims of big developers who will always put profit before people.

“This housing crisis overseen by our Southwark Labour party is in two parts – council housebuilding has collapsed whilst empty homes are on the rise, and the homes we do have are being mismanaged to the point of serious failure.”

Berkeley Homes declined to comment.

By Isabel Ramirez

TWO SECURITY guards recently helped a mother deliver a baby in the car park at University Hospital Lewisham.

Patient Odia arrived at the hospital on Sunday 26 January at 9:30 am in active labour.

As she stepped out of the car with her partner Obi, she urgently called out that the baby was coming. Security Officer Ade Oloye, who was on patrol in the car park at the time, noticed the couple in distress. He quickly approached them and asked if they needed help.

Obi explained that his wife was in labour, and they needed to get to the Lewisham Birth Centre. Ade immediately called for backup from his colleague, Security Site Supervisor Mohammed Elamine Chabat. However, Ade soon realised that Odia had no time to wait and was about to give birth in the car park.

New mother Odia, who lives in Lewisham, said: “Since it was early, there were not many people around to help when we needed it. Luckily, Ade from the security team was on patrol at the time.

“He quickly noticed our situation and did not hesitate to assist us.”

Odia with baby Ocean.

Within minutes, Odia had delivered a beautiful baby daughter, with the help of Obi and Ade. When Mohammed arrived just a few moments later, he was surprised to find baby Ocean safely in her father’s arms.

Ade contacted the Emergency Department to dispatch medical colleagues while Mohammed assessed the situation, ensuring both mother and baby were stable. Given the cold weather, the team provided blankets to keep the newborn and her mother warm and continued reassuring Odia, who later described the experience as one of the most incredible moments of her life. Both mother and baby were later taken inside the hospital for medical checks before being able to go home together.

Odia expressed her thanks for the quick thinking of the security guards: “Ade showed great care and compassion,

SECURITY GUARDS HELP DELIVER BABY IN LEWISHAM HOSPITAL CAR PARK

which we appreciate, as we were in such a vulnerable position.

“I also want to thank the other security guards and NHS workers who rushed to provide additional support when Ade radioed for help. Brilliant service from everyone involved at LGT.”

Reflecting on his experience, LGT’s Security Officer Ade, explained: “Being part of this amazing birth story as a security

officer was both intense and emotional. I felt an immense sense of pride in being able to help at such a crucial moment and play a role in the delivery of baby Ocean.

“This was a reminder that security colleagues play a much broader role in ensuring the well-being of people; not just through protection, but also by offering care and compassion when it matters most. It really is all in a day’s work for us.

“Congratulations to Odia and Obi on the arrival of their beautiful baby. We wish them good health, endless love, and precious moments together.”

Mohammed LGT’s Security Officer, added: “Throughout the situation, we focused on keeping the mother calm, offering support, and even sharing a lighthearted moment, we told her that, in addition to being security officers, we were

now midwives too.”

“The LGT Security Team is proud to have been part of such a special moment and remains committed to providing safety, support, and kindness in all situations to our patients.”

One month on, the family is doing really well and feels ready to share their amazing story of Ocean’s unusual arrival into the world.

Parents raise concerns over ‘disgusting’ toilet facilities they have to share in Burgess Park

By Isabel Ramirez

PARENTS HAVE voiced frustration over the lack of clean toilet facilities at Burgess Park, saying their children are forced to share just two ‘dirty’ portaloos with adult men.

The portaloos, located at the entrance to the pitch, serve over 200 people on weekends, including men’s, boys’, and girls’ football teams.

“Every Sunday, at least four girls’ youth teams play here, along with boys’ youth and men’s teams,” said one parent.

Since last year, they have been the only toilets available whilst visitors wait for the Burgess Park Sports Centre to be completed.

Michelle Delgado, whose son plays football at the park weekly, said the issue affects both players and spectators. “I can’t drink much on Sunday mornings because I know there’s nowhere decent to go to the toilet.”

Meanwhile, the new Burgess Park Sports Centre remains unfinished, despite initial plans to open last spring. “The toilets are horrible, and community groups still have to pay full fees despite the facility being incomplete,” Michelle added. In the new centre, parents added they hoped there would be separate toilets in the new centre. The council said there is still no date for when it will open.

Angela Murray, whose daughters recently played at the park, described the facilities as ‘disgusting’. “One of my daughters had to use them and was horrified. “My other daughter refused and made my husband drive her to the nearby Asda instead.”

Michelle said: “If I had a young daughter, I wouldn’t be happy with her using the same toilets as adult men. From a safeguarding perspective, there should be separate facilities for young girls.”

Many parents are also concerned about the lack of gender separation.

When she raised the issue with the council, she claimed the council said they decided not to dedicate toilets to a specific gender as the site is ‘overwhelmingly used by men.’ They went on to say that universal access ensured that toilets were not left unused and they wanted to accommodate people who ‘may not identify with a specific gender.’

Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People, responded: “We’re working hard to open the doors to the pavilion building to enhance the experience for many users of Burgess Park Sports Centre, but the contractor needs more time to complete essential safety works. We’ll update the community as soon as we agree on an opening date, in the meantime, people can enjoy the pitches as normal. She added that the new facility will include team-changing rooms with toilets, along with additional unisex toilets to ensure inclusivity.

Photos of the portaloos supplied by a parent

THAMES PUBLIC INQUIRY BEGINS AMID OUTCRY FROM RIVERSIDE RESIDENTS OVER THE PROPOSED CHANGES

By Adrian Zorzut Local Democracy Reporter

A PUBLIC inquiry has begun into proposed changes to how the Port of London Authority manages the Thames, which could impact 17 boroughs and anyone whose home backs onto the river.

The Port of London Authority (PLA) intends to make a series of changes to the Port of London Act 1968 – a law which allows it to regulate the Port of London.

The PLA submitted a Harbour Revision Order (HRO) as far back as 2020 but stakeholders, including residents whose homes back onto the River Thames, have labelled the move a ‘power grab’ and are asking the inquiry to reject or amend the request. In addition, it is claimed some fees for things like building balconies that overlook the Thames have risen by around £10,000 per property in the space of a decade, with the PLA labelled a ‘racket’ during the first day of the inquiry on Tuesday (February 25). Among the changes proposed are:

● Ending the practice of providing yearly reports to Parliament

● Removing personal liability for its board members

● Removing borrowing limits

● ‘Disapplying’ provisions of landlord and tenant law to ensure that the PLA can terminate a lease ‘where it is necessary to do so in the interests of the safe navigation of the Thames and the protection of public rights of navigation’

● Altering its charging regime

Thamesbank, the River Thames Society and the River Residents Group joined a growing chorus of stakeholders opposing the plans, which are being reviewed during the three-week public inquiry in the City of London.

Ralph Hardwick, representing the River Residents Group, a volunteer organisation of people living, working or travelling along the waterway, suggested the request amounted to a

Ministry

power grab. He said: “The HRO seeks more power and revenue for the PLA while declining to strengthen its engagement with pollution arising from the use of the Thames by the vessels it permits and licences or its transparency and accountability.

“The PLA claims its aim is to leave the Thames better than it found it and we applaud that aim. But we say that this is not the HRO for that task.”

He added: “The Thames is not just a legal jurisdiction. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem in urgent need of care.”

Residents also accused the PLA of charging exorbitant fees for river works licences. These licences are required to undertake works or install a structure overlooking the River Thames. This can include balconies.

David Beaumont, from the Organisation of PLA Customers, claimed to have heard from residents whose licences jumped by 500per

cent over a matter of years. James Hass, Secretary at Oliver’s Wharf in Wapping, said residents whose balconies overlook the river have seen charges jump by more than £10,000 per property in just over a decade. Others spoke of being charged for the use of their balcony after having already paid a perpetuity charge while one objector described the PLA as a ‘racket’. Objectors said the PLA is unregulated and feared this allowed it to set prices and regulations without public scrutiny or oversight. The PLA said it is following the Department for Transport’s advice for harbour authorities to ‘keep their powers… under review’.

Claire Nevin from Thamesbank, an independent organisation involved with local communities and river users, said the PLA’s refusal to carry out an environmental assessment made its request ‘simply not lawful’. She said the authority had an

‘overriding duty’ under the Harbours Act 1964 to take into account the impact of any of its proposals on the environment.

She said: “There is simply no excuse for an organisation such as the PLA, which discharges functions of such public importance not to do so. We are shocked and disappointed that the PLA has simply not got on with conducting these [environmental] assessments and that after years of correspondence on this matter, we have somehow ended up at a public inquiry.”

Under cross examination, PLA Chief Financial Officer, Steve Lockwood, agreed the authority had an obligation to consider environmental impacts. He also said the PLA has factored in impacts associated with climate change.

Richard Turney KC, representing the PLA, also said the authority wanted to split its licensing regime between

‘work permissions’ and ‘mooring permissions’. He said the inquiry had no jurisdiction to recommend environmental protections, nor how the authority operates outside of the scope of the HRO.

He said: “The HRO should be recommended to be made, made with modifications, or not made, based on the objections and the evidence heard at the inquiry.”

The PLA submitted an HRO to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), which manages England’s marine areas, in 2020. Public consultation was carried out between August and October 2021.

In August last year, following a number of objections to the plans, the MMO called for a public inquiry. The River Thames has been managed by the PLA since its inception in 1908. It oversees 248 square kilometres of waterway.

The inquiry will run until March 17.

By Issy Clarke

POPULAR NIGHTCLUB Ministry of Sound is launching a series of sober day parties catering to the ‘modern raver’.

The first alcohol-free party will take place on May 11th, with the events set to run regularly until November.

The inaugural day rave will be headed up by the electronic DJ and singer DRIIA, herself a professed sober raver.

As well as the music, the sober clubbers will be able to enjoy an exclusive mocktail menu created for the event, including a range of alcohol-free tipples including CBD and mushroom drinks, and Lucky Saint beer.

The nightclub said it hoped the sober rave series would offer a “more inclusive club experience for the modern raver”.

Matt Long, Club Director at Ministry of Sound, said: “At Ministry of Sound, our egalitarian roots have always led to positive change.

“Our daytime raves and ‘No and Low’ alcohol range cater for a growing community who, like us, believe that clubbing should be about connection, energy and making memories whether you’re sipping a zero-proof mocktail or a low-alcohol beer.”

Artist DRIIA added: “By working with Ministry of Sound nightclub, we can demonstrate that you can still love underground genres like UKG, DnB, Dubstep, Jungle, and be sober/ sober-curious.

“Dancing isn’t something that should be mutually exclusive with drinking. To offer a space where music and community takes priority is important in this ever-growing sober-curious society we live in.”

The Thames river near Butler’s Wharf Pier © Google

Do you have a family recipe you want to share? - but it has to be healthy

By Callum Smyth

BROMLEY CHARITY

My Time is calling for weird and wonderful recipes for community cookbooks. It is especially looking for healthy vegetarian and pescatarian recipes, for whole families (serving 4-6) and would like recipes for healthy desserts and small plates.

Debra Weekes, Partnerships Manager at Mytime Active said, “We want locals to submit their very favourite healthy family recipes for inclusion, whether that’s the

ACTRESS GIVEN AN ‘EASIER’ NAME WRITES CHILDREN’S BOOK ON EMBRACING ROOTS

By Isabel Ramirez

AN ACTRESS from Camberwell, whose parents named her ‘Cheryl’ to help her fit in, has written a children’s book encouraging young people to embrace their real names and cultural heritage.

Chidinma Ifunanyachi, born to BritishNigerian parents and raised on the Dowlas Estate, grew up balancing two identities—one for home and one for school.

Although her parents were proud of their heritage, they worried she would face bullying and racism, so they gave her the legal first name Cheryl. They also feared people would struggle to pronounce Chidinma, the name her family used.

Chidinma said: “My mum’s side of the family comes from the Igbo tribe. My Igbo name is Chidinma, which means ‘God is good,’ but on my birth certificate and legal documents, my first name is Cheryl.

Having attended St James the Great Primary School in Peckham and then Notre Dame Secondary School in Elephant and Castle, she said: “Growing up, I had one name at school and a different one at home. Don’t get me wrong, I love my legal name, but it does

casserole their Grandma always made, the celebration curry everyone has on their birthday or the chocolate cake that Dad makes for every special occasion.”

Their collection so far includes:

● Vegi Moussaka

● Beetroot, Orange and Walnut Salad

● Salmon with mustard and pesto sauce

All weird and wonderful recipes can be submitted at: https://www.mytimeactive. co.uk/community-cookbook

“Growing up I had one name at school and a different one at home,” she said

not ring true of my ancestry and whilst I understand my parents wanted to reduce the risk of bullying and racism, or me being treated differently due to having an African name I don’t think it is something families should have to do.”

Sadly, she says, this is still a reality for many children today. “A lot of people are getting used to having their names shortened and said wrongly - sometimes even by teachers who decide to call them something completely different. That’s unacceptable.”

Now, Chidinma channelled her experiences into The Importance of Names, a book for children aged 4-10.

Inspired by real-life stories, it follows Sekpurualakelechi, a young girl teased by classmates for having a long, unfamiliar name. Wanting to fit in, she tells them to call her Sophie. But when her aunt overhears, she explains the deep significance of her name—its history, its meaning, and why it should be celebrated. With this newfound understanding, Sekpurualakelechi learns to embrace her identity.

“This book is for everyone with a name that isn’t the easiest to pronounce and for those who don’t realise how important it is to say people’s names correctly,” Chidinma said.

Previously an English teacher, she got into acting by chance in her 30s: “After a terrible breakup, I moved to Nigeria for a while and fell into acting by accident when my friend asked me to act in a series there. They needed someone with a British accent and my career took off but I had no formal training.”

She has now found success as an actress and screenwriter, most recently starring in Netflix’s PRU. When she found herself on the red carpet, she knew exactly which name she wanted to hear.

