Southwark News - February 13th 2025

‘on a mission’

Issue 1724

Est: 1987

50p

February 13 2025

southwarknews.co.uk

exClusive

world’s first Coffins made from mushrooms

See page 5

turning the quays

why is this man sitting in a wheelie bin of ice every day?

See Page 3

See sport

exClusive

MILLWALL’S GOLDEN PATHWAY See page 8

Shopping centre conversion will see 2,000 capacity music venue, 200 new homes on food hall and vertical farm old Kent road site See page 4

See page 4

2 NEWS Contents NEWS Pages 2-15

Castle Square traders’ leases extended as town centre development moves forward

opinion Pages 18-19 arts Pages 20-21 History Page 22 Classified Page 24 Public notices Pages 25-26 SPORT Pages 29-32

Contact us if you have a story on editor@ southwarknews.co.uk EXCLUSIVE

By Isabel Ramirez We are a London Living Wage employer Do you have a story

for our news team?

Call 0207 231 5258 You can WhatsApp us on 07494 070 863.

Castle Square traders whose leases were due to end this year will now be staying longer, the News can reveal.

The business owners, originally relocated from the former Elephant and Castle shopping centre, were only meant to be at this location for five years.

However, their leases have now been extended by 18 months to coincide with the completion date of the new Town Centre.

The development, owned by Get Living and managed by Delancey, will feature three residential towers with 485 new homes, 135,000 sq. ft of retail space, 56,000 sq. ft of office space, a cinema, and a new building for the London College of Communication.

Construction is expected to be completed MILLWALL NEWS

IN THE LOOP Issue 1723

Editor: Kevin Quinn Deputy Editor: Herbie Russell Reporters: Isabel Ramirez; Issy Clarke 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

Est: 1987

50p

February 6 2025

‘THERE’S BEEN NO PROMISES MADE’

southwarknews.co.uk

PLANS FOR BAKERLOO LINE BUS

in 2026, with the team confirming they are ‘on track’ to meet this target.

Kevin Stora, owner of Laughland Communications on the first floor, said when the project is complete, the plan is for the remaining Castle Square traders to move into some of the new retail units.

“Everyone at Castle Square was told verbally that we will be offered units in the new Town Centre,” he said. “There are meant to be some units that are below

market rent.”

Last May, the News exclusively reported that four of the traders had been evicted following an ongoing battle with the landlord over rent arrears.

Kevin confirmed the units they left were ‘still empty’.

The remaining traders previously claimed that business was ‘dead’ at Castle Square, blaming the poor signage and visibility for their severe lack of footfall.

Kevin explained that the derelict units did not help this matter. “It’s definitely affected trade,” he commented. “I have been begging them to put signs in the blank windows to let people know we’re still here.”

A spokesperson for Elephant and Castle Town Centre said: “We are in the process of extending the leases of all traders in Castle Square to align with the timeline between practical completion of the Town Centre site and the subsequent fit-out of the buildings, including the new retail units.

The extant planning permission for Castle Square was also extended to facilitate the longer leases.

“We are still in the process of assessing all options for Castle Square following the opening of the Town Centre. However, once we have a viable option we will proactively and transparently consult with all relevant traders and provide an update to the wider community in Elephant and Castle”.

In other news, Southwark Council announced the deal had gone through allowing a key part of the development to continue.

The new pedestrian link, linking the new Town Centre with Castle Square and Elephant Park, will go ahead after successful negotiation between Southwark Council and several viaduct arch traders beneath Elephant and Castle mainline station.

A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the land needed to create the pedestrian link was confirmed this month.

All the local businesses affected will be offered an alternative unit within the Town Centre. So far, DistriAndina will be moving into the new Town Centre and Beset International will be relocated into a spare arch currently used as a site entrance.

Southwark Council has worked with Corsica Studios to ensure the grassroots venue can remain in its current location and will benefit from a full refurbishment

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

See Page 3

See page 8

EXCLUSIVE

WANTED See page 4

Office space in Peckham for newly elected MP

See pages 6-7

ANTON’S HEARTFELT DANCE TRIBUTE TO MUM See Page 5

HOW IS THE APPRENTICE WINNER DOING IN SE5?

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.

Follow our social media to be updated on local news

southwark-news

@southwark_news

Southwark News is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry).

We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact 0207 231 5258.

If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk

NEWS 3

why is this man sitting in a wheelie Bin filled with iCe every day?

By Isabel Ramirez A Bermondsey-BAsed personal trainer is gearing up for the adventure of a lifetime—an extreme survival trip to the arctic, where he’ll face temperatures plummeting to -20C.

To prepare for the brutal cold he is expected to face, Phil Hyland - who calls himself ‘Bear Phils’ told the us he ‘sits in a wheelie bin full of ice water every day.’

In April, he will embark on the 19th Fjällräven Polar, a gruelling seven-day, 300km dog sledding expedition across the Scandinavian Arctic tundra.

Hosted by Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven, the annual challenge sees just 20 participants selected from around the world out of an astonishing 30,000 applicants.

When Phil, who trains clients at The Hidden Gym near Tooley Street, found out he’d secured a coveted spot, he could hardly believe it.

“I nearly fell off my chair,” he admitted. “I only found out about the competition two days before the deadline.”

To enter, the 40-year-old had to create video content showcasing his love for the great outdoors—something that came naturally to

him. “I’ve been fishing since I was seven and do a lot of wild camping,” he shared. “I love the survival element.”

As well as bathing in ice, Phil says during the winter months he cooks outside over a fire he has made every night - just for fun. Fortunately, Fjällräven provides all the necessary high-quality gear designed for extreme conditions.

The trip aligns perfectly with Phil’s life mission: pushing himself to be his best while inspiring others to do the same.

“When I’m not out trying to catch sea bass for dinner or camping on top of a mountain somewhere, I work as a self-improvement coach,” he explained. “I try to help people worry less, laugh more, and squeeze a bit more out of life.”

About a decade ago, he founded The Upgraded Mind, a company running wild camping events in Surrey to teach survival skills. Alongside this, he volunteers with Bromley Council, mentoring young adults in need of support.

“I’ve even started taking one kid out to the woods—his parents want him off his game console and out of the house more.”

Phil’s passion for fitness and the outdoors stems from his own struggles with anxiety as a teenager.

4 NEWS

2,000 CapaCity musiC venue and food hall to open up where range surrey quays used to Be

By Robert Firth

Local Democracy Reporter a new 2,000 capacity music venue and food hall will be based in the former branch of the range at surrey quays shopping Centre.

It will also host interactive experiences to encourage local people to engage creatively with sustainable produce and cooking.

A Minecraft Experience is being advertised to open there on April 4. A ‘Village Rescue’ has also been announced recently as one of its first installations in Corner Corner’s 18,000 sqaure foot live events space. This space will also be available to hire for other events Broadwick, who ran nearby club

CGI from British Land

It is expected to open in the next few months. The 1980s shopping centre is set to eventually be demolished as part of larger plans to redevelop the area near to Canada Water station.

A Southwark Council Planning Committee approved plans for the new venue on Wednesday February 5.

When The Range closed last Summer many locals were upset at the loss of the discount store saying they feared affordable shopping would be replaced by high prices as the area undergoes massive regeneration with an estimated 18,000 new residents expected to move in.

The shopping centre will not be bulldozed until at least 2028 when the large Tesco is replaced with a new store, but this 55,000 sqaure foot venue, to be known as Corner Corner, will open up and stay open on the site for five years.

According to proposals submitted by developer British Land, Corner Corner will include an events space, food hall and an indoor farm. Herbs and salad leaves grown on the farm will be used in meals served in the venue’s food hall.

The indoor vertical farm, dubbed London’s largest commercial farm, will allow up to 200 different crops to be supplied to the food hall and an all-day café, as well as to restaurants in the local area.

Corner Corner is expected to open in the next few months Printworks which closed in 2023, will manage the new venue. Corner Corner is expected to mainly host jazz and other ‘low key music events’ rather than the huge club nights Printworks was famous for.

Printworks is expected to be reborn in a new venue a part of Canada Water’s wider regeneration.

According to council planning documents related to the Corner Corner application: “The internal music levels

assumed in the noise assessment do not allow for a traditional live music / concert hall type venue as the internal levels they are using are too low to enable most commercial artists.”

Proposals approved by the committee would in principle allow Corner Corner to open until 3am from Thursday to Saturday. The venue would still need to get licensing permission from the council.

But a representative from Broadwick told the meeting that Corner Corner was not

intending to regularly open until 3am, adding that the late opening hours applied for ‘just gives us flexibility in the future for the odd event that might come up’.

Resident DJs spinning jazz, funk, soul, disco and world music are expected to be performing on Thursday evenings, while there will be live jazz and ticketed shows every Friday and Saturday (subject to licensing).

Roger Madelin, Head of Canada Water at British Land, said: “Having worked with world-leading organisations Broadwick and KERB for many years, we never cease to be amazed with their appealing, relevant and uplifting ideas, and Corner Corner is going to be no different.

“This new cultural venue is a totally fresh concept, and securing consent to deliver our proposed vision is fantastic recognition of the critical role Canada Water has within London’s cultural offering.”

A British Land representative told Southwark Council’s planning meeting: “This venue will create new employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phase.”

A Planning Committee made up of Labour councillors Richard Livingstone, Cleo Soanes, Kath Whittam and Michael Situ approved the application unanimously. Cllr Whittam, member for Rotherhithe, said she had concerns about the late opening hours but accepted the proposals were ‘good’ and had lots of variety. She joked: “The music offer apparently is going to be jazz mainly, which I would vote against.”

southwark’s monthly gym membership goes up by £12 at leisure centres

By Robert Firth

Local Democracy Reporter gym goers have expressed unease at planned £144 annual increases to the cost of a southwark Council’s memberships.

Leisure centre fee rises waved through by cabinet in the 2025/26 budget on Tuesday, February 4, would see membership prices rise by over a third.

The price of a general monthly membership would increase from £31.99 to £43.99 per month under the plans — a rise of £144 over the year.

Some gym goers at the council’s Seven Islands Leisure Centre in Rotherhithe, said the inflation busting fee hikes would make them consider switching gyms, when asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) on Thursday, February 6.

Vanessa, 62, who declined to give her surname, said: “I’ve been coming here for eight years, but the increase is a huge amount of money. I think I might change my membership when it comes into place.

It’s too much.

“I think the rise is going to stop a lot of people using the gyms and coming to the centres. We’ve got the park [Southwark Park] around the corner and I think people will just use that.”

Luana, 48, who preferred not to give her surname, added: “If there was something

The new Canada Water Leisure Centre will open in Spring 2025

Simon Treacy said that the leisure centre would still remain cheaper than alternatives in the area despite the membership price rises better, I would go there. I think if the prices go up, they should really improve the gyms here. The state of the gyms is shameful and I have complained many times.

“There were flies in the women’s changing rooms at one point. They should make sure the classes are not overcrowded too.”

But Simon Treacy, 37, said that the

leisure centre would still remain cheaper than alternatives in the area despite the price rise. He said: “The other options around here are private and they are very expensive. Relative to private membership, I still think it’s a good deal.

“I would rather my fees go to the council rather than some large corporation.”

Mr Treacy, who said he visited Seven

Islands once or twice a week, added: “It’s tricky. I can afford it so I wouldn’t mind paying £40 or so a month. But I know there’s a lot of people here for whom that’s a big increase and they would feel it.”

Another gym goer, who declined to give his name, said he thought the opening of the nearby Canada Water Leisure Centre in spring would make the council’s membership price rise worth it.

The new gym and pool, which is nearing completion, will replace Seven Islands as the local area’s leisure centre when it opens.

The Southwark Council centre will include a gym with 150 pieces of equipment, two swimming pools, three fitness studios, and a sports hall.

Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People, said: “We are committed

to providing high-quality, accessible leisure facilities that promote health and wellbeing. Our centres offer great value, ensuring affordability and inclusivity for all.

“Our leisure service is built on the goal of providing a public health service that prioritises our vulnerable residents. That’s why we continue to offer Free Swim and Gym, targeted free sessions for over-60s, and discounts for students, veterans, and emergency service workers.

“The recent membership fee increase reflects our significant investment in maintaining these targeted programs and funding the refurbishment of all gyms.

We recognise the importance of a clean, safe, and welcoming environment, which is why we are addressing cleanliness and overcrowding while continuing to invest in our facilities.”

NEWS 5

Made from mushrooms - the world’s first ‘living coffin’ now being sold in south London

Bob Hendrikx invented the coffin

EXCLUSIVE

By Isabel Ramirez The world’s first ‘living coffin’ made from mushrooms is now being sold at a funeral home in Forest Hill, as part of a drive for more sustainable funerals.

Poetic Endings, an independent funeral director on David’s Road, has become the

first in the UK to offer this groundbreaking option, which its creators believe represents the ‘future of burials.’

Unlike traditional coffins made from wood or metal—materials that can take decades to break down—this one is made from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms.

The mycelium naturally enhances the soil, helping to speed up the body’s decomposition while enriching the

Community sauna to open in Camberwell

Community Sauna Baths

surrounding earth.

The coffin, called the Loop Living Cocoon, was invented in the Netherlands

by Loop. Bob Hendrikx, the creator, explains that the product biodegrades within 45 days and enriches the soil in the process. Regular coffins, on the other hand, can take decades to decompose and often leave harmful residues behind.

Each ‘living’ coffin costs £1,250. While it’s pricier than some conventional

options, Louise at Poetic Endings acknowledges the benefits it provides.

She notes that it allows people to leave a positive environmental impact.

Cremation is often seen as the modern alternative to burial, especially in crowded urban areas where space is scarce. However, Bob points out that cremation consumes large amounts of energy and releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants, including mercury from dental fillings.

“Looking purely at the ecological footprint, cremation has a bigger impact than burial,” he says. “Our goal is to get as close to nature as possible by composting bodies naturally. The mushroom coffin helps the body return to the earth in a way that actively benefits the local environment.”

He said 2,000 people have already opted for a mushroom coffin and the trend is growing worldwide.

By Isabel Ramirez

housed in a 1930s former bathhouse, features seven saunas and nine cold plunges.

It also offers a range of unique events such as storytelling, sound bath sauna and life drawing, as well as traditional sauna rituals such as the German Aufguss and Finnish leaf-whisking, massage treatments and private sauna bookings.

Joe Beek, head builder of the Camberwell Community Sauna, said: “We’re thrilled to be creating a new sauna site that promotes health and wellbeing right in the heart of nature.

It’s been a pleasure working alongside the Parks Team and the Friends of Ruskin Park to bring this vision to life.

