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By By Kumail Jaffer
Local Democracy Reporter
THE MAYOR of London has cautiously welcomed reports that he will be granted the power to impose a tourist levy on visitors staying overnight in the capital, and a report outlines how such a tax could work.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to give Sir Sadiq Khan and other civic chiefs the authority to do so through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which is currently going through Parliament.
Sir Sadiq has been vocal in calling for such powers to be devolved, with estimates suggesting a ‘tourist tax’ in London could raise up to £240million a year. In 2024, London saw 89 million overnight stays.
Currently, England is the only country among the G7 where national government prevents local authorities or Mayors from implementing tourist levies. Scotland and Wales have both recently introduced different types of taxes on overnight visitors, with local authorities in the former able to set their own levy as a percentage rate of the daily bill for accommodation. From 2026, Welsh authorities will be able to collect £1.30 per night from visitors.
WHAT DOES SIR SADIQ KHAN THINK OF THE PROPOSAL?
This week the Mayor’s office appeared to welcome the proposed changes but said they would not comment on “speculation” and would wait before making any concrete preparations.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “The Mayor has been clear that a modest tourist levy, similar to other international cities, would boost our economy, deliver growth and help cement London’s reputation as a global tourism and business destination.”
HOW WOULD IT WORK IN LONDON?
The Greater London Authority (GLA) recently asked the Centre for Cities thinktank to probe promising areas for further devolution in the capital.
In a briefing released last week, the authors noted that three types of tourist levy exist across the G7 primary cities –Paris, Munich, Milan, Toronto, New York, and Tokyo.
New York City and Toronto impose percentage rate levies on stays, with the former raising £493million every year with a £14.86 average nightly rate per visitor.
Tokyo has a single flat fee for all bookings, which raises just £35million despite the
CHANCELLOR EXPECTED TO GIVE MAYOR POWERS TO IMPOSE TOURIST TAX
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Japanese capital having the highest number of overnight stays of any primary city.
In France and Italy, the amount paid depends on the location, type of accommodation and official ‘star rating’.
London would be more suited to either a percentage or flat fee system, the authors suggested, as Britain “lacks a statutory national ‘star’ system for hotels present in France and Italy”.
The GLA has previously estimated in 2017 that a £1 a day levy, including international visitors, could raise £91million, and that a five per cent levy could raise £240million.
The Centre for Cities briefing also concluded that “London is unlikely to see a significant drop in visitors if it introduces a levy at a rate comparable to peer primary cities”. This is due to research showing that visitors are less sensitive to levies in more popular destinations.
WOULD LONDON BENEFIT?
The Centre for Cities suggests that, if implemented effectively, a tourist levy would boost both economic growth and improve infrastructure and the business environment in London.
The fact that the Mayor would have control over the tax rate and use of revenues would also allow them to reduce or increase rates more swiftly in response to visitor patterns. It cites Toronto increasing theirs ahead of next year’s World Cup in North America.
Andrew Carter, Chief Executive of Centre for
Cities, told the LDRS: “It’s welcome that the Government is considering giving London and other big cities the power to implement a tourist levy.
“Many Londoners have paid this kind of levy on their own trips to European cities such as Barcelona, Milan or Paris.
"London is the largest city in the G7 without one. The model the Government should adopt is already under way in Scotland, where Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen are introducing levies valued at a percentage rate on overnight stays in hotels, BnBs and shortlet accommodation.
“A key benefit of this approach is that it is flexible, and the rate can rise and fall depending on the demand for overnight stays.
"A tourist levy would benefit the capital’s tourist economy, provided the revenues go to local government – ideally split between City Hall and the boroughs – and are not ringfenced by central government for specific purposes.
“A local, flexible tourist tax would give the Mayor of London and the boroughs an incentive to grow London’s visitor economy. More hotel rooms and more overnight visitors would generate more revenues and more jobs.
“Hopefully, introducing a tourist levy is the start of a bigger programme of devolving tax and spending powers to the capital.
"London is the most productive big city in the UK, and devolving more fiscal powers
would give the capital more policy tools to accelerate growth in the economy.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
While the Chancellor is widely expected to announce the move in the coming months, nothing has yet been formalised.
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson told the LDRS: “We are always open to hearing views from local leaders on issues like this.
"Places can already choose to introduce a levy on overnight stays through the Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) model.”
Richmond Council is looking into creating an ABID for the borough, which is home to attractions such as Hampton Court Palace and Kew Gardens.
It is understood that if a London-wide tourist levy was introduced, any existing local schemes would likely be scrapped.
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Rachel Reeves delivering the Spring statement.
GALA Festival looking to expand
By Evie Flynn
THE ORGANISERS of GALA festival in Peckham Rye Park have applied to the council to add an another three days of music events to its offering in May 2026, including an Afrobeats festival and a celebration of Arab music.
The two new events will be in addition to the main GALA festival (22 – 24 May), which has run in the park since 2018, and the free-to-attend On the Rye Festival (25 May), which was added last year as a thank you to local residents.
Assembled GALA Ltd have applied to add an additional weekend from Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May, which would take the number of days from four to seven.
Plans for Afrobeats Festival (Friday 29 May) and Mahrajan Festival (30 May) have been added to the line-up, with a proposed capacity of 8,000 for each event.
Afrobeats Festival plans to feature live DJs and music sets celebrating the West African music genre and Mahrajan Festival is described in the application as the ‘first-of-its-kind global festival celebrating the full spectrum of Arab music’.
Organisers have also earmarked the Sunday (31 May) for an additional festival or concert, but have not released
details yet.
More details about the three additional days were due to be released during community engagement sessions
happening on Wednesday 19 November.
Because the GALA team are proposing a programme of seven events, they have to apply for a new premises licence, which
fire service, can raise objections to the application.
They are also required to produce plans on noise, waste, traffic, site protection and public safety.
Their free bank holiday Monday event, On the Rye Festival, made its debut last year and welcomed over 15,000 attendees throughout the day, including more than 2,300 children.
The day features live music, DJs, workshops and family-friendly activities, such as crafts, face painting, chess, bouncing castles and music workshops.
The main GALA festival also released 1,600 discounted resident tickets in 2025 and 246 tickets were given to local charities and community organisations.
GALA festival has been running since 2016 and has been held in Peckham Rye Park since 2018 and the music programming encompasses a mix of house, disco, techno, electronic, jazz and soul.
The 2025 event included artists like Floating Points, Caribou, Ben UFO and Avalon Emerson.
Two community engagement sessions will be taking place on Wednesday 19 November:
• Session 1: 12:00 – 13:30 on Teams
will be followed by 28 days of a public consultation period.
During this period, local residents or organisations, such as the police or
• Session 2: 18:30 – 20:00 at Peckham Library
To register attendance to these events, contact events@southwark.gov.uk.
SOUTHWARK LABOUR has been rocked by a series of resignations after three of its councillors called time on their party membership in the space of a single week.
On Sunday councillor Darren Merrill informed his North Walworth constituents on Facebook that he had chosen to resign the party whip, joining suspended Labour councillors Ketzia Harper and Sam Foster, who also threw in the towel last Wednesday.
All three had already said they would not be standing in next May's local elections.
Merrill, who was first elected to the council in 2010, said he had decided to resign from the party in a bid to 'make a stand against the direction this government is pulling the country in'.
It came amid reports over the weekend of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s plans to bring in a raft of tougher measures designed to crack down on illegal immigration, including a visa ban on nations which refuse to take back 'criminals and illegal immigrants', and an overhaul of some aspects of human rights legislation to facilitate migrant deportations.
Alluding to his unease with the immigration reforms Merrill, who was Southwark's Cabinet Member for Council Homes for almost two years until he resigned to spend more time with his family in January 2024, went on: "The rhetoric coming from the national party capitulating to the Far Right is the one thing I cannot forgive the national leadership for…
"We talk about having zero tolerance on racial hate but when it comes to the message the government is projecting it’s the opposite of this. Moving policy to the right to quieten the hateful right is not the way to go.
"This will only normalise the hatred, alienating these hardworking individuals that are part of our community that have been though things that we cannot imagine.”
The government is fighting to defend its right flank from the incursion from Reform - but in recent weeks a growing flood of London Labour councillors have quit the party with many defecting to the Greens, citing their unhappiness with the direction of the national party.
In Southwark alone Merrill’s resignation makes him the third councillor to quit the party in just one week, after suspended councillors Ketzia Harper and Sam Foster also announced they would be resigning the whip.
The scathing statement by Harper and Foster paints a picture of a hostile, divisive culture within the Labour Party where 'independent or dissenting voices are crushed’.
Both councillors had been outspoken critics of the handling of Southwark Labour's leadership election in July, which saw the local group churn through three leaders in just a week after James McAsh’s victory was overturned and re-run online under the orders of the regional party.
In a wide-ranging statement posted on X last Wednesday (12 November) Foster and Harper took aim at the council's handling of the Aylesbury Estate regeneration and the leadership saga, as well as criticising the government's stance on trans rights, the war in Gaza and immigration.
It read: “Like thousands of others, we joined the Labour Party with the hope to bring about a political transformation following generations of failure that wrecked our social fabric and led us
CRISIS IN SOUTHWARK LABOUR AS IT LOSES THREE COUNCILLORS IN A WEEK
into illegal wars. As councillors, we took that fight into Faraday, where the stalled regeneration of the Aylesbury Estate looms as a reminder of the system’s dysfunction. But Labour has abandoned any ambition to change the system. Instead, it defends a status quo that caused the problems.”
Last month, Harper shared her concerns about the local authority’s handling of the mammoth regeneration of the sprawling Aylesbury Estate in Walworth, where she is herself a resident, claiming her attempts to sound the alarm with the council over the years had been repeatedly ignored.
Notting Hill Genesis was assigned the contract to demolish the 2,700 home estate and rebuild it from scratch, but ten years after planning permission was granted, construction lags behind schedule and almost a thousand flats are currently lying empty without a date yet for when they could be demolished.
Harper submitted a question ahead of the council meeting on July 9 asking how much had been spent on securing the estate while the regeneration remains on hold and whether any of the cost had been borne by NHG, but this was not selected for discussion.
She also questioned whether the council would consider terminating its
relationship with the developer - which it already attempted to do back in 2023 but scrapped the plans after concluding it wasn’t in a financial position to take on responsibility for the regeneration itself.
“We cannot overlook the thousand homes left empty on the Aylesbury Estate, where fires on semi-decanted blocks have hospitalised residents, because Labourled Southwark will not end a broken development partnership with Notting Hill Genesis, nor take accountability for its failures,” stated Foster and Harper.
Signed in 2014, the council’s agreement with NHG has seen 700 homes built already, of which 85 per cent are affordable, with 3,575 homes due to be completed by 2036.
The entire redevelopment, which is being delivered over four phases, will provide 50 per cent affordable housing by habitable room, 75 per cent of which will be set at the cheapest social rents.
But the first phase of the scheme –known as Plot 18 – is only on track to be finished by the end of this year, well beyond the initial deadline of 2023 –raising questions around whether the 2036 deadline is within reach.
Asked for an update on the timeline of the project, a spokesperson for NHG said they wanted “to move forward with
demolition as soon as possible” but added that there had been “delays caused by the judicial review, the Covid-19 pandemic and changes to building safety requirements.”
Alongside the regeneration, the councillors castigated the national government’s record, including the announcement last week that it would be cutting the proportion of affordable homes that private developers need to include within their schemes to obtain planning permission from 35 to 20 per cent.
The government has said this is because it needs to incentivise house building - but campaigners in Southwark warned last week that the move would fail to tackle the city’s housing crisis, which they claim is primarily driven by a shortage of homes Londoners can afford to live in.
It also comes as London councils are spending record sums on homelessness services, with boroughs currently spending £5.5 million a day, up from £4.2 million a day in 2023-24.
“Instead of addressing the cost of housing and reversing austerity in London, the government is slashing affordable quotas and cutting millions from local authority budgets,” Foster and Harper said.
Criticising the government’s national policy positions - including the arrest earlier this summer of hundreds of protestors affiliated with Palestine Action under UK anti-terror legislation - they continued: “Amidst a rising tide of racism and intolerance, Labour has demonised immigrants and attacked trans rights.
And as Israel commits the world-historic crime of genocide, Labour has backed the perpetrators and criminalised peaceful protest.”
They went on to criticise the central party’s handling of Southwark Labour’s leadership election in July this year.
The original ballot held on June 30 following the sudden resignation of Kieron Williams a few weeks earlier initially saw left-winger James McAsh elected following a closed door vote of the local party which was supervised by representatives from the central party.
But that result was subsequently called in and an online run-off was ordered, after party figures including MP Neil Coyle raised concerns about the casting of two proxy votes, which was later revealed to have been a breach of Southwark Labour's own rules.
In the run-off vote held the following Monday (July 7), the previous runner-up Sarah King was elected the party’s next
Sam Foster Cllrs Ketzia Harper
Darren Merrill
Sarah King, Southwark Council leader
All three were already due to stand down at the next local election in May, but their scathing statements paint a picture of a hostile and divisive culture within the Labour Party
leader who had lost out by two votes in the first round.
King later revealed that both she and McAsh jointly wrote to Labour high command to ask for the run-off vote to be held in person. The suggestion seems to be that she wanted to preclude any allegations of a possible stitch-up, rather than because she had any doubts about the authenticity of the online voting system.
“The key thing for me was that it was difficult already, and therefore having a meeting that people felt familiar with and comfortable with was, in my view, the way it should be organised," she told us.
Yet the party brushed aside their concerns, pushing ahead with the online ballot.
King said neither she nor McAsh received communication from the party’s high command explaining why a different system had been chosen for the runoff. The Labour Party has consistently declined to comment on the entire saga.
Harper later revealed herself as one of the councillors who had voted by proxy - the other was Cllr Laura Johnson, who resigned from the party over the affair in August.
Sam Foster then sensationally stood up in the meeting of the full council two days after King's election in which she was due to be sworn in as the next leader of
the council and suggested her victory had been illegitimate.
Last month Harper and Foster were then suspended from the party for six months following an internal disciplinary investigation after they defied the party whip to vote against King’s installation.
Hitting out at former party members and calling out party officials as well as labelling Bermondsey MP Coyle 'toxic' Harper and Foster said: “Any illusion that we could run our own affairs in Southwark was shattered this summer."
Coyle hit back by suggesting the two councillors were insignificant. In a statement to us he said: “I had to look these two up. They’re not in Bermondsey and Old Southwark but one of them has missed two thirds of council meetings and the other has missed Labour winning a general election and getting on with the tough job of Government, not the never ending protest politics so desired by the wealthy hard left.
"Their departure hardly qualifies as ‘news’. Their suspension was months ago and their replacement as council candidates for next year’s election occurred weeks ago too.
"Given their lack of local track record I doubt Southwark will miss them much, but I hope the good people of Southwark are fully informed that breaking Labour rules or failing to follow the whip doesn’t
go unpunished.
"Labour is getting on with the job of fixing our country and their childish comments might make them feel briefly important but the people of Southwark know the fight ahead is Labour against Reform and all the division and damage they bring.”
Referring to Labour controversies in other parts of London, Harper and Foster continued: “From stitch-ups in Croydon, Chingford, and Ilford South, to the suspension of socialist MPs voting to reduce child poverty, dissenting or independent voices are crushed.
Concluding, Foster and Harper said they remained “committed to the people of Faraday, a ward we are deeply proud to represent, and all our focus will be on fighting for them.”
