Southwark News - April 10th 2025

Pages 8-9

Issue 1732

Est: 1987

50p

April 10 2025

southwarknews.co.uk

THE OLD KENT ROAD HAD 37 PUBS - NOW THERE ARE JUST TWO

See page 22

Community in shock after the tragic death of Dulwich schoolboy

FREE AND CHEAP EASTER EVENTS MILLWALL

COBURN SCORES STUNNER AS LIONS BLUNT BLADES

See page 4

‘DEVASTATED’ See page 4

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COULD SILVERTOWN TUNNEL CLOG-UP Page TOWER BRIDGE? 14

2 NEWS Contents NEWS Pages 2-16 OPINION Pages 18-19

72% OF COUNCIL PROPERTIES ARE MISSING AN UP-TO-DATE ELECTRICAL SAFETY CERTIFICATE

By Robert Firth

Local Democracy Reporter

ARTS Page 20 EVENTS Page 21 HISTORY Page 22 PROPERTY Page 23 CLASSIFIED Page 24 PUBLIC NOTICES Pages 25-28 SPORT Pages 29-32

SOUTHWARK’S LABOUR leader has admitted the party should have focused more on improving the quality of council homes, in a London borough where over 70 per cent of council homes lack an up-to-date electrical safety certificate

Cllr Kieron Williams told a scrutiny meeting on Monday, March 31, that looking back he would have paid more attention to the condition of council housing in the borough and concentrated less on building more council homes.

Asked by Labour councillor Sam Foster if he thought ‘more political will’ should have been put on reforming management of the council’s housing department in previous years, Cllr Williams replied: “Hindsight is a great thing isn’t it? We went… for building the maximum homes we could route.

“That’s clearly a really important thing to do. We now have 18,000 families on our [housing] waiting list. It has gone up and up. Do I think now we should have gone for a little less of the building and a bit

Councillor Kieron Williams, leader of Southwark Council

more of the quality of homes? Probably yes.”

Cllr Williams added: “At the time, would I have made the same call as the council made then? Probably yes. With hindsight, I might make a different choice. If I was back

there now today, I would probably make the same choices as made at the time.”

Labour took control of Southwark from a Liberal Democrat-Conservative coalition in 2010. Williams has been leader of the council since 2020.

Out of Southwark’s 33,430 properties, 24,256 (72 per cent) are missing an upto-date Electrical Installation Condition Report—a document issued to confirm sockets, switches and wiring have been checked and are safe, according to a report presented to the same meeting on Monday.

In November last year, the government’s social housing watchdog gave Southwark Council a grading of C3 (the second worst rating) for consumer standards and said the local authority needed to make ‘significant improvements’.

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) found that over half of the council’s homes had not had an election safety test for over five years and over 50 per cent of properties were missing smoke alarms.

Southwark, which is London’s biggest council landlord, has ambitions to build 11,000 new council homes by 2043.

Southwark met its target of starting or

completing 2,500 new council homes

by May 2022. But in June 2023, the council’s former housing director Michael Scorer admitted it only had the money to construct 3,200 of the 11,000 council homes it had pledged to build.

Victor Chamberlain, leader of the council’s Liberal Democrat opposition, said: “This crisis didn’t come out of nowhere – it’s the result of years of political neglect. Southwark’s housing failures were so severe that the government’s housing watchdog felt compelled to highlight the serious failings explicitly criticising the council’s leadership.

“Even Labour’s own housing minister has said they are monitoring the case and are ‘extremely sorry to read about the experiences of residents living in Southwark Council housing.’ And yet when we called an extraordinary council meeting to demand answers, every single Labour councillor voted to shut it down.

“Residents deserve better than yet another apology. This is why we’ve called for proper accountability – because the people who oversaw this failure cannot be the ones trusted to fix it.”

Delays to housing repairs as council workers walk out on strike

By Issy Clarke Contact us if you have a story on editor@ southwarknews.co.uk

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HOUSING REPAIRS have been delayed after Southwark Council repair workers walked out on strike over an ongoing row about annual leave.

Nearly 160 workers from the essential housing and estate services took to the picket line on Tuesday, 1 April to demand annual leave in line with council employees on higher salaries.

The strike, organised by Unite the Union, comes after a three-day walkout in January over annual leave.

A review by the council into annual leave for repair workers, launched before the initial strike, is now complete, and the council said its next step will be to discuss this with trade unions.

Unite members, who perform vital repairs and maintenance on council-owned housing stock and the council’s own properties, get up to 12 fewer days annual leave than management grades in administrative positions.

The lowest paid technicians get two fewer days than higher paid colleagues in the housing and estates department.

Unite said the reason for the latest strike was the council’s ‘refusal’ to compromise on pay or offer additional leave to housing workers to bring them up to the same level.

The chief executive of Southwark Council currently earns £230,368. Unite said this is around eight times the salary of workers within the housing and estates team.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is a disgrace that a chief executive

Est: 1987

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GREEN LIGHT FOR ELEPHANT TOWERS

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Editor: Kevin Quinn Reporters: Issy Clarke, Evie Flynn Sports Editor: John Kelly Sports reporter: Will Scott Arts Correspondent: Michael Holland Digital Transformation Editor: Katherine Johnston Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips Advertising: Clarry Frewin Design: Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758 em@cm-media.co.uk Subscriptions/Announcements: Katie Boyd Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn Published weekly on a Thursday at: Community Matters Media Ltd 1 Bermondsey Square, London SE1 3UN. News and Sport: 020 7231 5258 Advertising: 020 7232 1639 News: news@southwarknews.co.uk Advertising: hello@cm-media.co.uk Printed by Iliffe Print. Tel: 01223 656500 www.iliffeprint.co.uk

April 3 2025

southwarknews.co.uk

CONNOLLY ADMITS HIS FUTURE AT THE CLUB IS UNCERTAIN

EXCLUSIVE See page 9

Council backlog:

MY KITCHEN AND BATHROOM ARE NEARLY HALF A CENTURY OLD

‘12 YEARS TOO LATE’ for one woman, as council plans to page 4 prioritiseSeedomestic violence victims for housing EXCLUSIVE

See page 15 See page 4

members formed the majority of the overall department workforce.

Last November, the council leader apologised after the Regulator for Social Housing found ‘serious failings’ in the service offered to residents.

A Southwark Council spokesperson said: “The council highly values the contribution of our hard-working housing and pest control teams, and other staff taking industrial action on Tuesday April 1.

“Our existing annual leave framework was negotiated and agreed with trade unions and we are currently working closely with trade unions to review our approach.

“We will continue to provide an emergency repair and pest control services to our housing tenants during the industrial action.”

The Southwark News is proud to be the only independent, paid for newspaper in London

MILLWALL EXCLUSIVE

Issue 1731

of a council, on hundreds of thousands of pounds a year to sit behind a desk, gets more annual leave than our hard-working members on the frontline of council services.

“Our members repair and maintain homes to ensure they are fit for habitation and yet are being told they can’t have the same annual leave as the number crunchers in head office. That is just plain wrong. They have the full backing of Unite in this dispute.”

The industrial action comes as a blow to Southwark Council, which has long struggled to stay on top of the demand for repairs on its properties.

The previous three-day strike between Tuesday, January 28 to Thursday, January 30 meant maintenance and repair work across Southwark’s estate were stopped or severely delayed, as the 160 striking

TOP SUMMER FESTIVALS

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EXCLUSIVE

HOW TRUE IS THIS HIT HISTORIC DRAMA?

See page 22

Southwark News started life as the Bermondsey News in 1987, as an A-4 photocopied sheet of paper and rapidly grew to cover the entire borough and the surrounding area. As the borough grew, so did the newspaper.

It is owned and run by Chris Mullany and Kevin Quinn.

Former reporters for Southwark News, they bought the title in 2002, after the founder Dave Clark died suddenly from cancer four years earlier.

A dedicated team of staff work tirelessly to cover as much of what is going on as possible and strive to ensure that a community-led, independent newspaper can survive and excel in a market dominated by national and multinational media groups.

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NEWS 3

THIS PUB IS THE ONLY ONE IN LONDON THAT SERVES BEER TO ITS PUNTERS AT 6AM!

By Evie Flynn

THE MARKET Porter Pub in Borough is still standing as one of London’s two remaining ‘early houses’.

The historic pub is nestled on Stoney Street, next Borough Market, and opens at 6am Monday-Friday.

Tony Sommerville has been General Manager at the Market Porter for 19 years. We asked if the people coming in for a pint at the crack of dawn varied: “You get all sorts,” he said. “Mostly night shift workers, train workers, nurses and ambulance drivers who work through the night, police, press cutters. All walks of life, really.”

He added they get “the odd one or two on their way to work, but each to their own.”

The Market Porter first opens it doors at 6am, before closing them again at 9am.

The only other early house is the Fox & Anchor at Smithfields Market, which opens to punters at 7am.

Tony then has an hour to do deliveries and get the barrels onto the road before opening properly for the day at 10am.

Stoney Street has been home to the pub since the 1600s, and The Market Porter, first named in 1890, has long been a hub for those working unconventional hours.

The pub has strong roots in Borough market’s history. It was originally a popular spot for market traders finishing

their shifts in the early morning or even starting their shifts and unloading goods on Stoney Street.

Some workers even received their wages over a pint, with business deals often being struck over a drink, whether they were selling horses, sheep, or other goods.

Despite restrictions imposed during World War I to conserve grain and keep soldiers sober, market pubs were exempted, as they were seen as essential

for business dealings.

Tony explained that “obviously the market changed a lot now, it’s not so much wholesale. Not too many tourists are trying to buy a leg of lamb… but they would buy a lamb burger. There’s a few places still doing wholesale but over the years it’s just died away.”

The future of the 6am openings is reliant on the demand. Tony said that “It was busy back in the day when the jubilee line was being built… it was

The SE15 singing classes uplifting mums feeling low after having a baby

packed. It took us a while to re-open the 6am after COVID just because it wasn’t busy enough and staffing. But we are slowly building it back up.

“It is a family.. it feels a bit more personal. You get the banter and know peoples names. Because we are so busy a lot of the time so you recognise faces but you don’t get a chance to talk to them.”

Asked how this compares to the atmosphere later in the day he said: “It is a family.. it feels a bit more personal. In

By Isabel Ramirez

A UNIQUE singing programme in Peckham is giving mums a muchneeded mood boost, helping them feel less alone and more connected in the weeks after giving birth.

Breathe Melodies for Mums is a ten-week programme run by not-forprofit organisation Breathe Arts Health Research, designed specifically to support mothers’ mental health and wellbeing through group singing. It is funded by Southwark Council’s Family Hubs and Start for Life initiative.

Unlike traditional baby-focused activities, these sessions are for mums— offering an uplifting, stigma-free space where they can connect with others through music.

Shanice, a mum of six from Peckham, was referred to the programme after a questionnaire flagged that she was feeling low. She attends the sessions with her baby, Zakai.

“I went through a bit of depression and then I got pregnant. Zakai helped me through it, but the doctor wanted me to have people around me so I wouldn’t feel alone,” she told the News.

“You don’t want to feel like you’re the only one going through it. It makes it worse when you’re going through it at home by yourself. When you know other mums are going through it as well, it makes you feel better.”

Rather than traditional nursery rhymes, the sessions feature empowering songs from around the world, and the effects are striking.

“It’s calmed me down so I can get on with what I need to do,” Shanice said. “I always leave in a good mood.”

Scientific studies, including research from the Royal College of Music, Imperial

the mornings we have banter, jokes, and can hear about peoples weekends. It’s a lot friendlier as you have a bit more time.”

And added that preserving the traditional nature of the pub is crucial for the Market Porter team: “It’s still a traditional pub. Its not one of these new swanky London bars. It’s spit and sawdust sort of thing.

“It’s been good to me over the years” and the early start is now “ingrained” into his routine.

For more information on The Market Porter please visit www.themarketporter. co.uk College London, and a recent study with King’s College London and UCL, have shown that group singing can significantly improve maternal mental health.

Research also indicates that the sessions help strengthen the bond between mother and baby, with studies showing synchronised cortisol levels—suggesting a shared emotional connection.

Polly, from Nunhead, said: “I was quite low after giving birth. It’s a bit awkward to talk about because you think, ‘Am I being a good mother?’ It’s nice being somewhere where the music uplifts you—you know others are in the same boat, but you don’t have to talk about it. I didn’t sing before I came here. Now I sing all the time.”

Juliet, from Dulwich, highlighted the programme’s impact: “The attendance is really high. People don’t skip it, which shows how much they value it as part of their week.”

Breathe Melodies for Mums is removing barriers to traditional mental health support by offering a warm and welcoming alternative. With sessions running at Rye Oak Children and Family Centr and South Bermondsey Children and Family Centre the programme is expanding to include fathers, partners, and LGBTQ+ parents.

For more information or to apply for a place, visit www.breatheahr.org/ programmes/melodies-for-mums or email m4m@breatheahr.org.

Breathe Arts Health Research is a pioneering not-for-profit organisation dedicated to exploring how the arts can enhance health and wellbeing. Through evidence-based programmes across music, visual arts, theatre, and dance, Breathe works alongside healthcare providers, researchers, and artists to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

4 NEWS Beckenham Place Park

Izaiah Smith was much-loved - tributes come in after his tragic death

DULWICH SCHOOLBOY WHO DIED AFTER GOING SWIMMING IN BECKENHAM LAKE WAS A PROMISING FOOTBALLER

By Issy Clarke A WEST Dulwich schoolboy described as “uplifting with an infectious smile, charm and kindness” who died last Friday after going swimming in a lake at Beckenham Place Park has been named.

Fifteen-year old Izaiah Smith was a Year 11 pupil at Kingsdale Foundation School in West Dulwich.

The teenager’s body was found in Beckenham Place Park at 10:42pm on Friday, 4 April, more than seven hours after police were called to reports that the 15-year old was missing after getting into difficulty in the water.

Parents and staff at the school have set up fundraising page to raise money

for Izaiah’s funeral, with £12,000 raised so far.

Paying tribute to their son, Izaiah’s family wrote: “It is with profound sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved Izaiah; cherished son, brother, cousin, nephew, classmate, and friend.

“Izaiah had a rare gift for uplifting those around him. His infectious smile, charm, kindness, and unwavering dedication to others made every room brighter.

“A rising football talent, he poured his passion into sports, striving daily to grow both on and off the field.

“His legacy is one of love, perseverance, and the joy he brought to every moment and everyone.”

On Saturday, the SEDA Football

Academy in West London were he was a player posted a touching tribute to Izaiah on Instagram saying: “Izaiah was such a bright light within our programme. Always present at training, he greeted everyone with the most adorable smile.

“His huge character and infectious energy will be deeply missed by us all. He was a truly respectful young man, always showing kindness and consideration to all the coaches and staff at SEDA Academy.”

He was also a player at Dorking Wanderers FC who said in a post on X: “We are absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of one of our young footballers – Izaiah Smith.

“It is of course impossible to find the words to explain what a tragedy this is.

“Izaiah was a hugely popular and talented young man and will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

“The club will provide support for all involved in whatever way we possibly can.

“In the meantime, all of our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates at this incredible difficult time.”

In a letter circulated to parents, the headteacher of Kingsdale wrote: “It is with deepest regret that I write to inform you that late yesterday afternoon, one of our popular and much appreciated Year 11 students drowned in the ‘swimming pond’ at Beckenham Place Park.

“His close friends and peers, including those who were present and tried

to save him, are receiving specialist support and being comforted.

“This tragic and shocking loss will raise many emotions, concerns and questions for our entire school, especially our students. We ask that at this time the privacy of the family is respected and they are allowed to grieve in peace.”

Beckenham Place Park spans 98 hectares and contains large areas of woodland as well as lakes. There is a purpose-built swimming lake with depths of up to 3.5 metres.

In a statement, Lewisham Council, which manages Beckenham Place Park, said the park had re-opened on Saturday but the lake would remain closed with security in place until further notice.

money on the place because everything just gets destroyed” she said.

Stephanie has spent thousands of pounds on damages, a new upgraded security system and on higher staff wages to account for the extra time it takes to lock away all the furniture and ice creams at the end of each day.

With these added costs, she is concerned the cafe won’t be able to make ends meet for much longer, and could be forced to close.

“As much as I love the cafe I’m literally getting into debt. It’s too much” she said.

Stephanie built the cafe with her daughter from the ground up in the summer of 2021 on the site of a disused car park – in part as a distraction while her father slowly died of cancer.

“At the beginning it was just me with a shovel and some garden separators” she said. “It was a real project of love.”

For the first two years of the

business she ran the entire place herself, working flat-out seven days a week.

It has never been about the money for Stephanie – prices haven’t changed since the cafe first opened its doors in July 2021 despite huge increases in the cost of living, and she says she has not made “a penny of profit” from the business.

The cafe has since become a beloved community space, hosting live music events and local groups including a

crochet club and a play-group for mums and babies.

Stephanie said she is “determined” to fight to keep the place going for as long as she can. With the new security system, she hopes the burglars will finally leave the cafe alone.

“I won’t be put out by the thieves.

I’m going to give it one last proper go at making this place a success.”

We have contacted the police for an update on their investigation into the series of break-ins at the cafe.

Community cafe targeted by Magnum-munching thieves

By Issy Clarke A COMMUNITY cafe in West Dulwich which has been blighted by burglaries is now fearing for its future.

Stephanie’s SE21 is a calm outdoor oasis nestled in the corner of Belair Park – but in recent weeks, the cafe has been targeted repeatedly by thieves and could be forced to close.

In the last six weeks, the popular spot off Thurlow Park Road has been ransacked five times, with burglars stealing everything in sight from furniture to ice creams and frozen pastries.

The cafe is a beloved community space with events held there by local mums and groups, but it is being spoilt by vandals.

Stephanie Morgan, the cafe’s owner, came into work on Monday to find vandals had gained access, and her croissants and Magnum ice creams dumped in the park.

“What are you going to do with 100 Magnums? Nothing. You can’t eat them. You’re not going to get home in time” she said.

Another time, thieves stole an eggchair worth hundreds of pounds.

“It makes me not want to spend

6 NEWS

Plans to ban cars from Deptford High Street

There would also be zones for busking

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter CARS COULD be banned from Deptford High Street for up to eight hours per day under council plans,

The road’s closure is expected to allow for increased street trading in the area and more opportunities for cafés and restaurants to put out outdoor seating, according to the council.

As part of the street’s redesign, repairs would be made to paving in the area, extra parking for bikes would be fitted and additional trees and flower beds would be planted.

There would also be dedicated zones for busking created along the street, as well as new seating areas and better lighting under the railway bridge.

All vehicles would be banned from Hales Street and Frankham Street, except for access to residents’ homes.

Residents can share their opinions on the planned changes to Deptford High

Street until May 14.

