South London Weekly - May 8th 2026 by CommunityMattersMedia

We are a London Living Wage employer

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

By Kumail Jaffer Local Democracy Reporter

TRANSPORT FOR London (TfL) must ensure stations are staffed properly with an increased presence of police officers across the network in London in order to curb record levels of assaults, a major union has said.

There were 10,493 reports of work-related violence and aggression towards transport workers in the capital in 2023/24 – an average of 200 incidents a week – according to the latest data from the London Assembly.

This includes a 35 per cent increase in incidents against rail staff and 18.5 per cent against bus drivers since 2021.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) have now held a campaign day across the UK demanding an end to the rise in assaults and abuse against frontline staff.

In London, union officials said members are being “punched, spat at, sexually assaulted, verbally harassed, and threatened” on a daily basis.

They have called on TfL and the government to ensure safe staffing levels, an end to lone working, proper funding for the British Transport Police (BTP) to ensure they are present across the network, and legislation to make it a specific offence to assault a transport worker –similar to what was introduced for retail workers.

Senior Assistant General Secretary John Leach told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We have many thousands of members who work within TfL and on the railway.

“In London, we had a case of one of our members being killed in Ilford – but every day we have members being punched, spat at, sexually assaulted, verbally harassed, threatened – it’s worse than its ever been, and TfL don’t even deny it.

“We are putting the full weight of the union behind doing something about it.

“We want more funding for protection for us, including more

TRANSPORT WORKERS ATTACKED ON AVERAGE 200 TIMES A WEEK

effective policing instead of outsourcing to agencies. We want well trained and well motivated, trained staff to be doing it.

“We want a change in legislation that protections for retail workers should apply to transport workers.

“We also want to make sure this is not normalised. We’re not having it – we want actions against assaults.

“TfL are always up against this ideological commitment to save money, including outsourcing and cutting staffing levels.

“There is an overreliance on agency security. They could have more staff on stations, doubling up staff, for example. Staff make stations safer – and the public agree with us.

“It is utterly intolerable that people are being murdered, hospitalised at work. We shouldn’t accept it in any sector or job in society – you shouldn’t be expected to be the punchbag. We need the people who are

running the country to engage with us and share the narrative that this is unacceptable.”

In February the London Assembly Transport Committee heard harrowing stories of abuse and violence directly from frontline workers as part of their new investigation into assaults on transport staff.

Luke Banks, who works as a revenue control officer on the London Underground, was assaulted at King’s Cross Station last year after stepping in to defend a colleague who was being threatened.

He told Assembly Members: “The customer turned on me, shoved us both in the chest and started screaming death threats.”

Meanwhile, Paul Feakes, a revenue control inspector for London Underground, was punched twice by a member of the public and “dragged across the ticket hall floor” during one incident.

One senior frontline staffer told

the LDRS that the levels of abuse faced by transport workers seem to have hit record levels following a hollowing out of the workforce.

“TfL have massively cut frontline staff, leading to increasing amounts of unstaffed stations, especially in Zones 3-6,” they said.

“That has allowed people to stroll onto the network without a ticket, and without a deterrent.

“Post-Covid, we’ve seen a lot more opportunists trying to travel for free, while violence against staff is through the roof.

We’ve had broken jaws, eye sockets, brain damage – that used to be super rare even a decade ago, now it’s commonplace.

“There’s a massive problem with us deterring abuse against staff. We need every station properly staffed and far more visible policing – not only in response but for people to regularly see police [at stations]. Staff also need more legal protections.”

Hayward, TfL’s Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, told the LDRS:

“Everyone has the right to do their job without fear of being assaulted, abused or threatened, and we have been clear that we will not stand for this behaviour towards our staff while they carry out their essential work to keep London moving.

“While we’ve made real progress in reducing the most harmful forms of violence and aggression, the rising levels of hostility and hate across society make clear that we cannot be complacent. That’s why we’re working closely with our staff, the police and our operators and our trade unions to take action – including by making body?worn video essential kit for all frontline staff, making CCTV improvements, enhancing policing, running communications campaigns and making interventions to reduce the triggers of conflict.”

Editor: Kevin Quinn

Reporters: Issy Clarke, Evie Flynn

Sports Editor: John Kelly

Sports reporter: Will Scott

Arts Correspondent: Michael Holland

Digital Transformation Editor: Katherine Johnston

Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips

Advertising: Clarry Frewin

Design: Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen

Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758

Subscriptions/Announcements: Katie Boyd

Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany

Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn

Published weekly at:

Community Matters Media Ltd, 1 Bermondsey Square, London SE1 3UN

News and Sport: 020 7231 5258

Advertising: 0020 7232 1639

News/Advertising: hello@cm-media.co.uk

Finance: em@cm-media.co.uk

Printed by Iliffe Print. Tel: 01223 656500

www.iliffeprint.co.uk

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

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

We believe in community and in balanced, independent and responsible journalism. As a south London business, we also work to support fellow local businesses. A dedicated team of staff work tirelessly to cover as much of what is going on as possible and strive to ensure that community-led, independent newspapers can survive and excel in a market dominated by national and multinational media groups.

Siwan

RMT Members demo outside TfL offices in Blackfriars Credit: RMT

BERMONDSEY CHEF BREAKS WORLD RECORD FOR LONGEST

Leonardo Mastrofilippo of Cafe Amisha headed up the team of over 100 Italian chefs

By Leah Renz

A CHEF and restaurant owner from Bermondsey led the team which broke the record for the world’s longest tiramisu.

Leonardo Mastrofilippo of Cafe Amisha said he joined the project as a joke before taking over as head chef of the operation and creating the world’s longest tiramisu at 440.52 metres.

273 metres.

“We were thinking to do 300 [metres] but I said to myself, we can do more, I’m sure we can”, said Leonardo.

The team used 800 litres of coffee, 19,000 eggs, 1,500 kilograms of mascarpone and 150,000 sponge fingers.

He organised the entire team - with chefs from London, Manchester, Birmingham and 20 direct from Italy - to each complete their task and create the

room in a giant square and was topped with golden letters spelling out “Grazie Your Majesty”.

Upon completing the tiramisu and breaking the record, Leonardo cried tears of happiness.

But whisking up the world’s longest tiramisu did not come without risk.

“During the day, of course everything happens against us. The machine broke. Actually, we started with seven machines

stressed and shouted: ‘we cannot make any more cream!’ but I say, ’no you have to!’ And they put all the experience they had and the knowledge to do the same job with three machines fewer… so it was amazing. I can say one of them was my wife as well.”

The massive Italian dessert was sold to raise money for the anti-poverty charity Esharelife Foundation.

“Nobody makes a profit”, explained

the world record dessert at midnight, working for 14 hours non stop.

And finally, we asked Leonardo: What’s the secret to making a good tiramisu?

His answer: “Really good coffee - we use Ile coffee from Italy which we found is the best coffee in the world - good quality cream and good quality mascarpone, and finally good quality of people with the passion!”

Go to the Cafe Amisha website to book

EXCLUSIVE

By Evie Flynn

PAREN TS AND children in Borough are furious at Southwark Council’s plans to open up the historic Little Dorrit Park to dogs and adults not accompanied by children.

Named after a Charles Dickens novel, Little Dorrit Children’s Park opened in 1902 on Borough High Street. Historic bylaws have long banned dogs and lone adults from entering.

However, Southwark Council plans to reverse these historic exemptions to allow the wider public to use the space for “rest and recreation”.

Under improvement works set to begin this summer, the play area will be enclosed by railings, while the rest of the space will be opened to everyone – including dog walkers and adults without children.

The plans have sparked anger among local families, particularly those connected to nearby primary schools, Cathedral School and St Joseph’s.

Parents say many children are afraid of dogs and fear they will be confined to a small play area in one corner, rather than having free run of the entire park. They also point out that the park remains the only outdoor space in the area designated for children.

Nick Meo, a parent of two children at Cathedral School, said: “I’m really very puzzled by the plans and we don’t understand why the council wants to let dogs in. The park works brilliantly and is a fantastic resource for children.”

He added: “A lot of children don’t have gardens or places where they can play outside. The worry is that it will be used less and in a year or two it won’t be a children’s park anymore.

“It’s the only space in the area where young children can play safely on grass and climb trees without fear of dogs.”

The children, many of whom have been using the park next to their schools for years, have also voiced concerns about the proposals.

“Dogs make a mess everywhere and they are too loud,” said 6-year-old Daniel. “They are going to shunt the kids’ stuff over into the shadows.”

Ella, aged nine, said: “I get really mad when people don’t pick up dog poo because people step in it. I also don’t like when aggressive people come into parks.”

Although dogs and their owners will not be allowed inside the dedicated children’s play area, the plans mean that children would have to share the wider green space with dogs.

A small dog park called The Peace Garden already exists just yards away from the current children’s playground and other parks in the wider Borough area are open to dogs – such as Mint Street Park, St George’s Gardens and Tabard Garden.

Nick said: “There are lots of other places nearby where dogs can go, so it’s not as if the dogs need a place to go – but the children do.

“Little Dorrit park is a tiny area and it’s always been a children’s park. The worry is that parents will start to use it less and soon it will become like any other playground.”

One mother of an eight-year-old boy, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I don’t mind the park being open to adults, but I am concerned that they want to allow dogs.

“I know not all dogs are the same, but some are bigger and more aggressive. Every time you check the news it feels like something has happened involving a dog. Some dog owners are not

BACKLASH OVER PLANS TO OPEN CHILD-ONLY DICKENSIAN PARK TO DOGS AND LONE ADULTS

Little Dorrit Park in Borough has been a children’s park for nearly 125 years

responsible.”

She said her son had a bad experience with a dog in a park when he was younger after one jumped on him.

“When he sees dogs now he is scared.

The park is currently contained, but if it’s opened up onto a busy road that worries me.”

The park takes its name from Charles Dickens’ 1857 novel Little Dorrit, which tells the story of a young girl born in Marshalsea debtors’ prison – once located just up the road from where the park now stands.

Dickens himself lived in Lant Street as a child while his father was imprisoned in the Marshalsea, an experience widely believed to have inspired the novel.

It is thought Dickens’ experiences influenced the story of Little Dorrit’s protagonist, who was born in Marshalsea prison and later baptised and married at St George the Martyr Church.

Another parent, Sara, who has been bringing her children to the park for 12 years, said: “This playground means a lot to all of us.

“The plans mean it would lose its sense of security — it’s opening a can of worms that doesn’t need to be opened.”

The park was originally opened just north of Marshalsea Road as a playground for children in the surrounding slums, like neighbouring Falcon Court.

Newspaper records from the time describe the slums as: “Rows of houses, generally back to back, harbour a population decimated by disease and producing a race of children even more sickly and degenerate than their parents.

“Child life is, in fact, blighted, and a

plentiful crop of pauperism is provided for the future”.

The park later fell into disrepair during the latter half of the twentieth century until a group of mothers from Cathedral School came together in 1999 to help restore it.

Southwark Council’s project includes improvements to the play area, including toddler swings, stepping stones, more seating for parents, a higher slide, a fireman’s pole and a new wooden train. The current designs were created using feedback from three public consultations. The most recent consultations took place in April and May 2025, with 48 surveys completed.

The council’s consultation page states: “The play area is not surrounded by railings and, according to the bylaws,

adults without children and dogs are not allowed anywhere on the site.

“However, in practice the park is a popular lunchtime eating spot and recreational space for people of all ages.”

According to the consultation results, 29 per cent of respondents said they did not want railings around the play area, while 21 per cent said they wanted dogs to remain banned from the park.

However, only 3.7 per cent of respondents were under 18, despite children being the main users of the space. The council said that, to address this, it held a workshop with a local primary school in October 2025 involving six representatives from the school council aged between eight and 10.

A Southwark Council spokesperson

said: “We want everyone in Southwark to enjoy excellent green spaces and we’re working hard to improve our parks and playgrounds.

“Little Dorrit Park near Borough High Street is popular with families and also people who use the park for rest and recreation, especially at lunchtime and in the evenings.

“We’re improving the play area with new toddler swings, a better slide, a fireman’s pole and more seats.

“Fencing the play area will improve safeguarding for children and provide a dog-free zone in a park that is already used by dog walkers.

“The new Little Dorrit Park is designed to work well for all park users including a much better and safer playground for children to enjoy.”

Children from nearby Cathedral School have shared concerns about the proposals

Six-year olds Daniel (left) and Ariella (right)

The entrance to the park is just off Borough High Street and has numerous ‘No dogs allowed’ signs

EXCLUSIVE

By Leah Renz

FLUFFY, HEALTHY chicks are flourishing again at a community garden in Peckham after a horrific break-in left nearly the entire flock dead or missing.

On 26 January, a suspected thief broke into the chicken coop at Glengall Wharf Garden and snatched up six chickens, leaving the rest to be savaged by a passing fox.

Of the original 14 chickens, only one lone hen - Pink - survived.

The bodies of six of the chickens were never found, and the rest were left dead, “bitten by the fox in the neck”, according to Luigia Minichiello, who works in the gardens.

