Southwark News - January 8th 2026

MILLWALL

Issue 1770

Established: 1987

50p

January 8 2026

southwarknews.co.uk

REVIEW OF THE YEAR - WHAT GOT EVERYONE TALKING IN 2025

CHANGES HAVE TO BE MADE COMING SOON

THE FROST FAIR

See page 3

BREAKING POINT

See pages 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, & 15

Urgent calls for change at Loughborough Junction as ‘tens of thousands more commuters are crammed into just half a railway arch’

See page 3

LONDON’S LARGEST URBAN WINERY OPENS

EXCLUSIVE

See pages 4-5

ROTHERHITHE’S LORD OF THE MANOR

See page 21

2 NEWS Contents NEWS Pages 2-19 REVIEW OF THE YEAR Page 8-17 CLASSIFIED Page 17 ARTS Pages 18-19 EVENTS Page 20 HISTORY Page 21 PUBLIC NOTICES Pages 25-28 SPORT Pages 29-32

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THE LACK OF SKILLED CONSTRUCTION WORKERS IN LONDON MAKES FOR UNCOMFORTABLE READING There are even calls for the Mayor to scrap ULEZ and congestion costs for tradespeople to make it more cost-effective to operate in the city

By Kumail Jaffer

On site training at The Skills Centre (pre Covid)

within a month, dropping to three per cent with bricklayers.

The knock-on effect from this, especially on newbuilds, makes for uncomfortable reading; 13 per cent of respondents to the survey say they delayed moving into their proposed new home because construction was not completed on time due to a shortage of tradespeople.

The same proportion chose to buy an older property instead of a new build because they were told the build would take significantly longer than planned. Meanwhile, a tenth were forced to withdraw from purchasing a home altogether

Local Democracy Reporter THE EXTENT of how London’s construction skills shortage is slowing down building in the capital has been laid bare.

New polling from Fix Radio’s 2025 National Construction Audit, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), shows that more than a tenth of Londoners have waited for a handyman or electrician for over a year.

Other figures from the dataset show that less than five per cent of residents managed to get a roofer

MILLWALL EXCLUSIVE

‘A FITTING END TO THE YEAR’ Shortlisted for Scoop of the Year & Small News Brand of the Year - Regional Press Awards 2026

Issue 1769

Established: 1987

50p

January 2 2026

southwarknews.co.uk

AFTER £350 MILLION SPENT

Editor: Kevin Quinn Reporters: Issy Clarke, Evie Flynn Sports Editor: John Kelly Sports reporter: Will Scott Arts Correspondent: Michael Holland Digital Transformation Editor: Katherine Johnston Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips Advertising: Clarry Frewin, Mandy Stong Design: Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758 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

EXCLUSIVE

and general safety concerns all play a part.

“A number of people I know have chosen to move to areas like the Midlands or Bristol, simply because the day-to-day pressures are easier to manage outside the capital.”

The Mayor of London, who has been tasked with ensuring 88,000 homes are built in the capital every year for the next decade by ministers, oversaw just 11,600 new properties last year.

In September his Deputy Mayor for Housing Tom Copley admitted there was a skills “crisis” in the sector and suggested he feared there were

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

See pages 4-5

should Southwark’s largest estate been retrofitted?

BLITZ BABY BROTHER

as building delays meant their mortgage offer expired.

Clive Holland, of Fix Radio, told the LDRS: “The shortage of skilled trades in London is having a noticeable impact on the pace of building, repairs and maintenance across the capital.

“Demand for work is consistently outstripping the number of people available to do it, and that gap has been widening over time. Many tradespeople tell me that working in London has become increasingly challenging.

“Daily charges, higher operating costs, the risk of tool and van theft,

neither enough trained workers nor teachers to tutor the next generation.

Mr Holland said the lack of training has, overall, lowered the quality of any homes that do end up being built.

“While efforts to bring more young people into the trades are positive, fast-track schemes can struggle to provide the depth of experience required in safety-critical roles such as electrical and gas work,” he said.

“We’ve already seen a rise in snagging and remedial work over the last few years, which suggests quality is being affected.

“London’s housing challenge isn’t only about the number of homes, it’s also about having the right workforce in place to build and maintain them. Supporting tradespeople and making it viable for them to stay in the city would make a real difference.”

He called on the Mayor to scrap ULEZ and congestion costs for tradespeople to make it more costeffective to operate in the city, as well as strengthening enforcement around hunting down tool theft.

“Anything that makes it easier, safer and more viable for tradespeople to operate in London is likely to speed up building and repairs, and that could have a meaningful impact on easing delays across the city’s housing system,” he concluded.

Earlier this year a Government spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “Years of underinvestment in skills has created a dire shortage of construction workers – workers this country desperately needs if we are to meet our pledge to build 1.5million homes over the course of this parliament.

“Through our Plan for Change we have taken decisive action to build up essential skills in the construction industry and are providing £625million of funding to create up to 60,000 more engineers, bricklayers, electricians, and joiners by 2029.”

WWII baby abandoned on Christmas Eve reunites with his brother

See page 8

Man charged with murder of Walworth mum The perfect family show

See page 7

See page 10

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

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

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

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

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NEWS 3 © Vagabond

LONDON’S BIGGEST URBAN WINERY OPENS UP IN CANADA WATER Despite global trends of fewer people drinking wine, the UK industry has flourished amid rising temperatures

By Matt Hasdell

LONDON’S LARGEST urban winery has opened in Canada Water amid a boom in the popularity of British wine.

The newly renovated Dock Shed is now home to Vagabond’s “Cathedral of Wine”, which is set to make up to 100,000 bottles of wine per year.

Having opened on December 4, wine will be produced in the 6,000 square-foot winery from grapes grown at vineyards within two hours’ travel of London in areas such as Suffolk, Kent and Essex.

Visitors can drink wine just metres from where it is made by attending a guided winery tour or a winemaking workshop, or using the self-pour machines which wine educator and general manager Ben Gubbins called “a pick-and-mix for grownups”.

He said that in recent history, the climate has been an obstacle to wine being made in the UK. Mr Gubbins said wine was introduced to the country by the Romans 600 years ago, when the climate went through a warm period, but growing stopped during a subsequent cooling in the Middle Ages.

The industry was affected again before the First World War as land was repurposed to grow crops, and it was not until the 1950s that UK winemaking was reborn.

Mr Gubbins said the “sparkling wine frenzy” of the 1980s put the UK wine scene back on the map.

“Some of the sparkling wine made in England can be compared to Champagne,

Winemaker Jose Quintana celebrating the opening of the winery

due to similar production, climate and the same variety of grapes,” he added.

According to some of the wine experts at the opening of the new venue in Canada Water, the country’s industry has flourished amid rising temperatures and quality has been more widely recognised, despite global trends of fewer people drinking wine.

A warm summer in 2025 created a bumper harvest for the country’s vineyards, and those involved are optimistic about the future.

Jose Quintana, winemaker at Vagabond, said: “This is a very new industry in the UK. “The UK has become known for sparkling wines, but 90% of the wines we make are ‘still’ wines, and I think that’s where we can really push the boundaries here.”

He said he hopes the new site’s capacity will enable him to age wine for longer, and

that producing more will lower the price over time, making British still wines more accessible.

Mr Quintana said he knows the new facility, along with rising temperatures, will bring more scope for the business to support the country in expanding its market offering.

“Whenever you are in a changing climate, you change the things you grow,” he said.

Managing Director Christobell Giles said she is excited to be bringing winemaking to a city where it has been traded for centuries.

She said she feels the winery will cater for both seasoned experts and regular enjoyers.

“That’s always been what it’s been about, helping people explore wine,” she said.

“This is now our new centre of the universe when it comes to that.”

Wine educator and General Manager Ben Gubbins sampling wine from the selfpour machine

CELEBRATE THE ‘FROST FAIR’ THIS JANUARY

This is an unique and historic Bankside tradition

In 2026, Borough yards is set to come alive with traditional games, roaming actors, puppeteers, free outdoor performances and art workshops for the whole family.

Alongside the general entertainment, head to Arch 23 between 12:30 - 4pm for a series of drop in workshops: ● An immersive art installation led by artist Sammie Snow ● Rosie Brooks will be running a series of winter crown crafting sessions ● Make elephant masks with Alice Clarke

By Evie Flynn INSPIRED BY the days when the River Thames froze over and traders took to the ice, the 2026 revival of the ‘Frost Fair’ offers free performances, workshops, and music-filled pubs.

On Saturday 31st January, Better Bankside are brining the ‘Frost Fair’ back to London, from 11am - 3pm and an ‘After Hours’ celebration from 7pm onwards.

The River Thames froze over an incredible 24 times between 1605 to 1814, bringing all river-based trade

From midday, Mr Londoner will be leading a Winter Walk, sharing the fascinating history of the Frost Fairs held in Bankside.

After 7pm, Bankside’s pubs will be hosting a variety of folk musicians playing acoustic sets.

to a standstill.

The people of Bankside (‘Banksiders’) created an impromptu solution: a ‘Frost Fair’ on the ice, which allowed them to continue

to make money with temporary markets, pubs, entertainment and revelry.

The ice on the Thames was so thick, it was even rumoured that an

Elephant was marched across the ice near Blackfriars Bridge.

Better Bankside first brought the reimagined Frost Fair back to the area in 2024.

Date: Saturday 31 January Time: 11am - 3pm and ‘After Hours’ from 7pm - late Location: Throughout Bankside, SE1 Tickets: Free, no ticket or booking required for any of the activities

4 NEWS EXCLUSIVE

By Issy Clarke A TRAIN station in South London crammed into just half a railway arch with no lift and one flight of stairs has been described as ‘unsafe’ by local campaigners.

Lambeth’s Loughborough Junction station has just one flight of stairs leading up to a single island platform – meaning many elderly and disabled people can’t use the station at all.

Nick Lewis, a local resident who set up the Lift up Loughborough Junction campaign a few years ago, said the station either needs to be extended or completely torn out and rebuilt.

The station is too small to fit a lift inside, so it would need to be expanded into two empty railway arches next to the current entrance which are leased from Network Rail to the Arch Company. Network Rail would have the right to buy these back to expand the station under the terms of the lease agreement.

Currently when you enter the station and get through the ticket barriers there is just one steep, long flight of stairs leading up to the platform.

“It worries me because if someone at the top slipped they would just come cascading down,” said Nick, a retired engineer who has lived in the area for decades.

Earlier this summer 1,800 people had to be evacuated via Loughborough Junction from trains via the station after a train fault brought several services in the area to a halt.

“That was a wake-up call,” said Nick.

“Fortunately it was a non-emergency evacuation so people could be helped out in a controlled way. But if the worst-case scenario situation occurred – such as a fire in the station during rush hour when you’ve got two packed trains pulling in each with 500 people, all trying to get out at the same time – it would be an absolute disaster.”

Despite the safety concerns raised by campaigners, Loughborough Junction is not one of the stations which have been selected for Access for All funding; the government scheme which decides which stations to prioritise for stepfree upgrades.

Money has been allocated from developments in the area to use on station improvements but so far no decision has been made on how this should be spent.

However Nick argues there is a good case for Loughborough Junction to be prioritised, because he claims it is the only station in Lambeth to see an increase in footfall since the pandemic.

His own analysis of figures from the Office of Rail and Road and data from train operating companies shows that Loughborough Junction saw an increase in footfall from 1.08 million in 2019–20 to 1.12 million in 2024-25; a 13.5 per cent rise.

By contrast, his analysis shows that other stations in the borough experienced a 26 per cent drop in footfall on average during that same period.

Loughborough Junction is part of the Thameslink service from Luton to Sutton. For much of the day it is quiet, but in the morning the rush hour services towards St Pancras can get extremely busy, and sometimes up to five trains are operating at near full capacity.

“Before COVID the number of people using the station was falling off a cliff,” said Nick. “But several highrise car-free developments have been

CALLS FOR SOUTH LONDON STATION ‘CRAMMED INTO JUST HALF A RAILWAY ARCH TO BE REBUILT OR EXPANDED’

There is just one tiny ticket hall built around here recently. It means if those people are workers they will be commuters.”

We recently reported that Peckham Rye, the busiest interchange in the country without step-free access, had a £40 million step-free upgrade scrapped by Network Rail due to a lack of funding.

It has since agreed to inject an interim £9 million to address some of the issues raised by campaginers, although this will not be spent on putting lifts in.

Nick questioned why Loughborough Junction had not been made a priority, adding that the funding boost received

by Peckham Rye “suggests that the money is there”.

In the five years to 2025, Network Rail underspent on step-free access upgrades by £65 million, according to an investigation by the Disability News Service.

Helen Hayes, the MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, recently spoke in Parliament about the problems with Loughborough Junction Station. “A tiny

Nick Lewis, who founded the Lift up Loughborough Junction campaign station occupying just half a railway arch, Loughborough Junction has a particularly long, steep flight of stairs up to its two platforms,” she said.

“The ownership of those sites is complex, with the Arch Company responsible for neighbouring arches, Network Rail responsible for the structural integrity of the arches, the train operating company responsible for the station, and private land ownership to the rear.

“If we are to solve the problem of accessibility at the station, there must be a way of joining up those interests, undertaking feasibility work, creating partnerships that can bid for funding together and moving the project forward.

“As residential development in the area continues to expand, a station that already feels unsafe at peak times due to the large number of passengers will become more and more dangerously overcrowded, and disabled residents, families with young children, and frail and elderly people will continue to be locked out of rail travel.”

When we asked Lambeth Council if they had looked into Lift up LBJ’s proposals to expand the station, a spokesperson said responsibility for the station upgrade was down to Network Rail but that there was money from local developments which they were looking at using to carry out a new feasibility study.

The spokesperson said: “We have previously commissioned a feasibility study for step-free access to Loughborough Junction station, however the project was not successful in the latest round of Accessibility for All funding, which is the central government pot that would fund this. We have identified Section 106 funding that would be suitable for enhancing the previous study, including gathering further technical data on the structures, site visits, and more.

“Whilst some S106 funding is available from local developments, further contributions for station improvements is being negotiated now and we are working with National

Rail to identify the scope and focus of a further feasibility study.

“We will continue to press this issue with our partners and national government to finalise the works proposals and the funding.”

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “We understand and support the community’s aspirations for stepfree access at Loughborough Junction.

Alongside Govia Thameslink Railway, we are working with the London Borough of Lambeth on opportunities for funding formal design and feasibility studies as part of the first stage of the process.

“We have also approached local authorities for support with accessing funding from third party sources including developer contributions – levied from Community Infrastructure Levy and Section 106 payments for example – to fund these crucial early stages of development, and provide assurances for future stages of delivery of scheme viability including space requirements, user experience and the cost of delivering a scheme.”