Cllr Louise Krupski, Deputy Mayor of Lewisham, said: “As we look to the future of town centres, we want to work with the community at every stage to make sure our improvements are designed by and for local people while ensuring no one is left behind.

“With over 60 per cent of Lewisham residents using public transport for commuting, and many walking or cycling as part of their daily routines, we’re focusing on making it easier for them to travel actively, safely and sustainably while also creating more space for people to enjoy what the high street has to offer.”

To take part in the consultation go to: deptfordhighstreet.commonplace.is

© Lewisham Council

A stretch of the popular shopping street between New Cross Road and Hamilton Street would be closed to vehicles under the proposed changes unveiled by Lewisham Council.

Deptford High Street is currently pedestrianised three days per week.

Lewisham Council is asking locals whether they would prefer the street to be closed to traffic every day from 10am until 5pm, from 10am until 6pm or from 11am until 7pm.

Map of Deptford High Street with details of planned changes

Deptford High Street as it looks today

What's On 2025

Box office 020 8463 0100 • blackheathhalls.com •

BOOK TALK Wed 23 Apr

Spooky Men's Chorale Fri 25 - Sun 27 Apr

Fri 5 Sep

Sun 18 May Sat 18 - Sun 19 Oct

Sat 1 Mar, 7.30pm

EXCLUSIVE

By Issy Clarke RESIDENTS AND businesses on Bermondsey Beer Mile are united in their opposition to so-called ‘street improvements’ by the local authority.

THE UNHOLY ALLIANCE ON BERMONDSEY BEER MILE AGAINST SOUTHWARK COUNCIL The Arnold Estate

© Google

The two groups, who have traditionally locked horns over the years, have found themselves in rare agreement following plans unveiled

by Southwark Council to create a new pavement outside the arches and move parking bays further into the road.

The council has signed off £411k for the improvements to Druid Street, which are being funded by a combination of revenue from three Section 106 agreements – payments paid to the council by developers seeking planning permission.

One business owner on the Beer Mile said placing a pavement outside the arches would make it “impossible” to unload deliveries, particularly during weekends when the street is regularly thronged with revellers.

“The way they have done it will make unloading more difficult and is just going to increase chaos on the street,” he said.

He questioned whether the council had considered scrapping the cycle lane, which he said had been a “disaster” since it was installed three years ago. The council is narrowing the cycle lane to make space for the pavement, and plans to extend it from Tanner Street to Willow Walk.

The new cycle lane will only have one lane, meaning cyclists who are riding the same direction as the one-way traffic will share space with the cars, while cyclists going the other way will have protection from oncoming vehicles.

The business owner added the cycle lane had made traffic worse on the street, which regularly becomes blocked when Rotherhithe Tunnel or the surrounding roads are closed, and said the decision to move the parking bays further into the street would only lead to more congestion.

“We pay such high rents and business rates, and it just seems the council has underestimated the popularity of the Beer Mile and what businesses need.”

However Jane O’ Brien, who is among a group of residents from the Arnold Estate which faces onto Druid Street, accused the council of “doing everything to help businesses, while residents feel ignored.”

She said the new pavement would encourage drinkers to linger outside the arches, making even more noise for people living in the estate which is “just 15 steps away” from the Beer Mile. The council says a new footway is necessary due to the high number of pedestrians using the street.

She told us that is regularly kept up all night by noise from the drinking stretch, as well as the sound of lorries unloading deliveries throughout the night. She claims drunk customers often stumble into the estate in the middle of the night and urinate outside people’s homes or take drugs in the bin shelter, and she is concerned the new measures could make this problem worse.

“We don’t want to see new trees on the pavement or a longer cycle lane what we want is for the council to stop letting people drink outside on the street” she said.

She added that “no one uses the cycle lanes - all they do is make traffic

NEWS 7

Druid Street

worse and mean fire engines struggle to get in and out of the estate.”

Humaira Ali, a former Liberal Democrat councillor for London Bridge and West Bermondsey between 2018 and 2022, questioned “who these improvements were designed to help”.

In 2019 she helped run several workshops with residents and businesses to improve the atmosphere of the street, which agreed on recommendations including measures to stop outside drinkers wandering into the nearby estates and making it easier for businesses to unload deliveries without blocking the street.

“The council does not seem to have fixed the problems raised by the community in those workshops” she said.

“It has wasted money on this new pavement, which will stop businesses

being able to unload their goods, instead of looking how the money can be used to improve the experience of residents and businesses.”

The tension between some Arnold Estate residents and supporters of the Bermondsey Beer Mile has been brewing for years. In 2019, two businesses on the Mile had their licenses revoked after a group of Arnold Estate residents complained about antisocial behaviour from their punters.

A year later in the height of the pandemic, residents also resisted calls by businesses to fully pedestrianise the street to enable them to continue serving customers while complying with coronavirus restrictions, due they said to fears this would “give a green light for rowdie drinking underneath their bedroom and living room windows”.

One resident who has lived on the Arnold Estate for 40 years, said drunk people “literally line up one after the other” to use her bin shed as a toilet, and she claims that her children often see people from the balcony taking cocaine downstairs.

She said during the summer, the noise is so bad that she can’t open her windows at night.

“I know the Beer Mile creates a lot of fun for tourists, but we have to suffer the consequences” she said. “From Thursday to Sunday, each morning we wake up to find sick all over our doorsteps and broken glass on the pavements.”

Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development said: “The exciting improvements for Druid Street will bring greater access and functionality to the area and are being done with

all businesses, commuters and residents in mind. Southwark is funding this project with Community Infrastructure Levy funding combined with Section 106 funds.

“There was a consultation in September 2024 whereby postcard flyers were circulated to over 5,000 addresses in the local area to have their say. During the consultation three engagement events took place to gather comprehensive feedback from the local community. There were inperson meetings with businesses on the street as well as residents on the Arnold Estate, with many strong and enthused responses.

“All factors are considered by the council to ensure that any improvements made will balance the needs of everyone as well as promoting a greener Southwark and a revitalised Druid Street.”

8 NEWS

Free and cheap activities to do with kids these Easter holidays Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ Price: £12 Adult and £6 Children Tickets: Tickets can be booked on their website

It’s time to put these fun-filled Easter activities in the diary Easter weekend falls is 18th to 21st April this year. Yet, with the Easter Holidays typically being two weeks long as most kids are off between the 4th and 22nd April.

If you are stuck for fun things to do with the kids whilst they are off school, look no further.

We have compiled a list of the free (or cheap), fun-filled activities this Easter in south east London.

From daytime dancing, exploring London’s history, to spring fairs- there’s something for all ages and families.

CASTLE SQUARE: FREE

A free Easter event, including face painting and storytelling is coming to Castle Square in Elephant and Castle over Easter.

There will be a range of family-friendly activities, with performances from local dance schools and interactive dance workshops.

Date: Friday 18th April, 11am-5pm Location: 40 Elephant Road, SE17 1EU

Price: Free Tickets: No ticket required

© Woolwich Works

THE EASTER holidays are nearly upon us, there is plenty going on but here is our pick of either free or cheap things to do.

EASTER HOLIDAYS AT CUTTY SARK: £11

SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S SPRING FAMILY FUN PROGRAMME MOSTLY FREE:

This fun-filled programme of Easter events at the Southbank Centre is bound to keep your children occupied this Easter.

Here are some of the highlights:

Good Friday ‘Daytime Dance’ All ages will enjoy this drop-in afternoon of daytime dancing with a 5 hour set list of talented DJs and artists. Performances from GW Jazz, Tomorrow’s Warriors and even a chance to sing-along with the Reggae Choir.

Date: Friday 18th April, starts at 1pm and finishes at 6pm Location: The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, The Royal Festival Hall Price: Free

The Lion Inside A new stage adaptation of the bestselling story The Lion Inside featuring puppetry, music and song. Embark on an adventure with a heart-warming tale about confidence, self-esteem and a shy little

mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar.

Date: 16th-20th April, various timings Length: 1 hour Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX. Price: £16 Book tickets here

ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH FREE AND PAID FOR:

The Royal Museums Greenwich has a series of both free and paid-for family friendly events, check out website above, here are some of the paid for stuff.

Ted’s Space Adventure A live planetarium show for 3-7 year olds for children who love learning about space

and astronauts. Ted’s Space adventure will explore the solar system with a bear named and is presented by an astronomer from the Royal Observatory. All children must be accompanied by an adult Date: Daily, 11:30am Location: The Royal Observatory, Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ Price: £12 Adult and £6 Children Tickets can be booked on their website

SENsory Sailors A sensory play session for children with special educational needs led by disabled creatives. Explore the museum, meet other local families and be creative together.

Sessions are for children under 13 years.

Saturday 12th April, 11am-12:30pm Location: The Royal Observatory,

Enjoy family activities on board the historic tea clipper Cutty Sark: Cutty Sark Easter egg trail Find the hidden eggs around the historic ship and collect 11 letters on each egg to unscramble the secret nautical code! Ideal for children aged 5+ Time: Performances daily at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm Location: Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT Price: £22 adults, £11 children Tickets: Tickets can be booked here Meet the characters of Cutty Sark Meet the captain, cook and take a tour of the ship to get a taste of life at sea.

Time: Performances daily at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm Location: Cutty Sark, King William Walk, London SE10 9HT Price: £22 adults, £11 children Tickets: Tickets can be booked here Photo: ©National Maritime Museum, London

ARCHEOLOGY WORKSHOPS AT THE LONDON DOCKLANDS MUSEUM FREE

The London Museum Docklands are offering a series fascinating workshop where families can get stuck into the archeological history of the Thames.

NEWS 9 KIDBROOKE VILLAGE: FREE

Rising river pop-up cards Create a pop-up card with a foreshore littered with treasures and a river that rises and recedes to reveal hidden objects.

Suitable for children aged 5 and older

Easter Fun Day: An Easter scavenger hunt, art and crafts, face painting and even a visit from Surrey Docks farm!

This event is aimed at young families with children aged 0-12 and is free to attend.

Surrey Docks farm will be bringing a range of animals for children to pet.

Date: Thursday 18th April (sessions at 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm) Location: London Museum Docklands, No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4ALPrice: Free Price: Free

Time: 11am – 3pm on 12th April Location: Cator Park North, Kidbrooke Park Road, SE3 9FZ Price: Free

MEET A VICTORIAN MUDLARK

LEWISHAM SHOPPING CENTRE: FREE

Join their mudlark and comb the foreshore of the Thames. Kids will expect to fine both treasures and trash- what will you find?

Date: 15th-17th April. Sessions at 1212:30pm, 1-1:30pm and 3-3:30pm Location: London Museum Docklands, No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL Price: Free

Foreshore finds Help create a collaborative foreshore of undiscovered items. Kids get a chance to add their own artwork for future mudlarks to find. Items can survive for centuries in the river as the mud stops them from decaying.

Date: 16th April. Sessions at 11am-1pm and 2-4pm Location: London Museum Docklands, No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL Price: Free

Mudlarking mementos Make your own clay coin to take home and get your hands mucky. In this workshop you can mould a clay coin inspired by the artefacts uncovered in the Thames.

Date: Various times between 10-14th April.

Timings released 5th April.

Location: London Museum Docklands, No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL Price: Free Tickets: Tickets will go on sale Saturday 5th April at 10am

WOOLWICH WORKS: PAY WHAT YOU LIKE

‘Crafternoons’: Fun for all the family this Easter with a ‘Crafternoon’ Easter special.

Make gorgeous 3D daffodil flower masterpiece to take home. Create handprint Easter Bunnies and even design your own Easter Egg. Crafternoons are accessible and simple.

Time: Sessions at 2pm on Sunday 13th April and Saturday 19th April Location: Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6HD Price: Pay what you like (ticket required) Tickets can be booked on their website

Free Easter-themed crafting workshops: Lewisham Shopping Centre is set to host free Easter-themed workshops this Easter holiday.

Guests are invited to take part in a variety of fun craft activities, including Easterthemed crowns, photo frames, cards and decorations.

Paul Redden, Centre Director at Lewisham Shopping Centre, said: “We are delighted that our Easter-themed craft workshops are returning once again. The workshops always add an extra element of seasonal fun to our guests’ visits, and we can’t wait to see the array of artwork created by our budding artists!”

Time: Tuesday 15th April – Saturday 19th April from 10:30am until 4:30pm Location: Lewisham Shopping Centre, Molesworth St, London SE13 7HB. Price: Free

SOUTHWARK LIBRARIES: FREE

Head to your local Southwark library to benefit from their programme of free Easter events!

Easter bunny collage at Kingswood Library:

Time: Monday 14th April, 3pm-4pm Location: Kingswood Library, 37-38 Seeley Drive, London, SE21 8QR Price: Free Caterpillar Paper Craft afternoon at Grove Vale Library: Time: Monday 14th April, 2pm-3:30pm Location: Grove Vale Library, 18-22 Grove Vale, London, SE22 8EF Price: Free Tickets: No ticket required Easter Egg hunt at Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library: Children will love this eggcellent activity, while they try and work out where the Easter Eggs are hiding. Suitable for all the family.

Time: Wednesday 16th April, 2pm-3pm Location: Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library, 145-147 Walworth Road, Walworth, London, SE17 1RW Price: Free Spring Collage Art at Grove Vale Library: Time: Tuesday 22nd April, 2pm-3pm Location: Grove Vale Library, 18-22 Grove Vale, London, SE22 8EF Price: Free

10 NEWS

‘IT’S ABUSE’: SOUTHWARK LEASEHOLDERS AND RENTERS JOIN CAMPAIGN FOR SERVICE CHARGE OVERHAUL

Toni Parker Terry Downs is a renter in Peckham who claims he has been the victim of ongoing service charge abuse

EXCLUSIVE

By Isabel Ramirez LEASEHOLDERS AND renters who say they are victims of ‘service charge abuse’ warn a national campaign to overhaul the system can’t come soon enough.

The movement, spearheaded by the Social Action Housing Campaign (SHAC), is demanding changes to how service charges are paid to landlords.

SHAC has gathered what it says amounts to years of evidence revealing widespread overcharging, with tenants paying for non-existent work or duplicated charges.

They also found that in a whopping 72 per cent of cases where charges were in legal dispute, judges agreed residents had in fact been overcharged.

This paper has reported on countless service charge issues in Southwark over the years, including a particularly absurd case in 2023 when Peckham resident Joyce Iyinolakan discovered she had been paying service charges for the North Peckham estate – which was bulldozed 20 years earlier. Only when Joyce noticed the error herself, and the Ombudsman got involved, did her landlord, Southwark Council, refund her £2000.

Earlier this month, a Bermondsey homeowner won hundreds after being wrongly charged for lights in a random car park and maintenance to non-existent grounds as part of her service charge bill. Again, she was only reimbursed after contesting the charges.

The Public Interest Law Centre (PILC), working alongside SHAC, warns that millions of pounds in public funds are spent on unchecked service charges.

WHAT CHANGES DOES SHAC WANT TO SEE?

Campaigners want to see a change in the law which would see disputed service charges paid to courts instead of landlords. The system, used in Spain, means the money would only be passed

to the landlords if they can prove the legitimacy of the bills.

Suzanne Muna, SHAC Secretary, told us: “At the moment tenants are expected to pay the money and then they have to go to court to contest it, which also costs them money.

“With this system, the courts would hold the money until the landlord can prove the bill is accurate - so tenants aren’t left out of pocket.”

They are also demanding the establishment of a new body to regulate landlord and freeholder service charges.

A petition, which currently has over 5,700 signatures, calls on the government to create a new body that will monitor private, council and housing association service charges and impose meaningful penalties for unfair, inaccurate, and unreasonable service charges.

WHO WILL THE CHANGES AFFECT – AND HOW?

SHAC’s Ms Muna continued: “All the rights we are requesting and changes to the law would apply equally to renters, leaseholders and shared owners. Our aim is to equalise the rights of all and end the divide and rule.”

Southwark leaseholders say the changes can’t come soon enough.

Toni Parker has lived in her flat in Bermondsey for the last ten years and claims their housing association owes the leaseholders in her block around £65,000 in incorrect or duplicate charges.

“It’s probably more but that’s what I’ve worked out just with the information I’ve got over the last ten years,” she said.

As well as incorrect charges, she said another big problem is ‘incompetence’: “They’ll come and do the repair and they don’t fix the actual problem, because that’s not what they’ve been told to do.

“Then it’s the same repairs getting done over and over again.”

She noted a persistent leak that has never been fixed, yet the ceiling that is getting damaged as a result has been

repaired several times: “And we’re paying for that every time.”

She added: “Things aren’t fit for purpose, the intercoms are broken, the doors are broken, the bin store’s broken - nothing works.

“It makes sense that we’re paying a service charge but we’re not getting the service.”

Like many others, a shared ownership leasehold property was the only way for her to get on the housing ladder.

Toni said she recently withheld some service charges that she wanted to dispute as being incorrect, but the landlord claimed the money from her mortgage provider instead.

“So it got taken from my mortgage and I had to pay additional interest and higher payments on my mortgage every month,” she claimed.

She alleges the same thing has happened to a few residents on the estate.

“The system needs to change,” she added, “because at the moment it seems like no one knows what they’re doing.”

IT’S NOT ONLY LEASEHOLDERS WHO ARE IMPACTED BY DODGY CHARGES.

Terry Downs has rented the same small terraced property in Peckham since he was 16 from a housing association.

“I moved in 1992. My plan was always to move out until property prices went up so much - so I decided to stick with it,” he told us.

He claims that since 2019 he has been billed for items related to block management – including non-existent lifts. And despite successfully disputing the charges once, the same thing has happened twice again, alleging that his landlord had tried to charge him for fire safety regulations only applicable to tower blocks.

He told us he is currently contesting similar charges for a third time.

“I have been threatened with eviction before if I didn’t pay it. It’s service charge abuse… for people who don’t understand how to dispute

them straight away, they would just have to pay it,” he added.

SEVERAL MPS HAVE JOINED THE FIGHT FOR CHANGE.

A group of 26 MPs has written to the National Audit Office’s controller and general auditor, Gareth Davies, asking his department to investigate how landlords receive service charge payments through the benefits system.

In their letter, MPs highlight how housing associations impose excessive charges, often covered by Universal Credit and Housing Benefit, without proper scrutiny.

The MPs’ letter came as the Social Housing Action Campaign (SHAC) also submitted a dossier to the National Audit Office on alleged service charge abuse, highlighting some cases where landlords have charged for services already covered by council tax lift maintenance for buildings without lifts. The group has also highlighted the lengthy and difficult process to obtain refunds, even when errors have been acknowledged by landlords.

Housing associations alone receive around £1.7 billion annually in service charges, half of which comes from public funds. The Public Interest Law Centre says reviewing service charges made through the benefits system is an ‘urgent need’ for both residents and taxpayers.

SHAC says if the National Audit Office fails to investigate it may pursue legal action.