Last month, Laura Johnson resigned from Labour to sit as an independent, with a source close to the councillor revealing to us that her decision was chiefly motivated by disillusionment surrounding the party's handling of the leadership election. She was the second Labour councillor to do so in the aftermath of the election fallout. In July the former chair of the local Labour Party, Kath Whittam, issued a sensational email announcing her resignation to colleagues, in which she likened herself to a 'momma bear' who
had been 'shot in the head'.
Meanwhile, James McAsh continues to serve as the Cabinet Member for the Clean Air, Streets and Waste and is understood to be quietly getting on with the job with no plans to overturn the result - despite earlier suggestions that a legal challenge could be on the cards.
It remains to be seen whether either Foster or Harper will throw their lot in with another political party, which neither have ruled out.
Only the former chair of the local party Kath Whittam has jumped ship so far and is now the Greens' only councillor in Southwark but she is in good company across London. Her defection coincided with news the same day from west London that Guy Lambeth in Hounslow, also a previous Labour councillor, had joined the Greens.
This year two Labour councillors in Lewisham have also defected to the Green Party, Cllr Hau-Yu Tam of Evelyn ward in Deptford and Cllr Shrivastava of New Cross Gate ward.
Over in Lambeth Cllr Martin Abrams also jumped ship from Labour to the Greens in September having previously left the party to stand as an independent.
Also in Lambeth last week, the former Labour Mayor of Lambeth Tina Valcarcel resigned the whip to sit as a Liberal Democrat councillor.
Reacting to the resignations of Foster and Harper, Claire Sheppard, the Green parliamentary candidate for Peckham in 2024 which includes Faraday ward, said: “Good on them for standing up for their principles, Southwark needs more councillors who care about residents more than they care about the Labour Party, when it is letting their constituents down.”
Unlike his former Labour colleagues, Darren Merrill placed sole emphasis on politics happening at the national level rather than locally, adding: "I do wish the local party all the best in the upcoming elections. And I do not mean to cause embarrassment.
"But I can not stand by and pretend that I have not seen what is happening in our community and the fear that some are facing, I am not naïve enough to think that my resignation from the party will make the government change direction."
Local Liberal Democrat opposition leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain hit out at "bitter divisions" within Labour, stating: "If even Labour’s own councillors can’t defend their record locally or nationally, why should anyone else?"
Referring to Rushmoor Council in Hampshire - which Labour recently lost control of after four of its councillors resigned from the party, stating they were "unable" to sit with the policies of the government - Chamberlain continued: "We’ve already seen in Rushmoor that these bitter divisions can cost Labour control. It’s no wonder they’re losing voters, activists, councillors and support in droves.
"Just last week in Keir Starmer’s own backyard in Hampstead, the Liberal Democrats gained a seat from Labour.
"In places like Camden and Southwark it’s clear we are the only viable alternative. "We are working hard to bring back the largest number of Liberal Democrat councillors next time, because the last thing Southwark needs is more of this chaos and broken promises from Labour."
Neither Sarah King the leader of Southwark Council nor Southwark Labour's Chief Whip Bethan Roberts were available for comment.
SOUTHWARK'S CABINET MEMBER FOR HOUSING RESIGNS AFTER NOT HAVING THE SAME LICENCE AS RACHEL REEVES
Southwark Lib Dems had ‘investigated’ and logged a formal complaint
EXCLUSIVE
By Issy Clarke
SOUTHWARK'S CABINET Member for Council Housing has resigned after two his properties in Peckham were found not to have a selective licence, citing the same reason as the Chancellor of the Exchequer - who also fell foul of the rules last month.
Following the national controversy surrounding Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s letting agents' failure to obtain the correct £945 licence to rent out her family home in Dulwich, the Southwark Liberal Democrats contacted us and suggested that Southwark’s Cabinet Member for Council Housing Cllr Michael Situ had also not complied with the rules.
The Southwark Liberal Democrats said they had 'investigated' and 'subsequently logged a formal complaint with the council’s monitoring officer.' .
We then contacted Southwark Council to ask whether the Cabinet Member had applied for selective licences on two properties in Peckham listed on his Register of Interests.
Days after we put through our request, we were informed by the council that Cllr Situ had written to the Leader of the Council, Sarah King, tendering his resignation as a cabinet member.
In the letter, dated Thursday, 13 November Cllr Situ explained that he chose to resign from his cabinet post after revisiting his property arrangements in light of the controversy which enveloped the Chancellor last month - and said he found that his letting agent had 'allowed these properties to be let out without the appropriate licences.'
Explaining why he decided to resign, instead of simply issuing an apology, like the Chancellor did, he said: "Whilst this is a failure on behalf of my letting agent, these are my properties and I take full responsibility for allowing this situation to arise."
In his resignation letter he writes: "In light of recent media scrutiny of Southwark’s housing licensing scheme, I took it upon myself to review my own arrangements as an owner of rental properties in the borough.
“I have a contractual arrangement with a local letting agent who manage properties on my behalf which sets out that they are responsible for letting, licensing and maintaining those homes.
“The homes that I own have always been properly declared publicly in my Register of Interests.
"However, it has come to my attention that despite their contractual obligations, the letting agent has allowed these properties to be without the appropriate licences at various points and that the agent’s accounts have fallen into council tax arrears.
"Whilst this is a failure on behalf of my letting agent, these are my properties and I take full responsibility for allowing this situation to arise.
“Moving forward I have ensured that all necessary licences are being sought and that all obligations on the properties are met."
Situ's explanation mirrors that given by Reeves, who claimed she had not been made aware by her letting agent that the property in Dulwich required a selective licence.
Southwark Council requires landlords who own properties in certain parts of the borough to apply for a £945 licence, a scheme it introduced back in 2020 to crack down on rogue private landlords.
In a week that Labour turmoil has dominated both national and local news, the resignation of Situ will further add to a picture of a political party beset by crisis.
As rumours swirl nationally about disillusioned government Cabinet Members reputed to be on manoeuvres to oust the beleaguered Prime Minister, local Labour politics remains equally tumultuous with three resignations in just one week (see pages 4-5).
And the week before, the former chair of the party Kath Whittam jumped ship to the Greens after resigning from Labour in the summer following the row over its leadership election, making her the first councillor affiliated with the party in Southwark for fifteen years.
Situ continued that he had chosen to resign from his cabinet post because he did not want his oversight to become a "distraction" and said he had also referred himself to the council’s Monitoring Officer to independently review the situation.
Council leader Sarah King responded in a letter to him by praising Situ's "integrity" and said he had been let down by the 'incompetency' of his letting agent.
She said: "It is my view that you had arrangements in place to properly look after the homes that you own, but that nonetheless the company you employed has fallen seriously short.
"Like too many in our borough and across the country, it appears you have been let down by the incompetent
approach from some in the sector to their responsibilities as custodians of private sector homes."
She added the council would "review its enforcement activity to ensure that both landlords and letting agents are more vigorously held to account for failing to meet the standards we require, especially in light of the government’s new Renters’ Rights Act."
It comes a day after the leader reiterated that the council would not be pursuing enforcement action against Chancellor Rachel Reeves for failing to initially apply for the licence.
Asked by Southwark Liberal Democrat leader Victor Chamberlain whether the council would be fining Reeves and offering a repayment to her tenants covering the year during which the property was unlicensed, she responded that the council does not take action if a landlord applies for a licence within 21 days, and did not address the rent repayment order.
The Southwark Liberal Democrats also said they wrote to Sarah King in August to check if all councillors were complying with licensing regulations but claim they did 'not receive a reply' and subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the council's Monitoring Officer.
The council's website states: “You can be prosecuted or fined if you’re a landlord or managing agent for a property that needs a licence and do not get one.”
It also claims that tenants who have been living in an unlicensed property can apply to get 12 months of their rent back from their landlord – which in the case of Reeves’s home would amount to around £40,000.
Commenting on Situ's resignation, Cllr Victor Chamberlain alluded to the resignation of former leader Kieron Williams in June of this year months after a damning report by the Regulator for Social Housing accused the local authority of 'serious failings'.
He said: “This is the second Labour Councillor to have resigned from the Cabinet in less than 6 months over Labour’s housing crisis. They will now be forced to find their seventh housing cabinet member in just six years.
"Back in August, we asked the council leader to confirm that all Labour councillors were in full compliance with relevant landlord regulations. We did not receive a reply, and following our investigation we've found that the housing cabinet member has in fact been breaking their own rules.
"We subsequently logged a formal complaint with the council’s monitoring officer and asked her to investigate.
"Labour promised “zero tolerance” for rogue landlords. Yet when their own Chancellor knowingly failed to get a licence for more than a year, that zero tolerance became very forgiving. And now we learn one of the same councillors responsible for enforcing these rules was also a rule breaker.
"Labour have broken their promise time and again. They think it’s one rule for them and another for the rest of us.”
A Southwark Council spokesperson said: “Southwark Council requires private landlords to acquire a selective license in order to rent out properties in specific areas, and a licence in order to rent out a house in multiple occupation (HMO).
“This is to protect tenants and ensure landlords are complying with housing requirements, providing safe, wellmaintained homes.
“Licenses are acquired by sending applications to the council, which we assess and approve subject to conditions.
“When we become aware of an unlicensed property, we issue a warning letter advising the landlord that they have a maximum 21 days to apply for a license.
“Enforcement action such as fines are reserved for those who still do not apply for a licence or where a property is found to be in an unsafe condition.
“We cannot comment on individual cases.”
Victor Chamberlain
Rachel Reeves
Michael Situ
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By Issy Clarke
A SEX offender living in Greenwich described as one of the most ‘dangerous and prolific’ cases police have ever encountered has been given a life sentence with a minimum term of 14 years.
Chao Xu, a Chinese national living in Greenwich, would hold networking events which he would use as cover to drug, rape and secretly film his victims from an address on Glaisher Street.
Police said he was one of the most ‘prolific sexual offenders ever uncovered’ and said he would exploit his position to build trust among his victims while committing devastating crimes over the years.
According to the BBC Xu has lived in the UK since 2016 and is a graduate of the University of Greenwich. He was reportedly the director of a recruitment business that helped recent Chinese graduates gain employment in London. Xu, 33, has now been sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on 14 November after pleading guilty to 24 counts involving six women, including four counts of rape, four counts of sexual assault and eight counts of assault by penetration.
He pled guilty to a further two counts of administering substances with intent, four counts of voyeurism, and two counts of upskirting. Two additional counts will remain on file which relate to a seventh victim.
Police believe there could be hundreds more of his victims both in the UK and China and are calling on anyone who believes they may have been targeted by him to come forward.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Sanderson, who led the Met’s investigation, said he was one of the “most dangerous and prolific sexual offenders we have ever encountered. His crimes were calculated, sustained, and devastating, spanning years and leaving unimaginable harm in their wake.”
Praising the courage of the women who came forward she added police believed there were “many more victims - potentially hundreds - both in the UK and overseas.
“If you think you may have been targeted by Xu, please come forward and speak with our team. You will be treated with empathy, kindness, and respect, and we will do everything possible to support you.”
After his arrest, police discovered images and videos on his devices showing women unconscious or incapacitated, filmed from covert cameras hidden throughout his property.
Officers also discovered suspicious substances believed to have been served to his victims to render them vulnerable.
At networking events in his Greenwich property he would serve a concoction which he called the ‘Spring of Life’: a mixture of Chinese herbal medicine and alcohol intended to stupefy his guests.
After one networking event Xu assaulted a woman after drugging her. When she regained consciousness she rang 999 and officers arrived within 12 minutes where they arrested Xu on the spot.
As police reviewed his phone it became obvious that Xu would drug and rape women while they were unconscious or incapacitated and would film these attacks using covert cameras hidden throughout his property.
While searching his home, police found multiple surveillance devices in his bathroom, bedroom and wardrobe and thousands of videos and images on his devices, along with suspicious substances.
They have so far identified seven of
ONE OF THE MOST ‘DANGEROUS AND PROLIFIC’ SEX OFFENDERS POLICE HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED
Officers believe there could be hundreds more victims and are calling on anyone targeted to come forward
HOW TO CONTACT THE POLICE AND INDEPENDENT SUPPORT AGENCIES:
Reports relating to Chao Xu can be made online via the Major Incident Public Portal. The MIPP is also available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
This means it is as accessible as possible for potential victims and survivors to make reports.
If you wish to speak to Met detectives or make a report relating to Xu, you can also contact police via email on operation.kafka@ met.police.uk or on 02071753802.
You can also make a report to police by calling 101 from within the UK, quoting reference 01/7563135/25
If you live in England or Wales and have been affected by this case and would like to seek support from specialist agencies, please contact the independent charity Rape Crisis via their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line or call them on 0808 500 2222. Specially trained staff are there to listen, answer questions and offer emotional support.
his victims who were seriously sexually assaulted, three of whom have been traced and are receiving specialist support. Four more victims have not been identified.
However police believe the scale of his offending is far greater and that there are hundreds of more victims of voyeurism upskirting and potentially contact sexual offences, both in the UK and China. His crimes extended beyond his Greenwich address: he would target his victims in public spaces and overseas, exploiting trust and familiarity to conceal his actions.
Since the police launched an appeal
on August 11, more women have come forward. Detectives are still investigating these reports and anticipate there will be even more as they enter into the next phase of the investigation.
This phase involves reviewing an enormous volume of digital evidence recovered from Xu’s devices, including six million WeChat messages, thousands of images and videos, his search history and other material that may identify further victims. This is one of the largest digital forensic undertakings the Met has ever faced. Suzanne Crane, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Chao Xu is a prolific and dangerous sexual
predator who drugged and incapacitated six women so that he could rape and sexually assault them.
“The scale of his offending is such that without the brave testimony of victims, who came forward after realising what had happened to them, may well have continued undetected.
“We worked with the police from the outset to make sure we had enough evidence to prosecute him for these appalling crimes. His victims were at their most vulnerable and unable to take action to protect themselves.
“It was the strength of our case, including images and videos found on
his phone, hidden cameras, and drugs commonly used to spike drinks seized from his home address, that secured his guilty pleas.
“We will continue to work closely with police and other partners to secure more guilty pleas, which brings justice to victims quickly and makes the criminal justice system more efficient.”
The Met is now making a further appeal for anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Xu to come forward. This includes individuals who attended networking events, visited his property, or had any contact with him in the UK or China.
The ‘special drink’ Xu would use to drug his victims.
New Biz Grants: Empowering Southwark’s Black and Global Majority Small Business owners
Southwark’s social economy is brimming with passion, creativity, and potential. Yet many charities, social enterprises, and grassroots business owners earning under £10,000 a year struggle to access the funding and support they need to grow and sustain their work.
That’s why we are offering you the opportunity to join, Starting Up, Starting Out, a bold programme empowering local communities by providing vital financial and practical support to emerging organisations.
Through this initiative, 80 Black and Global Majority-led organisations and individuals earning less than £10k per year (from their business), will receive a £500 grant, hands-on training, and expert 121 mentorship designed to strengthen leadership skills, build capacity, and ensure longterm financial resilience.
To apply, go to www.doitnownow.com/southwark
Alongside training, the programme fosters peer networking opportunities, encouraging collaboration and collective problem-solving among local leaders. By the end of the four-month journey, each participant will leave with a clear plan to strengthen their organisation and grow with confidence.
Applications are open now, with recruitment running until 23
November 2025, first come first served.