“We hope this beautiful sauna site will provide significant benefits to the community and beyond.”

The organisation maintains its commitment to accessibility with standard pricing from £9.50 off-peak to £16.50 peak, alongside concessionary rates. Working with NHS trusts in Hackney and Newham, they provide social prescribing schemes offering free sauna sessions to those who would otherwise not be able to and free sessions for NHS workers, with plans to extend these programmes to Camberwell.

Polly Joy Wilson, Social Prescribing and Outreach Manager: “As a Community Interest Company, we believe that the health benefits of sauna bathing should be accessible to everyone. To make this vision a reality, we have developed a fully selffunded social prescribing scheme.

This initiative allows NHS-funded organisations and selected charities to access our saunas free of charge.

“We prioritise partnering with local charities to support individuals and groups who might otherwise be unable to use our saunas or are facing significant life challenges with free, regularly occurring saunas. Through this work, we’ve seen firsthand how sauna bathing can reduce stress, improve physical health, and foster meaningful connections.

“Our commitment is to break down barriers so that more people can experience the profound benefits of sauna bathing. By operating as a not-for-profit organisation, we’re demonstrating that it’s possible to create real and lasting change in community wellbeing while maintaining a sustainable model.”

For more information: Community Sauna Baths Instagram: @communitysaunabaths

A community sauna with cold plunges is set to open in Camberwell’s Ruskin Park this spring.

Plans were submitted for the site, in Ruskin Park’s former depot area, last January.

Community Sauna Baths, the company behind the venture decided to expand after their site in Hackney became so popular.

The new site will feature three saunas and multiple plunge pools. Off-peak tickets start at £9.50 to £16.50 peak, alongside concessionary rates.

Developed in partnership with Lambeth Council, it will transform a long-vacant space into a community wellness hub, with access via the park’s south side.

To celebrate its opening, Community Sauna Baths offers exclusive and limited pre-sale tickets, discounted 1.5h sauna and cold plunge passes, and lifetime unlimited access across all locations.

Community Sauna Baths CIC has flourished since its 2021 launch, operating successful locations across London in Hackney Wick, Stratford, Bermondsey, and Peckham.

The flagship Hackney Wick location,

6 NEWS

Bermondsey funny woman shares her love of growing up on council estate in bid to get top stand-up spot

L: Kerry Fitzgerald.

R: Kerry loved growing up in Lanark House

By Isabel Ramirez A Bermondsey-born comedian, who does stand-up about her childhood on an Old Kent Road estate, is set to perform at one of London’s top comedy venues.

Kerry Fitzgerald has been shortlisted for the Chortle Hotshots competition, which offers the winner funding for an Edinburgh Fringe show—an opportunity that could be life-changing for the rising comic.

Now 35, Kerry grew up on the Mawbey Estate, opposite the big Asda on Old Kent Road. She recalls a childhood full of fun, blissfully unaware of any financial hardship.

“I didn’t know it was any different to anyone else,” she says. “It was only when I went to uni that I realised not everyone grew up like I did.”

Her upbringing heavily influences her writing, and she aspires to be a “working-class Phoebe WallerBridge.” Class identity is a major

theme in her stand-up. “My parents were Irish, so people don’t often see me as a Bermondsey girl—which hurts.”

By her own admission, she doesn’t sound like someone raised down the Old Kent Road. “I always have to explain where I’m from early on because I don’t fit the stereotype. It’s only been trendy to sound like you’re from an estate recently.”

In her comedy, she shares personal experiences, including missing out on an opportunity for working-class performers because someone else ‘sounded’ more working-class. It’s something that still frustrates her.

After attending drama school at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, she reflects on the stark contrast in privilege. “I was living back at my dad’s on the Old Kent Road, and it used to take me hours to get there. Meanwhile, one student had a parent buy them a flat right next to the school.”

Despite the challenges, Kerry is grateful for the opportunities she found along the way. “I went to a poor school, but there were loads of opportunities. I got work experience at Shakespeare’s Globe when I was 16. I was the only one there from my background.” That experience turned into a part-time job that, as she puts it, “changed the course” of her life. “It showed me all of this could be a real job.”

Her love for performance started at Eveline Lowe Primary School, encouraged by her teacher, Aliki, before continuing at Bacon’s College in Rotherhithe and the City of London Academy. “There were only three of us doing A-level drama, so we had so much freedom,” she recalls. She later studied Drama and English Literature at Kingston University before securing a scholarship to Royal Central.

Since then, she has landed roles in BBC’s Casualty and sitcom King Gary, and recently filmed her first co-lead

Parking spaces in SE1 on market for up to £40k each

By Isabel Ramirez Various individual parking spaces in Borough and Bermondsey are being sold for up to £40k each.

One of the spaces, a 50 sq ft spot set in a car park near London Bridge, is on the market for ‘offers over £35,000.’

Another collection of eight parking spaces in

a car park just off Bermondsey Street is on the market for £40,000 per space.

Listed on Rightmove by Kalmars, the agent advises the spaces have been rented out and fully occupied for twenty years for ‘roughly £35 per week.’

This means it would take over twenty years to make your money back per space.

For more information visit rightmove.co.uk

role in the indie feature ManBaby alongside Divian Ladwa (Detectorists, Lion, Ant-Man and the Wasp).

As a writer, she was shortlisted for BAFTA Rocliffe for her comedydrama A Dark Night at Number 20, inspired by her upbringing at Lanark House in the 1990s. “Producers loved it because it wasn’t the usual estate story—it was about love, family, and community.”

Kerry wants to see different experiences portrayed on TV, especially involving council estates: “Those depictions shouldn’t all be so narrow - knives, Reeboks, drugs.”

Though acting and writing were her first loves, she discovered her true calling in stand-up. “I’ve lost both of my parents now, so it’s all about trying to live with joy after so much grief.”

She performed her first gig in 2019.

“It was like being shot out of a cannon.

I think I only had one joke in the whole routine, but it was amazing.”

Now, she’s determined to take her comedy to the next level. “Comedy is medicinal.”

Winning Chortle Hotshots could be a game-changer, providing financial support to take a show to Edinburgh— something she acknowledges remains out of reach for many working-class comedians.

“It’s really expensive to take a show to Edinburgh. A lot of opportunities are still out of reach for people from backgrounds like mine.”

Now a mum to an eight-year-old, Kerry said: “I feel really passionately about people from our area not seeing any barriers to where they want to get to.”

For young people looking to break into the industry, she has some advice: “Do what you love at school. Ask your drama teachers for advice.

“Follow casting directors online— there are more opportunities now than ever before. And be wary of agents who charge young performers.”

One parking space for sale at The Madison, Borough, London, SE1 for offers over £35k (Foxtons)

NEWS 7

Five men arrested on suspicion of drug offences in London Bridge operation

By Isabel Ramirez

Five men were arrested on suspicion of various drug offences in a British Transport Police (BTP) operation to identify passengers who might be involved in County Lines drug dealing at London Bridge.

Group, and Southwark social services.

The operation was also aided by the local Business Improvement District, Team London Bridge.

County Lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within England, Scotland and Wales, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other forms of ‘deal lines’.

PC Lee Noble said: “I’m extremely pleased with the success of the operation, which saw us identify and apprehend people involved in County Lines activity.

“Our dedicated team works across the rail network throughout the country to tackle this exploitative activity, making critical interventions to safeguard vulnerable people from predatory and ruthless gangs.

“These operations can take place at any time and anywhere, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to make our communities and the railway network safer.

“If you have concerns for someone you know who is using the railway network, we urge you to contact us by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. Be aware that victims of exploitation may not always be obvious, and they may not be aware they are indeed victims.”

On Friday, January 31, BTP officers, including the County Lines Task Force and Violent Crime Task Force, were joined at the station by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service and by officers and passive drug detection dogs from the City of London Police and Kent Police.

Five men were arrested during the operation, alongside 74 stop and searches that were carried out and eight community resolutions handed out.

A man in his 20s was stopped by officers after he was seen pushing through the ticket barriers of the main concourse. He was searched after officers felt something concealed under his clothes, and was found to have been hiding crack cocaine and heroin on his person.

The man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to sell and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, and a later search of his home by officers uncovered £4,000 in cash, a bag full of cannabis and crystal rocks, as well as a burner phone.

He was later charged with being in possession with intent to sell and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs and appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court Monday, February 3.

Two other men were stopped and searched after they were spotted by plainclothes officers avoiding the drug detection dogs. The pair were stopped and searched, and one of the men was found to be in possession of two blocks of cannabis, while the other was found with around £2500 in cash.

The men, in their 30s and 60s

respectively, were both arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to sell and being concerned with the supply of class B drugs and have been bailed while enquiries continue.

Another man in his 60s was stopped by plainclothes who noticed a strong smell of cannabis emitting from him. He was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of Class B drugs with intent to sell after being found to have multiple blocks of cannabis, scales, and over £400 of cash on his person.

A man in his 20s was arrested and taken

into custody after being stopped and identified by police, with the man being found to have failed to appear at court for a hearing as part of a Metropolitan Police investigation.

During the multi-agency operation, dubbed Operation Blume, officers were deployed to detect and disrupt criminal activity and to safeguard those being exploited.

They were supported by Home Office immigration officers, Transport for London revenue officers, representatives from the local Independent Advisory

Share Your Views on Our Developed Designs for Albion Bridge at Canada Water Dockside.

Albio

n Br

idge

Dear Residents, Art-Invest are presenting developed designs for a replacement for the Albion Bridge, and we are now pleased to present our proposal to you for feedback.

We are proposing a wider new crossing that allows for an improved experience for pedestrians, as well as providing a unique place to take in the views of Canada Dock and supporting the vibrancy of the emerging town centre.

Event details We will be hosting further drop-in events to showcase the developed proposals for the Albion Bridge and how these have responded to feedback from the community.

These events will be held in our Dockside Project Hub, Retail Park, Unit 1 Canada Water, Surrey Quays Rd, London, SE16 2XU (enter via Maritime Street) on: Wednesday 26th February, 4:00 – 7:00pm Saturday 1st March, 10:00am – 1:00pm

Please visit our website to find out more and sign up for updates. docksidecanadawater.co.uk

Canada Dock

ys Qua ntre rey Sur ing Ce pp Sho

Scan this QR code to view website

Get in touch It is important that we are able to engage with all neighbours, local groups and businesses. If you need help accessing information, please contact us on: contact@canadawaterdockside.co.uk 020 3900 3676

FAO KAN0664, Floor 5, 10 Chiswell Street, London EC1Y 4UQ

8 NEWS

New plans for Peckham Square

By Melina Block A public consultation on the new Peckham Square design will be held this Thursday, 13 February,

Southwark Council has budgeted £7 million for the remodelling, and is set to place a memorial for Damilola Taylor at the centre of the newly designed square.

Another possibility, demolishing Peckham Arch, has sparked debate for several years, with 80% of asked residents in support of not retaining it, according to the council.

More development of the adjacent sites, increased employment and business opportunities for locals, and better natural surveillance in the evening are all supposed benefits of removing the Arch, according to the council.

People have voiced support for Peckham Arch remaining, however, including local architect Benedict O’Looney: “Urbanistically, it dates back to structures like the Agora in Athens where people young and old could gather and exchange ideas.

“It’s precious and shouldn’t be disposed of lightly”, he previously told Southwark News.

Your opinion on these proposals and more can be given at Thursday’s consultation, which will take place from 3PM-8PM. Those unable to attend can meet the Peckham Square team at Peckham Library, which will also host an exhibition between 13-21 February.

The team will be available to answer questions, discuss the design, and receive feedback from residents and stakeholders from 10AM-1PM on 15 February, and

APPROVED: Old Kent Road £80m scheme with 200 new homes

By Isabel Ramirez

Southwark Council has approved the sale of a site on Old Kent Road, paving the way for an £80m scheme with 200 new homes - half of which will be affordable.

At a cabinet meeting on Thursday, 6 February, the council agreed to sell the Folgate site at 711-733 Old Kent Road to Weston Homes.

Subject to planning consent, the developer will create a residentialled scheme featuring 200 mixedtenure homes. Of these, 50 per cent will be affordable, with at least half designated for social rent.

The 0.9-acre site, valued at £80 million, represents a significant investment to the area just north of Commercial Way by Lidl supermarket.

In addition to housing, an existing industrial building on the site will be refurbished to provide 30,000 sq ft of commercial space, which could include a new healthcare centre.

NHS South East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) has expressed its intention to provide health services from the site.

Bob Weston, Chairman of Weston Group, welcomed the decision: “This is an exciting day at the start of a new journey for Southwark and the Weston Group. Today’s decision shows the Council’s clear support behind our competitive offer for the regeneration of the Folgate site. We look forward to working with Southwark Council in the months and years to come.”

Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes & Sustainable Development at Southwark Council, said: “The redevelopment of the Folgate site will be another positive step in our efforts to renew the whole Old Kent Road area, delivering the genuinely affordable homes, green spaces and infrastructure that we

need.

“I’m really excited to be moving forward with Weston Homes on a plan which will deliver 200 new homes with 50 per cent being muchneeded affordable housing and at least half of those being social rent – vital for those residents who are on Southwark’s housing waiting list.

“The scheme will also refurbish and reuse the locally listed Victorian building and its shop frontages on the Old Kent Road and has the potential to deliver a new state-of-the-art health centre, which we hope to deliver working in partnership with the NHS.” For more information, visit: www.weston-homes.com

New images released of huge new Blackfriars Road development which will dwarf surrounding buildings

By Izzy Clarke Images have been released of an huge new development consisting of homes and offices on Blackfriars Road

The development, 18 Blackfriars, will include a 44-storey office block, and residential blocks of 40 and 22-storeys.

The office block will be 195 metres tall, dwarfing the neighbouring One Blackfriars and South Bank Tower buildings.

The 1 million sq ft development is named ‘The Round’ inspired by the circular hub at its centre, and will see the empty site at 18 Blackfriars Road transformed into a mixture of homes and offices spread across three buildings.

The plans for the unusual site have been brought by property developer Hines, with construction set to begin later this year.

Two buildings will deliver more than 400 new homes with 40% set at affordable rents, while the third will be for offices and will contain more outdoor terraces than any other high-rise in the UK. The two residential buildings will separate private residents from those in

affordable and social rent homes.

The 40-storey Stamford Building will house private households with the rest in the 22-storey Paris Building.

Of the 433 new homes, 273 will be private, 104 social rent, and 56 intermediate. Intermediate are typically 80 per cent of market rates.

A central atrium in the heart of the

development will provide a space for a food market, cafes and restaurants – with the whole complex in walking distance of world-famous cultural spots such as the Tate Modern, National Theatre and the Southbank Centre.