A spokesperson for the National Audit Office said: “We have received the correspondence from SHAC and we are carefully considering it in line with our remit to audit government spending.”

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL HAS SAID IT WILL START PUBLISHING ITEMISED SERVICE CHARGE BILLS FOR LEASEHOLDERS TO GIVE THEM ‘MORE TRANSPARENCY’.

A petition, received on February 25 this year, asked for Southwark Council to make itemised bills the norm. This comes after a series of scandals relating to billing, with leaseholders claiming the lack of transparency in their bills meant some were being wrongly charged for things without realising.

Currently, to get an itemised bill of service charges, leaseholders have to individually request it, which can take at least 28 days if not longer.

According to a report that went to cabinet on March 11, the council is now taking steps to issue itemised bills for 2024/2025 as soon as September this year.

The bills will not be posted through everyone’s door, but rather they will be published online on the MySouthwark platform. Homeowners will just need to be signed up to the portal to access their breakdown.

They are also proposing to hold postbilling surgeries where leaseholders will be able to discuss and contest individual actual charges.

While this is progress, campaigners fear other landlords will drag their feet – unless the government steps in.

Terry, currently facing a third legal fight with his housing association landlord, said no one should go through the stress he and others have had to endure: “Service charging should be completely different from rent.

The landlord should invoice you. And if they want to dispute that - they should be taking you to court, not the other way around.”

NEWS 11 © Met

TWENTY-THREE MORE WOMEN COME FORWARD OVER ELEPHANT AND CASTLE STUDENT RAPIST Police fear he could have as many as 50 victims

By Issy Clarke POLICE HAVE been approached by 23 more women claiming they were attacked by convicted serial rapist Zhenhao Zou.

The Elephant and Castle student, 28, was found guilty in March of raping and drugging ten women in London and China between 2019 and 2024.

His conviction at Inner London Crown Court, just down the road from his home in Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle, involved women both in the UK and China and was one of the most complex investigations carried out by the Met Police.

After the trial ended, detectives revealed they had evidence to suggest that there may be more than 50 other victim-survivors, and appealed for anyone who have not yet been identified to come forward.

Since the Met’s appeal, 23 women have already made reports and investigators believe there could yet be further victims and survivors of Zou. Some of these women currently live in the UK, while others are living in China and other parts of the world, highlighting the international scale of his crimes and the challenges faced by officers in bringing Zou to justice.

Multiple people have also come forward to share key information and assist with enquires, who officers are treating as potential witnesses.

Commander Kevin Southworth, who leads public protection at the Metropolitan Police, said: “This is a significant step in our ongoing investigation and I’d like to thank

the women who have bravely come forward since our appeal. Our priority remains to offer them the best possible support throughout this immensely difficult time.

“I would also like thank Londoners and the wider public who have shared our appeal and helped us raise awareness of this case – helping to reach further women and witnesses who we believe will be crucial to the next phase of our investigation.

“As part of our work to make London safer, officers and staff at the Met are continuing their efforts to

tackle violence against women and girls and put victim-survivors at the heart of our response.”

Specialist officers from the Met have spoken with all of the women who have come forward and enquiries continue into any potential crimes which have not yet been through the criminal justice process.

Dedicated officers are liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service as they build a file of evidence to submit for further consideration by prosecutors. This will follow Zou’s sentencing, which is scheduled to take place in June 2025.

A profile photo he used As part of this update, the investigation team is once again appealing for further victimsurvivors to come forward where they will receive specialist support.

Beyond the women who have come forward, officers believe that there are still more victim-survivors to be traced.

Officers want to reassure any potential victim-survivors that any reports will be fully investigated and dealt with the utmost sensitivity, care and compassion.

The PHD student Zou is originally from Dongguan in the Guangdong Province of China and is believed to have lived in the UK since 2017.

Before his arrest in January 2024, Zou was a student at University College London (UCL) since 2019 and prior to that studied at Queen’s University Belfast.

Zou met women using online platforms and dating apps, inviting them to his home under the guise of studying or to have drinks. Officers have established that he invited women back to his address – one in central London and another in Elephant and Castle.

Once inside he would offer them a drink which contained a substance – believed to be butanediol, which converts to GHB once in the human body.

This would leave the victimsurvivors drifting in and out of consciousness. While unconscious, he filmed himself as he raped and sexually assaulted them.

Zou also kept items from victimsurvivors, such as jewellery and clothing.

After a woman came forward to report Zou, police searched his home and found the drugs butanediol and

ketamine, as well as a number of hidden cameras. They also seized a number of laptops and mobile phones, which later uncovered the true scale of Zou’s offending.

Officers downloaded the digital devices amounting to six and a half trillion bytes of data, which included around nine million WeChat messages.

Met investigators spent months trawling through messages to understand Zou’s pattern of offending, painstakingly translating them into English from Simplified Chinese.

They also watched hundreds of videos stored on his devices, which appear to show Zou filming himself raping and sexually assaulting women. It was after analysis of this graphic and disturbing material that it became apparent that he had not only committed offences in London, but also in his home country of China too.

During the trial, officers were assisted by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security, who helped to facilitate one of the brave victimsurvivors giving evidence against Zou.

Reports relating to Zhenhao Zou can be made online via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP): https://mipp. police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38PO1. The MIPP is also available in Simplified Chinese (https://mipp. police.uk/operation/01MPS25X38PO2 ).

If you wish to speak to Met detectives or make a report relating to Zou, you can also contact police via email on survivors@met.police.uk You can also make a report to police by calling 101 from within the UK, quoting reference 2904/04FEB25.

12 NEWS

MAYOR KHAN URGED TO INTERVENE TO BLOCK 44 STOREY TOWERS IN ELEPHANT & CASTLE

By Noah Vickers

Local Democracy Reporter SIR SADIQ Khan has been urged to intervene over plans to build tower blocks up to 44 storeys high in south London, as councillors warn the development will contain an “unacceptably low” amount of social housing.

The controversial ‘Borough Triangle’ scheme, which will see the construction of 892 new homes, was narrowly approved by Southwark Council at a planning committee meeting last week.

In order to proceed however, the development still requires sign-off from the Mayor of London, due to its height and number of homes proposed.

The plans include 77 homes available at an “intermediate” level of affordability and 153 homes at a social rent. The remaining 662 properties are set to be sold off at market rates.

The council’s Lib Dem opposition leader Victor Chamberlain, who represents Borough and Bankside, said: “When Borough Triangle got approved last week, we said that we would keep fighting for affordable housing and standing up for local residents. We meant it.

“There are over 2,800 families in SE1 alone on the social housing waiting list. For fewer than one in five homes to be available for social rent is simply unacceptable.

“There is a version of the development

CGIs of Borough Triangle development

that could deliver genuinely affordable homes we need, whilst protecting heritage sites – but so far Labour have let developers get away with putting profit first.

“That’s why we’re calling on Sadiq Khan to urgently step in to ensure that the development of Borough Triangle genuinely delivers for local communities in Southwark and across London.”

In its report on the project, officers at Southwark Council concluded that if the developer were to provide more affordable housing, it would threaten the scheme’s viability as a whole.

The report states: “The quantum of affordable housing has been tested by the council’s own viability assessor, and

is considered to be the maximum that can be achieved on the site.”

But the report also acknowledged that there were heritage concerns associated with the scheme. It noted, for example, that for someone looking across the Serpentine in Hyde Park towards the Houses of Parliament – a designated World Heritage Site – the development would appear “overly dominant” in the background and would cause “a degree of harm” to that view.

Regarding the development’s impacts on daylight, officers found that it would bring “moderate and major adverse effects to neighbouring properties”, due to the shadows cast by the towers.

Local resident and actress Juliet

Rylance told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We as the Borough community remain gravely concerned and distressed.

“It’s a development that – as per the planning officers’ own report – will cause significant harm and leave lasting major adverse impacts on neighbouring council estates, playgrounds, heritage assets, the conservation areas to the north-east and west of the site, so it’s significant…

“This scheme is only technically compliant with the Southwark and London Plans for [affordable] housing, by 0.1 per cent by habitable room. I think that’s just not good enough.”

Ms Rylance, known for her television

roles in The Knick, McMafia and Perry Mason, added: “This should not be a case of ‘community vs developer’… There is a compromise that needs to be sought and this community is dedicated to helping our leaders find it.

“We implore our mayor to seek an amendment to this proposal, one that truly benefits this community and wider Southwark, that supports us now and for the many generations to come.”

City Hall would not be drawn on whether the mayor had concerns about the scheme. A spokesman for Sir Sadiq said: “In due course when the application is referred, the mayor will review whether to call in the application for his consideration.”

‘IT’S A HIDDEN GEM IN SOUTHWARK’

EXCLUSIVE

By Isabel Ramirez

The Neurodiversity Family Hub, launched in 2023 by Borough resident Sonay Ozkutayli and Marine BernierHarrington, provides youth clubs and support for children with special educational needs (SEND) and their parents.

Sonay, a mother of two neurodiverse children, struggled to find local SENDfocused activities. “The doctors gave me an armful of leaflets for me as a parent, but when I asked about clubs for my daughter, they said there was nothing nearby.”

Determined to fill this gap, she and Marine created the hub, offering weekly sessions for different age groups at Mint Street Park. “You don’t have to be diagnosed, as we understand how long that journey is,” Sonay said.

Children, many with autism and ADHD, feel safe at the hub. “It stops me sitting inside playing video games,” said Paul, a long-time attendee. “The staff are brilliant.”

© Met Police

A NON-PROFIT supporting neurodiverse children says Southwark families are missing out on its services due to a lack of a permanent base.

he children all said they felt comfortable at the hub to be themselves

His mum, Siobhan Young, added: “Before, I always felt judged by other parents.

“But here, I feel included. To find somewhere where your kid can scream, they can sing - they can just burn off energy without being judged.”

“It’s an absolute hidden gem in

Southwark.”

The hub, recently funded by Southwark Council for a careers and skills programme for over-16s, also supports parents with coffee mornings and advocacy for education and healthcare plans. “We empower them with knowledge and community,”

Sonay said.

However, limited access to Mint Street Park restricts their work. “A permanent home would let us reach more families, offer a holiday club, tutoring, and therapy sessions,” she explained.

Paul said having a permanent space

would give him “more security” and he could see his friends more.

Cllr Victor Chamberlain, Leader of the Southwark Liberal Democrats, praised the hub as a “fantastic resource” but acknowledged that its growth is hindered by the lack of a dedicated space. “I’m really pleased to have seen them go from strength to strength in supporting neurodiverse children and their families.

“We remain committed to supporting them in securing a permanent home.”

Parent Jen Maharaja highlighted the hub’s impact: “I especially love that the weight my eldest son enters with, is gently lifted as he is greeted by all the lovely staff who really take the time to get to know him and ask how he is.

“This organisation makes our children feel accepted, heard, and loved.”

The Neurodiversity Family Hub continues to advocate for a permanent home to expand its vital services for Southwark’s neurodiverse community.

For more information about how to access their services please visit www. theneurodiversityfamilyhub.org To donate to the Neurodiversity Family Hub so they can continue helping families in the borough, click here.

They are based at Mint Street Park, Southwark Bridge Rd, London SE1 1QP

NEWS 13

ADVERTORIAL

Walk Your Way to Better Mental Health – And Join London’s Most Inspiring Walking Events This May

This National Walking Day (Wednesday 2nd April), there’s never been a better time to take a step towards better mental wellbeing.

Whether it’s a daily stroll or a larger fitness goal, walking can have a transformative impact on your mental and physical health, and now, you can walk with purpose too.

A recent survey commissioned by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk revealed that 82% of adults say going for a walk improves their mood and mental health. Walking is more than just exercise, it’s a simple and powerful way to improve your daily wellbeing, build resilience, and find space for self-care.

To mark the occasion, Walk the Walk invites you to get involved in something truly meaningful this May, with two unforgettable events in the heart of London.

Step into Spring with Purpose Saturday 17th May, Walk the Walk’s iconic challenge, The MoonWalk London, returns to Clapham Common. This unique overnight walking event sees thousands of women and men walk a half or full marathon in decorated bras, raising awareness and

vital funds for breast and other cancers.

Alongside it, the 5K ZOOM offers a fun, familyfriendly daytime event, perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just starting your journey, both events promise community spirit, entertainment, and a sense of accomplishment like no other.

The 5K ZOOM – A Perfect Introduction The 5K ZOOM takes place earlier that same day and is ideal for newcomers to Walk the Walk events. It’s a lively and accessible 5 kilometre route through Clapham Common, filled with music, fun, and a welcoming atmosphere.

It’s open to all ages, making it a fantastic opportunity for families to walk together.

At the finish line, participants are greeted with a hot drink, a muffin, and a collectible medal, leaving with fun memories made.

The MoonWalk London For those looking for a bigger challenge, The MoonWalk London offers two distances: the Half Moon (15.1 miles) or the Full Moon (26.2

miles). The route weaves through central London under the night sky, filled with live entertainment, cheering supporters, and an atmosphere that’s both powerful and joyful.

Open to anyone aged 13 and over, the event is about more than just walking, it’s about unity, determination, and the power of a community walking together for a common cause.

New for 2025: Lights, Music, and the Magic of Musicals This year’s MoonWalk theme celebrates musicals. From Mamma Mia to Matilda, Hairspray to Hamilton, participants are encouraged to dress as their favourite characters for a vibrant night of walking and celebration.

Walk the Walk is also introducing more LED light installations than ever before, transforming the night-time route into an immersive, glowing celebration. In addition, iconic London landmarks will once again Light Up Pink, creating a city-wide show of unity and support.

Walking for Wellness – Five Tips from the Founder Walk the Walk’s Founder and Chief Executive, Nina Barough CBE, shares her five tips for turning walking into a habit: 1.

Schedule it – treat your daily walk like a meeting and commit to it.

2. Plan a few routes – have walks mapped out for different lengths of time.

3. Dress appropriately – comfortable clothing and good footwear make all the difference.

4. Track your steps – using an app or pedometer helps with motivation.

5. Make every step count – even short walks or walking between rooms add up.

Sign up today at walkthewalk.org Special offer: Register now for The MoonWalk London and receive a second entry at half price.

14 NEWS

TUNNEL TOLLS AT SILVERTOWN AND BLACKWALL COULD MAKE TRAFFIC WORSE AT TOWER BRIDGE, OFFICIALS CLAIM

By Issy Clarke

CHARGES TO use Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels could lead to more traffic at other crossings including Rotherhithe Tunnel and Tower Bridge as motorists seek to avoid the toll, the authority in charge of the bridge has warned.

F.A.A.

Photo by Cecelina Photography

Silvertown Tunnel linking Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks is opened on Monday, April 7.

Motorists will have to pay £4 to use the tunnel during peak hours, while drivers of large vans and heavy goods vehicles will have to pay £6.50 and £10 respectively.

Now the Silvertown Tunnel is open the same charges also apply to the Blackwall tunnel, which was free to use.

Transport officials have said the tolls are necessary to avoid creating congestion at Blackwall caused by motorists avoiding the paid tunnel, defeating the purpose of Silvertown which was built to relieve pressure from Blackwall.

The new tunnel has been specifically designed to accommodate heavy vehicles, which often get stuck in Blackwall and cause lengthy delays.

However the body in charge of Tower Bridge has warned that imposing charges will simply lead to

traffic building up at other Thames crossings.

Simon Latham, the chief operator of the City Bridge Authority, which manages the five Thames bridges

in central London at no cost to the taxpayer, told The Times that more traffic would have a “detrimental impact” on the Grade 1-listed Tower Bridge crossing, adding:

F A ALBIN & SONS

“It’s vital we do everything we can to protect the 130-year-old structure…

We would urge TfL to closely monitor any impact on traffic flow.”

TFL said it does not anticipate

‘significant impacts’ at Tower Bridge.

Southwark Council is also concerned there could be increasing pressure on Rotherhithe Tunnel which connects Rotherhithe and Limehouse.

However Latham said since large vehicles can’t access Rotherhithe Tunnel, Tower Bridge was more likely to bear the impact of heavy vans escaping the tunnel charge.

Tower Bridge is held up by bascules and suspenders, and partly opens in the middle to let boats pass through.

This design makes it more vulnerable to being worn-down due to overuse as the carriage-way is more fragile.

Meanwhile, National Highways has warned the effects of the tunnel on traffic could reverberate as far down Dartford Crossing on the M25, which costs £2.50 to cross.

A spokesperson for TFL said: “We have undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the scheme impacts, including on traffic at adjacent crossings, and have used this updated work to inform decisions on the user charge levels and discounts. We do not anticipate significant impacts at Tower Bridge, but we have made legally binding commitments to closely monitor this before and after the tunnel opens, and act if impacts are notably different to those predicted.”

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NEWS 15

You can travel from Lewisham & Greenwich for FREE on the bus for an entire year!

The Cycle Shuttle Service will be free for the first year

Silvertown Tunnel entrance

New free bus service through the Silvertown Tunnel kick in at Blackwall Tunnel. Both will be free to use overnight, and standard offpeak charges will also apply for vehicles registered with TFL Auto Pay. Silvertown has in part been built to relieve congestion at Blackwall Tunnel, which suffers from more than 700 closures a year.

© TFL

WHAT OTHER DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE?

By Louisa Woolf Local Democracy Reporter IT IS now free to travel from Lewisham and Greenwich on the bus thanks to three new bus routes being launched by Transport for London.

The 108, 129 and the new Superloop 4 are now carrying passengers and customers won’t have to pay a penny for the first 12 months.

The Superloop 4 now connects south east London to Canary Wharf for the first time and make it easier for people from Blackheath, Lee and Grove Park to cross the Thames.

It will run every eight minutes during weekdays and every 15 minutes during the day at weekends.

The 108 runs from Stratford

International Station to Lewisham Station, while the 129 begins in Newham and ends in Lewisham.

These new services are were launched in conjunction with the opening of the brand new Silvertown Tunnel linking North Greenwich to the Royal Docks.

SO WHERE CAN YOU GO FOR FREE ON THE BUS?

centre, Blackheath on this side of the river and Beckton District Park in Newham.

And a brand new route, the Superloop SL4, will run through the new tunnel from Grove Park to Canary Wharf.

The Superloop 4 will call at all stops between Grove Park and Kidbrooke Park Road, via Lee station and Blackheath station.

It then runs non-stop to Leamouth via the new Silvertown Tunnel, and calls at all stops from there until Westferry Circus, including East India Station and Canary Wharf Station.

The SuperLoop buses will run every eight minutes.

You must touch in with a valid Oyster card or contactless card or device, but the fare will automatically register as £0.00.

THERE IS EVEN A FREE RIDE ON THE DOCKLANDS LIGHT RAILWAY

Route 108 will continue to run every 10 minutes from Lewisham station to Stratford International via the Blackwall Tunnel, passing through North Greenwich and Bow Church stations. This route has been upgraded to become electric buses.