NEWS 5 The imposing steps are the only way of getting to the platform

Southwark Council offers Zipcar free parking permits until 2027

By Issy Clarke

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL has offered to give Zipcar free parking permits until April 2027 if they keep operating in the borough.

The car club shocked customers when they announced early in December plans to halt operations in the UK after December 31.

There are 138,000 Zipcar parking bays in Southwark and 60 “floating” bays shared with other car clubs.

The council is seeking to waive the £350,000 cost of permit fees paid by Zipcar each year.

Part of the rationale behind the offer is that 60 per cent of Southwark residents do not own a private car.

Cllr James McAsh, Southwark Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets and Waste, said: “Zipcar’s recent announcement that it is ceasing operations in the UK is a disaster for our residents, for our Streets for People programme and for the climate.

“That is why today I’m making a bold offer – Southwark will provide a concession to Zipcar

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giving free parking permits for all their cars until April 2027 if they continue to operate in our borough, so that the thousands of Southwark residents and businesses who rely on Zipcar can continue to do so.

“I’m also determined that if Zipcar go ahead with their plans to cease operating, Southwark Council will work to fill the gap they leave, by writing to other car club operators in the new year to offer them the same concession of free parking permits if they come and launch in Southwark.

“This is a clear sign of our commitment to making Southwark the most attractive place in London for car clubs to operate in, as we work to deliver our ambitious Streets for People programme, and reduce reliance on private vehicle ownership.

“I’m also calling on the Mayor of London, Transport for London, and other councils across London to join us in taking immediate steps to support providers, and to look at how we can create an environment across the capital in which car club providers can thrive, which is key to reducing levels of private car ownership and to create better streets for everyone.”

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Sat 31 Jan - Sun 1 Feb

Sun 15 Feb

Mon 23 Feb

Courtney Pine with Zoe Rahman

Mon 16 Feb

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1 Mar, 7.30pm Sun Sat 1 Mar, 11.30am & 2.30pm

6 NEWS

HEALTH SECRETARY WES STREETING OPENS NEW HOSPICE WARD AT ST CHRISTOPHER’S

By Issy Clarke

THE GOVERNMENT’S Health Secretary Wes Streeting visited St Christopher’s Hospice in Sydenham last month to re-open a newly refurbished ward.

Streeting, MP for Ilford North in north east London, visited the hospice just before Christmas to reopen Nuffield Ward which recently underwent a refurbishment.

The three wards which make up the Inpatient Unit are all undergoing a £3.6 million upgrade, with £2 million being funded by the government out of an emergency hospices grant announced in December 2024.

Streeting met with the hospice’s Chief Executive, Steve Smith, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Neil Goulden, and Ward Matron Katie Grace, alongside other clinical staff, as he was shown the refurbishment of the Inpatient Unit.

He also met with patients Jennifer Morgan and Jayshri Patel, who were staying on Nuffield Ward.

Liam Conlon MP, who represents the Beckenham and Penge constituency where St Christopher’s is located, also attended the visit.

The refurbishments at St Christopher’s are largely focused on improving the look and feel of the Inpatient Unit, making rooms bigger and more homely, and addressing essential infrastructure issues on a building which is almost 60 years old.

The work also includes enhancing staff areas for the dedicated teams and the installation of a hoist system so people can be moved more safely and comfortably, whilst also protecting staff.

In total, the government gave out £100M of capital funding to adult hospices in England over two years.

Streeting said: “This has been a visit I will never forget. I met some amazing people here at St Christopher’s.“It was a privilege to meet some of the patients who are approaching end of life, who’ve been willing to share their experience of love and care and joy at what is inevitably a very difficult moment for them in their lives.

“We took a decision not long after I came into government as Health and Social Care Secretary that we were going to deliver the biggest hospice funding in a generation, £100M over two years to help hospices like this one to build the new facilities, the new kit, the new technology to provide better and more hospice care, either

in great buildings like this or even in people’s homes.”

He praised the new ward as “fantastic” and said it was “going to make a real difference to people.”

“We know we need to do more as a government on hospices,” continued Streeting.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to the public for all of their kindness, all of their donations.

“Please keep giving to your local hospices if you can afford to do so, because it means that people at a very delicate stage in their lives will receive the love, the care, the support and the good death that everyone deserves.”

Steve Smith, CEO of St Christopher’s, said: “The hospice sector is really appreciative of this capital funding, which was announced last year, and the recognition shown by Mr Streeting and his department for the vital role hospices play in the healthcare sector.”

Jennifer Morgan, a patient who lives in Deptford, south London and is currently staying on the new wards, met Mr Streeting during his visit. She said: “I knew I was going to get pain management, peace, stability, here and that’s what I have had.

“It’s all the tiny, all the little tiny things sometimes people tend to forget sometimes. That’s what carried me, at St Christopher’s. It’s been

wellness, stillness, kindness, love, the caring. And that is for me, for St Christopher’s.”

Liam Conlon, MP for Beckenham and Penge, said: “I’m delighted to have had our Health Secretary Wes Streeting here to open the newly refurbished wing, and to meet staff and volunteers at St Christopher’s.”

“St Christopher’s means so much to our community, supporting thousands of patients and families each year, and everyone has a connection to them. I know the value they bring, providing a level of care that nobody else could provide, and that’s why I have been campaigning for sustainable funding for them.”

Old Salvation Army HQ in Elephant and Castle could become hotel and shared living development

By Issy Clarke THE FORMER headquarters of the Salvation Army in Elephant and Castle have been purchased by a developer who plans to convert them into shared living homes and a hotel.

UAE-based developers Arada London are looking to redevelop the site at 99–101 Newington Causeway which is occupied by two buildings including a 10 storey block with a basement.

It was home to the Salvation Army’s UK headquarters before they moved to Denmark Hill in 2023.

The developer said the project offered “an exciting opportunity to deliver high-quality homes, amenities and jobs that will support the area’s continued growth and make a lasting contribution to the

neighbourhood’s vitality”.

It is the second time that a developer has looked to convert the

site into a hotel. Developer Rockwell came forward with designs in 2022 for a 325-bed hotel in a 23-storey

building along with new office space and a public square.

Arada already have a development underway in the borough on the Old Kent Road opposite Asylum Road called Devonshire Place, where they are creating more than 1,000 homes, 941 of which will be student flats, spread across two skyscrapers.

They are also looking into redeveloping a site off Blackpool Road in Peckham into a mixture of student flats and affordable homes.

Jonathan Seal, CEO of Arada London, said: “The former Salvation Army UK and Ireland headquarters presents a unique opportunity in a dynamic part of London. This acquisition marks a major step for Arada London, as we kick off our third project in Southwark and make our debut in the co living world.

“With brand new homes and a hotel,

we are looking forward to helping shape a town centre at the heart of Southwark’s transformation.”

Andrew Cox, director of Savills who advised the Salvation Army on the sale, said: “101 Newington Causeway is an outstanding site, which benefits from scale, transport and strong viability.

“This is a great acquisition for Arada, and the deal allows The Salvation Army UK and Ireland Territory to dispose of a building that is no longer suitable for its needs and to use the proceeds to continue its work.”

Peter Grant, territorial property director, The Salvation Army UK and Ireland, said: “The Salvation Army is pleased to see this site being sold for development. The provision of much needed homes alongside commercial use is a positive outcome for this site.”

NEWS 7

PRINCE OF PECKHAM LANDLORD AWARDED MBE FOR SERVICES TO HOSPITALITY

By Issy Clarke

THE PUBLICAN behind the Prince of Peckham has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to business and the hospitality industry.

Clement Ogbonnaya, the landlord behind the enormously popular Prince of Peckham on Clayton Road which opened in 2017, has been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours List for his outstanding contribution to the local community.

In a video posted to his Instagram, Clement said he was “mad grateful and mad proud” to receive the honour.

Clement said that when he first received the letter, he and his wife were so surprised that they initially thought it was a “joke”.

“I’m at home, and this letter comes through the post and it says ‘His Majesty’s Service’.

“And I’m thinking, am I being drafted into the army? I’m like 44 years old. Why am I being drafted into the army?

“So I give it to my wife, she opens it and it says: ‘We’d like to award you an MBE.’ And my wife thinks it’s a joke. I think it’s a joke, but it’s not.”

He added: “Just little old me from ends who just has a pub.. I’m just mad grateful and I’m mad proud.

“These sorts of things are a catalyst to do

more, a catalyst for more change, a catalyst for more impetus. Be the change in the world you want to see.

“I’ve always said the Prince of Peckham was a small slice of an ecosystem that I wanna exist in.

“And if I can get an MBE by creating this…

Take care of your community and the rest

will take care of itself and that is what it is all about.”

Clement sees his pubs as about more than just booze. He aims to create an events-led space with activities programmed for every day of the week giving local creatives a chance to showcase their talent.

They run traditional pub activities like quizzes and comedy shows but have also been keen to put on art exhibitions, dance performances, wellbeing classes and panel discussions.

The Prince of Peckham is also one of just a few public houses in Southwark which is used as a warm hub for those struggling to

pay their energy bills.

During the pandemic in 2020 they gave out a free daily drink to NHS staff for a year to say thank you after the first lockdown ended in July 2020.

Sadly Clement’s second pub in Tulse Hill which he opened in 2023 building on the success of Prince of Peckham was recently forced to close after he was unable to raise the funds to buy back the freehold which was purchased by Young’s Pubs in the summer.

Clement also said rising business rates and staff costs had led him to make the decision to close the Queen of the South.

He previously said he hoped to expand his pub empire telling us in 2023 that his goal was to build five pubs in as many years starting with Tulse Hill.

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8 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

REVIEW OF THE YEAR - OUR MOST VIEWED NEWS ARTICLES OF 2025 We take a look back at the ten most most popular News stories in 2025 which have reached a staggering 460,000 views between them, writes Evie Flynn

1 Young renters paying 3 no more than £230

Phone snatchers to be sprayed with staining liquid in crackdown on Waterloo and South Bank

a room in London as they are matched with the elderly.

With prices for house shares rising every year, one woman has matched hundreds of young renters with elderly homeowners where they pay no more than £230 for a room.

All in exchange for 15 hours of companionship, the young person has to pay £165 to the company and just a small contribution towards bills to the homeowner- capped at £65.

127,600 VIEWS

2 Why is there a large steel box on the Elephant and Castle roundabout?

The large metal structure on the busy Elephant and Castle roundabout has long been a mystery to commuters or visitors.

Our History+ deep dive explored its true purpose as an underground substation and memorial for the late scientist, Michael Faraday.

The final iconic design came after a number of intriguing but ultimately abandoned proposals.

50,700 VIEWS

43

Traders evicted from Elephant and Castle shopping arcade

In June, traders in the ‘struggling’ Elephant and Castle Arcade were given three months to leave their shops, after low customer footfall meant it was hard to turn a profit.

Two traders had their lease transferred and continue to operate, but the rest were given a £3,000 exit package.

The council plans to convert the remaining space into a Latin American community centre.

41,000 VIEWS

Southwark’s Cabinet Member for Housing resigns after not having the same licence as Rachel Reeves Michael Situ was found to have committed the same landlord licensing blunder as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves.

Situ had not applied for a £945 license to let out his properties in Peckham, weeks after Reeves was criticised for the same error in Dulwich.

Rather than weather out at the storm, he admirably chose to resign, with King praising his integrity and said he had been let down by the ‘incompetency’ of his letting agent who had not applied on his behalf.

36,600 VIEWS

7

5 Council launches new night-time patrol service

We spoke to 17-year-old Judah Cummings during the school holidays, where he reminisced on his first year in the Windsor school.

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The South London pub inside an old railway station where punters still sit on passenger benches and feel trains rumble beneath their feet

9

A rise in phone thefts in high-footfall areas like Waterloo and South Bank prompted the safer neighbourhood team to introduce more extreme measures to stop it.

They secured funding to buy Selected DNA tagging guns, which fire an invisible UV spray that links suspects to certain crimes.

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The South East London schoolboy who secured a fully funded place at Eton College From Plumstonian to Etonain, a Woolwich Polytechnic schoolboy’s exceptional academic performance landed him a fully funded place at one of the best private schools in the country

6

A unique pub in Denmark Hill was once a Victorian railway ticket office.

After the building caught fire in the 1980s, it was saved by a pub chain that later bought the station.

The pub still has lots of original features, including passenger benches out the front, vaulted ceilings and arched traditional windows.

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In a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour across the borough, the council brought in a private security company to patrol the streets between 6pm and 2am, seven nights a week.

It’s set to run for an initial period of nine months and complement the council’s existing Community Warden team of 32 officers.

Data revealed 13,943 non-fatal injuries occurred at TfL-operated stations between April 2020 and March 2024.

Despite nearly a thousand claims being made against TfL in recent years,

compensation was only awarded in 40 cases, including one which resulted in a staggering £2.3 million payout.

A tragedy struck Bermondsey in July, after a quadruple stabbing on Long Lane resulted in the death of a father and son.

Terry McMillan, 58, owned a property business and and his son Brendan McMillan, 27, worked for him.

Tributes poured in following the devastating news, with former colleagues, schools and acquaintances expressing their condolences to Terry’s wife and the couple’s surviving son.

10

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Commuter won £2.3m in compensations as hundreds try to sue TfL 8 for train station injuries 32,800 VIEWS

Self-made businessman who rose from postie to property tycoon named as fatal victim of quadruple Bermondsey stabbing

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REVIEW OF THE YEAR 9

REVIEW OF THE YEAR - OUR MOST VIEWED NEWS TIKTOK VIDEOS OF 2025

Our news videos on TikTok gained an incredible 5.1 million views last year. Here are ten of our most-watched videos of 2025 in case you missed them… Despite Southwark’s population of approximately 320,000, our stories reached a much wider audience on TikTok, with viewers across the UK and as far afield as the USA.In total, these videos received over 231,000 likes, 11,000 comments, and 56,000 shares.

Make sure to follow us at @southwarknews for more video journalism.

1 Honest John’s ‘pie and mash challenge’ at Arment’s During National Pie Week in March, we met Honest John at Arment’s pie and mash shop, just as he was taking on his ‘biggest challenge yet’.

John, who grew up on the Old Kent Road, devoured a whopping eight pies in thirty minutes. The classic Cockney dish sparked plenty of debate, dividing opinions in the comments.

Some viewers claimed they could eat even more than eight pies, while others were astonished he managed that many.

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3 A burst pipe floods Bermondsey

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A burst pipe caused chaos on Ilderton Road in South Bermondsey, flooding surrounding streets.