Ross Blair, Senior Managing Director and Country Head of Hines UK, said: “We’ve listened carefully to our

customers and want to create a place that really does support people’s wellbeing, and ultimately leaves them feeling better than when they arrived.

“The workplace and home are where we spend most of our days, so improving these places can have a transformational impact on people’s body and mind – that is our main driver for the Round’s

vision, and why we are focused on ‘social wellbeing’.

“Our commitment to bringing this scheme to life, and our investment in ensuring it becomes a destination with community and social wellbeing at its core, underlines our long-term conviction in London as a thriving, global centre for culture, education and business.”

NEWS 9

housing repair worKers ‘won’t rule out’ striKing again over annual leave

Pictured left to right: Neil Tasker (Unite Representative), and Onay Kasab (National Officer)

By Callum Smyth southwarK has said it is in the process of reviewing annual leave for council repair workers who walked out on strike last month.

Unite The Union, which organised the walkout says it will not rule out further strike action if their demands are not met. These housing and estate workers are responsible for electrics, plumbing, pest control and more.

The 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 members formed the majority of the overall department workforce.

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.

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

Many of the workers on strike told the News that they did not want to be

on the picket line but felt that it was the only way to get their views across to the bosses.

According to Neil Tasker, Unite The Union’s lead representative, negotiations have dated back to 2021. He explained that lower-paid technicians, labourers, and drivers were receiving two days less leave than their colleagues, and management had repeatedly postponed addressing this issue.

On Thursday, 23rd January, Unite put forward their final mitigated position, for 30 apprentices and technicians to be levelled up two days of annual leave.

Neil Tasker added that the action ‘could have been avoided’ if the council had agreed to this.

The union says that their position should be put in the context of how much less annual leave they get compared to senior management at the council.

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

According to the union, management grades in administrative positions get twelve more days of annual leave than repair workers.

A Unite statement said: “Workers in the housing and estates team start on 27 days annual leave per year. Those in senior, executive roles at the council head office get an additional nine days (36) but this can rise to an additional 12 (39) days with long service.”

Southwark Council said it is undertaking a review of annual leave which is due to be completed by 31 March.

A spokesperson told the News: “The council highly values the contribution of our hard-working housing teams.

“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 repairs service to our housing tenants during the industrial action.”

The council came to an agreement with Unite and other recognised trade unions,

Leak flooding Camberwell estate’s garden was ‘reported three weeks ago’ - it’s now ‘two feet deep’ EXCLUSIVE

By Isabel Ramirez a grouP of Camberwell residents say they’re very concerned over a leak that is flooding their communal garden with ’21,000 litres of water an hour’.

They us the leak causing the flooding was reported nearly three weeks ago but it has not yet been fixed.

As a result, it has now created a pond around two feet deep and residents say it is growing by the minute.

Michelle Baharier, who has lived at

Gilesmead for 30 years, said when they reported the leak to the council on January 13 someone came to inspect it.

“They logged the job but no one from the council has been since,” she explained.

The building has 40 flats in total, 18 of which are on the ground floor.

Michelle said they were all ’scared’ about what could happen if the flooding didn’t get sorted soon.

“We can’t do anything about it,” she shared.

“My neighbours have called the fire brigade because they’re really scared about what damage it’s doing underneath.

It’s going to start flooding inside people’s

flats and affecting the electrics.”

She added: “I’m really disgusted.

“The council isn’t caring for their own property.”

Residents said Thames Water came to inspect it, and that despite claiming the leak was flooding the garden with ‘21,000 litres an hour’, they said it was the council’s responsibility as it was not Thames Water pipework.

“And it’s a real waste of drinking water,” Michelle said.

Councillor Sarah King, cabinet member for council homes, said: “We are aware of this and working with Thames Water to deal with the issue urgently.”

to undertaking a review and say the trade unions are actively contributing to it before its completion next month.

Southwark workers began their strike on Tuesday 28 January, marching from their Copeland Road depot in Peckham towards Tower Bridge Road in Bermondsey shouting “Southwark Council shame on you!”

Assembling outside Frensham Street depot in Peckham the following day, one worker said: “We’re just asking for a fair share”.

Onay Kasab, National officer, said, “This isn’t about greed... [or] wanting more money... It’s simply asking for some equity... equality.”

A strike by many of the same members was narrowly avoided in October 2023 after Southwark Council agreed to a pay deal.

Two Unite members, who started at Southwark last year after spending eight and 12 years on temporary agency contracts, spoke of the difficulty they faced trying to gain a permanent position: “I had an impression it was going to be a temp to perm when I started,” one of the members said,

“but after 12 years of them not making a move, I was going to give up, but I thought, you know what, after all the difficulty trying to get it no I’m not going to give up” When asked why they thought the council made it so difficult to move on from the agency, he said, “The council doesn’t take notice, we aren’t important, we’re just agency workers.”

Another member spoke on how there was no [reward] after working during COVID, “Through COVID… every day we were dropping food parcels. We got one day off as a reward but then we found out the people who was at home, they got the same one day off.”

This disdain for the treatment workers faced was shared amongst the crowd when one spokesperson named Alex announced, “During the pandemic, you guys went out to keep people safe in this community, while those fat cat managers sat at home”.

Onay Kasab said: “What we’re asking is for negotiations and a resolution, because the message from us is that if this isn’t resolved, then the action will continue. And we will escalate.”

Tenants claimed the leak was ‘two feet deep’

10 NEWS

four unique things to do for valentine’s day in south london

By Isabel Ramirez

good vibe.

Address: The Greyhound, 109 Peckham High St, London SE15 5SE Admission: £5

From Petting alpacas in Vauxhall to hearing a historical love story in rotherhithe, here are some unique things to do to celebrate Valentine’s day in south london this year.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 PoP-uP vALentine’s cinemA in BroCKley The Rivoli Ballroom will be screening Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet on Valentine’s Day, along with other romantic classics in the days leading up to it. With its red velvet decor, chandeliers, and Chinese lanterns, this venue is perfect for a nostalgic Valentine’s night. address: Rivoli Ballroom, 350 Brockley Rd, London SE4 2BY admission: From £10. thames tunnel loVe story tour in rotherhithe Discover the enchanting love story of Marc and Sophia Brunel during this special tour celebrating the Thames Tunnel’s 200th anniversary.

Begin the evening with prosecco in the atmospheric Tunnel Shaft while exploring the engineering marvel’s romantic history. address: Brunel Museum, Railway

Southwark pubs offering bottomless Guinness to celebrate Six Nations

By Issy Clarke two PuBs in southwark are offering bottomless guinness until march to celebrate the six nations.

The Marquis Of Wellington, Bermondsey and The Bridge Tap, London Bridge are among 26 branches of the Social Pub and Kitchen chain participating in a brunch deal, where punters can pay £34 per person for two hours of unlimited booze.

Non-Guinness drinkers won’t be left out, as the deal also includes espresso martinis, Prosecco and low-alcohol options.

basement. With Baby Rollén and the Flow State duo on the decks, plus soulful beats upstairs from Plots & Parcels DJs, this party promises a

diy art marKet in PeCKham Browse over 150 artists and publishers showcasing ceramics, prints, jewellery, zines, and more.

Find unique, affordable Valentine’s gifts while supporting emerging talent. address: Unit 8, Copeland Park, SE15 3SN admission: £1.50

One of the most popular places to pop the question, the venue expects an increase this year to get them over 2,000 proposals.

There is even a dedicated team to help with the special moment; the world’s first luxury proposal company, Shangri-La, who were featured on E4’s Will You Marry Me? Over 5,000 couples have used one of Shangri La’s host of packages.

Various other Valentine’s Day packages are available across The Shard’s restaurants and bars, including: Hutong, Aqua Shard, Oblix, Shangri-La Hotel and The View From

The Shard.

To find out more go to www.theshard.com, but beware love Shard style can certainly comes with a hefty price-tag.

The deals include a Valentine’s Day afternoon tea for £98 including a flute of Veuve Clicquot Rosé, NV. On all other dates, the tea is priced at £78 with tea and coffee or £88 with a flute of Veuve Clicquot Brut, NV. Dinner on this special day cost £210 per person with an extra £50 per person to guarantee a window seat.

And a room for you and your Valentine will set you back £1,215.

Petting alpacas at Vauxhall City Farm Ave, London SE16 4LF admission: £20 pp or £35 for a pair (includes a glass of prosecco per person)

Alongside the booze offering there are plenty of mouth-watering menu items including pizza, nachos and chicken wings.

The offer kicked off on January 31 to coincide with the first Six Nations match between France and Wales, and wraps up on St Patrick’s Day. It follows a national Guinness shortage in December which forced many pubs to temporarily to suspend sales of the iconic stout.

But the taps are now firmly back on, and the full list of participating venues can be found here: www. socialpubandkitchen.co.uk/ bottomless-brunch

Feel good Valentine’s Party in PeCKham Dance the night away at the Greyhound pub’s newly renovated

meet the animals at VauXhall City Farm Animal enthusiasts will love this special meet-and-greet experience with their choice of a furry or feathered friend. Spend time with rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, or alpacas, then wrap up the visit with a delicious meal in the cosy farm bar. address: Vauxhall City Farm, 165 Tyers St, London SE11 5HS admission: Packages include: dinner only: £15-£20 per person (cheese/meat boards). animal meet & dinner: £55-£65 per couple.

The Shard expects record-breaking number of Valentine’s proposals

By Melina Block the shard is expecting a record number of 50 proposals this Valentine’s day, with a new, giant love heart illuminating its spire for the special day.

The illumination will light up the spire of the award-winning venue for the first time ever on Valentine Day, from 5pm.

Last year, there was the equivalent of one proposal every six hours at the Shard. In total 1,566 proposals have taken place at The Shard since it open in 2013.

The sweet smell of success

Public toilets ‘used by a young Charlie Chaplin’ will reopen as a florist

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter

Loos rumoured to have been used by Charlie Chaplin during his childhood are set to reopen as a florist.

The comic actor and filmmaker grew up near the public toilets in Kennington, which closed in 1988.

Best known for silent movies Chaplin, who grew up in poverty in neighbouring Walworth moved on to become a Hollywood legend, but apart from a pub at the Elephant & Castle, which is now demolished, there was little to mark

his roots in the area. That was until a Southwark Blue Plaque organised and run by Southwark News was put up in East Street some years back.

An application to turn the underground men’s lavatories into a florist were approved by Lambeth councillors at a meeting this Tuesday (February 4).

A flower fridge and flower bins would be fitted in the Victorian toilets to support the new venture, according to plans submitted to the council by Abasine Taus.

The toilets are located underneath a traffic island in Kennington, South London. CREDIT: Google Street View The urinals would be retained under the proposals, but wash basins would be removed. Retained parts of the Victorian loos would be ‘cleaned, refurbished, sealed, repainted, and where necessary, repaired’, according to council planning documents.

A small amount of graffiti from the 1980s that ‘relates to the LGBTQ community’ would be removed as part of the plans. The council has retained

NEWS 11

A small amount of graffiti in the toilets is from the1980s and ‘relates to the LGBTQ community’, according to council planning documents. CREDIT: Lambeth Council planning documents

Chaplin – Wikimedia Commons photographic records of the writing for historical reference.

The toilets on Kennington Lane were built by the local authority in 1900 in response to the 1891 Public Health/ London Act. This piece of legislation placed a duty on local authorities to provide and maintain public toilets.

The interior of the lavatories consists of white tiled brick walls, 10 urinal stalls with porcelain bases and marble modesty screens. It also includes an

The interior of the underground Victorian lavatories. CREDIT: Lambeth Council planning documents

The toilets are located underneath a traffic island in Kennington, South London.

CREDIT: Google Street View attendant’s kiosk with wood panelling and a multicoloured mosaic floor.

The toilets were given a Grade-II listing by English Heritage in 2001.

They were partially refurbished and used as an art gallery between 2013 and 2017.

Last year, the team behind Bermondsey Arts Club revealed plans to convert the toilets into an underground cocktail bar, similar to their venue on Tower Bridge Road. The

scheme never went ahead.

Planning documents submitted to the council by Mr Taus in relation to the lavatory conversion say the proposals are the ‘right fit for the space’ and would result in modern services being installed in the toilets ‘carefully and sensitively’.

The proposals would result in a ‘stylish and attractive retail shop that is a benefit to the wider community’, the documents add.

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NEWS 13

Man caught shoplifting from Waterloo Co-op is jailed

By Issy Clarke

A man caught shoplifting from Lower Marsh Co-op by police officers carrying out a targeted sting operation has been jailed.

Derick Bell, 36, (29.02.88) and of no fixed address, was arrested at around 8.30AM on Monday, 27 January while attempting to stuff the contents of the meat-chiller section into a plastic bag.

However he was unaware that police were waiting in the back office monitoring CCTV footage after several recent reports of theft from the store.

As he attempted to load up his bag with stolen goods, CCTV footage shows a police offer racing around the corner and tackling the thief to the ground.

Mr Bell was charged the next day

and appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to two counts of shoplifting. He was jailed for eight weeks.

Inspector Darren Watson, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Lambeth, said: “This is an excellent example of how the Met is taking a targeted approach to tackle the type of offending that matters most to Londoners.

“We know shoplifting has a significant impact on businesses and shop staff. It often also fuels other crime and anti-social behaviour.

“In Lambeth alone, our enforcement activity means 11 of the 14 most prolific shoplifters in the area are currently in prison and we will continue to take action against those who cause misery in our communities.”

Mayor says shoplifting in London has doubled

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter Sir Sadiq Khan has blamed London’s recent 50 per cent surge in shoplifting on the capital’s particularly high cost of living, as well as the fact that the city has “a lot of shops” compared with other parts of the country.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics last week showed that 80,041 shoplifting offences were recorded by the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police in the 12 months to September 2024 – up from 53,202 for the same period a year earlier.

London’s 50 per cent increase is twice as big as the 22 per cent jump seen across the whole of England and Wales in the same period, as shoplifting cases rose overall from 402,482 to 492,914.

Asked why the problem is particularly bad in London, and what he is doing

to tackle the issue, the mayor referred back to a piece of research published by the London School of Economics (LSE) last year.

“What the LSE report showed – without in any way excusing criminality – is that as the cost of living crisis gets worse, acquisitive crime is going to go up, and has gone up,” said Sir Sadiq. “[There are] three areas where acquisitive crime has gone up – personal theft, personal robbery, and shoplifting.”

Pressed on why the increase in London was so much higher than the rest of the country, the mayor said: “Because we have a lot of shops here, and because the cost of living crisis is more acute in the capital city.