Luigia suspects foul play because the chickens disappeared without even a feather trace, suggesting that they had been stolen rather than attacked by a wild animal.

Another smoking gun giveaway, as Luigia pointed out, is that “foxes can’t break open a padlock”.

Glengall Wharf Garden put out missing posters in the vain hope that “someone might notice that their neighbour suddenly had lots of chickens”.

But the missing hens were never found.

“It was so distressing for all of us” said Luigia. “We were all so heartbroken”.

The chickens in Glengall Wharf Garden are saved from slaughter so they may “live out their natural lives in Peckham”.

The chicken coop is “not supposed to be Fort Knox”, explained Luigia, but Glendall Wharf Garden has upped its security following the distressing breakin.

And in a heart-warming twist, local supporters and fundraisers have rebuilt the Peckham community coop and helped them rescue a further 14 chickens.

The new hens arrived in poor condition, with some possibly raised in a battery farm, but are now “healthy, fluffy, and ready to meet the very people who helped save them”.

To celebrate the new chicks and restoration of the coop, Glengall Wharf Garden hosted a Spring Fête last Sunday 3 May.

The event included a “meet The Hen

HAPPY CHICKS AGAIN AFTER JANUARY THEFT AND FOX ATTACK

A shameless thief broke into community garden and fled the scene with six chickens

Greggs ‘lock-up the sausage rolls’

Two

of the

six

stores

locking

goods behind counters are in South London, as chain bids to stop thefts

By Leah Renz

GREGGS HAS locked up its sausage rolls behind new theft-proof counters in a bid to slash shoplifting.

The bakery chain is removing its selfservice cabinets in six stores across the UK, including a Greggs in Peckham and Croydon.

The trial hopes to stop thieves waltzing into stores and snatching items off the shelves without paying.

The sausage roll chain is trialling the new measures across London in Croydon, Peckham Whitechapel and Upton Park and also in Birmingham and Wilford, Nottinghamshire.

Greggs said the stores were selected for their “higher levels of anti-social behaviour”.

All baked goods and sweet treats will now be handed over the counter by staff instead of inside glass cabinets where customers may help themselves.

The move comes as shoplifting offences soar past half a million per year in England and Wales, according to data released last year.

We have previously reported on Met

police crackdowns targeting thieves who nicked over £2,500 in four months from shops across London.

One video shows a man shamelessly helping himself to several energy drinks in a Greggs before strolling out of the bakery and being tackled to the ground by police.

A thief called Patrick Verry has been banned from every Greggs store in England and Wales after targeting the sausage roll chain seven times.

But PM Keir Starmer claimed last Monday that “the tide is turning” on shoplifting, pointing to a fall in shop theft in 2025 and a rise of 17% in people charged with shoplifting.

The fall in shop theft referenced by Starmer refers to data indicating a 1% drop in 2025, a year in which counting measures were also changed by the Office of National Statistics.

Starmer also plans to tackle “disgraceful” thefts by scrapping the “ridiculous regulation” which means stolen goods worth less than £200 are not properly investigated.

The Prime Minister also promised to deploy an extra 3,000 neighbourhood police officers on local streets.

Party” where the public got to cuddle Pink, Chirpy, Harriet and Lilley, as well as chicken poo bingo and chook

walking. Across the year, Glengall Wharf Community Garden offers food growing

workshops, homeopathy and healing clinic, forest garden skills, bee keeping and a sauna.

The Greggs in Peckham on Rye Lane is rolling back its self-service cabinets.

Luigia said the thief may have nicked the black-feathered hens because they look more expensive

The new ﬂocks of rescue chickens are happy and healthy in the community gardens

EXCLUSIVE

By Francesca Papp

INDEPENDENT FISH and chip shops in Bermondsey are struggling to stay profitable as wholesale cod prices reach record levels, with some owners warning they may be forced to drop the fish from their menus entirely.

Cod is currently trading at between £24 and £28 per kilo at wholesale, a price several local owners say is unsustainable for businesses serving one of London’s most economically stretched communities. Southwark has a poverty rate of 31% and parts of Bermondsey rank among the borough’s most deprived neighbourhoods.

Turan Tunc, who runs Joseph’s Chippie on Tower Bridge Road, turned down an offer of Scottish cod at £28 a kilo last week, instead buying a single box of Icelandic cod at £24. “I think it’s important we start encouraging people to go for cheaper options,” he said.

Naz Niyazi, owner of Elite Fish Bar on Ambrose Street, off Southwark Park Road in Bermondsey sells cod and chips for £9.50. “We’re not in an affluent area where people can afford to spend more than £10,” he said. Niyazi orders directly from Grimsby to keep costs down, but warns that if prices continue to climb, he could be forced to switch to alternatives such as hake, coley or pollock.

Alan Richardson of Bermondseybased wholesaler Zampa Fish, which supplies more than 100 businesses across London and the South East, said the problem extended across the

SCALING BACK

Chip shop fears cod could come off the menu as price hits record high

supply chain. “If fish is expensive, my margin gets squeezed. Nobody earns money when the fish is expensive,” he said.

The high prices are being driven by sharply reduced fishing quotas. The UK, EU and Norway agreed a total North Sea cod quota of 14,034 tonnes for 2026 — a fall of 44 per cent on the previous year.

Scientists at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea had recommended a zero catch

for North Sea cod in 2026, warning that any commercial fishing risked threatening reproduction rates, but the government accepted a reduced quota instead. Prices are expected to remain high throughout 2026.

Joseph’s Chippie has already begun adapting its menu, serving haddock on weekdays and cod only from Thursday to Saturday. Niyazi said he hopes to avoid following suit but acknowledged the industry may have little choice.

Fish and chips have been a staple of

working-class London since the 1860s, when Jewish immigrants in the East End first combined fried fish with chips. Winston Churchill refused to ration the dish during the Second World War, calling it “good companions” and citing the risk of public unrest. Whether cod remains central to that tradition may now depend on how long independent shops can absorb the cost.

Joseph’s Fish & Chips: Tower Bridge Road, SE1. Elite Fish Bar: Ambrose Street, SE16.

Turan Tunc of Joseph’s Fish and Chips now serves haddock instead of cod MondayWednesday

Elite ﬁ shbar, in The Blue area of Bermondsey

By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter

A SOUTH London reverend has successfully overturned a £160 penalty charge for driving through a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) after an adjudicator found the road signage was obscured.

Rev Peter Ratcliff is now calling on Merton Council to “do the honourable thing” and refund others in the same situation. The case centred on the LTN restriction at the Abbey Road and High Path junction in South Wimbledon.

Rev Ratcliff, of St John’s Continuing Church in Wimbledon, was recorded driving through the street by ANPR cameras on November 30 last year. Rev Ratcliff, who lives near the restricted road, told the Local Democracy

Reporting Service (LDRS) he felt compelled to challenge the penalty as he believed it had been unfairly imposed and would likely catch out many other motorists.

“To use a biblical phrase, I could see cars going like lambs to the slaughter,” he said.

LTNs are used by local authorities to restrict certain types of vehicles from passing through residential roads. Rev Ratcliff, who previously faced a similar fine in the borough, argued that the signage for the Abbey Road LTN was inadequate and did not give motorists sufficient time to react, as it was obscured by tree branches.

At a recent London Tribunal hearing held via video link, the adjudicator agreed that key signage displaying the restrictions was not prominently

VICAR ON LTN: ‘I COULD SEE CARS GOING LIKE LAMBS TO THE SLAUGHTER’

displayed, with one sign obscured by tree foliage and another positioned too far from a driver’s natural line of sight.

The adjudicator ruled that the most important sign, on the left-hand side of the road, only became visible as drivers approached a bend, by which point they were already close to the restricted area. They also noted that a sign on the right-hand side was set back within the junction and less likely to be seen in time.

Finally, the tribunal ruled that warning signs indicating a ‘no through road’ did not adequately alert oncoming motorists to the specific restriction in place. As a result, Rev Ratcliff’s £160 penalty was cancelled in March this year.

However, following his success, Merton Council later sought a review of the decision, arguing that Rev Ratcliff had

TFL ACCUSED OF ‘DERELICTION OF DUTY’

By Kumail Jaffer Local Democracy Reporter

TRANSPORT FOR London (TfL) has been accused of deprioritising commuter stations in its drive to make half the network accessible by 2030.

Currently 94 of 272 Tube stations have step-free access, with around 40 more currently undergoing feasibility studies or where design work is underway. However, Liberal Democrat politicians in outer London have now demanded the network “accelerates” the pace at which such studies are commissioned for stations which are technically outside of the capital but under TfL control.

In a letter to TfL Commissioner Andy Lord and Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, the signatories – which include London Assembly Member Gareth Roberts, Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor and Leader of Three Rivers Council

Stephen Giles-Medhurst – said there are “inconsistencies” in where assessments care carried out.

They said stations affected include Bushey, Moor Park, Carpenders Park, Croxley, Rickmansworth, Watford High Street and Chorleywood, which are all either on the Metropolitan or (Overground) Lioness Line.

Of the stations listed, only Croxley was approved for step-free infrastructure after a study carried out in 2024 recommended two lifts be installed. However, this has yet to be actioned.

Rickmansworth and Moor Park, meanwhile, were rejected from the scheme after being assessed. The rest have yet to be looked at.

“Given TfL’s stated commitments to accessibility, equality of opportunity and inclusive transport, the absence of even preliminary studies at certain stations is a cause for concern,” they wrote.

“We therefore respectfully ask that you consider accelerating the pace at which

feasibility studies are commissioned and carried out for stations under TfL control that are not currently step-free. Addressing these accessibility gaps would represent a meaningful step towards a more inclusive transport network.”

Cllr Callum Robertson, who represents Tudor Ward on Watford Borough Council, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “On the rare occasions these studies are carried out, not much is done after that. For Croxley, TfL have sat on the results for two years.

“TfL have a legal duty to make public places accessible. If you have a Duty of Care to make stations accessible, have the plans to do so but do nothing, that’s a dereliction of duty.

“These stations aren’t within Greater London but are run by a body only accountable to voters in Greater London. How can our voters who want good public transport hold TfL to account?

“People are being penalised for going

been aware of the restriction for nearly a year. Rev Ratcliff told the LDRS of his frustration with the council’s attempt to review, saying: “You are not meant to guess where signs are hidden behind trees or remember where they are…You are meant to see them, that is what they are for.”

At a subsequent hearing on April 18, a second adjudicator sided with Rev Ratcliff and upheld the original ruling.

Rev Ratcliff believes Merton Council should now accept appeals from other motorists who have received fines at that same junction. He said: “Trees don’t move, signposts don’t move and width restrictions don’t move, so what applies to me should apply to them. You [the council] have a moral obligation to refund people.”

While he was clear that he was not

against the council, he said: “Let us hope that Merton will now do the honourable thing and offer to refund charges to everyone else and also to correct the signage to make it clear.

“I have done what I can for the time being. It is now over to everyone else to politely ask Merton to do the right thing. I will try to help anyone who contacts me if I can.”

A spokesperson for Merton Council said: “The London Tribunals adjudicator found that the signage is up to legal standards. The council acknowledges the decision made by the adjudicator, which is relevant only to this case.

“We are confident that all required signage in the borough – including those for schemes like School Streets or Low Traffic Neighbourhoods – meets the legal standard.”

to London and contributing to the city’s economy. They pay artificially inflated prices to travel in.

“Labour and Sadiq Khan don’t give a damn about these commuters. They are being penalised because TfL don’t have a coherent policy on step-free stations.”

A TfL spokesperson said: “Making more Tube stations step-free is a major part of our work to make the transport network more accessible.

“This work always starts with assessing stations to determine if step-free work is feasible and we will continue to identify stations across the Tube network to carry out these assessments.”

 The Low Traffic Neighbourhood restriction at the junction of High Path and Abbey Road, near South Wimbledon Credit:Rev Peter Ratcliff

 Rev Peter Ratcliff Credit: Rev Peter Ratcliff

 Cllr Callum Robertson

Because weekends weren’t made for storage runs — book in minutes and access anytime with Pocket.

Drummond Rd, Biscuit Factory, SE16 4DG

• Flexible booking, no long-term tie-ins

• Access any time, day or night

• 5 mins from Bermondsey tube

By By Francesca Papp

DULWICH FAVOURITE the Crown & Greyhound reopened in March after a significant refurbishment that includes the pub’s interior, the back garden, a private events suite upstairs and all 20 bedrooms.

Inside the Grade II listed building, the space feels brighter but retains a cosy pub feel, with heritage details: stained oak panelling, gold-aged ceiling finishes, which sit alongside plush leather seating and new timber flooring.

The gastropub menu celebrates seasonal British produce: from Asian inspired starters including a Crispy Duck & Watermelon Salad with

MORE SHINE AT THE CROWN AND GREYHOUND

teriyaki and crispy noodles, hearty mains - Pan-Roasted Fillet of Cod with potato rosti chips and caper & parsley sauce and a selection of classic deserts including Strawberries & Cream Sundae, Chocolate Fondant with salted caramel ice cream.