The newly extended route 129 will run from Lewisham, past the O2 arena, through the Silvertown Tunnel, to City Airport and as far as Great Eastern Quay. It also takes in popular destinations like Greenwich Town

It’s not only the buses that are free, you can also get free DLR travel across the river between Cutty Sark Island Gardens, and between Woolwich Arsenal and King George V. Passengers will tap on as normal, and the fares between these stations will be automatically refunded. But this will only be until the end of May (see story below).

The refurbishment has been scheduled to avoid disruption during the London Marathon which takes place on April 27 this year, and is expected to be completed by next Spring, ahead of the 2026 event.

Cutty Sark is one of the closest stations to the start line in Greenwich Park for the marathon’s 50,000 runners, and many more spectators.

The closure will affect commuters to Canary Wharf and the 20 million tourists who visit Greenwich every year. Cutty Sark is London’s third busiest DRL station, following Canary Wharf and Limehouse.

TfL says the new “state-of-the-art, energy-efficient escalators” will provide customers with easier and more reliable access to the station.

Ben Grellier, TfL’s head of operations for the DLR, said: “We know Cutty Sark’s escalators have been causing disruption and frustration for our customers and we would like to thank them for their patience during this period.

“We apologise for any further disruption the station closure may cause, but it is not possible to replace these escalators with the station in operation. Once installed, the new state-of-the-art escalators will provide customers with reliable and easier access to DLR services at the station.”

The station will closed from Saturday 31st May 2025 until Spring 2026, with passengers advised to use Greenwich station, an 11-minute walk away, and local buses during the closure.

AND NOT FORGETTING CYCLISTS THEY GO FREE TOO

Cyclists are also able to travel through the new 1.4km tunnel for free on the bike shuttle service.

A shuttle bus now runs every 12 minutes from 6:30am to 9:30pm, taking cyclists and their bikes to and from the stop on the north side of the river, close to Royal Victoria DLR station, and the stop on the southside on Millennium Way. It has two stops, one on each side of the river, with the ‘north’ stop located on Seagull Lane close to Royal Victoria DLR station, and the ‘south’ stop located on Millennium Way near the junction with Old School Close. Maps showing local cycle routes are on display at shelters to help with journey planning and encourage further journeys by cycle.

WHY DID TFL BUILD THE SILVERTOWN TUNNEL?

The 1.4km tunnel, which was first announced in 2012, will see the number of buses able to cross the river each hour increase from six to 21.

The tunnel is estimated to reduce journey times by up to 20 minutes during peak hours.

It cost £4 to drive a car through the tunnel during peak times, and up to £10 for larger vans and lorries. The same tolls will also

Cutty Sark DLR station to close for 10 months

By Louisa Woolf Local Democracy Reporter CUTTY SARK DLR station will be closed from the end of May until next Spring while all four escalators are replaced.

Problems with the existing escalators have disrupted passengers since 2021, with all four now out of service. To get from platform to street level, commuters currently have to walk up 121 steps or wait for a single small lift.

TfL says that replacing all four escalators at once is the best way to minimise disruption. It says due to limited space at the station it is impossible for it to remain open during the works.

Low-income residents in 12 east London boroughs and the City of London, and on certain benefits, are eligible for a 50 per cent discount on tunnel crossing charges.

Small businesses, sole traders and charities registered and operating from Greenwich, Newham or Tower Hamlets are also eligible for a £1 discount on the off-peak charge on a maximum of three vehicles.

WHAT THE MAYOR HAS TO SAY?

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The new Silvertown Tunnel will transform travel in the South and East of our city, particularly across the River Thames, and will help to address the chronic congestion and poor air quality around Blackwall Tunnel.

“The new tunnel will reduce journey times, help to manage pollution levels and improve cross-river public transport.

“The original plans for the Silvertown Tunnel were developed by the previous Mayor of London in 2012. We made a series of significant improvements to make the scheme greener and to include a package of measures to support Londoners, local residents and businesses.

“This includes ensuring there are discounts and concessions in place, reserving a lane for double-decker buses, a free innovative cycle-shuttle service and free bus travel for pedestrians, which will encourage more people to switch to greener modes of transport.”

16 NEWS

WALWORTH GANG CONVICTED AS COURT HEARS OF A CONSPIRACY TO ‘PEDDLE LAMB’S TESTICLES AND SHEEP’S HEADS’ TO UNKNOWING SHOPPERS

been secured following an extensive investigation led by the NFCU which required meticulous examination of large volumes of evidence.

“The NFCU worked closely with Southwark Council and other partners to enable this successful prosecution.

It is anticipated that the sentencing in due course will reflect the serious nature of this offending and will act as a deterrent to other bad actors in the food chain.”

By Issy Clarke

A GROUP of criminals have been caught red-handed in Walworth in a shocking food fraud scandal following a successful investigation

by Southwark Council and the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU).

From a filthy cutting room hidden in a property on Laugan Walk, Walworth, Southwark Council said criminals diverted the grotesque animal waste products into the human food chain between June and September 2020.

Police broke into the premises in September 2020, and found it “filthy, lacking hot water and proper hygiene facilities”.

The investigation started in March 2020 after Southwark Council received a report from the NFCU, a law enforcement division within the Food Standards Agency, regarding suspicious illegal food activity near East Street.

Once inside, officers said they found a door obscured by stacked boxes, which led them to an illegal covert cutting shop where workers were found actively cutting, skinning, washing, and portioning tainted raw poultry intended for sale and distribution.

Officers said they uncovered 1.9 tonnes of whole and cut chickens, smokies, lamb’s testicles, and beef burgers, all of which were improperly handled and stored at the unregistered premises in Laugan Walk. These products, originally intended for disposal or pet food, were instead being fraudulently reintroduced into the human food supply chain.

Southwark Council said the labels on the lamb’s testicles and beef burgers were traced to a company called Keepak while the labels found on the chicken was traced to a company called 2 Sisters Food Group or 2SFG. The companies later confirmed the meat and poultry items were Category 3 animal-by products not usually consumed by humans, such as animal skin, bones, horns and hooves.

Once food has been determined to be animal-by-product it cannot legally

Southwark named second worst in London for burglaries

WHAT IS ANIMAL BY-PRODUCT?

enter the human food chain making it not fit for human consumption.

The officers soon determined that the premises were controlled by Ali Afzal, Azal Irshad, and a third person called Arshad Akhtar. Mr Akhtar has since died.

Upon discovery of the cutting shop Southwark Council referred the case to the NFCU which traced the supply of the animal by-products to Fears Animal Products Ltd, led by director Anthony Fear and manager Mark Hooper.

Trading standards officers from Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay, seized evidence showing that Fears Animal Products Ltd had been contracted by both Kepak and 2SFG to collect animal by-products and transport them to Saria, a pet food producer.

Due to the scale of the operation and the health risks posed, all meat found

at the premises was seized on-site and subsequently destroyed.

The complex case concluded with the court finding Anthony Fear, Fears Animal Products, Irshad, together with Hooper guilty of conspiring together to commit food fraud.

Additionally, Ali Afzal, who rented the premises to Akhtar and Irshad, was convicted of breaching food hygiene and safety regulations.

Irshad, in particular, was found guilty of multiple violations, including disregarding food hygiene procedures and operating in filthy, unsafe conditions without a hot water supply.

He was also convicted of selling unfit food, such as expired beef burgers and improperly processed sheep’s heads, known as “smokies.”

The group are due to be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court in the coming weeks.

Councillor Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods, said:“These violations highlight the blatant disregard for food safety laws that protect public health – all for profit.

Consumers who unknowingly purchase and consume these products are exposed to potential health hazards.

“We will not tolerate such reckless and deceitful behaviour and no matter how long it takes; we will use all our available powers to bring criminals to justice.

“Together with the NFCU, our officers worked relentlessly to uncover the truth and ensure those responsible are made to pay for their crimes. We hope sentencing reflects the gravity of the crimes committed” Andrew Quinn, Head of the FSA’s NFCU said: “These five convictions have

By Issy Clarke SOUTHWARK HAD the second highest number of burglaries in London last year, according to the Met Police.

In total 1,583 burglaries were reported in Southwark in 2024, making it one of London’s biggest hotspots for home invasions, according to data obtained by Legal Expert via Freedom of Information requests.

Across London, the Met recorded more than 34,000 home burglaries last year, just 3 per cent of which resulted in a charge.

The most burgled borough was Barnet in north London, where residents reported 1,839 breakins, followed by Southwark, Hackney and Tower Hamlets.

When animals are slaughtered and processed, waste material is produced.

However, what is described as waste material can include meat or poultry (e.g. whole chickens) which has simply fallen on the floor during slaughter or processing. This material is not suitable for the human food chain and is therefore categorised into 3 categories: Category 1 is high risk material containing disease; Category 2 material is also high risk and would include body parts or parts which have come into contact with cleaning agents; Category 3 material is regarded as low risk and includes animal parts not usually used within the human food chain but may also include products originally intended for human consumption but which are later withdrawn for commercial or other reasons.

Once something is categorised as animal by-product it cannot be changed back hence why it is unfit for human consumption.

Category 3 animal by-product is frequently used for pet food and therefore it has a commercial value.

The value however is low. For example, one tonne, so 1000 kilograms, of whole chicken categorised as animal by-product, destined for the pet food industry, is valued at between £100 to £120. If you think about how much you may pay for a whole chicken, or perhaps a kilo of chicken, in a supermarket, you may understand why someone may go about trying to divert animal byproduct into the human food chain.

The Met has recorded 108,000 burglaries in London since 2022, more than any other police force in the country.

The second most targeted region of the UK was the West Midlands where police recorded 39,869 home invasions in the same period.

Legal Expert’s CICA (Criminal Injury Compensation Authority) specialist, Ellie Lamey described the number of break-ins resulting in a charge as “shockingly low.”

She added: “Being the victim of a burglary can be extremely invasive and traumatic not to mention those instances of aggravated burglary where weapons are involved.

“Moreover the shockingly low charge rate gives victims the impression that there is no support or justice following what can be in some cases, a life-altering event.”

18 OPINION

Comment

‘Since we were elected to government we have recruited 1,500 new GPs’

I

AM PROUD of the staff who work in our National Health Service from the nurses and doctors to the estates staff, cleaners and porters who work hard every day to deliver the lifesaving and life-enhancing treatment and care patients rely on.

Their job has been made far too hard by fourteen long years of Conservative and Liberal Democrat governments which systematically and methodically ran our NHS into the ground, failing to train more staff or invest in the equipment and buildings our NHS needs to deliver world class services, and

HELEN HAYES

leaving a system under immense strain.

Our NHS staff worked heroically through the Covid-19 pandemic, often in extraordinarily difficult conditions, and that challenging time took a severe toll on them, with many staff taking the difficult decision to leave their profession.

As a consequence, our NHS has been pushed to breaking point. Far too many patients have found themselves stuck on waiting lists, struggling to get a GP appointment and many have found it all-but impossible to access dental care on the NHS. Labour is determined to turn around

our NHS in the way that the last Labour government did from 1997 to 2010. The first step was to rapid action to stop the strikes that had held back the recovery of clinical services after the pandemic.

In February the government announced that the target to deliver more than 2 million extra appointments had been delivered seven months early including appointments for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endoscopy, and diagnostic tests

crucial for getting patients on to the right treatment pathway.

This week the government has announced that 1,500 new GPs have been recruited since the general election, which will start to make a difference to the availability of GP appointments and capacity in primary care services.

And although NHS waiting lists are still far too long, the last five months have seen these long waiting lists

drop each month, including during the peak winter months, as Labour’s reforms start to take effect.

Last year in the Labour government’s first budget we announced an extra £25.7 billion for the NHS to drive the changes that we all need to see over the coming years. There are no quick fixes, but Labour has started the hard work, we are putting in the long-term investment that is needed, and it is starting to bear fruit.

The sun is surprisingly warm at this time but soon loses the heat as night time temperatures often drop significantly. Plants to enjoy in the garden include Viola odorata, the tiny purple woodland plant with a strong sweet scent; Forsythia is in full bloom with its cheerful yellow flowers - to be seen for the next couple of weeks; the winter Hellebores (out in December) are still in flower. Blackthorn, usually one of the first wild trees to flower in early March is out and at last Rosemary has started flowering. The spring bulbs - Daffodils, Tulips and Hyacinths - have all come out together.

Sowing green leaves, lettuces and tomatoes can still be done during April. Little Gem is a compact variety of lettuce with a sweet flavour. ‘Tumbler’ is a popular choice of trailing tomato

that produces a prolific crop (it can be grown in a hanging basket too).

April is the last month to plant strawberries to get them established and fruiting for the summer season.

Try Cambridge Favourite (mid-season type) or Florence (late summer fruiting) they can also be grown in containers; the plants get quite large and will put out ‘runners’ that produce plantlets. The compact Alpine strawberries make a pretty display in containers - they produce tiny fruits with a hint of vanilla flavour; but lots of plants would be needed to ensure any kind of crop. Have a few specimens and grow them as a treat.

The secret of successful container gardening whether growing edible or flowering plants is that they need to be watered well – up to

three times a day during very hot weather, and as they produce crops (or flowers) they will easily exhaust the nutrients in the compost, so a regular balanced feed is vital.

Planting bulbs (and corms) is carried out at various times throughout the gardening year – in autumn it’s daffodils, snowdrops and crocus

for spring displays. During April the summer flowering bulbs like perfumed Lilies, the Day Lilies, Freesias, Polianthes, Crocosmias and Crinums are planted to add colours and interest later in the year to the summer borders and beds.

MP for Dulwich & West Norwood

There is just still time to plant edible crops including strawberries

L

IFE IS returning to the garden after an exceptionally cold winter – buds delayed by low temperatures have slowly opened, flowers and blossom are beginning to clothe stems and branches.

It will not be long before the gardening work begins to overtake the usual seasonal tasks; grass needs cutting on a regular basis, and weeds that have managed to survive the cold must be dug out from the roots (not just stems removed). And there are always little areas needing to be cleared that were missed during the autumn tidy.

The ground is beginning to warm up even if the air temperature feels cool and as daylight hours extend, more things can be planted and seeds sown straight into the ground.

OPINION 19

Beer Mile street works leave a bitter taste in the mouth

F

or years the News has reported on the tensions between some residents of the Arnold Estate and the businesses trading on the Bermondsey Beer Mile.

Neither group believes the street works for them - residents claim rowdy drunks spill over from the breweries lining the drinking stretch onto their estate, while business owners claim the road is too cluttered to accommodate the crowds of tourists who flock to the Mile each weekend.

But thanks to expensive new street improvements unveiled by Southwark Council in February, these warring tribes have fallen on the same side. The council plans to move the unloading bay into the middle of the street and to narrow the cycle lane to make room for a wider pavement outside the Arches. In theory, this ought to address anxieties often expressed about road safety, as the space constraints mean pedestrians regularly spill out onto the street. However in practice, as one exasperated business owner explained to us, moving the loading bay will make it “impossible” for businesses to unload deliveries during the weekends when the streets are packed with tourists. Neither do the improvements address concerns raised by residents surrounding noise and anti-social behaviour, who simply fear the new pavement will encourage rowdy outdoor drinking.

In all, the improvements seem like a missed opportunity to improve the experience of the street for visitors, businesses and residents. Neither side feels that they have been properly listened to - business owners claim the council has been too slow to acknowledge the reality of Druid Street’s popularity, while residents claim their representatives are solely on the side of the Mile’s pubs and bars. It raises questions around the quality of the consultation carried out by Southwark Council.

Humaira Ali, a former Liberal Democrat councillor for London Bridge and West Bermondsey, questioned whether the council considered the outcome of a series of workshops between businesses and residents she helped organise back in 2019. A well carried out consultation ought to iron out disagreements and find a solution that is acceptable, if not perfect, to residents and businesses. Yet the present street improvements suggest the council has failed to engage with either. Instead, it has left itself £400k poorer, and everyone on Druid Street thoroughly cheesed off.

Flyer_A5.pdf 1 12/10/2021 22:35

CRYPTIC PUZZLE Clues Across

1 Think again and bring salvation (6) 7 Spoken from memory - about the co-respondent? (7) 8 The urge to admit I’m beat (7) 9 Lay back to see it was faithful (5) 10 Pause to bury the duellist, disturbed and listless (9) 12 Droop as the heat comes back (3) 13 Except a backward Middle Eastern (4) 15 We hear of waterproofing the roof (7) 17 Frame the band (4) 19 The fish returns on the sheltered side (3) 21 Writing down the recipe for the best gin sling? (9) 22 Sounds the correct way to sign (5) 23 Exposing the falseness of the fastening (7) 24 Stays for the ruins (7) 25 There’s cold comfort in such blockhouses (6)

1 Denunciations of fences? (8) 2 Warehouses of French containers (6) 3 How the angler with the tail of one that got away will exaggerate (7) 4 Balance the proportionate size (5) 5 One who supports a game contestant? (6) 6 I’d look back at the image (4) 7 Politicians who are concerned with ancient tax collectors (11) 11 Teachers can provide something for everyone (4) 13 Grew old having managed without a husband (4) 14 Loose women secure challenges (8) 16 Initially very good inner way of getting up courage (7) 18 Sacred marks - no thanks, a mark of infamy (6) 20 The same - see around for a vital urge (6) 21 Time to take right back and send the money (5) 22 Was dressed for battle by the sound of it (4)

QUICK PUZZLE CluesAcross Down Clues

16-18 and looking to start college?

C

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CM

MY

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CMY

Come and see what Bosco can offer you.

Places available for an immediate start in:

Business Child Care IT and Digital Media Sport

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1 Views (6) 7 Pacify (7) 8 Out of doors (4,3) 9 Fool (5) 10 Operating by itself (9) 12 Singular (3) 13 Writing fluids (4) 15 Choked (7) 17 American university (4) 19 Negative word (3) 21 Gesture of greeting (9) 22 Noosed rope (5) 23 Become less brisk (7) 24 Most elevated (7) 25 Metals (6)

Clues Across

1 One who hides aboard ship (8) 2 Jewish quarter (6) 3 Shackle (7) 4 Fundamental (5) 5 Fixed allowance (6) 6 Chair (4) 7 Leading character (11) 11 On one occasion only (4) 13 Image (4) 14 Snakes (8) 16 Delight (7) 18 Finally (6) 20 Equipment (6) 21 Cavities (5) 22 After due or usual time (4)

SOLUTIONS TO LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD

281 Jamaica Road, SE16 4RS 0207 232 0440 info@bosco.ac.uk

CRYPTIC

Across: 4 Oppose 8 Behaved 10 Roister 11 Satyr 12 Those 13 Deathless 16 Downfalls 19 Bingo 20 Rover 22 Showing 23 Shelled 24 Design Down: 1 Abused 2 Chat 3 Overshadowing 5 Points of order 6 Optional 7 Earned 9 Drive 14 Abandons 15 Abased 17 Wings 18 Stride 21 Vile

QUICK PUZZLE

Across: 4 Scales 8 Ravings 10 Control 11 Lance 12 Taste 13 Scavenger 16 Seascapes 19 Opera 20 Inset 22 Assails 23 Sunrise 24 Strays Down: 1 Frills 2 Oven 3 Unnecessarily 5 Constructions 6 Lordship 7 Silver 9 Scrag 14 Assessor 15 Morals 17 Amiss 18 Settee 21 Slip

20 ARTS

what’s on

Eleanor Hill overshares ‘It’s not funny,’ she said through the giggles,’ IN 2022 I reviewed Sadvents - a brilliant one-woman play written and performed by Eleanor Hill who shared all the horrors of her life, which involved abusive boyfriends, parental divorce and a mum dying.