“Personal theft and personal robbery is a big concern for me in London, as well. That’s one of the reasons why I support the [Metropolitan Police] Commissioner in him having, as a priority, neighbourhood teams.

“I’ve been out on patrols myself with neighbourhood teams, in Waterloo and elsewhere, where the work they’ve been doing with the retailers, using facial recognition, having good neighbourhood watch teams, has led to a reduction [in crimes] in those particular shops.”

He added: “I’m really pleased that the Home Secretary has now convened a roundtable [meeting] to address this issue, which includes concerns around shoplifting…

“I speak regularly to retailers, including USDAW – which represents retailers – [about] staff who were assaulted as a consequence of working in shops, by people who want to shoplift or commit personal theft or personal robbery.

“So it’s an issue that’s personal to me, as someone who used to work in retail, but it’s also an issue that’s important to Londoners.”

Man who died after falling down Waterloo escalator was not pushed say police

By Issy Clarke Police have ruled out that a man who died last year after falling down the escalator at Waterloo Station was pushed

Officers said the CCTV footage shows Ian Airlie, 48, accidentally falling down the Jubilee Line escalator on September 15 last year.

Mr Airlie (pictured) fell traveled home after his fall but was found dead at his property in Greenwich on Thursday, October 10.

It follows a police appeal for information after Ian’s family told police he had reportedly been pushed down the station escalator.

Detective Inspector Chris Rogers, who is leading the investigation, said: “This new evidence means we have been able to rule out that Mr Airlie was pushed. His fall down the escalator was a very sad and unfortunate accident.

“His death, however, remains unexplained and we will continue to investigate all avenues until we can build a full picture.

“We continue to offer support to Mr Airlie’s family. They have been updated by officers and we request that they receive privacy at this difficult time.”

A post-mortem examination on Tuesday, 29 October 2024 was inconclusive and officers await the result of further tests.

EXCLUSIVE

By Herbie Russell A Walworth residential building still has unsafe cladding over three years after getting planning permission for its replacement.

22 Amelia Street Management Ltd, claims the delay was because central government did not provide the first phase of funding until January 2024 over three years after it began its funding application.

A disagreement has now broken out between the landlord and government departments responsible for processing and administering funding over who is responsible for the delay.

Approached for comment, The Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) said landlords “responsible for remediating their buildings are failing to do so”.

But a spokesperson for 22 Amelia Street Management Ltd said all parties involved in the funding application followed “due process”, suggesting the delay was not its fault.

A resident said the delay had been “a concern” but the repairs were believed to be “on track now”. The nine-storey development at 22 Amelia Street is managed by Rendall & Rittner and was built by developer First Base in 2010.

The 164-apartment building is covered in ‘non-compliant’ cladding, according to a fire statement, and received planning permission for its replacement in August 2021. The Printworks building qualifies as a high-risk building (HRB) due to its nine-storey height and multiple residential units.

On its website, First Base describes the “striking bronze aluminium cladding” as giving the building “a sharp and contemporary architectural finish”.

But First Place was forced to apply for pre-tender support funding from the Building Safety Fund for its replacement.

The fund is a UK government initiative supporting the removal and replacement of unsafe cladding from residential buildings in the aftermath of the Grenfell fire.

Pre-tender support is a package of funding available to some private sector landlords that do not have the finances to start the project.

The idea is that the funding will help kickstart the process of remediation while ensuring the financial burden does not fall on leaseholders who might otherwise be charged for the works.

According to planning documents and statements shared by 22 Amelia Street Management Ltd, its funding application was “successful” following an application made in November 2020 and planning permission for remediation was granted

By Callum Smyth

The Old Vic has announced they have raised a record total of £235,000 for charity Waterloo Foodbank from audiences attending its Christmas production

Repeated year in year out the Waterloo Theatre’s 2024 production of A Christmas Carol saw the highest total of in-person donations received from festive audiences yet.

In 2023 alone, Waterloo Foodbank and its partners supported over 27,000 people, of which 17,500 were children. Waterloo Foodbank is based just minutes away from The Old Vic, providing vital food distribution services alongside other support services and pastoral

NEWS 15

Building still covered in unsafe cladding more than three years after removal approved Printworks is a nine-story residential development situated at 22 Amelia Street

Just 27 per cent of London buildings requiring remediation have been fully addressed, government data shows in August 2021.

However, First Place has claimed it only received the funding in January 2024 and that this has delayed the works.

It has now had to apply for fresh planning permission, practically identical to the original permission, to replace the materials.

We asked the MHCLG which party was to blame for the delay in funding. Had the landlord failed to properly submit a funding application, or were government delays the problem?

An MHCLG spokesperson failed to explicitly say what the cause of the delay was despite repeated requests for comment but appeared to shift the blame onto the landlord.

The spokesperson only said: “Too many of those responsible for remediating their buildings are failing to do so, despite the availability of funding. We have been very clear that those responsible for buildings already in funding programmes must make swift progress or face action.”

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London, which administers funding through the GLA, said: “The Mayor has been clear that more than seven years after the tragic Grenfell fire, it is vital that all buildings with unsafe cladding are remediated, and he supports the government’s plans to accelerate remediation.”

The various entities associated with 22 Amelia Street Ltd - including the entity care.

The Old Vic has held collections throughout the run to raise money for different charities focussed on poverty and food deprivation. The theatre can today confirm that the total raised over the last eight years has now reached an astonishing £1.9million globally.

The Old Vic’s Artistic Director and Director of A Christmas Carol, Matthew Warchus, said: “I am extremely proud of our annual charity initiatives on A Christmas Carol... We put a lot of hard work and commitment into reviving this show year on year, and it is very rewarding to see these efforts paying off, not only in ever-increasing audience numbers but also in this everincreasing charity donation tally”

itself and First Place - have insisted it followed “due process” in its application.

The MHCLG’s position is understood to be that, ultimately, landlords are responsible for ensuring a building’s safety.

First Place’s other developments include MK Gateway in Milton Keynes, Edward Street Offices in Brighton, and Soapworks in Bristol.

As of September, only 1,412 of the 4,821 buildings identified with unsafe cladding in England have completed remediation works – about 29 per cent, according to the latest government statistics.

In London, 2,676 buildings have so far been identified as needing remediation but works have only been completed on 727 (27 per cent) of those buildings.

In November, the National Audit Office said up to 60 per cent of buildings with dangerous cladding have still not been identified by the Government.

At the current rate of progress, it is due to miss its own estimated completion date of 2035 for the works, the National Audit Office warned. The London Mayor’s Office has previously admitted it is “aware” of “concerns” about delays around getting money from the Building Safety Fund.

Processing issues and sheer volume are understood to have overwhelmed government departments.

End Our Cladding Scandal, a national campaign for fire safety remediation, says

the previous government failed to tackle industry constraints exacerbating the cladding crisis.

“Capacity constraints – whether in relation to materials, scaffolding, assessors or contractors to do the work – have been known about for years, with costs soaring as a result,” it said.

“The previous government failed to deliver a comprehensive solution – leaving an approach that is too complicated with several funding schemes, layers of unequal leaseholder protections, complex building ownership structures, self-interested stakeholders arguing over liability, and ongoing disputes over vital safety work.”

There remains a dispute over who will pay for remediation on buildings under eleven metres in height, it warned.

Hina Bokhari, Chair of the London Assembly’s Fire Committee, has called on the government to provide more money to accelerate remediations. Ms Bokhari said: “The measures [recommended by the Grenfell Tower Inquiry] will only be effective if fire and rescue services, and those responsible for fixing fire safety issues, have the money they need. That includes proper funding to enforce any new regulations, so that anyone failing to implement the lessons of the Grenfell Tragedy is held to account and compelled to take action to protect the public.”

In December, Deputy Prime Minister

Christmas Carol audiences were no Scrooges

Angela Rayner announced an acceleration plan on cladding replacement.

The plan mainly focuses on incentivising freeholders to speed up the pace of works, through measure like penalties and giving authorities more powers to enforce remediations.

She promised to fix dangerous cladding on all buildings of eighteen metres or more, in government-funded schemes in England, by 2029.

However, End Our Cladding Scandal said it was not the “meaningful change” it had hoped for, with the plan adding more layers of bureaucracy to an already-snail pace process.

A statement prepared by managing agents Rendall & Rittner and First Place said: “We received Pre-Tender Support (PTS) funds from the Building Safety Fund (BSF) in 2024 after going through the Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) due process.

“This has allowed us to prepare for Stage 2 of the BSF application. Once this has been submitted and approved, funding for remediation works will be available, and we will await approval from the Building Safety Regulator that works can commence. We will continue to work with the Residents Association as we move forward with this.”

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government was approached for comment.

16 NEWS

NEWS 13 ADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIAL

STAFF AND patients at Guy’s and St Thomas’ are celebrating 75 years of modern cataract surgery.

Since the pioneering operation was invented by Sir Harold Ridley at St Thomas’ Hospital in 1950 there have been nearly 1 billion surgeries. This has saved the sight of hundreds of millions of people across the world.

To celebrate its invention, ophthalmologists at Guy’s and St Thomas’ have unveiled a portrait of Sir Harold Ridley, gifted to the hospital by the Ridley Eye Foundation.

Jasmin Landim, 21, was born with cataracts in both eyes which made her vision blurry. At the age of 6 she had surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital to replace the lens in her right eye, which had the larger cataract.

Jasmin has continuous care at the adult cataract clinic at St Thomas’.

The hospitality team member who enjoys cheerleading, said: “If I hadn’t had the surgery, I would have a completely different life now. I now have great vision and don’t rely on glasses.

“Seeing how far the surgery has come in 75 years gives me hope that newer, better lenses are being developed all the time.”

The operation involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens made out of acrylic plastic. Sir Harold made his medical breakthrough after treating a Spitfire pilot who had splinters of acrylic in his eye. Ridley noticed that, unlike most foreign bodies, the eye did not reject this plastic.

At the time, Sir Harold’s invention

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF CATARACT SURGERY

The ophthalmology team with the Sir Harold Ridley portrait

was considered a radical concept, which was initially resisted by much of the medical profession.

Today, the surgery takes only 15 to 30 minutes per eye, and patients are discharged within 4 hours.

Some patients may even have no need to wear glasses afterwards.

Sir Harold never patented his discovery so that everyone could benefit from the life-changing operation.

Progress Pride Badges launched

GUY’S AND St Thomas’ has introduced Progress Pride Badges for staff who want to show their commitment to LGBT+ inclusive healthcare.

The new design better represents the many identities within the LGBT+ community. These include trans, non-binary, intersex people, and people of the global majority.

This builds on the NHS Rainbow

Free Wills Month in March

FREE WILLS month provides an opportunity to make or update wills for free through the will writing services of Guy’s and St Thomas’ 3 NHS charities.

This service is available online, over the phone, or in person with a local solicitor.

Making a will is a personal and important decision. After ensuring

that loved ones are cared for, the charities are asking people to consider leaving a gift.

A donation in a will can help support compassionate care and innovative treatments that make a real difference. It will make sure future generations in the community receive the best possible care.

Dr Sancy Low, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “The story of Sir Harold Ridley’s journey is an incredible reminder of how we can bring light to the world.

“We learn that innovation is not always easy, and silver linings show up at the most unexpected times, as long as we never give up on doing our best for one another.”

Council of Governors elections

Badge that began at Evelina London in 2019. Wearing the badge conveys an offer of a safe, open and nonjudgemental space to talk about issues of sexuality and gender identity.

The new badges are part of Trust activities to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

People do not need to leave a gift to use these services, but the charities hope people will consider supporting their vital work.

To access the free will writing services, visit the charities’ websites at: https://gsttcharity.org.uk/support-us/ https://guyscancercharity.org.uk/ support-us/ https://evelinacharity.org.uk/support-us/

ELECTIONS TO Guy’s and St Thomas’ Council of Governors will be held in Spring 2025, from 27 February to 21 May. Governors are the eyes and ears of the public, patients and staff. They help Guy’s and St Thomas’ to understand and respond to what patients and members of the public expect from the Trust.

If you are interested to stand for elections to the Council of Governors,

visit: www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/ governors-elections-2025 You can also email members@gstt. nhs.uk A governors awareness session will also be held on Tuesday 25 February at 5.30pm. This is an opportunity to meet the current governors, to learn about the governor role, election process and to ask questions.

For more information, visit www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/events

18 OPINION

Comment ‘Under the Tories, work didn’t pay and we are determined to change this’

U

nder the Conservatives we experienced a lost decade when it comes to the world of work.

Too many people have been unable to get jobs that enable them to make ends meet, while too many employers find themselves unable to retain the workers they need to grow.

The Conservatives failed to get to grips with the challenges Britain faces or to update employment protections so they are fit for the modern economy

helen hayes

MP for Dulwich & West Norwood

and ready for the future of work.

That failure has cost Britain’s workers and businesses dearly, with more and more people drawn into insecure work and good employers being undercut in an uneven playing field.

The Tories took Britain down the path of chaotic decline and oversaw the worst strike disruption in decades.

After years of chaos, the Tories have left behind a broken labour market and an economy marked by dire productivity, insecurity

and low pay. They have attacked trade unions and disrespected business, creating a division and conflict that has harmed working people and the economy.

From April the Labour government will be boosting the national living wage, with The National Living Wage (NLW) increasing from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour on April 1, 2025, a 6.7% increase. There will also be a boost for young people with the

National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20 year olds increasing from £8.60 to £10.00 per hour and the apprenticeship rate, and for 16 to 17 year olds increasing from £6.40 per hour to £7.55 per hour.

Locally, I’m proud that both Southwark and Lambeth councils are London Living Wage employers committed to a higher rate of pay designed to reflect the higher cost of living in the capital, with employers having until 1st May

to reach the new London Living Wage of £13.85 an hour.

Both councils are committed to paying at least the London Living Wage for their own staff, working to ensure that their contractors pay at least the London Living Wage and to support other local employers like our universities, hospitals, shops and businesses to do the same.

For too many people under the Tories, work didn’t pay and Labour is determined to change this.

or Holly are the more common ones, and are clipped regularly to maintain the required height and shape.

The flowering and evergreen hedging shrubs include Osmanthus × burkwoodii - with fragrant, jasminelike flowers; Photinia with vibrant red evergreen foliage. The Purple Beech has dark green leaves that turn a coppery shade in winter. Escallonia is an attractive low growing hedging shrub producing dark pink bell-shaped flowers (also used as a ground cover plant). Oleaster (Elaeagnus) has silverygreen leaves and scented flowers. The Cherry Laurel with thick foliage and candelabra like flowers in spring is a useful barrier shrub to deaden noise pollution – but is vigorous and can become invasive unless kept in check.