Chidinma commented: “I’m so proud of my heritage. Once I decided to be an actress, I knew I had to make people know my origin. Difficult to pronounce or not, there will come a time when people have no choice but to say my name properly— because they’ll see it everywhere.”

The Importance of Names is available on Amazon for £12.

Chidinma Ifunanyachi

‘WHO THOUGHT THAT WAS A GOOD IDEA?’

The controversial cycle lane in Elephant that stops in the middle of the pavement

EXCLUSIVE

By Isabel Ramirez

ELEPHANT AND Castle residents are pleading with TfL to make changes to a cycle lane they say is dangerous, with one man claiming he nearly gets hit by a cyclist ‘every time’ he goes to the supermarket.

Martin Gabriel, who lives on the nearby Rockingham Estate, said the nightmare began when the cycle lane was installed right in front of the entrance to Sainsbury’s on New Kent Road.

“Cyclists speed down and they’re going so fast they come out of nowhere,” he told the News.

Last week, Martin said he ’narrowly escaped serious injury’ when a cyclist came ‘out of nowhere’: “It was horrendously fast, I didn’t see him at all.”

“Every time I go to the supermarket this happens.”

He claimed that when he took his concerns to TfL - he was told the pavement was ‘wide enough’.

“I don’t see why TfL has decided to put a cycle lane in front of a supermarket,” he said, “There are too many pedestrians.”

He reported being the subject of and witnessing ’near misses’ very often.

Staff at Elephant Mobile, a phone and accessories stand directly opposite the cycle lane, told us they witnessed trouble all the time.

“We don’t see accidents but it is very hard for people walking,” Elham, who works at the shop, said. “We see people getting their phones robbed all the time from people on bikes.

They said they would like to see it redesigned.

Another resident, Sam Lloyd, says she

uses the bus stop at Rodney Place to get her daughter to and from the hospital. She commented: “The cycle lane on the pavement is a serious hazard.”

Sam reports crossing the cycle lane with her daughter, who is disabled, and her being shouted at to ‘move’ by a cyclist.

“The cyclists now think they own the pavement,” she continued, “Pedestrians need to feel safer.”

Asked what they would like to see done about it, they told us they wanted a whole redesign so there’s a clear separation between cyclists and pedestrians. “In the short term,” Martin added, “we need barriers or something to get them to slow down.”

Another suggestion was to widen the road and put a bike lane there: “A partition should be put in place to get rid of it on the pavement.”

Furthermore, Martin said: “Will it only take something serious to happen before they take notice and change the layout?”

He added that he was not against cycle lanes or cyclists, just feared for pedestrian’s safety when there was no clear path for each.

We asked TfL why the bike lane stopped so abruptly and whether they would be willing to look at the area and rethink the design.

A TfL spokesperson said: “Safety is our top priority and we want all Londoners to feel safe when travelling around the capital.

“This section of cycle lane was updated as part of the recent redevelopment of the area. The lane and shared space enable people to cycle in the area without needing to mix with motor traffic on New Kent Road and we expect

everyone using it to be mindful of people walking.

“We’re determined to make sure that the cycling network also works for pedestrians and we will be reviewing this location to assess how it is working for everyone.”

Neil Coyle MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark likened this lane placement to Lower Road - which has been causing chaos ever since it was installed.

He said: “TfL have a habit of installing unsafe lanes and then expecting the public or police to intervene. Some issues are predictable but TfL does not adequately involve other organisations or people ahead of changes sadly.

“I hope this review can be done faster than TfL has managed to turn around the problems they helped create on Lower Road on the other side of the constituency.”

Watchdog appeal for eyewitnesses on Borough High Street after death

By Callum Smyth

A POLICE watchdog is appealing for eyewitnesses following the death of a man who passed away in hospital over two weeks after being restrained on Borough High Street.

Adam Tildman, 34, was restrained by Met Police officers shortly after midnight on Borough High Street on Saturday 25 January outside Belushi’s bar.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said Tildman was firstly restrained by security staff at Belushi’s before police arrived, and that officers continued to restrain him outside the entrance.

The IOPC said he was “taken to hospital by paramedics after taking ill during the incident”, where he died on 11th February and now “want to speak with anyone who witnessed any part of the incident.”

They have collected police bodycam footage, CCTV and have received initial accounts from the officers involved, who they said are now being treated as witnesses.

An inquest is yet to be opened, but the IOPC added: “After we were notified of the incident by the Met on 25 January, we sent investigators to the scene and the police post-incident procedure to begin our enquiries and to start gathering evidence.”

IOPC director Amanda Rowe, said, “It’s vitally important that we establish the full circumstances leading up to the man’s death and therefore we’re appealing to anyone who saw what happened to contact our investigators to help us to establish all of the circumstances surrounding his death.”

She added, “We would like to pass on our thoughts to Mr Tidman’s family and all of those affected by this incident.”

The Met Police added: “It is important for public confidence that the details of this incident which tragically led to the death of Adam Tidman are thoroughly investigated.

They made clear that, “The officers involved are aware of the IOPC’s investigation.”

A spokesperson for Belushi’s said the bar “had been commended by the police and services for our team’s quick response” and it is cooperating with the IOPC’s ongoing investigation.

They added: “While this event did not occur within our venue or involve any of our customers, some of our team members were actively involved in managing the situation ahead of the arrival of emergency services.”

If you witnessed the incident, please contact the IOPC by emailing BoroughHighStreet@policeconduct. gov.uk or calling 0300 303 5592.

Mr Tidman died two weeks after the incident outside a bar near London Bridge (IOPC)

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter

DEPTFORD RESIDENTS have slammed plans by the firm behind clubs including Printworks and Drumsheds to put on events in a former newspaper warehouse near their homes.

Spaces & Stories Limited, the venue arm of Broadwick Group, has asked Lewisham Council for permission to serve booze from 8am to 10.30pm six days a week during events at Deptford Storehouse.

Up to 500 people could attend events at the building on Grove Street, off Evelyn Street, under the proposals.

At a council licensing meeting on Wednesday, February 26, people living locally raised fears the venue would ruin the peaceful feel of the neighbourhood and lead to a rise in crime.

Gizella Suki, who has lived in the area for 17 years, said: “This area is completely unsuitable for crowds of up to 500 people to come and go. I believe this number of people will increase the crime rate in the area and residents will potentially become collateral damage to this.

“Anyone likely to say ‘yes’ to this application should consider if they would like 500 people, up to four times a day in the area, a few metres away from their own homes.”

Sophie Greaves, who has been a resident of the neighbourhood since 2015, said: “I fully object to this going ahead. […] It’s so quiet here. If the events [are] taking over the summer, we’re going to have our windows open. It’s incredibly stressful and upsetting for

PRINTWORKS AND DRUMSHEDS FIRM WANTS TO PUT EVENTS ON IN DEPTFORD WAREHOUSE

Neighbours say it’s too much right near their homes

residents… It’s a big shed. It’s not sound insulated.”

Malcolm Cadman, a community worker, said the venue wouldn’t provide any benefits to local people. Referring to the 8am start time on the proposed alcohol licence, he added: “I don’t have any alcohol for my breakfast. I may go for a drink at lunchtime or in the evening but that’s quite different. This is not really aimed at local people whatsoever.”

Spaces & Stories Limited originally asked permission from the council

to host music events at the venue for thousands of people. But the firm later let go of the live music plans and downsized the maximum capacity to 500 people, in order to get the council’s licensing team to drop their objection to the application. The changes weren’t enough to persuade the Met Police to drop its opposition to the venue.

Michael Feeney, representing police, told the meeting: “The premises is already in a high crime area, attracting this number of people into the area

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will only make this worse. […] If you have hundreds of people going to this premises late at night then there’s the potential for them to become victims of crime as well.”

Paddy Whur, representing Spaces & Stories Limited, said the firm was the ‘industry leader’ in ‘converting big sheds into environments that are culturally important and creative and safe’.

He added that the firm had a noise management plan for the venue which would prevent disturbance to local

residents and emphasised that alcohol wasn’t the ‘prime focus’ of events. Other venues in Spaces & Stories portfolio include Drumsheds, a 15,000-capacity club and events space housed in a former Ikea store in Tottenham; The Beams, a 6,420-capacity space in a former warehouse at the Royal Docks; and the 3,000 capacity Freight Island in Manchester city centre. The council’s licensing committee will release its decision on the application in the coming days.

Bringing families together on UK visit visas and family route immigration programs

It is ever important for families to visit or settle in the UK. Whether you are coming to work, invest, start a UK business or hold British nationality, knowing the correct immigration program is important for you and your family members.

In brief

Here are the most common immigration applications that family members can apply to join or extend their immigration statuses in the UK.

1. Family visas including visit visas.

2. Partner visas, including spouse and civil partner visa.

3. Children and parent visas.

4. Adoption visas.

5. Surrogacy visas.

Changing immigration laws

• Stay connected with all our latest changes here - https://icslegal.com/blog/.

Applying for a visit visa including family route visas

As we are now moving to a more warmer weather seasons; we will see a lot more of those looking to visit their friends, families or businesses in the UK.

Key points to remember on the visa process:

• You can apply 3 months prior to your date of travel.

• Need to ensure that you have a planned itinerary to demonstrate the intent of your visit to the UK.

• If you are looking to visit, attend and meet businesses in the UK, a letter from

them would be advisable.

• Have financial evidences to demonstrate that you can cover the cost of travels to the UK, as well as maintenance and onward journey.

• UK visit visa fees are £115.00 per person. There are additional costs for priority and visa centre charges.

Changes applied on the partner & spouse visas

As the UK Government attempts to control immigration, those looking to bring their partner’s or allow them to extend their partner/spouse visas in the UK, here are some key points to consider:

1. The current salary threshold is at £29,000.00.

2. This may change after June 2025 and possibly moving to the £34,000.00 a year salary requirement.

Bringing children to the UK including legal adoption and surrogacy

We now live in a new era wherein both adoption and surrogacy have become a common route for couples to have children.

1. Adoption children visas are those looking to bring children from outside of the UK.

2. There is now a streamline legal process to bring those holding legal guardianship or parental order of a child. For example, if you are a relative of a child, you can apply for a visa to bring a child in the UK.

3. Considering surrogacy for your personal reasons, the UKVI allows you to bring children on settlement route visas.

Value creation: achieving success through the meaningful value we create in every direction.

• At ICS Legal, we help entrepreneurs, highvalued skilled workers, investors and business in various immigration programs, including Sponsor Licence applications.

Immigration Litigation Services

• ICS Legal can guide you in determining the best course of action when faced with a wrong decision made by the Home Office, whether due to overlooked evidence or misinterpretation of immigration & nationality laws.

• To consult and take counsel from ICS Legalhttps://icslegal.com/legal-advice-and-consulting.

Get help

Take advice as early as possible to ensure you prepare for the legal challenge.

Lawyers

Your Lawyer can advise whether to appeal or apply for the visa again.

Apply for visa

Ensure you submit both information and relevant to the visa program. documents

Take immigration advice

• Speak to us on 020 7237 3388 and find more information on www.icslegal.com.

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PEDESTRIAN CROSSING MOVED ROUGHLY 50 YARDS DOWN THE ROAD COST ALMOST ONE MILLION POUNDS

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter

A TFL project which saw a pedestrian crossing moved roughly 50 yards down Streatham High Road has been revealed to have cost almost a million pounds

The “eye-watering” bill – recently made public by Sir Sadiq Khan’s office – covered the price of the scheme’s survey, design and construction phases, with the project intended to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

But City Hall Liberal Democrats said the £896,000 cost suggested something had “surely gone wrong”, regardless of the scheme’s impact locally.

The project involved closing the junction of Gracefield Gardens and Streatham High Road to cars by creating a large pedestrian island, flanked by a bike lane on either side.

From the island, a new crossing over the High Road was painted, and an existing one about 50 yards to the north was removed.

Transport for London (TfL) said the changes were needed in the wake of 69 collisions which have occurred in the area around the junction over the last ten years – 37 of which resulted in injuries to pedestrians, and five of which were considered ‘serious’ injuries.

But local Liberal Democrat councillor Donna Harris said the scheme was “ridiculous” and there were “so many local problems” on which the money could be better spent.

While it was previously reported that the scheme would cost “more than £650,000”, Sir Sadiq’s team revealed in response to a written question from

Hina Bokhari, the London Assembly’s Lib Dem group leader, that the full breakdown was considerably higher.

Construction in fact came to £706,104, in addition to design costs of £134,552 and survey costs of £55,370.

Ms Bokhari told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Road safety should remain a top priority and the local community and representatives should be involved and consulted throughout the process to make sure it is.

“However, something has surely gone wrong when Londoners are expected to fork out for an eye-watering bill of almost £1m to move a crossing.”

Sir Sadiq had told Ms Bokhari in his written answer: “The relocation of the pedestrian crossing at Gracefield Gardens, to a location where people want to cross, is part of TfL’s Road Safety programme which aims to address collisions at locations where data indicates significant road safety risk.”

A consultation conducted by TfL in December 2021 and January 2022 found that 49 per cent of respondents regarded the existing junction to be “very safe” or “safe” while 40 per cent regarded it to be “very unsafe” or “unsafe”.

Just over half of respondents believed the proposed changes would make the junction safer but a similar number felt the knock-on impact would be negative.

The nearby Exchange Surgery responded to the consultation by opposing the proposals. It said that 300 staff required access and expressed concern that disabled patients would have reduced access, due to the loss of a disabled parking bay.

Man charged with murder of 63-year-old

By By Isabel Ramirez

A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of a 63-year-old following a fatal assault in Lewisham

Paul Tallant of Eltham appeared in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 3 March charged with murder.

The 42-year-old was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 5 March.

Police were called at 8:39pm on Saturday, 1 March to reports of an assault in Lewisham High Street.

Officers responded with paramedics and found a 63-year-old man with lifethreatening injuries.

He was taken to hospital where he later died. His family have been informed and he has been identified as Charlie Prodromou.

It’s believed Mr Prodromou was assaulted following a disturbance at The Watch House pub.

