Contact us if you have a story on 07973175511 or email hello@cm-media.co.uk
We are a London Living Wage employer
DO YOU HAVE A STORY for our news team? Call 0207 231 5258 You can WhatsApp us on 07494 070 863.
By Ruby Gregory Local Democracy Reporter
A GROUP of Stockwell residents are feeling relieved after a ballot which proposed the demolition and regeneration of their homes returned a majority ‘No’ vote.
In September and October, Bellevue Garden Mansions residents took part in a ballot from their housing association, Hyde, which asked them if they were in favour or against the proposed demolition of their homes to make way for a new development.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) can reveal 76.3per cent of residents voted against the plans, while 23.7per cent voted in favour.
The resident ballot saw a voter turnout of 92.2per cent.
Tim Coombes, Chair of Bellevue Garden Mansions Resident Association, said: “This has been an overwhelmingly stressful two-year process for Bellevue residents. Households have faced sustained uncertainty about losing their homes, their history, and a cherished architectural landmark.
“[The] result makes clear how strongly people reject plans that would scar the face of Stockwell. I’m relieved the community stood together so cohesively – now we can all finally start to get on with our lives again.”
Bellevue Garden Mansions consists of a block of 10 Victorian terraces which date back to 1839, and are known locally as “the heart of Old Stockwell”.
Hyde had wanted to bulldoze all 62 homes at Bellevue Garden Mansions to make way for a new development consisting of 450 new flats in the form of low and mid-rise blocks, and one tower block.
Hyde was proposing to make at least 50per cent of the new homes ‘affordable’ while the other half would have been entirely private.
Hyde said at least 150 of the homes would have been for social rent.
The plans would have seen the loss of a communal garden, a local nursery and Rhodesia Road Playground, a green space which contains basketball courts that is heavily used by the Stockwell community.
A Hyde spokesperson previously said they would re-provide the green space, the games court and play areas. They also said they would build a new nursery.
However, the plans had been opposed by a number of residents, as they were worried they’d be subjected to living next to a building site for several years.
Residents claimed Hyde “just cares about money” and were worried the community would be lost if the plans went ahead.
Leaseholder, Sonia Pillay, accused Hyde of
Editor: Kevin Quinn
Reporters: Issy Clarke, Evie Flynn
Sports Editor: John Kelly
Sports reporter: Will Scott
Arts Correspondent: Michael Holland
Digital Transformation Editor: Katherine Johnston
Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips
Advertising: Clarry Frewin; Mandy Stong
Design: Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen
Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758
Subscriptions/Announcements: Katie Boyd
Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany
Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn
Published weekly at:
Community Matters Media Ltd, 1 Bermondsey Square, London SE1 3UN
News and Sport: 020 7231 5258
Advertising: 0020 7232 1639
News/Advertising: hello@cm-media.co.uk
Finance: em@cm-media.co.uk
Printed by Iliffe Print. Tel: 01223 656500 www.iliffeprint.co.uk
allowing the homes to fall into repair.
Sonia previously told the LDRS: “They can’t give me enough money to cover the losses I am going to feel. Over the last 30 years, they’ve allowed the properties to fall, they’re trying to make them fall into disrepair, dilapidation, in order to push our prices down for our properties.”
Lambeth Self Help tenants, a co-operatively run housing association located on Grantham Road, claimed that even though Hyde was not their landlord, their homes were also under threat of demolition.
The residents claimed they were asked to join the ballot but declined saying Greater London Authority rules dictate only their landlord can make such an offer.
Responding to the ballot result, Julie Timbrell from Lambeth Self Help, said: “Lambeth Self Help is delighted that Bellevue Garden Mansions residents have overwhelmingly rejected Hyde’s regeneration plan for Stockwell, which encompassed our homes on Grantham Road.
“Our residents, and the association, also rejected this plan as destructive of the environment and the community. We call on Hyde to follow Lambeth Self Help’s example and instead retrofit their homes using Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding.”
Julie added: “Any future plans must be
RESIDENTS VOTE DOWN DEMOLITION OF THEIR OWN VICTORIAN HOMES
developed with the community, both residents and local stakeholders, as equal partners in stewarding the local area for the benefit of all present and future inhabitants.”
A Hyde spokesperson told the LDRS: “We’d like to thank Bellevue Mansions’ residents for taking part in the ballot on our regeneration proposals, and in the many consultation events that helped shape these transformational ideas.
“Lambeth faces a desperate housing crisis, with too many people not having a permanent
home. Councils across the capital are spending £5.5million every day on temporary accommodation, up more than 40per cent in the last year.”
They added: “So, while we’re disappointed with the result, and we’re sure some of the residents are too, we remain committed to building more affordable homes in Lambeth.
“We’ll be working with the Greater London Authority, the London Borough of Lambeth and the local community to explore other options and opportunities in the area.”
Community Matters Media has been running independent newspapers since 1987, and now boasts the weeklies: South London Weekly, Southwark News and Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender, as well as the lifestyle magazines The South Londoner and Bermondsey Biscuit & Rotherhithe Docker
You can view all our content on www.southlondon.co.uk and sign up to newsletters to stay informed about news, lifestyle & events, people, sport and history. We believe in community and in balanced, independent and responsible journalism. As a south London business, we also work to support fellow local businesses. A dedicated team of staff work tirelessly to cover as much of what is going on as possible and strive to ensure that community-led, independent newspapers can survive and excel in a market dominated by national and multinational media groups. The South London Weekly is an independent newspaper covering all of south London and beyond
Community Matters Media Ltd is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact 0207 231 5258. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300
THE OLD VIC THEATRE’S NEW SIX STOREY BUILDING IS NOW OPEN
By Evie Flynn
A BRAND-NEW six-storey building attached to the Old Vic Theatre is now open as a cafe, restaurant, workspace and event space.
The Grade II listed theatre in Waterloo has unveiled its new development, Backstage, and they are hosting a free open day on 22 November to showcase the building.
The new cafe and restaurant on the first and second floors is open Monday to Saturday.
In the daytime, the cafe will serve coffee, breakfast and lunch and is for working or meetings, with spacious seating, free wifi and plug points.
In the evening, it will transform into a bar and restaurant with table service dining, a seasonal dinner menu, and crafted cocktails.
Also on the first floor, there is a terrace and a free Script Library, where you can browse and borrow scripts from the theatre’s archives.
As well as the public spaces, the other floors feature event space and
education studios, named the Clore Learning Centre and the Writers’ Room.
In these spaces, the theatre will host their employability programmes that support local communities, schools and emerging practitioners.
On the top floor, there is a bookable private events space, complete with a terrace featuring sweeping views of Waterloo.
The work has also involved the remodelling of the existing back of house spaces to achieve a fully accessible stage door, dressing rooms and a refurbishment of the existing rehearsal room.
They are holding an open day on Saturday 22 November, which will be a chance to explore the building, take part in taster sessions, workshops watch performances by surprise guests.
All activities on the open day are free, but some require advance booking.
History Tour of the Old Vic: From 9-10am, explore behind the scenes at The Old Vic and discover over 200 years of theatrical history.
Led by stage door manager, Ned, learn about the Old Vic’s past and see the future in a new light.
Secrets of the Stage: Look behind the scenes and discover the stagecraft of the Old Vic’s production of A Christmas Carol. Glimpse into the technical magic that brings the production to life, as it returns for a ninth year.
Community Choir Performance: Head to the Script Library at 10:30 to watch The Old Vic’s Lambeth and Southwark Children’s Choir perform, with musical direction by Jessica Boshier.
Time: 10:30 on 22 November Open Day Book: No ticket required, drop-in
Storytelling Session:
Take your little ones along to a relaxed storytelling session in the Script Library. There will be two sessions throughout the day. Aimed at ages 5+.
Time: 11:15 – 11:45 and 14:15 – 14:45 on 22 November Open Day Book: No ticket required, drop in
Creative Writing Workshop: Head to the Writers’ Room on the first floor to take part in a creative writing workshop, suitable for all ages and experiences.
Join writer and illustrator Laura Dockrill to explore the art of storytelling and develop your own voice.
Time: 11:00 – 13:00 on 22 November Open Day Book: No booking required, drop in
Lantern Making: Try your hand at lantern making with a workshop in the Writers’ Room, led by puppeteer Maia Kirkman-Richards. Attendees will make a paper lantern inspired by the set design of A Christmas Carol. Suitable for ages 6+
and no previous experience is needed.
Time: 14:00 – 16:00 on 22 November Open Day
Book: No booking required, drop in
Theatre Makers: Head to the Green Studio on the third floor to meet industry professionals and discuss pathways in theatre, including marketing, production, costume, set design, lighting and projection. There will also be a props and costume sale taking place throughout the day. Time: 10:00 – 16:00 on 22 November Open Day
Book: No booking required, drop in
Meet the Makers: In the Greene Studio, join director Lilac Yosiphone, set designer Helen Coyston, costume designer Zahara Mansouri and lighting and projection designer Will Monks to discuss how they bring productions to life. They will also share pathways into the industry.
Time: 12:30 on 22 November Open Day Book: No booking required, drop in
Rotherhithe Shed still needs over £3,000 to keep its sessions running
By Evie Flynn
THE ROTHERHITHE Shed, which helps isolated older people connect through making and building, is urging public support as its fundraiser nears the halfway point toward a £6,000 target.
The much-loved community project is a collaborative initiative between local charities London Bubble Theatre and Time & Talents and has welcomed over 200 people through its doors in the past eleven years.
The Shed once opened two days a week, but has had to cut its hours to just one day after local charities London Bubble Theatre and Time
& Talents experienced funding shortfalls.
Their fundraiser, which was launched at the end of September, has reached over £2,300, but they need £6,000 to run for a term.
The group come together every Thursday at the purpose-built workshop in the London Bubble Theatre space to connect, repair items and build important friendships.
Ray, a regular at the Shed, said: “I am surprised when I hear people have donated, it is so generous. All of the Shedders and community are touched by the video and article that came out about it all.”
Michael, who is a facilitator at the Shed and helps support the attendees,
said: “We’re thrilled at how the fundraiser has started off so strongly. We are so pleased that 39 percent of the goal has already been reached.
“Now we need to encourage people to tell their friends and family to reach as many people as possible. Every little helps to stay open a little longer and great to have the money for some additional sessions already.”
The Shedders welcomed an external theatre company, Casson and Friends, to London Bubble Theatre on 2223 October, who performed ‘Shed Stories’, a performance inspired by Shed-goers.
The documentary-style performance combined real-life interviews with Shedders with dance and movement
to create a compelling story of friendship and support, which they say is centered around “human, humorous and heartwarming tales of making sawdust, friends, and cups of tea!”
“It’s not what we make or build or fix,” a Shed member told us. “It’s the value of people having somewhere to come, where they can feel comfortable, share space with others, and just be part of something. This place is diverse and relaxed.”
Steve Trimmingham, another regular member who enjoys drawing cartoon images and sketches, said: “Please consider donating to the shed. It is so good for people to get together and socialise and when it only operates for
one day per week, it is much harder for people to come here.”
Flovia, who has lived in Rotherhithe for over 20 years, said: “Please consider donating so we can sustain and grow an important resource for local people. Lots of people come for the social aspect, not the just practical one.
“The Rotherhithe Shed is really important to me. When we had the two sessions, you could advance projects twice as quickly, but it’s much busier now and you have to book.”
The Shedders are also reaching out to local organisations to appeal for funding.
A MAN from Deptford has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 42 years after murdering his pregnant girlfriend in a gruesome knife attack in Walthamstow in July, while he was on licence for a previous murder.
Shaine March, 45, of Rainsborough Avenue in Deptford, pleaded guilty to the murder of 32-year-old Alana Odysseos at the Old Bailey on Friday, 17 October. He was sentenced on Friday, 31 October, at the same court.
March was on licence for the murder of 17-year-old Andre Drummond in Camberwell 25 years ago. March, then aged 21, was given a life prison sentence after he stabbed the teeenager in the neck at a McDonald’s restaurant in Denmark Hill, in January 2000, but in 2013 he was released, only to be recalled to jail again later that year for assaulting his thenpregnant girlfriend. He was released again in 2018.
Alana, who was already a mother and was eight weeks pregnant, died outside her home on Lynmouth Road in Walthamstow on Tuesday 22 July, after she was stabbed 19 times by March.
Detective Inspector Aytac Necati, who led the investigation, said: “Alana was a victim of appalling domestic abuse. She was a vulnerable young woman, who only ever wanted to be loved and create a secure family environment for her daughter, before her life was cruelly taken by March.
“Alana had also recently found out she was pregnant, something March was unhappy with. This led to an escalation in the controlling and coercive behaviour Alana endured during their short relationship.”
In a statement, Alana’s family said: “All of our lives have been drastically changed by the actions of this individual.
“This should never have been allowed to happen. A life sentence should mean life, with no parole or time off for good behaviour.
“Because of this, Alana’s daughter will never experience the milestones of a mother-daughter existence, she will never have her mother watch her in a school play, to see her go to a school prom, to shed tears at her wedding, or get to see her mother cuddling and loving her
DEPTFORD MAN JAILED FOR LIFE AFTER STABBING HIS PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND
grandchildren.
“We would like to thank the police and CPS team for their hard, diligent work in bringing this person to justice, and reaffirming our hope, trust and belief in the judiciary system.
“We, as a family, would now like to grieve in private, and hope that this wish is fulfilled.”
The emergency services discovered Alana outside her Walthamstow home with multiple stab wounds after they received multiple 999 calls.
Despite the best efforts of the police and the London Ambulance Services Alana sadly died at the scene from her injuries.
Just before 11pm on the night of Alana’s
death, neighbours said they had heard an argument between Alana and Shaine March. Later that night, she emerged from the property holding her side and shouting “Shaine stabbed me” before collapsing. March was seen leaving the house and fled the scene.