Seasonal flowering shrubs include Winter Daphne, the showy Camellias,

plus the eye-catching tree Acacia dealbata (Mimosa). Acacia, with feathery evergreen leaves, bears a profusion of fluffy-looking, fragrant yellow flowers. Tall and graceful it can reach a height of 40ft (12m).

It is a good time to sow a few seeds on a window sill. You only need one seed to grow a whole head of lettuce.

Once it’s a good size cut the leaves off as needed – and the plant will grow more leaves. Lots of green veg are like

this (Rocket, Swiss chard, Mizuna).

Buy one pack of seeds - prices start at around £1.49 up to £2.99 depending on the type of lettuce or greens you fancy.

Share the seeds with your friends/neighbours and grow your own supply of healthy food.

If you are looking for inspiration this little book may help - The Green Gardening Handbook: Grow, Eat and Enjoy by Nancy Birtwhistle. There are

lots of tips and ideas - whether you have a large or small garden, a little patch of grass or a windowsill. There is advice on composting, clothing to wear, basic equipment needed, seasonal recipes plus guides to freezing, storing and preserving – to help you save money and reduce food waste.

Flowering shrubs and growing a lettuce on your window sill

I

t has been a cold winter – with lower temperatures than in recent years; January had a mix of storms and freezing weather.

Conditions in February have been cold, bright but generally settled – so far.

As we move through the last of the winter months it’s time to finish tidying beds, pruning trees and shrubs - before the birds start nesting and spring suddenly arrives. Hedges can be clipped to neaten uneven growth. Hedges can also be planted during February and March; they serve many purposes and are invaluable as a refuge for wildlife, providing a wind break around the herb garden or vegetable plot (and a shelter belt for houses on exposed sites). There are lots of different shrubs that can be used for hedging - the plain evergreens such as Box, Yew

OPINION 19

One shoplifter jailed after police sting, but we want to know what else is being done?

t

he article this week of man being jailed for shoplifting in waterloo as part of a proactive sting by the neighbourhood policing team is welcomed, but let’s hope its not a one off.

For years now retailers have warned that we would see an uprise in shoplifting after a 2014 law change in England and Wales meant those stealing goods worth less than £200 are usually spared any jail time.

It makes sense as prisons are overcrowded, and the general belief is that those committing these crimes are either feeding a habit or struggling to get by in a cost-ofliving crisis.

However, data published by the Office for National Statistics last week showed that in London we have seen an increase of 50 per cent, twice as big as the 22 per cent jump seen elsewhere. Mayor Sadiq Khan has blamed it on our cost of living being higher and pointing out that we have more shops to steal from, but what we want to know is what can be done to address this pandemic?

It is not just large supermarkets that are hit, small independent retailers have seen a sharp rise in shoplifting. It not always the cost of what is stolen that affects them. Added security because of the threat costs money, everyday items are now being security tagged. The fear among staff members in all stores is on the rise, because as well as the actual shoplifting offence, the amount of people suffering verbal and physical attacks has soared.

Paul Gerrard, the public affairs director at Co-op, told the House of Lords justice and home affairs committee inquiry into shoplifting that a 44 per cent rise in retail crime experienced last year was down to “people coming into the stores with wheelie bins or builder’s bag to steal the entire confectionery section or spirits or meat section.”

Many more incidents are being linked to organised crime, as gangs are reported to have systemically targeted stores.

We all know that poverty fuels crime, but what small retailers in Southwark and those working in larger retailer outlets in the borough need to know is what plan do local neighbourhood teams have to tackle this head on?

Given that police cuts have resulted in more serious crime rightly being given priority, over what is considered petty crime, the mood - now borne out by these latest figures – is that it is a free1 for all. Certainly, the crooks think so.

Flyer_A5.pdf 12/10/2021 22:35

CRYPTIC PUZZLE Clues Across

1 They’re simply revolting (6) 7 Is love no longer set apart? (7) 8 Hold money round the disturbed worker (7) 9 The bottom of the drain (5) 10 Less severe about the fast with a mixed gin 12 You sound beastly! (3) 13 In return, made some cheese (4) 15 Morally improved and could be deified (7) 17 Back part of the forearm (4) 19 Accomplished palindrome (3) 21 Division of equal bird and altered atom (9) 22 Animal sounds sweet (5) 23 Number one part is malodorous (7) 24 A good line for sunbathing chap (7) 25 Soon my return is nameless (6)

Clues Down

1 Official musical instrument? (8) 2 Ornament from Bengal (6) 3 How King Edward got to know (7) 4 I am taken in by the bell, though still on the move (5) 5 Conducted round and finally settled (6) 6 A lordly lock (4) 7 In dispute roughly ten are neutral (11) 11 12 gets a letter in jug (4) 13 Produce a paper on the effect of the ocean rising (4) 14 Diana’s night-light? (8) 16 I mentioned no men in the issue (7) 18 A spring of plenty (6) 20 Deny and is in a lower position (6) 21 But they’re not mountain dogs (5) 22 Very small but has sound power (4)

QUICK PUZZLE Clues Across

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1 Border (6) 7 Not professional (7) 8 Undo (7) 9 Relationship (5) 10 Scantily (9) 12 Prosecute (3) 13 Comprehends (4) 15 Plunder (7) 17 If not (4) 19 Floor covering (3) 21 Pertaining to victory (9) 22 Member of jury (5) 23 Capacity (7) 24 Small boat (7) 25 Fanatic (6)

Clues Down

1 Quartet (8) 2 Moves bit by bit (6) 3 Spanish nobleman (7) 4 Worry (5) 5 Spirit (6) 6 Set of three (4) 7 Apt (11) 11 Naked (4) 13 Rebuff (4) 14 Least big (8) 16 Vast (7) 18 Muscular (6) 20 Bondage (6) 21 Experiment (5) 22 Jest (4)

SOLUTIONS TO LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD CRYPTIC

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Across: 4 Divers 8 Contact 9 Cleric 10 Stevedore 11 Wine 13 Props 14 Paragon 16 Couples 18 Wrote 19 Erne 21 Tormented 22 Lotion 23 Repeals 24 Rodent Down: Posterior 2 Stove-pipe 3 Acids 5 Idle 6 Earwig 7 Sicken 9 Cream 11 Warranted 12 Northerly 15 Felon 16 Cellar 17 United 20 Ember 21 Town

QUICK PUZZLE

Across: 4 Ruffle 8 Ferrule 9 Unsafe 10 Donations 11 Gage 13 Plait 14 Misused 16 Utility 18 Prate 19 Nero 21 Fortunate 22 Assail 23 Develop 24 Easier Down: 1 Decollete 2 Armadillo 3 Slain 5 Urns 6 Fracas 7 Evened 9 Until 11 Gun runner 12 Gestation 15 Stool 16 Unmade 17 Irises 20 Steed 21 Fine

20 ARTS

what’s on

We are all on the spectrum ‘ F u k koff s u n nov vabi t c h! ’ comes the cry from Fred when London taxi driver Lee joins him in the doctor’s waiting room, quickly followed by, ‘Sorry, I have Tourette’s.’

And so opens Laurent Baffie’s DocDoc, a play that describes the few hours when six OCD patients come to see Doctor Cooper who claims he can cure them in one visit, writes Michael Holland.

As each patient arrives we soon ascertain the problem they are dealing with: Bob needs symmetry, Mary thinks she has left everything on or unlocked at home; Blanche voraciously cleans and washes her hands; Lili needs to say everything twice twice; Lee is obsessed with numbers and calculations and knows how long they have all been waiting - in seconds! And we know that Fred cannot stop shouting out swear words or something sex-related. The scene is ripe for comedy.

Within minutes I could sense that the Bromley audience were not all aware at how ripe Fred’s outbursts could be, which made it all the funnier when some began clutching their pearls and others snorted all the more.

The doctor’s secretary appears to relay information that the doctor has been delayed but he is on his way.

They play Monopoly to pass the time and get to know each other better, and that creates other roads to comedy Their foibles were on fire now. Blanche can’t touch the germ-filled dice, Mary screams and panics and tries to leave

Photo by Mark Senior Photography

for home whenever someone lands on the water and electric companies, Lee constantly keeps count of the dice thrown… As time goes on they decide to have their own group therapy session, which allows us deeper into their lives and perhaps to the trauma that set off their OCD.

After a while you feel guilty about laughing at their afflictions because you realise that these are the people that constantly live under pressure to conform to society’s expectations when they find it impossible; the very people who hide their true selves away - either physically or metaphorically. In this

Photo by Ste Murray

Heaven is where performers exercise their storyteller skills

First having opened at the Dublin Theatre Festival back in 2022, followed by tours and runs in 2023 that took it from

Ireland to Edinburgh and New York, Fishamble: The New Play Company’s Heaven comes to the Southwark Playhouse for a short

run before heading back up to Edinburgh and another tour of Ireland, writes Christopher Peacock...

setting they could feel free to be who are they are because they knew they would be understood and not judged or snubbed by Doctor Cooper’s patients.

Eventually, I began to get fed up with their eccentricities. It wasn’t so funny now when Lili repeated everything she said, Fred shouted obscenities, or Mary Having won an Olivier award back in 2016 and toured all over, Fishamble certainly handle new Irish writing well and have a great stock of work to go to when they want. Such as Heaven, written by Eugene O’Brien, a two-hander about a married couple heading back to county Offaly to attend a wedding.

Mairead and Mal, are in a stale but otherwise perfectly happy marriage.

As the wedding day unfolds we get to hear their perspectives of the events of the day and then how their evenings head in different directions.

Heaven is incredibly efficient in its storytelling. O’Brien is economic in writing this tale for two but it is so deftly handled nothing is missing.

A show as a series of monologues can get stagnant in style and bogged down in exposition. Thankfully here the characters of Mal and Mairead poured out of the script fully fledged in front of us. You were never left feeling like you were being dragged through the plot as Jim Culleton’s direction works well in keeping things moving.

With little set pieces or action on stage it is left to the performers to keep the energy up and everyone engaged. With Andrew Bennett and

thought she’d left the gas on. But then I began thinking of the people I knew who were on the spectrum - in much milder forms - who struggled with aspects of life that others of us do not and how I become annoyed with them. My guilt worsened as we continued to collectively poke fun at their idiosyncrasies.

Fortunately, DocDoc is not an exercise in mocking the afflicted but one to highlight the fact that there are people like this and with our help they can live full lives. Hence, the producers of DocDoc are working in partnership with UK-based mental health charity No Panic who support people with all anxiety problems, which eased my own apprehension and allowed me to enjoy this very funny play as Bob keeps adjusting shelves he feels are out of whack and who cannot walk on lines, hilariously getting around the room by making a bridge of books or bunny-hopping with a cushion; and Fred unnerves sections of the audience long after the other patients had come to terms with his cursing.

It was then, after relating to many of the foibles depicted in DocDoc, I realised that we are all on the spectrum at some level.

Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, BR1 1HA until 15th February then Palace Theatre Southend until the 22nd.

Cast: Sophie Bloor as Lili, Gareth Brierley as Fred, Ryan Early as Lee, Joanna Hudson-Fox as Blanche, Isabella Leung as Secretary, Julia J Nagle as Mary and Leon Stewart as Bob.

Janet Moran in the roles this was never in doubt. Both with excellent, charming and witty performances they draw out all of the humour and unease their characters go through on the night. As Mal and Mairead toil in the decisions they make, the secrets they wish to keep and the personal truths they have long wanted to suppress, both Bennet and Moran hold a lovely line.

Writing a play with an Irish wedding at the heart of the action certainly leaves open many avenues for the drama to go down. What Heaven does brilliantly is not to run away with any obvious clichéd potential storylines from its Irish wedding setup. O’Brien lightly weaves in many cultural touch points and details, which you could tell hit home for many of those of the Irish diaspora in the room. Heaven allows the performers to exercise their storyteller skills in this simplest of forms.

Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD until February 22nd.

Full Details and Booking: www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/ productions/heaven

EVENTS 21

©©Old Royal Naval College

Heading south - our pick of upcoming winter events

Organ Concert at the Chapel

The Museum of Marvellous Things

Experience the first playing of the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul organ since its restoration. Silent since 2020, the 235-year-old organ has undergone an overhaul.

Originally installed in 1789 by Samuel Green, the King’s organ-maker, the organ is thought to be the largest of Green’s still in its original position and is widely recognised by musicologists and historians for its historical significance. Music will be provided by the Chapel choir of Trinity Laban, accompanied by Jonathan Eyre as the organist and Alexander Knight as guest organist. The Queen Mary Undercroft bar will be open during intermission, with drinks available for purchase.

Welcome to The Museum of Marvellous Things, where the impossible can happen…

Discover stars in jars, catch moons like balloons, dance with Doo-Dahs in cages, sing with Noo-Nahs on stages, because this is a museum like no other – it’s made from the magic of your imagination – and you get to bring it alive. With giant puppets, magical effects, interactive storytelling, live original music and a chance to make your own special puppet, enjoy this fun-filled family show at Tramshed, based on the picture book

by Kristina Stephenson, creator of Sir Charlie Stinky Socks. Meet serious Norbert Norris and wild Tilly T. Pott as they give you a sneak peek inside their amazing museum and ask you to fill it with magic. Recommended for children aged 3-8 years and their adults.

Date: Saturday 1 March 2025, 6pm. Tickets: £10 to £40 Chapel of St Peter & St Paul, Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN ornc.org/whats-on/organ-restoration-celebration-concert

Date: Saturday 15 February 2025, 11am and 2pm. Tickets: £6-£18 Tramshed, 51-53 Woolwich New Road, SE18 6ES www.tramshed.org/the-museum-of-marvelous-things

Country to Country 2025

Celebrating George Michael

The O2 welcomes the return of the three-day festival Country to Country this March.

As a staple in the festival calendar, the event brings country music to the masses.

This year, the headliners have been announced as Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley and Cody Johnson. Expect a weekend of the best in country music, featuring performances from the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, the UK and Europe. With more acts to be announced, it’s time to tip your cowboy hat and adorn your boots for a good ol’ line dance.

Your Father Figure, or Somebody to Love – celebrate George Michael at this special event at Bromley Theatre featuring Steve Mitchell. The show focuses on the more mature and seasoned style of George brought by performances such as the 1996 “MTV UNPLUGGED” from the Three Mills studio in London. As well as all of George’s best and most well-known hits, Steve and his hand-picked band also perform some of Wham’s classics, making it a very special show for all George Michael fans.