The standout ‘Sunday Sharer ‘is a particular draw, bringing together rump of beef, roast chicken and lamb rump alongside all the trimmings: bacon & chestnut stuffing, Yorkshire puddings, thyme-roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables and red wine gravy.

The refurbishment extends beyond the bar and restaurant. Twenty boutique bedrooms have been redesigned in a warm palette of deep burgundy and forest green,

New independent art fair comes to Herne Hill

By Maya Sgaravato-Grant

A NEW independent art fair is coming to South London, offering a diverse array of contemporary work for collectors to explore.

The Herne Hill Art Fair will take place over the second and third weekend of May at Station Hall, located above Herne Hill Rail Station, and will feature pieces from more than 20 artists each weekend - some of whom will be exhibiting their work for the first time.

The team behind the fair, which was curated by South London-based New Zealand artist Luana Asiata, are sponsoring two artists this year: Denmark Hill artist Zerbebal Caumba, who was selected by Station Hall manager Hayley Byfield, and creative Nadia Z Andres from the Creative Mentor Network, who was chosen by Luana herself.

Both of these young artists specialise in oil painting, often depicting human subjects.

Zerbebal Caumba stated that she was ‘grateful’ for the opportunity to exhibit her work at the fair.

with natural oak accents and patterned wallpaper. Marble-finished bathrooms, dedicated workspaces, mini-bars and Lavazza coffee machines bring a genuine hotel sensibility to what remains, at its heart, a pub.

Upstairs, a newly designed private events suite can host up to 100 guests, with tailored food and drinks packages for everything from intimate dinners to lively celebrations. Between the garden, the dining room and an events space, the Crown & Greyhound continues to offer visitors everything from a pint in the garden, a celebratory gathering, or a weekend stay.

For more information, visit the pub’s website.

She said: “As an Angolan-British artist, my work explores identity, emotional complexity, and the inner worlds we carry.

“Through figurative painting, I’m interested in presence, tension, and the quiet strength held within the body.”

The fair will participate in the Dulwich Artists’ Open House project, which runs contemporaneously to the fair and sees artists across eight South East London postcodes open up their homes, studios, and local spaces to visitors.

This project is part of the broader Dulwich Festival, which will take place from 8-17 May and feature a number of events and performances, ranging from the musical to the literary.

Artworks on display are available for purchase, and private viewings will be held from 6-9pm on Friday May 8, and Friday May 15, with attendees having the chance to savour a glass of wine while enjoying the vibrant display.

Station Hall, above Herne Hill Station, Herne Hill, SE24 0JW

Open 8 & 15 May from 6–9pm, and 9–10 & 16–17 May from 11am – 6pm; free entry

By Francesca Papp

ST CHRISTOPHER’S Hospice annual fundraising Funwalk is set to return for its 36th year this Sunday May 10.

More than 3,000 people are expected to take part in the charity’s biggest fundraising event of the year, walking up to 11 miles each through Bromley’s woodlands and open countryside in support of their local hospice.

Organisers aim to raise an ambitious £250,000 for end-of-life care across south London.

Among those taking part are family and friends of Scott Simmons, who passed away in December 2024 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in October 2022.

The trainee accountant lived life “as fully as possible” in the two years, travelling to Egypt and Turkey, as well as to Dubai where he skydived over The Palm with sister Ashleigh and mother Karen.

Karen said: “This year it would be our dream to have a team of 100 of Scott’s friends, family and colleagues to walk in his memory. I know Scott would be so proud of us, as we were so proud of him.” The route takes around Keston Common in Bromley and has four route options: three, five, seven or 11 miles. Fairground stalls, pop-up shops, food and drink, games, and live music will keep families entertained throughout the day.

Head of fundraising Christine Davies said: “Now more than ever, events like this play a vital role in helping us raise the funds needed to provide crucial end of life care for local people, as well as support for their families and carers.

“Every step taken on the day makes a meaningful difference. We’d love to see even more people join us this year—so please do sign up and walk with us.”

To sign up for St Christopher’s Fun Walk on Sunday 10 May go to the website and look for Fun Walk 2026

Inside, the pub’s original stained oakwood panelling has been restored

‘Rose Garden’, by Dianna Jazwinski, whose works will be among those on display

Duwlich favourite The Crown and Greyhound is back after a month-long refurb

DULWICH FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR 2026

By Evie Flynn

A S WARMER days approach and signs of summer slowly arrive, it can only mean one thing –the return of Dulwich Festival. Bringing over 80 events and 500 artists to South London, the extensive programme features ten days of literature, visual art, music, and family events.

Showcasing local creatives, it was created with the community in mind. This year, the line-up is diverse, showcasing talent from South East London and further afield, creating a “festival for all” in the heart of Dulwich.

ART:

Home to the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery, Dulwich’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in this year’s art programme.

The Dulwich Picture Gallery will be a major part of the festival’s line-up, with an exclusive collection tour led by director Jennifer Scott (12 May). Visitors can also enter for free and explore at their own pace, with the gallery opening its doors on Sunday 17 May.

Heavy Pencil will return to Dulwich for an evening of drawing in time to music (8 May). Watch illustrators Andrew Rae and Chrissie Macdonald project their creations for the audience and draw live in response to the sounds.

Those looking to develop their own artistic skills can attend a life drawing class on 11 May or a talk on Banksy from Arts Society Dulwich (13 May), exploring the cultural and socio-political points made through his artwork.

Festivalgoers can also take part in a guided tour to see the influence of art on the streets of Dulwich. Taking place throughout the whole festival, many of the murals adorning the walls are inspired by Old Masters from the picture gallery.

COMEDY:

Comedy remains a central theme this year – keeping the line-up lighthearted and spotlighting well-known alongside rising comedic talent.

South London comedy favourites will take to the stage at Dulwich Hamlet Comedy Club on 12 May, including Radio 4’s Mark Steel, who will be taking a break from his wider UK tour for the evening. Arthur Smith, Micah Hall and Kate Cheka are also among the other local faces bringing stand-up comedy and laughter to the festival.

Arthur, who grew up in Rotherhithe before moving to Balham, describes Dulwich Festival as having a distinct “South London vibe.”

The comedy veteran said: “I’ll be doing a pantomime-style comedy where the audience can shout back at you.

“The evening gets a real mix of performers too – with younger and older acts — and I’ve got plenty to say about the joys of getting older.”

Arthur’s father used to play for Dulwich Hamlet Football Club and he is looking forward to returning to the grounds for an evening of local comedy.

For child-comics, head to Dulwich Hamlet Football Club for Olaf Falafel’s Stupidiest Super Stupid Show (10 May), bringing his hit Edinburgh Festival show to South East

London for one day only.

An outdoor screening of cult classic film, Pulp Fiction, will take place at Picturehouses’ outdoor cinema, including an introduction from acclaimed author, journalist and broadcaster Miranda Sawyer (9 May).

Or, for Shakespearean comedy The Factory will challenge conventional theatre-making techniques with their performance of the tale of Cymbeline (9 May).

LITERATURE:

Successful authors from all genres will be bringing their ideas and inspiration behind their works to Dulwich in a series of talks, workshops and panels.

Best-selling food author Georgina Hayden will be sharing her brand-new recipe book MEDesque, featuring 110 easy-to-cook recipes with Mediterranean roots. Georgina’s upbringing, living above her grandparents’ Greek Cypriot taverna, inspired her food-writing career. Starting at various magazines, she moved on to write her own recipe books, including Sunday Times bestseller Nistisima and its follow up, Greekish.

History enthusiasts can attend an insightful conversation between two widely acclaimed historians, Sunday Times best-selling German historian Katja

Hoyer and Cambridge University Professor Richard J Evans. The pair will discuss Hoyer’s latest book about the Weimar Republic, Life on the Edge of Catastrophe, to explore how a little town in the heart of Germany was home to some of Germany’s great thinkers, but was also the place where fascism took hold.

Other authors heading to Dulwich include Katie Prescott, whose book investigates the Bayesian yacht tragedy that killed tech tycoon Mike Lynch, his daughter, and five others. Suzanne O’Sullivan will be giving a talk on her newest book The Age of Diagnosis and Alex Preston will host a relaxed conversation about his forthcoming thriller, A Stranger in Corfu. Hear from Labour MP and former Cabinet Minister Liam Byrne as he shares his brand-new book, Why Populists are Winning or join Victoria Donovan for a talk shedding light on the lived reality of Putin’s war in Ukraine (17 May).

For those interested in writing fiction, an experienced creative-writing tutor, Laura Barnett, will lead an inclusive session introducing the basics of storytelling (17 May). Or, head to Write Club – the festival’s literary open mic night – which returns for its second year on 12 May. The free event is an opportunity for any South East London writers to share what they have been working on and for a supportive audience to hear your words, perhaps for the very first time.

MUSIC AND DANCE:

From the feel-good tunes of jazz to larger classical performances, music enthusiasts have over twenty-five music events to choose from.

The South London Jazz Orchestra will bring the energy with an evening of swing dancing and live jazz on 10 May. With no experience required, head to the Grafton Dance Centre to learn from Professional Jitterbug Simon Selmon.

To learn even more about jazz, there’s an afternoon for the whole family on 17 May coined Jazz from the Jabberwock’s jaws. Designed specifically to introduce families to the brilliance of live jazz, the performance brings Lewis Carroll’s nonsense poem to life.

Beatles fans will love the DJ set from festival favourites The Beatles Dub Cub (16 May) with DJ Chris Arnold’s ska, hip hop, dub, funk and reggae spins on the music created by The Fab Four.

Voices in the Village (10 May) is a performance of three local choirs, or attend an hour of music and chanting in a Kirtan workshop, using the ancient vibrational language of Sanskrit (9 May).

The whole family will be entertained with the return of the Family Silent Disco in the grounds of Dulwich Picture Gallery (8 May) or at a free afternoon around the Maypole in Dulwich Square (9 May).

Women composers will be highlighted in a showcase by Erda Ensemble and ‘tweens’ (7 – 11 year olds) can join Legs London for a dance class centred around joyful movement (12 May).

For a calmer option, Dulwich yogis are invited to combine movement with disco in a Live DJ yoga session (9 May).

ARTISTS’ OPEN HOUSE:

The popular Artists’ Open House is bigger than ever this year and stretches to other parts of South London. Created to bring the community together through art, makers and artists will be opening their homes, studios and local spaces. Art will be available to buy and creatives will be around to meet face to face. Station Hall, the hidden gem above Herne Hill Station, will be taken over alongside a series of events at The Hub (part of University Arts London) in Peckham.

Weaving Trust from founder of Nice & Graphic Michelle Dwyer will exhibit large scale letterpress installations exploring themes of belonging and connection, based on a series of one-to-one conversations with Peckham residents.

Dates: 8 – 17 May

Prices: Various prices (£0 – £30)

Location: Dulwich and surrounding areas Book tickets at: //dulwichfestival.co.uk

Kate Cheka

Olaf Falafel

Simon Selmon

Shlo Beatbox Kids

Thinking about having a baby?

By Oluwaseun Labisi, Development Consultant Midwife for Public Health

If you’re thinking about having a baby, there are simple things you can do now to support a healthy pregnancy.

V itamins and supplements

Firstly, have you started taking supplements? Supplements like folic acid and vitamin D can help you have a healthy pregnancy and baby. Try to take folic acid daily 3 months before you get pregnant and vitamin D as soon as you start actively trying for a baby.

A healthy diet

Food matters as well. A healthy, balanced diet helps you stay well and supports your baby. Aim for whole grains, healthy fats and protein. Also try to keep your caffeine intake to below 200mg a day. That is about two mugs of instant coffee.

Cutting out alcohol

Did you know, there is no safe level of alcohol to drink during pregnancy? Stopping alcohol can help you get pregnant and lowers the risk of pregnancy complications.

Managing your mental health and wellbeing

If you are planning a pregnancy and managing your mental health, support is available. If you take medication, speak to a health professional before making any changes. You are not alone.

Scan the QR code for more advice

WALKING FOOTBALL SESSIONS IN BOROUGH HAVING A ‘LIFE CHANGING IMPACT’ ON LOCAL PEOPLE LIVING WITH CANCER

By Evie Flynn

THE LEGACY of an inspiring man who started a walking football group for people with cancer is being continued by his wife at Marlborough Sports Garden.

Tony Linforth-Hall, who sadly passed away in July 2023, played walking football at Millwall until his cancer diagnosis in 2016.

He founded his own walking football group called Pride of Lions in 2020 and described the sport as having a “profoundly positive therapeutic effect” that helped keep him going during his cancer treatment.

Walking football is a slower-paced version of the game and is ideal for those recovering from illness or looking to stay active – all whilst keeping the sense of camaraderie gained from team sports.

Pride of Lions formed the foundation for TLH Kicking Cancer, a legacy which is now continued by his wife Maria since Tony passed away.

Maria said: “He remained very much hands-on in developing the idea and supporting the group until close to the end of his life. Following his passing, I continued his work and established TLH Kicking Cancer as a registered charity to carry forward his vision.”