A blood-stained knife was found by officers near the front door of Alana’s home – later identified as the one used in the attack – and upon entering, they found her two-year-old daughter inside.
A search for March began, and at around 04:40 am, police received a call from staff at a nearby café reporting a man inside covered in blood and claiming he had just killed his wife and child. March was
arrested a short time later.
CCTV evidence and witness statements were crucial in proving March had been in the house leading up to the attack and was ultimately responsible for Alana’s death, and in the early hours of Tuesday, 23 July, he was charged with Alana’s murder.
Detective Inspector Aytac Necati, who led the investigation, said: “Alana was a victim of appalling domestic abuse. She was a vulnerable young woman who only ever wanted to be loved and create a secure family environment for her daughter before her life was cruelly taken by March.
“Alana had also recently found out she was pregnant, something March was
unhappy with. This led to an escalation in the controlling and coercive behaviour Alana endured during their short relationship.
“March is a cowardly individual, who has shown absolutely no remorse for Alana or her family. I hope this lengthy sentence will provide loved ones with some comfort, knowing March is rightly facing the consequences of his actions.
“This case shows the devastating impact domestic abuse has on victimsurvivors, families and communities. I urge anyone who experiences domestic abuse or controlling behaviour to report it to police. Our officers will listen and will support you.”
Ronnie Scott’s coming to Peckham
By Michael Holland
RONNIE'S LATES is a brand-new series of gigs taking the legendary energy of the Ronnie Scott’s Late Late Show out of Soho and into the beating heart of London’s grassroots music scene.
The club is bringing some of their favourite emerging musicians to those venues they feel are shaping the next generation of UK jazz, and that means their first gig is at Peckham Levels.
The debut show will be the Ronnie Scott’s Late Late Show regular, Creature, plus Madeleine, with their fusion of club-ready jazz and broken beat, designed specifically for London dance floors.
Perhaps best known for his work as a session player for emerging artists like Yaya Bey and Cosmo Pyke,
Creature (AKA Jim Cornelissen), cites Yussef Dayes and Alfa Mist as influences, as well as footwork producer Machinedrum and Flying Lotus.
Madeleine is from a musical family who sharpened her craft at The BRIT School and Goldsmiths University and is now recognised as a fastemerging Nu-Jazz singer-songwriter who has already toured the world with Olivia Dean, Nubiyan Twist, and Rachel Chinouriri.
Creating the vibe with them is: Tim Quicke (Trumpet), Alex Wesson (Keys), Dan Collins (Bass), Hugo Piper (Bass), Jack Robson (Drums). Peckham Levels, 95a Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST 15th November. Doors 7pm. £15.
Booking and full details: www. ronniescotts.co.uk/�ind-a-show/ ronnies-lates-south
Jailed Shaine March.
Photo from Met Police
Winter at the Southbank Centre
Come together for a magical Winter at the Southbank Centre with spectacular shows, luminous art, cracking activities, a wondrous Winter Market and more festive treats making spirits bright this winter.
This year’s Winter season offers holiday fun for all to enjoy the festive magic of London in winter.
Be wowed by spectacular shows – there’s a magical musical stage adaptation of Top Hat , the return of family favourite Bluey’s Big Play, the chance to join TV’s favourite doctors in Operation Ouch: Quest for the Jurassic Fart! and the hilarious Sh!t Theatre: EVITA TOO Enjoy live music spanning classical music, Christmas carols and festive favourites.
At the Hayward Gallery, experience the Gilbert & George: 21ST CENTURY PICTURES exhibition with vibrant, large-scale images that centre the human experience and reflect the
duo’s motto, ‘Art for All’. Highlighting new pictures created since the start of the millennium, the exhibition has been featured in Financial Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, Time Out and Stylist as one of the top art exhibitions to see in Autumn 2025.
There’s cracking free activities and
family fun for all ages, including the Winter Light outdoor art exhibition, the Koestler Arts: Night Owls and Abstractions exhibition, dances, ceilidhs, crafting, music and New Year’s celebrations.
The popular Winter Market returns, lining the riverside with pop-up bars, street food stalls and independent craft traders. Keep your belly merry with plates of festive burgers and fondue fries, duck wraps, spicy chicken boxes and Nepalese spiced dumplings. Round it all off with sweet treats like churros and indulgent cookies. Ward off the cold by cradling a mulled wine or hot chocolate while you browse for gifts, jewellery and decorations made by independent creatives. Under the bridge you’ll find Wunder Bar, a festive sing-a-long bar with a Bavarian twist. Opposite the Queen Elizabeth Hall, right on the river, Fire & Fromage are back with cheesy indulgence, warming drinks and cosy riverside vibes.
Plus, for the first time, the beloved Queen Elizabeth Roof Garden will be open throughout the winter months, transforming into a destination for mulled wine and warming drinks, nestled above the
Gilbert & George: 21ST CENTURY PICTURES Image credit: Installation view of Gilbert & George: 21ST CENTURY PICTURES. Courtesy of the Hayward Gallery. Photo by Mark Blower.
FEARS THAT PLANS TO SLASH AFFORDABLE HOUSING QUOTAS COULD DEEPEN LONDON'S HOUSING CRISIS
By Issy Clarke
PLANS TO slash housing quotas have been labelled 'disastrous' by campaigners, after the government unveiled plans to reduce the number of affordable homes developers in London are required to build.
The government announced last month that it is cutting the number of affordable homes that developers in London must include in their schemes to fast track their planning applications, from 35 to 20 per cent.
It hopes this will ramp up house building in the capital, which has stalled in recent years due to a mixture of factors including rising construction and borrowing costs and new building safety regulations, described by Mayor Sadiq Khan as a "perfect storm".
But Cllr Grace Williams, speaking on behalf of London Councils, suggested the move would fail to address London's housing crisis, which she said was driven by a "chronic shortage" of affordable housing.
“If we want to end London’s homelessness emergency, we desperately need to build more affordable homes, including social homes," she said.
Acknowledging that the “landscape for housing delivery has become challenging in recent years with rising construction and borrowing costs posing issues for councils, housing associations, and developers,” Williams said that councils wanted to see “funding and policy changes” to finance house-building.
“The evidence shows this is the quickest and most effective way of accelerating housing delivery across all tenures.”
The most recent figures revealed that boroughs are currently spending £5.5 million each day on homelessness
provision, and London Councils has warned that the crisis represents the biggest risk to the financial stability of the capital’s local authorities in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Southwark Council Leader Sarah King stopped short of criticising the quota cut outright, but highlighted the borough's housing pressures and re-affirmed the council's commitment to providing more affordable housing.
“Southwark builds the most council homes of any authority in the country and this week we announced partners to deliver our next wave of council homes,” she said.
“We do it because we have to. Southwark has more than 4,000 households in temporary accommodation and 20,000 on our housing waiting list. We will always strive to deliver truly affordable housing.”
She said the council would "look at the proposed changes announced today closely to examine all their implications."
The new plans will also see Community Infrastructure Levy – the cash that developers must hand over to councils to fund projects like parks, sustainable transport, and safety measures – halved.
The Mayor of London will also be given new powers to accelerate the planning process, including the ability to review and call-in housing schemes of 50 homes or more where boroughs are minded to refuse. He will also receive an extra £322 million in housing funds.
The announcements come as the government doubles down on its efforts to hit its target of building 1.5 million new homes by the end of the Parliament, which will run until 2029 at the latest.
Yet construction has effectively
stagnated, with recent figures published suggesting builders began work on just 3,248 new private-sector homes in the first three months of 2025.
House building in Southwark has similarly come to a standstill, with the council only managing to start work on one new council home last yearalthough it completed 581, more than any other local authority in the country.
The construction slowdown comes as more than 20,000 families in Southwark currently sit on the waiting list for a new council home - while several major housing schemes in the borough have already had their affordable housing offering dropped below 35 per cent, with developers claiming they ‘can’t afford’ to deliver more socially rented homes.
The 876-home Aylesham Centre redevelopment by Berkeley Homes, set to provide just 12 per cent affordable housing, was due to be considered by the Planning Inspectorate starting last Tuesday, October 28, after overriding the local council which they said had been 'too slow' to make a decision.
The scheme was symbolically blocked by Southwark's planning committee anyway, on the basis of the low number of affordable homes it provided.
Meanwhile, British Land's Canada Water Masterplan - which is currently on hold while the developer seeks an amendment to the planning application to comply with new building safety laws - could also provide as little as 10 per cent affordable housing.
The change leaves open the possibility that other green-lit developments in the borough with planning permission to provide 35 per cent affordable housing could ask the council to have this number reduced.
Slamming the government’s decision, Jerry Flynn of the 35 per cent campaign group, which advocates for more affordable housing, said: “It beggars
believe that the government thinks the housing crisis can be solved by ditching affordable housing.
“It's no good just building more homes - people have to be able to afford to rent or buy them and most households in Southwark need affordable housing. We will all suffer if the government follows through with this dreadful idea.”
The Southwark Liberal Democrats also poured scorn on the policy change, with leader Victor Chamberlain accusing the government of "cozying up to big developers whilst ignoring priced-out residents”.
He said: “Labour are backing a deal that lets developers get away with just 20% affordable housing while slashing the infrastructure money councils rely on. Southwark residents need real affordable homes and investment in schools, health and transport - not more luxury flats they can’t afford and less funding.
"We’ve already seen how weak this Labour council has been towards developers, letting them get away with offensively low affordable provision –and now we’re seeing that baked into policy from the very top of the Labour Party in Government."
Defending the policy change, Steve Reed, the ex-leader of Lambeth Council and now the government's Housing Secretary, said it would give London a 'shot-in-the-arm' to build more housing.
He said: “Getting spades in the ground in London is crucial if we want to see the biggest increase in social and affordable housing and meet our target of delivering 1.5 million homes in our
Plan for Change.
“I have worked closely with the Mayor of London to give the capital the shotin-the-arm it needs to ensure more Londoners have an affordable home of their own.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who introduced the 35 per cent quota in 2017, said there was a "perfect storm facing house building in London due to a combination of high interest rates, the rising cost of construction materials, the impact of the pandemic and ongoing consequences of Brexit.
"All of this means we are now in the midst of the most difficult period for house building since the global financial crash.
“Urgent action is required, which is why I’ve been working with the government on this package of bold measures. I grew up in a council house, so I know the importance of social and affordable homes."
Sarah King added: "Southwark Council has led the way nationally, bringing together more than 100 councils to campaign for action to accelerate the building of council and affordable housing. Together we will continue the campaign for council homes and work with Government to do this.
“It’s also important that when developers build in Southwark they make a fair contribution to the borough and the things local people need – like better stations, parks and playgrounds. This has always been vital in Southwark and just last week we proposed to increase the contribution developers make through Community Infrastructure Levy when they build student accommodation.
“But we know building homes now faces enormous challenges, with soaring costs and labour shortages - so we will look at the proposed changes announced today closely to examine all their implications.”
Berkeley Homes' 876-home redevelopment of the Aylesham Centre
Sarah King
COUNCIL PLANS TO INCREASE FEE PAID BY STUDENT ACCOMMODATION DEVELOPERS
EXCLUSIVE
By Issy Clarke
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
providers will have to pay more to the council in local contributions, amid controversy over the soaring number of student tower blocks with planning permission in the borough.
All developers seeking to obtain planning permission in Southwark must agree to pay the council something called a Community Infrastructure Levy, which is used to fund local infrastructure such as housing and transport schemes.
Under the plans, which are now being consulted on by the council, student accommodation providers would have the amount they have to pay increase from £148 to £250 per square metre - a rise of 70 per cent.
Thousands of student flats are in the pipeline across Southwark, proving a source of controversy while more than 20,000 families remain stuck on the council waiting list for a new home.
Borough and Bankside ward alone is expected to have 3,000 new student beds due for planning approval over the next year, including 2,000 at Bankside House.
The council claims that student blocks
free up homes in the private rented sector for families, but some residents claim they place local infrastructure under pressure while providing minimal benefits to local people.
In September, controversial proposals for flats housing 1,400 students across two thirty-storey tower blocks in Elephant and Castle were given the green light.
Frustrated local residents hit out at the plans during the planning meeting with one resident stating: “We cannot keep simply throwing up tall buildings which are not supported by physical infrastructure nor other essential provisions such as healthcare neither the imposition of conditions nor the measly levy contributions proposed to mitigate these adverse effects.”
In the same meeting, another block for 169 students on the Old Kent Road was also approved, all of which will be rented out at market rate and will not include any affordable accommodation.
In the council report outlining the policy change dated October 14, Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark’s Cabinet Member for New Homes, stated: "Over recent years, we have seen an increase
in purpose-built student housing coming forward in Southwark and across London.
"Given our location, in easy reach of a number of higher education offers like UAL, LSBU, Kings, LSE and Goldsmiths, the increased demand is understandable.
She continued that it was "essential that purpose-built student housing makes a fair contribution to Southwark’s infrastructure needs and that we are not through our CIL policy, wrongly incentivising student homes over those which are much needed for the wider community."
The Southwark Liberal Democrats, who had previously pushed for the council to raise the levy on student accommodation providers, welcomed the move, with councillor for Borough and Bankside, David Watson, commenting: “This is a massive win off the back of our campaign to release the CIL funds the council had already collected to date.
“Making sure that our residents are able to have the huge amount of disruption they’re experiencing mitigated is an absolute priority –whether the development is for student blocks or regular housing shouldn’t impact on how much cash developers should be expected to hand over."
Strategy Refresh Launch and Annual Members Meeting
You are invited to join our Strategy Refresh Launch event and Annual Members Meeting on Wednesday 26 November, 5pm – 7.45pm You have the option of joining us either in person or online:
• Online via Microsoft Teams (you will receive login details close to the event)
• In person at St John’s Church, Waterloo Rd, London, SE1 8TY
For further information and to register, please scan the QR code: or email strategy@slam.nhs.uk or call 07591418163
During the Annual Members Meeting we will present our Annual Report and accounts. If you have any questions about the Annual Members Meeting, please contact membership@slam.nhs.uk
By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter
AFTER MONTHS of uncertainty, a historic real ale pub in South Wimbledon has been given the chance to secure its future.