Twenty-seven people were evacuated from their homes, while thousands were left without water.

We spoke to a local man about the impact, but he was more concerned that nearby businesses had been forced to close, including Greggs, where he had planned to have breakfast.

2 This is what Elephant and Castle will look like in five years time

4 “It takes me five hours to commute from Herne Hill to Greenwich”

CGI footage shows the dramatic transformation Elephant and Castle is set to undergo over the next five years.

The video takes viewers through the new Tube station and into the elegant new shopping district, while revealing that 485 new homes will be built above the station, 172 of which will be affordable and 3 socially rented.

Some commenters welcomed the upgrade to the town centre, which is currently in a transitional phase, while others raised concerns about the ‘gentrification’ of South London.

A wheelchair user from Herne Hill has spoke to us about his frustrating commute to North Greenwich.

Nathan says the station’s lifts are “always broken”, sometimes turning what should be a 45-minute journey into one lasting almost five hours.

On some occasions, the lift is repaired only to break down again just ten minutes later. At other times, Nathan has been forced to slide down the station’s stairs on his bottom just to get from the platform.

Viewers expressed outrage in the comments, with many calling the situation

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unacceptable and demanding better accessibility at local stations.

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nine crimes were reported at the station in 2023/24. But, it had the most crimes per commuter, with 2.38 per 100,000.

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5 Resident would rather sleep on the street than in his damp council flat

7 The home spreading Christmas joy to Walworth every year

Paul Jones, who lives directly opposite the Southwark Council offices, said it was more comfortable to sleep on the floor outside than in his council flat.

He told us that the council had failed to fix a leak in his flat for nearly six months, leaving it “colder inside than it is outside.”

Paul is filmed explaining the drastic measures he would take to escape the damp and leaking flat.

The Mustafa family have lit up the outside of their house for thirty years in honour of their son Alex, who was diagnosed with leukemia aged just four years old.

Alex’s life was saved by the Anthony Nolan Trust, an organisation that connects patients with life-saving stem cell donors.

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6 Is South Bermondsey Station the most dangerous in Southwark?

According to the British Transport Police, South Bermondsey was named as the ‘most dangerous in Southwark’.

We spoke to commuters, with some saying they were ‘not surprised’ at the label given to the station, which has ‘bad lighting’ and ‘wasn’t manned’.

Despite the damning description, only

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8 The Borough pub where you can enjoy a pint at 6am A unique pub nestled on Stoney Street, just opposite Borough Market, opens its doors to punters at 6am from Monday to Friday.

We spoke to the long-standing landlord, Tony Sommerville, who told us the fascinating history behind the pub.

“You get all sorts,” he said. “Mostly night shift workers, train workers, nurses and ambulance drivers who work through the night, police, press cutters. All walks of life, really.”

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

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9 Over 600 people took to the streets in fight against housing crisis Over 600 people marched through Peckham in March, protesting what they call the overdevelopment of Southwark.

The demonstration was organised by SHAPE, a group formed to oppose the Aylesham Centre redevelopment.

The plans would see 867 new homes built on the site, with just 12 per cent classed as affordable, a figure critics argue falls far short of local need.

The proposal went to a planning inquiry in October, and further hearings are scheduled for January 2026.

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10 New gay bar and comedy club opens in Elephant and Castle Back in January, Betty and Joan’s opened as a gay bar and comedy club in the heart of Elephant and Castle.

Known as BJ’s, the TikTok showcased the glossy new venue and heard from punters.

They said that Elephant and Castle has become a ‘hub’ for the LGBTQ+ community.

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10 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

REVIEW OF THE YEAR - CALLS GREW FOR ACTION ON STATION ACCESSIBILITY South London residents called for stations to be made properly step-free, and Dulwich MP Helen Hayes highlighted the issue in Parliament.

By Issy Clarke SOUTH LONDON residents called for stations to be made properly step-free, and Dulwich MP Helen Hayes highlighted the issue in Parliament.

Peckham Rye Station will receive funding for some safety improvements, after the News highlighted the concerns of local station users following the announcement by Network Rail that the station would no longer be getting a £40 million step free upgrade.

Local residents claimed that the lack of step free access at the station had forced elderly residents into the indignity of sliding down the stairs on their bottoms.

Terry Titheradge, 75, who lives behind the station, told us he used to take the train to Bromley to visit his family several times a week but now has to cough up a hefty taxi fare after an accident left his wife wheelchair bound two years ago.

He added: “I recently witnessed a lady in a wheelchair get off the train at Platform 1. She was lost and didn’t know what to do.

“She got out of her chair and a

young man carried the chair down for her while she came down 40 odd steps on her bottom, hanging onto the

handrail. It was shocking.”

Network Rail told residents at a meeting in October that the station

would be getting a £9 million grant, a much smaller sum which will not cover the cost of installing lifts, but

better than nothing.

Then we looked at the state of the lifts at Herne Hill station after a local resident told us that it sometimes takes him five hours to commute to Greenwich because of how unreliable they are.

And over in Loughborough Junction, a coordinated community campaign is also calling for that station to be rebuilt, amid concerns that the existence of one narrow flight of stairs could one day lead to a serious accident if several trains full of commuters have to be evacuated at once.

Dulwich MP Helen Hayes even raised the subject in Parliament in September.

“The lack of step-free access at our local railway stations causes major problems for many of my constituents,” the MP said, highlighting Loughborough Junction and West Dulwich as particularly bad examples.

South London is particularly uneven when it comes to station step free access. Will 2026 be the year when we see more of a concerted effort to address this inequality in public transport once and for all?

REVIEW OF THE YEAR 11

REVIEW OF THE YEAR - SOUTHWARK COUNCIL’S POLITICAL CRISIS

EACH DAY IN EARLY JULY SEEMED TO YIELD A FRESH DEVELOPMENT IN THE SAGA James Mcash

By Issy Clarke A POLITICAL crisis enveloped Southwark Council in July, with the ruling Labour group churning through three leaders in the space of a week amid allegations of procedural impropriety and interference by the central party.

It was a political drama that gripped the attention of local political

observers, with each day in early July seeming to yield a fresh development in the saga.

Councillor James McAsh was crowned the leader of Southwark Labour after a leadership contest triggered by the resignation of Kieron Williams, but a week later the party had to re-run the ballot under the orders of Labour’s high command.

It emerged that concerns around

the use of proxy voting in the original ballot had been communicated to London Labour, including by MP Neil Coyle.

Coyle repeatedly insisted that he sought only to ensure that the local party followed its own rules governing voting procedure, rather than secure a different outcome.

Irrespective of his motives, a second ballot held online a week later on July

7 resulted in the victory of Sarah King who narrowly lost out to McAsh in the first round.

In a interview with the News in September, King revealed that both she and McAsh jointly wrote to Labour high command to ask for the run-off vote to be held in person. The suggestion seemed to be that she wanted to preclude any allegations of a possible stitch-up, rather than because she had

any doubts about the authenticity of the online voting system.

She said: “The key thing for me was that it was difficult already, and therefore having a meeting that people felt familiar with and comfortable with was, in my view, the way it should be organised.”

Yet the party brushed aside their concerns, pushing ahead with the online ballot. King said neither she nor McAsh received communication from the party’s high command explaining why a different system had been chosen for the run-off.

The contest exposed bitter fissures in Southwark Labour, triggering a spate of councillor resignations starting with party chair Kath Whittam, followed by Laura Johnson, and more recently Sam Foster and Ketzia Harper.

Both Whittam and Foster, after initially quitting Labour to sit as independents, have since thrown their lot in with the Greens meaning the party now has two councillors in Southwark.

King’s political woes did not end there. In November she lost her Cabinet Member for Housing Michael Situ after he was found to have committed the same landlord licensing blunder as the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves.

Situ had not applied for a £945 license to let out his properties in Peckham, weeks after Reeves was criticised for the same error in Dulwich.

Rather than weather out at the storm, he admirably chose to resign, with King praising his integrity and said he had been let down by the ‘incompetency’ of his letting agent who had not applied on his behalf.

It has certainly been a tumultuous year for Southwark Council - but the year that lies ahead will certainly be one of more political upheaval, as residents are due to head to the polls in May. Nominally local elections are an opportunity for residents to deliver their verdict on their local administration, but in practice, they are often interpreted as referendums on incumbent governments. Given the mixed performance of Labour nationally, it could be a grim set of results for the party.

REVIEW OF THE YEAR - Affordable homes lost

By Issy Clarke

© Berkeley Homes

SEVERAL DEVELOPMENTS in Southwark will now provide far less affordable housing than they were originally supposed to, amounting to a loss of more than a thousand affordable homes.

CGI of proposed redevelopment

In 2025 we saw local opposition ramp up to Berkeley Homes’ plans to transform Peckham’s skyline with the construction of a cluster of high rise blocks looming over Rye Lane.

More than 400 people marched through Southwark in March in protest against the plans after Berkeley said that, of the 900 homes, just 12 per cent would be affordable.

Lawyers for Berkeley, the council and campaigners faced off in a planning inquiry to determine the fate of the scheme in October, with Berkeley arguing that 12 per cent was all they could afford and warning that refusing the application would leave the Peckham land lying empty.

The Peckham redevelopment is one of a cluster of schemes that will not provide the 35 per cent affordable housing that was originally promised.

We revealed that the Canada Water Masterplan in Rotherhithe could contain as little as 3 per cent affordable housing. Essentially, this means that from the original promise of around 1,000 affordable homes,

British Land is now claiming it can currently build as few as 100.

Another Berkeley scheme on the Old Kent Road will now contain only 80 affordable homes out of 1,000.

The current course of events locally has been partly dictated by changes in regional policy, with the Mayor recently dropping the requirement for developers to provide 35 per cent affordable housing to 20 per cent.

London needs more homes, but is stacking the planning system in favour of developers really going to resolve Southwark’s housing crisis, or will it only lead to more homes being built that Londoners cannot afford?

12 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

REVIEW OF THE YEAR - THE COST OF THE AYLESBURY ESTATE REGENERATION

By Issy Clarke

estate and whether any of the cost had been borne by NHG, and suggested it should revisit terminating the development partnership, which was briefly investigated a few years ago but scrapped amid a downturn in economic conditions triggered by Liz Truss’s disastrous mini budget in October 2022.

We decided to put those exact questions to the council in an FOI, including how much had been spent on the redevelopment in total since NHG took the reins.

The FOI response revealed that £346,546,486 has been spent on the regeneration since 2015, including £643,711.59 on security.

That is the exact amount the local authority predicted it would cost to refurbish the estate 20 years ago, seen at that time as too expensive to justify, whereas renewal was said to be “broadly cost neutral” because the money generated by the private sale homes would offset the costs of the regeneration.

The Aylesbury Estate – famously visited by then new Prime Minister Tony Blair in 1997 when he spoke of ‘forgotten people’ – is one of Europe’s biggest estate renewal projects.

Of all the homes built by NHG so far, 85 per cent are classed as affordable, with 3,575 homes due to be completed by 2036 of which 50 per cent will be affordable. There are also brandnew community facilities like the Una Marson Library, Harold Moody Health Centre and a new home for the Mentivity community centre.

The council has stressed that it is not fair to compare the costs of the scheme today with 2005 estimates, given that £350 million in 2005 works out at around £625 million in today’s money when adjusted for inflation.

And NHG said they are “awaiting the completion of the final stages of the planning process before we have all the legal permissions to move to the next phase of development”, which had been beyond their control.

There are more questions which we still are waiting to hear back from Southwark Council about. How much do they reckon the whole scheme will have cost once it is finished, and when do they realistically expect this will be?

The original deadline was 2036 - will they really be able to build almost 3,000 new homes in the next 10 years?

Both the council and the developer have repeatedly affirmed their commitment to the regeneration, but the sums accrued so far raise profound questions over when, and at what financial cost, the development will be finished.

By Issy Clarke

million, overrunning by 102 weeks, of which £1.5 million was apparently due to an increase in scaffolding costs.

There were a number of startling revelations, including that the council never actually signed a formal contract agreement with any of the contractors.

The report also claimed the council was guilty of ‘contractual mismanagement’, accusing it of signing off extra costs of more than £100,000 without formal approval and permitting “mystery meetings” where key decisions were allegedly taken by the council’s project teams about the Devon Mansions works without any documentation of what was said or agreed.

It laid bare problems with the tendering process, with contractors only required to pass a simple quality check. The internal review concluded that it could “reasonably be expected that any contractor on the Major Works Constructor Framework Agreement would ‘pass’ the quality assessment easily. As such, the award of this contract was essentially based on price only.”

Its findings were celebrated by

residents who spent years campaigning for more transparency and accountability for the works, but it also opened the floodgates for similar inquiries into cost overruns on other estates.

Residents of Arica House on the 1960s Slippers Place Estate in Bermondsey and the Chilton Grove Estate in Rotherhithe said they experienced “nearly identical” problems with major works and asked for their own review.

During an Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting in October, in which issues with major works on estates were discussed, then Housing Cabinet Member Michael Situ said reviews would be carried out for all major works projects dating back to 2015.

Another change rolled out in the aftermath of the review was a new online system where leaseholders can log in to see a detailed price breakdown of their service charges.

In 2026 we will be following up, asking for more information about which estates will be prioritised for reviews and when we can expect findings to be published.

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL has now spent £350 million on the regeneration of Walworth’s Aylesbury Estate since Notting Hill Genesis was appointed to carry out the project in 2015.

But with less than 800 homes built by NHG so far out of 3,575 with planning permission, and amid continued delays to demolition of several empty blocks, questions have been asked around whether the council was right to opt for demolition over refurbishment, which in 2005 it was estimated would also cost £350 million.

In September we covered concerns by residents about alarming tactics deployed by squatters, who were said to have taken to shoving bits of paper into door frames and waiting to see if after three days they had been removed.

We then reported on a renewed squatting operation launched by the council in partnership with the police, homelessness charities, gang crime experts and drug specialists.

In May, a team of more than 80 people were deployed to check and seal 600 empty flats across the estate, while 24/7 security guards were despatched to monitor the hoarded blocks.

Successive stings carried out over the last six months have also resulted in three arrests, at least two of which were related to drug possession in May and September.

Then in October we covered the warnings of Ketzia Harper, a Faraday ward councillor and resident of the estate, who said squatting and criminal activity had spiralled out of control over the last two years, but that her attempts to sound the alarm had failed to yield results.

“In the last two years I have encountered, in the less populated parts of the estate, metal doors ripped from their door frames whilst shattered glass, human excrement and used

£350 million spent in on regnerating Europe’s largest housing estate the last 20 years needles litter the floors,” she told this paper.