A TfL spokeswoman said: “We’re determined to reduce danger on roads across London. This scheme was designed to tackle the high number of collisions here by moving the crossing to a location where people want to cross.

“The project also includes an overall increase in the number of trees, landscape improvements, increased footway space for pedestrians and additional seating. Decisions about where to target investment are taken after carefully assessing where it can best be used to make roads safer.”

19-year-old found guilty of murder after shooting man outside nightclub

By Kevin Quinn

A TEENAGER was found guilty of murder this week after he shot a man at point-blank range outside a south London nightclub.

Tyler Roberts-Emmanuel, 19, shot Shaquille Graham, 30, in Catford on 10 March last year, after lying in wait for him for 20 minutes outside the venue.

The Old Bailey heard how Mr Graham’s murder was ‘planned’, with the defendant making a “dummy run” on a scooter in the hours before the shooting. However, the court was told the motive for the attack remains a mystery.

After the guilty verdict Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, from Specialist Crime South, said: “This case presented all the hallmarks of a targeted attack.

“The killing was carried out in a busy street in the early hours, as Shaquille Graham and others left a nightclub.

“Roberts-Emmanuel had been lying in wait until he sighted Shaquille. RobertsEmmanuel then rode up on a high powered e-scooter and shot Shaquille

in the back of the head before fleeing the scene”.

Police were called to the nightclub on Catford Broadway, following reports of a shooting - they found 30-year-old Shaquille lying on the pavement. Despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene just after 5am, 30 minutes after being shot.

Through extensive enquiries, including utilising CCTV, detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command identified Roberts-Emmanuel as the person responsible and tracked his e-scooter to an address in Linden Grove, Peckham. Further enquires revealed evidence of

Roberts-Emmanuel taking possession of a firearm just two days prior to the killing.

Roberts-Emmanuel, who is of no fixed abode, was arrested in Camberwell on Thursday, 21 March and was charged two days later with murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He will be sentenced on April 4.

DCI Foxwell, added: “Our thoughts at this time are with Shaquille’s family and loved ones, although nothing can bring him back, we hope that this verdict offers some closure in the form of justice.”

The new crossing at Gracefi eld Gardens and Streatham High Road. Noah Vickers

Victim Charlie Prodromou Met Police

Victim Tyler Roberts-Emmanuel Met Police

Victim Shaquille Graham Met Police

MAYOR CLAIMS HE COULD PUT EXTRA £11,000 IN LONDONER’S POCKETS WITH ECONOMIC PLAN

By Noah Vickers

Local Democracy Reporter

A PLAN to “turbocharge” economic growth across the capital has been launched by Sir Sadiq Khan with the claim it could put an average extra £11,000 pre-tax in each Londoner’s pocket.

Unveiled last week, the mayor’s London Growth Plan aims to restore productivity growth to an average of two per cent a year in the next decade, which, according to City Hall, would make London’s economy £107bn larger by 2035.

Key pillars of the 104-page strategy include investment in housing and infrastructure – such as extensions to the Bakerloo line, DLR and Overground – and calls for the city’s suburban rail services to be devolved to Transport for London (TfL).

City Hall data reveals that while London’s productivity grew by an average of 3.16 per cent each year between 1998 and 2007, this rate of growth was hugely damaged by the financial crash – so that

between 2008 and 2022, the rate had dropped to just 0.12 per cent a year.

City Hall Conservatives suggested the plan was unlikely to succeed, as they said Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget has already “suffocated” growth across the country.

However, if London achieves the plan’s target and increases its economy by £107bn, that in turn would see the capital contribute an extra £27.5bn in taxes to the Treasury in 2035 – “providing vital revenues for investment in public services”, the mayor’s team said.

The plan’s cited figure of £11,000 of extra pre-tax income for each Londoner was calculated by dividing the targeted £107bn rise by London’s population of 8.95m.

The strategy sets out Sir Sadiq’s ambition to create 150,000 new jobs, and includes a commitment to bolster socalled “industrial innovation corridors” in different parts of the capital. These include the WestTech Corridor between White City and Old Oak and Park Royal; the UK Innovation Corridor, stretching

north from the King’s Cross ‘Knowledge Quarter’ and going out towards Cambridge; and the Thames Estuary, starting at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and going out towards Essex and Kent.

A £21m package drawn from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – the Government’s replacement for funding which used to come from the EU – will be used to support boroughs with town centre regeneration. This will include, potentially, the creation of a publiclyowned High Street Estate Agency to bring empty properties back into use.

A new proposed London Tech and Inclusive Growth Fund will meanwhile provide up to £100m loan and equity funding for high-growth small and midsize enterprises, the plan states.

Sir Sadiq said the plan “provides a golden opportunity to turbocharge growth and unlock London’s full potential – for the benefit of all Londoners and the whole country”.

He added: “It’s a blueprint for how we can help to create 150,000 good jobs,

Alleyn’s to open two new schools in north London

By Izzy Clarke

ALLEYN’S SCHOOL is opening two new schools in north London, with the first set to open later this year.

The Dulwich private school has announced the opening of two new branches in Regent’s Park and Hampstead, with Alleyn’s Regent’s Park due to welcome its first pupils in September this year.

The opening of the new schools will mark the first time in Alleyns’ 400 year history it has taught pupils north of the river.

Both schools will teach pupils the same curriculum, including Alleyns’ co-

curricular programme and its AI skills course which aims to better equip children for the digital age.

Both schools are taking over premises currently operated by North Bridge House School. Alleyn’s Regent’s Park is moving into the prep school and will admit pupils aged from 4-13, while the senior school will open as Alleyn’s Hampstead in September 2026.

Work is underway on a new junior school at Alleyn’s Hampstead, and once it opens the school will take on pupils aged 2-18.

Alleyn’s Hampstead will be led by Chris Jones and Sarah CartwrightStyles, while Tom Le Tissier has been

appointed as Head of Alleyn’s Regent’s Park.

Jane Lunnon, Head at Alleyn’s School said: “We are thrilled to be expanding north of the River with the opening of Alleyn’s Regent’s Park and Alleyn’s Hampstead.

“Both schools already have an incredible energy and commitment to developing the mind and heart of every child with creativity, aspiration and joy. “

“We will also be sharing our ethical and practical tech curriculum, ‘the AiQ’ – a pioneering course which explores the powerful and exciting connections between traditional IQ and AI.”

build more affordable homes, deliver major new transport upgrades and skill up Londoners for the well-paid jobs of tomorrow.

“From AI, life sciences and climate tech to our financial and creative industries, London is home to many of the best businesses in the world, which we want to back to grow and thrive over the next decade.

“Ultimately, growth means little if people cannot feel the benefits or see the positive change it brings to their area. So our goal is to deliver economic growth in every corner of our city that helps to raise living standards, puts more money in people’s pockets and enables us to invest in our public services, as we continue to build a fairer and more prosperous London for all.”

But Alessandro Georgiou, City Hall’s Conservatives’ economy spokesman, said: “It’s rich for the mayor to suddenly be talking up hopes of growth in London when his party’s Budget has suffocated it so far.

“Labour’s national insurance rise is

hitting Londoners in their pocket, costing their jobs, and hammering businesses across our capital.”

Antonia Jennings, CEO of the Centre for London think tank, cautioned that the plan’s success will be dependent on London receiving a new financial settlement. She pointed out that compared with other global cities like Paris, New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong, London’s City Hall is far less able to generate its own revenues.

“To be able to effectively implement the growth plan, London government needs greater power over its own finances,” she said. “This will enable the capital to make tangible steps towards equitable economic growth.”

The plan has been developed by City Hall in partnership with the capital’s local government association, London Councils.

The group’s leader, Claire Holland, said: “Boroughs are resolutely pro-growth and are committed to working with business, the Mayor of London and national government to turbocharge growth in every corner of our city.”

By Noah Vickers

Local Democracy Reporter

CONSERVATIVE CALLS for a multi-million pound inquiry into whether grooming gangs have operated in London were rejected at City Hall

Tories on the London Assembly had proposed an amendment to mayor Sir Sadiq Khan’s budget, which included £4.49m for an “Independent Inquiry into the Exploitation of Children in London”.

The amendment – which required a two-thirds majority to pass – was defeated by 16 votes to 9, as it was voted down by the Assembly’s Labour, Green, Liberal Democrat and independent members. Reform UK’s sole assembly member joined the Conservatives in backing the amendment.

It comes after the mayor was accused in January of “stonewalling” questions about grooming gangs from his Tory rival Susan Hall. The former mayoral candidate had repeatedly asked him whether there were gangs operating, or previously active, in the capital, but Sir Sadiq would only say that he was unsure what she meant by grooming gangs.

In their budget amendment, the Conservatives said: “The potential scale of child sexual abuse across London remains a significant unknown.

“Given that there are more than fifty areas across the country that have been identified as locations in which the systemic rape of young children by grooming gangs took place, there is a strong possibility that this criminality also occurred in London.”

The amendment went on to claim, incorrectly: “The most recent independent inquiry into child sexual abuse – the Jay report – only examined six towns. None were in London.”

In fact, one of the six ‘case study areas’ examined by the Jay inquiry – Tower Hamlets – was in London. The other five areas were Durham, Swansea, Warwickshire, St Helens and Bristol. According to the report, the areas “were selected in order to enable the inquiry to consider a range of features, including size, demography, geography and social characteristics”.

Labour member Krupesh Hirani

pointed this out when explaining why his group was not convinced of the need for a specific London-level inquiry.

The Tory claim that grooming gangs have been identified in “more than fifty areas” appears to be in relation to a GB News article, in which one of the broadcaster’s journalists said they had identified more than 50 towns and cities which had “endured abuse gangs”. GB News reporter Charlie Peters was said by his employer to have drawn up the list after “sifting through court records, local media reports, and gathering firsthand accounts from several victims”.

The Conservative amendment continued: “No local inquiries have taken place across any part of London,

Breast cancer survivors urge women to attend life-saving NHS screenings CALLS FOR MULTI-MILLION POUND INQUIRY ON GROOMING GANGS IN LONDON REJECTED

By Isabel Ramirez

TWO BREAST cancer survivors from Peckham and Bermondsey are among a group of inspiring women using their voices to encourage more people to attend life-saving breast screenings.

Philomena Ofodu from Bermondsey and Lindsay Batty-Smith from Peckham are sharing their personal experiences as part of NHS England’s latest campaign, aimed at increasing breast screening attendance. Their powerful testimonies are part of a wider movement, joined by high-profile figures such as Newsnight’s Victoria Derbyshire, TV presenter Julia Bradbury, and Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas. Together, they are sharing deeply personal ‘unofficial’ screening invitation letters to reassure and encourage women to prioritise their health.

For Philomena, the message couldn’t

be clearer. Diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in September 2021, she nearly missed her opportunity for early detection.

“When I received a letter inviting me for a mammogram appointment, I brushed it aside. Weeks later, I received a completely unrelated call from my GP asking me to come in immediately for a blood test. The urgency in his voice reminded me to put my health first and prompted me to book the mammogram appointment I had been putting off. And as a result, doctors found I had stage two breast cancer,” she shared. “My cancer diagnosis changed my life, but because it was detected early, it was treatable. If I had not made that appointment, I might not be here now. I have the greatest gratitude to be part of this campaign, and to share my experience as a cancer survivor. It’s so important we reach out to women and let them know that these appointments should be their

leaving a significant number of unanswered questions around the scale of this scandal in the capital.

“City Hall and the GLA [Greater London Authority] have significant resources available to draw conclusions from across all thirty-two of London’s boroughs, making it well-placed to deliver a local-level inquiry and give victims of these horrific crimes the justice they deserve.”

Commenting after the amendment’s defeat, Tory assembly member Lord Bailey said: “I am beyond disappointed by this development. We have worked to find the money for an inquiry that London desperately needs – for the victims, for faith in our institutions, and

number one priority.”

Lindsay Batty-Smith knows both sides of the story. As a radiographer at King’s College Hospital and a breast cancer survivor, she has seen firsthand

to restore the relationships between communities.

“London has had its trouble spots, and my colleagues and I have been diligent in asking the authorities the questions necessary to address this, but we need to go further.

“Today, the other parties had an opportunity to take the first step on the road to correcting this historic wrong, and shining a light on this grave issue, and they have chosen not to. I know however that my Conservative and colleagues and I, whilst disheartened, will not stop fighting for a settlement that centres the victims of child sexual exploitation in the search for justice.”

Assembly members voted for and

how screening changes lives. “My breast screening appointments are my reassurance that all is well and I’m still cancer-free, but many women understandably have anxiety about

against the amendment for a variety of reasons, not all of which were necessarily related to the call for a grooming gangs inquiry.

The amendment also included £122m “of additional funding for the Met, protecting frontline policing and preventing cuts to backroom staff”, a £15m Pothole Repair Fund, a £7m Theft Reduction Unit in the Met Police and £1.5m Nightlife Prosperity Fund.

The Conservatives claimed that these policies could be paid for reversing staffing increases at City Hall, abolishing the London & Partners agency, and limiting the number of deputy mayors to five, as well as “reallocating existing cash reserves”.

attending their appointment. That’s why this campaign is so important. The more women we can encourage to come along to their screening appointments, the more lives could be saved.”

She added, “Breast screening is quick, efficient, and performed by highly trained, specialised professionals. I’m so proud to be able to represent Team King’s and the local community through this campaign.”

Francesca Fiennes, Health Promotion Specialist for the South-East London Breast Screening Programme, emphasized the impact: “Regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see yourself – it saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK. In the meantime, if you have any symptoms you are worried could be a sign of breast cancer, have a chat with your GP as soon as possible.”

She also praised Philomena, Lindsay, and fellow campaigner Humaira for their relentless efforts to break down misconceptions about breast screening. “Philomena, Humaira and Lindsay are a true inspiration; they have all worked extremely hard to correct common misconceptions around breast screening, encouraging women in their local community to attend these life-saving appointments.”