The lifeline follows fears that a developer might win an appeal to replace The Trafalgar with six flats and a café, a move that would erase a place where some locals have been drinking for half a century.
The Trafalgar is more than just a pub; it is an enduring hub of local life and a must-visit destination for real ale enthusiasts, having won CAMRA’s South West London Pub of the Year in 2024.
“There is nowhere, apart from The Hope in Carshalton, that does anything like this within six miles,” said landlord Oli Carter-Esdale as they tended to the bar’s selection of seasonal ales and ciders.
For much of the past year, however, the pub’s future has hung in the balance, with developer Linea Homes eyeing the site for new housing. Now, The Trafalgar has been offered the opportunity to buy the freehold of the building for £600,000, raising hopes that the historic venue could remain in local hands.
While the offer provides a potential lifeline, Oli warned that the pub faces an uphill battle to make it a reality. They emphasised the need for a fair valuation and a collective effort to raise the necessary funds, but said they intend to accept the offer.
“We are never going to raise £600k. You would need six hundred local people spending £1,000 each. We are not in the wealthiest area, but I think you could get 300 people putting in £500,” they said. Oli praised the local response to the campaign and highlighted the unique role
The Trafalgar plays in the community.
Gesturing to the dozen or so locals enjoying a pint and conversation on a Friday lunchtime, they said: “I do not think anywhere I know of has a similar contingent of locals who, when up against the wall, decide to fight for a space that means so much to them. Some people have been drinking here for over 50 years; it is part of the social fabric.”
“The problem is, once these places go, they go,” said Alan Millington, who often visits The Trafalgar with his wife Denise for its unrivalled beer selection and “proper pub” feel. “For me, it is a crime to get rid of these kinds of places,” they added.
The Millingtons, who come from nearby Tooting, are just some of the pub’s devoted regulars who come for the beer and stay for the inviting atmosphere and to engage in the “lost art of conversation”, as one put it. Directing our attention to the colourful beer mats adorning the ceiling, Oli noted: “They are like a timeline of joy,
KEEPING THE TRAFALGAR AFLOAT
Tooting residents Alan and Denise Millington come to the Trafalgar for its “proper pub” vibe
you can point to them and remember when you drank it and who you were with at the time.
The Planning Inspectorate recently conducted a site visit to assess whether the owner’s appeal to the Secretary of State for permission to build had merit.
“They came to look at the pub as a physical space and its use,” Oli said, noting that inspectors visited during busy hours to see “the pub in full swing”.
Locals turned up to the visit, demonstrating the value of The Trafalgar to both the community and Oli. “People came who understand what this place means to them as well as to me,” they said.
“I dread to think of how many letters they would have had to have read about it. I would have thought everyone in this room would have written something, online or to the council or inspectorate.”
When asked for their views on how the situation has developed since the Local Democracy Reporting Service last spoke to them in August, Oli said: “At the end of the day, Linea Homes are a property development company. That is what they do.
“They build nice apartments and houses; it is their raison d’être. In my eyes, their work often comes at the price of disrupting social assets. That is just my opinion, but a lot of people here share it.”
The Trafalgar has a long history, with a pub on the site dating back to at least 1868.
Its distinctive red brickwork and stainedglass features are deliberate design choices that honour local conservation
The Trafalgar is regarded by many as a cherished community hub, complete with its own cricket club and an affi liated Morris dancing group Credit: Jack Brent
and pay tribute to its association with Horatio Nelson, whose home, Merton Place, once stood on the same land.
“The value of this place is not in the bricks and mortar; it is in what is contained within,” Oli told the LDRS. “Once you take that away, you take away the magic.”
He remains committed to maintaining The Trafalgar as a community pub offering independent beers at reasonable prices.
Oli also highlighted the importance of the pub to his four local staff members, noting that bartender Jola Rozylo has been part of the team for over two years, which he says is uncommon in London’s hospitality industry.
Looking ahead, the landlord hopes to secure the pub’s future while keeping it affordable and community-focused. “If you take rent out of the equation, you can keep prices down and make people feel they have a stake in it. What we need is a sensible agreement on the property’s value, and then those of us here can try to raise enough to make it viable.”
While the specifics of the fundraising plan are yet to be outlined, Oli remains resolute, stating online: “I know together we can raise enough money to bring the pub and its destiny into our own hands.”
Linea Homes was approached for comment, but failed to respond in time for publication.
WOMAN KILLED IN TULSE HILL
By Issy Clarke
A MAN in his late fifties has been charged with murdering a woman after a stabbing in Tulse Hill last week.
Robert Sabat, 59, of no fixed abode, has been charged with murder and threatening a person with an offensive weapon.
He appeared before Croydon Magistrates on Wednesday, 29
MURDER HUNT LAUNCHED IN HITHER GREEN
By Issy Clarke
A 20-YEAR-OLD man described as ‘bubbly with a contagious smile’ has been identified as the victim of a deadly attack in Lewisham.
Messiah Rob (pictured) was stabbed in Benin Street, near the junction of Hither Green Lane, just after 3pm on Tuesday, 28 October.
Police were called by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, who treated Messiah at the scene, before taking him to hospital, where he sadly died.
Messiah’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
In a statement, Messiah’s mother said: “The loss of Messiah has left a hole in our hearts which will never be filled.
Messiah was a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin and a friend.
“His family and friends have been left devastated. He was a bubbly young man with a contagious smile that would light up the room.”
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Magee, from the Met’s Specialist
Crime unit, added: “Yesterday, a senseless attack took a much-loved man away from his family, friends and community. Our thoughts are with them at this unimaginably difficult time.
“There is no place for knife crime on our streets. I’d again like to reassure local residents that myself and my team are working meticulously to find those responsible. In the meantime, residents can expect to see an increased police presence across the area. Please speak to them if you have any concerns.
“This attack took place in broad daylight. There were witnesses. If you happen to
have been around Hither Green Lane between 15:00 and 15:30 – or know anything about the incident – please do not hesitate to contact us. You can also share information anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
Hither Green Lane and Benin Street are closed while a crime scene remains in place.
A post-mortem examination will take place in due course. No arrests have been made at this stage. The investigation continues.
All information can be shared to the Met via 101, quoting 4648/28OCT. If people
October, where he was remanded into custody.
Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 5pm on Monday, October 27 to a ‘disturbance’ at McCormick House, off High Trees in Tulse Hill. Inside the property, a 42-year-old woman was found dead with multiple stab wounds.
Her family have been informed, and are being supported by specialist officers.
The Trafalgar retains several historic, unlisted features, including original Edwardian brown tiling and a period fi replace
Oli Carter-Esdale
By Ruby Gregory
Local Democracy Reporter
A HERNE Hill landmark has been granted a new premises licence which will allow it to host events including weddings, meetings, conferences and markets for up to 200 people.
Brockwell Hall is a Grade II listed Georgian mansion house which has existed at the top of Brockwell Park for over two centuries.
The historical building recently underwent a major £7.7million restoration project, which includes a £3.9million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The newly restored building now features an interactive, multi-purpose exhibition space in the main hall and a multi-purpose event space in the court yard.
Last month, Lambeth Council’s licensing sub-committee decided to grant an application which means the site will be able to host a range of activities including live and recorded music, indoor sporting events and the sale of alcohol.
The plans had been put forward by Lambeth Events, which is part of the council.
Brockwell Hall has already hosted nine Temporary Event Notices (TENs) so far this year, including community events, private celebrations and weddings which have all reportedly received no noise complaints.
Lucy Zaman, who was speaking on behalf of Lambeth Events, said: “Our vision is to reactivate this heritage building into a self-sustaining and vibrant hub for the local community and visitors to the borough.
RESTORED BROCKWELL HALL GETS LICENCE TO HOST EVENTS
and said the conditions on the licence weren’t accurate.
To allow weddings, meetings, conferences and markets
“The venue is not primarily a music venue, it will be a venue for celebrations, meetings and community events where recorded and live entertainment may be played – indoor sound levels will be limited to a maximum of 90 decibels.”
Mrs Zaman added: “Within the courtyard, only background amplified sound will be played. Levels will be carefully monitored and controlled to reduce impact.
“There will primarily be acoustic music for celebratory events rather than highvolume performances and after 9pm,
all external doors will remain closed to prevent noise transmission beyond the premises with the exception of a fire evacuation.”
The licensing plans had received 37 objections from local residents, who raised public safety concerns and the impact “noise nuisance” could have on those living nearby.
One objector said: “The activities taking place within Brockwell Hall must complement the character of Brockwell Park, not impose upon it. It is essential that clear, enforceable sound limits are
set for all events inside the building to ensure that private functions do not disrupt the quiet enjoyment of the surrounding gardens and open spaces.
“There should be no blanket permission for outdoor amplified sound or other noise-generating events. Any such activity should be subject to strict controls and be the exception, not the norm.”
During last month’s meeting, three objectors spoke out against the plans.
One objector said the proposed activities were “extraordinarily broad”
She told the committee: “We could have 200 people on Friday and Saturday [up until] midnight with amplified music till 9pm and a brass brand and an orchestra in the courtyard leaving in a drunken state and booking Ubers or electric bikes and completely ignoring security guards.
“My problem with it is there should be far, far more clarity about what the actual limits are, I think it’s not acceptable for this licence to be granted without that.”
Later on in the meeting, Mrs Zaman said the type of events Lambeth Events was expecting were weddings and potentially markets.
She said: “I’m very comfortable if the committee wanted to set a background limit for the court yard…if the committee felt there was an appropriate background level, I think we’d all be absolutely comfortable with that so that we can separate the two out.
“The venue does have glass doors and we keep them shut as much as possible but that is one of the key accesses in and out and that ultimately means we want to try and do this in the most respectful way we can.”
At the end of the meeting, the committee decided to defer making a decision for five working days.
Earlier this month, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) was told the licence had ultimately been granted, with additional conditions such as having no speakers or other equipment which amplifies sound being used in any external area of the premises, including but not limited to the courtyard.
Additionally, after 9pm all windows and doors to event spaces must remain closed during events involving amplified sound.
Brockwell Hall is located at the top of Brockwell Park
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
By Ruby Gregory
Local Democracy Reporter
MORE THAN 1,800 people have now signed a petition urging Lambeth Council to continue with its plans to restore Kennington Park’s historic skatebowl and make it safer for people to use.
A group of campaigners rallied outside Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton earlier this month as they demanded the plans to restore the local skatepark are not abandoned.
Ahead of a full council meeting on October 15, campaigners, including those from local group, Friends of Kennington Park (FoKP), were seen holding banners, placards and branded t-shirts as they chanted ‘Don’t Kill Kenny’ – a play on the famous South Park catchphrase ‘I killed Kenny’. Campaigners say the 1970s skatebowl, known to many as ‘Kenny’, has fallen into decline and over the years has become less safe to use.
FoKP said the council did have money set aside for the work, but it is now considering withdrawing the funding from the project.
A Lambeth Council spokesperson previously told the LDRS in light of the council’s financial position, capital projects including the skate park have been paused. They said they are reviewing all projects and hope to update resident groups about them soon.
A FoKP spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “We are delighted with the support our campaign has received from people in the local area.
‘DON’T KILL KENNY’
Campaign to save Kennington’s historic skatebowl builds momentum
Product Two and Dave the Chimp (APE1)
if you have a story on 07973175511 or email hello@cm-media.co.uk
"Over 1,800 people have signed our petition to show their support for our campaign, and we expect numbers to grow.
“The importance of the skatebowl in creating a space for the whole community – especially young people –to socialise, learn new skills and get fit, is well understood and is supported by extensive national research.”
We are a London Living Wage employer
The spokesperson said they are in regular contact with councillors, and have asked to meet with Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, who is Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Lambeth.
DO
Guy Howard-Evans, a local resident
5258
on
070 863.
and skateboarder, previously spoke to the LDRS about the current issues the bowl is facing. He said: “It would be really handy to get the council on board and to get a rolling maintenance as well but because it’s been left to neglect, it’s just become a bit of a tip.
"There’s a lot of broken glass and no real maintenance, it’s suffered and to get it nice and safe again for all kids to use – it has to be means-tested across the board so it’s open to everybody.”
Guy said only around two-thirds of the bowl is actually skateable and it can
currently only be accessed through a single entrance and exit.
Dave the Chimp, a street artist who has been skateboarding since the age of 12, called the skatebowl “unique” and said it should be repaired for skateboarding.
FoKP’s change.org petition has now amassed 1,877 signatures and has been backed by Skateboard GB, the governing body for skateboarding in Britain.
The project has been years in the making, and was scheduled to start in the summer of 2024 however FoKP says it was later told the work would begin
in November of that year. As the months went on, the group says it chased the council several times for updates but did not hear back.
In July 2025, the council announced a freeze on capital spending, which has resulted in the project being halted.
FoKP fear the project is at risk of being abandoned, and that the skatebowl will be left as “an unsafe, decaying eyesore”.
The group is calling on the council to return to the project and reinstate the funding, adding that lots of public money has been spent on it already.
A Lambeth Council spokesperson previously said: “In light of the council’s financial position, and our responsibility to ensure we can protect the frontline services relied on by our most vulnerable residents, capital projects across Lambeth have been paused.
“This includes the skate park, and other projects that residents across Lambeth feel very strongly about. All these projects are being reviewed, and we hope to be in a position to update resident groups about them soon.”
Empty housing association flats to be converted into temporary accommodation for homeless families
By Ruby Gregory Local Democracy Reporter
PLANS TO convert a block of housing association flats into temporary accommodation for homeless families have been given the go-ahead by Lewisham Council.
Anthony Phillips
Advertising: Clarry Frewin
Design: Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen
Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758
Subscriptions/Announcements: Katie Boyd
The L&Q-owned building is located at 485 New Cross Road and consists of 35 self-contained flats which are all currently empty.
Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany
Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn
Published weekly at:
Plans to enter a long-term lease agreement with Lewisham Homes were formally agreed by Cabinet on Wednesday October 22.
Community Matters Media Ltd, 1 Bermondsey Square, London SE1 3UN
News and Sport: 020 7231 5258
Advertising: 0020 7232 1639
As of September there were 2,527 Lewisham households in temporary accommodation – of which 1,141 were in nightly-paid accommodation.
News/Advertising: hello@cm-media.co.uk
Finance: em@cm-media.co.uk
Additionally 615 homeless households are currently in private
Printed by Iliffe Print. Tel: 01223 656500 www.iliffeprint.co.uk
sector leasing and privately managed accommodation, which is temporary accommodation arranged between the council and private landlords or companies.
A council report noted the continued reliance of short-term and costly accommodation is a reflection of the “persistent pressures” placed on the council’s housing services, particularly the limited availability of longer-term leased accommodation.
families who, for whatever reason, have had to be placed in temporary accommodation which is often the most stressful and worrying time for anyone in their whole life.”
Will Cooper, Cabinet Member for
Better Homes, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, said: “Our approach to L&Q about this block shows our housing department is leaving no stone unturned to secure suitable and cost effective-accommodation for our
Commenting on the 2,527 households currently in temporary accommodation, Cllr Cooper added: “We know this isn’t sustainable and it’s not suitable for our families. We often talk about the money this costs the borough, but the human impact of temporary accommodation is
absolutely astronomical and we all know that it isn’t temporary anymore – it’s not for six months, families are often in it for four or five years.”
Cllr Cooper said the council “must do every single thing within our
tool belt” to reduce the numbers and give residents safer and securer accommodation. Of the 35 flats, 23 are two-beds, 11 are one-beds and there is one threebed flat.
Further work is needed before Lewisham Homes can enter into a formal lease, including a full inspection of all 35 flats, as well as building
Graffiti at Kennington Skatebowl. Painted by Dave the Chimp and a friend in 2005.
Campaigners outside Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton on October 15.
THE 'UNSAFE' and 'out of control' Aylesbury Estate's decline was 'entirely foreseeable', says a local politician, as she calls on Southwark Council urgently to review its partnership with Notting Hill Genesis after eight years of 'security failings' and questions over spiralling cost and delays to the regeneration.
Ketzia Harper, a Faraday ward councillor who has lived on the estate for almost a decade, has spoken out about the “shocking levels of neglect" endured by residents, which she described as the “direct result of delays to the regeneration.”
Additionally, a raft of explosive documents seen by this newspaer chronicles how the alleged ’mismanagement’ of the estate has led to multiple fires, rampant squatting and at least one ‘unexplained death’all of which seemingly occured while no one from the council realised the full extent of what was happening.
Problems with squatting and drugtaking have blighted the 1970s Aylesbury Estate ever since planning permission was granted in 2015 to Notting Hill Genesis, a not-for-profit housing association founded in 1963 with the aim of improving the quality of London’s social housing.
As the News has reported over the years, terrified families who continue to live on the estate as the regeneration continues have spoken out about ‘out of control’ criminal behaviour, with trespassers breaking into boarded up vacant properties which the council and the police have struggled to secure.
But Harper claims these patterns worsened markedly after January 2023, following the emptying of four blocks as part of Phase Two of the regeneration - Wendover, Padbury, Ravenstone and Winslow.
“In the last two years I have encountered, in the less populated parts of the estate, metal doors ripped from their door fames whilst shattered glass, human excrement and used needles litter the floors,” she told this paper.
“This is not something I have seen before and is a direct result of the increased number of empty flats, left uninhabited sometimes for years, caused by delays to the regeneration.”
In one particularly concerning development, she claimed dozens of empty properties across the estate were allegedly being let out to vulnerable residents by people posing as the council - although in the absence of specific dates or times for any incidents, the Met were unable to update us on any investigations.
Southwark Council however confirmed it was aware of the latest allegations and was investigating them with the police.
Most families were moved out in early 2023 after the council repurchased their homes so the buildings could be knocked down, leaving behind a handful of leaseholders and temporary accommodation tenants living among hundreds of abandoned homes.
In 2024, Harper emailed her colleagues in the council about the increasingly ‘alarming’ conditions on the estate, describing it as an “emergency situation which needs a strong response.”
She described eletrical cupboards and boiler rooms which had been
AYLESBURY ESTATE'S 'ALARMING' DECLINE LAID BARE BY RAFT EXPLOSIVE DOCUMENTS - AS COUNCILLOR SLAMS 'UNSAFE OUT OF CONTROL' CONDITIONS
repurposed as squats, containing "human faeces, cups containing urine and 10s of, if not 100s of, used syringes".
She continued: “I am sending this email following a very alarming visit to a block (Wendover), which, I have regularly door knocked in the last 8 years and so can categorically say has declined in management and has been allowed to become a very unsafe and unpleasant place to be.”
Harper went on that, while the problems were a consequence of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the regeneration, the situation was nonetheless ‘foreseeable’.
She added: “Unless there are significant changes to the planned strategy for the regeneration of the Aylesbury Estate, the same factors will be replicated in later phases of the regeneration.”
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 schemeknown as Plot 18 - is only on track to be finished by the end of this year, well beyond the initial deadline of 2023raising questions around whether the 2036 deadline is within reach.
Meanwhile, Phase Two - slated to provide 600 homes - has been the subject of further delays, with NHG forced to slam on the brakes for a year after a leaseholder mounted a successful legal challenge over the planning application in 2023.
But despite receiving planning permission to push ahead with Phase Two in June of this year, the developer has yet to finalise the legal agreements with the council, suggesting delays could drag on for months, if not years, into the future.
Asked for an update on the timeline
The Aylesbury Estate
Detritus piling up in a communal area of one of the abandoned blocks.
Rubbish piling up beneath
blocks
'ALARMING'
OF AS 'UNSAFE AND CONDITIONS
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.”
All the while, the number of empty homes across the estate has continued to creep upwards, which the council and the police have struggled increasingly to secure.
“We’re now working with Southwark Council to begin on-site activity, including demolition” NHG added.
According to council documents seen by the 35 per cent campaign, a group which campaigns for better affordable housing in Southwark, there are now almost a thousand empty homes across the Aylesbury Estate, up from 700 at the start of 2024.
And despite the presence of Community Wardens and security to patrol the half-derelict estate, council officials admit privately in emails we have seen that the estate is ultimately so vast that it is impossible wholly to secure.
These challenges are compounded by the fact that the entire site lacks external hoarding and the communal areas within the buildings do not require key or fob access to enter.
Harper, despite living in a part of the estate due to be demolished as part of the final phase of the scheme, said even on her walkway there were now several empty homes.
“It contributes to a sense of abandonment and damages the sense of community on the estate,” she said.
“It is so frustrating to see these homes deteriorating through neglect and damage from regular break-ins, instead of being re-let to any of the thousands of people in Southwark in housing need.”
In November 2024, Harper sounded the alarm once more to colleagues after a fire which started by squatters living in an electrical intake room ripped through Wendover.
“It is quite concerning to me that seemingly no one in the council was
aware of the degree to which the building was being used in an unsafe manner,” she wrote at the time.
“Fortunately, no one was hurt, but this is a block where vulnerable families are being housed in temporary accommodation.
“There does seem to be a clear problem with the mechanism for identifying which empty buildings are or are not being used by squats.”
On one terrifying night in February 2025, a couple and six children were rushed to hospital after multiple fires broke out inside a neighbouring block.
In an email sent to several councillors after the fire, a council officer admitted that there was “clearly a pattern of deliberate fire setting within unoccupied/squatted flats within the block. The concerns have been raised at the morning “pacesetters” meeting with police.”
And then in March there was an ‘unexpected death’ of a woman in her 50s in one of the empty Phase Two blocks, for which three men were subsequently arrested, although it has not been confirmed whether this was connected to the wider issues on the estate.
Over the ensuing months, the council moved to rehouse more remaining residents, and in May launched a taskforce enlisting the police, the fire brigade, homelessness charities, gang crime experts and drug specialists in a bid to restore some order to the estate.
In May, a team of more than 80 people were deployed to check and seal 600 empty flats across the estate, while 24/7 security guards were despatched to monitor the hoarded blocks.
Successive stings carried out over the last six months have also resulted in three arrests, at least two of which were related to drug possession in May and September.
Yet Harper’s subsequent questions over how much has been paid on securing the estate in total, and if any of the cost has been borne by NHG, have gone unanswered.
It cuts right to the heart of whether two decades ago, the council was right
to opt to demolish and rebuild the estate rather than refurbishing it.
In 2005 Southwark Council, forced to make a decision on the future of the crumbling 1970s council estate, chose to knock it down and start again from scratch, after estimating that the cost of retrofitting it would reach £350 million.
But amid unknown sums of money pouring out from council coffers to secure the estate while the pace of the regeneration lags behind schedule, the question appears to be whether, in hindsight, the council made the right call.
Harper’s attempt to elicit a response from the council on this point during a meeting in July was blocked from discussion after she missed the submission deadline.
The question, which has been seen by the News, also queried whether the council would consider terminating its partnership with Notting Hill Genesis.
Back in 2022, as exclusively reported by this newspaper at the time, Southwark Council attempted to wrestle free from its contract with NHG, but was forced to ditch the plans after rising inflation rendered them unviable.
Under the plans the council would have taken control of 2,000 homes, dwarfing the number being built by NHG.
Seemingly admitting that the project was in a state of crisis, then-housing chief Stephanie Cryan recommended that once phase 2b was complete the council should make significant changes and explore a ‘revised way forward for rebuilding the Aylesbury estate, to provide more council homes and to make the estate greener, working hand in hand with Aylesbury estate residents,” citing issues with poor resident involvement and the council’s ‘over-reliance on a single developer’. And there was a proposed ‘golden goodbye’, with the Council anticipated to pay £4.652m to NHG “which reflects a contribution towards the costs incurred on future plans, with the council then inheriting all future
the Cabinet Member for New Homes, responded: “The Aylesbury Estate is one of Europe’s biggest estate renewals, which has already created more than 580 new council homes and brand-new community facilities like the Una Marson Library and Harold Moody Health Centre.
“We’re committed to delivering hundreds more homes for social rent on the Aylesbury Estate with phase 2b, working with Notting Hill Genesis.
“The estate renewal was always planned to take place over many years. However there have been delays that we know have affected residents. We’re sorry for the impact they have had and we’re doing all we can to help and support local people.
“Wherever possible we’re making the best possible use of empty blocks on the Aylesbury Estate, to provide temporary accommodation to many people who might otherwise have to move outside the borough.
“In March we created the Aylesbury Taskforce, with frontline officers as well as security and community wardens to tackle anti-social behaviour and issues including squatting. The taskforce has taken significant action to close squats and the overall number has fallen significantly.
technical and design work on the blocks the local authority would be taking over.
But in 2023 the council dropped the plans after saying they were no longer economically viable, while NHG insist they continue to work towards finishing the scheme by 2036 - although they have refused to be drawn on whether they expect to complete the project by that deadline.
Compounding speculation over its ability to complete the project, last year Notting Hill Genesis recorded a £136 million financial shortfall, due to building safety work and cost-overruns on a scheme in Croydon, as reported by Inside Housing.
The company, which will become the landlord of thousands of residents on the estate once the scheme is finished, was also slapped with a non-compliant ‘G3’ governance grade by the Regulator of Social Housing in November, over delays in carrying out fire safety improvements and a mounting repairs backlog.
House-building woes are by no means specific to NHG, as schemes across the borough have recently ground to a halt as developers claim that stricter building safety controls and rising construction costs have left them struggling to push ahead as planned.
Earlier this year the head of the Canada Water Masterplan redevelopment warned that progress had effectively ‘stalled’ as the developer had been forced to appeal to the council to amend the planning document to bring it into line with new fire safety rules.
When this paper asked Notting Hill Gensis whether it had contributed towards securing the estate, a spokesperson replied that they were "helping to secure the site until we’re able to begin," suggesting efforts to make the buildings safe are still ongoing.
Asked what steps the council was taking to address the issues raised by Harper, and for its plans regarding the future of the relationship with Notting Hill Genesis, Cllr Helen Dennis,
“We take security and squatting in empty properties very seriously and carried out a major operation in May with police that closed 11 illegal squats. Since then we have closed down more than 75 squats.
“If residents want to report a squat, or any other issues, please talk to your Resident Services Officer or at the Taplow Office and if you know of any criminal behaviour please contact the police so they can take action.”
On the point of specific properties allegedly being let out by 'fraudsters' posing as the council, she added: “We are aware of allegations that individuals have allegedly misrepresented themselves as acting on behalf of the council to fraudulently let empty properties on the Aylesbury Estate.
“We take these concerns very seriously – we are investigating, we’re working closely with police and we will take all appropriate action.
“We have repossessed the vast majority of squatted flats on the Aylesbury Estate and our taskforce is working to close all squats.”
A spokesperson for NHG said: “We’ve been proud partners with Southwark for the regeneration of the Aylesbury Estate since 2014, which has so far delivered more than 700 new homes, of which 85% are affordable housing, alongside a beautiful new library and large health centre. Earlier this year, we celebrated reaching the highest point of the site on the latest phase currently under construction which will add a further 321 high quality homes overlooking Burgess Park (First Development Site C).
“We also secured Planning Committee approval for Phase 2b in June 2025 which paves the way for a further 640 high-quality homes to be delivered, replacing outdated properties with safe, warm, and modern living spaces that meet the needs of today’s residents. Part of these proposals included revised designs to ensure compliance with the latest building standards to ensure fire safety for future residents, which was achieved alongside an uplift in the proportion of affordable housing on the site.
“We’re now working with Southwark Council to begin on-site activity, including demolition.”