The initiative is delivered by Do it Now Now (DiNN), a award winning Black and Global Majority community-focused business training organisation that has supported thousands of organisations across the UK and around the world. “This programme is about giving local leaders the resources and skills they need to thrive,” says Bayo Adelaja, CEO of Do it Now Now. If you are ready to grow your organisation, strengthen your impact, and take
the next step on your journey, now is the time to apply.
Don’t miss out on an opportunity to invest in your business potential. Apply today: www.doitnownow.com/southwark
What do others say about Starting Up, Starting Out?
“The content was challenging, informative, relevant and actionable to my business. Overall it felt like doing an MBA.” - Folora
“The most important thing I've learnt is that my market is so much bigger
than I initially anticipated! There are so many different angles that I come from to make the impact that I wish to make through my social enterprise.” - Christiane
“As a founder, I am much more confident in my offering, in terms of what value to place on it when we go to market.” - Liz
This could be everything you have been looking for, apply todaywww.doitnownow. com/southwark
By Becca Healy
WATERLOO EAST Theatre has marked a remarkable milestone — 15 years beneath the railway arches on Brad Street.
What began in 2010 as founder Gerald Armin’s bold idea — transforming an unused and derelict railway arch into a fully fledged theatre venue in under six months — has grown into one of the area’s most cherished and enduring independent cultural spaces.
From the outset, the venue turned its potential drawbacks into defining strengths. The absence of natural light, which might have discouraged others, became an advantage. When renovations began, there wasn’t even electricity installed.
Since opening its doors, Waterloo East has become a cornerstone for new writing and emerging talent. It’s a place where audiences can discover hidden gems that might otherwise never find a stage all within an intimate and welcoming environment.
To celebrate this 15-year journey, the theatre hosted a one-night Gala Concert on 14 September. The night brought together familiar faces and new friends, as special guests returned to share memories from the past decade and a half.
Gerald told me how children from an early production called the “Christmas story” returned to the event as fullyfledged 16 year olds, taking their firststeps in their careers.
“It was a great reflection. People really wanted to come back. It was a great event.”
Over the years, the theatre has staged more than 200 productions and welcomed over 150,000 audience members through
WATERLOO EAST AT 15
The trials and tribulations of an independent theatre
its doors — an impressive achievement for an independent venue.
Gerald said: “There’s two shows that have been transferred to New York and one that is going to be made into a film.”
But the road hasn’t always been smooth. Like many small theatres across the UK, Waterloo East faced existential challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Forced closures and uncertainty left the
future hanging in the balance. A crucial grant eventually allowed the venue to reopen, but the shadow of that period still lingers.
“Because of where we are, Thursday is the new Friday. Our Friday audiences have declined but our weekends have gone slightly up.
“We have a bar in our theatre and the drinking-habits have changed. People are drinking non-alcohol or soft drinks. We have younger audiences who aren’t drinking as much.”
On top of pandemic aftershocks, the cost-of-living crisis has brought its own pressures. Audiences are more cautious, budgets are tighter, and planning ahead has become increasingly difficult.
“It’s harder because people are holding onto their money. I’m trying to plan ahead, but it’s really much more difficult now. It depends on the productions, it depends on the show — but I’d like to say we’re ticking along at the moment.”
So what does the next 15 years hold for Waterloo East Theatre?
“Well, that’s a big, big question. We want to continue, of course, but times are hard. The arts industry is having a really tough time with funding right now. We’re taking each day as it comes — if that makes any sense.
“I just want the government to do something to help us. It would be great to see more support for the arts industry. We bring so much to the community, but it’s getting harder to survive.”
As Waterloo East moves forward into its next chapter, the theatre remains a symbol of perseverance — a testament to what can be achieved with vision, grit, and a deep love of the arts.
Beneath the rumbling trains of Waterloo, creativity continues to thrive, one show at a time.
“Audience habits have changed. People are booking a lot later than they would usually do. Pre-Covid, people were booking in advance.
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Gerald Armin at Waterloo East Theatre
Outside Waterloo East Theatre, based in the railway arches in Brad Street
Flu causes serious illness for people with long-term health conditions
Protect yourself by getting the flu vaccine this winter
Book an appointment through the NHS App, nhs.uk/bookflu, 119, or your pharmacy or GP. Find participating pharmacies at nhs.uk/flu-pharmacy
The first Jubilee Line station to get listed status
By Evie Flynn
TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR CAKE MAKER MARGARETWHO
‘BAKED JOY’ INTO CAMBERWELL COMMUNITY FOR OVER 40 YEARS
By Issy Clarke
MARGARET AKRONG, who ran a cake shop in Camberwell for almost 40 years and was described as baking joy into the community, sadly passed away this month aged 82.
Tributes have begun pouring in for Margaret, the beloved baker behind Margaret’s Cakes of Distinction, who died suddenly on November 1.
The octogenarian worked five days a week and was said to rarely take a holiday - running her shop right up until the end.
Margaret came over to Britain from Ghana in the 1960s as a student and made Camberwell her home in 1980 when she moved to the Wyndham Estate with her husband William ‘Bill’ Branch.
In 1989 the two went into business together, opening up a cake decorating shop on Camberwell Road, fulfilling a lifelong dream of Margaret’s.
“Margaret was in charge of the cakes, while her husband Bill took care of the business side,” remembered Stephen Bourne, a friend and customer.
Margaret’s beloved Bill passed away in 2018, which she “never really got over” according to Stephen.
She baked all kinds of goods, from sumptuous Jamaican rum cakes to classic sponges. Each cake was beautifully hand-decorated by Margaret herself, adorned with flowers, woven baskets, footballs and other personal touches tailored to the lucky recipient.
“Last year, on my birthday, she called me and told me she had something for me,” recalled Stephen. “When I visited her shop, Margaret gave me the most beautiful birthday cake which had been pre-ordered by a mutual friend.
“I was thrilled but said, ‘Oh Margaret, I cannot eat this!’ She looked confused.
I explained: ‘It is too lovely to cut into. It is a work of art!’ With that she burst out laughing.”
But it wasn’t Margaret’s beautiful cakes that made her such a well-loved figure in the community, although this certainly didn’t hold her back.
“She was kind, considerate and hard-working,” continued Stephen.
“She was a much-loved member of the Camberwell community and will be missed.”
Marie Staunton, the Secretary of the SE5 Forum and who knew Margaret for many years, added that Margaret
also start a second branch back in her home country of Ghana: “Back in Ghana people are more willing to learn. Over here, not so much.”
But where she might have felt the English fell short in their cakedecorating skills, they made up for it elsewhere: “The people here are very nice, very tolerant.”
did more than just create delicious baked goods: “Margaret baked joy.
“She was always accessible, knew all her neighbours by name, traded stories with people, and quietly stitched our community together.”
Margaret first came to Britain as a little girl with her dad for a holiday and was endlessly enthusiastic about the country she adopted as her home and its people.
Interviewed for a short video segment about her life back in 2013, Margaret said she was inspired by the opportunities available in Britain: “Anything you want in this world is there, but you just have to work hard for it.
“Too many people who come to Britain don’t take the opportunities that are on offer.”
Opening a cake shop was her dream – and she had unrealised ambitions to
Margaret was also an energetic participant in the annual Eat Around The World Festival in Camberwell Green, teaching free cake-decorating classes with “humour, patience and flair”, according to Marie, who also added: “As a trader and friend, Margaret championed local business, showed up for good causes and lifted others to shine.”
The SE5 Forum held a minute of silence last Monday (November 17) in honour of Margaret’s life at their meeting at the United Reformed Church in Love Walk.
They are also in discussions about organising a plaque and a memorial event to honour Margaret’s contribution to the Camberwell community.
Anyone who would like to share their memories of Margaret or make a suggestion about how to commemorate her is encouraged to drop by the community market stall on Camberwell Green which is there on Saturdays from 10–3pm.
SOUTHWARK TUBE station was built between 1994 and 1996 as part of the Jubilee line extension and is the first on the line to get Grade II listed status.
The station was one of six brand new stations on the Jubilee line extension, which opened in 1999 and added eleven new stations, from Green Park to Stratford. Each station on the extension was designed by a different architect and intended to have a unique identity, but use a core palette of similar materials, like concrete.
Southwark Tube station was given the Grade II status last week by the government (13 November) after advice from Historic England.
Designed by architects from MacCormac Jamieson Prichard (MJP), it is now the ‘youngest’ of 72 Tube stations inlcuded on the National Heritage List for England.
The station is memorable, with key features including the steel panelled tunnel, the blue glass screen in the concourse and the blue panelling on the exterior. The station has been recognised for its high quality of design, finish and detailing.
The Jubilee line extension was first put forward in the 1980s, due to the development of London Docklands and Canary Wharf requiring more travel capacity than provided by the Docklands Light Railway.
The original Jubilee line, which ran from Wembley Park to Stanmore was originally named the Fleet Line, before being renamed to the Jubilee Line after Queen Elizabeth’s silver Jubilee in 1977.
After its extension in 1999, it linked Stratford, North Greenwich, Canary Wharf, and Bermondsey to central London.
Heritage Minister, Baroness Twycross, said: “Southwark’s London Underground station is a stunning example of late 20thcentury architecture. I’m thrilled to celebrate and help protect this bold design, with its striking play on natural and artificial light.
“Used by thousands every day, this station is a great reminder of the extraordinary breadth of our country’s architectural heritage.”
Margaret and Bill opened their cake shop on Camberwell Road in the late ’80s. She is pictured here with loyal customer and friend Stephen Bourne
Margaret Akrong
PRINCESS OF WALES MARKS EVELINA'S ANNIVERSARY
By Jessica Khan
EVELINA LONDON Children’s
Hospital is celebrating 20 years of life-changing care since opening its landmark building on Lambeth Palace Road in 2005.
The Princess of Wales, Patron of Evelina London since 2018, sent a special message marking the milestone, praising the hospital as “a place that symbolises love, healing and hope.”
Since opening as London’s first new children’s hospital in a century, Evelina London has tripled the number of children it cares for, expanding to more than 30 specialties and becoming a leader for cutting-edge research and innovation.
“Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen extraordinary advances in children’s medicine, but what has remained constant is our unwavering commitment to putting children and families at the heart of everything we do,” said Gabby Ayida, Chief Executive of Evelina London Women’s and Children’s Clinical Group.
The hospital has achieved remarkable milestones, including developing the UK’s first 3D ultrasound imaging system to aid children with scoliosis, performing the UK’s first paediatric robotic surgery for testicular cancer, and taking the world’s first 3D MRI scans of the foetal heart to improve diagnosis before birth.
The hospital has also expanded with the opening of the Children’s Day Treatment Centre in 2023.
“As I know from my visits, the building’s bright, welcoming spaces and wonderful light-filled atrium ensure children feel safe, supported and nurtured as they face whatever challenges lie ahead,” said the Princess of Wales.
Among the first patients through the doors of the new children’s hospital in 2005 was Zaki, born with a rare heart condition and treated by Professor John Simpson, who still works at Evelina today.
"I am extremely fortunate to have received the level of care and compassion that I have had at Evelina London. I feel so grateful to the team,” said Zaki.
Professor Simpson said it was “an incredible thing to now see Zaki as a young man with such a promising life ahead of him,” recalling the move to the new building as “a really uplifting experience” that inspired confidence in patients and staff alike.
The £60 million hospital was built with support from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, the NHS, and public fundraising through the Evelina Children’s Hospital Appeal.
As soon as the hospital was opened Southwark News launched a fundraising campaign to buy £100,000 worth of vital life saving equipment for extremely poorly babies. It was a mammoth feat but the newspaper team were overwhelmed by the show of support, as the paper's
staff and local community knitted, ran, swam, climbed, sang, painted, raffled, and stripped off to raise money. Finally hitting £100,603.00 in February 2017.
Ongoing support from Evelina London Children’s Charity continues to fund new technologies and research.
“Looking ahead, I am filled with hope for Evelina’s future. As it continues to grow, even more children will benefit from the world-class care that defines Evelina, a place where healing begins with connection, and every child is cherished,” said The Princess of Wales.
Olympian Victoria Ohuruogu inspires pupils at Bermondsey school
By Jessica Khan
OLYMPIC
BRONZE medallist
Victoria Ohuruogu visited Ilderton Primary School in Bermondsey to inspire pupils with her journey of determination and success.
As part of the school’s annual sponsored athlete event, Ms. Ohuruogu led a series of fitness circuits with pupils from Years 1 to 6, followed by a motivational assembly and Q&A session. The aim was to encourage children to be more physically active and to discover and pursue their
passions in life.
“The fitness workshop was so much fun, and having Victoria there cheering us on was great,” said student Brikti.
Children also heard about Ms. Ohuruogu’s path to Olympic success, including how she overcame a major injury to become Britain’s number one 400m runner.
“Seeing Victoria was extremely inspiring, to hear how she overcame a major injury then becoming Britain’s number one 400m runner was brilliant,” said student Amine.
The visit reflected Ilderton’s
commitment to excellence and healthy lifestyles, with Ms. Ohuruogu’s message about believing in yourself resonates strongly.
“I wish Victoria could come every year, her story was amazing to hear,” said student Sienna.
The event helped raise over £350 for new sports equipment at the school as well as support for UK athletes and para-athletes through the nationwide Great Athlete programme.
The day left pupils inspired by an extraordinary role model and eager to follow her example.
This Christmas Pinocchio comes to life at Shakespeare's Globe
By Michael Holland
JOURNEY TO a world of endless possibilities this festive season as Pinocchio comes to life in the iconic Globe Theatre at the end of the month from Saturday November 29.
A new musical for the whole family by Charlie Josephine and Jim Fortune this is a premiere for Pinocchio at William Shakespeare's reconstructed Globe theatre in Bankside.
In the embrace of the wooden ‘O’ of the Globe Theatre, itself lovingly carved from a thousand oak trees, experience this unforgettable story of self-discovery, freedom and family, and share in the wonder of what it means to be human.
Dreaming of a life beyond the confines of his traditional town, restless maverick Gepetto carves a wooden puppet and calls him Pinocchio. Together, they embark on a series of adventures with a host of weird and wonderful characters as they teach each other how to love and build a community of their own.
A surprising, funny and heartfelt new musical for ages 5+ with book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine and music and lyrics by Jim Fortune.
Pinocchio runs from November 29 til January 4 and tickets range from £5 to £75. Half-price seated tickets are available for under-16s at all performances. Booking and full details: www.shakespearesglobe.com
Stan Middleton, Andrea Sadler and Lee Braithwaite in rehearsals for Pinocchio
Tony Hudgell with HRH The Princess of Wales opening Evelina London Children's Day Surgery Unit. (David Tett)
Ella Moth, nine, and Chloe Morley, ten, joined The Princess of Wales to cut the ribbon on the door of the Children’s Day Surgery Unit, marking it officially open.
Professor John Simpson –professor of paediatric and foetal cardiology, Evelina London
Christmas comes to Canada Water
The countdown to the Big Day is on, and things are feeling festive in Canada Water! With illuminations, carol singing and chances to meet the man in red and white, there’s plenty going on to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Canada Water’s lit
Take a walk around Canada Dock and check out our twinkling illuminations. You’ll find a 30ft tree at the end of Rafter Walk, plus a cluster of three trees outside Canada Water Leisure Centre. There are also four large 3D stars and, outside Dock Shed and Three Deal Porters, a meteor shower of three shooting stars.