It was equally as horrifying as it was hilarious, writes Michael Holland.

Last week, Eleanor made contact to say she had a new show that brings us up to date with her life. I was hoping Ms Hill had oversome her problems, purged her life of bad people and found happiness. Sadly, no; she went temporarily blind in one eye, which led to surgeons finding a massive cyst on her brain and performing surgery: ‘The horrors persist,’ she says with a sigh.

Of course, though, with her unique style, she had me in stitches when we met to talk about the past few years and her new show, Overshare, which will get a three-week run in Greenwich Theatre. She laughs a lot, for a reason.

Eleanor believes her desire to perform began at primary school, aged 6, when the class were doing an extract from James and the Giant Peach. The script said her character was drinking lemonade but she was asked to ‘mime’ the act of drinking.

This caused our star to have a ‘huge coughing fit’, which meant the teacher had to go and fetch water, allowing the Year 3 diva to continue with the scene but without having to mime. That piece of genius adlibbing led to Bath Spa University and a Masters at E15 Acting School.

Having never studied writing in her education, Eleanor has found her own

© M Holland

style, and that entails going out for walks while filming her streams of consciousness ramblings as they randomly occur. She then views the footage at home. ‘Some is absolute sh*t,’ she laughs, ‘and some of it’s gold.’ It is the gold that is put into her plays/ performances. She feels that this method helps her both as an actor and a writer.

The writing and performing is therapeutic for Eleanor. The violent boyfriend from before has now been expunged from her life, but there have been others who will no doubt be metaphorically dragged around the stage in Overshare.

‘Yes, it is therapy and I’m fine with that…

Hopefully, one day I will make money and that will pay for my therapy bills and I will have the last laugh.’ This was a cue for an infectious chuckle that you can’t help joining in with. This seemed like the ideal time to bring up the brain problem.

‘I was in the office at work when out of the blue I lost complete vision in my left eye - Terrifying! I went into shock, shaking and distressed - “I’m blind!” When she calmed down she planned to go home and ponder the rest of her life with half-vision, but her colleagues sensibly called an ambulanc. At the hospital they could not work out the cause. Her sight returned and was replaced by searing headaches and face muscles sagging like a stroke victim.

An MRI scan found the ‘huge, Grade 3, arachnoid cyst’ on the left side of her brain and a cavernoma on the other side.’

I was hoping Eleanor didn’t laugh this time because I didn’t want to join in. Sitting before a young woman telling me about

all these unwanted growths in her skull was not a laughing matter. Thankfully, she continued with tales of further episodes of blindness and head pain and then the neuro-surgery. This included drilling into the skull to monitor what was going on in there and to release any pressure. Eleanor expects more brain surgery before the year’s end, which spurred me on to say, ‘Next year’s show will be a blinder!’

Laughing was back on the menu.

‘It’s not funny,’ she said through the giggles, ‘it’s very, very traumatising, but

the dark humour has been a gift. It’s the only way to get through.’

The script for Overshare is 50% new stuff and the rest is fine-tuned and streamlined from Sadvents. Eleanor says that the team she is working with have helped her with dramaturgy, so Overshare will be a lot less random.

She was keen to mention Rachel Thomas(Associate Producer & Support Worker) who is there ‘to make sure I don’t go insane… She ensures that I get therapy along with everything else that has to be

doesn’t require the same emotional investment as dating women.

The play seamlessly shifts between various familiar male archetypes, all played with skill and nuance: the selfish student, the bumbling professor, the older man seeking companionship, the closeted

journalist, the actor hesitant to come out, the confident porn star, and the struggling playwright. Each character grapples with the expectations of gay culture— should they embrace promiscuity or seek monogamous love? Is sleeping around a requirement for a gay man, or is it possible to find stability? Ultimately, all of them seek deeper connection and love.

The play offers a cheeky nod to the ongoing pronoun debate when the writer character fumbles over how to introduce himself—queen, cis boy, gay—before settling on the safest option: “cocksucker.”

Meanwhile, older characters try to impart wisdom to their younger counterparts, stressing that true intimacy goes beyond bed-hopping. Yet, younger characters see long-term relationships as dull— suggesting that sex toys might help, only to dismiss the idea as something “straight couples do.”

A particularly striking scene features an actor on the verge of coming out before a major film release, facing pressure from a

done; she makes sure I get a break and am organised…’ Rachel sounds crucial to this operation where Eleanor is producing, writing and performing.

Adding more phone use into the show will, Eleanor hopes, bring in people who don’t think theatre is for them. Each show is relaxed, people can come and go, they can take photos and videos and livestream it: ‘They can send jokes while I’m jumping around and talking about my dead mum, which is ridiculous in itself but that’s how social media works’.

Overshare is a show that can evolve and grow as long as Eleanor Hill evolves and grows, and updating it every year is something that crosses her mind. She jokes about a ‘Me and My Cyst’ working title.

However, she has been commissioned

by Camden People’s Theatre to write for them, so that could throw up something different. Plus, there are hopes to tour Overshare after the Greenwich run, and, astonishingly, she talked herself into a marketing job at Greenwich Theatre.

‘When I came to talk to James Haddrell (Artistic Director) about putting my play on here, I told him I had worked in marketing and he gave me a job!’

But for now, Eleanor Hill is preparing Overshare and urges the audience to keep their phones turned on to interact with the show. This is theatre as you’ve never known it before.

Greenwich Theatre Studio Space, Crooms Hill, SE10 8EX from May 6th - 25th.

Tuesday - Saturday 7.45pm; Sunday 5pm.

Admission: £13.50, £11.

Booking and full details: www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk @iameleanorhill @greenwichtheatre @oversharetheplay

Exploring themes of loneliness, desire, and vulnerability

A contemporary reimagining of Schnitzler’s La Ronde, F**king Men follows ten men through a series of interwoven, erotic, and emotionally charged encounters that reveal their struggles with love, sex, identity, and connection. DiPietro’s script balances sharp wit with poignant insight, exploring the tension between monogamy and sexual freedom in today’s world.

At its core, this play is about connection.

It opens with a glimpse into the lives of the characters who will intertwine throughout the 90-minute show. The first scene presents an army recruit

© Michaela Walshe

AFTER TWO completely sold-out seasons in 2023 and 2024, this compelling and provocative play

by Tony Award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro remains as relevant as ever, offering audiences a raw, intimate, and humorous look at the complexities of modern gay relationships, writes Luigia Minichiello.

experiencing his first sexual encounter with a man, driven by the uncertainty of his future. His internal struggle with desire and societal expectations leads to an explosive moment of violence, which ultimately gives way to an apology and the realization that casual sex with men

closeted reporter to stay silent. This moment underscores the persistent struggles of LGBTQ+ figures in the public eye.

Waterloo East Theatre’s intimate setting amplifies the play’s impact, with minimal yet effective staging highlighting strong performances and sharp dialogue.

Though the American accents weren’t always convincing, the play’s themes remain universal. While humorous and playful at times, the play does not shy away from exploring themes of loneliness, desire, and vulnerability.

Whether exploring fleeting encounters or long-term commitments, F**king Men is ultimately about the desire to connect and find opportunities for love in life.

Waterloo East Theatre, Brad Street London SE1 8TN until 4th May. Times: Tues - Fri 7.30pm; Sat - 4pm & 7.30pm; Sun - 2pm & 6pm (No 6pm performance Sun March 23).

Admission: £28 - £42. www.waterlooeast.co.uk

EVENTS 21

Heading south - our pick of upcoming spring events

West Norwood Feast- back on 6th April The food fair and artisans’ market with over 100 market stalls, re-starts on Sunday 6th April and runs until December. You can expect street food, drink, arts, crafts, vintage items and more. It’s all run by community volunteers with a goal of celebrating local talent.

Date: Back on 6th April Time: 10am-4pm Norwood Road, London, United Kingdom, SE27 https://westnorwoodfeast.com/

Free Crafternoon at The Gerald Moor Gallery A free family friendly afternoon of creativity and crafting, giving your family the opportunity to explore your artistic side. Children need to be supervised by adults and wear clothing you don’t mind getting messy in.

Date: Saturday 26th April Time: 1:30-3:30pm Tickets: Free, available on Eventbrite Email info@geraldmoregallery.org for more info Gerald Moore Gallery, Mottingham Lane, London, SE9 4RW

The Wizard of Oz Easter Panto at Broadway Theatre:

Central Cee at the O2

Enchanted Entertainment brings L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz to the Broadway Theatre in Catford this Easter. It stars Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royale as Scarecrow and The X Factor and Celebrity Big Brother’s Stevi Richie as Tin Man.

Central Cee and special guests come to the O2 in April as part of his Can’t Rush Greatness 2025 world tour. Cant Rush Greatness is Central Cee’s debut studio album, which was released earlier this year.

Date: Wednesday 16th April Time: Various Times Length: 135 minutes Tickets: £22-24 Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, London, SE6 4RU https://www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk/events/the-wizard-of-oz-easter-panto

Date: Thursday 24th April Time: 6:30pm Tickets: From £60 The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX https://www.axs.com/uk/events/829803/central-cee-tickets

Free Crafternoon at The Gerald Moor Gallery A free family friendly afternoon of creativity and crafting, giving your family the opportunity to explore your artistic side. Children need to be supervised by adults and wear clothing you don’t mind getting messy in.

Date: Saturday 26th April Time: 1:30-3:30pm Tickets: Free, available on Eventbrite Email info@geraldmoregallery.org for more info Gerald Moore Gallery, Mottingham Lane, London, SE9 4RW

22 HISTORY

History

The Bricklayers Arms, 1963

The World Turned Upside down in circa 2000

By Evie Flynn IN THE late Victorian period, Old Kent Road had 37 pubs open for business. However, since changes in the law, environment, and social habits, only two pubs remain: The Lord Nelson and The Windsor.

Old Kent Road runs from Bricklayers Arms in Bermondsey to Peckham and served as an important coaching route to both the City of Westminster and the City of London, making the road a prime spot for pubs and beer houses.

It has been a road since Roman times and was made famous in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales as the route from Southwark to Canterbury which was used by his pilgrims.

John Tweedy, from TweedyPubs on YouTube, uncovered the locations of these 37 pubs and visited their modern sites, which are now either other businesses or other forms of infrastructure.

John meticulously cross-referenced Ordinance Survey (OS) maps from the 1890s to those from the mid 1900s.

Some side roads don’t exist anymore, or have been built over, so John relied on educated guesses for some of the historic pub locations.

The World Turned Upside down in circa 2024

THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

The World Turned Upside (previously 145 Old Kent Road) was a pub that has changed frequently over the years.

It used to be lavishly decorated in the early twentieth century with nods to Indo-Saracenic architecture (such as the Brighton Pavillion). You can even There is a belief that the pub got its name as it was on the site of a holding station for criminals being deported to Australia.

It was rebuilt in the inter-war period, and you can see the change in brickwork style where further floors have been added. It shut it doors in 2009, and was replaced with a Domino’s pizza parlour in 2012.

THE BRIGHTON

The Brighton was situated at 8 Old Kent Road, on the corner of Buckingham Street, which no longer exists. This was a beer house in the 1890s and changed to a public house in the early 1900s. This is one of the pubs that was demolished as part of the Bricklayer Arms redevelopment at the junction with Tower Bridge Road.

KENTISH DROVERS

The World Turned Upside down in circa 1910 © Geoff Rossiter, layersoflondon.com

From pubshistory.com and John Tweedy

From pubshistory.com and John Tweedy

The Lord Nelson, 386 Old Kent Road

From pubshistory.com and John Tweedy

© John Tweedy

© J Peter Prior via pubshistory.com

THERE USED TO BE 37 PUBS ON OLD KENT ROAD, NOW THERE’S ONLY TWO

Another pub building that is still in use is 722 Old Kent Road, which was the

Kentish Drovers and is now a restaurant.

John discovered that it was named on the 1890 OS map instead of merely marked with a ‘PH’ for Public House, so it must have been a well-known pub.

722 Old Kent Road, the building of the Kentish Drovers. Image credit: John Tweedy.

Some elements of its latest pub building remain, although in disrepair. On the top of the building you can see a mural of drovers from Kent and thepink granite pillars on the ground floor, albeit flaking away.

SUFFOLK ARMS AND RISING SUN

At 762 Old Kent Road was the Suffolk Arms, which has now been replaced with a Lidl and at 799 was the Rising Sun, which has also been replaced with a large supermarket.

THE DUN COW

However, if you know what you’re looking for, there are a few ghosts of the pubs left behind. For example, the modern-day Dun Cow Surgery at 279 Old Kent Road got its name from The Dun Cow pub which stood in its place from 1856 to 2004.

The Dun Cow Surgery (previously the Dun Cow Pub), 279 Old Kent Road. Image

‘The Brighton Boys’ about to embark on a visit to Hastings, 1921 from John Tweedy.

THE BRICKLAYERS ARMS

Some old pub buildings have been completely redeveloped. The Bricklayers Arms is now known as a junction of Tower Bridge Road, Old Kent Road, New Kent Road and Great Dover Street. There is a four-way roundabout and flyover, which was developed in the 1960s.

However, it was once the name of a thriving pub from 1844 to 1963 on the site of the development. It was previously where coaches travelling along the Old Kent Road to or from the city dropped off or picked up passengers and the construction is said to have demolished five pubs.

WHAT ARE THE REASONS BEHIND THE DECLINE OF THE PUBS?

The exact reasons for the decline of the pubs is unknown, however, John speculates that there are numerous social and cultural factors which contributed to their decline.

A number of previous pub sites are now other hospitality businesses, such as restaurants and fast food chains, perhaps signifying a chance in social habits and activities in the modern day.

The Licensing Act of 1904 (followed

by its Consolidation Act in 1910) actively sought to reduce the number of licensed premises operating in England and Wales. There was also a strong temperance movement in the early part of the twentieth century, and pub owners were subsequently offered compensation for cancelling their licenses.

On the mid 20th-century OS maps, there are numerous plots labelled as ‘ruins’ on sites we know to be previous pub locations in the early twentieth century. John attributes this to World War Two bomb damage, with authorities and owners choosing not to restore the sites into pubs.

Development escalated in the area into the 1960s and 1970s, when the Grand Surrey Canal was filled in and the Bricklayer’s Arms Roundabout and flyover was built. The closure meant that pubs near the waterway saw a decline in business from Wharf workers.

Interestingly, at least ten of the 37 pubs actually survived into the 21st century, but the smoking ban of 2007 and the Covid-19 pandemic may have since contributed to their decline.

Today, just the Windsor and the Lord Nelson remain on the Old Kent Road and survive amidst an era of uncertainty for pubs.

24 CLASSIFIED / FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS CLASSIFIED AND COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

WANTED RECORDS ROCK, POP, PUNK, INDIE, REGGAE, SOUL...

LPS AND SINGLES - WHOLE COLLECTIONS WELCOME

Call: 07956 832314 / 020 8677 6907 Or Email: vinylwanted@aol.com ALSO INTERESTED IN NON CHART CD COLLECTIONS

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Funeral Announcement

Southwark Pensioners’ Centre

PAMELA RITA WEBB

Supporting older people in Southwark for over 35 years.

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

ScotsCare is here to help and support Scots and their families Financial Support | Advocacy Counselling | Sheltered Housing Homelessness | Befriending Social Events I Volunteering

Visit scotscare.com or call 0800 652 2989 to speak with a Client Support Worker to see how we can assist you.

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

Peacefully passed away in her sleep on 27/03/2025 at the age of 84.

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

Leaving behind her beloved husband Jim daughters Mandy and Wendy grandchildren Dean, Zoe and Emily and Great Grandchildren Max, Lexi, Elliot, Summer, Storm, Teddy and Maya.

EXPERIENCED BAR STEWARD/STEWARDESS Required for a local social club, hours to be negotiated Please contact Terry Walker

020 7237 6154

Mondays, Tuesdays and Friday ONLY

Registered charity England and Wales (207326), Scotland (SC052739)

DRIVERS WE NEED YOU Transport can be challenging for many older people. Help them maintain active social lives.

Become a volunteer driver! volunteering@linkagesouthwark.org www.linkagesouthwark.org 020 8299 2623

A wonderful lady sadly missed by all.

Funeral service to be held on Monday 14th April at 11am at Mary Magdelen church Bermondsey S.E.1. 3.U.W then onto Honor Oak Crematorium at 1pm Wake to be held at The Victoria pub Pages Walk from 2.30 onwards.

To place a funeral announcement, birthday, death notice, birth, anniversary or memorial in the paper, please email katie@cm-media.co.uk Announcements must be placed by 4pm on the Tuesday before that week's publication

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (DERWENT GROVE, BARGE HOUSE STREET, NEEDLEMAN STREET, ROTHERHITHE NEW ROAD)

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (HORSELYDOWN LANE)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) 1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable development works to be carried out by Willmott Dixon Ltd and associated works, it intends to make an order, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named road.

Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload at any time in:

2.

Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload at any time on Horselydown Lane, between Shad Thames and Gainsford Street.

(2a) Derwent Grove, cycle at it’s junction with Grove Vale for 30m south (cyclists) (2b) Barge House Street, between both junctions of Upper Ground (North/East corner of No’s 26 to West face of No’s 34) (2c) Needleman Street, between Christopher Close and Albatross Way (2d) Rotherhithe New Road, (cycle lane closure) by the bottom of the roundabout, from both sides of the pedestrian crossing.

3.

The alternative routes for affected traffic will be shown by the signs displayed.

4.

Exemptions will be provided in the Order to permit reasonable access to premises, so far as it is practical without interference with the execution of the said works.

5.

The restrictions will not apply to any vehicle being used in connection with the said works, or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes or anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform.

6.

The restrictions will take place during the following dates and times:

1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable various works to be carried out, it made, an order, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named roads.

2.

3.