The group gained charity status in

January 2025 and the Walking Football Association (WFA) took up the initiative and is now supporting and promoting it at national level.

Kelvin, a member of the group shared how the sport supported his physical and emotional recover following his cancer diagnosis. He said: “I first joined Pride of Lions in June 2022 and was welcomed with open arms. From day one, I was made to feel part of the group and made friends very easily.

Kelvin was diagnosed with aggressive stage 2 prostate cancer in September 2024. The following month, he underwent surgery and was ‘out of action for some time’.

From Ronnie Scott’s to Blackheath

By Flora Bigham

RONNIE SCOTT’S Presents: Natalie Williams’ Soul Family is performing at Blackheath Halls’ Great Hall tomorrow at 8pm (Friday May 8th).

With previous sold-out residencies at Ronnie Scott’s, you will not want to miss the band performing timeless classics including Stevie Wonder, The Supremes and Marvin Gaye.

The band is led by singer Natalie Williams who has performed with musicians such as Paolo Nutini, Jessie J and Lisa Stanfield. She has collaborated with everyone from Jacob Collier to legendary Jungle and Drum n Bass pioneer Goldie.Williams previously hosted an 18-year sold out residency at Ronnie Scott’s, ‘Natalie Williams’ Soul Family Sundays’. The event showcased musicians including Emeli Sandé, Jamie Cullum, Lalah Hathaway and more. Grammy award-winning artist Sam Smith went to watch the residency as a

teen, saying: “her Soul Family Sundays residency at Ronnie’s is what made me realise, ‘this is what I really wanna do!’”

Singer Natalie Williams

The setlist at the Great Hall will focus on Motown tunes alongside soul and R&B numbers. The band’s performances have racked up over 8 million views online, including a cover of ‘Heatwave’ which has over 800,000 views on YouTube. You can watch a compilation of tunes below for a taste of what’s to come.

Other members of the band have performed with musical greats. Mark Brown on saxophone and Ben Edwards on trumpet, known as ‘The Atlantic Horns’, have played with Amy Winehouse and regularly tour with Robbie Williams.

The band’s vocalists have sung with artists including Corinne Bailey Rae and Ceelo Green. Other credits include Laura Mvula and Zero7, who bass guitarist Robin Mullarkey worked with, while guitarist Ben Jones’s

“It was a difficult period,” he said. “But I was greatly helped by knowing I had the support of the group and that I would be able to return once I was given the green light by the hospital.

“Coming back onto the pitch in January 2025 was a wonderful moment for both my physical and mental health. Walking football has been fundamental in helping me stay fit and feel positive again.”

Tony was born in Wimbledon, but lived in Southwark for over 50 years.

He received a posthumous and was declared as holding the Honorary Liberty of the Neighbourhood of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Southwark.

Tony’s ashes rest at the Millwall

Memorial Garden at The Den. HOW TO JOIN THE GROUP:

People can simply turn up to Marlborough Sports Garden on Wednesdays at 11am.

The session runs from 11am – 12pm, followed by time to have a cup of tea or coffee and socialise.

Everyone is welcome, including adults of all ages, family members, friends, and supporters who want to stay active.

When:

Every Wednesday, 11am – 12pm

Where:

Marlborough Sports Garden, 27 Union Street, London SE1 1SD

playing credits feature Kelly Rowland, Jazmine Sullivan and Westlife. Buy tickets at www.blackheathhalls. com priced between £30-£50. The event is presented by Ronnie Scott’s in association with Blackheath Halls and Peter Conway Promotions.

The setlist will focus on Motown tunes alongside soul and R&B numbers.

Natalie Williams’ Soul Family outside Ronnie Scott’s

Singer Natalie Williams

Tony Linforth-Hall

By Kumail Jaffer

Local Democracy Reporter

The push to “build baby build” as Housing Secretary Steve Reed recently said won’t necessarily solve the city’s housing crisis because supply is not the primary issue, according to new research.

Reducing London’s housing crisis to an issue of supply will result in authorities failing to deal with the biggest problem – affordability – the research by the Centre for London says. The last two decades have seen house prices outstrip earnings growth many times over, leading to a vast increase in Londoners either sleeping rough or being put in temporary accommodation.

Both the previous Conservative government and current Labour government have emphasised mass housebuilding as a solution. Ministers are still aiming for 1.5million new homes to be built between July 2024 and the next General Election, which must happen by 2029, while the Mayor of London has been set a target of 88,000 new homes a year.

But the Centre for London’s research, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), shows housing availability in London is actually around the same in 2024 as it was in 2002, indicating that supply may not be the overarching issue.

In 2002, there were roughly 421 homes per 1,000 people in London, and while this ratio fell slightly between 2007 and 2016 following the financial crisis, it has stabilised to a similar figure today, despite London’s population growing by almost a third in that time.

In fact, the number of dwellings in London per household has actually increased during that time, from around one per household to just over 1.1 today.

However, as Rob Anderson, Research Director at the Centre for London, explained, affordability is a different trend altogether.

House price to income ratio was 70 per cent higher in 2024 than what it was in 2002, with the current figure slightly down from highs of up to 100 per cent seen in 2021-22.

“While housing availability in the crude terms of homes per person or household has been stable, affordability has collapsed,” Mr Anderson said.

“Part of the reason is that expansion of the housing stock has a limited effect on affordability in the aggregate.”

He said an increase in supply will lead to an equivalent fall in house prices, meaning that “in isolation, improving affordability requires sustained increases in supply”.

For house prices to have risen by 30 per cent less than they did between 2002 and 2024, London would have

‘LONDON

needed to add almost one million new additional dwellings – doubling their rate of dwelling stock expansion – on top of what they actually built.

“Despite concerted policy effort to expand the supply of housing in London over the last decade with the net result that housing availability is now the same as it was in the early 2000s, these efforts have had little real impact on affordability,” he concluded.

The last two decades, he said, have seen the tenure mix in London change significantly, with less affordable housing and more private homes –which are far more expensive to access.

Mr Anderson added: “There are as many owner-occupied homes per

today as in 2010, but houses are much more expensive. Home ownership is 270% more expensive than it was in 2002.

“Private rented homes are much more common, but rents have risen significantly as a share of incomes and now take up 42 per cent of average private renter income.

“The data reveals that London has experienced a deepening crisis of housing distribution – driven by demand-side factors and changes in the tenure mix – as much as one of overall housing supply.

“The availability of social and affordable housing has collapsed and – while the relative availability

HAS ENOUGH HOMES BUT LONDONERS CAN’T AFFORD THEM’

of private housing has increased –the accessibility of private housing has fallen dramatically due to price inflation relative to incomes.

“Despite being particularly important for London – exposed as it is to enormous, complex demand pressures that are heavily influenced by things like macro-economic forces and the tax system – these factors are too often absent from the conversation about the city’s housing problems.

“London’s present housing crisis should be understood as a ‘winnertakes-all’ problem where changes in tenure mix and the distribution of stock are central to the collapse in meeting housing need.”

The solution, he said, requires the acceleration of the private market supply of homes in London, expanding the delivery of social and affordable homes and addressing “demand-side” issues.

This could come in the form of cracking down on foreign investors, implementing rent controls –something the Mayor has supported but the government does not – and providing low-interest loans to housing associations to build social homes.

But City Hall has been criticised for their recent agreement with ministers to slash affordability quotas for developers from 35 to 20 per cent in a bid to boost housebuilding in London.

MAN DIES AFTER DRIVE-BY SHOOTING ON COLDHARBOUR LANE

By Evie Flynn

A MURDER investigation has been launched after 25-year-old Keanu Taylor died of his injuries after a shooting in Brixton in the early hours of Saturday, 1 May.

Police were called at around 1:15am to reports of ‘multiple shots being fired’ on Coldharbour Lane. It is understood that a BBQ was taking place prior to the incident.

Four victims – including a pensioner – suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital.

One of the victims, named as 25-year-old Keanu Taylor, sadly died of his injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with Keanu’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“This was a shocking act of

violence which has had a devastating impact on those involved and the local community. I want to reassure residents that we are working urgently to identify and apprehend those responsible.”

The three other victims – aged 21, 47 and 70 – also sustained injuries, but these have been assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing.

Officers, including specialist crime officers, were on scene within four

minutes and provided emergency first aid alongside the London Ambulance Service.

No arrests have been made at this time, but detectives are working at pace to identify those responsible.

DCI Bhangoo added: “It is vital that anyone who saw what happened, or has any information or footage, comes forward. Even the smallest detail could prove crucial to our investigation.

“Local residents will continue to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days. If you have any concerns, please speak to officers.”

Anyone with information or footage that could assist police is urged to contact 101, quoting CAD 557/2May. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

person

what’s on

KINKY BOOTS IN THE COLISEUM

WITH A crash of drums and trumpets, Kinky Boots opened in the Price & Son shoe factory, a Northampton firm with Mr Price struggling to get his son and heir to see the beauty of a shoe. Charlie, however, had an ambitious girlfriend who wanted out of that small town, so she moved them both to London. Not the best start, when the boy was expected to take over the family business, writes Michael Holland...

These are troubled times for the shoe-making industry, with the market flooded by poor-quality imports and buyers cancelling their orders with Price & Son to go for the cheaper option. Add to that problem, Mr Price dying and the firm about to close unless Charlie comes back to run it, which means nobody is happy. Charlie, for obvious reasons; his girlfriend Nicola because her London plans are in jeopardy, and a staff, who are pretty much like family, looking like they’ll soon be out of work.

A chance meeting with drag queen Lola down a dark alley is the catalyst for change when Charlie saves her from a beating. But she loses the heel from her shoe in the fracas. Charlie promises he can make perfect footwear for all the drag queens - good, solid footwear that can stay strong with a man on board; an idea that he believes can save

the company. Of course, life is never that easy, but Charlie and Lola’s poignant bonding over a red leather, high-heeled, size

10 boot when they realised they had both never lived up to their respective fathers’ expectations was sealed over a song (I’m Not My Father’s Son).

The first act ended with a glorious Everybody Say Yeah, which had everybody singing as they queued for the toilets and drinks in the interval.

© Matt Crockett

There had to be some homophobia involved, but it was dealt with in a boxing ring, with Lola proving who was boss as the show rocked nicely along to Cyndi Lauper’s great music as it made its way to a satisfying finale.

The set by Robert Jones worked wonders as the shoe factory, a nightclub, and a Milan fashion show, with Ben Cracknell’s lighting making sure the exterior of an East Midlands factory was as dull as dishwater, but could switch to a spectacle of luminosity when those red kinky boots had to dazzle.

Yes, Johannes Radebe and Matt Cardle steal the show, but this is a real ensemble production, with a couple of stand-outs for me: Courtney Bowman as factory girl Lauren, floating about the factory floor like a bubble in the air, and just as transparent in her feelings for the newly single Charlie, and Scott Paige as factory hand George, coming out of his shell in more ways than one since the arrival of Lola, both getting the most out of their parts.

Go see these shoemakers shake, shimmy, shuffle and shock. You won’t be disappointed.

The London Coliseum until 11th July. Booking and full details: https://londoncoliseum.org/events/ kinky-boots/

A turbulent journey into the human heart

WHO ARE we? And can we really know another person when we barely know ourselves? These questions are at the heart of Flyby, a new musical by composer Theo Jamieson, created with Adam Lenson, currently having its world premiere, writes Eugenia Sestini...

If you are familiar with the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, you know that wherever you go, there you are. And human pain cannot be escaped; it has to be experienced and processed so that we can safely reach the other side. Flyby is proof that humans have put a man on the moon but cannot yet safely journey through love and relationships.

Flyby opens with a bang – darkness and thunder silence the audience, and the 90-minute rollercoaster ride begins. A sofa sits at the centre of the stage, and here we will meet the show’s couple, Daniel (Stuart Thompson) and Emily (Poppy Gilbert). The duo moves around this couch while they voice their fears, hopes, and vulnerabilities, leaving the

audience with a feeling that they have walked into a couple’s therapy session.

Daniel is an engineer obsessed with maths; Emily is a filmmaker following in her father’s footsteps. How have they gravitated towards each other?

It’s unclear. But from the start, we know that Daniel (whose nickname is,

© Tristram-Kenton

aptly, the Ostrich) has decided to steal a spacecraft and get as far away from planet Earth as possible in his quest for emotional healing.

Emily’s high-energy personality is not exactly joie de vivre – she seems to get a dopamine rush out of other people’s suffering (“Somebody got

hurt, and I did like it!” she confesses to Daniel), while her boyfriend obsesses over whether he can one day suddenly become irrationally violent.

The story follows their ups and downs, and they will navigate their toxic relationship with the emotional maturity of two adults with multiple unresolved childhood wounds and an unhealthy desire to conform to other people’s expectations. Emily wants to please her dysfunctional father; Daniel wants to feel normal and loved.

Do they search for human connection or void-filling?