A boiler room repurposed as a squat. Dated November 2023
Image of a welded door to prevent squatters from entering.
A cupboard repurposed as a squat
Campaign to have TfL take over foot tunnel management
By Cameron Blackshaw
Local Democracy Reporter
A CAMPAIGN to have Transport for London (TfL) take over management of the Greenwich and Woolwich foot tunnels has been launched.
A group of Greenwich residents behind the campaign feel the capital’s transport authority would have “more clout” with contractors and be able to fix the tunnels’ faulty lifts much faster. However, TfL has said it currently has no plans to take over management of the tunnels
The foot tunnels are jointly owned by three different London boroughs.
Greenwich partly owns both, and it shares ownership of the Greenwich tunnel with Tower Hamlets and the Woolwich tunnel with Newham.
Greenwich Council is the sole authority that operates and maintains the two cross-river pedestrian links.
Escalate Now is a Greenwich campaign group that previously put pressure on TfL to replace the escalators at Cutty Sark DLR station. The group’s petition was signed by over 3,500 people and was a success.
TfL closed the station in May to replace all four escalators at a reported cost of £4million. The station will reopen to travellers in spring 2026.
TFL WOULD HAVE ‘MORE CLOUT’
Escalate Now is hopeful the new campaign will be as successful as its last.
Group member Maureen O’Mara said: “We really think [the foot tunnels] should be within the management of Transport
for London because of the cross-borough nature of the transport links.
“Our view is that a body such as Transport for London would have more clout, more authority and more experience to be able to manage crossriver and cross-borough links, rather than one individual cash-strapped London borough. It is time now for TfL to take over.”
Maureen did give credit to Greenwich Council for the work it had done managing the tunnels over the years, but she thought the authority would welcome the chance to offload the responsibility to TfL.
According to Greenwich Council’s own webpage which updates users on the status of the tunnels, the south lift of the Greenwich tunnel has been out of service since September 24. The authority has received the parts to fix it, but it is waiting for an installation date.
The north lift of the Woolwich tunnel has been out of action since August 2022 after being vandalised. Both the north lift in Greenwich and the south lift in Woolwich are reportedly working.
Questions will likely be raised over whether TfL has the money to take on the tunnels, but Escalate Now has a potential solution. Group member Karin Tearle said it could raise the funds needed from its new revenue stream of the Silvertown Tunnel tolls.
She said: “They’re making a lot of money from those and I think that some of that money should be set aside to fix our active travel links. There are two of them and they are really important. There are no
others east of Tower Bridge.”
Escalate Now has launched a petition which has reached nearly 700 signatures. It is hopeful that both TfL and Greenwich Council will support the proposal, but that isn’t looking likely at this point.
TFL HAS ‘NO PLANS’ TO TAKE OVER
In response to the campaign, a TfL spokesperson said: “There are longstanding arrangements in place between the boroughs of Newham, Greenwich and Tower Hamlets for the management of the foot tunnels.
While we have no plans to take over the management of the tunnels, we continue to engage in discussions on their operation and work with boroughs to support improvement.”
Greenwich Council also had its say on the campaign, stating it is “making progress on repairs to both tunnels” and that “TfL have been clear that they are not in a position to take the tunnels on”.
The council also confirmed that it hopes to have both Greenwich tunnel lifts working “in the coming weeks” and largescale repairs on the Woolwich tunnel will be completed in the spring.
Cllr Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, Greenwich’s interim Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, said: “We have been working to ensure reliable step-free access in both foot tunnels and are making progress on repairs to both tunnels that should see the lifts working soon. The lifts are historic
assets that require bespoke parts, and this means repairs are particularly complex.
“TfL have been clear that they are not in a position to take the tunnels on. As a council we are seeking to bring together our partner boroughs – who must jointly agree and fund any works – and I hope to meet my counterparts from Tower Hamlets and Newham very soon to discuss how we can secure the long-term
future of the tunnels, which will be done in partnership with TfL.
“Our focus is on realistic action to deliver for users of the tunnels, in both the short and long term, rather than trying to score political points. We will see live online status updates for both tunnels in place before the end of this year, and hope this can be integrated with TfL journey planning.”
Woman left fighting for her life after ‘suspected hit and run’ in Lewisham
By Issy Clarke
POLICE ARE appealing for witnesses to come forward after a woman was left fighting for her life in hospital following a suspected ‘hit and run’ in Lewisham.
Officers were called shortly after
10pm on Friday (31 October) to reports of a collision between a pedestrian and a car on Southend Lane, Bellingham. The woman, 65, was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service where she remains in a lifethreatening condition. Her next of kin
have been informed.
No arrests have been made and enquiries continue. Officers are now appealing for any witnesses or anyone who might have information to contact the police.
Detective Inspector Paul Jackson, of the Met’s Serious Collision
Investigation Unit, said: “If you were on Southend Lane or the local area at the time of the collision, please look back to see if you remember anything.
“This callous incident has left a woman in a life-threatening condition. Our thoughts are with her family at this worrying time.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have dashcam footage.
“If you can help police, please urgently call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit witness line number 02079608044 quoting 9111/31NOV25.”
Escalate Now campaigners Karin Tearle (left) and Maureen O’Mara in the southern entrance to the Greenwich foot tunnel.
MITCHAM CAMPAIGNERS SHOCKED OVER SCALE OF 11-STOREY TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION PLAN
By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter
A MAJOR regeneration scheme in Mitcham town centre has reached an advanced stage – but residents now say they are only now realising the full scale of the plans.
New comparison images of the proposed development, which includes 11-storey housing blocks, have led some locals to describe the scheme as an “eyesore” that would block out “a massive amount of skyline.”
The planning application, led by Clarion Housing, would replace the shops along one side of Majestic Way and redevelop the former Morrisons supermarket site and disused multistorey car park.
It proposes 249 affordable homes across several blocks, along with new commercial and community spaces.
Local group Mitcham Cricket Green Community & Heritage (MCGCH) has warned that the scheme would “swamp” the town and destroy its “village feel.”
Tony Burton, the group’s secretary, said: “The future of the Majestic Way
site is the defining opportunity for developing the future of Mitcham as a 21st-century village. Instead of realising this opportunity, the proposals ride a coach and horses through Merton Council’s recently finalised Local Plan.”
He added that the plans would “irrevocably damage Mitcham’s low-rise village character and transform it into a metropolitan high-rise centre,” and criticised what he called the “minimal and grudging” public consultation. He urged Merton Council to “reject the proposals, back its own Local Plan, and demand better for Mitcham.”
The Local Plan designates the Majestic Way site for between 60 and 160 homes, rising to no more than six storeys. The new proposal almost doubles that height, leading campaigners to accuse Clarion and the council of disregarding planning rules.
According to MCGCH, Merton Council will soon advertise the proposal as a formal “departure” from the Local Plan, likely increasing public scrutiny. MCGCH also raised concerns about the scheme’s environmental and heritage
impact, warning it could harm nearby landmarks such as the White Lion of Mortimer, Mitcham Clocktower, and the Cricket Green Conservation Area.
The group says the plans provide too little green space or tree cover and could reduce daylight for neighbouring homes. There is also uncertainty over what will replace existing businesses, including Boots and Lloyds Bank, which is due to close in January next year.
Frustration has spilled onto social media, where a before-and-after image showing the old and new views of Mitcham town centre, published by MCGCH, has drawn a large response.
Residents voiced strong opposition in the comments. One resident wrote:
“From where we live, an 11-storey eyesore blocks out a massive amount of skyline,” while another resident said:
“It’s the nail in the coffin for Mitcham. There’s no longer the infrastructure to support that many new people.”
Some locals have said they only learned the true scale of the scheme when presentation boards were published online in June, describing
Collapsed Thames path near to reopen
By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter
THE REOPENING date of a collapsed section of the Thames Path in South West London has finally been confirmed, after challenging conditions delayed the project.
The popular walking and cycling route, between Richmond Lock and Kew Gardens, will reopen to the public this Saturday , November 8.
The public has not been able to use this section of the riverside route since it collapsed in October last year due to high winds and river levels.
Richmond Council began permanent works to repair the path in April and it
is now in the final stages of restoring it, with crews completing essential works to strengthen and protect the riverbank.
While the works were originally due to be completed in summer, their completion was delayed by challenging tidal and ground conditions which required extra piling and reinforcement to ensure the longterm stability of the path.
The council said the works have made the path stronger, greener and more enjoyable for everyone who uses it. Crews have also cleared blocked culverts and stabilised sections of the path as part of efforts to futureproof Richmond’s riverside and make sure it stays safe and accessible.
Clarion’s consultation as “minimalist” and lacking transparency.
Both the Mitcham Society and MCGCH have lodged formal objections and are urging ward councillors and the local MP to intervene before a final decision is made.
A Clarion spokesperson said: “Clarion is committed to delivering high-quality, affordable housing that meets the needs of the local community. The proposed Majestic Way scheme will provide 249 social rent homes, including 48 familysized properties, helping to tackle one of the most acute housing shortages in London.
“Located on a brownfield site in Mitcham town centre, the development will transform an underused retail area into a mixed-use neighbourhood with new community space, enhanced public realm and an improved high street. The scheme aligns with national and local planning policy, which both prioritise brownfield regeneration and set ambitious housing delivery targets for Merton.
“The design has evolved through
extensive consultation, including two rounds of public engagement in 2024 and 2025 with in-person and online events. Feedback helped shape revisions to layout, materials and landscaping to ensure the scheme is sympathetic to its surroundings. The proposals have received support in principle at pre-application stage from Merton Council and the Greater London Authority and are accompanied by detailed heritage and townscape assessments.
“These studies confirm that the development will not harm nearby heritage assets, including the Mitcham Clocktower or Cricket Green Conservation Area. The scheme will deliver over 100% biodiversity net gain, plant 67 new trees, and provide both public and residents’ green spaces.
“We believe the mix of 100% social rent homes is appropriate for this town centre location, given the scale of housing need locally. Discussions with Merton continue regarding the design of the community facility to ensure it best serves local residents.”
A photo comparing the current Majestic Way site with a CGI rendering of the regeneration within Mitcham town centre
Credit: Mitcham Cricket Green Community
History
NOT QUIET ON THE HOME FRONT
Remembering the civilians who died, as we pay respect to our fallen soldiers
By Debra Gosling
NOVEMBER IS the month of mists; it is the time when the veil between the living and the dead is almost transparent. We feel their souls, see their ghosts. In November we remember the dead of wars.
In World War Two, the Home Front shared the bombs and injuries of their loved ones fighting overseas. These are just a few stories of the civilian front.
CHARLIE VOSS ON THE BOMB SITE OF HIS SISTER’S HOUSE – SHE DIED ALONGSIDE HER TWO SONS
The 1960s photo (above top right) shows Charlie Voss sitting on the site of what, until 15th November 1940, had been his sister's house.
Rose Stapleton and two of her sons, Frederick and Edward, lived and died at 34 Grange Road in Bermondsey.
The intense bombing of the past month had abated somewhat, leading
people into a false sense of security.
The numerous deaths that had occurred at shelters caused many to believe that nowhere was safe. Not everybody took cover in an air raid, being of the opinion that it was better to be above ground and aware of the situation rather than being a 'sitting duck'.
Rose lived in the house with husband Harry, two young son and two older children, Rose and Enoch. The house had three floors and multiple tenants.
On that awful day it received a direct hit, killing the family, a neighbour and trapping four others. Three adjoining houses also had injured parties, who were rescued with great difficulty.
Charlie himself had already insisted that his wife and family sought cover under Cotton’s Wharf in Tooley street, as he thought it safer deep in the vaults than the alternative places of railway arches and public shelters.
After yet another night raid, he and his family were walking home to Alfred Street in Bermondsey (later
Keyes Road) the following morning.
As they reached the corner of Page's Walk and Grange Road a pile of smoking rubble greeted them.
Charlie, with panic in his voice, shouted 'That's Rose's house!', running to the scene of the blast.
Despite the danger of falling walls, he persuaded the rescue teams to let him enter the wreckage as he knew the house’s layout.
He found Rose and the boys dead inside, along with a lady named Winnie Percival.
Poor Charlie, it was all day before he returned home filthy dirty, bereaved, weary and in despair. The house was virtually demolished, along with its neighbours.
At the funeral of Rose and his sons, Harry Stapleton did not accompany them to the cemetery but watched it pass by from outside the Earl of Derby. Charlie wanted to go and 'have a word' with his brother in law, but was held back by the rest of the family. It may seem hard but perhaps losing
half of his family in the blink of an eye was one upset too many for Harry. The war took its toll on people in different ways.
Later, Charlie kindly gave a home to Enoch at Alfred Street, along with a job at Hay's Wharf. Sister Rose had already left home and got married.
Two others who had been trapped at 34 Grange Road - Lena Stone and her father - also lodged with Charlie and his family, right up until she died in the 1970s. There are now new houses in Page's Walk which are named Rose Stapleton Terrace .
SWEET LILY STRUCK DOWN WHILE CLEARING UP FROM ANOTHER RAID
Lily Farnish (always known as Dolly) was born in Neate Street, Old Kent Road. Her elder brothers, Arthur and Joe, worked in a hat manufactory, which must have had an influence on their little sister, who loved hats! She grew up to be a well-dressed lady, with stylish and elegant clothes and always a matching hat, gloves and bag. In the photo of her with brother Joe in his WW1 army uniform she is a slip of a girl in a velvet dress. She certainly attracted the attentions of John Toogood who married her in 1924 and swept her off to the exotic climes of Bermondsey!
But John ran a sweet shop at 61 Elsted Street, Walworth, where Dolly weighed out humbugs and toffees galore to her customers.
On the morning of 15th October 1940 she left her home in Lynton Road, Bermondsey, to walk to the shop.
was left to her to dole out the sweet rations. The leaves were turning shades of gold and brown and, despite the war damage, Bermondsey was looking splendid in its autumn gown.