Dave West, who played bass with George and Andrew on the very first recordings of Wham Rap! and Careless Whisper, will also be joining Steve and the band.

Dates: Friday 14 March to Sunday 16 March 2025 Tickets: Prices vary – day and weekend tickets available The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/c2c-country-to-country-2025

Date: Saturday 8 March 2025, 7:30pm. Ticket: £28.50 Broadway Theatre, Rushey Green, SE6 4RU www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk/events/celebrating-george-michael

Free Open Sessions: CDJ & Vinyl

HERbal Health workshop

Bring your own records to play and practice at this AAJA drop-in evening – a space where music is appreciated, community is created and mistakes are encouraged. If you don’t have records, no need to worry, the facilitator will have records for you to play. The bar will also be open for you to enjoy a drink as you take to the decks.

Guarantee your place by purchasing a £5 ticket, which will be refunded on attendance of the session. This is your chance to experiment or test out your latest set, and have some fun.

Join Herbal Hackney for a bespoke workshop to mark Women’s History Month at the National Maritime Museum. The event will explore some of the interwoven threads between women, plants and health through history and across different cultures.

Through memories, stories and recipes, you will discover the healing properties of a range of plants, from growing herbs and cooking to making remedies – discussing how plants can be enjoyed and celebrated in many different forms. Enjoy an evening of delving into the world of aromatherapy and how to make simple products to enjoy at home. ©©National Maritime Museum

Date: Wednesday 12 March 2025, 6:30pm Tickets: Adult £7, Members £5 National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, SE10 9NF www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/herbs-health

Dates: Every Tuesday Tickets: £5, refundable on attendance AAJA, Comet Place, SE8 4EP www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-open-sessions-cdjvinyl-tickets-1125534797879

22 HISTORY

History

musiCal milestones at walworth road’s a1 stores

© Leon Parker

A1 owners Melvyn, far left, and Eva, far right

An A1 sleeve

Dennis Waterman visits A1

By Debra Gosling

After a dull afternoon grocery shopping, mum would take refuge in this fabulous shop. My mum is a very musical person; she can play the piano, once sung in a choir and has even tried her hand at the ukulele.

We always had the radio playing, so all the latest songs rang through our ears. Until CDs took over, mum’s vinyl collection was second to none and it was her who has influenced my music tastes from a very young age.

The only decent record shop in Southwark was the A1 Stores in Walworth Road, with a satellite store and a Sunday stall in East Street market (‘down the Lane’). This family business started here in 1913 as a gramophone shop, but it was the music that really flourished.

Besides the records, the shop also

inside cover. And Melvyn introduced us to The Peddlers, a very cool 1960’s British jazz/soul trio of the 1960s and 1970s. Led by organist Roy Phillips, they had hits with ‘Birth’, ‘Who Can I Turn To’ and ‘Girlie’. Never heard of them? Google them and be converted.

This shop had its own record label, ‘A 1’, and promoted up and coming talent, which included the launching of the Gypsy Kings with ‘Bamboleo’.

Other artists included Steve ‘I found lovin’ Walsh’ and granny’s favourite, Joe Longthorne Raymond, who ran the label, brought upon us the Tweets with the ‘Birdie Song’. Yes, I do know all the movements. A glass or two of Malibu and I’ll be flapping away again...

With many famous music friends the shop hosted appearances and signings of newly-launched records. Celebs who supported the shop included Perry Como, Scott Walker, Andy Williams and Neil Sedaka.

Marc Bolan was a customer who frequented the store’s sister shop in Tottenham. Danny Baker, another big record fan, was a regular. Minder star Denis Waterman popped in for

© Leon Parker

stand By kids, this is a nostalgia alert! Let me take you back to the 1970s. saturday afternoons in walworth road meant a trip to the a1 stores and an introduction to a musical wonderland.

sold flamboyant light shades, along with those groovy seventies mood lights. They looked like big dandelions which slowly changed colour, totally mesmerising us.

But the music was the big attraction.

We would listen to the Hit Parade every Sunday and whenever a new song was released we bought the 45 single from A1. It was always crowded on a Saturday and it felt like an exclusive club.

The proprietors were Melvyn Samuels and his mum Eva, whose musical knowledge was extensive to say the least. They promoted all the popular stuff but introduced new artists and music you may be interested in. You got proper customer service there, as they spent time listening to your tastes and suggesting albums to try; they even played them in the shop so you could listen before purchasing.

Simon & Garfunkel’s album, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, was played to pieces in our house, with the album cover being sellotaped together.

The shop always date stamped the

Walworth’s A1 Stores a signing when he brought out the theme song to the show. ‘I Could Be So Good For You’.

My very first single, purchased with my pocket money, was Slade’s ‘Gudbye t’Jane’. And one of my granddad’s faves, ‘Mouldy Old Dough’ by Lieutenant Pigeon, was bought there. The shop was a place for historic musical milestones. The great mourning for the death of Elvis in 1977 had us clamouring for ‘Way On Down’. When John Lennon was shot we rushed in to buy ‘Just Like Starting Over’. In 1984

we all became aware of the Ethiopian famine when we bought ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’.

When the New Seekers brought out the Coca Cola inspired ‘I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing’ the shop had a delivery of 100 copies but half way through that morning they needed more!

Sadly, the shop has now closed, along with a host of musical memories and all that specialist knowledge Melvyn and his mum brought to us. They were happy days indeed.

24 CLASSIFIED CLASSIFIED AND COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

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FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENT

Death Notice

sandra fuller

12-02-1949 to 01-02-2025

Valentine’s messages Lauren Happy Valentine’s day and Happy 40th Birthday soon Baby love you loads Mum Dad Lily Ted Johnboy and girls xxxxxxxx 

To my darling Asta, Happy Valentine’s Day! All my love, Nandad xxx

Frankie, Roses are red, Violets are blue, You nick all the duvet But I still love you <3 Love from T x

To my darling Jude, Happy Valentine’s Day! All my love, Nanny Helen xxx

Dave, you are one lucky fella...well I think so, Happy Valentine’s Day, love you lots, Lisa xx

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful Mah & Nan Sandra fuller.

You will always be loved & missed and forever in our hearts.

Gone but never forgotten.

From Danny, Denise, Hayley, Frankie, Molly, and great grandchildren xx

JAYNE. Happy Valentine’s Day. From Josh and Jess.

XXX XXX JAYNE HAPPY VALENTINE’S LOVE ****** XXX XX X Ruthie Baby GCR.FLM.X

To my darling Rocco, Happy Valentine’s Day! All my love, Nanny Helen xxx Chrissie Happy Valentine day baby Love you more than all the stars in the sky Always and forever Viking x xx x x Ronnie webb from our 1st kiss to my last breath I will love you all my love me xx Reg valentine 2025. Ronnie webb from our 1st kiss to my last breath I will love you always love me xx

PUBLIC NOTICES 25

Thursday, February 13th 2025

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK GREEN DALE PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE PATH TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (SNOWSFIELDS, COPPERFIELD 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 made, 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) Snowsfields, between Weston Street and St Thomas Street.

(2b) Copperfield Street, between No’s 27 and No’s 23 located between Sawyer Street and Pepper Street.

3.

The alternative routes for affected traffic will be (2a) (2b) Union Street, Great Guildford Street, Southwark Bridge Road, Southwark Street, Blackfriars Road or 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) 22nd – 23rd February. (2b) 22nd – 23rd February

7.

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

Dated this 13th February 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) 41920761/Conway (2b) crane LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (BOUNDARY LANE, CARVER ROAD, CLEMENTS ROAD, GREAT SUFFOK STREET, JANEWAY PLACE, JANEWAY STREET, ODESSA STREET, SHAD THAMES, ILDERTON ROAD)

1.Southwark Council hereby GIVES NOTICE that it has approved, under sections 90A to 90I of the Highways Act 1980 and in accordance with the provisions of the Highways (Traffic Calming) Regulations 1999, to construct a series of flat-top road humps (speed tables) along the Green Dale Pedestrian and Cycle Path at the following locations: • 73 metres south of Wanley Road • 110 metres south of Wanley Road • 150 metres south of Wanley Road • 175 metres south of Wanley Road • 211 metres south of Wanley Road • 236 metres south of Wanley Road (All measurements are in metres and approximate.)

2. As part of the traffic calming scheme the existing path, between Wanley Road and Bessemer Grange Primary School and Childrens Centre, will be widened to 5 metres to provide segregated pedestrian and cycle paths at certain locations. The road humps, referred to in paragraph 1 above, will be constructed in the dedicated cycle only paths and have a maximum height of 100 millimetres with a length of 3.7 metres and cover the entire width of the cycle paths.

3. For more information about this scheme please contact the Council's Highways – Transport Projects team Highways@southwark.gov.uk.

4. Paper or digital copies of the supporting documents (this Notice and a statement of Southwark Council's reasons for making the Highways changes) and copies of plans showing the location and effect of the changes 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. Email traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk (or call 077 3132 4742) for booking details.

Dated 13 February 2025 Steven Grayer Head of Service - Highways, Environment, Sustainability & Leisure

Notice of Application for a Premises Licence made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 Please take notice that I / we We Are The Fair Ltd Have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of SOUTHWARK PARK, GOMM ROAD, LONDON SE16 2ET The relevant licensable activities and proposed times to be carried on, or on from the premises are THIS LICENCE WILL ONLY PERMIT A MAXIMUM OF 3 EVENT DAYS PER YEAR (FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, OR BANK HOLIDAY MONDAYS ONLY – WHERE MONDAY IS A RECOGNISED BANK HOLIDAY).

Days

Start time

Finish time

The supply of alcohol:

Bank Holiday Monday Friday Saturday Sunday

11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00

21:30 22:00 22:30 21:30

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) 1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable 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.

The provision of regulated entertainment:

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:

Bank Holiday Monday Friday Saturday Sunday

11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00

22:00 22:30 22:30 22:00

Opening hours:

Bank Holiday Monday Friday Saturday Sunday

11:00 11:00 11:00 11:00

23:00 23:30 23:30 23:00

(2a) Boundary Lane, Camberwell Road and Red Lion Row (2b) Carver Road, at its junction with Herne Hill (2c) Clements Road, between St James Road and Drummond Road (2d) Great Suffolk Street, between Loman Street and Copperfield Road (2e) Janeway Place, between Janeway Street and Wilson Grove (2f) Janeway Street, between Scott Lidgett Crescent (2g) Odessa Street, between No’s 20 (2h) Shad Thames, between Jamaica Road and Queen Elizabeth Street (2I) ilderton Road, between Rollins Street and Sharratt Street 3.

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

The alternative routes for affected traffic will be (2a) Camberwell Road, Boyson Road, Red Lion Row (2b) Herne Hill, Hollingbourne Road, Warmington Road, Ruskin Walk, Half Moon Lane (2c) St James Road, Webster Road, Storks Road (phase 2). Clements Road, Webster Road (phase 3). Southwark Park Road, St James Road, Clements Road (phase 4). (2d) Union Street, Great Guildford Street, Southwark Bridge Road, Sawyer Street, Loman Street (2e) & (2f) Wilson Grove, Emba Street, Scott Lidgett Crescent. (2g) Rotherhithe Street, Elgar Street, Gulliver Street. (2h) Queen Eliizabeth Street, Lafone Street, Tooley Street. Tanner Street, Tower Bridge Road, Fair Street, Tooley Street, Three Oak Lane, Queen Elizabeth Street. (2i) Penarth Street, Ormside Street, Manor Grove.

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.

4.

The existing ‘one-way working in Janeway Place, between Janeway Street and Wilson Grove will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes for item No. (2e) & (2f)

Date of application: 7th February 2025

5.

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.

6.

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.

7.

The closure will be operational on the following dates: (2a) 4th – 7th March (2b) 6th March (2c) 3rd March – 9th May and the works will be carried out in phases. (2d) 6th March (2e) 5th – 6th March & (2f) 5th – 6th March (2g) 3rd – 13th March (2h) 3rd – 28th March, Monday – Friday, between the hours of 07.45am – 4.30pm (2i) 28th February – 2nd March

8.

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

Dated this 13th February 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) BOUNDARYLANE-V9236 (2b) OGEA73252371 (2c) SEC50/CLEMENTSRD25 (2d) MCW00001979-03 (2e) 57116458 (2f) 14781289 (2g) -ODESSA-DECOM (2h) LBSSC13842 (2i) LBSCR13923-2

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.

To place a public notice, please email em@cm‐media.co.uk or call 020 7232 1639 Deadline is 3pm on Wednesdays

26 PUBLIC NOTICES

Thursday, February 13th 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, Chief executive's department, 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; STDCA - development within a conservation area; STDLB - works to or within the site of a listed building; The Aylesham Centre, Rye Lane, London SE15 5EW (24/AP/2074) Demolition of existing buildings and phased redevelopment to provide a replacement supermarket and associated service yard and car parking (Use Class E(a)), flexible retail, leisure (including drinking establishment), and commercial accommodation (Use Class E/Sui Generis), dwellings (Use Class C3), landscaping and associated works.

The following amendments / changes have been received on the above planning application: •Reduction in the number of new homes from 877 to 867 (a reduction of 10); •An increase in the number of 2+ bedroom homes from 56% to 61%; •A 14sqm reduction in the size of the proposed supermarket; •A 13sqm increase in the amount of flexible retail, leisure, commercial and sui generis floorspace; •A reduction in the number of affordable homes from 270 (35% by habitable room) to 77 (12% by habitable room); •Amendments to bin stores, plant rooms, cycle parking, amenity space and playspace to reflect the above changes; •Amendments to the design of the ground and first floor cycle hub within proposed block L. •Additional environmental information pursuant to Regulation 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (2017).

The planning 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 the Environmental Statement and Non-Technical Summary are available free of charge and can be provided via a downloadable file provided by email. Printed copies of the Environmental Statement (Volumes 1, 2 and 3) and NonTechnical Summary would incur a printing and postage charge. For further details please email hello@triumenv.co.uk with ‘Environmental Statement Request Aylesham Centre’ in the email header, or telephone 0203 887 7118. Hard copies of the Environmental Statement and Design and Access Statement (including the updated documents) can be viewed at Peckham Library (122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR) and at the council’s offices at 160 Tooley Street, SE1 2QH during normal opening hours.