“This is not something I have seen before and is a direct result of the increased number of empty flats, left uninhabited sometimes for years, caused by delays to the regeneration.”

Harper questioned how much the council had spent on securing the

REVIEW OF THE YEAR - DELAYED MAJOR WORKS REVIEW FINALLY PUBLISHED 2025 WAS marked by a longdelayed independent report examining cost overruns and delays to major works across three estates in Southwark.

The council promised to conduct audits back in November 2023 after it emerged that major works on the Canada, Devon Mansions and Kirby Estates between 2020 and 2023 had run a combined £6 million over budget and three years over schedule.

We finally got to see the results of the investigation, which was damning in its criticism of the council and the contractors appointed to carry out the repairs.

The report said the cost of the works on the Canada Estate rose by £2.1 million, from £4.2 million to £6.3 million, and went 72 weeks over schedule.

On the Kirby Estate, costs were said to have gone up by £167,241 from £1.3 million to £1.5 million.

On Devon Mansions, the cost leapt by £4 million from £5.6 million to £10

NEWS 13

14 REVIEW OF THE YEAR

REVIEW OF THE YEAR - BACK TO DRAWING BOARD FOR MAJOR CYCLE LANE

By Issy Clarke SOUTHWARK COUNCIL has carried out two consultations last year on its proposed changes to the 1.3km stretch of Cycleway 4 covering Lower Road.

It has been controversial ever since it was installed in 2024, with some claiming it has made traffic worse in the area and led to more accidents, while others have praised the new route as making London greener.

Whereas before there were four lanes of motor traffic, two northbound and two southbound, a southbound lane were removed to accommodate a new cycle lane.

The first council consultation began in May and was focused on addressing congestion, with proposals to reintroduce a lane of traffic between Redriff Road and Plough Way by moving a handful of parking bays from Lower Road to Cope Street.

The second consultation in November was focused on improving the safety of Lower Road, including changes to the layout of the Culling Road, Ann Moss Way and Chilton Grove junctions.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Surrey Docks ward Adam Hood told the News that “putting back in a lane of traffic would alleviate traffic concerns”, but suggested the council had “missed an opportunity to do something that works for Lower Road itself.

“There is a massive stretch of pavement

by Surrey Docks where they could have put the cycle lane. It wouldn’t interrupt the traffic flow at all.”

One business owner on Lower Road, who uses one of the parking bays which is being moved onto Cope Street, said he “was not sure if removing the parking bays will improve the traffic flow.

“The main issue is the number of traffic lights around the Wetherspoons. There are four sets of lights to go through, which slow all the cars down and that is what causes the traffic jam.”

The council published its plans to fix the Lower Road cycle lane However he said overall the cycle lane had made Lower Road “100 per cent safer for cyclists. I remember what it was like before, it was really dangerous.”

Last October we exclusively revealed that collisions rose to roughly two per month in the three months after Cycleway 4 was installed, involving cyclists as well as motorists.

According to Transport for London data between January 2017 and March 2024, there was an average of 0.7 collisions per month on the same stretch between Rotherhithe roundabout and Surrey Quays Station.

MP for Bermondsey and Rotherhithe Neil Coyle, who had been critical of the council and TfL’s handling of the problems with the cycleway, said: “The measures

put forward by myself, Southwark Labour and TfL will make a big difference. They will relieve the bottleneck at the junction

by Surrey Quays Station.

“It is good news for Ann Moss Way and Albin’s; I hope they will be pleased their contribution has finally been recognised.

It has taken far too long to get to this point but it should improve the road for everyone.”

In May last year, we broke the news after attending a rainy meeting on Lower Road itself that the scheme was not the ‘original plan’, but a cheaper alternative.

The Southwark highways officers and TfL road network representatives who thought up the scheme visited the site to answer questions posed by MP Neil Coyle and ward councillors.

They explained that at £2.8 million, the scheme in place now was the cheaper option to fill a gap. The original design would have meant the road was wider in places because it would have used the pavement and involved removing some traffic islands.

Before it could go ahead, the £10 million scheme was paused during the pandemic because of funding issues. TfL said they had offered the money to the council to restart a different design solution, but this would be ‘subject to affordability.’

Southwark Council admitted in a document circulated to residents and businesses accompanying the May consultation that “congestion has increased in the area and will continue to do if not addressed.”

Cllr James McAsh, Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets and Waste, said: “We’re working to create a greener, cleaner and safer Southwark, where it’s easier for people to travel by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport, while supporting local businesses and residents.

“We recently consulted on the future of the Lower Road cycleway, including whether it should be made permanent and what further changes could improve safety and help reduce congestion.

“We received a lot of positive feedback and we’re now carefully considering all feedback alongside traffic data and safety assessments. We’ll publish our recommendations once this work is complete.”

By Issy Clarke

and resident Facebook groups, to express frustration and seek advice about the missing emails and unexpected PCNs. The council said this was due to a technical error and agreed to refund everyone who had been given a PCN without receiving an email reminder after we published our investigation.

It is worth noting that parking fines in London, which are set by the Mayor, went up by £30. In Southwark they have gone up from £65 to £80 at the lower rate, rising to £180 up from £130 if not paid within 28 days.

The fines are a lucrative source of income for the council and because of the increases will become even more so next year. The latest copy of the council’s Annual Parking Monitoring report for 2024/25 revealed that the council raked in £19,376,630 million from penalty charge notices last year.

But there have also been warnings from the AA that thousands of drivers are probably paying invalid fines due to enforcement cameras relying on outdated TMOs.

REVIEW OF THE YEAR - THOUSANDS OF DRIVERS GOT THEIR PCNS REFUNDED DRIVERS WRONGLY fined for driving on bus lanes in Southwark were refunded a total of £500,000 due to a technical glitch reminiscent of a similar incident in Rotherhithe in 2024.

The issue was that the incorrect traffic law was copied onto 10,000 parking fines issued between February and July 2025, which meant they were not valid and forced the council to administer the refunds.

It was similar to a blunder last October when thousands of fines were issued to people for driving on a bus lane on Lower Road which did not legally exist because the Traffic Management Order had expired months earlier.

There was another system failure in September and early October, where drivers were fined for parking outside their homes despite not receiving an email reminding them their permit was due to expire.

Numerous residents took to community forums, such as NextDoor

REVIEW OF THE YEAR 15

REVIEW OF THE YEAR - POLICE MADE CUTS BUT ‘CRIME IS DOWN’

By Issy Clarke LAST YEAR we saw the Met develop innovative ways to tackle crime as budget pressures left it forced to make sweeping cuts.

The latest figures show the force still managed to get crime down by 18 per cent this summer in 20 hotspots across London and made a third more arrests compared to last year, despite grappling with fewer officers and a tighter budget.

Part of that reduction is because the police have been working with the Home Office to identify areas with high levels of anti social behaviour, theft and street crime where they targeted the patrols.

We also saw the Met pivot to using new technology to fight crime, including rolling out facial recognition cameras and drones to help gather evidence from crime scenes and track down criminals.

The jury is still out on the efficacy of these new methods. Figures that came out in August revealed that 580 arrests were made using LFR technology in the previous 12 months, but the Greens in the London Assembly said it was a low sum given the effort and resources invested.

And civil liberties campaigners have always expressed alarm that the UK is inching towards becoming more of an Orwellian state every time technology is deployed in this way.

The Met underwent a significant restructuring this year, as part of which

Southwark lost its last 24/7 police front counter which used to be located in Walworth Station. It will now only be open between 10am and 10pm on weekdays and until 7pm at weekends.

Across London, the number of police front counters was slashed from 37 to 27. Only two, Lewisham and Charing Cross, will remain open 24 hours a day.

The cost cutting plans have been announced as the Met fights to fill a

£260m hole in its budget, with the closure of front counters estimated to provide £7 million in savings.

As part of the efficiency drive the Met reduced the overall number of officers and staff it employs by 1,700 to fill a £260m hole in its finances.

Police officers based in schools and parks were redeployed into neighbourhood teams and as a result, the number of neighbourhood officers

in Southwark actually increased by 24, who were stationed to patrol Peckham and North Walworth which are crime hot spots.

But the headteacher of Walworth Ark Academy warned in September that scrapping school officers was the single most catastrophic decision in keeping children safe in her 10 years working in education.

Finally we saw the council explore new

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ways of tackling anti social behaviour with the roll out of a night time patrol service in September.

They are also consulting on bringing in a public spaces protection order which would give council officers actual powers to fine members of the public for engaging in anti social behaviour.

We are expecting more information about how it would actually work and when it could come into effect in 2026.

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16 OPINION

Comment

The plants you can start the year with

T

EMPERATURES DURING December dropped below the seasonal average and it was too inclement to do much work in the garden.

The shortest day is now behind us and the evenings will gradually begin to get lighter.

There could still be some tricky weather to negotiate as January can often be cold with snow and ice - but is more often above freezing, wet and overcast.

Weather permitting continue preparations for planting shrubs and trees – lightly fork over soil providing the ground is not too wet or frozen.

Tiny green shoots are beginning to appear - the first signs of daffodils.

Seasonal houseplants take centre stage at this time. The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is an unusual plant; it doesn’t resemble the usual cactus with spines but has flat, fleshy leaf pads. Schlumbergera produces elongated, frilly pink flowers from November to February.

Amaryllis (also known as Hippeastrum) is a stunning plant with giant lily-like blooms in either vibrant red, pink, green or white.

It is often given for Christmas as a boxed kit containing the large bulb. The stem and flower bud(s) appear first followed by strappy leaves; feed to encourage growth (use a high-potash liquid feed such as tomato food). Cut down the stem once the flowers are finished, keep the leaves going; this is how the bulb takes on energy for next year’s growth. Once it dies back completely remove to a cool dark place, stop watering and rest the bulb so the

process can restart next December.

Plants to look out for in the garden include Garrya elliptica (Silk Tassel Bush) pictured, an evergreen shrub and although attractive with pale green silky tassels that shimmer in winter sunlight and sparkle with frost during January/February, most of the year the shrub is unremarkable.

The evergreen Euonymus is a colourful plant for the shrub border, or it can be a specimen plant and used for hedging. They often

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15 Croxted Road, SE21 8SZ

produce berries (poisonous).

Two varieties of interest are Euonymus japonicus ‘Aureus’, with golden edges around its dark green leaves and Euonymus fortunei ‘Silver Queen’ with silvery leaf margins.

To get ahead in the veg garden next season - sow tomato and chili pepper seeds indoors during late January; grow on in a well-lit and warm space once they germinate (need a consistent temperature).

Also, start broad beans and peas off

on the window sill. By March there will be sturdy young plants to nurture until they can be planted outside in May; tomatoes and chilies need a long growing season to produce ripe fruit; also sowing earlier means plants should be strong and able to handle variable conditions.

Spring 2025 was cold and dry, the ground did not warm up sufficiently until late June, some plants were held back and flowered too late to produce much fruit or veg.

OPINION 17

Step free upgrades are needed even at small stations with rising annual footballs

T

his week we covered calls by local residents for Loughborough Junction station to receive a step free upgrade. Unlike Peckham Rye Station, which recently had a planned upgrade postponed by the Department for Transport even though it is the busiest interchange station in the country without step-free access, Loughborough Junction is only a small station with one platform.

However, what sets it apart is that it is the only station in Lambeth which has seen passenger numbers rise since the pandemic, with annual footfall up by 40,000 between 2019 and 2024. The reason is that the population of Loughborough Junction has increased in the last few years because of the construction of new housing developments, many of which are car free.

The concern is that the existing station is not big enough to accommodate the growing number of people who commute into central London from there every week. There is one steep flight of stairs leading into a small ticket hall crammed into half a railway arch.

With millions of new homes planned for London, many of which will be in south London, it is important that the infrastructure exists to support the additional population.

In the London Assembly this week the Deputy Mayor for Housing warned that London is unlikely to reach its target of building 1.5 million new homes unless the Bakerloo Line extension to Hayes and the West London Orbital are built. The former is needed to unlock the construction of 107,000 new homes. 15,800 homes are dependent on the latter, which would run from Hendon and West Hampstead to Hounslow. One thing is clear: building homes must be twinned by greater investment in transport infrastructure.

DISCOVER YOUR

Passion

this january on a short course at Morley

Book Now!

CRYPTIC PUZZLE Clues Across

1 Knock out empty cone for spare change (6,5) 9 Are making an organ (3) 10 Kit is somehow anti a religious follower (9) 11 Halts nearly a mile back for an afterthought (5) 13 Refer it to the conebearer (3,4) 14 Rest round centrally full effect (6) 16 Is the gambler superior? (6) 18 Sticky to let care run riot (7) 19 Move sideways, and support about fifty (5) 20 Unpleasant assault (9) 21 Part of the Bible for a worker (3) 22 A friend consuming the sea bird ate every other (11)

Clues Down

2 Possibly stroke the blade (3) 3 Thrilling boots? (5) 4 Duty to quarrel about the rising sun god (6) 5 See nothing second-class to present (7) 6 For example, I’m back inside, told off for having gone abroad (9) 7 Last month on a trial about the announcement (11) 8 Final hearing for men up the street to make pretty speeches (11) 12 Domineering, but in reverse frets with an external maul (9) 15 Permission to abuse freedom (7) 17 Many is the stage I take on (6) 19 Exhausted - through writing in the street? (5) 21 Every part of the ballet (3)

QUICK PUZZLE Clues Across

1 Understands (11) 9 Polish by friction (3) 10 Outer boundary (9) 11 Praise (5) 13 Small ship (7) 14 Latin poet (6) 16 One who prepares work for publication (6) 18 Loudly (7) 19 Sensational (5) 20 Trying to equal (9) 21 Sticky brown liquid from coal (3) 22 Delight (11)

Clues Down

2 Sphere (3) 3 Scholar (5) 4 Continent (6) 5 Clad in white fur (7) 6 One who belittles (9) 7 One who rejects religious authority (11) 8 Those who do not believe in protective tariffs (11) 12 Baseness (9) 15 Weather (7) 17 One who operates a typewriter (6) 19 Not heavy (5) 21 Also (3)

SOLUTIONS TO LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD CRYPTIC

Across: 1 Camisole 4 Acre 8 Maniac 10 Cellos 11 Cheap 12 Hosea 14 Romany 17 Red setter 18 Allegoric 22 Person 23 Rears 24 Least 26 Shield 27 Earned 28 Date 29 Spinners Down: 1 Camp 2 Mentor 3 Spaced 5 Collar 6 Essayist 7 Depot 9 Chastened 10 Cart-horse 13 Seals 15 Media 16 Composed 18 Artist 19 Lolls 20 Retain 21 Cringe 25 Odes

QUICK ACROSS:

1 Backache 4 Band 8 Minute 10 Spites 11 Unite 12 Slang 14 Oracle 17 Sleepwalk 18 Shadowing 22 Estate 23 Anger 24 Trays 26 Mantis 27 String 28 Nest 29 Ballasts Down: 1 Bump 2 Canals 3 Attune 5 Attack 6 Desserts 7 Opera 9 Engenders 10 Stowaways 13 Alpha 15 Along 16 Waterman 18 Stands 19 Attic 20 Instil 21 Genius 25 Ages

18 ARTS

what’s on

in Southwark

Coughlan is the brightest light in a slightly foggy production MANY WORKS of Irish playwrights have long successful runs in London; classics from Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett appear season to season across the capital. A play that sparked a riot - one of the most controversial of its time - was John Millington Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World, which comes to The National Theatre in a production directed by Caitriona McLaughlin, writes Christopher Peacock.