As she crossed St James' Bridge and down into the Old Kent Road it would never have occurred to her that this was the last journey on earth that she would make.
The Air Raid warden's log states that at 3.10 in the afternoon a high explosive bomb landed in Elsted Street, near the Rodney Road junction. The whole area was on fire and the street itself was blocked. There were seven casualties and two dead.
One of those that died was Dolly, who had been clearing up rubble outside the shop from an earlier raid.
WHERE TO ATTEND REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES IN SOUTHWARK
Here are some of the places across Southwark where you can pay your respect to those who lost their lives in conflict.
A previous Armistice commemoration at the St Saviours memorial in Borough High Street
Nobody had noticed the sinister object embedded in the rubble until it was too late. The shop was wrecked, along with the house next door. Lily Mary Toogood, aged 39 when she died, is buried at Honor Oak Cemetery.
INDESTRUCTIBLE EILEEN
To finish on a lighter note is the tale of Eileen Jones, a remarkable lady. She had been caught in the bombing of Abbey Street and was left badly burned with not a hair on her head. Happily, it all grew back and she recovered, but this was not the end of her encounters with the Hun. After a bomb crater had left St Thomas' Street impassable, it was made safe to walk over with boards across it. Going to work, Eileen slipped through the boards and onto a large roll of barbed wire below which embedded into her skin, leaving deep and painful wounds. After yet another stay in hospital the indestructible Eileen recovered from her ordeal to tell the tale - and no scars!
By Evie Flynn
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY is held on the second Sunday in November (9 November this year) as the main commemoration marking the end of hostilities in World War One.
Armistice Day (on Tuesday 11 November this year) marks the day the war actually ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
Services are taking place across the borough to mark both Remembrance Sunday and the Armistice Day.
Remembrance Sunday at St Saviour's War Memorial, Borough:
Southwark's official borough service for Remembrance Sunday will take place at St Saviour's War Memorial on Borough High Street on Sunday 9 November.
The service will start at 10:50, ahead of the nationwide minute silence at 11:00.
The service will be led by a member of the clergy from Southwark Cathedral and joined by other religious representatives of the borough.
Guests are asked to assemble by 10.45am at St Saviour’s War Memorial. Following the service the Mayor invites everyone present to light refreshment in The Bridge Tap, 32 Borough High St, London SE1 1XU.
Date: Sunday 9 November
Time: 10:50
Location: St Saviour’s War Memorial, Borough High Street, London SE1 1NL
Armistice Day at West Lane Memorial, Jamaica Road:
Southwark's official borough service for Armistice Day will take place at West Lane Memorial on Tuesday 11 November.
The traditional Remembrance Service is located on West Lane, just off Jamaica Road in Bermondsey.
It will be led by Fr Mark Nicholls who will be joined by other religious representatives of the district.
Guests are asked to assemble by 10.45am and the service will be followed by light refreshments at BOSCO Centre, SE16.
Date: Tuesday 11 November Time: 10:45
Location: West Lane Memorial, West Lane, London, SE16 4NY
Service at Southwark Cathedral: Southwark Cathedral are hosting a Remembrance Sunday Choral Eucharist at 10:55 on Sunday 9 November.
If you can't join in person, there are a number of ways you can worship online. You can join the service directly on their website here: https:// cathedral.southwark.anglican.org/ worship-and-music/worship/liveservice-stream/ Date: Sunday 9 November Time: 10:55
Location: Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, London, SE1 9DA
Choir performance at the Imperial War Museum:
Visit the Imperial War Museum in Elephant and Castle for a performance of songs from the First World War to the present day.
Songs will be performed by a collection of local London choirs in the Museum's atrium.
Held by Sweet Track Productions, it will give visitors a chance to come together and remember those who lost their lives in both World Wars and other conflicts over the last 107 years.
Date: Saturday 11 November Time: 15:30
Location: Imperial War Muesum, Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ
St. George's Cathedral, Southwark: After the 10am Mass, the congregation will gather outside the cathedral at 11am for the minute silence.
Wreaths will be laid at the foot of the Cross outside the Cathedral. The choir will sing and will be joined by a trumpeter.
The 12pm Mass, will be offered as a Solemn Requiem mass, which is a Mass in the Catholic Church offered for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
Date: Sunday 9 November
Time: 10:00
Location: St. George's Cathedral, Lambeth Rd, London SE1 7HY
St. Giles Church, Camberwell: As part of their Sunday mass on Remembrance Sunday, St Giles Church will be laying a wreath on the war memorial outside the church.
Date: Sunday 9 November
Time: 10:00
Location: St Giles Church, Camberwell Church St, London SE5 8RB
THE GLA ROADS AND GLA SIDE ROADS (CITY OF WESTMINSTER) (RED ROUTE CONSOLIDATION TRAFFIC ORDER) 2008 A5205 GLA ROAD (ST JOHNS WOOD ROAD) VARIATION ORDER 2025
1. Transport for London in consultation with the City of Westminster hereby gives notice that on 31st October 2025 it made the above named Order, under section 6 of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984. The Order will come into force on 12th November 2025.
2. The general nature and the effect of the Order will be to:
(1) introduce No Stopping At Any Time restrictions on A5205 St John’s Wood Road, south-east side, outside Nos 12 to 16 St John’s Wood Road, to replace the existing No Stopping Monday to Friday 8AM to 7PM restrictions and Borough Parking Bay;
(2) introduce No Stopping At Any Time restrictions on A5205 St John’s Wood Road, south-east side, outside No 4 St John’s Wood Road, to replace the existing No Stopping Monday to Friday 8AM to 7PM restrictions;
(3) introduce No Stopping At Any Time restrictions on Cunningham Place, south-west side, at its junction with St John’s Wood Road, to replace the No Stopping Monday to Friday 8AM to 7PM restrictions;
(4) introduce No Stopping At Any Time restrictions on Hamilton Terrace, south-west side, at its junction with St John’s Wood Road for a distance of 10 metres, to replace the No Stopping Monday to Friday 8AM to 7PM restrictions;
(5) introduce No Stopping At Any Time restrictions on Hamilton Terrace, north-east side, at its junction with St John’s Wood Road for a distance of 10 metres, to replace the No Stopping Monday to Friday 8AM to 7PM restrictions;
(6) relocate the current Borough Parking Bay outside of Nos. 14 and 16 St Johns Wood Road to outside of Nos 2 and 4 St John’s Wood Road. The roads which would be affected by the Order are the A5205 GLA Roads and Side Roads – St John’s Wood Road, Cunningham Place and Hamilton Terrace in the City of Westminster.
3. A copy of the Order, a map indicating the location and effect of the Order and copies of any Order revoked, suspended or varied by the Order can be inspected by visiting our website at https://haveyoursay.t.gov.uk/tro and selecting the relevant borough and reference the Trafc Order relates to or by appointment during normal ofce hours at our ofce at the address below. To arrange an appointment please email trafcordersection@t,gov.uk. Copies of the documents may be requested via email at trafcordersection@t,gov.uk, or by post at the following address quoting reference NMR/REGULATION/STOT/JW/TRO/ GLA/2025/0039:
•Transport for London Streets Trafc Order Team (NMR/REGULATION/STOT)
Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road London, SE1 8NJ
Please note due to Hybrid working access to post is restricted and requests for documents may be delayed.
4. Any person wishing to question the validity of the Orders or of any of its provisions on the grounds that they are not within the relevant powers conferred by the Act or that any requirement of the Act has not been complied with, that person may, within six weeks from the date on which the Order is made, make application for the purpose to the High Court.
Dated this 7th day of November 2025
Andrew Rogers Planning and Performance Manager Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
Licensing Act 2003 Royal Mini Mart, 83 Crayford Way, Crayford, Kent, DA1 4JY Notice is hereby given that Mr Thurkatharan Murugaiyah has applied to London Borough of Bexley for a premises licence variation as follows:
1. Off sales of alcohol 06:00 to 00:00 Monday to Sunday.
2. Removal of all embedded restrictions.
3. Removal of all conditions at annex 2 to be replaced with more appropriate and up to date conditions.
The council licensing pages can be found at: https://www.bexley.gov.uk/ bexley-business-employment/ business-services/licensing-andpermits/alcohol-and-entertainmentlicences/alcohol-entertainment-andlate-night-refreshment-premiseslicence. The application is available for inspection at: Licensing Partnership, Sevenoaks District Council, Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1HG. Tel: 01732 227004 or email: licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk. Any person wishing to submit relevant representations to this application must give notice in writing to the above address by 27th November 2025. It is an offence liable on conviction to an unlimited fine under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application. Application submitted by Licensing Matters Ltd 01282 500322
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE GLA ROADS AND GLA SIDE ROADS (WANDSWORTH) RED ROUTE CONSOLIDATION TRAFFIC ORDER 2007 A3220 GLA ROAD (BATTERSEA BRIDGE ROAD) VARIATION ORDER 2025
THE GLA ROADS AND GLA SIDE ROADS (BANNED MOVEMENTS) TRAFFIC ORDER 2024 A3212 AND A3220 GLA ROADS (ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA AND LONDON BOROUGH OF WANDSWORTH) VARIATION ORDER 2025
THE GLA ROADS (ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA) (BUS PRIORITY) CONSOLIDATION ORDER 2009 A3212 GLA ROAD (CHEYNE WALK) VARIATION ORDER 2025
1. Transport for London, hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Orders under section 6 of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984.
2. The general nature and effect of the Orders will be to: (1) introduce an eastbound bus lane on A3212 Cheyne Walk between Nos. 1 – 16 More’s Garden, Chelsea Embankment and a point 98 metres eastwards, operating ‘At Any Time Mon - Sun’, allowing Buses, Dial-a-Ride Buses, Pedal Cycles, Taxis and Solo Motorcycles; (2) introduce a westbound bus lane on A3212 Cheyne Walk between a point opposite Ropers Gardens, Cheyne Walk and a point 35 metres westwards, operating ‘Mon – Sun 7am – 7pm’, allowing Buses, Dial-a-Ride Buses, Pedal Cycles, Taxis and Solo Motorcycles;
(3) ban all vehicles proceeding eastwards on A3220 Cheyne Walk to turn left into Beaufort Street;
(4) ban pedal cyclists only proceeding westwards on the westbound cycle lane of A3212 Cheyne Walk to turn left into Battersea Bridge Road;
(5) ban all vehicles proceeding northwards on A3220 Battersea Bridge Road to turn left into Westbridge Road, except pedal cycles;
(6) ban all vehicles proceeding northwards on A3220 Battersea Bridge Road to turn right into Parkgate Road, except local buses;
(7) replace the single red line restrictions (No Stopping Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm) at the north-east side of the A3220 Battersea Bridge Road outside No. 1 Battersea Bridge Road with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(8) replace the single red line restrictions (No Stopping Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm) on both sides of A3220 side Road Hester Road with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(9) remove the Loading/Unloading & Disabled Persons’ Vehicle Bay on Hester Road and replace with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(10) replace the single red line restrictions (No Stopping Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm) at the south-west side of the A3220 Battersea Bridge Road outside Nos. 2 - 40 Battersea Bridge Road with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(11) replace the single red line restrictions (No Stopping Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm) on both sides of A3220 side Road Battersea Church Road with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(12) remove the Parking & Disabled Persons’ Vehicle Bay on the north-west side of Battersea Church Road and replace with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(13) replace the single red line restrictions (No Stopping Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm) at the north-east side of the A3220 Battersea Bridge Road outside The Royal College of Art, Battersea Bridge Road with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(14) replace the single red line restrictions (No Stopping Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm) at the south-west side of the A3220 Battersea Bridge Road outside Nos. 56 - 68 Battersea Bridge Road with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(15) replace the single red line restrictions (No Stopping Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm) on both sides of A3220 side Road Surrey Lane with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(16) reduce the length of the Borough Bay outside Nos. 1 – 7 Prince of Wales Drive from 26 metres to 22 metres;
(17) replace the single red line restrictions (No Stopping Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm) at the west side of the A3220 Battersea Bridge Road outside Nos. 210 - 214 Battersea Bridge Road with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(18) replace the single red line restrictions (No Stopping Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm) on both sides of A3220 side Road Cambridge Road at its junction with A3220 Battersea Bridge Road with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(19) replace the single red line restrictions (No Stopping Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm) at the east side of the A3220 Battersea Bridge Road outside No. 219 Battersea Bridge Road with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(20) replace the single red line restrictions (No Stopping Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm) on the north side of A3220 side road Kersley Street with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(21) replace the single red line restrictions (No Stopping Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm) at the west side of the A3220 Battersea Bridge Road outside Nos. 228 - 232 Battersea Bridge Road with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time);
(22) replace the single red line restrictions (No Stopping Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm) at the west side of the A3220 Battersea Bridge Road opposite Nos. 50 – 61 Cambridge Mansions, Battersea Bridge Road with double red line restrictions (No Stopping at Any Time); (23) move the Loading/Unloading & Disabled Persons’ Vehicle Bay outside No. 188 Battersea Bridge Road 9.8 metres in a southerly direction. ‘No Stopping Mon – Sat 7am – 7pm except Loading 10am – 4pm (20 Mins).