PUBLIC NOTICES 25

Thursday, April 10th 2025

The alternative routes for affected traffic will be (2a) Melbourne Grove, East Dulwich Grove (cyclists) (2b) Upper Ground (2c) Poolmans Street, Timber Pond Road, Lagado Mews, Salter Road, Lower Road (2d) as indicated by the signs displayed.

4.

Exemptions will be provided in the Order to permit reasonable access to premises, so far as it is practical without interference with the execution of the said works.

(a) Intermittent closure: Monday to Friday 11:00 to 16:30, Saturday 11:00 to 14:00, until the 21st June 2025.

5.

The restrictions will not apply to any vehicle being used in connection with the said works, or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes or anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform.

(b) Full closure: 21st April – 9th May 2025 (highway improvement works) 7.

6.

The closure will be in operation on the following dates: (2a) 30th April – 15th May (2b) 22nd April – 27th July (2c) 28th April – 2nd July (2d) 22nd – 25th April

Dated this 10th April 2025

7.

Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network Management at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk

Dated this 10th April 2025 Ian Law Traffic Manager, London Borough of Southwark, Network Management, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street, PO Box 64529, London, SE1 5LX Ref: (2a) 45457434/Conway (2b) LBSHO13917-2/meadowbLTD (2c) 59867030/UKPN (2d) S171ROTNEWRD/ LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (DRUMMOND ROAD, WESTON STREET) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) 1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable various works to be carried out, it intends, to make an order, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named roads.

2.

Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload at any time in: (2a) Drummond Road, between No’s 464 and No’s 471 (outside Layard Square House) (2b) Weston Street, between St Thomas Street and Melior Street

3.

The alternative routes for affected traffic will be as indicated by the signs displayed.

4.

Exemptions will be provided in the Order to permit reasonable access to premises, so far as it is practical without interference with the execution of the said works.

5.

The restrictions will not apply to any vehicle being used in connection with the said works, or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes or anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform.

6.

The closure will be in operation on the following dates: (2a) 28th April – 6th June (2b) 26th April – 3rd May, 10th – 11th May, 16th - 18 May, 23rd – 25th May.

7.

Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network Management at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk

Dated this 10th April 2025 Ian Law Traffic Manager, London Borough of Southwark, Network Management, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street, PO Box 64529, London, SE1 5LX Ref: (2a) SEC50/DRUMMOND/APR25 (2b) LBS/weston

To place a notice in this paper and online, please email em@cm‐media.co.uk or call 020 7232 1639

Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network Management at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk

Ian Law Traffic Manager, London Borough of Southwark, Network Management, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street, PO Box 64529, London, SE1 5LX Ref: LBSMT12837-4/amendment/7122

Notice of Application to Vary a Premises Licence made under Section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003 Please take notice that I / we Robbie Sykes have made application to Southwark Council to vary the Premises Licence in respect of Orbit Brewing Ltd, 233 Empress Street, London, SE17 3HJ The proposed variation is as follows: The retail sale of alcohol:

The provision of regulated entertainment:

The provision of late night refreshment:

Opening hours:

Days

Start time

Finish time

Monday-Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday

16:00 23:00 23:00 23:00

23:00 00:00 01:00 01:00

Monday-Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday

16:00 23:00 23:00 23:00

23:00 00:00 01:00 01:00

Thursday Friday Saturday

23:00 23:00 23:00

00:00 01:00 01:00

Monday-Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Closed 16:00 16:00 16:00 12:00 12:00

Closed 23:00 00:00 01:00 01:00 22:00

A register of all applications made within the Southwark area is maintained by: The Licensing Service, Hub 1, 3rd Floor, 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH A record of this application may be inspected by visiting the office during normal office hours by appointment on 020 7525 2000; details are also available on our website at http://app.southwark.gov.uk/licensing/licenseregister.asp It is open to any interested party to make representations about the likely effect of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives. Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Service at the office address given above (or by email via licensing@southwark.gov.uk) and be received by the Service within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below.

Note: It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of such offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Date of application: 03/04/25

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26 PUBLIC NOTICES

Thursday, April 10th 2025

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (as amended) PLANNING (LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS) ACT 1990 (as amended) The planning applications listed below can be viewed on the planning register at https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/ You can use facilities at your local library or 'My Southwark Service Points' to access the website.

How to comment on this application: You should submit your comments via the above link. Comments received will be made available for public viewing on the website. All personal information will be removed except your postal address. Online comments submitted without an email address will not be acknowledged and those marked 'confidential' will not be considered. Written comments can be submitted to; Southwark Council, Planning division, Development Management, PO Box 64529, London SE1 5LX. Reason for publicity. The applications are advertised for the reasons identified by the following codes: AFFECT - development affecting character or appearance of a nearby conservation area; OR development affecting setting of a nearby listed building(s); DEP - departure from the development plan; EIA - environmental impact assessment (these applications are accompanied by an environmental statement a copy of which may be obtained from the Council - there will be a charge for the copy); MAJ - major planning application; PIP - application is for Permission in Principle; S106 - ; STDCA development within a conservation area; STDLB - works to or within the site of a listed building; 16 CLIFTON CRESCENT LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 2RX (Ref: 25/AP/0605) Listed building consent for installation of aluminium framed secondary glazing to existing windows and replacement of doors Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Sandy Ng 020 7525 3244) CAMBERWELL POLICE STATION 9 WREN ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 8QP (Ref: 25/AP/0696) Advertisement Consent for 1no. externally applied vinyl logo and 1 fixed display board sign (Within: Camberwell Green CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Mumtaz Shaikh 020 7525 0585) LONDON BRIDGE CITY PIER THE QUEENS WALK LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 2QP (Ref: 25/AP/0809) Temporary installation of a pop-up bar and seating area, including the use of the existing pagodas at London Bridge City Pier for a period from 11th May to 14th September (Within: Tooley Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Chloe Rimell 020 7525 1397) 8 HOLLY GROVE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 5DF(Ref: 25/AP/0938) Variation of Condition 2(i) (Roof slates) of listed building consent 24/AP/2619 (Listed building consent for essential repairs to roof and building fabric to prevent further water ingress and vegetation growth.) (Within: Holly Grove CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Anna Poulose 020 7525 3174) PARSONAGE 18 LARCOM STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE17 1NQ(Ref: 25/AP/0639) De-conversion of 2x self-contained residential units (use class C3) and ancillary parish office

into a single dwellinghouse (use class C3).

Replacements, alterations and restorations to existing fenestration and doors. Construction of refuse/recyling and cycle storage enclosure within the front curtilage. Installation of plant equipment (ASHP and MVHR systems) and associated external ducting. Removal of window and replacement with a door at lower ground floor level. Removal of external staircase.

Insertion of rooflight. Associated enabling works and landscaping. (Within: Larcom Street Larcom Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Sean Gomes 020 7525 0666) SITE KNOWN AS SNOWSFIELDS QUARTER INCLUDING 92-95 SNOWSFIELDS, 96 SNOWSFIELDS (THE MILLER PUB), NCP LONDON BRIDGE CAR PARK, AND 111 SNOWSFIELDS (THE FORMER MARGARET HOUSE), LONDON, SE1 3SS. (Ref: 25/AP/0772) Demolition of the existing buildings and the construction of three new buildings, providing flexible commercial floorspace (Class E (g)), ground floor retail (Class E (a-b)), science on display (Class E(g)/F1), community performance floorspace (Class E/F1), a Public House (Sui Generis); cycle parking, servicing, refuse and plant areas, public realm and highway improvements, and other works incidental to the development. Further details for consultation: This application is accompanied by an Environmental Statement (ES) submitted pursuant to the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 (as amended). Electronic Copies of this Non Technical Summary and the Environmental Statement are available free of charge and can be provided via a downloadable file provided by email. Printed copies of the Environmental Statement and NTS would incur

Transport for London Public Notice ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 THE A2 GLA SIDE ROAD (KINGLAKE STREET, LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) ORDER 2025 1. Transport for London in consultation with the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable water sewer repair works to take place at A2 Old Kent Road.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from entering, proceeding, or stopping on Kinglake Street between its junctions with Old Kent Road and Ivy Church Lane.

The Order will also allow two way working on Kinglake Street between its junctions with Ivy Church Lane and Upnor Way. The Order will be effective at certain times from 7.00 AM on the 22nd April 2025 until 7.00 PM on the 10th May 2025 or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of: (1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for re brigade, ambulance or police purposes; (2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.

5. At such times as the prohibition is in force an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs via Albany Road, Thurlow Street and Kinglake Steet to normal route of travel.

Dated this 10th day of April 2025 Andrew Ulph Co-ordination Manager, Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

a printing and postage charge. For further details, please contact hello@triumenv.co.uk with reference in the email header of Environmental Statement Request Snowsfields Quarter or telephone 44 (0) 203 887 7118 Reason(s) for publicity: MAJ EIA (Contact: Andy Sloane 020 7525 0525)

days for Permission in Principle, 30 days for EIA development).

STEPHEN PLATTS Director of Planning and Growth

24 WINTERBROOK ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE24 9JA(Ref: 25/AP/0920) Construction for a ground floor rear extension and alterations to roof over existing kitchen.

(Within: Stradella Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Gabriel Neri 020 7525 2707) 163 CAMBERWELL NEW ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 0SU (Ref: 25/AP/0964) Change of use from Class A1 (retail) and Class B2 (bakery) Class A5 (takeaway), to commercial kitchen with hot food takeaway and delivery service (Sui Generis and installation of a new extraction system (part retrospective - part proposed) (Within: Camberwell New Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Freyja Trickett 07724 426185) FIFTY NINE AND A HALF SOUTHWARK STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 0AL(Ref: 25/AP/0767) External alterations to existing office (including new and replacement windows and louvres, entrance screens, additional escape door on Southwark Street, relocated rooflight), infill office space at 2F and 3F, and enclosure of existing staircase at 4F level (Within: Thrale Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Lara Davison 020 7525 7595) Dated: 08 Apr 2025 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date (or 14

To place a notice in this paper and online, please email em@ cm‐ media .co.uk or call 020 7232 1639

Thursday, April 10th 2025

PUBLIC NOTICES 27

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK PERMANENT E-SCOOTER & CYCLE HIRE PARKING – B4

The London Borough of Southwark (Charged-for parking places) (e-scooter & cycle hire) (No. *) Order 202* The London Borough of Southwark (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (e-scooter & cycle hire) (No. *) Order 202* 1. Southwark Council hereby GIVES NOTICE that it proposes to make the above Orders 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 effects of the Orders, would be to:(a) revoke The London Borough of Southwark (e-scooter and cycle hire parking places) (No. 4) Experimental Traffic Order 2024, The London Borough of Southwark (Charged-for parking places) (escooter & cycle hire parking) (No. 4) Experimental Traffic Order 2024, and The London Borough of Southwark (Free parking places and Waiting restrictions) (e-scooter & cycle hire parking) (No. 4) Experimental Traffic Order 2024, which in effect removes the trialled e-scooter & cycle hire parking and reverts the associated trialled changes to parking or waiting or loading restrictions to their previous state, in:ALBION STREET, AVONDALE RISE, BARRY ROAD, BELVOIR ROAD, BRUNEL ROAD, COURT LANE, CREBOR STREET, DENMAN ROAD, DOWNTOWN ROAD, DRUMMOND ROAD, FRIERN ROAD, GOMM ROAD, GOODRICH ROAD, GREAT SUFFOLK STREET, GROVE HILL ROAD, GROVE PARK, JOHN RUSKIN STREET, MELFORD ROAD, NEPTUNE STREET, NUTBROOK STREET, OLD JAMAICA ROAD, ONEGA GATE, OVERHILL ROAD 3 locations, PARADISE STREET, PARKER'S ROW, POCOCK STREET, ROSEBERRY STREET, ROSSETTI ROAD, ROTHERHITHE STREET, RYE ROAD, SHENLEY ROAD, SOUTHWARK PARK ROAD, ST JAMES'S ROAD, SWEENEY CRESCENT, TIMBER POND ROAD, UPLAND ROAD 3 locations, and WEBSTER ROAD. Please note that, unless otherwise stated, the trialled e-scooter & cycle hire parking places have been replaced with the proposals for permanent e-scooter & cycle hire parking places as detailed in item 2(b) below; (b) provide permanent parking places on the carriageway for the use of e-scooter & cycle hire providers (who are participating in the pan-London e-scooter & cycle hire trails) only, 2 metres (‘m’) in width and 6.6m in length (unless otherwise stated) and aligned parallel to the kerb (unless otherwise stated) in, at the following locations:ALBION STREET north-west side, o/s Nos. 71-75 Albion Street; AVONDALE RISE south side, west of its junction with Copleston Road (10 metres ‘m’ in length); BARRY ROAD south-east side, o/s No. 95 Barry Road; BELVOIR ROAD south-west side, opposite No. 1 Ladyship Terrace, Belvoir Road; COURT LANE south-west side, opposite Nos. 81 and 83 Court Lane; CREBOR STREET north-east side, side of No. 203 Upland Road; DENMAN ROAD north-east side, o/s No. 86 Denman Road (8m in length); DOWNTOWN ROAD south-east side, south-west of its junction with Salter Road; DRUMMOND ROAD south-west side, north-west of its junction with Southwark Park Road; GOMM ROAD north-west side, opposite St Joseph's RC Primary School, Gomm Road; GOODRICH ROAD south-west side, o/s No. 86 Goodrich Road (8m in length); GREAT SUFFOLK STREET south-west side, o/s No. 158 Great Suffolk Street; GROVE PARK south-east side, opposite No. 126 Grove Park; JOHN RUSKIN STREET north-west side, opposite Nos. 159 and 161 John Ruskin Street; MELFORD ROAD south side, west of its junction with Wood Vale; NEPTUNE STREET south-east side, o/s No. 1 Neptune Street (Assembly Hall); NUTBROOK STREET north-west side, north-east of its junction with Adys Road; OLD JAMAICA ROAD north-east side, o/s Nos. 1-7 Old Jamaica Road (8m in length); ONEGA GATE south-west side, south-east of its junction with Redriff Road; OVERHILL ROAD 3 locations: south-east side opposite No. 2 Overhill Road, and north-west side, opposite Nos. 113-115 Overhill Road and o/s Nos. 178 & 180 Overhill Road; PARADISE STREET south-east side, opposite No. 23 Paradise Street (William Gaitskell House); PARKER'S ROW east side, south of its junction with Dockhead; POCOCK STREET north-west side, south-west of its junction with Great Suffolk Street (6m in length); ROSEBERRY STREET north-east side, north-west of its junction with Lynton Road; ROSSETTI ROAD south-west side, o/s No. 7 Rossetti Road; ROTHERHITHE STREET south-west side, opposite No. 237 Rotherhithe Street; RYE ROAD north-east side, north-west of its junction with Hichisson Road; SHENLEY ROAD south-west side, south-east of its junction with Peckham Road; SOUTHWARK PARK ROAD north-east side, south-east of its junction with Gataker Street; ST JAMES'S ROAD north-east side, opposite No. 292 St James's Road; TIMBER POND ROAD north-east side, o/s Flats 17 to 22 Baltic Court, Timber Pond Road; UPLAND ROAD 3 locations: north-east side, south-east of its junction with Barry Road, and south-east side, o/s No. 359 Upland Road and opposite Nos. 136 & 138 Upland Road; WEBSTER ROAD south-east side, opposite Nos. 41 & 43 Webster Road; (c) provide an e-scooter & cycle hire parking place (8 in length and 2m in width), on the footway of ROLLS ROAD south-west side at the rear of Phoenix Primary School Marlborough Grove, aligned parallel to the south-western edge of the footway area; NOTES: (1) The measures in 2(d)-(n) below are proposed to accommodate the provision of the new permanent e-scooter & cycle hire parking places and in those locations in the carriageway as detailed in item 2(b) above. (2) ‘permit’ refers to parking places for holders’ of valid parking permits within the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) listed, ‘shared-use’ refers to parking places in which holders of a valid permit for the CPZ listed or ‘pay’ paid ticket holders are permitted to park within the permitted hours. (3) All measurements are in metres ‘m’ and are approximate. (4) Parking charges are listed on www.southwark.gov.uk/parking (d) in CPZ 'C2' (i) reduce existing ‘pay’ parking by 6.6m in GREAT SUFFOLK STREET (32m remain), and (ii) reduce existing 'permit' parking by 6m in POCOCK STREET; (e) in CPZ 'G' (i) reduce existing 'permit' parking by 6.6m in DRUMMOND ROAD (16m remain), in PARADISE STREET (23m remain), in SOUTHWARK PARK ROAD (14m remain), and in WEBSTER ROAD (5.5m remain), (ii) remove 8m existing 'permit' parking in OLD JAMAICA ROAD, and (iii) reduce existing 'shared-use' parking by 6.6m in PARKER'S ROW (8m remains); (f) in CPZ 'H' (i) reduce existing ‘permit’ parking by 6.6m in ALBION STREET (4m remains) and in NEPTUNE STREET (12.5m remains), and (ii) reduce existing 'shared-use' parking by 6.6m in GOMM ROAD (41.5m remain); (g) in CPZ 'OKR' (i) reduce existing unmarked 'permit' parking by 6.6m in ROSSETTI ROAD (within existing CPZ 'OKR' permit-holders only past this point area), and (ii) reduce existing 'shared-use' parking by 6.6m in ST JAMES'S ROAD (9.5m remain); (h) in CPZ 'PR' (i) reduce existing 'permit' parking by 8m in DENMAN ROAD (150m remain), and (ii) reduce 6.6m existing 'shared-use' parking in SHENLEY ROAD (4.5m remain); (i) in CPZ 'PW' (i) remove 10m existing 'permit' parking in AVONDALE RISE and (ii) reduce existing 'permit' parking by 6.6m in NUTBROOK STREET (6m remain); (j) in CPZ 'Q' reduce existing 'permit' parking by 6.6m in GROVE PARK (13m remain); (k) in CPZ 'S' reduce existing 'permit' parking by 6.6m in ONEGA GATE (15.5m remain), in ROTHERHITHE STREET (5m remain), and in TIMBER POND ROAD (15.5m remain); (l) in CPZ 'SB' reduce existing 'shared-use' by 6.6m in DOWNTOWN ROAD (44m remain); (m) in CPZ 'SEB' reduce existing 'shared-use' by 6.6m in ROSEBERRY STREET (32m remain); and (n) in JOHN RUSKIN STREET remove 6.6m of existing ‘timed’ waiting restrictions (single yellow lines).

3. For more information about these proposals please contact Rich Martin of the Council's Highways team: Highways@southwark.gov.uk 4. Copies of the supporting documents (this Notice, the proposed Orders, and a statement of the Council's reasons for making the proposals) may be found online at https://consultation.appyway.com/southwark; and paper or digital copies of plans showing the location and effect of the Orders and the supporting documents may be requested by emailing traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk, or inspected by appointment only at: Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Sustainability & Leisure, 3rd floor hub 2, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH - from the date of this Notice until the end of a period of six weeks from the date on which the Orders are made. Email traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk (or call 077 3132 4742) for booking details.