The ‘playboy’ in question is Christy Mahon a runaway simpleton, played

boyishly by Éanna Hardwicke, who turns up at a rough rural County Mayo pub and regales his story of patricide to an enthralled crowd.

The landlady, Pegeen Mike, played

by Nicola Coughlan, takes to his charm and keeps him housed and fed and running errands as a potboy. A romantic interest builds that, for Pegeen, is a more exciting option than her current fiancé Shawn Keogh. News spreads and excites all the women of the village who pay a visit the following day.

Christy’s unintentional charm raises his status in the village to that of a celebrity until, that is, his story

unravels with the appearance of his father.

The play is written in HibernoEnglish that Synge picked up when staying in County Mayo and on the Aran Islands to give an authentic sound. This, to my English ears, took a while to get into. On top of keeping up with the language, the thick Western Irish brogue of some of the character actors, especially when playing drunk, meant that full concentration was needed to understand what was being said.

The choices made from the design team and director felt somewhat mixed. The blends of traditional

costume with a more modern, but sparse, set design do not match up.

In terms of tone The Playboy of the Western World is a comedic satire, but much of McLaughlin’s direction was looking for drama and sadness when there were laughs to be had.

The performances were well pitched and many played for the laughs with success. Siobhan McSweeney leant in to the jealous plotting nature of Widow Quin to maximise the comedic potential of the role. The strongest performance, however, comes from Nicola Coughlan as Pegeen and this holds the show together.

For the National Theatre, the draw of having both Coughlan and McSweeney on stage will have the tickets selling out as both of their performances are a credit to their casting and, although there were great performances from other members of the cast, Coughlan is the brightest light in a slightly foggy production.

National Theatre until 28th February 2026.

Booking and full details: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/ productions/the-playboy-of-thewestern-world/

‘An excavation of collective guilt, community fear, and the void left when justice fails’

WELCOME TO Skidmore — a tight-knit farming community in northwest Missouri. Like many small American towns, its younger generations have slipped away in search of better opportunities, leaving the place in slow decline. Kenrex brings the forensic thrill of true crime with the energy of a hardrock gig, attempting to unpack the events outside a bar on 10 July 1981. Where did they begin? Who is to blame?, writes Charlotte Lang

Our protagonist is Ken Rex McElroy, a felon with an explosive temper, the fifteenth child in a family of tenant farmers. He’s enacted his reign of terror on the town, indicted 21 times for accusations of assault, statutory rape, arson, cattle and hog rustling and burglary, but saved by his sly lawyer McFadin.

Ken flaunts his impunity with swagger as the town’s resentment reaches a fever pitch. But there are no easy answers. Kenrex resists easy narrative; we’re left with bureaucratic failures, fearful silence, and half-baked truths.

Jack Holden co-wrote the play with Ed Stambollouian, who recently adapted Alan Hollinghurst’s The Line of Beauty, and before that wrote Cruise, about the Aids crisis.

The script specifies that it should be performed with a large cast, but it’s a one-man show — Holden masterfully stands in for the whole town, deftly switching between characters with physical contortion.

He seamlessly evokes the menagerie of Skidmore, at once the teenager wife, the pompous mayor, and the rattlesnake talking lawyer.

The set is sparse, reminiscent of an interrogation room: a fluorescent

green floor, an LED-lit door frame, and a lone tape recorder. But composer John Patrick Elliott’s live score electrifies the space, sliding between hard-rock riffs and country twang, the score conjures a claustrophobic atmosphere in real time — haunting, violent, and pulsing with the immediacy of a mosh pit.

Holden’s performance is nothing short of virtuoso. He commands the stage with razor-sharp precision, holding the audience through every shift. Kenrex is less a straightforward true-crime retelling than an excavation of collective guilt, community fear, and the void left when justice fails.

The Other Palace Playhouse to 1 Feb, 2026.

Booking and full details: theotherpalace.co.uk/kenrex/

ARTS 19

Arts

The Ghosts of War

Based on a true incident from 2003, the starving tiger is shot after mauling off one of the marine’s hands. A stubbornly resistant blood bag aside, which Hunter navigated with aplomb, this arresting opening scene sets the tone for Rajiv Joseph’s darkly comic and multi-layered confrontation of the absurdity and catastrophic toll of war.

Hunter inhabits the role of the tiger with compelling magnetism, even more remarkable given she stepped into the role less than a week before the opening night due to David Threlfall’s illness and subsequent withdrawal from the production. Hunter’s tiger embodies both a comic narrator and roving witness to moral decay; ghosts multiply as the play goes on and become increasingly bound together in ways that none of them can fully reckon with or comprehend.

Musa (Ammar Haj Ahmad) embodies this tragedy most strikingly; an Iraqi

©EllieKurttz

A FADED mural of Saddam Hussein looms large as the play opens on a scene of two US marines (Patrick Gibson and Arinzé Kene) taunting a Bengal tiger (Kathryn Hunter) as she prowls and curses from behind the railings of Baghdad Zoo, writes Frankie Jenner.

interpreter caught between his people and the demands of the occupying American forces. Consumed by the guilt of his past, he struggles to manage conflicting loyalties—”I am not the kind of person that does this,” he pleads, “I am an artist. I am a gardener.” As the programme notes remind us, most

interpreters were not professionally trained—they were taxi drivers, teachers, doctors and students.

Hala Omran brought exceptional depth to her performance as an Iraqi woman/ leper, carving out a profound and arresting moment of stillness through an Arabic lament, her voice sharply cutting

©Barbican Twelfth Night production images

Review: Twelfth Night at Barbican

TWELFTH NIGHT is one of Shakespeare’s most performed comedies and when it comes to the back end of the year many turn to it as a seasonal offering, although the text makes no direct reference to Christmas. It depicts, however, a time for feasting and fun, writes Christopher Peacock...

The play, directed once again by Prasanna Puwanarajah after his sold-out run at Stratford-uponAvon, opens when Viola finds herself shipwrecked and washed ashore at Illyria. Unable to find her identical twin brother Sebastian, she assumes he has died in the storm. He didn’t.

Disguising herself as an impoverished

through the echoes of the play’s ghosts.

Now showing at the Young Vic sixteen years after its 2009 Broadway premiere, Rajiv Joseph’s play remains urgently relevant in its examination of humanity’s insatiable appetite for war and power, especially given the script’s omission of British complicity.

gentleman ‘Cesario’, she gets work in the court of Duke Orsino where she falls for the Duke but catches the eye of Countess Olivia! Comical chaos ensues until her brother Sebastian arrives.

Are you keeping up?

Separate to the love triangles and

crossdressing, there is mayhem among the household when perpetually drunk Sir Toby Belch, Sir Andrew Aguecheek and servants Fabian, Maria, and the clown Feste, plot against Countess Olivia’s haughty steward Malvolio to humiliate him and drive him insane.

Things classically unravel but happily

resolve themselves. Phew!

From last year’s production only the role of Orsino has changed hands and Daniel Monks picks this up with a strong air of pomposity that plays further into the comedy. Samuel West as Malvolio was the strongest performance from a real top-tier cast.

Directed by Omar Elerian.

Peter Forbes will be performing the role of the tiger from 13 December.

Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo is at the Young Vic until 31 January.

Booking and full details: www.youngvic.org

Without falling into any cartoonish extreme his descent via humiliation into madness is pitched perfectly.

Another mention does have to go to Michael Grady-Hall’s Feste. The production plays into his role with new songs and visual gags aplenty.

Even with the great performances it is the design that wins the day. James Cotterill’s set and costume design is at its core a simple black box production highlighted with the modern dress.

The impressive staging features a 20ft wide light box suspended above the stage, only to ease away to reveal an impressive organ with all the hiding places and passages necessary to enliven the farcical nature of the play.

There are moments where the cast yearn for a more responsive audience to aid the crowd work from Feste and his plentiful asides, but the pacing sometimes does not move at the same speed of the audience.

Running rather long, this production still impresses. Puwanarajah draws more than comedy from the text by highlighting the sadness and depth in scenes, while rarely opting for the easy laugh.

Barbican Theatre, Silk St, Barbican, EC2Y 8DS until 17th January.

Booking and full details: www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/

20 EVENTS

Events

Tour of St Alfege Church’s hidden spaces and crypt:

Free cookery clubs across Greenwich:

A series of free five-week cookery sessions are coming to community centres across Greenwich, with the help of funding from Greenwich Council. Run by the Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA), the classes aim to promote healthy eating in a simple and cost-free way.

Participants will receive handson lessons from experienced tutors and a free cookery book upon completion. Each session is 2.5 hours with spaces for 9-12 participants and spaces are available for anyone who lives or works in Greenwich.

To book, call 0800 470 4831 or email cookeryclubs@gcda.org.uk.

As part of the Heart of Greenwich Place and People Project there is a tour of the hidden spaces of the beautiful church of St Alfege.

Descend into the crypt area, revealing the many stories of the people who have played their part in the history of Greenwich. Visit the galleries of the church for incredible views of the interiors and hear more stories about the cast of characters who worked and worshipped in the church. Please note that the tour

requires climbing steep stairs and involves some bending.

Date: Saturday 17 January Time: 11:45 - 12:45 Location: St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich, London, SE10 9BJ Tickets: £9 per ticket, Book here: www.st-alfege.org.uk/ Articles/682086/St_Alfege_Church_ Heritage.aspx

Locations: Where: Abbey Wood Community Centre, 4 Knee Hill, SE2 0YS When: Every Monday from 12th January - 9th February Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm

Where: Woolwich Common Community Centre, 17 Leslie Smith Square, Woolwich, SE18 4DW When: Every Wednesday from 14th January - 11th February Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm

Where: Trinity Methodist Church, 265 Burrage Road, Plumstead, SE18 7JW When: Every Thursday from 15th January - 12th February Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm Where: St. Richards Church Centre, 26 Swallowfield Road, Charlton, SE7 7NR When: Every Friday from 16th

January – 13th February Time: 10.30am – 1.00pm

Where: Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance Walk, Woolwich Dockyard, SE18 5QL When: Every Saturday from 17th January – 14th February Time: 12.30pm – 3.00pm

Bring your own beverage pottery painting:

Pottery Studio LDN in North Greenwich are hosting an evening BYOB pottery painting session on 14 January. The two-hour session is a more grown-up approach to their regular pottery painting sessions. Bring your own drinks and snacks and they will provide the glasses and music. Fot an £8

booking fee, you can enjoy the studio, instructors, paints, glaze and firing. You purchase pottery at the studio with the items ranging from £10 for a square tile to £65 for a large serving bowl.

Date: Wednesday 14 January Time: 6pm - 8pm

Location: Pottery Studio LDN, Unit 1.3, Building A4 10 Monro Way, Greenwich Peninsula, London, SE10 0EJ Tickets: £8 booking fee with additional cost of pottery.

Book here: pottery-studio.co.uk/products/eveningpottery-painting

IFS Cable Cars ‘Purple Week’: IFS Cable Car has teamed up with local businesses in Greenwich to host ‘Purple Week’ from 19 to 23 January to fight the new year blues.

The series of free events include Reformer pilates at Sunday Studio, pottery painting, wellbeing walks, and gym sessions. The full programme of events will be

released on the IFS Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/o/transport-for-london-ifscloud-cable-car-74674879523

Dates: 19 to 23 January Time: Various times: Tickets: Free but advance booking is recommended.

HISTORY 21

History

The Black walnut tree. Copyright Sarah Vaughan 2025

The planting of the tree. Michael Robertson on left and Cllrs Rachel Bentley and Kath Whittam with Sarah, Pat Kingwell and David Fisher. Copyright Michael Robertson 2025

Rotherhithe’s Lord of the Manor who helped create Southwark Park

By Debra Gosling RECENTLY A new tree was planted in Southwark Park to commemorate Sir William Maynard Gomm. Pat Kingwell, a founder member of the Southwark Park Association 1869, attended the planting ceremony along with his band of merry people. Sadly I couldn’t join them but he gave me this information about Sir William and what a great chap he’d been; alongside a very colourful and distinguished career he did so much for the people of Rotherhithe.

Born into a military family Gomm lost both his parents when very young. He was brought up by his aunt Miss Jane Gomm, and her friend Miss Martha Caroline Goldsworthy, who had both been governesses to the daughters of King George III. In recognition of his father’s services, Gomm received his first commission in the Army at ten years of age.

In a long career he served in the

French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, including at Waterloo. He later became Chief Commander in Jamaica, Governor of Mauritius, Commander in Chief of India, Field Marshal of the Coldstream Guards and Constable of the Tower of London. On his death in 1875 he had been in the Army for 80 years, the longest service on record.

His connection with Rotherhithe came through his aunt Jane Gomm.

On her death in 1822 he succeeded to her large property holdings in the area and became Lord of the Manor of Rotherhithe, a position he held for 53 years until his own passing. He married twice – first to Sophia Penn, granddaughter of William Penn of Pennsylvania, who died in 1827; and secondly, in 1830, to Elizabeth Kerr.

He had no children by either of these marriages.

Gomm, a Christian, was the staunch friend of the Reverend Edward Blick, Rector of Rotherhithe and his successor Rev Edward Josselyn Beck.

He supported many church schemes. In 1839 the new church of Christ Church

was built on land given by him near what is today BOSCO and King’s Stairs Gardens.

In 1840 All Saints Church in Lower Road was built on land donated by Gomm – today the site is King George’s Field. The site for St Mary’s National Schools in the Lower Road was his gift and he laid the first stone of new schools in Paradise Street.