3. The roads which would be affected by the Orders are the GLA Roads and GLA Side Roads listed above.
4. A copy of the Orders, a statement of Transport for London’s reasons for the proposals, a map indicating the location and effect of the Orders and copies of any Orders revoked, suspended or varied by the Order can be inspected by visiting our website at https://haveyoursay.t.gov.uk/tro and selecting the relevant borough and reference the Trafc Order relates to or by appointment during normal ofce hours at our ofce at the address below. To arrange an appointment please email trafcordersection@t.gov.uk. Copies of the documents may be requested via email at trafcordersection@t.gov.uk, or by post at the address quoting reference SNO/REGULATION/STOT/BS/TRO/ GLA/2025/0675-677:
the hours of 9.00 am to 4.00 pm; or at www.lewisham.gov.uk. Responsible Authorities or any other person may make representations regarding the application to the licensing authority by emailing licensing@lewisham.gov.uk. Representations must be made in writing and must be received on or before 18 November 2025. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application. Persons will be liable on summary conviction to an unlimited fine. TLT SOLICITORS
Licensing Act 2003 An application has been made by ANVIKA SHAN LTD to Lewisham Council, as the Licensing Authority, for the grant of a variation of a Premises Licence. At ANVIKA EXPRESS, 129 - 131 Chinbrook Road, Grove Park SE12 9QL. This application includes proposals to: - Change in layout of the premises - Extend hours for alcohol sale toMonday to Sunday - 06:00 to 23:00 The application may be viewed at Lewisham Council, Safer Communities Service, 9 Holbeach Road, London, SE6 4TW by appointment between Monday to Friday (except on public holidays) and between the hours of 9.00 am to 4.00 pm; or at www.lewisham. gov.uk. Responsible Authorities or any other person may make representations regarding the application to the licensing authority by emailing licensing@lewisham. gov.uk. Representations must be received on or before 24/11/2025. Representations must be made in writing. 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.
5. All objections and other representations to the proposed Orders must be made in writing and must specify the grounds on which they are made. Objections and representations must be sent to Transport for London, Streets Trafc Order Team, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ or by emailing trafcordersection@t.gov.uk quoting reference SNO/REGULATION/STOT/BS/TRO, GLA/2025/0675-677, to arrive before 28th November 2025. Please note due to hybrid working access to post is restricted and requests for documents and conrmation of your objections or representations may be delayed. Objections and other representations may be communicated to other persons who may be affected.
Dated this 7th day of November 2025
Henry Cresser
Planning and Performance Manager
Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
Notice of Application for a Premises Licence
Notice is hereby given that Junction Gadget Ltd has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Mobile & Laptop Repair Centre Unit 1, 7-11 St John’s Hill, London SW11 1TN for The Sale by Retail of Alcohol (Off Sales): Sunday – Thursday: 08:00 – 23:00, Friday – Saturday: 08:00 – 02:00. Any person who
ELIZABETH ANNE BRETT
Deceased
Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 55 Englewood Road, London, SW12 9PB, who died on 11/06/2025, must send written details to the address below by 08/01/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified. William Edward Curzon Cursham c/o Knights Professional Services Embankment House, Electric Avenue, Nottingham, NG2 1AS. Ref: ECUR1/BRE1300/3
CockPond, Clapham Common London SW4 0JB
25/03123/RG3
Dated this Friday 07th November 2025
Rob Bristow Director - Planning, Transport & Sustainability Climate and Inclusive Growth Directorate
Notice of application to vary a Premises Licence
Notice is hereby given that Miss Ursula Priscilla McCarthy has applied to Wandsworth Council to vary the premises at McCarthy’s Irish Bar & Deli, Unit 95, Broadway Market, Tooting High Street, London, SW17 0RJ
The variation seeks to amend the opening hours of the premises, the sale by retail of alcohol and for Regulated Entertainment –Recorded Music and include late-night refreshment and live music.
Opening Hours Mon to Sun 1000hrs – 0030hrs Sale of Alcohol Mon to Sun 1000hrs – 0000hrs (Midnight)
Late Night Refreshment Mon to Sun 2300hrs to0030 hrs
Recorded Music Mon to Sun 1000hrs to 0000hrs (Midnight) Live Music Fri & Sat 1900hrs to 000hrs (Midnight) & Sun 1200hrs to 2200hrs
Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 1st 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.
LICENSING
ACT 2003
APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE
Take notice that we: Cockpit Studios have made an application to Lewisham Council acting as the Licensing Authority, for a New Premises Licence in respect of 18-22 Creekside, London SE8 3DZ
The application includes proposals to:
The sale by retail of alcohol:
1) Spring cafe - open Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
2) Open studios Friday to Sunday twice a year, 12am to 8pm
3) Spring cafe for other venue hire events - any day (weekdays and weekends) 12am - 10pm
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: 27th NOVEMBER 2025
Any representations must be made in writing to the above address or by emailing licensing@lewisham.gov.uk. Please include your full name, address and postcode, including any flat number.
It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction is unlimited.
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE – COLDHARBOUR PLACE
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Virgin Media to carry out maintenance work, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Coldharbour Place which lies between Coldharbour Lane and a point 15 metres east of Coldharbour Lane.
2. The order will come into force on 10 November 2025 and will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month (to allow for contingencies) or until the works have been completed whichever is the earlier. In practice it is anticipated that the order will only have effect between 10 and 13 November 2025, but if the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time then the Order may have effect on subsequent times within the maximum duration of 1 month.
Dated 7 November 2025 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS –FERNDALE ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Network Rail to carry out a bridge investigation, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Ferndale Road which lies between Pulross Road and the common property boundary of Nos.230 and 232 Ferndale Road.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Pulross Road, Bellefields Road, Stockwell Road, Stockwell Green, Landor Road, Bedford Road and vice versa.
3. The Order will come into force on 10 November 2025 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 1 month (to allow for contingencies) or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take place between 10 pm on 10 November and 6 am on 11 November but if the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time then the Order may have effect at subsequent times within the maximum period of 1 month.
Dated 7 November 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
other comments may be made – see paragraph 5].
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth proposes to make The Lambeth (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (Amendment No. **) Order 202*, The Lambeth (Charged-For Parking Places) (Amendment No. **) Order 202* under sections 6, 45, 46, 49 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended).
2. The general effect of the Orders will be to revoke 37.50 meters of Resident Permit and Charged-For Parking Places in Dulwich Road, opposite Park View House and to introduce “At Any Time” Waiting Restrictions to make way for a Santander Cycle Hire docking station.
3. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the current Santander Cycle Hire docking station in King Edward Walk outside Morely College will be converted into an e-scooter and cycle hire parking place.
4. If you have any enquiries about this matter, please email escootertrial@lambeth.gov.uk
5. A copy of the Order and other documents giving detailed particulars about them are available for inspection online at: https://consultation.appyway.com/lambeth or www.lambeth.gov.uk/traffic-management-orders and at the offices of Lambeth Council’s Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking, Network Management & Fleet), 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1EG, between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm on Mondays to Fridays inclusive (except on bank/public holidays), until the expiration of a period of 21 days from the date on which this notice is published. To arrange an inspection please email: Trafficorders@lambeth.gov.uk
6. All objections and other representations relating to the proposed Orders must be made in writing and all objections must specify the grounds on which they are made (quoting reference 157), and can be made using our consultation portal at https://consultation.appyway.com/lambeth or sent by post to Lambeth Council Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking, Network Management & Fleet), PO Box 80771, London SW2 9QQ or by email TMOReps@lambeth.gov.uk within 21 days from the date on which this Notice is published. Any objection may be communicated to, or be seen by, other persons who may have an interest in this matter.
Dated 7 November 2025 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND WAITING RESTRICTIONS, THORNLAW ROAD
1.
2.
then the Order may have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 2 months. Dated 7 November 2025 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH AMENDMENTS TO ELECTRIC SCOOTER AND DOCKLESS CYCLE HIRE BAYS, INTRODUCTION
ROLL UP! ROLL UP!
THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE!
THIS DECEMBER, EXPERIENCE AN INDOOR FUNFAIR AT MAGAZINE LONDON, JUST 5 MINUTES FROM CANARY WHARF, WHERE VIBRANT CARNIVAL ENERGY MEETS ELEGANT RIVERSIDE DINING. SIP COCKTAILS AT THE THEMED CAROUSEL BAR, REVEL IN CLASSIC FAIRGROUND ATTRACTIONS WITH A MODERN TWIST, AND ENJOY A TWO-COURSE BANQUET WITH STUNNING VIEWS OF THE THAMES AND THE CITY. JOIN US THIS CHRISTMAS FOR A NIGHT OF THRILLS, LAUGHTER, AND EXCITEMENT!
SHARED PARTY DATES: PACKAGES JUST £120 + VAT PER PERSON. SAT 6 DEC
YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:
• PANORAMIC THAMES VIEWS
• SPECTACULAR INDOOR FUNFAIR
• SENSATIONAL TWO-COURSE DINNER
• INTERACTIVE DESSERT STATION
• LIGHTSHOW, DANCE FLOOR AND DJ WED 17 DEC
F A ALBIN & SONS
Advertorial
Former Cardiff City Manager Omer Riza Backs Ballers Academy
Ballers Academy has received a major boost with the support of former professional footballer and EFL Championship manager Omer Riza, who, while exploring his next managerial opportunity, is taking the time to deliver high-quality football sessions for the academy’s aspiring young players.
Riza’s involvement is another example of Ballers Academy’s commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for local talent to learn from experienced professionals. His presence offers academy members a rare chance to gain insight from someone who has played and managed at the highest levels of the game.
Born in London, Riza began his football journey at Arsenal, progressing through the club’s youth system before enjoying a successful playing career across England, the Netherlands and Turkey. His career included spells with Barnet, Cambridge United, Shrewsbury Town, ADO Den Haag, Denizlispor and
Trabzonspor, where he earned a reputation as a technically gifted and intelligent forward.
After hanging up his boots, Riza moved into coaching and management, taking on key roles in player development and leadership. His career has seen him manage at Leyton Orient and, most recently, Cardiff City in the EFL Championship. He has also contributed to youth development in roles with Watford FC and England’s national youth teams, helping nurture the next generation of footballers.
For Ballers Academy, Riza’s involvement is a significant opportunity to inspire and
educate young players both on and off the pitch. His sessions emphasise technical skill, tactical understanding, and the professional mindset needed to progress in the modern game.
Ballers Academy continues to lead the way in grassroots and academy development, and with the guidance of figures like Omer Riza, the future looks bright for Southwark’s next generation of football talent.
For more information, email info@ballersacademy.co.uk.
ELSA DOES IT AS KAYDA ADDS SECOND IN LIONESSES WIN
By John Kelly
MILLWALL LIONESSES
defeated Aylesford 2-0 in the L&SERWFL Premier Division at St Pau’s last weekend.
Elsa Ejupi and Kayda Townsend were on target for Ted Jones' side.
Millwall are fifth in the twelveteam table with seventeen points from ten games, seven points off leaders Saltdean United in the
Moody departs Oval Invincibles
By Sport Reporter
TOM MOODY has left Oval Invincibles after guiding them to the men's title in the last three years.
The 60-year-old Australian has taken up a role as the global director of cricket for the owners of Indian Premier League franchise Lucknow Super Giants.
"Together, we have achieved great success, winning three titles in a row and Tom played a crucial role in building this winning culture," the Invincibles said in a statement.
"Everyone at the franchise respects Tom's decision to pursue a new and exciting opportunity. We thank him for his invaluable contributions over the past five years and wish him the very best for the future."
Moody will be in charge of cricket strategy, player auction, player retention and global talent scouting across RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG) franchises.
That will be in the IPL with LSG, Manchester Originals in The Hundred and Durban's Super Giants in the SA20.
"I look forward to helping build a unified cricketing philosophy across the franchises," Moody said.
"I'm excited to work alongside all the players, coaches and management to achieve our goals."
only promotion position.
The Lionesses face Dulwich Hamlet Reserves in the second round of the L&SERWFL League Cup at Green Dale Fields (SE22 8TX) this Sunday at 1.30pm.
A THRIVING local football club has won the seal of approval from parents for its commitment to girls’ football.
Tulse Hill Junior Football Club, the oldest junior club in London, now has nineteen teams, with seven for girls.
More than 250 youngsters aged from six to sixteen play for the club, training in Dulwich Park and Charter East School in East Dulwich. They play matches across south London, Surrey and Kent. And new independent research has shown the incredible impact the expansion of girls’ teams is having on young people’s health, confidence and friendships.
Asked for their views about the Tulse Hill set-up, parents describeed football as “empowering” for their daughters, helping them build confidence, resilience and community connections that extend well beyond the pitch.
“My daughter joined in January and has really enjoyed her time at Tulse Hill. The team and coaches warmly welcomed her. Her football has come on massively thanks to the attentive and positive coaches,” one parent said.
Another said: “Tulse Hill has made my girls feel equal to any boy interested in playing football. The team and parents provide us with a wonderful local community.”
The Covaluation Report, which was produced in partnership with locally-based social enterprise PatchWorks, surveyed 134 parents and analysed 67 detailed impact stories.
It found that 94 per cent of parents felt football had improved their child’s physical health and 88 percent said it boosted confidence and self-esteem. Nearly all described the club as welcoming and inclusive, with many praising the growing girls’ provision.
By John Kelly
LONDON
on the Bodyshots home show.
“We wanted to take a fight quickly after the controversy and disbelief of the silver medal in the national finals,“ Andrew Wadman said. “We were very pleased to match Rachel with a tough opponent, Amber Martin from The Arches.”
after her
final defeat
Moore typically went on the attack from the first bell, landing with a big right hand over the top.
“We always send switch-hitter Rachel out to stop every opponent, she’s trained specifically to overwhelm her opponents and keep
punching,” Andrew said. “Rachel throws hundreds of punches a round, she’s still got her incredible rugby strength.”
Martin fought back bravely and the fight went the distance before Moore won unanimously on all scorecards.
Andrew added: “She was so accurate with her back hand. It was a great fight and we can’t thank Amber enough for accepting the fight.
“It’s only been ten days since the controversy of the national final and we didn’t want Rachel to dwell on that final.”
Club chair Amelia Torode said: “The evidence shows how much football means for local girls - not just for fitness, but for belonging and confidence. Parents say it is life-changing.”
The growth of girls’ football at THJFC is supported by Bespoke Windows, a Dulwich-based company that sponsors the club and helps cover the cost of pitch hire and equipment.
CEO Murray Smith said supporting youth sport is “one of the best investments a business can make”.
Smith added: “We are proud to back Tulse Hill Juniors. The coaches and volunteers do an amazing job giving kids - especially girls - the chance to play, learn teamwork and build friendships.”