As narrators and secondary characters, we meet Rupert Young (a charming, narcissistic father to Emily), Gina Beck (Emily’s subdued mother), and Hamilton alumna Simbi Akande (Grace Adams).

The music takes us through the couple’s mood swings, at times mimicking Emily’s feverish speeches (Gilbert is electrifying), at times taking us into the depths of despair which Thompson so poignantly embraces. While the score doesn’t make excessive vocal demands on

the actors, they both go to lengths to use every molecule in their bodies to embody these two very complicated humans. Toward the second half of the show, the music will become darker –we are no longer buzzing with energy but pulsing with mild panic.

Director and co-creator Adam Lenson has a vision of deceiving minimalism. The simple setting is then contrasted with the dizzying use of projections, which at times help soften the blow of exposition but will also transport us to space and make us feel as if we’re travelling too.

Flyby is not for the faint of heart: it forces us to reckon with our own choices and accountability, and reminds us that if we run from our past instead of making peace with it, we miss the opportunity of a more contented present.

Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BD until 16th May.

Booking and full details: https:// southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/ productions/flyby/

To place a funeral announcement, birthday, death notice, birth, anniversary or memorial in the paper, please email katie@cm-media.co.uk and she will price it up for you

Announcements must be placed by 4pm on the Tuesday before that week's publication

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A4 GLA ROAD (BROMPTON ROAD, ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF STOPPING) ORDER 2026

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

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable telecommunications works to take place on the A4 GLA Road – Brompton Road in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from stopping in the Loading bay outside Nos.134 to 136 Brompton Road.

The Order will be effective between 7:00 PM on 22nd May 2026 and 6:00 AM on 23rd May 2026 or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibitions will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by traffic signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

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

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

Dated this 8th day of May 2026

Paul Matthews

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

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE GLA ROADS AND GLA SIDE ROADS (WANDSWORTH) RED ROUTE CONSOLIDATION TRAFFIC ORDER 2007 A3205 GLA ROAD (BATTERSEA PARK ROAD) (ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING POINTS) VARIATION ORDER 2026

1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that on 27th April 2026 it made the above named Order, under section 6 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The Order will come into force on 9th May 2026.

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 Bank Court, No.193 Battersea Park Road by 17 metres from its south -western end. Parking at any time.

(2) introduce two electric vehicle charging bays with lengths of 7 metres outside Bank Court, No.193 Battersea Park Road (No Stopping At Any Time Except Charging of Electric Vehicles Only Max 1 hour no return within 2 hours).

(3) introduce 22 metres of Double Red Lines outside Bank Court, No.193 Battersea Park Road. No Stopping At Any Time.

3. The road which would be affected by the Order is A3205 Battersea Park Road.

4. A copy of the Order, 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.tfl.gov.uk/tro and selecting the relevant borough and reference the Traffic Order relates to or by appointment during normal office hours at our office at the address below. To arrange an appointment please email trafficordersection@tfl.gov.uk. Copies of the documents may be requested via email at trafficordersection@tfl.gov.uk or by post at the following address quoting reference SNO/REGULATION/STOT/RC/TRO/GLA/2026/0400:

•Transport for London Streets Traffic Order Team (NMR/REGULATION/STOT) Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road London, SE1 8NJ

Please note due to Hybrid working access to post is restricted and requests for documents may be delayed.

5. Any person wishing to question the validity of the Order or of any of its provisions on the grounds that they are not within the relevant powers conferred by the Act or that any requirement of the Act has not been complied with, that person may, within six weeks from the date on which the Order is made, make application for the purpose to the High Court.

Dated this 8th May 2026

Matt Standell

Performance and Planning 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 (SUTTON) RED ROUTE TRAFFIC ORDER 2007 A24 GLA ROAD (LONDON ROAD) (ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING POINTS) VARIATION ORDER 2025

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

(1) reduce the length of the existing parking and disabled persons vehicles bay outside Nos.816-822 London Road by 9 metres from its southwestern end;

(2) introduce an electric vehicles charging bay with a length of 6.5 metres outside No.816 London Road;

(3) introduce 9 metres on No stopping at Any Time double red lines outside No.816 London Road.

3. The road which would be affected by the Order is A24 London Road.

4. A copy of the Order, 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.tfl.gov.uk/tro and selecting the relevant borough and reference the Traffic Order relates to or by appointment during normal office hours at our office at the address below. To arrange an appointment please email trafficordersection@tfl.gov.uk. Copies of the documents may be requested via email at trafficordersection@tfl.gov.uk, or by post at the following address quoting reference

SNO/REGULATION/STOT/RC/TRO/GLA/2025/0397:

•Transport for London Streets Traffic Order Team

(NMR/REGULATION/STOT)

Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road London, SE1 8NJ

Please note due to hybrid working access to post is restricted and requests for documents may be delayed.

Dated this 8th May 2026 Matt Standell Performance and Planning 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 (SUTTON) RED ROUTE TRAFFIC ORDER 2007 A232 GLA ROAD (CROYDON ROAD) (ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING POINTS) VARIATION ORDER 2026

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

(1) remove the parking and disabled persons vehicles bay outside Nos.4 The Broadway, Croydon Road;

(2) introduce an electric vehicle charging bay with a length of 7 metres outside No. 4 The Broadway, Croydon Road;

(3) introduce 7 metres of No stopping at Any Time double red lines outside No. 4 The Broadway, Croydon Road.

3. The road which would be affected by the Order is A232 Croydon Road.

4. A copy of the Order, 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.tfl.gov.uk/tro and selecting the relevant borough and reference the Traffic Order relates to or by appointment during normal office hours at our office at the address below. To arrange an appointment please email trafficordersection@tfl.gov.uk. Copies of the documents may be requested via email at trafficordersection@tfl.gov.uk, or by post at the following address quoting reference SNO/REGULATION/STOT/RC/TRO/GLA/2026/0396:

•Transport for London Streets Traffic Order Team (NMR/REGULATION/STOT)

Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road London, SE1 8NJ

Please note due to hybrid working access to post is restricted and requests for documents may be delayed.

Dated this 8th May 2026

Matt Standell

Performance and Planning Manager

Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

Licensing Act 2003: Application for a new Premises Licence

We Montalbano Welling Ltd hereby give notice that we have made an application to the L B Bexley c/o The Licensing Partnership Sevenoaks, The Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG on Thursday 30th April 2026 for grant of a new premises licence in respect of the premises situated at 125-129, Bellegrove Rd, Welling, Kent, DA16 3QS and to be known known by the sign of Montalbano Restaurant. The proposed application is to reinstate a premises licence on similar terms as previously granted namely

The sale by retail of alcohol 11.00 – 23.30 Sunday to Thursday and Fridays and Saturdays and New Year’s Eve – 11.00 – 00.30

The provision of late night refreshment so that the premises licence holder can provide provide hot food and hot beverages from 23.00 – 23.30 Sunday– Thursday and Fridays Saturdays and New Year’s Eve 23.00 – 00.30

Provision of Regulated Entertainment on New Year’s Eve – 23.00 – 00.30

To view the application please go to http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing or visiting the offices of Licensing Partnership at Sevenoaks DC, at the above address between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m – Monday to Friday (except public holidays) or by contacting the council at licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk Any person wishing to make representation concerning this application should do so in writing to the or by email to licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk the above local authority by 28th May 2026 (this is 28 days from the day following the application having been submitted)

Any representations to our application must relate to one or more of the Licensing Objectives: (1) The prevention of crime and disorder, (2) public safety, (3) the prevention of public nuisance, (4) the protection of children from harm

The council will not entertain representations where the writer requests that his identity remain anonymous. Copies of all representations will be included in the papers presented to the Licensing Sub Committee and will therefore pass into the public domain.

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is unlimited. Stephen Thomas LAW 8, Grassmere, Leybourne, Kent, ME19 5QP Authorised Agents for and on behalf of the applicant

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – RENFREW ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable a crane operation, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order, the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Renfrew Road which lies between its junction with Kennington Lane and outside the north-western boundary of No. 43 Renfrew Road.

2. The alternative route for affected vehicles will be available via Renfrew Road, Gilbert Road, Wincott Street, Reedworth Street, Kennington Road and Kennington Lane, or via, Kennington Lane, Kennington Road, Windmill Row, Kennington Lane, Kennington Road, Wincott Street, Gilbert Road and Renfrew Road.

3. The Order will come into force on 10 May 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 4 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 undertaken on the 10 May 2026, 17 May 2026 and 14 June 2026, with contingency dates of 21 June 2026, 28 June 2026 and 5 July 2026.

Dated 8 May 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – TYERS STREET

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out water mains replacement works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order, the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from: (a) entering and, proceeding in that length of Tyers Street which lies between its junction with Kennington Lane and a point 20 metres north-east of that junction. (b) parking or waiting (including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading) in that length of Tyers Street which lies between its junction with Kennington Lane and outside Nos. 1 to 26 Deacon House, Tyers Street.

2. The Order will come into force on 11 May 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 6 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 take 11 weeks to complete.

Dated 8 May 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS –STONHOUSE STREET

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable new water connection works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intends to make an Order the effect of which would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Stonhouse Street which lies between outside 2.5 metres south-east of the north-western boundary of No. 154 Clapham High Street, and outside 15.9 metres north-west of that boundary.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Stonhouse Street, Clapham High Street, Clapham Manor Street, Cresset Street and Stonhouse Street, and vice versa.

3. The Order would come into force at on 26 May 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of one month, to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner.

Dated 8 May 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

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

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS –CAWNPORE STREET

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable gas main remedial and maintenance works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intends to make an Order, the effect of which would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, proceeding, waiting (including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle) or parking in that length of Cawnpore Street which lies between the eastern flank wall of No. 70 Gipsy Hill and outside the common boundary of Nos. 4 and 6 Cawnpore Street.

2. The alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Cawnpore Street, Woodland Road, Gipsy Hill and Cawnpore Street, and vice versa, or via Cawnpore Street, Gipsy Hill, Woodland Hill, Woodland Road and Cawnpore Street, and vice versa.

3. The Order would come into force on 27 May 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 1 month, to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take 3 days to complete.

Dated 8 May 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – KENWYN ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable water main repair and maintenance works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intends to make an Order the effect of which would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Kenwyn Road which lies between the common boundary of Nos. 36 and 38 Kenwyn Road and the common boundary of Nos. 42 and 44 Kenwyn Road.

2. The alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Kenwyn Road, St Luke’s Avenue, Clapham High Street, Tremadoc Road, and Kenwyn Road, or via Kenwyn Road, Tremadoc Road, Clapham High Street, Stonhouse Street, Cresset Street, Clapham Manor Street, Clapham High Street, St Luke’s Avenue and Kenwyn Road.

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – BARNWELL ROAD, DALBERG ROAD AND JELF ROAD

(a) Phase one:

(i) introduce a north-east to south-west one-way traffic system in Barnwell Road, between its junction with Morval Road and outside the south-western flank wall of Nos. 64 to 70 Barnwell Road.

(ii) suspend the prohibition of vehicles turning left from Jelf Road into Dalberg Road.

(iii) suspend the prohibition of vehicles travelling in a southeasterly direction on Dalberg Road from entering the length of Dalberg Road south-east of its junction with Jelf Road.

(iv) prohibit vehicles from parking or waiting (including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle) in that length of Barnwell Road, between its junction with Morval Road and outside the southwestern flank wall of Nos. 64 to 70 Barnwell Road.

(v) prohibit vehicles from entering, proceeding, parking or waiting (including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle) in that length of Dalberg Road between its junction with Barnwell Road and outside the common boundary of Nos. 97 and 99 Dalberg Road.

(b) Phase two: prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding, parking or waiting (including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle) in that length of Dalberg Road between and outside the common boundary of Nos. 97 and 99 Dalberg Road and outside No. 69 Dalberg Road

(c) Phase three: prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding, parking or waiting (including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle) in that length of Dalberg Road between outside No. 69 Dalberg Road and outside the common boundary of Nos. 31 and 33 Dalberg Road.

(d) Phase four: prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding, parking or waiting (including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle) in that length of Dalberg Road between outside the common boundary of Nos. 31 and 33 Dalberg Road and outside the south-eastern wall of No. 10 Mervan Road.

(e) Phase five: prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding, parking or waiting (including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle) in that length of Dalberg Road between outside the south-eastern wall of No. 10 Mervan Road and its junction with Mervan Road.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via: (a) Phase one Dalberg Road, Effra Parade, Railton Road and Barnwell Road, or via Barnwell Road, Rattray Road, Jelf Road and Dalberg Road.

(b) Phases two, three, four and five Barnwell Road, Rattray Road, Mervan Road and Barnwell Road, and vice versa.

3. The Order will come into force on 12 May 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 6 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 take 10 weeks to complete.

Dated 8 May 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – BEEHIVE PLACE

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable new water connection works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intends to make an Order the effect of which would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Beehive Place which lies between outside the north-eastern flank wall of Nos. 21 to 25 Beehive Place, and the south-western boundary of No. 19 Beehive Place.

2. The Order would come into force at on 26 May 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of one month, to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take 4 days to complete.