5. Anyone wishing to make any representations either for or to object to the proposals, may use our consultation portal at https://consultation.appyway.com/southwark; or send a statement in writing to: Traffic Order Consultations, Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Sustainability & Leisure, P.O. Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX or traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk quoting reference ‘TMO2526-001 perm e-scooter and cycle hire B4’ by 6 May 2025. Please note that if you wish to object to this proposal you must state the grounds on which your objection is made.

6. Under requirements of current access to information legislation, any letter, form or e-mail sent to the Council in response to this Notice may be subject to publication or disclosure, or both, including communication to other persons affected.

Dated 10 April 2025 Steven Grayer Interim Head of Service - Highways, Environment, Sustainability & Leisure

To place a notice in this paper and online, please email em@cm‐media.co.uk or call 020 7232 1639 Deadline is 3pm on Wednesday

28 PUBLIC NOTICES

Thursday, April 10th 2025

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK PERMANENT E-SCOOTER & CYCLE HIRE PARKING – B5 The London Borough of Southwark (Charged-for parking places) (e-scooter & cycle hire) (No. *) Order 202* The London Borough of Southwark (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (e-scooter & cycle hire) (No. *) Order 202* 1. Southwark Council hereby GIVES NOTICE that it proposes to make the above Orders 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 effects of the Orders, would be to:(a) provide permanent parking places on the carriageway for the use of e-scooter & cycle hire providers (who are participating in the pan-London e-scooter & cycle hire trails) only, 2 metres (‘m’) in width and 6.6m in length (unless otherwise stated) and aligned parallel to the kerb (unless otherwise stated) in, at the following locations:CAMBERWELL GROVE 2 locations south-west side (i) o/s No. 2d Camberwell Grove, and (ii) o/s No. 26 Camberwell Grove (The Grove Tavern); DOLBEN STREET south side, east of its junction with Chancel Street; GROVE LANE 2 locations south-west side (i) o/s Nos. 4 and 6 Grove Lane (6m in length), and (ii) o/s No. 40 Grove Lane; GUY STREET south-west side o/s Nos. 2/12 and 4/14 Guy Street; HAWKSTONE ROAD 2 locations north-west side (i) o/s Hawkstone Gate car park in Southwark Park, and (ii) opposite Nos. 4/20 Jarman House, Hawkstone Road; HOLLY GROVE north-west side opposite No. 32 Holly Grove; HOPTON STREET west side opposite No. 19 Hopton Street (5m in length); LUGARD ROAD north-east side, side of No. 134 Queen's Road; OLDFIELD GROVE north-east side opposite its junction with St Helena Road; PARK STREET north-west side o/s Nos. 31 to 41 Park Street; ROTHERHITHE OLD ROAD north-east side o/s No. 11 Rotherhithe Old Road (Whelans); STRADELLA ROAD south-east side, side of No. 26 Half Moon Lane; SUMNER STREET south-west side o/s Nos. 71 to 100 Sumner Street; SUTHERLAND WALK north-west side, side of No. 304 Walworth Road (5m in length); TABARD STREET north-east side, south-east of its junction with Pardoner Street; TANNER STREET north-east side o/s No. 51 Tanner Street; TENNIS STREET north-west side, south-west of its junction with Newcomen Street; UNION STREET 2 locations (i) north-east side o/s Nos. 10-18 Union Street, and (ii) south-west side, inset bay o/s Nos. 77-79 Union Street, near Flat Iron Square (9m in length); (b) provide an e-scooter & cycle hire parking place (6.6m in length and 2m in width), on the footway area between Rye Lane and the Choumert Grove car park south-east side at the rear of Nos. 116 to 120 Rye Lane, aligned parallel to the south-easternmost edge of the footway area; NOTES: (1) The measures in 2(c)-(k) below are proposed to accommodate the provision of the new permanent e-scooter & cycle hire parking places and in those locations in the carriageway as detailed in item 2(a) above. (2) ‘permit’ refers to parking places for holders’ of valid parking permits within the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) listed, ‘shared-use’ refers to parking places in which holders of a valid permit for the CPZ listed or ‘pay’ paid ticket holders are permitted to park within the permitted hours. ‘SYLs’ refer to timed waiting restrictions and ‘DYLs’ refer to waiting restrictions which operate 'at any time' - all hours on every day of the week. (3) All measurements are in metres ‘m’ and are approximate. (4) Parking charges are listed on www.southwark.gov.uk/parking (c) in CPZ 'B' reduce existing 'shared-use' parking by 6.6m in HOLLY GROVE (52m remain); (d) in CPZ 'C1' (i) reduce existing ‘permit’ parking by 6.6m in PARK STREET (30.5m remain) and in SUMNER STREET (33.5m remain), (ii) reduce existing 'pay' parking by 6.6m in UNION STREET northeast side o/s Nos. 10-18 Union Street (10.5m remain), (iii) remove 5m existing 'pay' parking in HOPTON STREET, and (iv) reduce existing inset 'pay' parking by 9m in UNION STREET south-west side o/s Nos. 77-79 Union Street (5m remain); (e) in CPZ 'D' reduce existing 'permit' parking by 6.6m in TABARD STREET (28.5m remain); (f) in CPZ 'F' reduce existing 'permit' parking by 6.6m in GUY STREET (22m remain) and in TENNIS STREET (22.5m remain); (g) in CPZ 'GR' reduce existing 'shared-use' parking by 6.6m in TANNER STREET (16m remain); (h) in CPZ 'J' reduce existing 'pay' parking by 5m in SUTHERLAND WALK (11.5m remain); (i) in CPZ 'L' (i) reduce existing ‘permit’ parking by 6.6m in CAMBERWELL GROVE south-west side o/s No. 26 Camberwell Grove (51m remain) and in GROVE LANE south-west side o/s No. 40 Grove Lane (24m remain), and (ii) reduce existing 'pay' parking by 6m in GROVE LANE south-west side o/s Nos. 4 and 6 Grove Lane (22.5m remain) and by 6.6m in CAMBERWEWLL GROVE south-west side o/s No. 2d Camberwell Grove (10.5m remain); (j) in CPZ 'N' (i) reduce existing 'permit' parking by 4m and remove 2.5m of existing timed waiting restrictions (single yellow lines) in HAWKSTONE ROAD north-west side o/s Hawkstone Gate car park in Southwark Park (26.5m remain) and by 6.6m in ROTHERHITHE OLD ROAD (13.5m remain), and (ii) reduce existing 'shared-use' parking by 6.6m in HAWKSTONE ROAD north-west side opposite Nos. 4/20 Jarman House, Hawkstone Road (57.5m remain); (k) reduce existing free 'short-stay' parking by 6.6m in STRADELLA ROAD (17m remain) and in OLDFIELD GROVE (21m remain); and (l) The Council will also make the following changes to the map-based schedule of the Traffic Management Orders as an administrative exercise to more closely match what is in the street - please note that there will be no physical changes to the street at the following 2 locations: (i) in CAMBERWELL GROVE south-west side add 10.5m existing ‘SYLs’ o/s No. 38 Camberwell Grove and convert 5m of ‘permit’ parking to existing ‘SYLs’ between Nos. 34 and 36 Camberwell Grove, and (ii) convert 4m of ‘SYLs’ to existing ‘DYLs’ in TENNIS STREET north-west side south-west of its junction with Newcomen Street o/s No. 38 Camberwell Grove.

3. For more information about these proposals please contact Rich Martin of the Council's Highways team: Highways@southwark.gov.uk 4. Copies of the supporting documents (this Notice, the proposed Orders, and a statement of the Council's reasons for making the proposals) may be found online at https://consultation.appyway.com/southwark; and paper or digital copies of plans showing the location and effect of the Orders and the supporting documents may be requested by emailing traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk, or inspected by appointment only at: Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Sustainability & Leisure, 3rd floor hub 2, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH - from the date of this Notice until the end of a period of six weeks from the date on which the Orders are made. Email traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk (or call 077 3132 4742) for booking details.

5. Anyone wishing to make any representations either for or to object to the proposals, may use our consultation portal at https://consultation.appyway.com/southwark; or send a statement in writing to: Traffic Order Consultations, Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Sustainability & Leisure, P.O. Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX or traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk quoting reference ‘TMO2526-002 perm e-scooter and cycle hire B5’ by 6 May 2025. Please note that if you wish to object to this proposal you must state the grounds on which your objection is made.

6. Under requirements of current access to information legislation, any letter, form or e-mail sent to the Council in response to this Notice may be subject to publication or disclosure, or both, including communication to other persons affected.

Dated 10 April 2025 Steven Grayer Interim Head of Service - Highways, Environment, Sustainability & Leisure

Statutory Notice Proposal to expand the Highshore School into a satellite provision, that will occupy the whole of the recently closed Comber Grove Primary School site.

Southwark Council publishes these proposals under section 19(1) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and having regard to the DfE guidance ‘Making significant changes (‘prescribed alterations’) to maintained schools Statutory guidance for proposers and decision makers October 2024.

The proposal in this notice is to expand the Highshore School into a satellite provision, that will occupy the whole of the recently closed Comber Grove Primary School from a provisional date of September 2026.

These proposals would see: • The expansion of the Highshore School to a two-site specialist provision.

• The creation of approximately 60-70 new specialist places for pupils at Highshore school.

• Investment into the renovation and refurbishment of the Comber Grove school buildings and site to meet the needs of Highshore school pupils.

• More local specialist places meaning more parental choice.

The proposals to expand Highshore School was published on 7 April 2025. Within four weeks from the date of publication of this proposal, any person may object to or make comments on the proposal by visiting https://engage.southwark.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/highshore-expansion, by emailing schoolcapitalprojects@southwark.gov.uk or by writing to: Education Capital Team, Hub 1, 4th Floor, Southwark Council, 160 Tooley Street, SE1 2TZ. The closing date for receipt of responses to the representation period is 5 May 2025 at 5pm.

The Council’s Cabinet will meet after the end of the representation period, in June 2025, to take the final decision on the proposal in this notice.

This notice is an extract from the complete proposal. Copies of the complete proposal can be viewed at engage.southwark.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/highshore-expansion. If you require a paper copy of this, please contact us via email at schoolcapitalprojects@southwark.gov.uk or by writing to: Education Capital Team, Hub 1, 4th Floor, Southwark Council, 160 Tooley Street, SE1 2TZ Michael Crowe

Assistant Director – Transformation & Operations (Children’s Services) Publication Date: 7 April 2025

To place a public notice, please email em@cm‐media.co.uk or call

SPORT 29 Surrey (365 & 219-6) drew with Essex (582-6 dec) Points: Essex 14, Surrey 11

By Martin Smith at Chelmsford DOM SIBLEY remained immovable for 77 overs to underpin Surrey’s successful fight to salvage a draw in their opening match in the defence of the Rothesay County Championship title.

Former England opener stays in for fourand-a-halfhour vigil

Surrey’s Dom Sibley faced 221 balls

Photo by Mark Sandom

Surrey had started the final day with a target of 217 to avoid an innings defeat and Sibley appeared determined to make sure the reigning champions batted throughout to save both the game and their faces after a chastening four days at Chelmsford.

The former England opener put on 101 in 41 overs in a decisive fourthwicket stand with Ben Foakes before he departed for 66 after a four-and-a-half hour, 221-ball vigil. Foakes reprised his first-innings stubbornness with a second half-century of the match before Ryan Patel and Jordan Clark saw them sneak over the line at 219-6 and handshakes on the draw at 5.36pm.

Two wickets in seven balls early on day four gave Essex a brief scent of a victory that had looked highly probable when they asked Surrey to follow-on, but apart from three late wickets the match meandered towards the inevitable draw. They used eight bowlers in the innings in an effort to change the narrative, but to no avail.

Surrey might have lost Sibley to the first ball of the day but his edge to Jamie Porter fell short of slip. Sibley was in stereotypical obdurate mode and took 26 balls to get off the mark, an angled shot down to third man off Porter.

The openers set the tone for the day in the first 49 minutes, trundling along at a rate of around two an over. By then Simon Harmer had arrived in the attack. He required just thirteen balls of niggling and probing before Rory Burns went back to a fuller ball and was trapped lbw on his stumps.

Then in the next over, Ollie Pope slashed wildly at a widish delivery

STUBBORN SIBLEY HELPS SURREY TO SHARE OF SPOILS

well-timed cover drive off Harmer for another boundary.

Despite those occasional flurries it still took Sibley 181 balls to reach his 50, achieved midway through the afternoon session having started his innings the previous evening. To emphasise the pace of his innings, he added 21 runs in 94 balls pre-lunch and 38 from 103 between lunch and tea.

However, the seemingly immovable force lasted just nine balls into the final session when he had a rush of blood produced a wild top-edge swing at Noah Thain and he was walking before the square-leg boundary fielder took the catch.

Foakes had hung around for 134 balls and 50 runs before he was cleaned out

by Jamie Porter’s third delivery with the new-ball, his middle-stump left at 45 degrees.

With overs running out and two runs shy of their target, Dan Lawrence fell to a slip catch by Jordan Cox for the second time in the match.

“Essex won a good toss, batted very well and applied some pressure for the last two days of the game,” Surrey head coach Gareth Batty said: “It wasn’t our intention to be playing to save the game today but credit to them but also credit to us for showing some real discipline.

“Certainly, in the first innings he [Ben Foakes] was able to rotate the strike and played with patience, played with skill, and also took the game to them at times.

We probably left a few runs out there as a group. It’s certainly something to be very proud of from his point of view and a really nice start to the season for him.

“I suppose after day two the bowlers would have felt pretty beat up, but they’re probably going home now thinking bring on the Oval on Friday [against Hampshire]. In some ways there are some real positives that we’ll be fresher going into a home game. But you always know that when you come to Essex, when they have a very good overseas spinner, you’re going to have to work hard.

“We worked hard, they worked hard, and we both came out with spoils shared.”

from Shane Snater and, for once on a slow pitch, the ball carried through to the wicketkeeper. The England man’s cameo lasted four balls for a solitary run.

The strike-rate increased significantly for a spell when Paul Walter was introduced. Jamie Smith went after him, taking 23 runs off eight balls faced, including a pulled six and four fours.

Not surprisingly the left-arm seamer was immediately retired with figures of

2-0-25-0.

However, Smith’s stay proved brief as he was involved in a run-out of ridiculous proportions with Sibley.

Sibley decided there was a second run, Smith didn’t, both men finding themselves at the same end. Despite an initial miss-take by Michael Pepper from Snater’s throw to the wicketkeeper, the ball was eventually transferred to the non-striker’s end where Matt Critchley was able to effect the dismissal.

With spin at both ends, Essex wheeled through the overs at a rate of knots – indeed the official over-rate was showing at plus-thirteen – with Sibley and Foakes content to thrust their legs down the wicket to negate any turn.

So it was something of a jolt to the system when Sibley punished a wayward delivery from Critchley through midwicket for only his fourth four and then immediately drove straight for his fifth. He also executed a

84th-minute lead followed by Ben Mason’s last-minute own goal.

Dulwich are just five points above Hendon - whom they defeated to win the 2018 Isthmian League Premier Division play-off final - with four games left.

They travel to Bognor Regis Town - who have to win to keep their slim survival hopes alive - this Saturday.

“They need to be characters, pick themselves up when they conceded a goal, it’s only 1-1, it’s fine,” Dulwich boss Bradley Quinton said. “We just

seemed to sit off a little bit, drop our heads a little bit and then the third goal is an own goal.

“Really hard, tough time for the players. They need to be positive, going for the next week and just keep working at it.

“Tough for me to take, really tough. From going in at half-time and really giving them a real good encouragement in terms of, ‘be prepared, you’re going to be in for a battle, you’re downhill now and facing it and you’re going to need to

do the horrible things’. And we get killed by a corner and a throw-in.

Sloppy.”

Quinton revealed there was a tough inquisition afterwards.

“There were some words in the dressing room there,” he said.

“They’ve spoken their minds to each other. They didn’t have to say anything, which was good to see.

And some real good truths about one another.

“Big game next week with Hendon and them winning, Hastings winning

as well. But we’ve got to focus, four games now. Four big games - cup finals.”

Quinton knows his side will need the backing of their fans this Saturday.

He said: “Yeah, even [Saturday], the support, it’s great to see them out. To go 1-0 up and see the football they were playing was a joy to watch.

But you concede goals like that, it’s gutting really. But yeah, positive to see them all down there, I’m sure they will be down there in the numbers.”

visiting defenders for an own goal.

In the 49th minute, Jack Gibbons clipped a pass into the inside channel and though he looked second favourite to get there, Clarke beat the Snodland defence to the ball before driving home.

Fisher boss Ajay Ashanike was then able to rest some players as substitutes Charles Yiadom Konadu and Daniel

Flemming both went close to adding to the scoreline.

Snodland struck the woodwork late on before Gibbons cleared the rebound and the hosts comfortably saw the game out.

Fisher were fourth before a midweek trip to mid-table Tunbridge Wells, five points above Whitstable Town, who were a place outside the play-offs but

with seven games to play compared to the Fish’s four.

Fisher are away again on Saturday when they travel to Sutton Athletic (Lower Road Ground Hextable, BR8 7RZ) for a 3pm kick-off.

Meanwhile, Stansfeld lost 3-2 at Hollands & Blair.

Harvey Mead and Billy Marsh

scored either side of Charlie Weston’s equaliser before goals in the last eleven minutes for the hosts from Kian Scott and Ian Draycott.

The Stans are seventeenth in the table, three points above the relegation zone.

They host Tunbridge Wells at Foxbury Avenue on Saturday at 3pm.

Relegation-troubled Hamlet have ‘four cup finals’

By John Kelly

DULWICH HAMLET have “four cup finals” left as they slipped perilously close to the relegation zone after Cray Valley PM scored three late goals to win 3-1 at the Artic Stadium last weekend.

Michael Chambers put the Hamlet Boss 1-0 upAjay in the 28th minute, a lead they Ashanike held until eighteen minutes from and Michael time.

Sarpong Danny Waldren levelled before Marcel Barrington gave the hosts an

Fisher almost there in scrap for Premier Division play-offs

By John Kelly FISHER ARE closing in on the SCEFL Premier Division play-offs after they defeated Snodland Town 2-0 at St Paul’s last weekend.