© London Assembly

Philomena

Lindsay

Find out more at www.selondonics.org/our-residents/your-health/local-nhs-services/

SHOCK AFTER BOY, AGED 16, SHOT DEAD

By Callum Smyth

THE MET police are working to identify a teenage boy who was gunned down on Tuesday afternoon, March 4 on a Stockwell estate.

The 16-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene after best efforts by paramedics. Police were called at around 2:30pm reports of a shooting in Paradise Road. Air Ambulance crew and other emergency service raced to the scene and cordons remain in place, with forensic teams working on Grover Court estate, off Clapham Road, near Stockwell tube station.

At the time of going to press the Met said officers are working at pace to identify the teenager and contact his next of kin.

Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, who is leading the local policing response, said:

“This is an enormously shocking incident which I imagine will cause huge distress to the local community. Our thoughts are with the young boy’s family at this devastating time.

“Local officers are on the scene gathering CCTV and speaking to witnesses to piece together what has happened. They will be supported by specialist homicide investigators shortly. Please rest assured we will work around the clock to identify and find those responsible.”

No arrests have been made at this early stage of the investigation.

The BBC have reported that an eyewitness told them the 16-year-old boy was shot by a man dressed as a food delivery driver on a moped and residents horrified at the killing of such a young boy claimed to know the victim.

Florence Eshalomi, Labour (Co-op) MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, said: “This is a sad, wasted life; this boy could have had so much potential. His future has been robbed.

“The family and community will continue to grieve; you can never get over

this shock.”

David Oxley, a local Labour councillor who lives nearby, said: “It has deeply shocked and saddened our community and our thoughts are with the family of the victim, knowing the deep loss they must be feeling. We also really hope that the killers will quickly be brought to justice.”

Cllr Dr Mahamed Hashi, Lambeth’s cabinet member for safer communities, said he was in the area with other representatives from the council on Wednesday morning, offering support to residents and the police.

He said: “We are shocked at this tragic violence in our borough in which a teenager has so cruelly been taken from us. This is an incredibly traumatic moment for our communities, and our thoughts this morning are especially with the victim’s family, loved ones and friends.

“As a council we are committed to making Lambeth one of the safest boroughs in London and are working incredibly hard to play our role in ensuring the kind of violence that has so sadly claimed this young person’s life ends, and that all our young people have a secure future here.”

Cllr Dr Hashi added that he would be encouraging anyone with information that could help police to come forward and share.

It is not the first time in recent memory that the area around Clapham and Stockwell has been the scene of horrendous violence. Two teenagers were rushed to hospital after a stabbing on the same street (Paradise Road) in August 2023. A 17-year-old boy was treated in hospital for a stab wound, while a 15-yearold boy was treated for facial injuries. If you were a witness or have any information, please call police on 101 with the reference 4116/4MAR You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 if you want to remain anonymous.

* Additional reporting Robert Firth /LDRS

BOWIE PUB VENUE COULD BE HOMES

By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter

HUNDREDS OF new homes could be built on the site of a former pub in South London, where David Bowie first performed as his iconic Ziggy Stardust persona.

The Toby Jug, in Tolworth, was one of the capital’s legendary music venues in the 1960s and 1970s, hosting the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Genesis and Thin Lizzy, but struggled in later years before it was demolished in 2002.

Developers Countryside Partnerships and The Guinness Partnership have submitted plans to complete their new housing development in Tolworth, known as Signal Park, on land where the pub once sat and its surroundings. The land has not been used for around 20 years, after the former pub and government offices based there shut down.

The developers are proposing to build 965 new homes on the empty land, which is one of the capital’s largest brownfield sites, including 204 affordable homes. The new homes would be built as the second, and final, phase of Signal Park, which already has 211 affordable homes.

A new community centre is included in the plans, along with space for shops and offices, gardens and play areas. New pedestrian and cycle routes would be created through the site, which is next to Tolworth station, while the public square that was built in phase one would be extended.

The application provides detailed designs for 336 proposed homes arranged in four blocks up to 16 storeys tall on the site, along with outline plans for 629 more homes. This means 1,176 homes would be provided across the whole development.

CGI of the plans for phase two of Signal Park, Tolworth Credit: Countryside Partnerships/The Guinness Partnership/ PRP, provided in Kingston

Application documents said the plans would turn the site into a ‘vibrant new destination in Kingston’. They added: “The development proposals present an exciting and significant opportunity to make better use of one of the largest vacant brownfield sites in London. Once complete, the Signal Park phase two land will make substantial contribution to the borough’s and London’s housing and affordable housing requirements.” Kingston Council will decide on the plans in due course.

By Robert Firth

Local Democracy Reporter

THE LEADER of Lambeth Council has denied hiding cuts to libraries from the public, after an activist accused her of ‘burying’ a £1 million package of savings in a 10 page spreadsheet.

Claire Holland, leader of Lambeth Council, said she was ‘proud’ of how ‘open and transparent’ the Labour authority was being about proposed reductions to the £4.6 million libraries service budget.

Cllr Holland was speaking at a cabinet meeting on Monday (February 24) after Laura Swaffield, a campaigner, accused her of hiding details of the cuts to libraries in lengthy cabinet papers.

Ms Swaffield said: “Buried in the cabinet papers, all of a sudden come from nowhere—nobody knows who

has put it in— [is] the devastating cut to the library service. It has been spotted. It’s not a good look as a council. People are furious.”

Cllr Holland retorted: “I just want to talk about… the word ‘buried’. It [the information] is there. It’s printed. It’s not buried. There are over 400 pages of financial information there that we are being really open and transparent about. […] I’m really proud about how transparent and open we’re being as a council.”

The council has confirmed that there are no plans to close libraries or reduce opening hours as part of the proposed savings. The cuts to library services are among £46.3 million of savings and income generation measures in the council’s 2025/26 budget.

Lambeth’s Green opposition has called on the Labour administration to use unspent developer cash to protect the libraries service from cuts.

Green Party councillor Nicole Griffiths told the cabinet meeting that the council was sitting on around £43 million in developer contributions that hadn’t been spent or allocated for a decade.

The council’s Liberal Democrat opposition said it was ‘concerned’ that the £1 million planned savings to the libraries service weren’t included in an earlier list scrutinised by councillors in December 2024.

Liberal Democrat councillor Matthew Bryant added: “It’s such an incredibly valuable service to be cutting it at this stage is such a retro step for this administration.”

Cllr Holland said said: “This is now the worst funding crisis this council, and others across the country, have ever faced. We need to be open with residents that saving this amount isn’t possible without having an impact on the services people rely on.

“Where possible, we have focused on finding savings through being more efficient, putting forward income generating proposals, and increasing our fees and charges in a way that’s

fair within the current challenging financial situation.”

The Labour-run council’s 2025/26 budget will be voted on by councillors at a meeting in March.

South Lambeth Library, one of Lambeth’s libraries. Google Street View

David Bowie, as Ziggy Stardust Wikimedia Commons

LONG-AWAITED SHOPPING CENTRE REVAMP TAKES A ‘BIG STEP FORWARD’

By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter

CROYDON COUNCIL has endorsed the ‘masterplan’ for the Westfield redevelopment, bringing the longawaited town centre regeneration closer to reality.

The plan would see huge changes to the Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres, with new houses, retail and public spaces built.

The Masterplan Framework submitted by developers Unibail-RodamcoWestfield (URW) has been formed following months of public consultation.

Croydon residents were invited to give their thoughts on the future of the town both online and in the temporary Urban Room at the Whitgift Centre.

The plan outlines the vision to transform part of the town centre, named the North End Quarter, into a vibrant, mixed-use area featuring homes, shops, cultural venues, and public spaces. Under the plans, the current Whitgift Centre will see largescale redevelopment, while Centrale will see fewer changes.

The masterplan also proposes better connectivity for the town centre through a network of green spaces, pedestrianfriendly streets, and the integration of historic landmarks like the Whitgift

Almshouses and the Allders building.

Originally set for completion in 2017, the Westfield project faced years of delays with no progress, leaving residents sceptical about the viability of a town centre retail complex. However, since URW took over last year, the plans changed to reduce the focus on retail and include more homes.

Last year, Tim Hurstwyn, Development Director at URW, assured the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We are different from the old Westfield. We are here, and we will deliver.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2028, with Mr Hurstwyn stressing that the timeline is realistic and the process will take time. URW’s Masterplan Framework was endorsed by Croydon’s Planning Committee on Thursday night (February 27), and the next step is for URW to develop more detailed designs before submitting a full planning application.

Following the council’s endorsement, Penny Cameron, Head of Development at URW, said: “Our vision for the North End Quarter is one that will revitalise Croydon’s town centre through a truly mixed-use offer, while celebrating the areas unique heritage.”

She added: “We are pleased to have this support from the council, allowing us to embark on next stage designs with

input from our NextGen Panel who will be appointed shortly to help shape the proposal.”

The council is also working on ‘unlocking Croydon’s potential’ and is planning to unite partners to support the town’s regeneration. It is also undergoing improvements to the ancient market on Surrey Street.

Regenerating the town centre is a key priority for Croydon’s Mayor Jason

Perry. In a statement, Mayor Perry said: “Croydon has so much potential and the regeneration of our town centre is crucial to maximising this, putting our borough back on the map and restoring pride.

“This is a top priority for me and I have been working with a huge range of external partners to drive forward a really exciting vision for our town centre. Our partnership with Unibail-

Rodamco-Westfield is fundamental to this transformation and I welcome the next stage in the development of their masterplan.

“Incorporating the Whitgift Centre, Allders, and the surrounding area, the masterplan envisions a vibrant mixeduse town centre, creating new homes, shops, educational and cultural spaces, where Croydon’s businesses can thrive and communities flourish.”

Superloop consultation opens between North Greenwich and Thamesmead

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter

A SIX-WEEK consultation into a new Superloop express bus service linking several neighbourhoods across south east London has been opened. The proposed SL11 route would run from the O2 in North Greenwich to Abbey Wood station, with limited stops along the way in Charlton, Woolwich, Plumstead

and Thamesmead. It forms part of mayor

Sir Sadiq Khan’s ‘Superloop 2’ network – a new collection of express services promised in his re-election manifesto last year to complement the original Superloop network, which launched in 2023. According to the consultation opened on Monday by Transport for London (TfL), the SL11 would follow the same route “as the 472 does now, except for Woolwich town centre where its route would be more direct”.

It would mean the 472 bus being scrapped and effectively replaced by the SL11 – except for during the night, when the N472 would continue to run. The SL11 would only operate between 5am and midnight each day.

It is also hoped that the bus service will support the early stages of regeneration plans in Thamesmead, which is one of London’s hardest to reach areas due to the lack of any Tube or railway services. The new Superloop route is being looked

at alongside existing proposals to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) from Gallions Reach, with new stations at Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead.

The SL11 would utilise double-decker buses with USB charging points, and would link up with the existing SL3 route which runs from Thamesmead down to Bromley.

At the end of January, the mayor also detailed his plans for the ‘Bakerloop’ bus service, which will follow the route of the proposed Bakerloo line extension from Elephant and Castle down to Lewisham.

That route is similarly being consulted on, with feedback on the proposal welcomed until Friday, March 14

Geoff Hobbs, TfL’s director of public transport service planning, said buses “are still the most affordable and green way to travel around the capital”, adding: “We are committed to working closely with the relevant boroughs to ensure these express

bus routes work for all communities, as well as complementing the growth plans of these local authorities.”

Averil Lekau, Greenwich Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for transport, said: “A faster and more reliable bus service will encourage increased public transport usage, which is essential to cutting carbon emissions and achieving our target of reaching net zero emissions by 2030.”

The Labour councillor added: “To ensure the proposed route meets the needs of our residents we want to hear from you. Your feedback will play an important part in shaping the future of transport in the area. Please have your say and help make it easier, safer, and greener to move around the borough and the rest of London.”

To respond to the consultation, visit: www.haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/sl11superloop

Under the plans, the Whitgift centre will be redeveloped to include public space, housing, retail and community units. URW

what’s on

BACKSTROKE - DONMAR WAREHOUSE

A COMPLICATED motherdaughter dynamic forms the basis for Anna Mackmin’s new play, Backstroke, writes Melina Block..

Wrapped in a shawl and puffing on a cigarette, Celia Imrie plays the carefree yet neurotic Beth who refuses to be called ‘mummy’ by her daughter, Bo (Tamsin Greig), demanding she keep her own identity, but then follows Bo to university. She spouts hippie ideals around free love and sex, then chastises her daughter for not being thin.

This might sound bleak, but there are plenty of laughs throughout the performance, delivered by both Greig and Imrie with flawless comedic timing. But the looming presence of a hospital bed in the centre of the stage reminds you of the reality; Beth is slowly dying after having suffered a stroke and struggling with dementia. The show opens in this hospital, before switching between a series of flashbacks throughout Beth

and Bo’s life, and the present day. Imrie’s performance is a genuine highlight, as she seamlessly transfers from a sick, unresponsive patient to the vibrant, eccentric personality that she previously was. Her chemistry with Greig is a joy to watch, with the pair bouncing off each other so effortlessly that it is hard to believe they have not actually known and lived with each other for decades.

The video clips which play intermittently give us insight into Bo’s own relationship with her daughter, a young girl she adopted and is clearly struggling with. However, Bo’s relationship with her own mother is far more captivating, and my friend who came to watch Backstroke with me was wholly unconvinced of the necessity of these videos.

By the second half of the play, the tone becomes markedly more sombre. Beth’s condition deteriorates and the pacing slows down, with some scenes which demonstrate the

connection and heartache between both the leads feeling slightly too contrived and on the nose. This is only a small complaint, though, noticeable primarily because of how excellent the rest of the show is at subtly communicating the intricacies of Beth and Bo’s loving yet, at times, stifling relationship.

The lady next to me was in tears by the end, and it was easy to understand why. There is such warmth and care injected into both Imrie and Greig’s portrayal of their characters that it is easy to lose yourself in their performances. If the sign of a good actor is that you forget they are reading out scripts, then this is some of the best acting I have seen on stage in a long time.