Dated 8 May 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

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

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH BROCKWELL LIVE EVENT 2026 –BROCKWELL PARK

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth, with the agreement of Transport for London and the London Borough of Southwark, has made a temporary traffic order the general effect of which will be to prohibit vehicles including cycles from entering or proceeding in the slip road between Norwood Road and Dulwich Road and suspend the prohibited left turn from the main carriageway of Norwood Road into the main carriageway of Dulwich Road between the hours of: (a) 9.00am and 4.00pm on 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 and 29 May 2026 and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 June 2026; (b) 8.00am and midnight on 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31 May 2026.

2. The prohibitions, mentioned in this Notice, will only apply at such times as shall be indicated by the placing or covering of traffic signs. They are necessary because of the likelihood of danger to the public while the Brockwell Live Events Series are taking place in Brockwell Park.

3. Alternative routes will be available for vehicles affected by the prohibition referred to in this Notice via Norwood Road and Dulwich Road as indicated by traffic signs.

Dated 8 May 2026 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A205 GLA ROAD (WELL HALL ROAD, ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC, STOPPING AND BANNED TURNS) ORDER 2026

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

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable resurfacing works to take place at the A205 Well Hall Road in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

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

(1) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Well Hall Road between its junctions with Westmount Road and Shooters Hill/ Shooters Hill Road;

(2) stopping at the north-eastern kerb line of Westmount Road from its junctions with Well Hall Road to the extended south-eastern building line of Nos. 406 to 414 Westmount Road;

(3) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Broad Walk from the extended western building line of No. 314 Broad Walk to its junction with Well Hall Road;

(4) turning right into Well Hall Road from Westmount Road;

(5) entering, exiting or proceeding in a westerly direction on Westmount Road between its junctions with Castlewood Drive and Well Hall Road;

(6) entering, exiting or proceeding on Westmount Road between its junctions with Castlewood Drive and Well Hall Road;

(7) stopping at the north-western kerb line on Well Hall Road between its junctions with Westmount Road and Broad Walk.

The Order will also permit all vehicles to use the north-east bound bus lane on Wall Hall Road between its junctions with Broad Walk and Shooters Hill/ Shooters Hill Road.

The Order will be effective at certain times between 10th May 2026 and 9th November 2026 every night 9.00 PM until 5.00 AM or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibitions will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by traffic signs.

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

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for fire 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 traffic signs for westbound traffic via Shooters Hill Road, Sun in the Sands Roundabout and Rochester Way Relief Road or reverse to normal route of travel. for eastbound traffic via Shooters Hill, Bellgrove Road, Welling High Street, Park View Road, Danson Road, Danson Underpass, Keslake Road, Rochester Way, East Rochester Way and Westhorne Avenue to normal route of travel. for access to Shooters Hill from Westmount Road via Well Hall Roundabout, Rochester Way, Westhorne Avenue, Yorkshire Grey Roundabout, Rochester Way Relief Road, Sun in the Sands Roundabout and Shooters Hill Road to normal route of travel. for access to Shooters Hill from Westmount Road via Rochester Way to follow the diversion route above. for access to Shooters Hill from Westmount Road via Well Hall Road to follow the diversion route above.

Dated this 8th day of May 2026 Andrew Ulph Co-ordination Manager, Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

3. The Order would come into force on 25 May 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 2 months, to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works would take 3 weeks to complete. Dated 8 May 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH BROCKWELL LIVE EVENT 2026 – BROCKWELL PARK

The Public Notice Portal is a free to use, online service that will tell you who is applying for what and where. Plus, if you register, we’ll tell you about any plans for your community, helping you to stay informed. Join over 150,000 USERS

you informed.

(a) prohibit motor vehicles from entering or proceeding in the lengths of roads specified in Schedule 1 to this Notice between the hours of 9.00am and 9.00pm on 25 May 2026. Access would be maintained;

(b) prohibit vehicles including cycles from entering or proceeding in:-

(i) the lengths of roads specified in Schedule 2 to this Notice between the hours of 11.00am and midnight on 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31 May 2026;

(ii) the lengths of roads specified in Schedule 3 to this Notice between the hours of 9.30pm and midnight on 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31 May 2026. Access for buses would be maintained;

(i) turning left from Brixton Water Lane into Effra Road:

(a) between 10.00pm and 11.30pm on 23, 30 and 31 May 2026; and

(b) between 10.00pm and 11.00pm on 24 and 25 May 2026.

(ii) turning right into Dulwich Road from the access road to the Car Park situated at the rear of Brockwell Lido;

(a) between 10.00pm and 11.30pm on 23, 30 and 31 May 2026; and

(b) between 10.00pm and 11.00pm on 24 and 25 May 2026.

(iii) entering Brixton Water Lane at it’s junction with Effra Road:

(a) between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on 23, 30 and 31 May 2026; and

(b) between 10.00pm and 11.00pm on 24 and 25 May 2026.

(iv) performing a U-turn between the hours of 8.00pm and midnight on 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31 May 2026 in that length of Norwood Road which lies between its junctions with Croxted Road and Dulwich Road.

(d) suspend the prohibited left turn from the main carriageway of Norwood Road into the main carriageway of Dulwich Road;

(i) between the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm on 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 and 29 May 2026 and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 June 2026;

(ii) between the hours of 8.00am and midnight on 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31 May 2026.

(e) prohibit waiting, including for the purpose of loading or unloading at any time on 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 May 2026 in:-

(i) Croxted Road, between its junction with Norwood Road and the common boundary of Nos. 347a and 349 Croxted Road;

(ii) Herne Hill, between its junctions with Half Moon Lane and the south-western arm of Denesmead.

(f) prohibit waiting by vehicles in the streets and parts of streets specified in Schedule 4 to this Notice between the hours of 7.00am and midnight and midnight and 12.30am the following day on 23, 24, 25, 26, 30 and 31 May 2026 and 1 June 2026;

(g) extend the hours of operation of Resident Parking Places in the streets and parts of streets specified in Schedule 5 to this Notice so that they would apply between the hours of 9.00am to 9.00pm on 23, 24, 25, 26, 30 and 31 May 2026.

2. The prohibitions, mentioned in this Notice, will only apply

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;

ADV – Consent to display advertisement(s)

FUL – Full planning permission

LB – Listed building consent

Written representations should be made within three weeks of the date of this advertisement to the Director of Planning, PO Box 80771, London, SW2 9QQ. 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.

3 Bondway London SW8 1SJ Display of 1 internally illuminated fascia sign, 1 internally illuminated projecting sign, and externally applied opening hours, welcome lettering, and window vinyls to the shopfront elevation; and 1 high-level internally illuminated fascia sign to the rear elevation. 26/01176/ADV Holy Trinity Church Clapham Common North Side London Lambeth SW4 0QZ Regularisation of a green plastic gas meter kiosk installed temporarily as part of ongoing works in connection with Planning Application 21/00447/FUL. 26/01143/FUL

144 Lambeth Road London Lambeth SE1 7DF Proposed glazed link with brick pier to connect the approved conservatory replacement and side infill extension (Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 26/01148/LB, but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 26/01147/FUL). 26/01148/LB

146 Stockwell Road London SW9 9TQ Reinstatement of a former residential flat from the existing

The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 26/01025/LB but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 26/01024/FUL).

26/01025/LB

Pratts And Payne 103 - 105 Streatham High Road

glazed timber sash and casement windows.

26/01192/FUL

46, 48 And 50 Atherfold Road London SW9 9LW Replacement of all existing front and rear windows with white double glazed timber sash and casement windows.

26/01193/FUL

70 & 70A And 72A Atherfold Road London SW9 9LW Replacement of all existing front and rear windows with white double glazed timber sash and casement windows.

26/01195/FUL

14 Amesbury Avenue London Lambeth SW2 3AA Installation of an external air source heat pump unit and roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. The installation includes associated pipework, electrical connections, mounting equipment and ancillary components required 26/00781/FUL Dated 08.05.2026

LICENSING ACT 2003

APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF PREMISES LICENCE

Take notice that I, Pranavarooban Kalainathan have made an application to Lewisham Council acting as the Licensing Authority, for a Variation of a Premises Licence in respect of Johns Newsagent, 158 Lewisham Way, London, SE14 6PD

The details of the application are as follows: Sale of Alcohol for consumption Off the premises 00:00 – 00:00 Monday – Sunday

Currently Licenced for: Sale of Alcohol for consumption Off the premises 08.00 – 23.00 Monday – Sunday.

The application and the Licensing Authority’s public register can be inspected at: Lewisham Council, Safer Communities Service, Licensing Authority, 4th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, SE6 4RU by appointment between Monday to Friday (except on public holidays) and between the hours of 9.00 am to 4.00 pm; or at www.lewisham.gov.uk

The last date by which responsible authorities or other persons may make representations to the Licensing Authority in relation to this application is: 29th May 2026

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

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

London Borough Of Lambeth

London Local Authorities Act 1991 Special Treatment Licensing

Date of application: 6th May 2026

NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT: Gleb Usmangaliev has applied to the LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH for a SPECIAL TREATMENTS LICENCE to carry out the following treatments: Body massage, Facials, sports massage, Electrolysis, Laser Infra-red, Ear piercing, Cosmetic Injectables, High Frequency, Acupressure at the premises: Beauty Gene, 8 Hebden Place, SW8 2FR, London

Anyone wishing to oppose the application must give notice in writing to: Lambeth Consumer Protection, 2 Herne Hill Rd, London SE24 0AU, WITHIN FOUR WEEKS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, specifying the grounds of opposition.

Persons objecting to the grant of a licence must be prepared to attend in person at a public hearing before a committee of the Council. Letters of objection will be sent to the applicant inviting comments.

LICENSING ACT 2003

APPLICATION TO GRANT A PREMISES LICENCE / CLUB CERTIFICATE

TAKE NOTICE THAT I Applicant: Gary Wright Premises name: Betty's Premises address: 32 Plaistow Lane, Bromley, BR1 3PA

do hereby give notice that I have applied to the Licensing Authority at The London Borough of Bromley for a new of a Premises Licence/Club Registration Certificate , submitted on this date: 23/04/2026

Proposed licensable activities: Sale of alcohol Mon-Thurs 12:00-20:00 Fri-Sat 12:00-22:00 Sun 12:00-19:00 Under the above Act.

This is a new application for the grant of a Premises Licence / Club Certificate.

All representations must be received within 28 days after the date of application.

Any person wishing to make representations to this application may do so by writing, stating the grounds of objection, to: Licensing, London Borough of Bromley, Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley BR1 1As.

Representations may also be sent via email to licensing@bromley.gov.uk

A copy of the application can be viewed at the Licensing Authority's address during normal office hours by an appointment; or viewed 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.

Date: 25/04/2026

View all weekly and archive public notices and sign up to the Public Notice Portal at www.southlondon.co.uk /category/public‐notices/

NOW THERE’S

AN EVEN FASTER WAY TO SEARCH HISTORIC PUBLIC NOTICES

The Public Notice Portal Archive is a comprehensive record of public notices placed in local newspapers across the UK, where you can search with ease for any kind of notice in your area.

COMMERCIAL ENTITIES

Demonstrating similar project approvals makes planning applications are far more compelling – search previous approvals by notice type, by area and time.

LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Now there’s an easier way of searching archived notices to create the evidence needed for Planning Inspectorates – you can even search by Local Authority.

PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS

Check to see if a family member’s estate was intestate, or if a house you’re looking to buy has ever had any ‘unexpected’ planning permissions made on it.

Join over 150,000 USERS to ﬁnd out who’s applying for what and where in your community.

publicnoticeportal.uk

By Mark Baldwin at The Kia Oval

SURREY TEENAGER

Adam Thomas

scored a debut century and Dom Sibley strengthened his claims for an England Test recall with 187 to help the hosts to their first win of the Rothesay County Championship season with a comprehensive eightwicket victory against Sussex at The Kia Oval.

But they were made to work hard for their 22 points with Charlie Tear, Jack Carson and Sussex captain Ollie Robinson all making defiant runs

Starting the final day still 188 runs adrift on 76-4 in their second innings, Sussex were eventually bowled out for 277 in 85 overs, with Surrey needing the second new ball to finish the job.

That left Surrey requiring just fourteen in their second innings, achieved in four overs immediately after tea although not before both Rory Burns and Ryan Patel fell leg-before to the fourth and sixth balls of the second over from James Coles.

Left-arm spinner Coles looked fortunate to win his appeal against a sweeping Burns, on one, but Patel was plumb in front and that left Dom Sibley and Ollie Pope to knock off the remaining runs.

The 21-year-old Tear made a careerbest 61, his second half-century in four first-class appearances, while Carson scored 48 and Robinson 42.

Sussex opener Tom Haines, who had retired hurt after being struck in the helmet grille by Matt Fisher’s first ball of the innings on the previous day, returned at the fall of the eighth wicket to offer further brave resistance with an unbeaten 20.

Haines, who passed concussion checks overnight, joined Robinson to ensure Surrey were made to bat again, the pair adding a further 35 either side of the new ball being taken at 258-8 from 80 overs.