The Fish took the lead eleven minutes in when Jake Lovell raced down the right to cross before the ball deflected off two

30 SPORT Mihailo Ivanovic Lukas Jensen celebrates after has made 40 scoring against appearances in all Portsmouth competitions this season

SUPERB IVANOVIC PROVES TOO MUCH FOR POMPEY Millwall snatch late win against Portsmouth after Serbian striker scores his first brace for the club SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP Millwall - 2 Ivanovic 57’, 87’ Portsmouth - 1 Dozzell 80’ Date: Saturday 5 April 2025 Man of the Match: Mihailo Ivanovic Referee: Ben Toner Attendance: 16,913 (2,000)

By Will Scott at The Den MIHAILO IVANOVIC’S first brace in a Millwall shirt meant the Lions clinched a late 2-1 win against Portsmouth.

Governor General of Saint Kitts and Nevis visits Millwall

Dame Marcella Liburd

In a game that was low on quality but high in tempo, the Lions constantly threatened at set-pieces and came away with the opener well into the second half after Ivanovic directed George Honeyman’s corner into the far corner of the net.

Portsmouth pushed hard for an equaliser and came away with a goal after Andre Dozzell fired the ball into the net in the 80th minute, but parity only lasted for eight minutes before Ivanovic scored another header, this time from a floated Casper De Norre cross.

It was yet another late winner for Millwall, who have made a habit of scoring in the final ten minutes of matches, and was no more than they deserved after a gritty and resolute performance.

Both sides started positively by pressing high and looking to counter quickly, but neither could fashion even a half-chance until the fifteenth minute, when Japhet Tanganga headed over from a corner.

The Lions had an even better opportunity to open the scoring six minutes later from another corner, but Jake Cooper was put under pressure as he rose up and his weak header was cleared.

Pompey had probably the best chance

By Will Scott MILWALL HOSTED the GovernorGeneral of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dame Marcella Liburd, at The Den during the Lions’ 2-1 win against Portsmouth on April 5, 2025.

Dame Marcella paid an official visit to the United Kingdom to attend the investiture ceremony hosted by King Charles III on April 1. Four days later, she visited The Den, where she spent time at the Millwall Community Trust, before watching Millwall triumph over Pompey in a closely-fought encounter.

Millwall Community Trust CEO Sean Daly spoke to our paper about Dame Marcella’s visit.

“At the beginning of March the club received a letter from the government house over at Saint Kitts and Nevis, saying that Dame Marcella, who is the Governor-General, is coming to England in April,” Daly said. “She’s meeting King Charles, I think it was around the 1st of April.

“Then what she would like to do is she would like to visit a football club who do a lot of work in the local community. She wanted a London club, an inner-city club, and wanted to look at the work they do in the community

of the half in the 38th minute when Andre Dozzell put the ball towards the back post.

Joe Bryan, attempting to clear, nodded it back but it ended up with Colby Bishop on the edge of the box, and Lukas Jensen had to make a sprawling save to keep the ball out of the back of the net.

Amid the chaos, Tanganga went down with what looked to be an arm injury, and was replaced by Ryan Leonard.

The fourth official held up the board for five additional minutes, giving Millwall time to have a few more chances before the first half came to an end.

In the 48th minute, George Honeyman put a free kick in towards the back post, Tristan Crama headed it across goal and Pompey just about scrambled it away. The Lions recycled the ball, Crama chipped the ball into the box and it fell to Connolly, whose shot from inside the box was blocked.

Millwall had the better of much of the first half but failed to make their pressure pay. While they threatened from setpieces, yet again they struggled to create chances, only registering one shot from open play - a hopeful long range-effort from Connolly.

The second half was just as scrappy as the first, with neither side showing much quality in open play.

However the Lions continued to look dangerous at corners, and eventually broke through in the 57th minute.

Honeyman swung the ball in and Ivanovic rose up and redirected the ball towards the far corner. The ball seemed to move in slow motion as it bounced towards the goal, but Pompey goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid was on his near post and had no chance of preventing the goal.

Pompey nearly found an equaliser just eight minutes later, when Matt Ritchie collected Jordan Williams’ long throw and

hit the outside of the post from just inside the six-yard box.

Portsmouth continued to push for an equaliser, with head coach John Mousinho making a triple change in the 69th minute.

After putting Millwall under serious pressure Pompey eventually found the breakthrough in the 80th minute. Harvey Blair squared the ball across the box, Jacob Murphy had a shot blocked by Cooper, but it rebounded out to Dozzell who smashed the ball into the net, going through Casper De Norre’s legs in the process.

Alex Neil reacted immediately, bringing on Macaulay Langstaff, Billy Mitchell and Aidomo Emakhu and the changes made an almost immediate impact.

Emakhu won a corner after a good bit of work down the left. It was cleared and Mitchell somehow came away with the ball after tussling with Harvey Blair. De Norre picked up the loose ball and curled in a perfect cross which Ivanovic rose up and thumped into the bottom corner of the net to restore the Lions’ lead.

The goal seemed to take the life out of Pompey, who toiled but were held at an arm’s length by a professional Millwall, who saw the game out well.

and how the impact of a football club could be used to impact the residents.

“She wrote to the PFA, she also knows Bryan King who’s one of our explayers, and they suggested that why not go and visit Millwall? They really work very closely with the council, with the police, with all local partners in the area and they’ll really show you how a football club can impact the residents. So that’s how it came about really. Then we set the plans for her to visit last Saturday.”

“What I did was I showed her around the trust. I showed her where we’re based out of and the work we do. Then I did a presentation for about 20 minutes on the work we do with Lewisham and Southwark, and how we engage with the local residents. So I went through some of our programs, like anti-social behavior programs. I went through our employment programs, our health programs, our education.

“They said some of the things that they would take. What they have at the moment is they have football clubs over there, but all they deliver is sport.

They want to now see what is the responsibility of things like a football club or an athletics club. How can they engage with the young people? So she

wanted to take our model and see if she could use some of that model back where she comes from.

“We have a job centre based here at the stadium, she liked that idea, having it somewhere away from the government, having it in a place in the community. She liked the idea about the stuff we do around antisocial behavior. The kids turn up, play football, and then we talk to them about anti-social behavior, about getting to work and about not joining gangs. She quite liked that idea.

“She just felt that there was a lot more that organizations could do in her country. She wanted to use those ideas and then she came to the game afterwards and she quite enjoyed it, especially after we got a win as well.

“During the week, she did go to see Everton vs Liverpool. She went up there because she’s a Liverpool fan, but she only watched the game. she didn’t get to speak to their community.

“We had a good five, six hours with her. Over dinner we spoke a lot about different things that we do. My staff going in and doing talks with young people around aspirations of employment and stuff like that, she quite liked that idea as well.”

Millwall: 4-4-2 – Jensen; Bryan, Tanganga (Leonard 43), Cooper, Crama; Connolly (Emakhu 81), De Norre; Saville (Mitchell 81), Honeyman; Coburn (Langstaff 81), Ivanovic Unused substitutes: Roberts, Wallace, Cundle, Wintle, Harding Portsmouth: Schmid; Bramall (Pack 69), Ogilvie, Poole, Williams (Saydee 69); Dozzell, Potts; Murphy, Devlin (Waddingham 89), Ritchie (Blair 69); Bishop Unused substitutes: Aouchiche, Archer, Gordon, Hayden, Milosevic

SPORT 31

COBURN SCORES STUNNER AS LIONS BLUNT BLADES

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP Sheffield Utd - 0 Millwall - 1 Coburn 21’ Date: Tuesday 8 April 2025 Man of the Match: Billy Mitchell Referee: Sam Allison Attendance: 25,775 (456)

By Will Scott at Bramall Lane JOSH COBURN’S thundering firsthalf strike proved to be decisive as Millwall beat Sheffield United 1-0, just their fourth league loss at Bramall Lane this season.

Coburn’s goal came from a well-worked move and saw the Lions take a deserved lead into half-time, with the Blades possessing plenty of intent but failed to test Lukas Jensen in the Lions net.

Amid increasing pressure from the home fans, Sheffield United pushed and pushed for an equaliser. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi came close a number of times, but was denied by some excellent box defending by the Lions, who threw themselves at shot after shot.

Millwall showed remarkable resilience and determination to hold onto their razor-thin lead, and came away with a result that may turn their distant play-off hopes into something more concrete.

Every path the Lions had to making the top six involved getting a result at Bramall Lane, and Alex Neil set his side up to go after the game from the start.

They pressed up high and looked to get on the front foot - and had a couple of halfchances from set-pieces.

Sheffield United, who desperately needed all three points in the hunt for automatic promotion, also started aggressively, leading to a back and forth game which lacked a bit of quality until the 21st minute, when the Lions broke the deadlock with a spectacular piece of play.

Billy Mitchell fired the ball into Casper De Norre on the edge of the box, who somehow managed to touch it round a defender into the path of Coburn. The loanee striker took a touch then smashed the ball past Michael Cooper from a tight angle to give Millwall the lead.

The Blades looked to strike back instantly, taking six shots in the next eighteen minutes, the most dangerous of which was Brereton Diaz’s 28th-minute header from just outside the six-yard box

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

Millwall VS

Middlesbrough Saturday, April 12 (15:00 pm) Possible Millwall starting XI: 4-2-3-1 Jensen; Leonard, Crama, Cooper, Bryan; De Norre, Mitchell; Connolly, Cundle, Emakhu; Ivanovic Last meeting: Sky Bet Championship (December 14, 2024): Middlesbrough 1-0 Millwall (Latte Lath 10’) Match odds: Millwall 2/1 Draw 9/4 Middlesbrough 13/10

Josh Coburn celebrates after scoring the game’s only goal

that forced the Danish keeper to quickly stick out a firm hand to maintain the Lions’ lead.

Millwall still possessed plenty of venom, especially in transition, and nearly doubled their lead in the 34th minute when Coburn squared the ball to Mihailo Ivanovic, but the Serb’s shot was blocked.

The game grew more and more scrappy as the half went on - with the Blades

Millwall upstage Sheffield United at Bramall Lane as their surprise play-off push gathers momentum registering ten shots in total which only combined for an expected goals (xG) of 0.52.

The Lions were deserving of their lead as they headed down the tunnel for halftime - they had converted either side’s best chance of the half and were not letting Sheffield United dominate the game.

The Blades, on the other hand, were met with a smattering of booes as they exited

the pitch, and Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder got a response out of his side at the start of the second half.

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, on loan from Crystal Palace, was brought on for Brereton Diaz during half-time and had a golden opportunity to equalise in the 46th minute when Harrison Burrows put the ball on a plate for him in the box, but under pressure from Bryan he sliced his shot wide.

Rak-Sakyi continued to threaten - six minutes later he drove at Bryan and Cundle before swivelling and firing a shot straight into Jensen’s chest.

The game was fast turning into a rapid back and forth encounter, with both sides attacking vertically with speed. When Millwall did counter, there was plenty of space to attack, and they found that space in the 57th minute.

Honeyman played the ball over the top for Coburn to chase, and the striker squared it for an unmarked Ivanovic. The Serb was in acres of space but took his shot first time and fired it straight into Michael Cooper’s hands.

It remained a frantic affair, with Millwall managing to get more control of the game as the half went on. Aside from a fierce Gustavo Hamer drive that whistled over the bar, the Blades did not really have any chances for the next 20 minutes, while Coburn flashed a header over the bar and Aidomo Emakhu had a shot blocked.

Neil opted to make a few defensive substitutions as the game drew to a close, with right-back Wes Harding coming on for right midfielder George Honeyman, and Ryan Wintle replacing Billy Mitchell in central midfield.

The Lions’ defensive additions were needed as the Blades continued to push, with Tom Cannon firing a half volley into Jensen’s chest in the 80th minute.

Rak-Sakyi had another glorious chance to score in the 86th minute when the ball was nodded down to him in the six-yard box by Callum O’Hare, but his close-range effort dribbled just past the post.

Millwall were able to hold on for the remaining ten or so minutes to secure a remarkable away win and an all important three points.

Millwall: 4-4-2 – Jensen; Leonard, Crama, Cooper, Bryan; Honeyman (Harding 78), Mitchell (Wintle 78), De Norre (Saville 73), Cundle (Emakhu 66); Coburn, Ivanovic (Langstaff 73) Unused Substitutes: Roberts, Drake, Kendall, Matthews Sheffield United: 4-2-3-1 - Cooper; Seriki (Holding 74) , Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows; Choudhury (Souza 65), Peck; Brereton Diaz (Rak-Sakyi 46), Brewster (O’Hare 65), Hamer; Campbell (Cannon 65) Unused Substitutes: Davies, McCallum, Moore, Brooks

Mitchell: Let’s ‘bash Boro up on the weekend’ EXCLUSIVE

By Will Scott

BILLY MITCHELL said he wants Millwall to “bash Boro up” ahead of their play-off six-pointer on Saturday, April 12.

The Lions’ 1-0 win against Sheffield United on Tuesday, April 8, means Millwall closed the gap to just three points off Middlesbrough, who are also contending for the play-offs.

Alex Neil’s side head into this weekend’s clash with momentum after winning three out of their last four games.

“At the end of the day we’re just going to concentrate on the next game,” Mitchell said. “We’re going to try and put ourselves in the best position possible, take one game at a time and go and bash Boro up on the weekend and just see what happens.

“The pressure is really off. It’s all to play for. We’ve still got some really

tough games and we’re not deluded. It’s obviously an outside chance. There’s still plenty of teams in between us and the play-offs, but I think Millwall thrive on that outside chance, underdog mentality.

So we’ll see what we can do.”

Prior to Tuesday’s win, the Lions were six points off the top six, and needed a win against a side contending for automatic promotion to stay within touching distance. “[It was a] fantastic result,” Mitchell said. “Don’t get too many nights like that in football to come away to a team that’s absolutely flying with it all to play for and to upset them in the manner we did. I thought the goal was really well worked and the boys just dug in and held out. So fantastic night, really happy with it.

“Physically it [was] tough and I can definitely feel that in the body. I think the lads would agree, the tempo of the game was quite high.

“The gaffer made us aware before the game that Sheffield United have won the

most games in the league this season and they can win many different ways.

They can beat you up, they can make it a physical scrap or they can outplay you.

“So we had to be prepared for both scenarios and I thought the lads won their tackles, won their duels, kept the ball when necessary, played forward with a purpose and we created a lot of chances.

It could have been even more. Obviously Sheffield United had their chances as well, but we managed to see that out and the subs did fantastic when they came on as well.”

The 24-year-old midfielder had a hand in Josh Coburn’s first-half winner, playing the ball in to Casper De Norre on the edge of the box. The Belgian flicked the ball round to the striker, on loan from Boro, who took a touch then smashed it past Michael Cooper in the Blades’ net.

“I got the ball back inside, I think it was from [Ryan] Leonard,” Mitchell said. As soon as I opened up, [I knew]the next ball was going to be forward into Casper

Billy Mitchell in action against Sheffield United

or into one of the pocket players, maybe Luke [Cundle]. I saw Casper made the run, great little touch from him and a great finish from Josh. Training ground stuff.

INSIDE

Sport Southwark

STUBBORN SIBLEY HELPS SURREY TO SHARE OF SPOILS

PLAY-OFF CHARGE IS ON

ALEX NEIL thinks Millwall’s clash with Middlesbrough on Saturday, April 12, has taken on extra importance now that the Lions have closed the gap to the play-off spots by beating Sheffield United 1-0.

Millwall went to the home ground of the third-placed team in the league and came away with a deserved win via a first-half Josh Coburn strike.

The result means the Lions are now three points off Boro, who lost 1-0 to Leeds fifteen minutes after the whistle blew at Bramall Lane.

Saturday’s match gives Millwall the opportunity to draw level with a team also contending for the play-offs.

“I think the importance of the game

is just magnified isn’t it?” Neil said.

“I think at the weekend there was probably the best atmosphere at The Den that I’ve experienced since I’ve been here.

“I’m really hoping this Saturday will be far better than that because there’s a lot at stake isn’t there? If we can go and try and win the game, then we give ourselves an opportunity.”

Neil thought their clash with the Blades was a must win if the Lions wanted to keep themselves in the conversation for the top six.

“My chat with the lads this evening before the match was, if we want to be in the mix come the end of the season, we need to win tonight,” Neil said. “I think you could see with the team that I set out, that we came here to win, we didn’t come here to

Neil uncertain when Tanganga will return

By Will Scott JAPHET TANGANGA had surgery on a broken bone in his hand on Wednesday, April 8, and Alex Neil is unsure when the centre-back will be available to play.

Lions’ impressive win at Bramall Lane has turned Middlesbrough clash into crucial play-off six-pointer

By Will Scott

PAGE 29

Jake Cooper, Tristan Crama and George Saville celebrate after Millwall’s 1-0 win against Sheffield United not lose, we came here to try and win the game.

“Now that’s easier said than done.

You’re going to have to do a lot of things really, really well for that to happen. Fortunately enough for us, we did that this evening.”

Neil was pleased with his side’s performance against a side that is pushing for automatic promotion.

“Really good result for us,” Neil said. “We knew coming here it was going to be a really tough game.

Sheffield United have won more matches at this level than anybody else this season and deservedly so.

We knew coming here was going to be hard, we were going to have to get the balance right between playing, between carrying a threat and between defending. I thought we

did that.

“What we did know coming here is Sheffield United are one of the lowest teams in the league for crossing the ball. What we do know about ourselves, we are one of the best teams at defending the middle of the box. So our strategy was to stay narrow and let them work outside us and make sure we try and defend the box well. If we did that we felt we would’ve given ourselves an opportunity and a chance to win the game.

“But you need to have quality at the top end. I thought we had a lot of that this evening. I thought the two strikers were excellent. So really pleased with everybody that took to the field really. Even the subs that come on, I thought they did great.”

Tanganga was withdrawn in the 43rd minute of Millwall’s 2-1 win against Portsmouth on Saturday, April 5, with his arm in a sling, and the 26-year-old missed the Lions’ match-day squad for their 1-0 win against Sheffield United, “I’m not quite sure,” Neil said. “He had a little bit of surgery in his hand today.

“So he’s broke a bone in his hand, which is unfortunate. It’ll be determined by when he can safely, wearing a cast or whatever, come back into the team. So that will be determined by, I’d imagine the surgeon, whoever’s done the operation.”

Ra’ees Bangura-Williams and Zak Sturge, who were both judgement calls ahead of the game, missed out on the match-day squad as well, as did Aaron Connolly, who started against Pompey.

Neil thinks they could be back for Saturday, April 12, when the Lions face Middlesbrough in a play-off sixpointer.

“They’ve got a chance,” Neil said.

“Aaron Connolly will probably have a chance.

“They’re all ankles at the moment.

Everybody can see that because the weather’s brightened up what’s happened is the pitches went from really heavy to really hard.

“Aaron’s a bit of a kick, you’ve probably seen that on the weekend.

Ra’ees I think was a kick when he was away with England and Zak just rocked his ankle. But not too bad.”

Japhet Tanganga is withdrawn against Portsmouth THE RECYCLED PAPER CONTENT OF UK NEWSPAPERS IN 2014 WAS 83.5%