Donmar Warehouse, 41 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9LX until April 12th. Mon – Sat 7.30pm;Thursday & Saturday matinees 2.30pm Box Office: www.donmarwarehouse. com 020 3282 3808

Alterations is not tailor-made for National but still a good fit

ALTERATIONS IS a 1978 play by Michael Abbensetts(with additional material by Trish Cooke) that was a seminal work for the writer, having much influence on writers who came after him, writes Michael Holland...

As we took our seats the preliminary action took place on stage: a man with an Afro grooved to his boom box as the world passed him by; a young kid rode around on a bike; a couple drifted through - She wasn’t happy. All this non-verbal communication set the scene for a tale of a narcissist, a street boy and a relationship on the rocks, and all this happened in Alterations, a sweat-shop tailors where Walker(Arinzé Kene) struggled to keep his business alive while he saved up to buy a shop of his own where he could do proper tailoring - making suits for the ‘trendy’. A struggle he persevered with while his life at home was falling apart.

His friend Buster(Gershwyn Eustache Jnr) stuck by him but had no real ambitions other than keep a wage coming in so he could keep the family he was building. The counter to these two was Courtney(Raphael Famotibe), the young van driver who was escaping the gangs on the estate, while knowing there were no real opportunites for him in 70s Britain.

Walker gets a big order from Mr Nat, a white man who understood his hardship because he, too, had worked his way up from the bottom; Mr Nat was an immigrant like the staff at Alterations. Doing this job well could pay enough to get Walker his shop so they worked through the night.

Walker’s wife Darlene (Cherrelle Skeete) arrives to berate her man, who in turn sweet talks her back into line. Horace(Karl Collins), who has been brought in to help with the big order, sees how their relationship is and immediately hits on Darlene.

And there it is. Almost sitcom-ish but with a dark undercurrent creeping about

Sunday Assembly do comedy on Thursdays in Southwark

‘SUNDAY ASSEMBLY London is a community space that provides inclusive, thought-provoking bimonthly events where we have speakers from all walks of life,’ says Andrew Mullan excitedly, eager to talk about what Sunday Assembly is, writes Michael Holland.. Andrew is the spokesperson for the group that ‘started life as a passing thought by two comedians in a carpool on the way to a gig in Bath.’ It is a group that has now become one that he has chats with almost every day. Their events could be talks on diverse subjects ranging from ice-cream to science, with a live band that plays songs to fit in with that month’s topic,

and which could entice the audience to get up and dance. ‘Speaking from experience,’ begins Andrew, ‘It is incredibly rewarding.’ A guest poet paired with the main talk will also share some verses.

Sunday Assembly’s key tenets are: ‘Live Better. Help Often. Wonder More’. Their gatherings offer people the opportunity to ‘get more from life without the caveat of a forced ideology attached’.

Andrew is very open about himself while speaking for the group. He talks honestly about the initial ‘am I ready to meet new people’ phase, before ’Getting out of the way of your own self-judgment and second-hand embarrassment, and

really letting go and having fun.’

He calls himself a ‘neurodivergent, reformed ex-jaded-ironic-hipster’ and admits, ‘I like to be my silly, authentically me version of myself with people who feel the same way.’

What he is saying touches on the selfjudging, neurodivergent shy boy within me, and I begin to see why Sunday Assembly has people hooked.

It is almost entirely made up of volunteers who come together to plan and prepare each event, which could be sharing a literary experience over a drink in the Lyttleton Theatre bar once a month or at the regular Sunday Assembly in the Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green. Other social

below the laughs. Horace sabotages the big order, Courtney lays some home truths on the elders; Darlene reaches the end of her tether… And all to a reggae and Blues soundscape. The stage was often filled with the dreaded ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags, which, because they say so much, I’m sure was intentional.

I realised the Guyanese patois was not so easy to follow each time the auditorium erupted into laughter without me, but not so much that I didn’t know what was happening.

Abbensetts does not fill the stage with stereotypes, nor follow the expected narrative arc, but he does get over the message that these black people are just people who may have the same desires and hopes that white people have, or they may not. He does not hit the audience over the head with a ‘life in the ghetto’ tale, or ‘the white man making life intolerable for black people’ yarn. It’s there and it is real, but this is basically love gone wrong, wrapped up in a failing business.

Excellent performances from the cast; their wigs almost putting in BAFTA turns as well. Alterations is not tailor-made for the National but it is still a good fit.

Lyttleton Theatre, National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 until April 5th.

Booking: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/ productions/alterations

gatherings like escape rooms and film nights are also arranged.

But there is a special event that harks back to its founding members’ lives in comedy, and that is a night of comedy to raise funds for Sunday Assembly.

Five comedians, all giving their time and craft for free, and on a Thursday instead of a Sunday.

James Ross, who runs the Chortle Award-winning Quantum Leopard, will host Laugh to Keep the Lights On. Four comedians on one night of laughter: the ‘winningly weird’ Alex Franklin, ‘bawdy and brassy’ Jamie Mykaela, Ben Pope who went from the Footlights to the Fringe, and one of my favourites, Mark Thomas, whose anarchic activism always raises a smile. I asked Andrew for any last words, and he had some great ones: ‘As the world feels to be evermore consumed by division and isolation, the more the voice reminding us that humans are a sociable beast becomes an unwavering certainty. I say listen to that voice!

Check out Sunday Assembly: www. sundayassembly.com/ COLAB Theatre, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB. Thursday 10th April from 7:30pm to 10pm (doors open at 7:30pm; show starts at 8pm). Admission: £15, £10.

Booking: www.sundayassembly.com/ news/laugh-to-keep-the-lights-on/

Heading south - our pick of upcoming spring events

Conversations on Kindness

You are invited to Bernadette Russell’s book launch and show – the true story of one woman’s mission to answer the question “Can Kindness Change the World?”. Involving cakes, compliments, phone boxes and Billy Bragg teaching her how to play “The Milkman of Human Kindness” in a cupboard at the BBC; this is a comedy about how, despite what we are told about the state of the world and its troubles, there is more love than hate, more hope than fear, more good than bad. All this plus a chance to win a million pounds… After the show, Bernadette will be answering questions about her book Conversations on Kindness and signing them, too. The event is recommended for those aged 14 and over. This event is a fundraiser – all profits from ticket sales will go to Deptford charity the 999 Club. It is also a part of the Deptford Literature Festival, which is taking place from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 March this year.

Date: Thursday 27 March 2025, 7:30pm. Tickets: £8 to £10

The Albany, Douglas Way, SE8 4AG www.thealbany.org.uk/shows/conversations-on-kindness

In Celebration of my Sisters

Visit Woolwich Works this Mother’s Day for “In Celebration of My Sisters”, the UK’s longest-running familyfriendly variety show. A Mother’s Day show celebrated by all cultures for International Women’s Month. This all-female variety show started 32 years ago at Brixton Academy and In Celebration of My Sisters has since played across the UK. This is a night of lovers rock, opera, reggae, soul, R&B, comedy, religious blessings, motivational speakers, afro-beats, poetry and nu-

school from the upcoming young sisters. Hosted by Felicity Ethnic, you’ll get to see work from: Carroll Thompson, Queen of Lovers Rock; Melody Compton, Pegasus Opera Company; Aunty Hawa Kamara’s comedy; ballet dancer Rachel Ridley; plus lots more.

Date: Sunday 30 March 2025, 7pm

Tickets: £28.50, concessions available Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 Street, SE18 6HD www.woolwich.works/events/ in-celebration-of-my-sisters-mothersday-show

Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time

From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as “Tragedy Plus Time”. Now, Ed Byrne is testing that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs – and it’s coming to Blackheath Halls this April. As seen on Live at the Apollo, plus regular appearances on QI and Mock the Week, Ed’s humour is sure to bring a night of laughter. This event is strictly for those 14+, with parental guidance that there is likely to be swearing and adult content.

Date: Friday 4 April 2025, 7:30pm

Tickets: £32.50 Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ

www.blackheathhalls.com/whats-on/edbyrne-tragedy-plus-time

Pioneering Women in Observatories

As new technologies and instruments transformed astronomy in the late 1800s, observatory directors around the world started to employ women as cheap labour to help assemble and process vast amounts of photographic glass plates for new star catalogues. Some of these “computers” only stayed for a few months or years, but others became experts in their own right and forged long-term careers in astronomy and associated sciences. Discover more about these pioneering women in an evening panel discussion and film screening at the Royal Observatory’s Peter Harrison Planetarium. Hear from researchers who have investigated women working at observatories in the UK, US and Australia. Who were these women? What did they do? What challenges did they face, and how did conditions vary between observatories? The evening ends with a screening of Hidden Figures (2016) to illustrate the parallel themes of gender and race discrimination as experienced by women scientists in the Apollo space programme.

Date: Friday 28 March 2025, 6pm. Tickets: Adults £10, Students £9 Royal Observatory, Blackheath Avenue, SE10 8XJ www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/royal-observatory/pioneering-women-observatories-1880-1930

Return to the Forbidden Planet

Shakespeare’s forgotten rock and roll masterpiece… Inspired by The Tempest, an amateur production of Return to the Forbidden Planet comes to Greenwich Theatre this March. The high-energy musical is packed with rock’n’roll classics including “Great Balls of Fire”, “Good Vibrations”, “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”, “Young Girl” and “Gloria”. Students from Rose Bruford College’s actor-musician programme, in collaboration with technical, design and management courses, present this celebrated and Olivier Award-winning musical. The show is by Bob Carlton, inspired by the motion picture Forbidden Planet, courtesy of Turner Entertainment and directed by Alexandra Spencer Jones.

Dates: Wednesday 19 to Friday 21 March 2025, times vary. Tickets: £11 Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, SE10 8ES greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/forbiddenplanet

Regency Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

Celebrate Mother’s Day with an afternoon tea in the Old Royal Naval College’s Admiral’s House. You will enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with homemade sweet and savoury scones, quintessentially British sweet treats, paired with organic Hope and Glory teas while enjoying views of the River Thames. Your ticket includes a loose-leaf tea selection, a selection of homemade sandwiches and sweet treats, plus sparkling wine and champagne available to order, too, if you’d like to toast with a tipple. Admiral’s House is the oldest building at the Old Royal Naval College, commissioned by Charles II as his new royal palace in 1660. Not usually open to the general public, this event presents the chance to indulge in its regal yet intimate atmosphere. You can also make it an extra special experience by pre-ordering a bouquet of flowers or a small gift awaiting your guest on arrival.

Date: Sunday 30 March 2025, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm

Tickets: Adults £65, Children £30

Admiral’s House, Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN ornc.org/whats-on/regency-mothersday-afternoon-tea

© Gareth Brierley

© National Maritime Museum, London

History

EDWARD OXFORD: THE KENNINGTON BOY WHO TRIED TO SHOOT QUEEN VICTORIA

By Issy Clarke

THE YEAR was 1840, and Queen Victoria had been on the throne for two years. Everything seemed to be going right for England’s beautiful young monarch.

She had recently married her beloved husband Albert and was pregnant with her first child, the future Princess Victoria. Little did the young Queen Victoria know when she woke up on the morning of 9 June 1840, that an 18-year old barman named Edward Oxford was plotting her murder from lodgings in Kennington’s No. 6 West Square.

Oxford was born in Birmingham, arriving in London with his mother and sisters after his father died when he was seven.

His father’s early death meant Oxford began working in pubs at a young agebut was regularly sacked after his strange behaviour alarmed customers. In one instance, he hurled missiles from the roof at passers-by; at another, he used to turn off all the gaslights when the pub was filled with customers, and even turned a knife on one of his colleagues.

As he stood on Constitution Hill on that warm June evening waiting to catch sight of the Queen, there was nothing outwardly suspicious about this scrawny but welldressed 18-year-old from south London. However, concealed within his dress coat were two pistols, and he was waiting for the perfect moment to fire.

A few hours later, the royal carriage pulled

out of the palace gates and began making its way down Constitution Hill, until it was three or four feet away from Oxford. He theatrically withdrew both pistols and fired two successive shots, piercing the evening with a deafening crack.

Fortunately, Prince Albert had spotted him raise the pistols and pushed Victoria down into the carriage to protect her from the gunfire. The unharmed royal couple rushed off in their carriage, while onlookers immediately rounded upon the attempted assassin. Initially they grabbed the wrong man, prompting Oxford to bizarrely declare: ‘It was I, it was me that did it.”

Oxford was charged with high treasona crime punishable by death - and a trial date was set at the Old Bailey for 9 July. The drama had captured the nation’s attention, and on the first day of the trial it seemed as if the whole of London was crammed into the courtroom.

Those present were bemused by his curious demeanour. He seemed strangely oblivious, even aloof, to the proceedings.

A psychologist giving evidence at the trial described Oxford’s “absolute insensibility to the heinousness of his offence, and to the peril of his situation”.

When the police searched Oxford’s house they found papers of a ‘Young England Society’ - purportedly a pseudorevolutionary republican organisation but which, on closer inspection, turned out to be an elaborate fantasy constructed by Oxford, with fictitious rules and made-up

members.

So what could have motivated him to make such a pointless attempt on the Queen’s life?

The evidence increasingly pointed to one explanation - that Oxford was simply insane. His mother Hannah told the jury he was prone to fits of rage followed by outbursts of maniacal laughter. She believed her son had inherited a streak of lunacy present in his father George; a violent alcoholic who used to threaten, beat and starve her.

At the close of the trial, Oxford was acquitted on the grounds of insanity and imprisoned in Bethlem Criminal Lunatic Asylum (now the site of The Imperial War Museum). The jury in its verdict concluded that the young man’s crimes had been motivated by a maniacal desire for notoriety - and besides, no bullets were ever discovered, making it difficult to prove he had fired anything other than powder. Life in the asylum was surprisingly fruitful for Oxford, becoming the setting for a journey of intellectual discovery. He learned Latin, Greek, French, Spanish and German. He knitted, played the violin and became a chess player. He was well regarded by his supervisors who noted that he “conducted himself with great propriety at all times”, and even expressed some remorse for his past.