Meet Santa in his magical workshop
Santa Claus and his friendly elves are coming to town… and they’re bringing their free Merry Magical Workshop direct from Lapland to Surrey Quays Shopping Centre! Your little ones can dress up, meet Santa and his Chief Elf Suzie Sprinkles and become Elves-In-Training in a fun and interactive Christmas workshop they’ll never forget. Visitors can…
• dress in a festive hi-vis vest and hard hat to sort piles of gifts and letters
• learn the Christmas Eve song
• play festive silly games with Santa and his elf crew
• take some fun photos
Santa will be welcoming visitors from 11am-1pm and 1:30pm-4pm between:
• Friday 5 – Sunday 7 December
• Thursday 12 – Wednesday 24 December
SEND sessions run 10am-11am on Saturday 6, Saturday 13 and Saturday 20 December
It’s free for everyone and there’s no booking required – simply drop by and join in the fun.
Pick up some unique presents
Thrive markets will be back at Surrey Quays Shopping Centre on the final two Saturdays before Christmas, 13 and 20 December. A brilliant line-up of local traders and makers will be offering handmade gifts, stocking fillers and much more. Open from 9am to 7pm
Christmas at Corner Corner
Breakfast or lunch with Father Christmas
Little ones can share their Christmas wishes, receive a gift from the man himself and have their photo taken. Plus, enjoy free arts and crafts activities from The Kid’s Table (11am to 3pm) and live jazz performances throughout the day to keep the festive mood going.
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December
Breakfast with Santa: 9.30am to 12pm
Lunch with Santa: 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Child ticket: £18.04 (inc. booking fee)
Adult ticket: £22.38 (inc. booking fee)
Available from eventbrite.co.uk
Carols led by City Hope Church
Bring your singing voices and join us at Corner Corner for a celebration of Christmas. Seasonal food and drink, live music and festive fun. Just turn up! Sunday 14 December, 6.30pm
The stars are out tonight at Canada Dock
Santa’s Merry Magical Workshop awaits your visit
By Ruby Gregory
Local Democracy Reporter
A GROUP of independent businesses who trade at a popular shopping spot next to the River Thames have been told they must move out in one year’s time so the site can be cleared for demolition.
Gabriel’s Wharf has existed at the heart of London’s South Bank for almost 40 years and is a much-loved retail destination where a cluster of small shops including art galleries and food artisans are enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike.
However this time next year, the area is set to be flattened because Coin Street, the social enterprise responsible for redeveloping the area in the early 1980s, wants to regenerate the site into a new “meanwhile use” –effectively meaning new occupants will be put there in the short-term until future plans for a nursing home come to fruition, reportedly in 15 years’ time.
The current businesses recently signed a one-year lease and must cease trading by September 27, 2026 and must clear out their units the following month for demolition, but argue their presence is the ‘meanwhile use’ the site needs while it’s awaiting redevelopment.
Businesses are potentially preparing for their last Christmas at Gabriel’s Wharf as they haven’t been guaranteed a place in the future plans.
Liz Mathews, who owns Potters’ Yard, a pottery and lettering arts studio with her partner, Frances Bingham, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We’re feeling a bit devastated at the moment because of this being our last Christmas.
“We’ve asked for just an extension of those three months until the end of 2026 so that we can have two more Christmases [here] – they took a while to think about it and categorically refused.”
She added: “[Coin Street] keep on talking about the money but on the other hand they haven’t put the rent up for us and they haven’t discussed any other possible revenue sources.
“We feel very much that we’re not getting all of the information and that they’ve made a lot of decisions without any consultation, especially not with tenants but also not with local people.”
A spokesperson for Coin Street said Gabriel’s Wharf was always intended to be temporary, and many of the units are reaching the end of their life, which means the site must close to allow for their temporary replacement.
The spokesperson said while nothing has been decided for the new meanwhile use, they could not confirm whether it would be “suitable” for the current businesses and have advised them to find alternative sites.
Businesses have raised concerns over the plans, arguing most of the units are in good condition and do not need to be bulldozed. They said a survey was carried out on all of the units in 2024, which concluded they had between five and 10 years left before they would need to be knocked down.
Janice Bocquillon, whose hatmaking business Heads Rule Hearts has been in the area for over 20 years, said: “It’s a lovely place to work, but we were under the impression that [we would have] 5 years so I suppose that’s why we’re all a bit shocked by it.
“It seems like they want us out so they can do whatever they want. Even if we can’t stay, could they do an extension or offer us something else, something temporary?”
Businesses are also worried they won’t be able to afford to trade elsewhere in London, due to currently paying cheaper rents to Coin Street, which is not-for-profit.
Mariatu Turay-Akar, who runs Travelling Artisan Popup (TAP), a collective for female artists, said: “I suspect that a lot of us won’t be able to continue in a space, definitely not in London, because the rents are ridiculous.
“A place like this where it started with a heart for independent small businesses is much needed, there’s no one really championing this. So it’s like, what happens to people like us?
It’s very challenging because finding a spot like this, there’s nothing like this for miles around.”
Lisette Davis, who owns Gabu Chocolatier, a handmade speciality chocolate shop at Gabriel’s Wharf, added: “Businesses like [this] struggle
to exist in big corporate spaces, as I’m beginning to learn when looking at new leases and what they entail. What’s so magical about this space is that they allow small ideas from individual people to exist because I think everyone here is individual and they put their work into their art.”
She added: “This little place reminds me of some of the places in France or Switzerland, where you can go into the shops and there might be a row of a thousand chocolate shops but they’re all so different. They might all be doing the same thing but they’re all doing the same thing differently –I feel like that’s what Gabriel’s Wharf is.”
Joanne Plumb, whose popular knitwear shop has been at Gabriel’s Wharf for over two decades and has customers from as far as Bel Air in Los Angeles, agrees with Lisette.
Joanne said: “We’re blessed to be here, we are in one of the most beautiful places in London and maybe [Coin Street] know that, maybe that’s what it is. It’s like a little gem, a hidden gem, there’s things you can’t
LAST CHRISTMAS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES ON THE SOUTH BANK
find anywhere else. People walk into the Wharf and they feel like they’re someone else, they feel there’s a sort of atmosphere here, there’s a beautiful zen here. It’s like you’re on holiday but in fact you’re in the city.”
Businesses have launched a change. org petition to keep Gabriel’s Wharf as it is and save it from demolition and redevelopment. At the time of writing the petition had amassed 521 signatures.
Harry, who owns Hartex, a shop specialising in vintage sportswear and alternative London souvenirs, said: “If I don’t have this place, then I’m never running a shop again. The high street is finished. It’s really hard, I think what’s sad place about this place going is that for a lot of businesses, where do we go?”
Harry added: “Gabriel’s Wharf is a great example of what London and what diversity can be, I think it’s a really good harmony of people from different walks of life. It’s super, super diverse, it’s one of the most perfect representations of London.”
When the LDRS approached Coin
Street for comment, they said: “The aim of regenerating Gabriel’s Wharf is to continue its meanwhile use as a vibrant mixed-use public space for residents, workers and visitors to enjoy.
"We are looking at a new meanwhile use for the site that will allow Gabriel’s Wharf to continue to operate for a further 10 to 15 years. We don’t know what the new use will be yet, but we will carry out a public consultation during the planning process.”
They added: “The tenants at Gabriel’s Wharf are valued members of the Coin Street community and we took the decision to keep the Wharf open until September 2026 to give tenants and the Wharf a successful final year in its current form.
“Coin Street is a not-for-profit social enterprise. The money generated by our commercial spaces goes towards running our homes, parks, nursery, family support services and youth and community programmes such as stay and play, youth club, tutoring, over 50s art group, coffee mornings, gentle gardening and community singing.”
Mariatu Turay-Akar has ran her independent business at Gabriel's Wharf for almost three years
Joanne Plumb outside her knitwear shop in Gabriel's Wharf
Independent businesses at Gabriel's Wharf are preparing for potentially their last Christmas on site
LARGEST PLANNING APPLICATION IN KENSINGTON FOR SIXTY YEARS
By Ben Lynch Local Democracy Reporter
KENSINGTON AND Chelsea
councillors have approved plans to transform a former gasworks site into a new 2,500-home development.
Most members attending last weeks (November 11) Planning Committee voted in-favour of the scheme, jointly filed by developer Ballymore and Sainsbury’s, despite what was a significant effort from objectors.
It will now go to the Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan to decide whether to agree with the council or call it in for his own consideration.
John Mulryan, Group Managing Director at Ballymore, said the scheme “will be game changing not just for the people who’ll move here, but for thousands of residents in the wider community”.
The application for the site on Canal Way, known as the Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area (KCOA), is to deliver office space, a healthcare facility, nursery or creche, restaurants, a leisure centre, a neighbourhood centre as well as a public park, plus the homes.
Of the 2,519 planned 500 are to be ‘affordable’, split between 342 at social rent and 158 at the intermediate rate.
While far below the 35.7 per cent threshold set by the council officers deemed the number to be the maximum viable. Reviews of the figure are to be carried out as the work progresses.
A hybrid scheme, it consists of detailed development plans and an ‘outline’, which allows for decisions to be made on the general principles of how the site can be built up.
The location is currently a disused gasworks site consisting of a Sainsbury’s, a petrol station, car park, community hub and 16 social homes, all of which will be demolished to make way for the development.
According to planning documents the proposal has received significant feedback, with more than 1,800 objections and 1,673 letters of support.
Those opposed claim the development lacks decent transport links and that its scale, with towers up to 29 storeys tall, is of concern.
The level of social housing proposed is also noted, plus warnings about “unresolved toxic risks” due to the site being on a disused gasworks.
Given the site is in one of the 48 ‘Opportunity Areas’ allocated for redevelopment in London, it is exempt from a council Community Infrastructure Levy but £21.9 million community contributions will still need to be paid to City Hall.
Council officers, who recommended the proposal be approved, had acknowledged the scheme would lead to ‘overshadowing’ of the Grade I-listed Kensal Green Cemetery and areas of the canal towpath, with concerns raised by consultees including Historic England.
Another key point of contention is the loss of the community hub, Canalside House. Documents indicate that some of the office space will be on offer at a reduced rate to make up for the loss of the hub.
The interest in the proposal, which according to one speaker is to be the largest development in Kensington for 60 years, was evident from the packed
chamber at last night’s meeting.
Independent councillor Toby Benton told attendees that members had been petitioned “quite strongly” by the applicants, something he said would not have been available to residents.
This prompted Senior Planning Solicitor Lorna Bowry to query whether he was able to make a decision “with an open mind”, to which he said he could.
Among the objectors were several sitting councillors including the leader of the Labour opposition, Kasim Ali.
He said: “This council has said in the past that they will honour and listen and respect our members and our communities after Grenfell. It’s about time this council shows the leadership and not break its own rules and policies and listen once and for all to the local community.”
A succession of residents proceeded to speak on separate, defined topics, from concerns about transport to contamination of the site.
Michael Bach, from The Kensington Society, detailed the background to the site, including the early potential of an Elizabeth Line station locally and the hike in homes designated for the area under the London Plan, from 2,000 to 3,500.
He said: “Despite 15 years of trying to get this far, most of the problems have not been or cannot be solved. This is the largest planning application of this borough for 60 years, and it’s only the start.”
The issue of what one objector called “inadequate transport infrastructure” was also raised on a number of occasions, with concerns about the site becoming disconnected and inaccessible.
Emma Dent Coad, an Independent councillor at Kensington and Chelsea, told the chamber “this is our last chance to tackle multi deprivation in Golborne and Dalgarno wards”.
She claimed the affordable housing provision was “misrepresented”, with just 342 of homes to be allocated for social or London Affordable Rent.
She said: “We need new homes here, but this plan will do little to nothing to tackle the severe housing deprivation or indeed poverty in our poorest wards.”
Jon Roshier, Director at Rolfe Judd Planning and speaking on behalf of the applicants, said the team were “incredibly pleased” to have gotten to this stage of the project.
He added that Kensal Canalside “is the largest housing delivery site within the borough and key to meeting housing need”.
A council tenant and local business owner also spoke in favour of the scheme.
She said that as a parent with young children she is concerned for her kids, “who were born in this borough but will not be able to live or work here unless more homes are built”.
“The land they are building on has been empty for as long as I can remember, so why not put it into use and create something special for North Kensington?”
A repeated line of questioning from councillors was that of the contamination of the land, with warnings from objectors that the applicants had failed to demonstrate it can be made safe.
This was rebuffed by a member of the applicants’ team, who said the site and the contamination risks are common and that they have protocols and mitigations in-place.
The question of the viability of the scheme and the number of affordable homes was also put to the applicants. Cllr Benton in particular queried the level proposed, which is well below the council’s threshold for the site.
Mr Roshier said the numbers had been “heavily scrutinised” though that the scheme has to be ‘deliverable’. “If it’s not deliverable nothing happens on this site at all,” he said. “No housing, no Sainsbury’s, nothing will happen. It’s fundamental we find a balance and provide a deliverable scheme.”
When put to a vote councillors James Husband, who chairs the Committee, Will Lane, Sam Mackover and Anne Cyron voted for the scheme, with Cllr Benton against.
Cries of ‘shame’ and ‘disgrace’ could be heard from the public gallery following the decision, which had been packed for the entirety of the two-hours-plus the meeting was held.
After the meeting Cllr Husband described the number of homes as “very significant in the context of our borough and in the end the public benefit outweighed the harms”.
Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said: “This is a major milestone for the borough. We have very little space to build in Kensington and Chelsea and a very high demand for housing, so it’s absolutely crucial that the opportunity is grasped with both hands at Kensal Canalside. I hope it won’t be long before the developer can get on with the job of building over 2,500 much-needed homes, 500 of those will be affordable. It will be a change for the area, but I look forward to it becoming a happy neighbourhood and a new amazing space, offering homes and community for many people in the near future.”
Mr Mulryan said: “We are pleased that the RBKC planning committee has given approval for our project at Kensal Canalside. This will be an exemplar project, showing how we can turn a complex, former gasworks into a thriving place full of character delivering over 2,500 much needed new homes. Kensal
Canalside will bring thousands of jobs, a new high street, leisure spaces – all of which will be game changing not just
for the people who’ll move here, but for thousands of residents in the wider community.”
Canal Way proposal, Kensington.
By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter
THE LEADER of a South London council has said residents in his borough are getting “less bang for their buck” from Transport for London (TfL).
Sutton Council’s leader, Barry Lewis, has outlined the areas he believes could transform the borough’s historically limited transport provision, calling for Crossrail 2 and Overground integration, a larger and more frequent bus network, and a Tramlink extension.
Sutton is widely considered to have the poorest TfL coverage in London, with no Overground or Tube stations, one Tram stop, and fewer than 25 bus routes. Lib Dem Council Leader Lewis told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that Sutton has been “left behind” for decades while major transport investment has flowed elsewhere.
Despite Sutton residents paying the same transport precept as people in other boroughs, Lewis says they receive the lowest capital investment per person in London. He believes this imbalance is now holding back economic growth at a time when interest in Sutton is rising. He argued that improvements are essential to addressing decades of underinvestment. Lewis said London’s transport strategy remains overly focused on journeys into Central London, neglecting orbital routes, hybrid working patterns, and local economic hubs.
He has identified three key areas where investment is needed for Sutton to catch up with the rest of London: Crossrail 2 and suburban rail integration, expanding and improving the bus network, and a Tramlink extension.