“Football is more than a game,” Torode said. “It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to build stronger communities - and the story of girls’ football in Tulse Hill proves it.”
CHAMPION Rachel Moore returned to winning ways last weekend
controversial
at the England Boxing National Development Championships last month.
Chislehurst’s Moore showed her quality as she defeated Amber Martin
Elsa Ejupi slots home
Chislehurst's Moore with coaches George Wadman, left, and Andrew Wadman
Rachel Moore (in white) on the attack
LACROIX: ‘WE ARE WARRIORS’
By John Kelly
MAXENCE LACROIX said the Crystal Palace squad were “warriors” after they bested Brentford in the battle of two of the top set-piece sides in the Premier League.
Jean-Philippe Mateta looped a header over Caoimhin Kelleher and into the far corner for the opener in the 30th minute.
Jefferson Lerma had supplied the cross for the first and he made the second when his long throw was headed into his own net by Bees defender Nathan Collins.
“We are really happy because we knew that it was going to be a hard game,” Lacroix said.
“I think we showed that we are also good in set-pieces. We spoke about that before the game.
“We knew that they love to play like this. We are also warriors, so we fight for every single ball and I think we won this battle.
“It was a really good three points.”
Lacroix didn’t believe fortune played a part in the second.
He said: “I wouldn't speak about luck. I think everyone did his job.
“Sometimes this is what happens in the box. It's something that is difficult to defend. For us today, it was an own goal, but we are happy about that.”
Glasner knew the outcome against Keith Andrews’ side could be decided by set-plays. The Eagles had three mid-week games in October, with little time to work on the training pitch.
Glasner outlined how they used that time wisely.
"I told everyone in the pre-match press conference that they scored two and we scored two from long throwins," Glasner said. "To be honest we didn't have too much time to work on the the training pitch.
"Thursday was recovery and then [Friday] we trained 25 minutes on the pitch, then fifteen minutes on throwins, both defending and attacking.
"We knew this would be a topic. So credit to my assistants who prepared all the clips and the set-up.
Palace win battle of the set-piece monsters
"It's a very, very important and good win today."
Palace are still in the EFL Cup as well as Europe and could have five games in eleven days in December.
"We spoke about it and said it could be a ‘set-play battle.’ And I think in the end we won the set-play battle. We scored two goals [from set-plays] and that's why we could win the game.
Glasner said: ”It's always about managing the load of the players. But at least training long throw-ins they don't have to run a lot.
"It would be stupid from us not to train on set-plays. Every third goal is scored from set-plays. That means you have to accept it, that is the game.
"It's not just this year. Set-pieces have always played a crucial part.
We'll always have a focus on this.
"In tight games, it can help you win games. Today it helped us, that's why we're all pleased and delighted now and can have a good evening.
"We didn't expect an own goal, but both teams have tall players. We know when we get the ball in the right areas, anything can happen."
Dons fail to Heed warning as they have
By John Kelly
THE FA Cup’s biggest giant killers AFC Wimbledon were slain in their own back yard at the weekendand Dons boss Johnnie Jackson said: “We got what we deserved.”
Wimbledon beat Liverpool in the 1988 final - the biggest-ever shock in a decider - but National League Gateshead wrote their own glorious chapter in their history with a 2-0 victory at Plough Lane.
Kain Adom put the visitors ahead in the 21st minute and Fenton John doubled the lead early in the second half for a side 57 places below the League One Dons in the ladder.
It was the Heed's first FA Cup win over EFL opponents since 2000 and only the second time in a decade Wimbledon had failed to get past the first round.
“I think it was a poor performance from us, we got what we deserved. Gateshead were a better team and they deserved to win the game,” Jackson said.
“For that to be the case, I know we've ended up having some chances and chasing the game, stuff like that, but you know they saw it out. They saw it out well and we haven't done enough.
“So I'm disappointed with the nature of the performance really. Obviously the result, we were out the FA Cup and
that bit hurts - wanting to get through, but the actual performance, it's probably even more annoying because that hasn't been us at all.
“We've thrown a stinker in there. We have to be honest in what we just saw. Too many performances, too many players not at it, underperformed, nowhere near the levels that they've shown.
“They've shown what they're capable of. So when you serve that up and you come off of it, it just makes it even more obvious and glaring.
“That's annoying from my point of view. I won't accept that. We have to accept the result was what we deserved out of it - which is nothing.”
Palace are in Conference League action against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday (November 6) before hosting Brighton & Hove Albion this Sunday (2pm).
FA Cup ‘stinker’
Wimbledon are sixth in League One as they chase a second successive promotion, but they didn’t look like their level against the underdogs.
Jackson said: “Just too many underperformances. Players that show - week in, week out - generally, a certain level, [but they] haven't done it. Haven't done it.
“It's annoying, because we prepared really well. We didn't take the opposition lightly, made the group really, really aware of their threats, showed them the respect that we always would have against any opposition.
“I felt like we would do more to hurt them for sure and that's part of the
reason that our performance was off, because we didn't do as many of the things that I think could have hurt them.
“Just the fundamentals of football. We were second to most duels, we lost headers, we let people run off us. That's been our absolute bedrock of our success over the last couple of seasons.
“So for that to be missing is not good. From my point of view, that's not good and I think that shows complacency. I think we showed complacency today and it has cost us.”
Wimbledon are back in league action this Saturday against Peterborough United at London Road (3pm).
ALEX NEIL tried to pinpoint how Millwall were routed 4-0 by Birmingham City at St Andrew’scalling it a “horrible evening”.
Goals from Paik Seung-ho and Demarai Gray had the Lions heading into the dressing room two goals down at the break, before an early second-half volley from Alex Cochrane put the game out of reach.
Jay Stansfield added a fourth in the 66th minute.
Neil was asked what he thought went wrong after his side’s first defeat away from home in the Championship this season.
“I think it’s everything,” he said.
“Like I say to the players, we win and lose together. We’re all happy getting pats on the back when we’ve done well over the last five, six games.
“Today, I need to look at the set-up.
Obviously, either I got it wrong or I didn’t describe it well enough for the lads to carry it out as well as they did.
“Then they’ve got to look at their bits in terms of, did we use the ball
well enough? Probably not. Did we press well enough? Probably not. Did we win our second balls? Probably not. When you combine all of that, it makes for a horrible evening, and that’s what it ended up.”
Millwall are still fourth in the Championship and host Neil’s former side Preston North End - who are two points back in sixth - this Saturday.
“There are always lessons to be learned,” Neil said. “I think there are lessons to be learned in terms of our robustness as well, in terms of when it goes against us, how do we respond
Palmer targets Barca comeback
Enzo Maresca believes Cole Palmer could be back for their glamour Champions League game against Barcelona after the Palmer has been out after going off in the 21st minute of the 2-1 defeat against Manchester United on September 20 with a groin
"We hope so,” Maresca said when asked if Palmer could return for the game
against Barca at Stamford Bridge on November 25. “With Cole we tried to schedule at the beginning, but we needed to review so we go day by day with Cole. He's still apart, not training with the team.
"I would like Cole every game. I have said before we are a better team with him. Unfortunately he is out injured, but we hope he will be back soon."
After winning 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, Chelsea faced five more fixtures in November and have eight in December, including the Champions League and a League Cup quarter-final at Cardiff City.
and react? I didn’t think that was great in the second half, if I’m honest.
“Then at that stage, because I don’t feel as if we’re going to work our way back into the game, it’s making sure we don’t concede any more goals, and we try and save some legs for the weekend to give ourselves the best chance in that game.”
Millwall were missing right-back
Ryan Leonard and winger Femi Azeez.
Neil added: “There are huge bits to pick up. The first thing I’ll do is look at my bit in terms of set-up. I think the set-up recently has been very
good. What doesn’t help is that we’ve lost the whole right side on Saturday for this game, which is disappointing. Femi’s been our sort of talisman in the last four-, five-game period.
“We didn’t have enough running power in the game for me. We didn’t really look as much of a threat as we needed to. When you play against a team like Birmingham, they play right on top of you, so if you don’t really pack a punch and you don’t scare them, they’re going to smother you. That’s ultimately what happened in the second half.”
Silva Craves fortress
By John Kelly
Maresca thinks James can play every three or four days.
Maresca said: ”He is good, doing well. Fit, 100 per cent. The way he behaves every game is top, even when not playing, in the changing room with team-mates. I think he is ready to play three games in a week. It depends also on how we use Reece, too. Not always up and down [the wing]. It is a big job for anyone so we need to protect him like others in that way."
The Blues were in action against Qarabag in midweek and host Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league on Saturday at 8pm.
Captain Reece James has had his injury problems in recent seasons, but has completed a number of 90 minutes in the busy schedule in this campaign.
MARCO SILVA said Fulham wanted to make Craven Cottage “a fortress again” after the Cottagers’ 3-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers gave them a confidence boost following a difficult start to the season.
Goals from Ryan Sessegnon, Harry Wilson and a Yerson Mosquera own goal ended Fulham’s four-game losing run. Wolves' Emmanuel Agbadou was sent off in the first half after the first goal before Fulham added two more in the second half.
Molineux boss Vitor Pereira
was sacked after the game with the side eight points from safety. Fulham moved four points clear of the bottom three.
"It was a very important one for us,” Silva said. “We were back home, where we have been very strong. We lost our last game against Arsenal by margins really. We want to make sure this place our fortress and we won again. It's very important to get a clean sheet as well.
"I thought in the first half we looked a bit anxious. The [first] goal gave us the calmness we needed and from there we built our win."
Fulham travel to Silva’s former club Everton on Saturday (3pm).
Cole Palmer was player of the Club World Cup in July
Casper De Norre tries to get a block in against Birmingham
Sport INSIDE
SON SHINES ON ‘EUPHORIC’ NIGHT
Charlton Athletic midfielder hits dramatic late winner to stun Baggies
By John Kelly
NATHAN JONES felt “euphoric” after Sonny Carey’s dramatic 95th-minute winner for playoff-chasing Charlton Athletic against West Bromwich Albion at a bouncing Valley on Tuesday night.
Carey collected a clearance from a corner and beat one man before his shot from 22 yards nicked off Chris Mepham to deceive goalkeeper Josh Griffiths, who couldn’t stop the ball squirming under him and in.
That sent home supporters wild and Jones sprinting down the touchline to celebrate with his players.
The Addicks had earlier missed a penalty when Griffiths dived to his left to deny Greg Docherty after the visitors were penalised for handball against defender Ousmane Diakite.
Charlton are up to fifth in the
Championship after fourteen games, a point off Millwall in fourth.
“It feels euphoric," Jones said. "I am proud of the team and how they kept going. West Brom are a fantastic football club, former Premier League, a top-end side in the Championship. But I thought we were excellent, to go toe-to-toe with them.
“We didn’t take a backwards step, the only disappointment with tonight was the penalty [miss].
“For the full duration of the game we were at it, we were aggressive and I am really proud of the team.
Carey was denied by Griffiths from similar distance before his winner.
Jones said: “It took a penalty save, a world-class save from Sonny Carey and it’s taken constant pushing to the 95th minute [to get the win].
"In the first half we didn’t move the ball well enough, and we weren’t creative enough. I asked them to be
brave at half-time, to control the ball more, use the structure and we did.
“West Brom are a well-coached team, but what a way to win a game, and there is no better time to do it."
It was 24-year-old Carey’s fifth league goal since his summer move from Blackpool.
"It is wonderful and you have to enjoy those moments. I said to Sonny at the end go and enjoy it as you don't often get seventeen or 20,000 people singing your name,” Jones said.
"The subs came on and gave us a massive impetus late on and it would have been a travesty if we didn't win it and definitely if they had nicked something at the end."
West Brom head coach Ryan Mason made no excuses after a sixth league defeat of the campaign which leaves one of the pre-season promotion favourites in fourteenth place.
"It's a disappointing result and
it's not good enough,” Mason said.
“I could speak all day long about the performance and positives, the moments we created, the chances we should have taken but I don't think at the moment anyone wants to hear that.
"We have lost another game. The disappointment is there and it is frustrating. It is my responsibility and at the moment I am not giving enough to the players to change that and I need to do it.
"The one thing I will say is they are giving me everything and they are putting everything into it but it's not enough at the moment. It's another one that we shouldn't have lost but have done and the feeling inside the dressing room is there is a lot of anger.
"I'm fine. It's football and I know what it takes. I am in this position and I can handle it but for whatever reason at the moment the results aren't good and it is my responsibility to fix."
Azeez out for weeks
By Will Scott
STAR WINGER Femi Azeez is set to miss several weeks with a hamstring issue, while rightback Ryan Leonard will be out for a couple of months with a calf injury.
Azeez scored four goals in four games heading into Millwall’s tilt with Oxford United last Saturday, but was withdrawn after 35 minutes clutching his leg, while Leonard went down in injury time. Neil outlined a rough timeline for their return after Millwall’s 4-0 loss to Birmingham City.
"They won't be available for the next game," Neil said. "They're going to be out beyond the international break.
"Lenny will certainly be longer than Femi. I don't think Femi is going to be too long, so maybe another couple of games alongside the international break. Lenny will be, I think, a couple of months."
Summer signing Alfie Doughty missed both games with an ankle injury, but Neil confirmed after the draw with Oxford that it was not a long-term issue.
"It's actually a hard one to put a timeline on," Neil said. "It's his ankle.
"He had a shot the other day in the game that he played in the under-21s, and he just seemed to have staved it. But he literally played the rest of his minutes that he was playing.
"Went home, was fine. Woke up next morning, he's a little bit swollen. It's a hard one to put a timeline on. It's not a long-term thing, certainly. But, whether it's a week or whether it's two weeks, I'm not quite sure at the moment."
Sonny Carey fi res at goal
Femi Azeez in action against Leicester City
Jones up on the barrier celebrating with his players and the fans