In 1867, aged 45 and after 27 years locked up, he was granted conditional release from the asylum and despatched to Australia – the imperial outpost to which

former convicts were often banished.

But Edward Oxford would leave his old identity in the Old World. In Australia, he reinvented himself as John Freeman, and began immersing himself in voluntary work. He married, became a well-known religious figure, and wrote a wide-ranging book dealing with the state of Melbourne’s slums.

Such was his reinvention that he was even invited by the Queen’s governor to a ball celebrating Victoria’s 70th birthday celebrations. Only Oxford would have known the irony of this - if he had gotten his way all those years ago, Victoria would have been buried for nearly half a century.

‘Freeman’ continued to wrestle with his secret dual-identity for the rest of his life.

After he published his book he penned a letter to one of the stewards at the asylum who he had kept in touch with, lamenting:

“You are the only man in the world, besides

myself, who could connect me with the book. Even my wife, the sharer of my joys and sorrows, is no wiser than the rest of the world.”

The assassination attempt has been the subject of recent dramatisations - firstly for the 2009 film Young Victoria, and later in the 2016 ITV series Victoria.

‘Freeman’ died in 1900 at the age of 78, a year before Queen Victoria, and the two fragments of his identity were only pieced together by historians in the 1980s.

His case was an early instance of mental ill-health being used a defence against imprisonment, which would pave the way for the creation in the 1840s of a more consistent definition of insanity in English law. Still, despite his unexpected acquittal and later reinvention in Australia, Oxford is primarily remembered as the first of seven men who tried to murder Queen Victoria. God save the Queen.

Today the asylum is the site of the Imperial War Museum

Edward Oxford c1856

Edward Oxford shooting at Queen Victoria as she rode in a carriage with Prince Albert on Constitution Hill on June 10, 1840

Southwark Pensioners’ Centre

Supporting older people in Southwark for over 35 years.

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

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

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

Transport can be

volunteering@linkagesouthwark

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD

TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A24 GLA ROAD (LONDON ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) ORDER 2025

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

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable electric vehicle charging point installation works to take place on A24 London Road.

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

(1) stopping in the Parking and Disabled Persons' vehicles bay outside Nos.816-822 London Road;

(2) stopping in the Parking and Disabled Persons' vehicles bay opposite Nos.816 London Road;

The Order also prohibits any person from entering or proceeding on:

(3) the south-western footway of the unnamed service road fronting Nos.816-822 London Road from the extended north-western boundary of No.816 London Road for a distance of 11 metres north-westwards.

The Order will be effective at certain times 7:00 AM on 10th March 2025 until 7:00 PM on 10th March 2026 or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

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

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

5. At such times as the prohibitions are in force an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs for pedestrians wishing to utilise the south-western footway of of the unnamed service road fronting Nos.816-822 London Road to instead utilise the north-western footway of the unnamed service road to normal route of travel.

Dated this 7th day of March 2025

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

Notice of application for a Premises Licence.

Notice is hereby given that Rizwan Alam has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at BiryaniWaala Ltd, 326 Balham High Road, SW17 7AA for Late night refreshment from 23:00 to 02:00 on Friday and Saturday.

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 25.03.2025 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICE LICENSING ACT 2003

I, Timole Damai do hereby give notice that I have applied to the Licensing Authority at The London Borough of Bromley for a new Premises Licence at: 3 Beckenham Road, West Wickham, BR4 0QR and known as: Like Home

The application is to allow the following licensable activities to take place: The sale of alcohol (on the premises): Monday to Sunday between 11:00 and 17:00 hours

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday between 07:00 and 17:00 hours

Any person wishing to make representations to this application may do so by writing to Licensing, Bromley Civic Centre, Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road Bromley, BR1 1AS, and may also be sent via email to licensing@bromley.gov.uk not later than 26/03/2025 Representations received after this date cannot be considered. All representations MUST BE IN WRITING

A copy of the application can be viewed at the Licensing Authority’s address during normal office hours by appointment; or on the Council’s website: www.bromley.gov.uk (search applications).

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application, the maximum fine on summary of conviction is currently unlimited.

Signed: Esi Licencing & Legal Consultancy Ltd. on behalf of the applicant

Dated: 27/02/2025

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A20 GLA ROAD (SIDCUP BY-PASS ROAD, LONDON BOROUGHS OF BEXLEY AND BROMLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) ORDER

2025

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

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable highways maintenance works to take place at A20 Sidcup By-Pass Road.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from entering and proceeding on the:

(1) south-eastbound carriageway of Sidcup By-Pass Road between its junctions with the un-named off slip road connecting the south-eastbound carriageway of Sidcup By-Pass Road with Crittall’s Corner and the administrative boundary of the London Borough of Bexley and Kent County Council;

(2) un-named on slip road connecting the south-eastbound carriageway of Sidcup By-Pass Road with Edgington Way.

The Order will be effective between 17th March 2025 and 31st March 2025 every night from 10.00 PM until 5.00 AM or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

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

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

5. At such times as the prohibitions are in force an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs via Sidcup By-Pass Road, Cray Road, Edgington Way, Maidstone Road, London Road, Bartholomew Way, High Street, London Road and Swanley Interchange to normal route of travel.

Dated this 7th day of March 2025

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

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A202 GLA ROAD (PECKHAM HIGH STREET, LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF STOPPING AND TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF BUS LANE) ORDER 2025

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

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable water pipe repair works to take place at A202 Peckham High Street.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from stopping on the northern kerb line of Peckham High Street between its junctions with Sumner Avenue and Sumner Road.

The Order will also permit all vehicles to use the eastbound Bus Lane on Peckham High Street between its junctions with Sumner Avenue and Sumner Road.

The Order will be effective at certain times from 8.00 PM on the 21st March 2025 until 5.00 AM on the 23rd March 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 trafc signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

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

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

Dated this 7th day of March 2025

Claire Wright

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

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ON VOLTAIRE ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to facilitate Thames Water works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth after consulting Transport for London (TfL) made an Order, the general effect will be in: -

2. Voltaire Road, between the north-western kerb-line of Clapham High Street and a point 19 metres north-west of that kerb-line to ban vehicles from entering, parking, waiting, loading, and unloading.

3. Suspend the inset parking place on Clapham High Street outside Nos. 21 to 25 Clapham High Street.

4. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Edgeley Road, and Voltaire Road and vice versa.

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

6. The Order comes into force on 11 March 2025 and will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month, or until the works have been completed whichever is sooner.

Dated 7 March 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 -

1.

2.

3.

4.

have effect on 14th March 2025 but if the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time then the Order may have effect on subsequent days within the maximum duration of 18 months.

Dated 7th March 2025 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

Notice of application for a Premises Licence. Notice is hereby given that RA FOOD TRADERS LTD. has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Pepe's Piri Piri, 118 Putney High Street, SW15 1RG for Late Night Refreshment –Indoors and Outdoors – Monday to Sunday –23:00hrs to 02:00hrs

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 2nd April 2025 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk

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

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

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A SEX ESTABLISHMENT LICENCE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) ACT 1982

Notice is given that Stir 777 Ltd applied to the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames on the 4th day of March 2025 for a licence to use premises as a sexual entertainment venue. The premises are at Stir 777, 48 High Street Kingston KT1 1HN

Any person who wishes to object to this application must give notice in writing of his objection to the Licensing Manager, Regulatory Service, Guildhall 2, High Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1EU or email licensing@kingston.gov.uk, within 28 days of the date of application which is indicated above. The Council is required by the Act only to consider Objections received during this period. Letters in support should also be sent to the same address.

Objectors must state in general terms the grounds of their objection. The Council will not reveal the names or addresses of objectors without their consent.

Further information regarding the application is available by contacting the licensing team by email: licensing@kingston.gov.uk

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A3220 GLA ROAD (LATCHMERE ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF WANDSWORTH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) ORDER 2025

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

2. The purpose of the Order is to allow bridge repair works to take place on A3220 Latchmere Road.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from entering, exiting or proceeding on Latchmere Road between its junctions with Shellwood Road and Amies Street.

The Order will be effective from 1:00 AM on 9th March 2025 to 3:00 AM on 10th March 2025 and from 1:00 AM on 23rd March 2025 to 3:00 AM on 24th March 2025 or until the works have been completed. The prohibitions will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

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

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

5. At such times as the prohibitions are in force alternative routes will be indicated by trafc signs via Latchmere Road, Battersea Park Road, Queenstown Road, Lavender Hill or reverse to normal route of travel.

Dated this 7th day of March 2025 Claire Wright Co-ordination and Permitting Area Manager Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE GLA ROADS AND GLA SIDE ROADS (MERTON) RED ROUTE CONSOLIDATION TRAFFIC ORDER 2008 A24 CROWN LANE (ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING POINTS) VARIATION ORDER 2025

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

2. The general nature and effect of the Order will be to:

(1) reduce the length of the parking and disabled persons vehicles bay outside: Nos.28-34 Crown Lane by 9 metres from its eastern end, Parking Mon-Sat 7am - 7pm 30 Mins No return within 1 hour.

(2) introduce an electric vehicle charging bay outside Nos 30-32 Crown Lane (No Stopping At Any Time Except Charging of Electric Vehicles Only Max 1 hour no return within 2 hours).

(3) extend the Double Red Lines, No Stopping At Any Time, outside Nos.2830 Crown Lane by 9 metres from its western end.

3. The road which would be affected by the Order is A24 Crown Lane.

4. A copy of the Order, a statement of Transport for London’s reasons for the proposals, a map indicating the location and effect of the Order and copies of any Order revoked, suspended or varied by the Order can be inspected by visiting our website at https://haveyoursay.t.gov.uk/tro and selecting the relevant borough and reference the Trafc Order relates to or by appointment during normal ofce hours at our ofce at the address below. To arrange an appointment please email trafcordersection@t.gov.uk. Copies of the documents may be requested via email at trafcordersection@t.gov.uk or by post at the following address quoting reference NMR/REGULATION/STOT/RC/TRO, GLA/202/0263 •Transport for London Streets Trafc Order Team (NMR/REGULATION/STOT) Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road London, SE1 8NJ

5. All objections and other representations to the proposed Order must be made in writing and must specify the grounds on which they are made. Objections and representations must be sent to Transport for London, Streets Trafc Order Team, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ or by emailing trafcordersection@t.gov.uk quoting reference NMR/REGULATION/STOT/RC/TRO, GLA/2025/0263, to arrive before 28th March 2025. Please note due to Hybrid working access to post is restricted and requests for documents and conrmation of your objections or representations may be delayed. Objections and other representations may be communicated to other persons who may be affected.

Dated this 7th day of March 2025

Matt Standell Performance and Planning Manager Transport for London

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A21 GLA ROAD (SEVENOAKS ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF BROMLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) ORDER 2025

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

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable Knockholt Rail Bridge joints repair works to take place on the A21 Sevenoaks Road.

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

(1) entering, exiting or proceeding in a westerly direction on Sevenoaks Road between its junctions with Hewitts Roundabout and London Road; (2) entering, exiting or proceeding in an easterly direction on Sevenoaks Road between its junctions with Pratts Bottom Roundabout and Hewitts Roundabout;

(3) entering or proceeding on the on the unnamed on slip road connecting Chelseld Hill to Sevenoaks Road.

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

The Order will be effective between 19th March 2025 and 18th May 2025 every night from 9.00 PM to 5.00 AM or when those works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

4. The prohibition will not apply in respect of:

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

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

5. At such times as the prohibition is in force an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs for trafc travelling in a westerly direction via Orpington By-Pass, Roundabout linking (Shacklands Road, London Road and Shoreham Lane), Old London Road and London Road back to normal route of trafc. for trafc travelling in an easterly direction via Sevenoaks Road, High Street, Sevenoaks Road, Spur Road, Court Road/ Orpington By Pass to normal route of travel.

Dated this 7th day of March 2025

Claire Wright Co-ordination Manager Transport for London

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

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE – AMESBURY AVENUE AND HILLSIDE ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable public realm improvement 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:

(i) that length of Hillside Road which lies between Barcombe Avenue and Tredvell Close; (ii) that length of Amesbury Avenue which lies between Tredvell Close and the property boundaries of No.s 201 and 203 Amesbury Avenue.

2. An alternative route for vehicles will be via Faygate Road and Barcombe Avenue.

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

4. The order will come into force on 17th March 2025 and will continue for a maximum duration of 6 months (to allow for contingencies) or until the works have been completed whichever is the earlier. In practice it is anticipated that the order will only have effect on 17th March 2025 but if the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time then the Order may have effect on subsequent days within the maximum duration of 6 months.

Dated 7th March 2025

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

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

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE – RANDALL ROAD AND RANDALL ROW

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable bridge inspection works to be carried out, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an Order the effect of which would be to temporarily:

(i) ban vehicles from entering that length of Randall Road which lies between Salamanca and a point 68 metres north-east of the kerb-line of Tinworth Street; (ii) ban vehicles from entering Randall Row (access for residents would be maintained).

2. Alternative routes would be available in writing to pedestrians and road users affected by the order.

3 The bans would 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 would come into force on 19th March 2025 and would continue for a maximum duration of 1 month or until the said works have been completed, whichever is earlier. In practice it is anticipated that the works would take place between 19th March 2025 and 20th March 2025 between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am, but if the works cannot be completed or carried out during that time the Order would also have effect at a subsequent time within the maximum period of 1 month.

Dated 7th March 2025

Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water repair and maintenance works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an Order, the effect of which would be to temporarily ban vehicles (including cyclists) from entering Leigham Avenue, between the property boundaries of No. 48 and No. 50 Leigham Avenue.

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

3. Cyclists turning left from Leigham Court Road into Leigham Avenue are required to dismount and use the footway. Cyclists exiting Leigham Avenue onto Leigham Court Road must join and use the main carriageway.