All the Rotherhithe schools were generously aided by his yearly subscriptions. In 1872 he gave largely towards the erection of St Barnabas Church in Plough Road, and to the Gomm Schools in the same district.

The Gomm connection with Southwark Park is a very direct one.

In 1866 Sir William sold some sixty acres of market-garden ground to the Metropolitan Board of Works to form the park, for which he received £56,200 in payment. An entrance was named after the nearby road which had borne his name since at least 1850.

The Christ Church entrance is named after the church he helped establish.

Sir William Maynard Gomm. Public Domain.

Maynard Road was also named after him, later submerged within the 1970s Osprey Estate, Lower Road.

On his death on March 15 1875, aged 91, Sir William bequeathed his estates to his widow Elizabeth, who became Lady of the Manor of Rotherhithe. Lady Gomm survived her husband for two years, passing on November 30, 1877.

She was buried beside her husband at Christ Church.

When this church was demolished in 1979 the Gomms’ remains were reinterred at Nunhead Cemetery, the lid of the sarcophagus was made into a seat at the home of Richard Carr Gomm in Frome, Somerset. That’s extreme recycling for you!

Lady Gomm founded a charity for Rotherhithe pensioners and left £5000 for the benefit of the parish, with which her trustees erected the Lady Elizabeth Memorial Mission Hall and Accident Hospital in Hawkstone Road right next to Southwark Park.

Opened in 1885 the former hospital building survived as Lady Gomm House, and is today used by Cavendish

School.

Lady Gomm bequeathed the Manor to her niece, Emily Blanche Carr, wife of Francis Culling Carr. Emily and her husband and children assumed the name of Gomm after their name of Carr. The Carr-Gomms carried on benevolent work in Rotherhithe, including in 1885 the sale of a house on the border of Southwark Park for £120, which was demolished to create the Dilston Grove entrance.

In 1887 the family gave the land to build the Rotherhithe Public Baths and Washhouses in Lower Road. This site later became the Seven Islands Leisure Centre.

In 1897 the family gave land to build Rotherhithe Town Hall. The Caryatides from the Town Hall were relocated to Southwark Park in 2011. Today the site contains Neptune Street Park.

The commemorative tree is a Black Walnut which will grow into a huge and beautiful specimen. It is a piece of living history which will be appreciated by so many generations to come. Very fitting for a man so decorated!

F.A.A.

F A ALBIN & SONS

020 7237 3637

Family Run Funeral Directors

RotheRhithe 52 Culling Road, London, SE16 2TN OuR OThER bRaNCh addRESSES aRE: welling 4 Welling Way, Welling, KENT, da16 2Rj T: 020 8856 7514

deptfoRd 164 deptford high Street, LONdON, SE8 3dP T: 020 8694 1384

sidcup 163 Station Road, Sidcup, KENT, da15 7aa T: 020 8308 0015

eAst london 378 barking Road, Plaistow LONdON, E13 8hL T: 020 7476 1861

MottinghAM 54-56 Mottingham Road, London, SE9 4QZ T: 020 8857 0330 cRAYfoRd 30-32 Crayford high Street, Crayford, KENT, da1 4hG T: 01322 533012

wAlwoRth 88 brandon Street, LONdON, SE17 1Nd T: 020 7313 6990

Serving the people of Bermondsey & Rotherhithe for over 200 years

www.albins.co.uk

24 CLASSIFIED

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Supporting older people in Southwark for over 35 years.

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

Contact us on 020 7708 4556 or info@southwarkpensioners.org.uk Or pop into 305 -307 Camberwell rd, Camberwell Green, SE5 0HQ

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

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

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

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Thursday, January 8th 2026

PUBLIC NOTICES 25 Transport for London Public Notice ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 THE A200 GLA ROAD (JAMAICA ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) ORDER 2026 1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable Thames Water defective apparatus repair works to take place at A200 Jamaica Road.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from: (1) proceeding in a westerly direction on Jamaica Road between its junctions with Southwark Park Road and Keeton’s Road; (2) stopping at the south-eastern kerb-line on Jamaica Road between its junctions with Southwark Park Road and Keeton’s Road; (3) entering or exiting Drummond Road at its junction with Jamaica Road.

The Order will be effective at certain times from 8.00 AM on the 17th January 2026 until 4.30 PM on the 18th January 2026 or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

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

5. At such times as the prohibitions are in force alternative routes will be indicated by trafc signs for westbound trafc via Lower Road, Rotherhithe New Road, Southwark Park Road, Grange Road, Tower Bridge Road, Druid Street, Crucix Lane, Bermondsey Street, Tooley Street and Jamaica Road to normal route of travel. for access to Jamaica Road from Drummond Road via Tranton Road and Collett Road to normal route of travel.

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

Transport for London Public Notice ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 THE A205 GLA SIDE ROAD (UNDERHILL ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) ORDER 2026 1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable lamp column replacement works to take place at A205 Underhill Road in the London Borough of Southwark.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from: (1) proceeding in a southerly direction on Underhill Road between its junctions with the vehicle access to Dulwich Court, Underhill Road and Lordship Lane; (2) stopping on the eastern kerb-line of Underhill Road from its junction with Lordship Lane to the extended northern building line of Dulwich Court, Underhill Road.

The Order will be effective at certain times between the 16th January 2026 and 15th June 2026 every night from 8.00 PM until 5.00 AM or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

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

5. At such times as the prohibitions are in force an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs via Underhill Road, Melford Avenue and Lordship Lane to normal route of travel.

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

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

26 PUBLIC NOTICES

Thursday, January 8th 2026

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

How to comment on this application: You should submit your comments via the above link. Comments received will be made available for public viewing on the website. All personal information will be removed except your postal address. Online comments submitted without an email address will not be acknowledged and those marked 'confidential' will not be considered. Written comments can be submitted to; Southwark Council, Planning division, Development Management, PO Box 64529, London SE1 5LX. Reason for publicity. The applications are advertised for the reasons identified by the following codes: AFFECT - development affecting character or appearance of a nearby conservation area; OR development affecting setting of a nearby listed building(s); DEP - departure from the development plan; EIA - environmental impact assessment (these applications are accompanied by an environmental statement a copy of which may be obtained from the Council - there will be a charge for the copy); MAJ - major planning application; PIP - application is for Permission in Principle; S106 - ; STDCA - development within a conservation area; STDLB - works to or within the site of a listed building; 11 PARK STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 9AB (Ref: 25/AP/2854) Listed building consent for minor alterations to the shopfront, to include repainting of the fascia, window frames, door frames; installation of external signage; replacement of existing ironmongery - exterior door handles and letterbox; display of window vinyl graphics (Within: Borough High Street Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Adeleh Haghgoo 020 7525 0474) 81 GROVE HILL ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 8DF (Ref: 25/AP/3522) Erection of a rear dormer extension with a raised ridge by 300mm and the addition of two roof lights to the front roof slope. (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Joseph Vadilonga 020 7525 5341) 6 OAKLEY PLACE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 5AD (Ref: 25/AP/2383) Proposal of loft conversion with rear dormer (Within: Cobourg Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Gabriel Neri 020 7525 2707) 163 CAMBERWELL NEW ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 0SU (Ref: 25/AP/2479) Change of use from class E (retail), class B2 (bakery) and sui generis hot food take-away, to hot food take-away (sui generis); and removal of extraction duct, metal awning and digital display screen. (Within: Camberwell New Road Camberwell New Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: James Holmes 020 7525 0803) 170 LYNTON ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 5RB (Ref: 25/AP/3741) Construction of ground floor side infill extension; 6 rooflights to pitched roof and facade alterations. (Within: Thorburn Square CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Nejum Hussain )

IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM LAMBETH ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 6HZ (Ref: 25/AP/3289) Listed building consent for replacement of an outdoor air handling unit, condensers, associated ductwork and an acoustic screen on the plant deck at fourth floor level to the rear facade of the Imperial War Museum (Within: West Square CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Anna Poulose 020 7525 3174) 1 AMERICA STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 0NE (Ref: 25/AP/3715) Installation of plant machinery and reconfiguration of plant equipment at 1 America Street, (Within: Thrale Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Gabriel Neri 020 7525 2707) 148 LYNTON ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 5RB (Ref: 25/AP/3769) Construction of first floor rear extension (Within: Thorburn Square CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Alex Lambert 020 7525 1353) 75 - 83 BOROUGH HIGH STREET SOUTHWARK SE1 1NH (Ref: 25/AP/3760) Display of non-illuminated 'pub style' hanging sign (Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Alex Lambert 020 7525 1353) 67 GROVE LANE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 8SP (Ref: 25/AP/3661) Listed building consent for the addition of a WC at ground floor level and installation of a doubleglazed sash window with brick infill following removal of existing timber door (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Sandy Ng 020 7525 3244) 12 BUCKSTONE CLOSE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE23 3QT (Ref: 25/AP/3811) Two-storey side extension (Within: Honor Oak Rise Honor Oak Rise CA) Reason(s) for

publicity: STDCA (Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876)

Elliot's Row CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876)

GEORGE HOUSE 75 - 83 BOROUGH HIGH STREET SOUTHWARK SE1 1NH (Ref: 25/AP/3241) Alterations to front facade of building (Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876)

Dated: 06 Jan 2026 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date (or 14 days for Permission in Principle, 30 days for EIA development).

CLARENCE CENTRE FOR ENTERPRISE AND INNOVATION 6 ST GEORGES CIRCUS LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 6FE (Ref: 25/AP/3710) Listed Building Consent for installation of 3 Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) with acoustic fencing enclosure (AMENDED DESCRIPTION).

(Within: St Georges Circus CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Rosie Poser 020 7525 7924)

STEPHEN PLATTS Director of Planning and Growth

67 GROVE LANE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 8SP (Ref: 25/AP/3714) Installation of a double-glazed sash window with brick infill following removal of existing timber door (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area Camberwell Grove Conservation Area Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Gabriel Neri 020 7525 2707) HMS BELFAST THE QUEENS WALK LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 2JH (Ref: 26/AP/0003) Removal of existing canopy structures for replacement with a single pergola at first floor level of the existing visitor centre. (Within: Tooley Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Susherrie Suki 020 7525 0646) GROUND FLOOR FLAT 25 OSWIN STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE11 4TF (Ref: 25/AP/3597) Construction of a single storey rear extension following demolition of the existing extension, along with replacement of single-glazed windows with double-glazed units (Within: Elliot's Row Notice of Application for a Premises Licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003

Notice of Application to Vary a Premises Licence made under Section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003

Please take notice that I / we: WE ARE BEER LIMITED have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of SOUTHWARK PARK, 1 GOMM ROAD SE16 2UA: Use of park 1 weekend in July each year.

Please take notice that I / we Ketan Patel have made application to Southwark Council to vary the Premises Licence in respect of G Cafe, Adjacent 74 London Road, SE1 6LW The proposed variation is as follows: change of timing in provision of late night refreshment The sale by retail of alcohol

Days Monday - Sunday

Start time 06:00

Finish time 23:45

Opening hours:

Monday - Sunday

06:00

23:45

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

The relevant licensable activities proposed to be carried on, or from the premises are Day Friday & Saturday

Start Time 10:30

Friday & Saturday Sunday

17:30 10:30

Finish Time 17:00 Fri 16:30 Sat 22:00 16:00

The provision of regulated entertainment

Friday & Saturday

10:30 17:30 10:30

16:30 THEN 22:00 16:00

Opening hours

Friday & Saturday

10:00 17:30 10:30

17:00 THEN 22:30 16:30

The sale by retail of alcohol

Sunday

Sunday

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 https://app.southwark.gov.uk/ It is open to any interested party to make representations about the likely effect of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives.

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.

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 Licensing Unit by 6 January 2026. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of such offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Date of application: 14/12/2025

Date of Application: 31 December 2025

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

PUBLIC NOTICES 27

Thursday, January 8th 2026

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (MELIOR STREET, WESTON STREET)

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (LEDBURY STREET, HOLLY GROVE)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC)

(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.

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:

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:

(2b) Melior Street, at its junction with Weston Street to rear of No’s 40-46 Weston St. (2c) Weston Street, between St Thomas Street and No’s 52/54.

(2a) Ledbury Street, between Commercial Way and No’s 7.

(2b) Holly Grove, between No’s 4 (Hannah Barry Gallery) and No’s 8 by it’s blocked end.

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

3.

The existing ‘one-way’ working in Weston Street, between Snowsfields and Melior Street, will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes.

The alternative routes for affected traffic will be (2a) as indicated by the signs displayed (2b) not applicable.

4.

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.

The existing ‘one-way’ working in Ledbury Street, between Commercial Way and Bird in Bush Road will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes.

5.

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.

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.

6.

The closure will be in operation on the following dates (2a) 22nd – 27th January 2026 (2b) 19th – 27th January 2026.

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.

7.

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

The closure will be in operation on the following dates (2a) 19th – 30th January 2026 (2b) 16th January 2026 – 28 February 2027.

8.

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

3.

Dated this 8th January 2026 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) 65004367/S278 (2b) 65004366/S278

Dated this 8th January 2026 Ian Law Traffic Manager, London Borough of Southwark, Network Management, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street, PO Box 64529, London, SE1 5LX Ref: (2a) SEC50/LEDBURYSTREET/flatley (2b) LBSHO14600

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1)

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (CONSORT ROAD, GREAT SUFFOLK STREET, PECKHAM RYE, SUMNER STREET)

TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC (LINDEN GROVE)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC)

1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice, that, it intends, to make an order, the effect of which would be to prohibit vehicles in the above named road.

1.

2.

Whilst the restriction is in place, and whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to wait, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading at any time in:

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

2.

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

(a)

Linden Grove, will be closed between Limes Walk and Water Mews.

3.

The alternative route will be Linden Grove, Nunhead Grove, Nunhead Lane.

4.

Exemptions will be provided in the Order to permit reasonable access to premises, insofar 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.

3.

The alternative routes for affected traffic will be (2a) as indicated by the signs displayed. (2b) Union Street, Great Guildford Street, Southwark Street (2c) as indicated by the signs displayed (2d) as indicated by the signs displayed

6.

The restriction will come into force on the 23rd – 24th January 2026 & 31st January – 1st February 2026.

4.

The existing ‘one-way’ working in Great Suffolk Street will be made ‘two-way’ between Lavington Street and Dolben Street for (2b)

7.

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

5.

The existing ‘one-way’ working in Sumner Street, will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes for item (2d)

6.

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.

7.

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.

8.

The closure will be in operation on the following dates (2a) 26th – 27th January between 22:00hrs and 06:00hrs (2b) 27th and 29th January (2c) 28th January – 3rd February and works will be carried out in phases (2d) 31st January

9.