BUS NETWORK IMPROVEMENTS
In recent years, TfL has increased Sutton’s bus services by about 10%, adding double-deckers on Route 80, re-routing the S1 to the Cancer Hub, launching the seven-day S2, and adding evening trips on the S3. The SL7 between Heathrow and Croydon now runs twice as often with better on-board features.
However, in the short term, the council is focused on securing immediate enhancements to Sutton’s bus network. “We want more bus routes, with more variety and more frequency,” he said.
Lewis added: “Sutton only has 25 bus routes, which is fewer than Kingston. Bus routes need to take people to places where other public transport does not go, but they also need to take them to faster transport links. In Sutton, there are too many infrequent and long routes.
“This includes improved frequency and routes that better connect residents to faster transport hubs and areas rail cannot reach.” However, Lewis did not provide further detail on where these new routes are needed when pressed by the LDRS.
FASTER TRAINS, CROSSRAIL 2 AND SUBURBAN RAIL INTEGRATION
While Sutton is connected to several London rail termini and benefits from regular Thameslink services, many in the borough often criticise the speed of these journeys. Lewis told the LDRS: “Sutton is linked into four of London’s major rail terminals, but the connection from those terminals is clunky and slow, so we need to see better services in and around the borough.”
He said he supports the Mayor of London’s agenda for returning the two main operators in the borough, Southern and Thameslink, to national ownership.
DOES SUTTON HAVE THE POOREST TFL COVERAGE IN LONDON?
Council leader wants Crossrail 2, more buses, Overground integration and Tram extension
“This is a great opportunity to improve services and frequency,” he added. Lewis also stressed the need for better rail connections, highlighting the longawaited Crossrail 2 project. He described it as essential for providing a north-south route from Surrey, through London, to Hertfordshire. While the new line would particularly benefit residents in the west of the borough, the project remains in the planning stage, with initial construction expected to begin next year.
He also supports the full integration of Sutton’s suburban rail lines into TfL services and improvements to existing Southern and Thameslink services. He said: “It’s crazy that London’s transport infrastructure is so fragmented. We need faster, more reliable trains that link Sutton to the rest of London and make commuting easier.”
When asked for tangible examples of improvements, Lewis highlighted the council’s role in securing £14.1m in government funding to double train services to Belmont to support the London Cancer Hub. “Sutton was one of very few London boroughs to secure this funding,” he added.
However, residents in other parts of Sutton, such as Hackbridge, are still waiting for the return of more frequent pre-COVID train schedules, despite a longrunning campaign.
Lewis also wants to see Sutton connected to the Overground network via the Windrush line, which currently terminates at West Croydon. “This means a turn-up-and-go service; if you miss a train, you won’t have to wait 30 minutes for the next one,” he said.
TRAMLINK EXTENSION
Residents have long memories of the Tramlink extension, once promised to connect Sutton to the wider network, but ultimately the borough was almost completely left out, apart from two stops in Beddington.
Asked whether there is a realistic prospect of reviving the Sutton Tram extension, Lewis responded: “I think this is more of a question for the Mayor and TfL. What I would say is that for our residents, the Tram only touches the north of the borough but does not provide a service for people in Sutton. I think it’s sad that TfL has not come forward with a fully funded position for Tram services in Sutton. I understand finances are challenging, but as I have said, they have chosen to fund other projects.”
TfL confirmed to the LDRS that it has no plans to revisit the Tramlink extension to Sutton within the current budget.
INNOVATION AND LONG-TERM PROJECTS
The council is also exploring innovative ideas, including an autonomous vehicle link between Sutton town centre and the London Cancer Hub, which could serve as a pilot for new local transport solutions. The Cancer Hub, expected to create around 3,000 jobs, is ideally located near the main station, making it a strong candidate for such a trial.
TfL’s Commissioner has referred Sutton’s idea to its innovation team, and Lewis expects further discussions soon.
WHAT NOW?
Lewis recently met with Andy Lord, the Commissioner of TfL, and Lord Peter Hendy, Minister of State for Transport, to outline the borough’s transport priorities over the coming decades. Lewis said the council will continue to meet with stakeholders, but noted that many transport decisions are made at a level beyond the borough.
Questions also remain over the council’s plans for cycling, walking
routes, accessibility, and how improvements will be monitored. The council has greater control in these areas, given its responsibility for all non-red route roads.
“Successive London Mayors have shown they don’t care about outer London,” Lewis said. “But that will not stop the council from demanding fair investment for our residents.”
Asked what should happen if Sadiq Khan or TfL fail to commit to new investment, Lewis replied bluntly: “Elect a Lib Dem Mayor.” He added: “We will continue to work with the Mayor and the Government to make sure Sutton gets fair treatment. Residents deserve a modern, efficient, and reliable transport network. We will not stop pushing until they get it.”
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “The Mayor remains committed to making it easier for even more people to choose sustainable and affordable modes of transport in outer London. Since 2016, he’s added rail capacity in outer London with the Barking Riverside extension, as well as opening the new Elizabeth line and boosting the bus network, including the game changing new orbital Superloop, already having a huge impact in outer London.
“The London Borough of Sutton has benefited from millions of pounds in transport investment in recent years, ensuring it can continue vital work to make our roads safer and more attractive for people walking and cycling, and using public transport.”
Councillor Barry Lewis took over from long serving council leader Ruth Dombey in Spring last year
what’s on
THIS TRAGEDY IS A LOT OF FUN
HAMLET, SHAKESPEARE’S ever popular revenge tragedy, gets a grand, quick-paced and even more quickly spoken adaptation at The National Theatre, writes Melina Block.
One of the Bard’s most popular plays, the themes of grief, betrayal, love, loss, deceit and madness have captured the imaginations of audiences and actors alike for centuries. This most recent rendition, despite retaining the original Shakespearean language, feels thoroughly modern. It is not simply the clothes (Ophelia sports a burgundy tracksuit in one scene, while Hamlet dons a white graphic tee with ‘Boys and Tobacco’ emblazoned across it in others), but the rapid escalation of the action and almost rushed monologues at some points make this feel more suited for a Netflix adaptation than the stage.
Some people - particularly those already familiar with the script - will appreciate the energetic, lively nature of this show. But it is hard to imagine how someone who is not already well acquainted with the language of Shakespeare’s day would engage with a production which too frequently has you straining to hear what is being said. That is not to say that the actors are not enjoyable to watch; Francesca Mills’ Ophelia and Hiran Abeyeskera’s Hamlet are both played rather comedically, emphasising the girlish naivety and teenage angst of their characters, respectively. Geoffrey Streatfeild is also particularly commanding as Polonius, making his all too sudden murder at the hands of Hamlet even more disappointing. It is hard to understand why such a pivotal scene seems to have been paced so rapidly.
Despite an overarching feeling that
Falls Short of Its Promise
I WENT into Gwenda’s Garage hoping to uncover a piece of queer history that had somehow escaped me - a gritty insight into the protests of the 1980s, the challenges of establishing an allwomen’s garage, and the legacy it left behind. As the production is based on a true story, I anticipated a work with documentary depth, a thoughtful narrative interwoven with music. Instead, what emerged felt more like a checklist of social talking points from life under Thatcher’s government, inserted wherever they might, writes Luigia Minichiello
The characters lacked emotional depth and credible representation. A fleeting attempt to acknowledge
the whole piece could have been slowed down a little bit, it cannot be said that this performance is not exciting. The action is nonstop and the subtle wit of Shakespeare’s writing is consistently drawn out. Hamlet’s cruel rejection of Ophelia is a particularly
straight women discovering their sexuality, closeted gay characters, sperm donations, and the challenges of fostering as a queer person. These themes carried real dramatic potential, yet not every one needed to be turned into a song-and-dance routine. Some musical numbers, however, did succeed, notably the ensemble performance of Get Your Hands Dirty and Eva Scott’s moving solo, Holding It Together, as Carol, which proved a genuine highlight.
Unfortunately, the wheels truly came off in the second half, which lost both focus and energy. “Meet Me on the Bridge” leaned more towards cringe than commentary, and the show appeared to abandon its earlier promise. It failed to explore a rich and significant chapter of queer and feminist heritage with the depth it deserved.
racism appeared in a single throwaway line, when the only Black character, Terry, was forced to tolerate apprentice Dipstick’s remark: “I have to tread on eggshells with you.” It’s 2025, we can and should expect better writing around race, even when a story is set in the 1980s.
That said, there were some humorous moments. The “job creation” sketch evoked clear memories of the YTS schemes of the era, and quips such as “If we can’t fix a car on the third attempt, we’ll call the AA”, landed perfectly. One standout comic moment came when Dipstick inspected a VW Beetle for a potential buyer, only to advise against the purchase because “it doesn’t have an engine.”
All the familiar figures were present,
Overall, I had hoped for a wellcrafted, thoughtfully written play with music woven through it, rather than one built around the songs.
Gwenda’s Garage takes its name from Gwenda Stewart, a pioneering and record-breaking racing driver of the 1930s. The real-life garage was founded by three female mechanics who, unable to find work in a maledominated industry, created their own space. Their legacy continues through WEST — Women in Engineering, Science and Technology — which inspires women to pursue nontraditional careers (www.westskills. org.uk).
Southwark Playhouse until November 29th. Booking and full details: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/ productions/gwendas-garage/
powerful scene, a rare moment where the actors - and audience - are given space to breathe and take in the devastating emotional impact of the manipulation and betrayal of these characters. Overall, this adaptation may not always emphasise the depth some may desire from the story but it is definitely a lot of fun.
This illustrates the breadth, versatility and depth of Ancher’s
art
ON A drab winter’s day, Danish artist Anna Ancher’s Painting Light collection at Dulwich Picture Gallery is the perfect antidote. Light suffuses her paintings to the point where her subjects almost seem to melt away Icarus-like in the sun, writes Barbara Buchanan.
Ancher (1859-1935) is regarded as one of Denmark’s greatest artists, yet hardly known here. This is the first time her work has featured as a large-scale exhibition in the UK.
Light and colour dominate; in the first room of the exhibition, she portrays her daughter Helga knitting in Sunlight in the Blue Room (1891). Sun streams through the windows, bouncing off the back of Helga’s blonde bob onto the wall. The shadows of the windowsill plants are brought into sharp relief and light dances on the blue-beige striped carpet.
On the same wall is Ancher’s unframed Evening Sun in the Artist’s Studio at Markvej, after 1913, where she explores the rays of a low-lying sun filtering through the window. The sun is reflected on the opposite pale blue wall with thick brush strokes of peach and tangerine orange square panes. The effect is reminiscent of Claude Monet’s sunrises, an artist who influenced her after her sixmonth stay in Paris in 1889.
The painting is in stark contrast to the dark colours she uses in one of her earlier works, depicting a Skagen fisherman concentrating on his craft in Old Man Whittling Wood, 1880. The piece won her critical acclaim as a promising artist, she was 21 at the time, and it is signed Anna
National Theatre until November 22nd.
Booking and full details: https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/ productions/hamlet/
Brøndum. It is in keeping with the realism style of the many artists who stayed at her parents’ Brøndum’s Hotel. They were attracted by the rugged terrain of Skagen on the northern most tip of Jutland where the Baltic and North Seas meet. Anna started sketching when she was 12 with her future husband Michael Ancher encouraging her to persist and become a painter. Despite her conservative Lutheran background, her mother backed 15-yearold Anna’s decision to go to Vilhelm Kyhn’s school for gifted female painters in Copenhagen. Anna’s whole family, she was one of six, supported her by cooking meals and looking after her daughter at a time when women were expected to give up artistic endeavours after marriage and childbirth. She was a creative force worth nurturing, breaking the restrictive rules of her male contemporaries. Anna would paint the same domestic interior at different times, experimenting with changes in the play of light that verge on abstraction.
Among the most personal of Ancher’s paintings are those depicting her mother Ane as a solitary figure. We see her lost in her own thoughts, grieving over the untimely death of her firstborn daughter and on her own deathbed. Ancher was not afraid to tackle death and loss. In Grief, 1902, we see a female kneeling nude, head bent down by a wooden cross and opposite an older woman on the Skagen heathland. The idea came to Ancher in a dream, proving she could delve into the subconscious, and it is the first time in Danish art for a female nude to be painted by a woman. This exhibition illustrates the breadth, versatility and depth of Ancher’s art and why she’s regarded as a pioneering painter.
National Hamlet Joe Bolland Hiran Abeysekera and Hari Mackinnon Hamlet National Theatre
Photo by Mark Senior
Heading south - our pick of upcoming events
Family friendly pianist concert at Blackheath Halls:
British concert pianist, Beatrice Nichols, will be performing ‘Beatrice the Amazing Astronaut’ in an introduction to classical music for children aged 4 to 11. Beatrice the Amazing Astronaut follows her journey through outer space, and combines piano performances with singing, dancing and poetry. All children are welcome to wear Outer Space themed fancy dress costumes.
Date: Saturday 22 November. Time: 14:00 - 14:45
Tickets: £9 per person, book here https://www.blackheathhalls.com/whats-on/beatrice-theamazing-astronaut/
Location: The Hearn Recital Room, Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Rd, Blackheath, London SE3 9RQ
Winter ‘Bark and Brunch’ at Enderby House:
A (not so) Silent Night choir performance at Woolwich Works:
Out of the Shadows Choir are heading to Blackheath Halls for a joyful concert, filled with festive tunes and everyone’s favourite carols. Get into the festive spirit with their new arrangements, harmonies and energetic performances.
Date: Saturday 29 November. Time: 19:30 - 21:30
Tickets: £19.25 adults, under 16s are free, book here https://www.woolwich.works/ events/a-not-so-silent-night-out-of-the-shadows-christmas-choir
Location: The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6HD
FREE yoga and journalling session at Firepit Art Gallery and Studios:
Join Maddie Mellon, yoga teacher and artist, for a FREE immersive session combining yoga and journalling. Hosted in the tranquil studios at the Firepit Art Gallery CIC, the session will explore the relationship between body and imagination. You can expect a gentle and mindful yoga practice with guided journalling and art work, so don’t worry if you are not a seasoned yogi, or have never journalled before. All you need is a willingness to explore and art supplies will be provided, but do bring along any other supplies you would like to use. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing.
Date: Sunday 23 November.
Time: 13:00 - 15:00
Tickets: Free, book here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ firepit-feels-unfold-movement-meaning-yoga-journallingtickets-1869693747329
Location: Firepit Art Gallery and Studios CIC, Ground Floor Unit, No.2, Upper Riverside, 10 Cutter Lane, Greenwich Peninsula, London, SE10 0XX
Dogs and owners are invited for a brunch at Enderby House, designed for animallovers to meet, socialise and enjoy a delicious mid-morning meal. There will be treats for dogs and owners. For the pups, there will be a breakfast bowl and pancake stack, puppuccino or ice cream and a take-home treat bag. For owners, choose between eggs florentine, eggs royale, winter granola or buttermilk pancakes. If you are bringing an extra human or pup, add them on for just £10.
Date: Friday 28 November
Time: 13:00
Tickets: £20 per ticket, book here: https://www.enderbyhousepub.co.uk/whats-on
Location: Enderby House, 23 Telegraph Ave, London SE10 0TH
Learn how to make a wooden trinket tray using real flowers and resin, suitable for beginners and experienced crafters. You will be introduced to the basics of resin art, types of resin, safety tips and techniques like measuring, mixing and curing. The session will be taught by a guest teacher from Botanica & Field.