Reason(s) for publicity: AFFECT - development affecting character or appearance of a nearby conservation area; OR development affecting setting of a nearby listed building(s); 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; S106 - ; STDCA - development within a conservation area; STDLB - works to or within the site of a listed building; (Contact: Victoria Lewis 020 7525 5410) 371-375 WALWORTH ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE17 2AL (Ref: 25/AP/0149) Installation of 1no. internally-illuminated fascia sign, 1no. internally-illuminated projecting sign and window vinyls. (Within: Walworth Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Susherrie Suki 020 7525 0646) 371-375 WALWORTH ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE17 2AL (Ref: 25/AP/0104) Alteration to existing shopfront including addition of new sash work, stall riser and shutter to the current front entrance, addition of new automatic door and shutters along the shopfront (Within: Walworth Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Susherrie Suki 020 7525 0646) 4 TANNER STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 3LD (Ref: 25/AP/0231) Installation of air conditioning condenser unit, replacement of existing gate and enlargement of vent (Within: Bermondsey Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Susherrie Suki 020 7525 0646) FLAT B FIRST FLOOR 54 NUNHEAD GROVE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 3LY (Ref: 25/AP/0269) Construction of L-shaped rear dormer extension, including roof terrace and 5no. rooflights to front roof slope and 1no. upward facing on main dormer flat roof. Fenestration alterations, including enlargement of 2no. windows to side and rear elevations. (Within: Nunhead Green CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Alex Lambert 020 7525 1353) 59A RYE LANE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 5EX (Ref: 25/AP/0264) Refurbishment of the front forecourt to include an accessible ramp leading to the chapel's main entrance, redecoration of the building facade, installation of a secure gate on the south side of the forecourt, addition of dormer access for roof maintenance, and installation of external lighting and signage for the public realm (Within: Rye Lane Peckham CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Michèle Sterry 020 7525 5453) 6 CALVERTS BUILDING AND 4 CALVERTS YARD 52 BOROUGH HIGH STREET

SOUTHWARK SE1 1XN (Ref: 25/AP/0088) Change of use of the existing commercial unit at No. 6 Calverts Yard its incorporation with the existing residential town house at No.4 Calverts Yard. (Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Andre Verster 020 7525 5457) 156 IVYDALE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 3BT(Ref: 25/AP/0292) Construction of L-shaped rear dormer extension and roof terrace with privacy screen to south side, together with raising roof ridge by 500mm, raising party parapet wall shared with no. 154 Ivydale Road and installing 3no. rooflights on front roof slope and a new first floor window to side of rear outrigger. (Within: Nunhead Cemetry CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Louise Dinsdale 07513 137967)

Georgian terrace (nos. 4-16 St Thomas Street) to create level front entrances to the offices, internal alterations and new glazed roof to the rear courtyard (with separate LBC application ref.

24/AP/3804); - Associated public realm and highway works to St Thomas Street and King's Head Yard, cycle parking and all ancillary works.

(Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: MAJ STDCA (Contact: Victoria Crosby 020 7525 1017) Dated: 11 Feb 2025 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date (or 30 days for EIA development).

STEPHEN PLATTS Director of Planning and Growth

NEW CITY COURT 4-26 ST THOMAS STREET LONDON SE1 9RS (Ref: 24/AP/3803) Redevelopment of the site to include: Redevelopment of the existing 1980s office building with partial demolition (including demolition of the St Thomas Street entrance building and the King's Head Yard facade); the construction of side extensions and upward extension to add 5 storeys and create a 10-storey office building plus plant, balconies and roof terraces; - Redevelopment of Keats House (nos.

24-26 St Thomas Street) with retention of the historic frontage and construction of a roof extension to add one storey of office floorspace; Restoration and refurbishment of the listed Georgian terrace (nos. 4-16 St Thomas Street) to create level front entrances to the offices, internal alterations and new glazed roof to the rear courtyard (with separate LBC application ref.

24/AP/3804); - Associated public realm and highway works to St Thomas Street and King's Head Yard, cycle parking and all ancillary works.

(Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: MAJ STDCA (Contact: Victoria Crosby 020 7525 1017) NEW CITY COURT 4-26 ST THOMAS STREET LONDON SE1 9RS (Ref: 24/AP/3803) Redevelopment of the site to include: Redevelopment of the existing 1980s office building with partial demolition (including demolition of the St Thomas Street entrance building and the King's Head Yard facade); the construction of side extensions and upward extension to add 5 storeys and create a 10-storey office building plus plant, balconies and roof terraces; - Redevelopment of Keats House (nos.

24-26 St Thomas Street) with retention of the historic frontage and construction of a roof extension to add one storey of office floorspace; Restoration and refurbishment of the listed

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SPORT 29

whyte and riaKporhe head april Bill Brixton fighter still wants showdown with Anthony Joshua

By John Kelly

Brixton’s Whyte will take on Joe Joyce, and also on the bill Walworth’s Riakporhe will fight Lawrence Okolie.

Whyte has lost to Joshua but believes the former world heavyweight champion won’t want

By John Kelly

talisman Kesna Clarke and Courtney Barrington were on target as Fisher defeated Bearsted 2-0 in the sCeFl Premier division at st Paul’s last weekend.

Dillian Whyte returned a positive drug test in 2023 leading to the cancelling of the bout with AJ

but they haven’t said anything to me, so it’s just negotiation tactics from them. But I’m up for the fight and I’m ready to fight again.

“If he wants to fight, then all they’ve got to do is call me. I’m always up for fighting AJ. No problem for me.

However, personally, I think he’s finished.

“I think he made a huge mistake not taking the immediate rematch with Dubois. It was a world title fight, a great payday and the perfect opportunity to avenge his knockout

loss. He will forever have to suffer the memes of being face-planted at Wembley by Dubois.”

Riakporhe and Okolie have both lost to Chris Billam-Smith. Okolie lost his WBO cruiserweight world title to Billam-Smith but has since won the WBC’s bridgerweight belt.

The fight with Riakporhe will be at heavyweight.

English heavyweight champion David Adeleye will fight Jeamie TKV on the same bill at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on April 5.

Photo by Dave Thompson/Matchroom Boxing

dillian whyte and richard riakporhe will be back in action in manchester in april - and the former is still targeting a showdown with anthony Joshua.

his shock loss to Daniel Dubois to be what he is remembered for in his career.

Joyce lost to Derek Chisora last July and will prepare for the Whyte fight against Patrick Korte in March.

Whyte was scheduled to fight Joshua in 2023 only to return a positive drugs test leading to the bout being cancelled.

But he believes a fight can happen.

“Sounds perfect for me. They don’t need to ask me twice,” Whyte said.

“They talk about me as an option,

Fish slay Bear to go second

Clarke struck in the 34th minute before Barrington added the insurance goal nine minutes from time for Ajay Ashanike’s highflyers.

The Fish are second, six points off Faversham in first.

Isaac Ogunseri made an early save as the visitors started well and Ashanike switched from a back five to.a back four to try to wrestle the initiative.

The hosts went in front from their first real attack when Flavio Jumo crossed from the right and Clarke took down the ball with his first touch before finishing with his second.

Bearsted’s goalkeeper Frankie Leonard prevented Fisher from going further ahead, his most impressive defence when he denied Clarke and then Jacob Katonia with a double-save.

Fisher’s Armani Jordan Martin hit the crossbar from a free-kick and they almost paid for their misses when substitute Connor French headed just off target.

Fisher finally settled the nerves of the majority of the 189 attendance when Martin found Barrington who fired past Leonard from 20 yards with the aid of a slight deflection.

Ogunseri then impressively pressured his side’s clean sheet with two late saves as Fisher moved back up to second.

Fisher have played three more games than Faversham and six more than VCD Athletic, who are two points behind in third.

Those teams will catch up on some of those fixtures before Fisher are next in action on February 22 when they travel to Lydd Town.

Bremang is Quins in

Surrey chair: ‘We have best partner to lead the way’

By Sports Reporter

surrey CCC have announced that reliance industries limited (ril) – owners of mumbai indians (mi) – through its subsidiary: rise worldwide, is the club’s preferred partner for the hundred team when its ownership transfers from eCB to surrey County Cricket Club at the end of 2025.

a daVid Bremang brace helped boss Bradley quinton earn his first win in charge and gave dulwich hamlet some breathing space in their isthmian league Premier division relegation fight with their 3-0 win against Bowers & Pitsea last weekend.

Dulwich scored all their goals in the first half to thrill the majority of the 2,450 attendance, with Michael Chambers adding the third.

Dulwich were four points above the drop zone ahead of their midweek game against Folkestone Invicta at Champion Hill.

Dulwich travel to Hastings United on Saturday for a 3pm kick-off.

By Sports Reporter

R1SE will have a 49 per cent share of the Hundred team, with Surrey retaining the majority 51 per cent.

The club hopes to benefit from Mumbai Indians’ vast experience and proven success, fresh off lifting yet another league title in South Africa over the weekend, to further strengthen and maintain the team’s position as the leading franchise in the competition.

The Oval Invincibles is the most successful team in the history of The Hundred, winning four titles in four years – with the women’s team winning back-to-back titles in the first two years and the men following suit in 2023 and 2024.

The Oval Invincibles’ success has been built on homegrown Surrey stars like Sam Curran, Will Jacks and Alice Capsey, alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket including Marizanne Kapp, Heinrich Klaasen and Adam Zampa.

Mumbai Indians brings a wealth of experience in building worldclass cricket teams, with a strong commitment to nurturing players and engaging fans globally. It currently has five T20 cricket teams across three continents in four countries, now taking the tally to seven teams across four continents and five

countries.

Over seventeen years, the dedication of the MI family has resulted in eleven league titles across the globe, including five IPL championships, two Champions League victories, and the inaugural WPL and Major League Cricket titles in 2023, ILT20 in 2024 and SA20 in 2025. Every team in the MI Family now has a winner’s trophy.

“We said at the outset that we wanted the best partner to ensure that Surrey continue to lead the way in English cricket and in Mumbai Indians that is what we have got,” Oli Slipper, chair of Surrey CCC, said: “They share our passion for cricket, they own the biggest and most successful team in the IPL, the Mumbai Indians, and we believe this partnership will bring continued success to both Surrey CCC and our Hundred team.

“Beyond cricket, the huge success of RIL’s global business will help Surrey to thrive off the field too. I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Mrs. Nita Ambani, Akash and his team as our new partners.”

Nita M. Ambani, owner Mumbai Indians, added: “Cricket is more than just a sport, it’s a passion that unites people across geographies and cultures. Welcoming Oval Invincibles into our Mumbai Indians family is a proud and special moment. With this partnership, we expand our MI fan base across India, New York, the UAE, South Africa, and now England – ushering in a new chapter of our global cricketing journey. At Mumbai Indians, we remain deeply committed to nurturing young talent, building champion teams, and bringing fans closer to the game.”

30 SPORT FA CUP FIFTH ROUND Leeds Utd - 0 Millwall - 2 Azeez 30’, 55’ Date: Satuday 8 February 2025 Man of the match: Femi Azeez Referee: Gavin Ward Attendance: 34,923 (1,838)

By Will Scott at Elland Road Femi aZeeZ scored a brace as millwall cruised past leeds united and into the Fa Cup Fifth round at elland road last saturday.

Millwall took the game to the league leaders for the first 55 minutes with Azeez scoring on either side of half-time, before shutting up shop in the last 30 minutes to hold on to their two-goal lead and secure their place in the FA Cup Fifth Round.

The Lions pressed high, played well around Leeds’ box and eventually got the breakthrough in the 30th minute when Azeez’s strike from the edge of the box took a wicked deflection and sailed into the net.

Leeds pushed for a pursuit of an equaliser - leaving spaces to attack in transition, which Millwall capitalised on. In the 55th minute, De Norre fed Azeez, who cut back and beat Karl Darlow at the near post.

The Whites responded immediately - winning a penalty when Luke Cundle was deemed to have pulled back Largie Ramazani, but cup goalkeeper Liam Roberts stepped up and made a huge save to maintain their lead.

Millwall defended well for the remainder of the second half to secure their spot in the Fifth Round - with Neil’s work looking more and more impressive by the day.

Leeds had only lost one game in their last eighteen, and had not lost at home since mid-September - but never really looked like coming away with the win as the Lions’ excellent box defending frustrated the Whites’ array of highly-rated attackers off the bench.

Neil opted to hand record signing Camiel Neghli his debut, and the Dutchman showed flashes of brilliance and linked up well with Cundle, while Wes Harding filled in excellently at right-back in what was only his second appearance of the season.

The Scotsman has only been in the job just over a month, but has already stamped his mark on the Lions. In their 1-0 win against the Whites at The Den in November, they were comfortable to let Leeds dominate the ball to the tune of 75.9 per cent possession and fourteen shots. Despite now being the away side, Millwall pressed higher up the

aZeeZy as that

Femi Azeez’s superb brace fires Millwall past Leeds and into the FA Cup Fifth Round

Femi Azeez had scored one goal all season before last Saturday’s match pitch, were more willing to play on the front foot, and caused a rotated Leeds side issues from the off.

The Whites did, however, have the first few sights of goal. In the 13th minute, Joe Rothwell’s free kick was cleared and fell to Sam Chambers, whose shot sailed well over the bar. Chambers was a constant nuisance on the right flank and had a hand in another chance in the 22nd minute, firing in a cross that Wilfried Gnonto managed to connect

with - drawing out a sharp save from Liam Roberts.

It was turning into a back-and-forth game, and Millwall managed to draw first blood through Azeez. Joe Bryan robbed Isaac Schmidt high up the pitch and passed it straight to Azeez, who drove at the defence before cutting back onto his right foot and firing in a shot that took a huge deflection and looped over Karl Darlow in the Leeds net.

Neil: ‘players deserve unbelievable credit’ for improvement

By John Kelly

millwall Boss alex neil said his players “deserve unbelievable credit” for how they have improved under his leadership after millwall’s 2-0 win against leeds united extended their winning streak to four games.

Neil was appointed head coach on December 30, taking over a side that had only won one in their last nine, and endured a tricky start to his reign, with the Lions going winless in his first four games in charge.

In the past few weeks, the Scotsman has managed to turn his side’s fortunes around, leading them to three away wins plus a 2-1 win against Queens Park Rangers at The Den. Prior to Neil’s appointment - Millwall had only won one

away game all season.

Last weekend’s result was the most impressive of them all, with the Lions going toe-to-toe with a team that had not lost at Elland Road since mid-September.

“I thought we played really well,” Neil said “Leeds at the moment is the hardest ground in the Championship to come and get a result. I think the only team that won here is Burnley, I was reading some stats in terms I think they’re one of the highest scorers in Europe. So we knew how tough a game it was going to be.

“Obviously we knew they would make a few changes. We made a few changes. But I think the most pleasing thing for us is how we played, how we went about it. I thought we carried a real threat throughout the game. I thought we kept the ball well in spells, which we needed to because you can’t just defend the whole match.