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

Dated this 8th of January 2026 Ian Law Traffic Manager London Borough of Southwark Network Management Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX 160 Tooley Street, PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX Ref: (2a) LBSCR14181-4/ LBSCR14181-5/re-advertised

(2b) Consort Road, between Copeland Road and No’s 104 (2b) Great Suffolk Street, between Southwark Street and Lavington Street (2c) Peckham Rye, between Nunhead Lane and Homestall Road (2d) Sumner Street, between Southwark Street and the blue fin building

Dated this 8th January 2026 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) LBSCR14254-1/amey (2b) LBSCR13144-19/20 /liftassist (2c) 72227188/Conway (2d) LBSCR14282-2/citylifting

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

28 PUBLIC NOTICES LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

RYEDALE TRIAL ROAD CLOSURE

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1)

The London Borough of Southwark (Prescribed routes) (Ryedale area) Experimental Traffic Order 2026

(TEMPORARY WAITING AND LOADING RESTRICTIONS (IVYDALE ROAD, LINDEN GROVE, OAKDALE ROAD, ST ASAPH ROAD)

1.

Southwark Council hereby GIVES NOTICE that on 8 January 2026 it made the above Experimental Traffic Management Order under sections 9 and 10 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended. The Experimental Traffic Management Order comes into force on 15 January 2026.

2.

The effects of the Experimental Traffic Order, the intention of which is to trial a part road closure in RYEDALE at its junction with Underhill Road and its accommodating measures in the area, are:(a)

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice, that, it intends, to make an order, the effect of which would be to introduce ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions as detailed below.

2.

Whilst the restriction is in place, and whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to wait, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading at any time in: (a) (b) (c) (d)

Ivydale Road, ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions will be introduced, between No’s 12 - No’s 18 on both sides of the carriageway.

Linden Grove, ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions will be introduced, between Nunhead Roundabout and No’s 189 on both sides of the carriageway.

Oakdale Road, ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions will be introduced, between Nunhead Roundabout and No’s 6 on both sides of the carriageway.

St Asaph Road, ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions will be introduced, between Nunhead Roundabout and No’s 21 on both sides of the carriageway.

The ‘no motor vehicles’ restriction mentioned above would be operational ‘at any time’ every day of the week. Exemptions would be provided for emergency services vehicles only. The restrictions would be indicated by traffic signs and feature planters and moveable bollards.

3.

(b)

new trial ‘one-way’ north-westbound working for all vehicles (except pedal-cycles) throughout the length of both BALCHIER ROAD and CORNFLOWER TERRACE; and

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

4.

(c)

new accompanying trial measures prohibiting all vehicles (except pedal-cycles) from entering BALCHIER ROAD and CORNFLOWER TERRACE from DUNSTANS ROAD at those junctions and instructing right turns only for all vehicles (except pedal-cycles) from BALCHIER ROAD and CORNFLOWER TERRACE at their junctions with DUNSTANS ROAD.

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.

5.

The restriction will come into force on the 26th January 2026 – 6th March 2026.

6.

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

3.

For more information contact the Council's Highways team Highways@southwark.gov.uk

4.

Copies of the Experimental Traffic Management Order, which will come into force on 15 January 2026 (and can remain in force for up to 18 months from that date: until 24 July 2027), together with copies of the supporting documents (this Notice and a statement of the Council's reasons for making the Order) and paper or digital copies of a plan showing the location and effect of the Order 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 Mon-Fri between 9am and 5pm, except bank holidays) for booking details.

5.

The Council will, in due course, be considering whether the provisions of the Experimental Traffic Management Order should be continued in force indefinitely, by means of a permanent Traffic Management Order made under section 6 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Anyone wishing to object to the Experimental Traffic Management Order being made permanent, or to make any other representation regarding the scheme would have 6 months to do so, from the date the Experimental Traffic Management Order comes into force (or, if the Experimental Traffic Management Order is varied by a subsequent Order or modified pursuant to section 10(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, from the date that variation Order or modification comes into force), and may send a statement in writing to Traffic Order Consultations, Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Sustainability & Leisure, P.O. Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX or traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk quoting reference ‘TMO2526-EXP02_Ryedale trial road closure’. Please note that if you wish to object to making the trial measures permanent you must state the grounds on which your objection is made.

7.

1.

in RYEDALE to introduce a trial part road closure ‘no motor vehicles’ restriction, in that part of RYEDALE between the north-eastern kerb-line of Underhill Road and a point 30 metres north-east of that kerb-line (there will be no access for motor vehicles from Underhill Road into Ryedale and vice versa);

Notes: (1) ‘at any time’ means at all hours on every day of the week. (2) All measurements are in metres and are approximate.

6.

Thursday, January 8th 2026

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

Any person desiring to question the validity of the Experimental Traffic Management Order or of any provision contained therein on the grounds that it is not within the relevant powers of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 or that any of the relevant requirements thereof or of any relevant regulations made thereunder has not been complied with in relation to the Experimental Traffic Management Order may, within six weeks of the date on which the Experimental Traffic Management Order was made, make application for the purpose to the High Court.

Dated 8 January 2026 Polyvios Polyviou Head of Highways and Sustainable Transport Policy Highways, Environment, Sustainability & Leisure

You’d want to know if someone was applying to BUILD NEXT DOOR to you, right?

STAY INFORMED ABOUT BUILDING PLANS FOR YOUR COMMUNITY. The Public Notice Portal is a free to use, online service that will tell you who is applying for what and where.

Visit: publicnoticeportal.uk

Dated this 8th of January 2026 Ian Law Traffic Manager London Borough of Southwark Network Management Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX 160 Tooley Street, PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX Ref: TTRO00010/MU113SA-2326193-01thames

Transport for London Public Notice ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 THE A2 GLA ROAD (GREAT DOVER STREET, LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC, STOPPING AND TEMPORARY BANNED TURN) ORDER 2026 1. Transport for London in consultation with the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Traffic Order under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specified in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable Thames Water repair works to take place at A2 Great Dover Street.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit: (1) any vehicle from stopping at the north-eastern kerb-line on Great Dover Street between its junctions with Nebraska Street and Silvester Street; (2) any vehicle from turning right into Great Dover Street from Nebraska Street; (3) any vehicle from turning right into Great Dover Street from the vehicle access point serving Nos. 20 to 22 Great Dover Street; (4) any Goods Vehicle over 7.5 tonnes m.g.w and Buses from entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Nebraska Street between its junctions with Great Dover Street and Tabard Street; The Order will be effective at certain times from 8.00 AM on the 19th January 2026 until 4.30 PM on the 20th January 2026 or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by trafc signs.

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

5. At such times as the prohibition is in force an alternative route will be indicated by trafc signs via Long Lane, Tower Bridge Road, Bricklayers Arms Roundabout and Great Dover Street to normal route of travel.

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

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Section 17 Licensing Act 2003 Licensing Act 2003: Application for a Premises Licence Notice is hereby given that Maurice Collins and Aidan Collins have applied to The London Borough of Southwark on 23rd December 2025 for a premises licence at 2-4 Maddock Way, London SE17 3NH and known as Canterbury Arms.

The proposed application is to permit Sale of Alcohol: Mondays to Sundays 10:00 to 23:00. And on such additional times and on such terms and conditions as are specifically set out in the application or as may be agreed.Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing of their representation on or before 20th January 2026 stating the grounds for making said representation to: The Licensing Service, Southwark Borough Council, Hub1, 3rd Floor, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH or by e mail to Licensing@southwark.gov.uk The public register where applications are available to be viewed by members of the public can be accessed online by visiting at https://app.southwark.gov.uk/ and following the link to the public licensing register.

The Licensing Authority must receive representations by the date given above.

The Licensing Authority will have regard to any such representation in considering the application. It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application for premises licence and the maximum fine on being convicted of such an offence is unlimited.

COMPLETE LICENSING LTD 23rd December 2025

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SPORT 29

WIKTORIA CLAIMS BRONZE IN POLAND

By John Kelly BERMONDSEY NATIVE Wiktoria Michalik returned with a superb bronze medal from the Polish National Elite Championships before Christmas.

Michalik, who is trained by George and Andrew Wadman, faced Katarzyna Gabrychowicz in the quarter-finals. Gabrychowicz is a Polish national champion in karate but Michalik emphatically won 4-1 to go through to the last four.

In the semi-final she faced fivetime national champion Klaudia Budasz, who is also a European Bronze medalist. Budasz defeated Michalik before winning the final.

Michalik went to Poland having claimed a silver medal in the Elite Warehouse Box Cup in Wales after losing the final to Carmen Lynch.

“The first fight [in Poland] was more intense than the second but during the first fight my opponent was tired in round two and three already so I could do my work,”

Wiktoria Michalik with coach George Wadman

Michalik said. “The second fight was slower as she was a counterpuncher, so feints and traps and lateral movement, but I felt good.

“She is five-times Polish national champ and European bronze medalist but I set up some traps and she took it, which pleased me.

“I also want to say thanks so much to my great coaches George and Andrew Wadman. Since I’ve trained with them I feel anything is possible.”

George Wadman said: “How proud we are of Victoria for swimming in the deep end. The two national elite champions in her last few fights, the British number one Carmen Lynch and the Polish fivetimes national champion - now six - and European bronze medalist.

They’ve probably had 100 wins between them. All this in the last three weeks and three different countries.

Andrew added: “We rolled the dice in Wales and got a silver with 48 hours notice against Carmen Lynch. Lynch is brilliant, there’s no more you can say.”

Fish denied late on after penalty drama

By John Kelly FISHER DREW 1-1 against Kennington in their SCEFL Premier Division clash at a brutally cold Ashford last weekend.

Tom Jones gave Ajay Ashanike’s visors a 30th-minute lead.

Fisher were moments away from claiming the three points only to concede a penalty which Ryan Philpott

scored four minutes into stoppagetime at the end of the game.

Fish goalkeeper Isaac Ogunseri denied Philpott early on as the hosts made the brighter start.

That changed after half an hour when Don Macaulay played the ball down the left where Lorenzo Duncan and Alex Kozak combined to find Rafael Garcia and he cut the ball back to Jones to finish from six yards.

Jones fired another effort just wide and then saw an attempt cleared off the line as the Fish pressed for a second.

Fisher suffered a major blow on 53 minutes when Tyron Mbuenimo was shown a straight red card for lashing out at an opponent.

Kennington had a goal ruled out for offside with fifteen minutes left.

Kennington then bombarded Fisher

with balls into the box and got their reward when the referee spotted a handball. Philpott sent Ogunseri the wrong way from the spot.

Fisher have moved up to seventh in the table and have games in hand on five of the six sides above them.

Ashanike’s side travel to the G.I. Landscapes Stadium (Kent ME6 5DP) to face Snodland Town in the league this Saturday at 3pm.

Hamlet chair wants Champion Hill ‘fortress’

By John Kelly

DULWICH HAMLET chairman Ben Clasper said the side need to work out how to make Champion Hill a “fortress” as he reflected on a “mixed bag” in the first half of the season.

Mark Dacey’s side haven’t won any of their last five Isthmian Premier League games at home since November, and sit ninth in the table, ten points off the playoff spots.

Clasper acknowledged that securing a mid-table position after last season’s relegation battle was the priority in 202526, though the start to the campaign fed belief there could be a promotion challenge.

Dulwich won their first four league

games of the season without conceding a goal, but have since won only three games in their last 20 since then, drawing ten.

The Hamlet were due to play Whitehawk last weekend but the game was postponed shortly before kick-off.

The referee had passed the pitch at 2pm before deeming it unplayable as the players warmed up.

Clasper addressed supporters in his programme notes.

“The first half of the season was a mixed bag, it delivered quickly on many of the goals we set but life has become increasingly tough as the season has gone on,” Clasper said “We are harder to beat than previous seasons but we’re struggling to put teams away, traits that have produced a punishingly high

number of draws. Statistically speaking our goals against column is play-off form, but we are bottom half when you look at the goals for column and most regular observers agree we start games strongly but fail to capitalise and too often we end up paying the price.

“After stumbling into relegation trouble last season our goal was to rebuild and secure a more stable mid-table position to act as a foundation for next season.

Whilst it looked initially like we might be able to aim higher sooner, the reality is that going straight from a relegation battle into a promotion chase is a leap usually only reserved for financially doped sides. Based on resources or experience there are few surprises in the top half of the table but we need to

be mindful that the ten teams between us and the relegation zone will all have expected to be higher up the table. It’s a very strong and tight league and so it’s important we improve quickly on the weaknesses we have identified.

“We still hear a lot about clubs treating Champion Hill as their cup final and raising their game accordingly which contributes to there being no difference between our home and away results.

We still need to work out how to turn the Hill into more of a fortress with performances that match your support which has been amazing throughout a tough 2025.”

Dulwich face Potters Bar Town at Lantern Stadium in the league this Saturday (3pm).

Surrey ‘saddened’

by Long death

By Sports Reporter

SURREY SAID they were “saddened” after the death of their former wicketkeeper Arnold Long at the age of 85.

Long claimed 1,135 catches and 158 stumpings in firstclass and limited-overs cricket during a 20-year playing career.

After making his debut for Surrey in 1960, he was part of their County Championship winning side in 1971 after they pipped Warwickshire to the title due to having two more wins when the teams finished level on points.

Long was a member of their B&H Cup-winning team in 1974 before leaving The Oval for Sussex two years later.

He captained them for three seasons, leading them to victory over Somerset by five wickets in the 1978 Gillette Cup final at Lord's.

He retired in 1980 and took over from Jimmy Fulford as chairman of Surrey’s cricket committee in 1991.

Long built up his own business as an insurance broker and had three children with wife Barbara. He was a season ticket holder at Chelsea.

Surrey said: “We are saddened to share the news of the passing of former Surrey wicket-keeper Arnold Long at the age of 85.

“Affectionately known as "Ob", Long played 479 times for the Three Feathers before leaving for Sussex.”

Dubois targets spring return

By John Kelly DANIEL DUBOIS is targeting a return in April or May, his manager Sam Jones has said.

Dubois hasn’t fought since suffering a fifth-round knockout against Oleksandr Usyk at Wembley has July.

Dubois’ camp want Fabio Wardley, who won the WBO interim heavyweight title when he shocked Joseph Parker in October.

“April, latest May. Fabio Wardley is the champion, so it would be a voluntary defence,” Jones said. “But outside of AJ [Anthony Joshua], Tyson Fury, Usyk – Dubois is the biggest name for Fabio Wardley to fight, which would therefore generate the most money.

“If Fabio Wardley gets the Usyk fight then all credit to him, he deserves that opportunity. But, if he wants to make that fight, we can make it very, very quickly.”