Date: Sunday 23 November
Time: 11:00 - 14:00
Tickets: £80, book here https:// therivershop.co.uk/product/artworkshop-pressed-flowers/
Location: TB-05, UNIT 8, Thames Side Studios SE18 5NR
Memorial
Ernest Victor Lindfield
Cherished memories of a devoted Husband and Father Suddenly called to rest on 20th November 1973
All you wanted was to be remembered Good night, God bless Dad We still love you
All the money in the world
Jeanette and Julian XXXX
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
24 PUBLIC NOTICES
MICHAEL NORTON HOPKINS
Deceased
Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925
anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 9 Dassett Road, London, SE27 0UF, who died on 09/09/2025, must send written details to the address below by 22/01/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified.
anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 177 Conisborough Crescent, London, SE6 2SF, who died on 14/05/2025, must send written details to the address below by 22/01/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified.
THE A3 GLA ROAD (ROEHAMPTON VALE, LONDON BOROUGH OF WANDSWORTH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) ORDER 2025
1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.
2. The purpose of the Order is to enable telecom works to take place on Roehampton Lane.
3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from entering, exiting or proceeding in an easterly direction on A3 Roehampton Vale between its junctions with the unnamed Off Slip Road connecting Stag Lane and Roehampton Vale and the unnamed On Slip Road connecting Stag Lane and Roehampton Vale.
The Order will be effective at certain times between the 10th December 2025 and 13th December 2025, every night from 8:00 PM to 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 trafc signs.
4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:
(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for re brigade, ambulance or police purposes;
(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.
5. At such times as the prohibitions are in force an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs via Stag Lane to normal route of travel.
Dated this 21st day of November 2025
Andrew Ulph Co-ordination Manager Transport for London
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE A21 GLA ROAD (LONDON ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF BROMLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF STOPPING) ORDER 2025
1. Transport for London in consultation with the London Borough of Bromley 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.
LICENSING ACT 2003
APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE
Take notice that we Gaff Café Ltd have made an application to Lewisham Council acting as the Licensing Authority, for a NEW PREMISES LICENCE in respect of: Lewis Building, Riverside Treatment Centre, Lewisham Hospital, 390 – 396 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6LJ
The details of the application are as follows: • Supply of alcohol on the premises
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: 12th December 2025
Any representations must be made in writing to the above address or by emailing licensing@lewisham.gov.uk
It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction is unlimited.
LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM FORMALISATION OF CERTAIN BUS LANES AND MOVING TRAFFIC REQUIREMENTS AND PROHIBITIONS THE LEWISHAM (PRESCRIBED ROUTES) (VARIOUS ROADS) (NO. *) TRAFFIC ORDER 202* THE LEWISHAM (BUS PRIORITY) (NO. *) TRAFFIC ORDER 202*
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the London Borough of Lewisham (“The Council”) proposes to make the above mentioned Orders under the powers of sections 6 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (“the Act”), as amended.
2. The general effect of the Orders would be to formalise certain bus lanes and moving traffic requirements and prohibitions on roads in the London Borough of Lewisham as detailed below:-
(a) prohibit all vehicles:-
the Licensing Act 2003 Notice is hereby given that Metropolis Vauxhall Limited in respect of Premises known as Metropolis London (form. Above The Stag Theatre) Arches 72 to 73, Goding Street, London, SE11 5AW applied to Lambeth Council for a Variation of a Premises Licence. The proposed variation is: 1.To vary the layout of the premises in accordance with plans supplied by the applicant. 2.To remove and add conditions – see application for full details. All licensable activities, permitted hours, opening hours and other conditions to remain as existing. Any representations regarding the above-mentioned application must be received in writing by Licensing Section, London Borough of Lambeth, 3rd Floor Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1EG or by e-mail licensing@lambeth.gov.uk no later than 9th December 2025 stating the grounds for representation. The register of Lambeth Council and the record of the application may be inspected at the address of the council, given above, during normal business hours or on the council’s website - www.lambeth.gov.uk It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. A person is liable to an unlimited fine on conviction should such a false statement be made.
Poppleston Allen 37 Stoney Street,The Lace Market, Nottingham, NG1 1LS
2. The purpose of the Order is to enable telecom connection works to take place at A21 London Road in the London Borough of Bromley.
3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from stopping:
(1) on Spencer Road between its junctions with London Road to the vehicle access point adjacent to the north-eastern building line of Foxleas Court, No.4 Spencer Road;
(2) on Oaklands Road between its junctions with London Road and the western Vehicle access point serving Nos. 1- 6 Garden Court, Oaklands Road;
(3) on the northern arm of Oaklands Road from its junction with London Road to the extended south-western building line of Nos. 37 to 45 Sedgwick Court, Oaklands Road;
(4) on Highland Road from its junction with London Road to opposite the common boundary of Nos. 3 and 5 Highland Road;
(5) on Park End from its junction with London Road to the extended northeastern building line of No.39 London Road;
(6) on Warner Road from its junction with London Road to the common boundary of Nos. 5 and 7 Heatheld Road;
(7) at the southern kerb-line of Hope Park between its junctions with London Road and Blendon Path;
(8) on Farwig Lane from its junction with London Road to a point 2 meters north-east of the extended western building line of Lygon House, No.50 London Road;
(9) on London Road between its junctions with Park End and Park Avenue.
The Order will be effective at certain times from 1st December 2025 and 7th December 2025 every night between 8.00 PM and 5.00 AM or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibitions will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.
4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:
(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for re brigade, ambulance or police purposes;
(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.
Dated this 21st day of November 2025
Andrew Ulph
Co-Ordination Manager, Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
(i) proceeding in a north-easterly direction on RANDLESDOWN ROAD from turning left into FRANTHORNE WAY; and
(ii) proceeding in a south-easterly direction on PERRY RISE from turning left into PERRY HILL;
(b) prohibit all vehicles, except buses, proceeding in a north-westerly direction on HITHER GREEN LANE from turning right into DUNCRIEVIE ROAD;
(c) prohibit all vehicles proceeding in a westerly direction on MORENA STREET from proceeding into BROOKDALE ROAD in any direction other than left;
(d) prohibit all vehicles, except buses, coaches, dial-a-ride buses, taxis and pedal cycles from being in the bus lanes specified in the Schedule to this Notice on the days and times specified in the said Schedule;
(e) revoke “The Lewisham (Prescribed Routes) (No. 2) Traffic Order 2021” only insofar as it relates to the prohibition of right turn from MORENA STREET into BROOKDALE ROAD;
(f) revoke “The Lewisham (Local Road) (Bus Lanes) (No. 4) Traffic Order 1997” and “The Lewisham (Local Road) (Bus Priority) Traffic Order 2000” only insofar as they relate to the provision of lengths of bus lane referred to in the Schedule to this Notice; and (g) revoke any Order made or having effect as if made by the Council under Section 6 of the Act only insofar as it imposes any prohibition specified in sub-paragraph (a) or (b) above.
3. Copies of the draft Orders, plans and Statement of the Council’s Reasons for proposing to make the Orders may be obtained by emailing a request to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk quoting reference ‘PTO 1096’.
4. Comments on the proposals for or against, together with the reasons for which they are made should be sent in writing to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk or Lewisham Transport Policy & Development, 5th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU, quoting reference ‘PTO-1096’ to arrive not later than 21 days from the date of publication of this notice.
5. All written representations received concerning Traffic Regulation Orders are public documents that may be inspected by any person on demand.
SCHEDULE
1. BROCKLEY RISE and STONDON PARK, the west and north-west side, from a point 17 metres south of the southern kerb-line of Agnew Road to the common boundary of Nos. 124 and 126 Stondon Park (northbound with-flow lane), operating Mondays to Fridays (inclusive) between 7am and 10am;
2. WESTWOOD HILL, the north-east side, from a point 28 metres north-west of the common boundary of No. 4e and Nos. 6 to 10 Westwood Hill to a point 42 metres south-east of that common boundary (south-eastbound with-flow lane), operating Mondays to Saturdays (inclusive) between 7am and 7pm.
Dated 21st November 2025.
Zahur Khan, Director of Public Realm, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.
LICENSING ACT 2003
APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF PREMISES LICENCE
Take notice that we Canvas & Cream Ltd have made an application to Lewisham Council acting as the Licensing Authority, for a Full Variation in respect of: Canvas & Cream, 18 London Road Forest Hill SE23 3HF
The details of the application are as follows:
Extend the Supply of alcohol for consumption ON the premises: 09:00 – 10:00 Monday to Saturday; 09:00 – 12:00 Sunday; 00:00 – 01:00 Saturday & Sunday
To add plays & anything of a similar description to that falling within (e) (f) or (g) (Comedy) Plays: 18:00 – 22:30 Monday to Sunday; Comedy: 19:00 – 22:30 Monday to Sunday
Extend Recorded Music: 00:00 – 01:00 Saturday & Sunday
To add late-night refreshment: 23:00 – 00:00 Monday to Sunday
Seasonal Variation: Until 01:00 1st January (New Years Eve) for activities and opening
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: 28th November 2025
Any representations must be made in writing to the above address or by emailing licensing@lewisham.gov.uk
It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction is unlimited.
LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM Traffic Management Order
The Lewisham (Off-Street) (Restricted Street) (Daubeney Tower) Order 2025
On 21 November 2025 The Council of the London Borough of Lewisham made the above Traffic Regulation Orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended). PTO 1089
1. The effect of the Order is to prohibit the waiting by vehicles at any time in the entire length of the access road serving Daubeney Towers, including the car park forecourts, between Grove Street and Bowditch. Exemptions apply to vehicles parked within marked parking bays within the above length of road.
2. Copies of the made Order, which will come into force on 24 November 2025, and Statement of the Council’s Reasons for making the Order may be obtained by emailing a request to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk quoting reference ‘PTO – 1089’.
3. If any person wishes to question the validity of the Orders or of any of their provisions on the grounds that it or they are not within the powers conferred by the 1984 Act, or that any requirement of that Act or of any instrument made under that Act has not been complied with, that person may, within 6 weeks from the date on which the Order was made, apply for the purpose to the High Court
Dated 21st November 2025.
Zahur Khan, Director Public Realm, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.
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LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
VAUXHALL PLEASURE GARDENS, HEALTHY NEIGHBOURHOOD THE LAMBETH (VARIOUS ROADS) (NO. 1) EXPERIMENTAL ORDER 2025
EXPERIMENTAL TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS IN GLASSHOUSE WALK, GODING STREET, NEWBURN STREET, SANCROFT STREET, ST OSWALD’S PLACE, TYERS STREET AND VAUXHALL STREET
[NOTE: This Notice is about prohibiting motor vehicles from using various roads in the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens Area as through roads. These measures will be introduced as an experiment.]
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth, after consulting the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis and in agreement with Transport for London, made the above-mentioned Order on 18 November 2025 under section 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
2. The general effect of the Order will be to apply the provisions of the Lambeth (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) Order 2023, the Lambeth (Charged-For Parking Places) Order 2023 and the Lambeth (Moving Traffic Restrictions) Order 2024 and to:
(a) suspend the existing one-way working in the lengths of streets specified in Schedule 1 to this Notice;
(b) prohibit goods vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonne maximum gross weight from turning right from Glasshouse Walk into Tyers Street;
(c) prohibit vehicles from turning right from Tyers Terrace into St Oswald’s Place;
(d) prohibit vehicles from turning left from Tinworth Street into Albert Embankment;
(e) prohibit vehicles, except cycles, from entering Vauxhall Street at the southern kerb-line of the access to “School Keepers House”;
Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.
4. A copy of the Order which will come into effect on 28 November 2025, and other documents giving detailed particulars about
& Climate Change Delivery, or
Lambeth Council’s Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking, Network Management & Fleet), 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1EG, between 9.30 am and 4.30
effect. To arrange an inspection please email: Trafficorders@lambeth.gov.uk
5. The Council will consider in due course whether the provisions of the experimental Order should be continued in force indefinitely by means of permanent Orders made under sections 6, 45 and 46 of the
1984. Any person
to the
of the permanent Orders, within a period of six months beginning with the date on which the experimental Order comes into force or, if the experimental Order is varied by another Order or modified pursuant to section 10(2) of the 1984 Act, beginning with the date on which the variation or modification or the latest variation or modification comes into force. Any such objection or any representation must be made in writing and all objections must specify the grounds on which they are made, using our consultation portal at https://streets.appyway.com/lambeth or sent by post to Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking, Network Management & Fleet), London Borough of Lambeth, PO Box 80771, London, SW2 9QQ or by email to: TMOReps@lambeth.gov.uk. Any objection or representation received may be communicated to, or be seen by, other persons who may have an interest in this matter.
Dated 21 November 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
SCHEDULE 1 Newburn Street, between its junction with Sancroft Street to the access road to the garages at the rear of Wynyard House; Sancroft Street, between its junction with Vauxhall Street and Newburn Street; Tyers Street, between its junction with Glasshouse Walk and its junction with Kennington Lane.
SCHEDULE 2 Glasshouse Walk, 7.0 metres west of the western kerb-line of Vauxhall Walk, westward for a distance of 14.2 metres; Newburn Street, between Loughborough Street and the access road to the garages at the
St Oswald’s Place, between Tyers Terrace and Tyers Street; Tyers Street, at its junction with Kennington Lane; Vauxhall Street, from Tyers Terrace to the access to “School Keeper’s House”.
of Wynyard
Sancroft Street, at
SCHEDULE 3 Glasshouse Walk, from Vauxhall Walk to No. 7. Newburn Street, the north-west side, from Loughborough Street to Trevose House; the south-east side, from Wynyard House to No. 26. Sancroft Street, the north-east side, from the Day Hospital for Children to Newburn Street; the south-west side, outside Sancroft House. St. Oswald’s Place, the east side, from Vauxhall Christian Centre to Tyers Terrace; the west side, from No. 2 to No. 28. Tyers Street, the east side, between No. 127 and the southern end of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, between No. 177 Tyers Street and Kennington Lane; the west side. Vauxhall Street, from Vauxhall Primary School to Tyers Terrace.
SCHEDULE 4 Glasshouse Walk, the south side opposite The Black Dog Free House. Newburn Street, between No. 27 and Loughborough Street. Sancroft Street, the north side, between No. 60 and Newburn Street; the south side, between Vauxhall Street and Sancroft House. St
Place between Tyers Street and Tyers Terrace. Tyers Street, the east side, between Nos. 127 and 130; between Vauxhall City Farm and No. 165; outside
“School Keepers House” and Tyers Terrace.
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS –VOLTAIRE ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable works on the highway to be carried out safely, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intends to make an Order, the effect of which would be to temporarily:
(a) prohibit vehicles including cycles from entering or proceeding in the length of Voltaire Road which lies between the north western kerb-line of Clapham High Street and the eastern kerb-line of Old Station Way; (b) suspend the cycle lane in the length of Voltaire Road which lies between the north western kerb-line of Clapham High Street and the eastern kerb-line of Old Station Way; (c) prohibit vehicles from waiting, including waiting for the purposes of loading and unloading a vehicle, at any time in that length of Voltaire Road which lies between the north western kerb-line of Clapham High Street and the eastern kerb-line of Old Station Way.
2. The restrictions would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.
3. The order would come into force on 8 December 2025 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 5 days, 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 5 days to complete.