4. The Order would come into force on 24th March 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 works would be carried out between 24th March 2025 and 26th March 2025, but if the works cannot be carried out or completed during those dates, the Order may also have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 1 month. Dated 7th March 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

1.

2.

3.

4.

may also have effect at subsequent times within the maximum period of 1 month.

Dated 7th March 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

that, to enable works involving the operation of a crane to be carried out safely, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth have made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily ban vehicles from entering Pratt Walk between Lambeth Road and its junction with Juxon Street.

2. Alternative routes

3. Whenever the ban referred to in paragraph 1 above applies, the one-way system in Juxon Street between a point 80 feet south-east of the south-eastern kerb-line of Pratt Walk and a point 180 feet south-east of that kerb-line will be temporarily suspended to allow access to and egress from that length of road.

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

5. The Order will come into force on 15th March 2025 for a maximum duration of 2 months (to allow for contingencies) or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will be carried out between 15th March 2025 and 16th March 2025 during the hours of 8.

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

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ON BRIXTON STATION ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to facilitate access to the railway signal, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth made an Order, the general effect of which will be in: -

2. Brixton Station Road, between No. 53 Brixton Station Road and the junction of Valentia Place, (a) to ban vehicles from entering, parking, waiting, loading, and unloading; and (b) close the footway on the south (rail arch) side with pedestrians diverted to the north side.

3. Suspend one-way working and introduce two-way working; (a) on Popes Road between the junctions of Canterbury Crescent and Brixton Station Road; and (b) Brixton Station

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

Notice Under The Town and Country Planning Acts

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council is considering applications as set out below under the following categories;

FUL – Full Applications

LB – Listed Building

ADV – Advertisement VOC – Variation of Conditions

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

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

34 Fieldhouse Road London SW12 0HJ Replacement of the rear ground floor windows and the side door and windows with double glazed sash uPVC windows and double glazed uPVC french doors. 25/00199/FUL

Pensbury Arms 4 Pensbury Street London SW8 4TJ Applicaiton for Change of Use from Pub (Sui Generis) to Motorcycle Shop (Use Class E) together with the installation of a roller shutter to rear ground floor. 25/00488/FUL

64 Barcombe Avenue London SW2 3AZ Replacement of 4 single glazed wooden-framed sash windows with double glazed woodenframed sash windows in the same style (to Flat A). 25/00152/FUL

130 - 134 Clapham High Street London SW4 7UH Variation of Condition 3 (Opening Times) of allowed appeal decision

T/APP/N5660/A/89/133572/P5 of refused planning permission 89/00936/PLANAP (Change of use from retail to use as a restaurant and take-away facilities, with ancillary staff, storage and office accommodation) granted 15/06/1990.

Variation sought: The continued use of the above site, without compliance with Condition 3 to enable the restaurant to trade from 06:00 to 04:00, seven days a week. 25/00515/VOC

Nofax House 11 Voltaire Road London SW4 6DQ The replacement of the single glazing in four existing sash window frames to thermally efficient slim glazing, retaining and restoring the existing timber frame sash and box frame. (Flat 7). (Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 24/04011/LB but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 25/00479/FUL). 24/04011/LB 2A - 2F Durham Street London SE11 5JA Replacement of the existing single glazed timber framed sash windows with double glazed

ROAD, LONDON, SW11

premises. The

also seeks

extend the terminal hour for sale by retail of alcohol from 20.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs and to extend the closing time from 20.30 hrs to 21.30 hrs. The application will also add and update conditions to be attached to the premises licence to continue our promotion of the licensing objectives. Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 2nd April 2025 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden,Surrey,SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk

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

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

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE

OKTOBERFEST EVENTS LTD Has applied to Wandsworth Council for a premises licence at: ‘REDGRA’ SITE – CLAPHAM COMMON, LONDON, SW4 9AN to provide the following licensable activities:

SALE OF ALCOHOL - Thursdays: 17:00 - 22:15, Fridays: 17:00 - 22:15, Saturdays: 11:00 - 22:15, Sundays: 11:00 - 16:45

REGULATED ENTERTAINMENT - (Films, Live Music, Recorded Music, Performance of Dance)Thursdays: 17:00 - 22:30, Fridays: 17:00 - 22:30, Saturdays: 11:00 - 22:30, Sundays: 11:00 - 17:00

OPENING HOURS - Thursdays: 17:00 – 23:00, Fridays: 17:00 – 23:00, Saturdays: 11:00 – 23:00, Sundays: 11:00 - 17:30

This Licence will only be valid for a three-year period - 2025, 2026 & 2027 and will permit 9 days of events only per year.

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

By 27/03/2025

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

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

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LIONESSES MAKE CUP EXIT

By John Kelly

MILLWALL LIONESSES are out of the League Cup after a tough afternoon in their 5-0 defeat against Fulham in the semi-finals at St Paul’s last weekend.

Fulham are only two points ahead of the Lionesses in the L&SERWFL Premier Divisionthough the Cottagers have six games in hand - but

Whyte

out of Joyce fight

By John Kelly

the they had far too much for Ted Jones’s side in Rotherhithe.

The visitors were 2-0 up inside six minutes. In the first minute, Kayleigh Stead got on the end of Ellie Olds’ cross to beat goalkeeper Annis-Clara Wright.

Leeta Rutherford doubled the lead from Lily Stevens’ corner and Olds made it 3-0 after seventeen minutes.

Olds headed in her second from Madi Parsonson

in the 42nd minute to complete miserable half for the hosts.

Millwall managed to close the floodgates in the second half until Georgia Heasman hit the post and Ella Newman fired in the rebound in the fifth minute of stoppage-time.

Ted Jones’ side now turn their attentions back to the league and the chance of revenge when they host Fulham in Rotherhithe this Sunday at 1.30pm.

Meanwhile, the Lionesses have added Olivia Harris to their squad from Bowers and Pitsea.

Millwall Lionesses: Wright, Connell, Chapman, Bennett, Huseyin, Menezes, Wood, Watling, Lockett, Jennings, McGregor.

Substitutes: Francis, Joyce, Townsend, Squirrell, Seely

Riakporhe-Okolie showdown ‘had to happen’

By John Kelly

RICHARD RIAKPORHE said his fight with Lawrence Okolie “had to happen” despite there being no title on the line when they meet in a heavyweight showdown at Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena on April 5.

The pair have been goading each other for years and almost came to blows at an event in London in 2023.

Walworth’s Riakporhe 17-1 (13 KOs) and Hackney’s Okolie, 21-1 (16 KOs), have lost only once, both against Chris Billam-Smith

DILLIAN WHYTE has pulled out of his scheduled heavyweight fight against Joe Joyce because of a finger injury.

The contest was scheduled to headline the Queensberry Promotions event in Manchester in April.

Joyce, 39, will remain as the headliner as a new opponent is sought.

“It’s gutting for Joe,” a source told The Sun. “He has trained, as usual, incredibly hard for this and Dillian was an ideal opponent.

“If there is one thing British boxing fans know about Joe, it’s that he will fight anyone and, thankfully, there are lots of good heavyweights out there.

“Joe has no interest in dropping below world level - Joe will take on anyone.”

Thirty-six-year-old Whyte’s last fight in the UK was a win against Jermaine Franklin at Wembley in November 2022.

Whyte defeated Ebenezer Tetteh in seven rounds in Gibraltar in December.

Hamlet

By John Kelly

at cruiserweight.

They have now stepped up to heavyweight in an event which is Queensberry’s first of their new deal with DAZN.

“Obviously I want a world title and that’s always been my main focus,” Riakporhe, 35, said. “But I feel like sometimes in boxing, there’s some rivalries where there’s no titles involved - or world titlesbut the fights have to happen.

“There’s been fights in the past that didn’t come off, like Lennox Lewis and Riddick Bowe. People wanted to see those fights and they never happened.

“Even to today, years later, people are still upset that it didn’t manifest, didn’t materialise.

“I’m here for a good time, not a long time. I want to be able to rest and say, ‘You know what? I did that, did this, did this, did that. I fought all of these guys, I tested myself. I challenged myself. All the odds stacked up against me.’

“It’s a good feeling for me.”

Riakporhe is confident he can make a winning return against 32-year-old Okolie after his unanimous points defeat to Billam-Smith at Selhurst Park last June.

“One hundred per cent. I feel like in this

game, if you’re not confident in yourself, you shouldn’t be here.” Riakporhe said.

“You shouldn’t be at the table. Don’t come to the fights. Don’t step in the ring because it’s a dangerous place to be. [I learned] many things, man. Many things about myself. My mentality. Things that went good. Things that didn’t go good. Things that I should have done better. So much. When you lose, you really go back into a cave and just really kind of assess absolutely everything.

“Me personally, I actually believe it was a good thing for me. Yeah, it was a good thing that happened.”

Lewes it late on as unbeaten run

ends

DULWICH HAMLET conceded two late goals to lose 3-1 to Lewes at a capacity Champion Hill as their three-match unbeaten run in the Isthmian League Premier Division ended last weekend.

Amaru Kaunda ’s goal gave Bradley Quinton’s side a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Ollie Starkey equalised in the 57th minute before Danny Bassett scored a penalty four minutes from time and added his second in the last minute.

Dulwich are still dogged by relegation worries as they sit just five points above the drop zone with ten games left.

Quinton revealed there was something of a post-mortem to find out what went wrong in the second half.

“Very disappointed with how we came out second half and how we set up,” Quinton said. “Seemed to change on the pitch, which was quite interesting.

We spoke about that after, quite indepth with the players. We seemed to change the game plan on the pitch rather than in the dressing room. Yes, they made some changes formationwise, but the communication needed to be better on the pitch during the game.

“Disappointed not to come in 2-0 up at half-time. Some silly decisions that we made internally, I think, to lose the game.”

Quinton had some praise for Kaunda but warned he needs to knock some rough edges off his game.

“He’s done ever so well for us,” Quinton said. “He’s worked great off the ball. We had to take him off because of his discipline in terms of giving away some silly fouls. Numerous fouls. The referee’s mentioned it, one more time and he’s off. So it’s hard to take off a very effective player.

“Saying that, him and a few others

didn’t do their jobs when we haven’t got the ball in the second half. I was disappointed in that. But don’t take anything away from the lad. He’s a hell of a player, he’s a great talent. Just disappointed that I’ve had to take a good player off because of petulant fouls.”

Quinton felt Lewes’ spot-kick was soft when Jordan Wynter was penalised.

“The referee’s not looking at the player or the ball when Wyns heads to the ball,” Quinton said. “And there’s three of our players around as the ball’s come in. Whether Max [Hudson] could have told him to duck out, but Wyns has stood his ground. I think the player’s smart. He’s done well. He’s felt contact.

“I watched it back in the office now, because we’re able to, it’s not a penalty, it’s not a penalty. But when you call for things [when you feel

contact] sometimes the referees, they give it.”

Dulwich travel to play-off chasing Hashtag United on Saturday for a 3pm kick-off.

Quinton added: “I’m not going to shout and scream and all that because I don’t need to. The boys are gutted with the second-half performance. Now we focus and we work on things like we did in the first half. We’ve done our job on them in the first half and how they played. A very good passing team, very comfortable on the ball. But we seem to have allowed them to do that in the second half. And we stepped away from it. That’s what I was disappointed with.

“We look forward to training now. We’ve got good games in front of us, important games. We’re looking forward to training so we can try and focus on what we’re doing. Move forward and we get on with it.”

Richard Riakporhe

Leno pens victory story for Fulham

By John Kelly

MARCO SILVA said he “loved the composure” his side showed in their penalty shootout win against Manchester United in the fifth round of the FA Cup at Old Trafford last weekend.

Calvin Bassey gave the Cottagers the lead in the first minute of firsthalf stoppage-time before Bruno Fernandes’ 77th-minute equaliser sent the tie into extra-time.

After three penalties each, goalkeeper Bernd Leno saved from Victor Lindelof, skipper Antonee Robinson made it 4-3, and the German stopper repeated the trick against Joshua Zirkzee to send his side through.

“It was our goal, definitely,” Silva said. “We wanted to be in the next stage, we wanted to play in the quarter-finals. And I really believe, and it's my feeling, that we deserve to be there.

“We knew that the way Man United is going to play, it's not easy to come here and to take the control of the game, knowing that they love the open space to counter-attack.

“First half, we were not at our best. We said some things at half-time, and I think the team improved last 30 minutes of the second half, even with the reaction and the goal from Bruno.

“I think we controlled the game, we started to find always Sander Berge alone every single moment of the game, and after from that we built, to Saša [Lukic], or Emile [Smith Rowe], or Andreas [Pereira] as well. And all the extra-time was the same – we took the control.

“They had chances, like we had as well. In that aspect, I think the game was balanced, but much more us in control, much more taking the responsibility to control the game on the ball – it is our way, our identity.

“And overall looking at the game, I really believe that we deserve to be in the next stage.

“I love the composure of our team,” Silva stated. “We prepared really well [for] the game. We knew what the game could demand from ourselves, for the 90, for the 120 minutes, even for the penalties.

“And the composure of our players was great to see Raúl [Jimenez], Sander [Bege], Willian and Robinson do it the way they did. I told the players in the last seconds before the penalty shoot-out that we’ve come a long way, to be in the next stage.

“I know that it’s not easy away from home, with this crowd, to take the responsibility in that moment in the penalty shoot-out, but it was a moment for us to embrace the challenge, and to go and do what we prepared, the way they did it in the training sessions.

“And they did it fantastically. And of course Leno, it was a moment for him to do his part, and he did it in every way.”

PALACE THROUGH AFTER KUNG-FU DRAMA

Late goal sees off Lions’ resistance

By John Kelly

OLIVER GLASNER admitted his side struggled at times to deal with Millwall’s direct play before the Eagles eventually confirmed their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals in a game overshadowed by Lions goalkeeper Liam Roberts’ dangerous challenge that flattened Jean-Philippe Mateta. Roberts was sent off in the eighth minute after rushing from his goal and though he got the ball he followed through on Mateta and caught him with his studs on the side of the striker’s head.