“I thought the players were excellent. I was really pleased with the game. I was disappointed in the penalty, I might be proven wrong when I watch it back, but I didn’t think it was a penalty. I thought it was very, very soft. But at that stage we needed Liam to stand up and make a great save, which he did. And I thought when we needed to defend for those last maybe fifteen, 20 minutes, I thought we did. We’re capable of defending our box very, very well.

“Before we came here we won three on the bounce. I think that’s now four on the bounce. I think in terms of the performance and the threat we carried throughout the game, I just thought we were really good. From where we were when I walked to where we are now, I think the players deserve unbelievable credit for what they’ve done.”

The Lions nearly had a second only minutes later. Ivanovic robbed Ethan Ampadu before passing it back to Azeez.

The goalscorer took a touch before uncorking a strike that bounced the crossbar. The rebound fell to Cundle, but his header bounced just past the post.

Leeds nearly answered back almost immediately. A long ball found Schmidt, who flicked it onto Chambers. The seventeen-year-old drove past defenders

before shooting from just inside the box but Roberts was again able to react quickly and palm his strike away.

The Whites put Millwall under pressure as the half drew to a close - and demonstrated some of the quality that had seen them rise to top of the league, with Gnonto and Chambers threatening a number of times.

The second half continued as the first half ended, with Leeds pressing high in their search for an equaliser, while Millwall posed a constant threat in transition through their youthful front four.

The Whites threw men forward in pursuit of a goal, and left themselves exposed at the back which the Lions took advantage of in the 55th minute.

De Norre won the ball in midfield, played a one-two with Ivanovic before laying it off to Azeez. The 23-year-old drove on goal before beating Darlow at his near post.

Again, Leeds nearly answered back almost immediately. In the 60th minute, Schmidt nodded the ball down into the box and Cundle was deemed to have pulled back Ramazani in what looked to be a harsh decision. Pascal Strujik stepped up to take the penalty and saw his effort pushed onto the left post by Roberts.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke emptied his bench to send on the big guns, including Joel Piroe, who had scored two goals in his past three games - but Millwall continued to defend stubbornly, aided by a number of late defensive substitutions as Neil looked to shut up shop.

The Whites pushed relentlessly for a goal, but the Lions defended their box fantastically and sapped the momentum from the game - never really letting Leeds have a sniff of Roberts’ net aside from a late Joe Rothwell free kick, which the 30-yearold pushed past the post.

The final whistle blew to secure Millwall passage to the Fifth Round, where they will face fellow London side Crystal Palace on the weekend of March 1. millwall: 4-2-3-1 – Roberts; Bryan, Tanganga, Cooper, Harding; Mitchell (Wintle 74), De Norre; Neghli (BanguraWilliams 69), Cundle (Kelly 82), Azeez (Honeyman 75); Ivanovic (Watmore 69) Unused Substitutes: Jensen, Wallace, Leahy, Sturge

leeds: 4-2-3-1 - Darlow; Byram (Firpo 69), Strujik, Ampadu (Debayo 83), Schmidt; Guilavogui (Tanaka 69), Rothwell; Ramazani, Gnonto (Piroe 80), Chambers (Solomon 70); Joseph Unused Substitutes: Meslier, Bogle, Aaronson, Gruev

Millwall are now five points off the play-offs with a game in hand

WBA Millwall VS MATCH DETAILS

Championship Saturday, Feb 15 (15:00 pm)

Predicted starting XI: 4-2-3-1: Jensen; Crama, Tanganga, Cooper, Bryan; De Norre, Saville; Connolly, Cundle, Neghli; Ivanovic Last meeting: Sky Bet Championship (October 5, 2024): West Brom 0-0 Millwall Match odds: Millwall 6/4 Draw 21/10 West Brom 7/4

SPORT 31

‘it’s Been Kind of refreshing under alex‘

Jake Cooper claps supporters after Millwall’s 2-0 win against Leeds United

Coops on working with the new gaffer, integrating eight new signings and juggling his master’s degree

EXCLUSIVE

By Will Scott a lot can change in ten weeks. when Jake Cooper suffered a knee injury in millwall’s 1-1 draw with stoke City on november 9, the Lions were flying they had won four out of their last five under neil harris and just outside the play-off spots in eighth. when he came back in the Fa Cup against dagenham & redbridge on January 13, millwall had won only one in nine.

Since Cooper has returned to the first team, the Lions have been flying once again - they have won their last four consecutive

games - only conceding a single goal in that stretch.

The 30-year-old centre-back is one of the most important cog’s in Millwall’s defence, but he’s not been the only change. Harris opted to step down in early December, and was replaced by Alex Neil - who has already started to make his mark on the team especially tactically.

“He’s been really good,” Cooper said. “The tactical side is incredible with the amount of detail.

The amount of time he must put into looking at the way he wants us to play, and the way he reviews opposition “It’s always hard, talking about a new manager without making what Neil Harris

Calum Scanlon to return to Liverpool

By Will Scott aleX neil confirmed calum scanlon would be returning to his parent club liverpool after suffering a “really bad hamstring injury”.

Scanlon joined the Lions on loan last August, but sustained a stress fracture in his back just twelve minutes into his debut—a 1-0 defeat to Luton Town on September 14.

The nineteen-year-old rehabbed his injury at Liverpool before returning to south-east London in January. Scanlon was able to start three games in a row before limping off just sixteen minutes into the reverse fixture against Luton on January 25.

“Unfortunately Calum’s got a really bad hamstring injury,” Neil said. “He required surgery, which he already had and I believe everything went successfully, but

that will rule him out for basically sixteen weeks, which takes him to the end of the season. So he’ll go back to Liverpool.

“We’re naturally upset for him. Obviously disappointed for ourselves because it means that we’ve got a really strong, dynamic and talented young player unavailable for us. But it’s sort of the nature of the game - injuries are a big part of the game at the moment because it’s so athletically based in terms of having to get up and down the pitch.

“Calum’s probably one that if I’m honest with the bodies that we’ve got in just now wouldn’t have played the minutes that he played.

He played all those games in succession bourne out of the fact that we had very limited options available at that point, hence the reason why we’ve done what we’ve done in the window.”

did sound bad because he was unbelievable for us and we had a great relationship with him and he was great from a motivational side and the way he supported the players and got the best out of us as people was great. So it was a shame to see him go.

“It’s been kind of refreshing under Alex and seeing his ideas, how he thinks the group can play and work with us. Hopefully this form continues and we keep moving forward.”

The Scotsman was appointed at a tricky time - Millwall were in poor form and there was the constant speculation about the future of starboy Romain Esse, which was resolved once Crystal Palace spent £14.5 million to bring him across south London.

The Lions acted quickly, bringing in eight players, including a club-record deal for Dutch winger Camiel Neghli. As part of the leadership group, Cooper helps integrate the signings, which is an important process.

“It’s been strange the amount of players that came in,” Cooper said. “Obviously we lost Rom and fair play to the chairman to reinvest the money and go sign the amount of players that we have. It’s gonna be a challenge, I’m sure for the manager to manage all of those players.

“But it’s exciting, bringing young guys and people like Tristan [Crama] and Aaron [Connolly] who have come straight into the team and they’ve been great. We’ve just tried to get around them and support

Millwall announce freehold purchase of Calmont Road

By Will Scott millwall haVe announced that they have completed the freehold purchase of their training ground, Calmont road.

Calum Scanlon only made four appearances for the Lions

them and show them how much that we need them, that we really support them as people.

“If they’re going to put the performances in like they have then they’re going to be loved by all of us lot. So that’s just the way we kind of work as a group and it’s going to be exciting the next week or two working with all these other new guys that we’ve signed and seeing how they work with us lot.”

One player Cooper has enjoyed working with is Crama, who was signed as a centreback but who has had to fill in at right-back with injuries to Ryan Leonard and Danny McNamara.

“Crama has just fitted in seamlessly,” Cooper said. “He came on and did really well against Cardiff and then he’s just stayed in the team and we got two key clean sheets away from home and he’s looked really good even going forward.

“I think it’s been surprising to most people how good he is going forward and he seems like a great addition, a great guy and he’s obviously young and has a lot of potential ahead of him. It’s just been exciting to work with some new people.”

It has been a process made even harder

by Cooper’s commitments off the pitch. He decided to start a master’s degree in football science at Solent University, something he has found challenging to juggle with the commitments of being a professional footballer.

“It’s not easy, Cooper said. “They’ve chucked me in full time with that so it is difficult.

“I’m using my evenings and times when we’re traveling away with the squad to try and get as much done as I can. They’re really understanding with me playing and putting all my time into playing and then just trying to catch up on the uni stuff when I can.

“The lecturers have been unbelievable actually in helping me. Just trying to give myself a platform for when I finish and it is something I enjoy.

“So it is everything football related, but it is mainly from a sports science background.

I enjoy that side of the game, the physical side of things and staying on top of your fitness and injury prevention. So that’s where I’m at with it and I’m working my way through the modules at the minute doing a scouting one and a rehabilitation one. It keeps me on my toes. It’s good fun.”

The club had previously rented the site - with the previous lease set to expire in 2026, and now have “the ability to explore its long-term strategic options around both First Team and Academy training centres at its own pace.”

Millwall said in a statement on their website that they were in the process of upgrading their facilities, having improved the training pitches last summer.

“This is another really positive step in what is a very exciting time here at Millwall Football Club,” Millwall’s managing director Mark Fairbrother said on the club’s official website.

“Purchasing the Calmont Road training facility in its entirety

frees the club from a heavy rental commitment each year, and the reliance on the Berylson family to continue funding that significant cost.

“Under the club’s ownership, we can proceed with our exciting plans which are ready to go, modernising the site and making it a training facility which drives the club’s core values of hard work, family and togetherness. This a signal of the club’s commitment to player development.

“The progress at our two West Kingsdown sites is gradual but costs continue to rise. In the meantime, it is imperative that we are focused on ensuring our current training ground has the best facilities possible for the here and now.

“I thank our owner, James, and the entire Berylson family for their unwavering support on this project and incredible commitment to this football club.”

INSIDE

Sport Southwark

page 29

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Millwall draw Crystal Palace in the FA Cup Fifth Round

Sheldon Kendall, Ra’ees BanguraWilliams and Alfie Massey after Millwall’s 3-0 win against Dagenham & Redbridge. Neil handed BanguraWilliams and Kendall their debuts

By Will Scott millwall haVe drawn fellow south london side Crystal Palace in the Fa Cup Fifth round.

‘there is a really good pathway’

Alex Neil the man to develop next academy star, says coach who helped produce Millwall’s record signing EXCLUSIVE

By Will Scott aleX neil’s willingness to play youth has shown academy players and potential recruits “there is a really good pathway” to the first team, according to the coach who helped produce £14.5 million-rated romain esse.

Neil has been at the heart of Millwall’s youth revolution, handing seventeen-year-old Sheldon Kendall his debut, trusting 20-year-old sensation Ra’ees Bangura-Williams with four consecutive starts only a few weeks after his debut, and starting a youthful front four against Leeds United including Luke Cundle, 22, Camiel Neghli, 23, Mihailo Ivanovic, 20, and Femi Azeez, 23.

He has been ably supported by the board, who signed eight players in the January window - all of whom are 25 or younger. They include

potential stars in Ajay Matthews, 18, Benicio Baker, 21, Lions academy product Zak Lovelace, 19, and firstteam contributors in Neghli, Cundle, Tristan Crama, 23, Aaron Connolly, 25 and loanee Zak Sturge, 20.

The Lions were able to splash the cash because of their record-sale of Esse to Crystal Palace earlier in the window, who snapped up the Lions’ academy product for £14.5 million.

Under-18s coach Larry McAvoy, who worked with Esse during his formative teenage years, said the sale was “brilliant” for his players.

“Romain’s been with us since the foundation phase, since under-9s,” McAvoy said. “He’s one who’s come all the way through.

“So to see someone command a club-record fee and move into the Premier League and who’s been with us from the foundation phase and through the youth development and professional phase is a really proud time for the moment for the

Academy. Not just the under-18 staff, who worked with Romain for the last two years, but also all the other coaches who’ve spent a lot of time with him.

“It’s brilliant for the younger players and he’ll be like a role model now. We’ve had good players, but to get someone that high profile and selling them for that sort of fee is brilliant. It’s a testament to the work that’s been done in the academy.

The younger players now in our academy can look up to him and try to emulate what he’s done so far.

“Romain is a local lad from Deptford, living half a mile away from the Den and someone’s been with us from the age of nine.

We’ve got players from all different backgrounds, so for them to see someone who looks like them, who’s from maybe the same area, it’s really helpful for us.

“In terms of recruitment but also in terms of retention of the

really good players we’ve got in the academy at the moment in the younger age groups. So there’s a really good pathway and at the minute we’re really lucky with a first team manager who’s not shy to put young players in if he thinks they’re ready.”

McAvoy thinks players like Lovelace, who turned down a contract extension at Rangers to return to south-east London, are more likely to join the club because of Esse.

“Zak played for me as an under-15 and under-16,” McAvoy said. “Even at that age group, he was good enough to play in the youth team.

“I worked with Zak a lot and it was a shame to see him go, and he had his reasons for that. But one of the big things he said about coming back was that he felt there was a pathway now better than ever before. So that was pleasing to hear and really pleasing to see him back.”

The Lions will travel to Selhurst Park on the weekend of March 1 and could face their former starboy Romain Esse.

Millwall secured their spot in the Fifth Round on the weekend by beating rivals Leeds United 2-0 away at Elland Road - powered by a Femi Azeez brace scored either side of half-time.

In the Third Round, they beat National League side Dagenham & Redbridge at The Den, courtesy of goals by Mihailo Ivanovic, Casper De Norre and Ra’ees Bangura-Williams on his debut.

The Eagles progressed to the Fifth Round by beating League One side Stockport County 1-0 in the Third Round courtesy of a 4th-minute Eberechi Eze goal, and comfortably defeating League Two outfit Doncaster Rovers 2-0 last Monday in the Fourth Round.

The two sides last met in the FA Cup in January 2022, with Crystal Palace emerging victorious 2-1 at The Den despite the Lions leading at the half behind an 18th-minute Benik Afobe opener.

Millwall have not visited Selhurst Park since October 2012, when they drew 2-2 in the Championship.

Mark Beevers scored a 77th minute equaliser to rescue a point for the Lions against the Eagles, who were down to ten men after Dean Moxey was sent off.

Millwall celebrate after beating Leeds United 2-0 THE RECYCLED PAPER CONTENT OF UK NEWSPAPERS IN 2014 WAS 83.5%