Dated 21 November 2025 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager
PROPOSAL TO EXPAND ELM COURT SPECIAL SCHOOL
Notice is given in accordance with Section 19 (1) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013/3110 that Lambeth Council intends to expand the permanent capacity of Elm Court Special School (Elm Park, London SW2 2EF) from 150 pupils to 210 pupils, utilising the site of the former Kings Avenue Primary School, Kings Avenue, London SW4 8BQ. The anticipated implementation date of this prescribed alteration is April 2026.
This Notice is an extract from the complete proposal, copies of which can be obtained via the Lambeth website www.lambeth.gov.uk/elmcourtproposal
Within four weeks from the date of publication of this proposal, any person may comment on, support, or object to the proposal via the Lambeth Consultation Portal www.haveyoursay.lambeth.gov.uk/elmcourtproposal or via post to Sophie Garner, Director of Education and Learning, PO Box 80771, London SW2 9QQ
The closing date for responses is 12 noon, Friday 19 December 2025
Signed: Sophie Garner, Director of Education and Learning, Children, Families and Education Services, Lambeth Council Publication date: 21 November 2025
To place a notice in this paper and online, please email hello@cm‐media.co.uk
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS –LUSCOMBE WAY
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out new 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 travelling in Luscombe Way from turning right into Wyvil Road.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Wyvil Road, South Lambeth Road, Parry Street, Wandsworth Road and Wyvil Road.
3. The Order would come into force on 8 December 2025 and continue for a maximum duration of 2 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works would take 11 days to complete. If the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time, then the Order may have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 2 months.
Dated 21 November 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
PUBLIC NOTICE – LICENSING APPLICATION
Section 17 - LICENSING ACT 2003
Take notice that on November 12th 2025, Royal College of Art, applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Royal College of Art, Studios Building & Rousing Tower, Howie Street, London, SW11 4AS
The application is to permit the sale of alcohol from 10:00 until 23:00 Monday to Saturday, 10:00 until 22:00 on Sunday.
The public will not be admitted save for prebooked events.
The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of The Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm.
Any person may make a representation in writing relating to this application no later than December 10th 2025 addressed to The Licensing Authority above or by email to: licensing@merton.gov.uk
It is an offence, liable on conviction to an unlimited fine, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application.
DSW Group Consultants to the licensed trade 0203 900 2510 0844 736 1998 admin@dswgroup.co.uk
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out 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 Clarence Crescent between its junction with Dragmore Street and No. 31 Clarence Crescent.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Dragmore Street, Parkfield Road, Fairbourne Road and Fennings Road and vice versa.
3. The Order would come into force on 8 December 2025 and continue for a maximum duration of 1 month or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works would take 11 days to complete. If the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time, then the Order may have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 1 month.
Dated 21 November 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
PUBLIC NOTICE – LICENSING APPLICATION
Section 17 - LICENSING ACT 2003
Take notice that on November 12th 2025, Royal College of Art, applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Royal College of Art Woo Building, 22 Howie Street, London, SW11 4AY
The application is to permit the sale of alcohol from 10:00 until 23:00 Monday to Saturday, 10:00 until 22:00 on Sunday.
The public will not be admitted save for prebooked events.
The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of The Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm.
Any person may make a representation in writing relating to this application no later than December 10th 2025 addressed to The Licensing Authority above or by email to: licensing@merton.gov.uk
It is an offence, liable on conviction to an unlimited fine, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application.
DSW Group Consultants to the licensed trade 0203 900 2510 0844 736 1998 admin@dswgroup.co.uk
and Vauxhall
Vauxhall Street,
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 16A TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES FOR SPECIAL EVENTS PLAY STREET DAYS - ROMMANY ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to enable local communities to hold Play Street Days, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intends to make an Order the effect of which would be to prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Rommany Road which lies between Gipsy Road and No. 111 Rommany Road on: (a) Sunday 7 December 2025; (b) Friday 8 May 2026; and (c) Friday 10 July 2026.
2. The closures would in place between 4pm and 7pm on each of the event dates.
3. An alternative route would be available for affected vehicles via Gipsy Road, St Gothard Road and Rommany Road and vice versa.
4. The prohibitions would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs on the dates and times specified above.
Dated 21 November 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
PUBLIC NOTICE
LICENSING ACT 2003 - APPLICATION TO VARY A PREMISES LICENCE
An application has been made by Danny and Harry Andina to vary the premises licence for the premises: The Halfway House, 188 Halfway Street, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 8DJ
On the date of 11th November 2025
Summary of the proposed variation:
1. Extend the layout of the premises and replace the plan attached as part of the premises licence.
2. Extend the hours on a Friday and Saturday night by 30 minutes.
3. Include live and recorded music on New Year’s Eve.
Any person wishing to view details of an application may contact the Licensing Partnership on 01732 227004 or email them at: licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing
Any person wishing to make representations to the variation application should make them in writing on or before the 9th December 2025
To: Licensing Partnership, PO BOX 182, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1GP or email at licensing@sevenoaks.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.
vehicular access to the site from Thornlaw Road to Knights Hill, and parking, landscaping and other associated works.
Reason for re-consultation: Revised drawings have been received.. The originally proposed crossover on Knights Hill has been removed together with the car parking originally proposed at lower ground floor level. This includes changes to the facade at lower ground floor level to the Knights Hill elevation. 24/02054/FUL
Dated this Friday 21st November
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE.
Notice is hereby given that Mr. Kevin Raj Pillai has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Mowgli Coffee, 208 Balham High Road, SW12 9BS,London for Sale of Alcohol for the off the premises consumption from Monday to Sunday between 10:00am to 23:00pm.
Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 12th December 2025 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk
The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden,Surrey, SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Information on all new and variation applications received by the Licensing Authority can be viewed on the Council’s website www.wandsworth.gov.uk
It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application, punishable upon conviction by an unlimited fine.
You’d want to know if someone was applying for an ALCOHOL LICENCE near you, right?
Notice of application for a Premises Licence.
Notice is hereby given that We Are Happy Place Ltd has applied to Richmond Council for a new premises licence at Old Deer Park, Richmond, (OS 37.53851 - 77.43428 or https://what3words.com/rush.laws.remit) for Regulated Entertainment of live music, recorded music and performances of dance.
Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 11th December 2025 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Richmond Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk
The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of Richmond Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Information on all new and variation applications received by the Licensing Authority can be viewed on the Council’s website www.richmond.gov.uk
It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application, punishable upon conviction by an unlimited fine.
LONDON LOCAL AUTHORITIES ACT 1991
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL TREATMENT LICENCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kehala Wildhagen, trading as The Glowing Skin Studio, has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth for a Special Treatment Licence to carry out: Facial massage, facial sculpting massage, buccal massage, lymphatic drainage treatments and body massage at the premises located at: Flat 57, Wingate Square, London SW4 0AF.
Notice of Application to apply for a Premises Licence made under the Licensing Act 2003
Please take notice that: Name of Applicant: Burgz Limited Have made application to the London Borough of Merton to apply for a New Premises Licence in respect of:
Full name postal address of the premises: Burgz, 188 High Street Collier's Wood, Colliers Wood, SW19 2BN
The application is as follows: Late Night Refreshment – Both on and off the premises Sunday to Thursday – 23.00 hours to 02.00 hours Friday & Saturday - 23.00 hours to 05.00 hours
A register of all applications made with the London Borough of Merton is maintained by: LICENSING SECTION, LONDON BOROUGH OF MERTON, 2ND FLOOR, CIVIC CENTRE, LONDON ROAD, MORDEN, SURREY, SM4 5DX
A record of this application may be inspected by appointment at Merton Civic Centre. Please email licensing@merton.gov.uk or telephone 020 8545 3969.
It is open to any interested party to make representations about the likely effect of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives. Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Section at the office or email address above and be received by the Merton’s Licensing Section within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below.
informed.
Any person wishing to make representations about this application must do so in writing within 28 days of the date of publication of this notice to: Licensing Team, London Borough of Lambeth, PO Box 734 Winchester, SO23 5DG or email: licensing@lambeth.gov.uk
Note: It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of such offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine.
Date application given to the Council: 18/11/2025
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SOUTHWARK YOUNGSTER FOLLOWS PATHS OF MO FARAH AND ALEX YEE
Skyla O’Brien takes gold at London Youth Games
By Sport Reporter
SOUTHWARK WON a glorious gold in the under-13 Girls race at the 2025-26 London Youth Games Cross Country this month.
With a superb standout performance, Skyla O'Brien finished the 2km race in 7min 45sec.
O’Brien was competing against young athletes from 32 London boroughs at Parliament Hill Fields at the the opening event of the season.
She was one of over 1,500 runners who made up a brilliant atmosphere on Hampstead Heath, as hundreds of schools, clubs and borough teams came together for one of the most iconic fixtures in the London Youth Games calendar.
Many of Team GB’s biggest names began their journey on this course - including four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah (Hounslow), 2024 World and Olympic champion Alex Yee (Lewisham) and double Olympic medallist Sam Reardon.
There were over 1,500 runners at Parliament Hill Fields
“I remember running at the London Youth Games when I was younger,” Farah said. “Sport has the power to bring people together from all boroughs and hopefully there is some talent competing this year who can go on to great success in the future."
Joe Breeze, running for Lewisham, said:
“It feels great to be able to say that you've done the same race as such great runners and athletes like Alex Yee and Mo Farah. It's really nice to be able to put yourself in
that situation where you can represent your borough.”
Tricia Leman, deputy mayor of Camden, outlined just how important these events are for young people.
“We’ve had 32 boroughs competing with young people running in a variety of races from under 11s to under 17s. What the Games are giving them is self-confidence, it's giving them life skills, they're learning the disciplines of preparing for competition and the pleasure of being part of a community with the other young people of their age,” Leman said. “They're learning something here that really is going to stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.”
Supporters who enjoyed the LYG Cross Country event can also sign up to run for the London Youth Games Foundation charity at a future Half Marathon. These efforts will raise funds to help London Youth Games continue creating life-changing opportunities for young people across the capital. Find out more: https://www. londonyouthgames.org/run-for-charity
‘Role model’ former MCT student crowned
By John Kelly
FORMER MILLWALL Community
Trust Alternative Provision Programme student George O’Neill has won the England Boxing National 80kg title in Kettering.
O’Neill, who fights out of the Don Davis Boxing Academy in Lambeth, defeated Aidan Postma of Newark by three rounds to two.
O’Neill joined MCT’s AP Programme in 2023 as a Year 9 student from Bromley Beacon Academy.
“Seeing the change in George from Year 9 through to when he departed the programme in Year 11, has been nothing short of astounding,” Joey Taylor, MCT's Alternative Provision Officer said:
“George, like many of the young people we have on the programme, didn’t fit the mould of a student able to succeed in a mainstream school for numerous reasons. As his time with us elapsed, George bought into the programme
and was quickly identified as a leader and a serious candidate to be a future employee.
“He has left the programme with a full Level 2 Qualification in Employability, a Level 1 Qualification in Fitness and Physical Activity, First Aid certificate and has acted as role model for the younger students we have on the programme, along with captaining our AP representative teams in tournaments.
“We would love to take all the credit for George’s success but ultimately this has been down to George and him realising his potential despite the barriers he has faced in his journey through education and life.
“We are extremely proud of George & cannot wait to see what the future holds for this inspiring young man.”
Lana, George’s mother, said: “George’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
“He began his path at a behavioural school in Year 6 due to some challenges,
but with the right support and guidance, everything started to change.
“As part of his Year 9 program, he joined the Millwall Community, where he discovered how to channel his energy and passion into something he truly enjoyed - football. From there, he went on to play for Croydon FC, becoming team captain, showing true leadership both on and off the pitch.
“In a short space of time, George also took up boxing - and it completely transformed him. His confidence grew, his focus sharpened and his behaviour improved in incredible ways.
“Today I couldn’t be prouder to say that George is the England Boxing National 80kg champion.
“Watching his growth and transformation has been amazing, and I’m so grateful to all the teachers, coaches, and mentors who supported him along the way.
“The future is bright for George - this is only the beginning.”
Cray day for the Hamlet
By Sports Reporter
DULWICH HAMLET are three games without a win in the Isthmian League Premier Division as Cray Valley PM won for the first time in nine games with a 3-1 victory at Champion Hill on Tuesday night.
The Millers were in the bottom four
before kick-off but took the lead in the opening minute through Luke Moore. Luke Wanadio levelled in the seventh minute but the visitors regained the lead when Tom Beere beat goalkeeper Tony Bull in the 25th minute.
It went from bad to worse just two minutes later when Olajuwon
Ogunwamide made it 3-1 in front of an attendance of 808 in East Dulwich.
After a bright start to the season, Mark Dacey’s Hamlet have dropped to seventh place, but despite only one win in their last twelve league games they are still just two points off Chatham Town in third.
Dulwich host Hashtag United at Champion Hill this Saturday at 3pm.
RECORD
CROWD SEE ROTHERHITHE THRILLER
By John Kelly
A RECORD league crowd of 432 at St Paul’s saw Fisher claim a 1-1 draw against Bearsted last weekend.
Lorenzo Duncan went close to giving the hosts the lead in the fifth minute only to find the side-netting, before Ashdon Mitford looped a header home from the edge of the penalty area to put the visitors in front on five minutes.
The Fish took advantage after Bearsted were reduced to ten men in the second half when left-back Luka Radojevic earned a second booking for stopping a quick free-kick. Jack Gibbons sent a ball down the right channel to pick out Festos Kamara who twisted and turned into space before finding Michael Sarpong arriving in the box, and he fired into the roof if the net.
Fisher lost their numerical advantage when Tyron Mbuenimo was
given a second yellow card. That was the signal for both sides to go all out try to win it and Kamara was twice denied, with penalty appeals for the latter incident waved away.
There were ten minutes of addedtime during which Jake Lovell got in behind the defence but could not get enough height on his attempt, before fellow substitute David Mata shot just wide.
Bearsted had the last chance when Richard Jimoh went around Isaac Ogunseri but the goalkeeper had forced him wide enough to give Ange Djadja just enough time to execute a brilliant intervention as he slide in at the near post to clear off the line and secure the point from a thrilling game.
Fisher are tenth in the SCEFL Premier Division table.
Ajay Ashanike’s side are in Kent Senior Trophy second-round action against Snodland at the G.I.Landscape Stadium (ME6 5DP) this Saturday (3pm).
Michael Sarpong, right, scored the equaliser
The winner fi nished the 2km race in 7min 45sec
By John Kelly
In the Nicke of time GR EIGHT NESS
NICKE KABAMBA scored
an 88th-minute winner to help Bromley beat Barrow 2-1 at Hayes Lane and move up to fifth in League Two.
Marcus Ifill gave the hosts the lead in the 32nd minute when he curled a low shot past Wyll Stanway from 20 yards.
Barrow equalised with their first shot on target five minutes into the second half when the Ravens failed to clear and Ben Whitfield fired home the loose ball from just outside the penalty area.
Josh Gordon headed just wide for the now-confident visitors before at the other end Deji Elerewe headed Mitch Pinnock's free-kick just past Stanway's righthand post.
Stanway denied both Will Hondermarck and Elerewe as Andy Woodman’s side pressed for the winner. And it came two minutes from time when Michael Cheek capitalised on a defensive mistake to set up Kabamba to finish, much to the delight of most of the 3,903 in attendance.
Bromley are just three points off leaders Swindon Town and host ninth-place Salford City this Saturday.