Referee Michael Oliver initially let play go on but after he was sent to the pitch-side monitor by the video assistant referee he showed a straight red card to Roberts.

Mateta required lengthy - and later 25 stitches to his wound - and was replaced by Eddie Nketiah.

A Japhet Tanganga own goal and Daniel Munoz’s 40th-minute effort had Palace cruising before Wes Harding pulled one back thirteen minutes into first-half addedtime.

Nketiah scored the clinching third against the stubborn visitors nine minutes from time.

“Of course, with the long interruption after JP's injury, and then there were one or two players injured, there wasn't really a flow from the beginning, but we controlled

it and then we scored two goals,” Glasner said.

“We had some chances, everything was under control. And then, unnecessarily, we let them back into the game. We had the possession and there was one or two minutes to play, and then we just passed into a very dangerous area, losing the ball. Then they get one situation and they are back in the game.

“And in the second half we struggled with their long balls a little bit. They are physically strong and they come easily close to our box. They had long throw ins which we defended well, and then we waited for the decisive moment – and then it was an amazing header from Eddie. The game was won.”

It was a third win for Palace in a week.

Nketiah has scored two goals in his last two games after only two in his previous 22 this season after his £25million move from Arsenal in the summer.

“He can be very happy with it, it was an amazing header,” Glasner said.

“He had to run backwards and then heading into the opposite direction is one

of the most difficult headers you can have, technically, and getting all the power.

“We're doing this [training it], of course, for scoring goals. We're doing it so that the players get used to good crosses and timing, and also for having fun, having a competition and scoring goals because at the end, you need to score goals to win games.”

Romain Esse faced Millwall for the first time since leaving The Den for Crystal Palace in a £14.5million deal in January.

He was given a warm reception by the almost 4,000 travelling contingent as he clapped them after the game.

“It was a big win. It meant a lot for us, the boys, the staff, the manager. We're into the next round, the quarter-finals, and it's an achievement to be proud of,” Esse said.

“Obviously, personally, it's always good to come to your home and play your old team, where I basically grew up and started playing football. It was good to see some familiar faces, but then when it comes down to business, there was only one team that was going to win – and that was us. I'm happy we've won and we're through to the next round.

“Personally, on my performance, I know I'm growing, I'm still learning, getting better game by game. I just want to show the fans more and more every time I touch the pitch.

I know it will come, so I've just got to stay patient and obviously give my all.

“I'm enjoying life at Palace so far and now I've just got to keep going, keep working hard.

“It's a different environment, the best league in the world, top players in the world. I'm looking at players in my position: Ebs [Eberechi Eze], Ismaïla Sarr, who also played in the Championship. These are big players.

“It's not just about always wanting to play, which I always do, always wanting to start. But sometimes you've got to watch and take little tips from each player's game and add it to yours.

"I'm enjoying learning at the moment so far, and also can't wait to make more of an impact. But as I said, that comes with time, and obviously you've just got to stay patient.”

There was some booing from the Lions section, but it was meant and taken in good spirit.

Esse said: “I heard it through the game, but it didn't faze me. I’m not fussed, I know what the fans are like.

“But yeah, at the end of the game, it was a nice touch for them to clap me and sing the song again, that I'm one of theirs.

“It was good, but obviously we won – and South London is ours.”

Palace were drawn against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the quarter-finals.

The Eagles host Ipswich Town in the Premier League this Saturday at 3pm.

By John Kelly

FULHAM SAID they were “utterly appalled” with abuse directed at defender Calvin Bassey after their penalty shootout victor against Manchester United. Bassey shared screenshots of the private messages he was sent after

the game, containing vile abuse/ The Cottagers released a statement on Sunday. It read: “Fulham Football Club is utterly appalled at the racist and homophobic abuse received and subsequently shared by Calvin Bassey on social media after yesterday’s FA Cup tie against Manchester United.

“We strongly condemn this

abhorrent behaviour which has no place in football or society. Such actions are entirely unacceptable, and we stand in full support of Calvin Bassey, who will continue to receive our full backing.

“We will do everything in our power to work with the relevant authorities in identifying the perpetrators of

these vile messages and taking the strongest form of action against them.

“Fulham Football Club is committed to maintaining a firm stance against all forms of discrimination and remains dedicated to fostering an environment of respect and inclusion.”

Romain Esse against former team-mate

Joe Bryan

Inset: Liam Roberts (13) after being sent off

By Will Scott

BRISTOL CITY comfortably defeated Millwall 2-0 at The Den on Tuesday evening behind goals by Southwark-born Zak Vyner and Harry Cornick.

It was a frustrating home performance by the Lions, who registered only one shot on target despite finishing the game with thirteen efforts, while the Robins scored the two clear-cut chances they created - both of which were aided by poor Millwall defending. The Lions were able to get up the

ROBINS DISPATCH TOOTHLESS LIONS

pitch and Bristol City left spaces to attack, but time and time again they gave the ball away in promising positions, and ultimately failed to really threaten a side that had not won away from home since November.

The game was potentially a critical six-pointer in the context of the playoff race, and the match had a real intensity to it from the off. While the two sides struggled to create clear-cut chances in the opening 20 minutes, it was a back and forth affair - with both teams pressing high and trying to break quickly, leaving themselves exposed at the back.

By John Kelly

from a corner. In the 53rd minute, Rob Dickie nodded a header into the ground, and it bounced up for Cameron Pring at the near post, who squared the ball across the six-yard box for Vyner to tap into the net.

Despite Millwall going a goal down, Emakhu injected a real potency into their attack, and nearly set up an equaliser four minutes later. He beat his man yet again with his raw pace before putting the ball into the six-yard box. Bristol City managed to scramble it away, but it fell to Ivanovic at the back post who put his volley over.

Neil opted to ring the changes again with the Lions struggling to create much in the next fifteen minutes, bringing on Josh Coburn for Luke Cundle and going two up front.

The Scot’s changes did not have the desired effect, with the Lions only registering two efforts between the 45th minute and the 82nd, neither of which were on target.

While Millwall were proving to be frustratingly inefficient going forward, Bristol City were proving to be effective in front of goal, doubling their lead with only seven minutes of regulation remaining with two substitutes combining for the goal.

Millwall ineffective in attack as Bristol City cruise to comfortable win

There were spaces for Millwall to attack, they just lacked a bit of quality on the ball and gave the ball away too easily, while Bristol City started to test Lukas Jensen in the Lions net. Scott Twine forced the Dane into a sprawling save in the 30th minute after a long ball from Zak Vyner found him on the edge of the area.

The Lions did threaten at set-pieces, and Mihailo Ivanovic had a half-decent chance to break the deadlock in the 27th minute from a free kick, but his header deflected off his shoulder and then onto the back of Crama’s head and then sailed into the hands of Robins

keeper Max O’Leary.

Millwall had a bright spell of possession shortly before half-time but did not really look like breaking the deadlock before referee Matthew Donohue whistled to bring the first half to a close.

Lions boss Alex Neil was clearly not happy with what he’d seen and made an enforced change during the break, bringing on Aidomo Emakhu for Femi Azeez who felt his hamstring, and with his first action, the Irish winger won a corner by beating his man.

However, the Robins would be the ones to draw first blood, and it came

Sam Bell broke down the left and had an effort saved by Jensen, but the rebound bounced to Harry Cornick, who calmly passed the ball into the net to all but tie up the three points for the Robins.

The goal sapped all energy out of The Den, and the Lions failed to really mount a convincing comeback attempt. The final whistle blew to call an end to the match and to nearly put the playoffs out of reach. Millwall are now seven points off sixth-placed West Bromwich Albion and still have to play all of the current top four away from home.

Millwall: 4-2-3-1 – Jensen; Bryan, Tanganga, Cooper, Crama; Mitchell (Saville 80), De Norre (Honeyman 80); Bangura-Williams, Cundle (Coburn 69), Azeez (Emakhu 46); Ivanovic

Unused Substitutes: Evans, Connolly, Wintle, Harding, Sturge

Bristol City: 3-4-3 - O’Leary; Pring (Bell 76), Dickie, Vyner; Sykes (Roberts 69), Knight, Bird, Tanner; Twine (Williams), Armstrong (Cornick 69), Earthy

Unused Substitutes: Bajic, Hirakawa, Mehmeti, McGuane, Morrison

QPR drift continues with Blades loss Ravens boost play-off hopes

MARTI CIFUENTES was proud of his Queens Park Rangers side despite their 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United at Loftus Road last weekend - their fifth Championship defeat in their last seven.

Ben Brereton-Diaz’s strike had Chris Wilder’s side ahead at the break and they doubled their lead nine minutes after half-time through Tyrese Campbell.

Michael Frey’s penalty eighteen minutes from time gave the R’s a chance but they couldn’t find a leveller.

“There is no consolation when you lose because we're here to win football games,” Cifuentes said.

“I think that perhaps we might have a feeling that we deserve a bit more in many senses, but the reality is that we didn't achieve what we were here for, and that was to win the game.

“But the feeling is that we played in many, many areas at a very good level.

“I think that the team always shows fantastic attitude so it's never about the attitude.

“Sometimes we have better games, worse games, but these guys are always trying their best, so I'm always very proud in that sense. The commitment is always there.

“I think that the feeling with the fans as well is that the team is trying their best, is pushing all the way. And unfortunately, as I said, it was not enough, but the attitude is always very, very strong.”

QPR look like they are heading towards a mid-table finish. They travel to sixth-place West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Cifuentes added: “We need to swallow this and I'm the first one that will go home very disappointed because I think that we played at a high level against a very good team and we got the possibility to pick up some points.

“But we swallow this one and prepare for the next one as we always do. We will analyse what we can do better and move on.

“There are eleven games to play, still a lot of points to play for and we're going to keep pushing.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Sam Field could miss the rest of the season after picking up an injury in the 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth.

By John Kelly

BROMLEY BOOSTED their League

Two play-off chances as they defeated automatic promotion hopefuls Doncaster Rovers 1-0 at Hayes Lane on Tuesday night to move to within four points of the top seven.

Defender Deji Elerewe screed the only goal of the game in the tenth minute as the Ravens made it five wins in their last six games. It was also a fifth clean sheet in those five games, four of which they have won 1-0. Bromley are two points off Grimsby Town in eighth and four off Crewe Alexandra. Andy Woodman’s side travel to 22nd-place Tranmere Rovers this Saturday for a 3pm kick-off.

had thirteen shots, only one of which was on target

Marti Cifuentes

Sport

By Will Scott

ALEX NEIL was left ruing the two defensive lapses that allowed Bristol City to leave The Den with a 2-0 win on Tuesday night.

under the first one, we don’t deal with the second one, they land on it, square it and score the goal,”

PALACE THROUGH AFTER KUNG-FU DRAMA

Millwall were not at their best against the Robins, recording just one shot on target that came in the 95th minute, but Bristol City rarely threatened Lukas Jensen in the Lions’ net and scored the only two clear-cut chances they had.

Neil thinks both goals were easily avoidable.

“The corner comes in, we run

‘THE BASICS COST US THE GAME’

Neil said. Then the second goal is a goal kick. Two of our lads go under the ball. We don’t win it, their wide player runs off the back of ours and then we’ve got an opportunity to collect it. We don’t, it spills and then they score the goal.

“So in my view, that’s got nothing to do with how we’re set up or tactics. It’s basics isn’t it? You’ve got a man to pick up from a set play and then go and win a header from a goal kick. It really boiled down to that for me. So the biggest

Alex Neil rues the defensive lapses that undid Millwall in 2-0 loss to Bristol City

frustration I’ve got is I think the basics cost us the game really without Bristol having to do too much.

“I don’t think we can dwell on it too much. I don’t think there was a huge amount wrong. We didn’t come here and get played off the pitch. I thought the game was finely balanced really. They had the better of the first half in my opinion without creating too much. Lukas I think had one saved down the right, from a [Scott] Twine shot. That was about it.

“I thought we got into really good areas in the second half,

particularly Aidomo [Emakhu], I thought he was excellent when he came on. Every time he got the ball, he got a corner, he got a cross in the box.

“Josh Coburn has a header he puts over the bar. We have one at the back stick, Mihailo [Ivanovic] puts it over the bar with a volley.

“So I didn’t think there were huge amounts of clear-cut chances for either team and the worst it should have been for us should have been a 0-0, take the point, move on to the next one. But we didn’t defend two fundamental moments and unfortunately it cost us the game.”

Jones marks milestone with nuggets and beer

By John Kelly

NATHAN JONES marked 50 league games in charge of Charlton Athletic with a win - and then celebrated with chicken nuggets.

Macaulay Gillesphey scored the only goal against Barnsley in the twelfth minute at The Valley on Tuesday night to send the Addicks fifth in League One.

It was a sixth league win on the bounce in their own backyard and they are not out of the automatic promotion equation as they trail second-place Wycombe Wanderers by eight points.

“I’ll have some chicken nuggets and maybe a bottle of Leffe,” Jones said when asked how he would celebrate his halfcentury. “I’m very proud of that. I don’t mean to be coy. I’m very proud of little milestones because I’m a little boy from a mining community in the Rhondda Valley so to be in charge of such a prestigious club, I don’t take those things for granted.

“I’m very proud and very humbled to manage great football clubs and I have had the privilege of doing that.

“Right now I’m at one of the best and I love my job. I love the fact I get entrusted to manage the club. I love the people I meet, I love what we have here and we’re nowhere near want we want to be yet.

There is a lot of work to go.”

Jones added: “I’m really pleased with the win. Barnsley are a good side, they’ve won three on the bounce, they’ve got some real attacking players that cause you real problems. The way they play is awkward to play against, it’s difficult, you have to keep being aggressive in your press and everything you do. I thought we were really, really good. I was really pleased with the level of performance. We tweaked a few things at half time and I felt we were far more comfortable second half than we were in the first.”

Charlton are away to Stockport County on Saturday at 12.30pm.

Millwall have only lost two of their past nine league games

Nathan Jones