Robinson, however, fell in the 84th over, thin-edging behind off Jordan Clark, and the innings’ end soon came with number eleven Henry Crocombe leg-before to Fisher for four.

Clark took 3-40 and Fisher 3-52 and the result means that Surrey, after three highscoring draws, have put their sluggish start to the campaign behind them. It is a first defeat of the season for Sussex.

First to go on day four was opener Daniel Hughes, the Australian left-hander pushing

loosely at a ball angled across him from Clark on 39 and edging to Burns at first slip.

It came from the final delivery of Clark’s second over of the morning and, nine overs later, Sean Abbott struck with his second ball of the day after replacing Fisher in Surrey’s attack.

Fynn Hudson-Prentice, on fifteen, was undone by an outswinger from Abbott that he edged to keeper Jamie Smith.

Tear then held up Surrey in tandem with Carson, who batted with real authority for the second time in the match and in a manner which suggests he may soon find himself being promoted up the Sussex order.

Carson followed up his first innings 105

The Blaze then hit trouble of their own at 61-5 but Georgia Elwiss (76 not out, 95) and Emma Jones (36 not out, 49) calmly steered them to victory with 93 balls overs to spare with an unbroken stand of 105.

By Brian Halford

SURREY WERE beaten by five wicket as the Blaze cemented their place at the top of the Metro Bank One Day Cup table at Trent Bridge. Kirstie Gordon’s side banked a solid victory from a low-scoring game after bowling Surrey out for just 164. Priyanaz Chatterji top-scored from number seven with 45 from 68 balls, but Gordon eviscerated the middle order with three wickets in seven balls on her way to 3-37.

Surrey’s defeat was their third in succession after starting the season with three wins. They badly need to reboot, but Blaze’s momentum continues to grow after a fourth consecutive win, and fifth out of six games.

“We didn’t give our bowlers many to defend but they came out and did really well up top,” Surrey captain Kira Chathli said: “I think maybe another 40 or 50 runs, setting them 200, and it would have been a very good game. It was a great effort to try and claw it back but we just couldn’t get over the line.

SURREY TEEN HITS DEBUT CENTURY

Photo by Keith Gillard

by getting quickly into his stride again. He skipped down the pitch to hit Dan Lawrence’s off spin high for six and then effortlessly flicked Reece Topley’s left-arm seam high over the mid-wicket ropes for another.

At lunch Tear and Carson had added 64 and after the interval they took their partnership to 82 before Abbott slid one into Carson’s pads to have him leg-before. Robinson, Sussex’s other first innings century-maker in the memorable ninth wicket stand of 173 with Carson, was immediately away with a stunning straight driven four off Abbott – from the third ball he faced.

And another 44 was soon added for the eighth wicket until Tear chopped on in

“Georgia Elwiss batted really well in the game situation and Jonesy helped her. I thought we might get one of them out early in their partnership, we had a little bit of a sniff, but they were relentless in their partnership and batted really well.

“This is a testing time for us. It is a just a matter of how well we can regroup as a team. I think in the previous games, and even in this one, it has been fairly fine margins that went against us, so if a few more decisions and partnerships going our way, we will be back over that line again. We have just got to keep backing ourselves and believing we can do it and we’ll soon be back on that winning streak.”

Surrey hosts Essex at The Kia Oval on Tuesday (May 12; 3pm).

an attempt to cut away a short ball from Topley. The youngster batted for just over three hours, facing 131 balls and hitting six fours.

“It was very nice to get over the line today and we are certainly going in the right direction as a team this season,”

Surrey head coach Gareth Batty said.

“We have been putting in some very good work in preparation for matches but we are still not quite at our standards.

So it’s nice to get the win here.

“We have had some very good batting surfaces so far this season, on which it has been difficult to get wickets, but in this game we had a much more even contest between bat and ball.

“Jordan Clark bowls a wonderful line

and makes it hard to know what to play and what not to play but it’s always the group of bowlers who are important, rather than the individual, and this group keep going to the well.

“Any England talk is far above my pay grade but Dom Sibley showed in this match how as an opener he can lay the foundations - as he did brilliantly with Rory Burns - but then also go through the gears and take opportunities to score more frequently.

“His 187 was an exceptional innings while young Adam Thomas, on debut, played with such composure for his hundred.”

Surrey are in Trent Bridge to face Nottinghamshire on Friday (11am).

By John Kelly

DANIEL DUBOIS has vowed to be the first professional fighter to defeat “lucky” Fabio Wardley when the pair face off at the Coop Live Arena in Manchester this Saturday.

Greenwich’s Dubois, 28, is after Wardley’s WBO belt as he aims to become a two-time world champion after he held the IBF title.

This is Wardley’s first world title fight at the age of 31.

Wardley’s record stands at 20-0-1 (19 KOs) while Dubois’ is 22-3 (21 KOs).

He last fought last July when he lost to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time.

“We were in for good old tear-ups, but I was the one in charge and I’m going

to be doing it again. It will be the same story and I’ll be a two-time champion of the world,” Dubois said.

“He’s been lucky up until now, he’s been lucky. I’m going to be the man to take his O. I’ve done it before and I’m going to do it again.

“I mean, he’s pulled it out of the bag, he’s unorthodox, so are a lot of fighters out there, they’re not used to that and that they do things just out of reactions. It’s different. I’m going to be ready for him.

“Just work off the jab, pumping that jab and getting into the rhythm. I’m going to have all the answers. Everyone’s got a plan ntil they get punched in their mouth.”

The ringwalks are expected at around 10.30pm.

Thomas, 19, celebrates

CAN THEY DO IT?

Millwall

have already made history - but their biggest game in decades awaits them

ANALYSIS

By Will Scott

WHILE IT did not reach the heights many had hoped for, Saturday was a perfect celebration of Millwall’s best season in 32 years.

As much as we all were praying for Queens Park Rangers to pull off a miracle at Portman Road, that never felt realistic, and in a way, it was probably good that we were put out of our misery nice and early.

Ipswich Town’s quickfire double did dampen the enthusiasm at The Den, and the away end got a few digs in, but most got over it around the 30-minute mark and could focus entirely on the action as their side made mincemeat of relegated Oxford United.

It took the Lions a while to get going, perhaps affected by results elsewhere, but once they had shaken off the rust, they were mightily impressive.

Everything that had made them so effective this season was distilled into a 30-minute spell of domination. They were quick, aggressive, incisive, able to hurt you in all manner of ways, aerially dominant in both boxes and in complete control - Millwall’s back four were rarely troubled, with everything swept up by Barry Bannan, Casper De Norre and Camiel Neghli.

The fact that any final-day drama had

been sucked out of the occasion meant we could enjoy all that without nervously refreshing the scores on our phones.

And of course, it was leading man, Femi Azeez, who was the star of the show. Azeez is now clearly too good for this division and showed exactly why during his 73 minutes. He tormented full-back Brodie Spencer, a one-time target for the Lions, with his pace, trickery and agility, consistently beating him all ends up and whipping in dangerous balls. Azeez himself looked surprised he did not get an assist, as one of his crosses flashed across the goal face and another bounced through a crowd of bodies and hit the post.

“I was a little bit frustrated,” Alex Neil said after the game. “There were two flashed right across the front of the goal in the first half, and we should have had somebody in the middle of the box to tap that in. We created good chances. I thought Femi was really threatening down that right-hand side. We were bright.”

No matter, because not only is Azeez one of the best creators in the squad, he is also one of the best finishers. He took matters into his own hands by bagging a brilliant brace with goals either side of half-time. His first strike, in particular, was fantastically taken and the sort of goal he has scored several times this season. Mihailo Ivanovic swept it out to him in transition, and after befuddling a

defender with quick feet, decisively pulled the trigger and smashed the ball in at the near post.

Azeez spent a lot of time working on his finishing last season, and it paid off - the winger finished as the squad’s top scorer with eleven goals as well as the most assists (seven).

While Azeez took all the plaudits, it was a fantastic team performance overall. The passing, the quick touches, the link-ups, they were all there, often orchestrated by Bannan, who was making a rare start. The first goal started near Millwall’s corner flag, and after some slick first-time passes, ended up with Azeez in the box in about fourteen seconds.

“Barry was good in terms of deeper and controlling the ball against that type of opponent that wants to sit in a block, and you need to break them down,” Neil said. “The way we set it up was good. The guys carried it out well.”

The Millwall of old might have struggled against a bottom-three side at home, especially given the stakes - even if automatics were out of sight, the Lions needed a win to secure third and a second leg at home - but there is rarely that worry with this season’s squad, and they absolutely battered Oxford in that spell either side of half-time.

The U’s were chasing ghosts for most of the match and rarely allowed on the ball. When was the last time you saw Millwall

win a game with 66.5 per cent possession?

Oxford had been run absolutely ragged by the time Azeez scored his second at the back post, and the remaining 40 minutes were a formality.

Millwall played keep-ball and as fulltime approached, resorted to the sort of tricks and flicks that would usually infuriate a coach like Alex Neil, but a twogoal lead against an opponent offering little meant they were acceptable.

The absence of any sort of stakes meant that for most of the second half, Lions fans could give their side the plaudits they deserved.

Not only did Millwall sew up their first second-tier play-off spot since 2002 with two games to go, but they also confirmed their highest league finish at the level since 1994 with the win over Oxford and their highest-ever points tally (83).

The Lions topped the league in clean sheets (eighteen), away points (41), away wins (eleven), and had the secondmost wins (24) behind runaway leaders Coventry City.

Only a few Millwall sides have matched their dominance or excellence.

Some of that context had been lost a little bit as fans got caught up in the ups and downs of the race for automatic promotion, but the response the Lions got after the game, after the end-of-season awards and lap of the pitch, showed there is a real appreciation for everything they

Millwall smash seasonticket sales record

By Will Scott

have done so far.

But, to quote Kobe Bryant: “Job’s not finished”.

As much as Millwall have accomplished, the next three games are far more important than the preceding 46. Hull City across two legs, then either Southampton or Middlesbrough at Wembley.

Millwall have beaten all three teams already this season, and have shown they can perform in high-stakes games, but this is an entirely different level of pressure. There is no bouncing back away at Stoke City four days later - if the Lions cannot get it done across the two legs on Friday and Monday, that will be that.

Saying that, the atmosphere Neil has cultivated in the dressing room, of attacking every game, fearing no one, will lend itself well to the play-offs, while the Scottish head coach is a canny operator who can spring all sorts of tactical surprises.

Neil and the squad will be desperate to end this fantastic season properly with a day out at Wembley, to go one step further than the three other Millwall sides who made it this far.

Everything this side has shown this season points to them doing exactly that.

Femi Azeez celebrates with Ryan Leonard and Tristan Crama

Meek Hoops fail Lions

By Shane Stapleton

QUEENS PARK Rangers boss

Julien Stephan believes he has “good foundations” to build on after the Hoops finished fifteenth in the Frenchman’s first season in charge.

QPR couldn’t do Millwall a favour at Portman Road, as Ipswich Town scored twice in the opening nine minutes and added a third late on to seal an immediate return to the Premier League, with the Lions finishing a point behind in third.

"It was a season with a lot of ups and downs, I think like many, many teams in this league, but the main thing is I don't know which is the level of this group," Stephan said.

"So it was a strong experience and it's really important now to think about the future.

"It's a good project, good fans, good management, good mentality into the dressing room, so we have some good foundations.

"I said to the players before the game it will probably be a wild fifteen to 20 minutes on the pitch and they started as expected, very strongly, but we didn't find a way to respond in terms of intensity and they killed us in the first fifteen minutes.

"After we found a way to respond it was better in the second half, but we didn't find a way to score."

Dons boss assesses squad

By Patrick Fanning

AFC WIMBLEDON boss

Johnnie Jackson has met with director of football Craig Cope to discuss the futures of the Dons’ squad.

Wimbledon ended their League

One campaign with a 4-0 defeat to Huddersfield Town at a sold-out Plough Lane.

The Dons finished nineteenth in the table, four points above the relegation zone after securing safety with a 1-0 win at Wigan Athletic the previous weekend.

“We needed to obviously know for sure what division we were going to be playing in next season before we could make certain decisions,” Jackson said.

“I’ve spent some time with Craig already this week and we'll continue to do that moving into next week.

“Whether they’re staying or moving on, whatever that looks like, we'll have a conversation and try and get an angle on ones that we want to keep, ones that we want to offer a deal and ones that will naturally move on.”

’RUTHLESS’

JONES STRAIGHT INTO SUMMER REBUILDING

and the fans look and go, ‘wow, we have improved’.”

Jones wasn’t happy with the performance in Wales.

‘We have to improve on every single level’

By John Kelly

NATHAN JONES said Charlton Athletic must improve “on every single level” asa he vowed to make “ruthless decisions” after they ended their campaign with a 3-1 defeat at Swansea City last weekend.

All the goals came in the last sixteen minutes. Adam Idah opened the scoring before Miles Leaburn headed home Sonny Carey's corner five minutes later.