“We're on course for another exciting season,” Woodman said as he urged supporters to pack Hayes Lane again. “At the moment, we're exactly where I want us to be. However, we can't achieve anything without you.”
Harry moves past Pelé for perfect Englandbut Jude attracts unwanted attention
By John Kelly
HARRY KANE overtook Pelé in the all-time international scoring charts with a double against Albania but Jude Bellingham was at the centre of unwanted attention again as England competed a perfect World Cup qualifying campaign at Arena Kombëtare in Tirana on Sunday.
Kane scored in the 74th and 82nd minutes to take his total to 78 goals, eclipsing Pele’s 77.
Thomas Tuchel’s side won all eight games in Group K, scoring 22 goals and conceding none.
Bellingham, 22, was making his first Three Lions start since June and in his absence Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers had
impressed in the number ten role.
It was as Tuchel was preparing to send on Rogers that Bellingham threw a bit of a strop. Bellingham raised his arms in the air indicating he wasn’t happy about being replaced, despite only six minutes left on the clock and the game all but won after Kane’s second.
Bellingham and Tuchel did share a handshake as the Real Madrid player walked towards the bench.
Bellingham has attracted criticism in an England shirt for perceived disrespectful body language towards team-mates.
Tuchel emphasised the “standards” his players need to meet when he was asked in the post-match press conference about Bellingham’s reaction.
"That is a decision and he has to accept the decision,” Tuchel said.
"His friend is waiting on the sidelines. Accept it, respect it and keep on going."
Tuchel added: "I will need to review it and I saw he was not happy. I do not want to make it bigger at the moment than it is. Players like Jude are so competitive, they will never like it.
"My word stands: it is about standards and a level It is a commitment and respect to each other. We will not change our decision because someone waves their arms."
Rogers, 23, started four World Cup qualifiers, including the 2-0 win over Serbia at Wembley the previous Thursday.
“Morgan Rogers was for sure not happy when he couldn’t start today because he deserves to play for us and he wants to play all the time,” Tuchel said.
“We gave him a bit of a rest because he
Wharton reveals admiration for boss
By John Kelly
ADAM WHARTON has revealed his big admiration for Oliver Glasner - giving an insight into how much detail the Crystal Palace boss goes into preparing the side. Glasner this year led the Eagles to their first major trophies, the FA Cup and Community Shield at Wembley. Palace also went nineteen games unbeaten in all competitions, a club record.
"He's a top manager," Wharton told The Athletic. "He’s facing some of the top managers week in, week out, and I don’t think there’s a game we’ve played that he hasn’t given us a solution to beat one of the top teams - or any team.
"The way he handles situations in games, in training, the analysis we do on opponents, recovery, everything, all the little details. That makes it so much easier for us as players.
"He’ll stop sessions just for body positioning and explain it to the whole
group so everyone knows.
“Also, his enthusiasm - he just loves football. The adrenaline when he’s watching games and training. Sometimes he goes over the top in training, and he’ll own up to that. He’s not afraid to say he went over the top.
"But that’s just him and football, how he enjoys coaching it, watching it, getting involved. It all adds up and is what makes him so good."
Palace are challenging on three fronts this season, with the FA Cup defence to
came with a lot of minutes for his club and played against Serbia. I don’t want to make more out of it but I stick to my wordsbehaviour is key.”
Kane is now joint-twelfth on all-time scoring list, one behind Brazil’s Neymar and Godfrey Chitalu of Zambia.
“We just mentioned it in the dressing room,” Tuchel said. “This cherry on top of everything is that he overcomes Pelé today. The investment of Harry in these matches is just outstanding. He is so invested in everything that we do.
“If you see him play for Bayern Munich, I have to say it’s the same. He’s in a mindset and a physical condition that is absolutely at the highest level. He produces goal after goal for us, and the way he works, tracks back, finds solutions in offensive play. It’s just outstanding at the moment.”
start in January.
Charlton revealed no player wants to miss out despite the intense schedule.
"He’ll ask us before a Carabao Cup game if we want to just rest and go for it in the Premier League or Conference League,” Wharton said. “That’s not what we want to do. Nobody thought we would win anything last year, but we did, and there’s even more confidence now.
"We're a very tight-knit group, with no big egos. The manager created that bond. Nobody is getting in a strop."
Harry Kane celebrates a goal
STURGE REFLECTS ON FINE START
EXCLUSIVE
By Will Scott
ZAK STURGE found himself in an unfamiliar position.
A quick exchange of passes with Thierno Ballo freed him down the left, and he bore down on West Bromwich Albion's goal in front of Cold Blow Lane.
“The first thing that was going through my mind was: I always do this, which is I look across to see if there's anyone to pass to”, Sturge told this paper. “I can just square it to someone in a better position than me. But then no one’s there.”
None of Millwall’s forwards could keep pace with the rapid left-back, who instead went alone.
“I just thought, you know what, let me just put my foot through it and hope for the best, really,” Sturge added.
Sturge’s first-time strike rocketed past Josh Griffiths and into the roof of the Baggies’ net. 3-0 Millwall, three points secured.
The 21-year-old wheeled away to celebrate the first goal of his professional career, which was particularly special due to who was in the crowd.
“It was an amazing feeling,” Sturge said. “My first professional goal, my first goal that I've scored in probably a very long time as well.
“My family were there as well, watching. I know my parents and family were going crazy up in the stands, which is a nice feeling.”
That strike against West Brom has been one of the highlights of Sturge’s nascent Millwall career, which has far exceeded expectations.
Sturge first signed for the Lions on loan in January from Chelsea’s academy, but was unable to dislodge the veteran Joe Bryan at left-back for most of his stint.
He got his chance when Bryan went down with a groin injury, putting in three good performances in the final three games of the season.
Those 269 minutes of football convinced Millwall to sign Sturge permanently over the summer, who again had to wait to stamp his claim on the starting left-back spot.
Fellow summer signing Alfie Doughty started the first two games of the season, but pulled up 64 minutes into the second.
With Bryan still recovering from another knock, Sturge stepped into the breach and
The left-back breaks down his impressive form, chemistry with Thierno Ballo and pre-game routine
performed well in the next two games.
Bryan returned and started the following four league matches before getting rotated out for Sturge in the Baggies' win before the October international break.
Since then, Sturge has started five of the next six matches, none of which Millwall lost, while consistently impressing down the left.
Sturge’s playing time has surprised even him.
“To be fair, I didn't think I'd be gaining as many minutes as I have so far, but this is football; you have to be prepared for the unexpected,” he said.
Sturge looks comfortable at the level despite making thirteen professional appearances before the season.
What does he attribute his leap to?
“I'd say probably the environment and changing room,” he said. “I go on about it a lot, and it's a really good environment.
“Everyone kind of feels comfortable, and the boys will trust each other - they back each other. We know that on the pitch,
we're going to do what we need to do. The environment really helps that.”
It is one thing to succeed at the under21s level. To do so in the highly competitive Championship shows how much of a leap he has taken, although Sturge thinks firstteam football suits him better.
“The under-21s is a lot more focused on development and growing as a player – learning and things like that,” he said. “The first team environment, there's a lot more emphasis on you need to be winning your games, and there's a lot more hunger, which I like because we want to win, we want to do the best we can. There’s a big difference.”
He still had to adjust to the speed of matches.
“The tempo in the Championship is very upbeat,” he said. “There's a lot going on. You could be winning - then all of a sudden there's a goal and it changes.”
Sturge has not had to navigate the step up on his own. He previously spoke about working closely with Bryan, who has
Chelsea striker eyes revenge
By John Kelly
AGGIE BEEVER-JONES admitted there was an “element of revenge” ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League showdown against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
The Blues were beaten 8-2 on aggregate by Barca in last seasons’s semi-finals before the Catalan side lost the final 1-0 to Arsenal.
It was the third year in a row Chelsea had lost to Barcelona in the semi-finals.
“I think we look back to that game, on aggregate, it wasn't a scoreline we felt reflected the matches,' Beever-Jones said. “They had some chances, and they were so clinical, while we didn't put our
chances away.
“So there is always that element of revenge, and we want to right those wrongs. Credit to Barcelona, they are an incredible team, and they're flying at the moment. But to be the best, you have to beat the best, and that's something that we are willing to do at Chelsea and give it our all.”
Striker Beever-Jones, 22, grew up near Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham. She knows being a Chelsea player means being involved in huge games.
“For me, this is an historic fixture,” she said. “Barcelona are known for being one of the best teams in the world, and being a Chelsea fan growing up, it was always an exciting game to watch.
“Playing for Chelsea now, it's every year, you have to face them at some point, so it's always an exciting game. Hopefully, we can right some wrongs from previous years and come into the game fighting and ready to prove a point. 'My role always stays the same. To give the best of myself. To take the opportunity to play well, perform and help the team.
“I try not to think about it too much, so that I don’t get in my own head, but playing in these big games is always what you dream of as a little kid. It’s where the most fans are, and where the most atmosphere is. Hopefully, we can show what we can do individually and collectively.
made well over 200 appearances in the second tier, and he credits the experienced defender for helping him to improve.
“I speak to Joe Bryan a lot, and he gives me a lot of tips,” Sturge said. “Things like opening up, looking down the channel, being defensive-minded first because I like to go forward a lot.
“Having that defensive mindset of no one gets past me and then I can go forward after that - that's helped a lot as well.”
Sturge has also struck up a good relationship with Ballo, who signed for the club on loan in the dying days of the window.
Sturge constantly bombs forward and surges past Ballo, whose ability to pick a pass resulted in that goal against West Brom.
The Austrian winger also spent time at Chelsea’s academy, and Sturge thinks that has helped develop their chemistry on the pitch.
“I'd probably say so, because we both got the same education and playstyle,” he said.
“Having dropped points against Twente, which was obviously frustrating for us, to get back into winning form would be great, especially against a top team. Obviously, Barcelona are currently top of the Women's Champions League table.
“We know it's not going to be an easy game by any means, but we have to prepare and look at their weaknesses, see where we can exploit that, but equally focus on ourselves and our strengths.
“It will definitely give Barcelona a little bit of something different to think about if they drop some points and we win. Hopefully, we'll go into the game well-equipped and come away with three points.”
“We've got that connection on the pitch, we kind of know what each is going to do.”
“In the build-up to a match day, we'll be doing our preparation, and we'll discuss different options of things that we can do on the pitch, which may help us score goals.”
Sturge now feels comfortable at the Championship level, part of which is down to his pre-game ritual.
“I like to have porridge usually,” Sturge said. “If it's a home game, I'll probably have some porridge. I feel like that always fills me up nicely.
“I think a key thing for me is probably just my music. I'm really into my music. It just keeps me calm, settles in my nerves. Gets me just going with the game. I'm ready.
What soundtracks Sturge’s routine?
“It ranges, to be fair,” he said. “Recently, I've been listening to a bit of garage music, oddly, but it seems to be getting me going.
“It seems to be working, so I'm going to stick with it.”
Silva offered new deal
By John Kelly
FULHAM HAVE offered boss Marco Silva a new deal.
Silva, 48, was critical of the club in the summer after a perceived lack of spending on transfers.
The Cottagers have endured a difficult start to the season and sit fifteenth in the Premier League table, with just three wins from eleven games.
But they are in the EFL Cup quarter-final against holders Newcastle United at St James’ Park next month as they chase the first major honour in their history.
Fulham host Sunderland in the league this Saturday (3pm).
Zak Sturge celebrates his strike against West Brom
matters
Sport
SOUTHWARK YOUNGSTER FOLLOWS PATHS OF FARAH AND YEE
REINFORCEMENTS ARE COMING
By Will Scott
CHARLTON ATHLETIC are seeing Valley attendances reach a seventeen-year highwith Saturday’s clash against Southampton already shifting over 20,000 tickets by early this week.
The Championship clash pits Addicks boss Nathan Jones agains the club that sacked him in February 2023 after just fourteen games in charge.
Two divisions separated the clubs last season before Jones led Charlton to League One play-off final victory and Saints were relegated from the Premier League.
Since Jones was appointed in 2024, Charlton have lost just three of their 37 home league fixtures.
Southampton, who are seventeenth, sacked Will Still and replaced him with 32-year-old Tonda Eckert on an interim basis earlier this month.
Charlton’s current highest attendance this season is 23,293.
POST RECORD TURNOVER
AFC WIMBLEDON posted a record turnover of £10.2million in 202425 - with Plough Lane pulling in record revenue of £7.2million.
Up to four players could return against Pompey as Lions boss Neil admits break came at right time
EXCLUSIVE
By Will Scott
MILLWALL STAND to gain a significant boost after the international break concludes, with up to four players set to return from injury.
Femi Azeez, Steven Benda, Danny McNamara and Alfie Doughty are all back in first-team training and could be in contention to feature against Portsmouth on Saturday.
It will be welcome news for a Millwall side that stumbled into the break without a win in November after being beset by yet another injury crisis.
Will Smallbone, Billy Mitchell, Ryan Leonard, Massimo Luongo, Azeez and Doughty all picked up injuries between
the October international break and the Lions’ 1-1 draw with Preston North End on November 8, while Benda and Josh Coburn were ruled out leading up to the 2-1 win at Loftus Road on October 18.
Neil expects to have some of those absentees back soon.
"Alfie's been on the grass, Steven's been on the grass," Neil told this paper. "We've got a couple coming back this week.
"It's just going to be a case of, can we get enough volume and training load into them to make them ready and prepared for the games? That'll be a decision that will get made later in the week, because obviously we don't know what's going to happen today [Tuesday], what's going to happen Thursday, what's going to happen
Friday. Then we'll take it from there.
"But the lads are making good progress. Femi's been on the grass, again. There’s a question mark as to whether Saturday might be too soon for him, but again, he's not far away."
McNamara was a longer-term absence, undergoing surgery on a serious knee injury he suffered in January.
He participated in light training over the summer and was in full first-team training last month.
The full-back has made several appearances for the under-21s in the past three weeks as he builds up his match fitness, completing 90 minutes for Kevin Nugent's side last Tuesday.
"He certainly ticked off a couple of boxes," Neil said. "He needed 90 minutes under his belt, which he's
done, and he needed a full week of training with the team, which he will have by the end of this week. Dan won't be far away come the weekend."
Asked if he could start against Pompey, Neil said: "Let's see."
Millwall's extensive injury list derailed a strong run of form. Four wins on the bounce were followed by two draws, either side of a chastening 4-0 thumping away at Birmingham City.
Neil was asked if the international break came at the right time.
“Yeah, I feel so,” Neil said. “The last one, if memory serves me right, I think we didn't really want that one to come.
“This one we certainly wanted it to come because we've lost a few bodies, which is disappointing. We want to try and go into this next batch and try and pick up as many points as we can.”
That represented year-on-year increases of 13 per cent and 10.6, respectively.
However, the club warned that “stadium revenue growth is unlikely ever to be enough to achieve break-even sustainability in League One or Two”.
The Dons made an operating loss of £0.6million after £1million player sales. The club had the fourteenth-ranked playing budget in League Two last season as Johnnie Jackson led the side to promotion through the play-offs.
Ahead of the AGM next month, the board said: “Over the past 23 years, we’ve faced and overcome huge challenges. The current situation is another challenge, but also another opportunity to shape our future together. With the same unity and determination that have defined AFC Wimbledon since 2002, we will find the best way forward.”
Femi Azeez celebrates after netting against Queens Park Rangers