Idah got his second in the 82nd minute

and Leo Walta curled a 25-yard free-kick past Thomas Kaminski with two minutes left.

The Addicks finished nineteenth, their highest finish since twelfth in the Championship in 2015.

“We have to have a moment of pride because we could have gone down and that would have been a disaster,” Jones said.

“We had a wonderful start. At certain times we’ve been unfortunate with injuries but we have to get better individuals, that

make really good decisions over a period of time. We are behind people in terms of pure talent and pure ability because we haven’t got those resources and from where we’ve come from, people are more athletic than us as well. We have to improve on every single level.

“It’s hard work ahead of us this summer.

On Monday and Tuesday we have meetings with all the players and staff and then it all starts again and that’s the reality of it. The thing for us is that at the first game of next season myself, the club

“I was disappointed, really. It was an endof-season game for long periods,” Jones said. “They didn’t look like scoring, neither did we, so then we tried to really go more aggressive which meant we left ourselves open and we didn’t defend certain areas well.

“Then we just made poor decisions, which we have in games, that’s the level, that’s what we’ve got to get better at.”

Leaburn’s goal was his fourth of the season.

Jones said: “It was good delivery and a good header and it was just a shame we couldn’t go on from there. We wanted to go on from there but we didn’t. We turned the ball over after a good bit of play and then we were open and we didn’t handle that well and that’s the learning curve. We need to get better, whether that’s through personnel or learning. We’ve stayed up this year and that’s important but I’m not in football to do that. I’m not just a survivor, I want to push boundaries, to do that you have to just survive at times. You have to make sure you do the first phase of everything and we’ve done that and now it’s time that we move forward.”

Charlton achieved their goal of staying up in their first season back in the Championship in five years. They had huge backing from their fans, with Valley attendances at seventeen-year high and another big following on the road at the weekend.

“The supporters have been wonderful,” Jones said. “I hope they understand that today we went for the game and got hurt, that’s the learning curve for us, we can’t do that. We could have sat in and got a point and got a 0-0 but it’s the final game of the season. If we’d needed a point we would have done that.

“I remember us losing to Wycombe in the last game of the season in my first season here and I was devastated because we were on a fourteen-game unbeaten run. That galvanises me now, I know what I need. I made ruthless decisions in terms of who we got rid of and what changes we made at the end of that League One season and we got promoted the year after. And this now is time to evaluate quickly and then really look to the future, that’s what we have to do.”

Spent Eagles no match for slick Cherries

By John Kelly

OLIVER GLASNER said his players were running on empty in their 3-0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.

Jefferson Lerma’s own goal and a

The Eagles had only two days of recovery after their 3-1 win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of

their Conference League semi-final in Krakow in Poland the previous Thursday.

Glasner made five changes to his starting eleven against Andoni Iraola’s side.

"Today the tank was empty," Glasner said. "We could see it. The players tried and the second half was much better, it was a game on the same level.

"First half it was too much. We couldn't get the turnaround from Thursday evening. The players tried, but I could see it at set plays and the

easy mistakes we made.

"It's not to blame anyone. It was just really overwhelming for us, this experience and the win against Shakhtar. Over all, Bournemouth were much the better team.”

Glasner added: "The three subs [at half-time] were planned before. We wanted the attackers who played on Thursday not to play more than 45 minutes today.

"Normally Will Hughes would have started but he was ill.

"The message at half-time was that

the first half was not us, it's time to show in second half we can do better and play more in the front [third].

"We had 50 per cent possession in the first half but no shots. Against a team that presses like Bournemouth, to play square passes around their box doesn't make sense, but that is what we did."

Palace are aiming to secure their place in the final in the second leg on Thursday (May 7).

Glasner’s side host Everton in the league on Sunday (2pm).

penalty from Eli Junior Kroupi had the hosts 2-0 ahead at the break before Rayan fired past Dean Henderson in the 77th minute.

Nathan Jones was set to meet squad and staff this week

By John Kelly

BROMLEY CAPTAIN Byron

Webster ended his final game for the club by helping the Ravens win the League Two title with their 3-1 victory against Walsall at Hayes Lane.

Bromley had already been promoted to the third tier for the first time in their history and signed off the season in stye by winning the league by a point after Milton Keynes could only draw 1-1 at Fleetwood Town.

Ben Thompson opened the scoring in the 37th minute before Mitch Pinnock made it 2-0 on the hour.

Jid Okeke pulled a goal back two minutes later but in the 67th minute Omar Sowunmi restored the two-goal lead when he headed in at the back post from Pinnock's corner.

Webster, 39, a League One play-off winner with Yeovil Town and Millwall, scored the winning penalty against Solihull Moors in the 2024 National League playoff final. Webster also won the FA Trophy with Andy Woodman’s side in 2022.

Leeds-born Webster joined Bromley under Neil Smith in 2020 after spells with Scunthorpe United and Carlisle United following his departure from the Lions in 2019.

Webster is a a UEFA A Licence holder as he aims to build another career after playing.

"When I joined in 2020 and listened to the chairman about his plans and visions, I believed and was fully committed to achieve this," Webster said ahead of the game.

"To see that come to fruition is unbelievable.

"There are so many people to thank but I'll keep it short. Thank you to Bromley Football Club, the big bosses - Mr Chairman (Robin Stanton-Gleaves) and Mr CEO (Mark Hammond).

“Also, the managers, coaches, backroom staff, office staff, team-mates and supporters."

Bromley went through the season unbeaten at home in the league.

“Fair play to the guys, they kept believing, they kept pushing, they had a lot of adversity that people probably don’t realise,” Woodman said. “And look, we had a little bit of luck as well. Fleetwood getting a draw has helped us and that’s the beauty of the last day of the season - and Bromley Football Club are League Two champions.” Woodman was asked what it means to him.

He said: “I don’t want to kill the conversation but it doesn’t mean anything to me, it means more that these boys have got the accolades they deserve. These young men deserve all the credit, not me. I’m just proud for them - that’s what it

BY BY TO BROMLEY LEGEND

Ravens’ 39-year-old skipper Byron wins League

Two title in final game

Andy

means to me.

“A trophy and a medal is lovely, but the memory of these boys achieving what I said they could achieve and carrying it out is my proudest moment.

“The shackles were off a little bit, there were no nerves. We haven’t really suffered from nerves. We’ve suffered from injuries, we’ve suffered from players being sold and all the stuff that comes. But these boys haven’t shown any nerves, as much as one or two people on the outside have said we have.

“They’ve kept going and kept going, they’ve been relentless.”

Bromley still have a number of the players that won promotion from the National League.

“That’s the DNA of us and the culture of everything we’ve created,” Woodman said. “These boys are the ones that are

paying it forward to the next group. You can’t just rip up a team…we certainly can’t. And you want to reward these boys by getting them back out there and pitting them against the next league and the next opposition.

“There’s a real core here who have been with me from day one. They’e been the catalyst for everything that’s happened this football club.”

When Woodman took over in 2021, Stanton-Gleaves said the plan was to reach League One. Woodman was asked what’s next.

“I’ll take a bit of time just to reflect a little bit because I’m not really good at doing that,” Woodman said. “I’ll just take a moment, really.

“I have got something in my head, but it might be a bit early for me to say that.

“We’re just going to enjoy it.”

No excuses for Cottagers chief

By Sports Reporter

MARCO SILVA said absent players was not an excuse after Fulham’s European hopes were damaged following their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Viktor Gyokeres scored either side of Bukayo Saka’s goal as Mikel Arteta’s side went in 3-0 up at the break and could have won by more as they looked to bolster their goal difference in their title battle against Manchester City. Fulham are tenth, four points behind AFC Bournemouth in sixth, in what would

become a Champions League place if Aston Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth, their current position.

Silva was without Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi, Sander Berge and Kevin against the Gunners.

"That's the easiest excuse, but we started with eleven,” Silva said. “As a whole, we should have done much better, and if you don't do the basics well you're not going to be able to compete,” Silva said.

"You have to go through these type of difficult spells in a football match, but the other things have to be there, the basic way to defend and defend your box. We

have to be much stronger in the way we defended. We were not at that level this afternoon.

"I can't mention one part of the first half [to be positive about] because they started on the front foot. We wanted to be a bit more aggressive in our press and match their intensity. It was not possible. Overall in the first half, we were not at our level.

"Of course, we're going to be stronger if we have all players available. Unfortunately for us, we're losing decisive players at a key time of the season."

The Cottagers host the Cherries on Saturday (3pm).

Eagles target Cherries boss to replace Glasner

By Manuel Salazar

CRYSTAL PALACE are reportedly targeting a move for departing AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.

Eagles head coach Oliver Glasner is set to leave Selhurst Park in the summer. He is already Palace’s most successful boss and could add the Europa

Conference League trophy to the FA Cup and Community Shield.

Iraola, 43, couldn’t agree a new deal with the Cherries and has also been linked with a move to Chelsea.

Iraola has led Bournemouth to sixth in the Premier League table as he aims to give them a leaving gift of European football next season.

Byron Webster played 198 times for Bromley

Millwall

The party starts in the home dressing room

Boss

Woodman has a moment on his own to take it all in

Sport INSIDE

’RUTHLESS’ JONES STRAIGHT INTO SUMMER REBUILDING

COOPS FOCUSED ON FUTURENOT HISTORY

EXCLUSIVE

By Will Scott

MILLWALL SKIPPER Jake

Cooper believes history is irrelevant as the Lions aim to reach their first Championship play-off final after securing the club’s highest second-tier finish since 1993.

Alex Neil’s side sealed third place with a 2-0 win over Oxford United on the final day to set up a two-legged tie against sixthplaced Hull City.

Millwall are preparing for just their fourth second-tier play-off campaign, and their first since 2002, having lost in the semi-finals on each of the last three occasions.

But Cooper insisted those previous defeats have no bearing

Lions aiming to make second-tier play-off

ﬁnal at fourth attempt

on the squad heading into the first leg at the MKM Stadium on Friday.

”We certainly have that confidence,” Cooper told our paper.

“I don't think history is something you really think about or look at too much when you're involved in the game. You just focus on the future more than anything.

“Our record this season will prove that we're in a good spot to reach the final. Hull are a good side, a really experienced squad, and will be difficult to beat over two legs.

“But with our position in that third spot, I'm sure that we'll be the bookies' favourite, and we'll try to prove that we were the better side across the season, and that we deserve to get to the final.”

Millwall have had recent success

at the MKM Stadium, beating Hull 3-1 there two months ago. It was one of the Lions’ eleven away wins, the joint-most in the Championship.

“I think you'd take confidence just from our away form in general, really, to go anywhere,” Cooper said. “We feel confident right now. We'll need to refresh.

A lot's happened since that Hull game for both teams, and it'll be a completely different feeling around the game.

“It's a massive game, these playoff semi-finals, and I'm sure it’ll have that higher intensity about it, especially this time of the season. Hull's pitch was in bad condition when we went there. I think the game will play out quite differently this time.”

Millwall’s strong finish to the season, with three wins in their last four games, ensured they fended off Middlesbrough and Southampton to secure third place and a second leg at home on Monday evening.

Cooper was asked if that could be an advantage.

“It depends on what happens in the first leg,” Cooper said. “Any game at the Den, you know what the atmosphere is going to be like. It's going to be incredible. The fans have been absolutely amazing this season.

“We sold out that place more times than not, and it's just been incredible. And I'm sure they're going to make it probably the most intimidating place in the country come Monday night.”

Blues on verge of unwanted record

By Will Scott

JOAO PEDRO said he felt sorry for the supporters after Chelsea’s dismal season plunged to a new low as they were beaten 3-1 by Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Joao Pedro scored his side’s first goal in 565 minutes in the Premier League but it was barely even an added-time consolation in front of the furious home support, who continued to chant about the owners that “we don't care about Clearlake, they don't care about us”.

Chelsea, last season’s Europa Conference League and Club World Cup winners, are ninth in the table after a sixth consecutive league defeat. That’s only the fourth time in their history that has happened and the first time since November 1993.

If Calum McFarlane’s side lose to Liverpool in the early kick-off at Anfield this Saturday, they would equal their club record of consecutive league defeats, set from November 1 to December 20, 1952.

Joao Pdero’s goal was his 20th of the season in all competitions, but he wasn’t in the mood for positives after the game.

“From the beginning, we conceded too early and against Forest it's difficult to change the game. I think we should do better,” he said.

"We need to find a way to try to not do these mistakes every game. We need to start to win games. This is the Premier League and if you concede too early after that it's very difficult to come back.

"Everyone needs to look at themselves - me included. We need to find a way to do better. I feel sorry for the fans, tomorrow we will see what has gone wrong.

"It's difficult because I don't think it's about the coach. It's about the players, and it's on us to step up, me included. It's difficult to say something.

“We support the leaders [in the team]. We always talk to each other to find a way to win games. Last week we won against Leeds [in the FA Cup semi-final]. This week it didn't happen, we need to find a way to win.”

Jake Cooper celebrates after Millwall’s 3-1 win at the MKM Stadium