TAYLOR SINKS SWANS

30 SPORT

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP Millwall - 2 Swansea City - 1 Ivanovic 38’, Taylor 92’

Cabango 47’

Date: Sunday 4 January 2026 Man of the match: Caleb Taylor Referee: John Busby Attendance: 14,242 (949)

By Will Scott at The Den CALEB TAYLOR scored a late winner as Millwall beat Swansea City 2-1 at The Den despite an extraordinary goalkeeping performance by Lawrence Vigouroux.

The Lions were rampant in the first half and were denied multiple times by the Swans’ goalkeeper before Mihailo Ivanovic eventually got the breakthrough.

Millwall deserved to take a two or threegoal lead into the second half, but instead were punished almost immediately after the restart when Ben Cabango tapped in at the back post, setting up a far more competitive second half.

Alex Neil’s side still had the better of the chances and were thwarted several times before Taylor crashed a header home in added time.

The win saw the Lions leap back into the top six as they survived arguably their trickiest spell of the season without a loss, despite missing up to eight first-team players.

Millwall started brightly, sustaining pressure around the Swans’ box, as the 4-4-2 enabled Ivanovic to roam deeper and exert greater influence on the match.

The Lions won corner after corner in the opening stages, with Ivanovic having a backheel blocked in the seventh minute and Tristan Crama heading over in the eighth.

The Swans were rarely able to get on the ball, and when they did, were mostly kept away from Millwall’s box.

Meanwhile, the Lions looked dangerous every time they forayed into the away side’s half and were denied time and time again by the excellent Vigouroux.

In the seventeenth minute, Femi Azeez sent in a cross which Ivanovic attacked at the near post. Vigouroux reacted quickly to keep out the Serbian’s header and quicker still to get up and repel Macaulay Langstaff’s acrobatic follow-up.

Undeterred by the miss, the lively Langstaff continued to be very involved in

Lions finish festive period unbeaten after another late winner

Caleb Taylor celebrates

the match. He freed Azeez down the right, who had a cross blocked for a corner, then smashed one just over the bar from the resulting set-piece.

Swansea then had a brief spell of possession, and the best they could muster was Vipotonik being called back for offside after firing an effort wide oneon-one.

Millwall looked to hit back immediately.

In the 35th minute, Sturge drove down the left before cutting it back to Ivanovic,

who somehow got a shot off despite heavy pressure. Vigouroux initially spilt it, and Langstaff reacted first, but the goalkeeper reacted extraordinarily well to stick out a strong left hand and deny the striker.

Two minutes later, Azeez took it down, cut inside and rifled it towards the far corner, but was denied by a sprawling Vigouroux down low to his left.

Eventually, the Lions got their deserved breakthrough. A corner was sent in, and Crama flicked it towards the back post,

where Taylor knocked it down. It landed for Ivanovic, who took a touch and quickly unleashed an effort that Vigouroux had little chance of keeping out from that range.

The goal seemed to wake Swansea up, who finally registered a shot. In the 42nd minute, Millwall gave the ball away cheaply while building up at the back, and Ronald fired one at the near post that Crocombe beat away.

With half-time looming, the Swans

home happy. It’s the best moment to score. It’s a great feeling for the squad.

It’s good that the guys who came on to pitch as subs have an impact and an influence in that as well. I think that’s good for squad harmony.

“First half, I thought it was probably as good as we’ve played at home in a while, in terms of moving the ball. We played really well. Two or three real gilt-edge chances that we should score.

The game should’ve been 2,3-0 at half-time. But you’re not going to have everything your own way.

“My biggest frustration is probably the start of the second half. They didn’t even risk the ball. They just turned the

ball into that left channel. Whether it’s the first header or the second header, they’re not keeping the ball alive or finding a release pass. They landed on things, were a bit hungrier, a bit snappier with the balls that dropped, and basically just added pressure.

“They forced themselves back into the game at that stage, which was disappointing. I didn’t think we started the second half well. They then scored from a second-phase set-play at the back stick, where we switched off.

“The game got a bit scrappy at that point. We started to freshen it up, I made a few changes, and we had two opportunities, if I remember right.

Their keeper makes two brilliant saves.

Even though we didn’t really have control of the game, we still had two really good chances. Then, it was just right before I took Femi off, we had the second chance. The keeper clawed one from behind him past the post, and you’re thinking, ‘Is this the day?’.

“Then Alfie [Doughty’] produces an unbelievable cross, and Caleb gets up at the back stick above his man. It was no more than we deserved.

“We know we can certainly play better than we did in the second half.

But I think that’s the true test of a team: when you have played well and haven’t put a team to bed, they’ve come back

looked to attack through Ronald - the ball was put over the top down the right, and the Brazilian beat Sturge in a foot race, but his effort was again saved by Crocombe.

The Lions continued to push for a second during a lengthy amount of addedtime, but had to settle for just a one-goal lead heading into half-time despite their dominance of the opening 45 minutes.

They were made to regret their profligacy just two minutes into the second half. Ethan Galbraith sent a cross in, and Goncalo Franco flicked it towards the back post, where Cabango had lost his marker and bundled it in.

The momentum of the match shifted instantly, with the Swans now pushing for another goal, but stout box defending by the Lions denied them any clear-cut chances, and the best they could do was a wild long-range effort by Ji-Sung Eom that went nowhere near the net.

Millwall were not out of the match and were once again denied a goal by a superb Vigouroux save. Azeez sent in a free kick that Taylor got down low to flick on. The ball pinballed off the backpedalling Fulton, and Vigouroux had to leap to his left to scoop it clear.

Crocombe was called into action down the other pitch shortly after. Sturge brought down Ronald on the edge of the box, and the set-piece was played back to Galbraith. His effort was blocked, and Fulton’s follow-up was well saved by the already sprawling Lions goalkeeper.

Millwall looked to have nabbed a winner in the 85th minute when Taylor met Azeez’s cross, but somehow Vigouroux scooped it clear.

Taylor would not be denied seven minutes late when he rose up and crashed in Doughty’s cross at the back post.

Millwall: 4-4-2 - Crocombe; Crama, Taylor, Cooper, Sturge (Bryan 77); Azeez (Doughty 85), Neghli (Mazou-Sacko 77), Mitchell, Ballo (Emakhu 77); Ivanovic, Langstaff (Leonard 93) Unused Substitutes: Benda, McNamara, Matthews, Bangura-Williams Swansea City: Vigouroux; Galbraith, Cabango, Burgess, Samuels-Smith (Tymon 59); Franco, Fulton; Ronald (Inoussa 73), Yalcouye (Widell 59), Eom (Stamenic 73); Vipotnik (Wales 88) Unused Substitutes: Fisher, Casey, Cooper, Parker

Neil: ‘This was the most important game of the season’

By Will Scott ALEX NEIL called Millwall’s clash with Swansea City “the most important game of the season” and was pleased that his side showed grit to muster a late winner.

The Lions’ second late winner at The Den in a week meant they finished the festive period back in the top six.

Neil explained why he thought the win was so crucial in the context of Millwall’s season.

“It’s the best way to win a game,” Neil said. “If you get a late winner, it’s great for the fans, sending everybody

into it. Have you got enough bottle, enough drive, enough grit to get that next goal that mattered?

“I stressed to the team the day before the game the importance of this game for us. I felt this was our most important game of the season.

“The fact that we’re at that stage now this season, where you get your points, and you stay with the pack, and you fight at the end, or you start to drift. I think the league’s that tight just now that you need to make sure you’re still in that pack, so come the end of January and you’re pushing on to the end of the season, you’re in there with a chance.

Today was a big, big three points.”

SPORT 31

FROM SUNDAY LEAGUE TO CALMONT

Harry Taylor (right) in action against Charlton Athletic under-21s

Under-21s defender Harry Taylor reflects on his late journey to football, changing positions - and invaluable advice from Hutch EXCLUSIVE

By Will Scott

BY THE time he reached his teenage years, Harry Taylor already doubted his future lay in professional football.

Taylor was enjoying playing Sunday league with his friends, and stints playing for Kent suggested he clearly had talent, but he was not part of an academy set-up and thought perhaps it was not meant to be.

He was starting to step back when nature intervened.

“I probably had my first growth spurt when I was about fourteen,” Taylor told NewsAtDen. “I looked at myself and thought, ‘If I take this seriously, I could probably go somewhere with it.’ Ever since then, I’ve taken it seriously.”

Within two years, the centre-back had been scouted by Maidstone United, only a 20-minute drive from where he grew up in Sittingbourne.

Two weeks later, Millwall swooped in and offered him a 20-week trial to train with their under-sixteens.

“The first week I was really nervous because it’s a big step,” he said.

“Going from Sunday league straight into a professional environment, it’s a big step, and I quickly realised it’s really hard. Even training sessions are ridiculously hard.

“I had to have a couple of weeks to get into it, but I knew trial periods can end within an instant, so I had to hit the ground running quickly and just show the people at Millwall what I’m capable of. Luckily, after eight weeks, they extended it.

“Then eventually, I think it was week twelve, they sat down with me and said, ‘We’re going to keep you on contract until the end of the season.’ It was just a bonus, really, because I had an extra eight weeks to prove myself in games and training and just show the coaches that I’ve got what it takes.”

Taylor impressed enough in three

appearances stepping up for the undereighteens, that he earned a two-year scholarship and went straight into that age group.

He also had to contend with relative inexperience at his position - he had only switched to centre-back three years prior.

“I was playing for Kent at the time, I think I was thirteen,” he said. “It’s a funny story actually. I was a striker, and one of our centre-backs got sent off, and the coach was like, ‘Who wants to go back to centreback?’

“I was like, ‘You know what, I’ll give it a go.’

Ever since then, I’ve really enjoyed centreback. I switched from that day onwards, and I’m lucky I did that.”

Taylor thinks the position better suits his skill set.

“When I play, I don’t know what it is, but I see the game, not differently, but I kind of take a snapshot of everything around me,” he said.

“When you’re a striker, you’re not really looking at much; you’re just looking at the defender and what’s in front of you.

“But as a defender, you can see the whole pitch and a good skill of mine is taking a snapshot of what’s in front of me. Because at the back, if you make a mistake, the striker is one-on-one with the goalkeeper, so you have to be aware.

“I’ve had that skill not all my life, but ever since I’ve moved to centre-back.”

Taylor’s first year did not go entirely as planned. He suffered an injury that ruled him out for six months, but credited the Lions’ fitness staff for supporting him during the period.

The second year followed the script more closely.

He played regularly for the under-18s and earned his first under-21s call-up in October, before moving up to that level fulltime in December.

It was not all smooth sailing, as Taylor initially found the level challenging.

“When I stepped up, it was a bit of a challenge, because obviously you’re going from under-18s football straight to pretty

much men’s football,” he said.

“For seventeen-year-old me, it was kind of tricky at first, but like I say, once you understand how they play and you understand the physical side of the game, how it works, I took it all in stride, and I didn’t let any little setback pull me down.

“I kept my confidence up, and all the boys were supportive. There’s no, because you’re younger, you get taken the mick out of and stuff like that. They take you in, and they help you out a lot.

“It does help you, because when you step up, you kind of go into your shell, but they made sure that I was alright and played the football I play.”

He also benefited from playing alongside first-team pros stepping down to build up their fitness with the under-21s, with Shaun Hutchinson in particular a helpful presence.

“It’s a different game when you’ve got experienced players like Shaun next to you,” he said.

“They see the game differently. They make it look so easy to play. Especially when you’re next to them, you’ve pretty much got a coach right next to you that’s played God knows how many games he’s played at the professional level.

“The way he sees the game, the way he talks to me, is different to anyone that’s spoken to me in the back four.

“He’s experienced, he’s good on the ball, he’s aggressive, he wins headers and he’s just a good role model. When you look next to someone and they’re doing everything you should be doing, you think, ‘Right, I want to match this. I want to play at the level he’s playing at.’

“I played with him, I played with Wes Harding, I played with Murray Wallace once. All these experienced players that I was with, they enlighten you on how the game should be played.”

The Lions’ former captain imparted a host of information and advice to the young defender, but one pearl of wisdom particularly stood out to Taylor.

“It was Bournemouth away, my first

under-21s game, and I was playing next to Shaun,” he said. “There were a few times where the game kind of caught up to me. I wasn’t focused, I was losing the ball.

“I remember I went down with an injury and I spoke to Shaun one-on-one, and it’s the best bit of advice I ever got, really. He just told me to just settle down and he said, ‘Know your worth. You’re here for a reason.

It’s not like you don’t deserve to be or else the coaches wouldn’t play you. Just let your skill do the talking and don’t get embroiled in the game.’ That’s stuck with me.”

Taylor kicked on from his initial struggles in the autumn of 2024 to become a regular member of Kevin Nugent’s side, and with a contract decision looming at the end of the season, he made Millwall’s decision easier.

“There was one game against Ipswich away for the under-21s under the lights,” he said.

“I said to myself, towards the end of the season, ‘If I have a good set of games, I’ve got a real good chance.’ That’s probably the best game I’ve ever played in my life.

So, ever since that moment, I thought that I had a good chance.

“But then again, I never got too ahead of myself because I’ve come from small backgrounds. I played Sunday league, so I don’t take anything for granted. I make sure that I play every game to my maximum until the last game before my contract, just to make sure.”

His prediction rang true. He was part of a bumper crop of six under-eighteens who signed professional deals and officially moved up to the under-21s over the summer, all now eyeing up achieving their dreams of first-team football.

Taylor is no different.

“I want to represent this club at a firstteam level,” he said. “I want to take my dream all the way to the max and just be steady in the first team. Even scoring my first under-21s goal the other week, that’s been a goal of mine ever since I stepped up.”

Four years on from nearly surrendering that dream, Taylor stands closer than ever.

Millwall extend Evans loan

By Will Scott GEORGE EVANS’ loan to Hartlepool United has been extended until February 7.

Evans, 20, has made twelve league starts for the National League side since joining on loan in early October, keeping four clean sheets.

The goalkeeper signed a longterm deal with Millwall over the summer after making his firstteam debut in April following injuries to Lukas Jensen and Liam Roberts.

Evans started the final four matches of the season, having previously made just one senior appearance, and won man of the match in the Lions’ 1-0 win over Swansea City on April 26.

Evans came through Millwall’s under-18s before being offered a professional deal by the club in the summer of 2023.

Two more under-21s players went on loan over the weekend, with Jaiden Celestine-Charles and Frankie Baker joining National League South sides Maidenhead United and Tonbridge Angels, respectively.

Millwall boss Alex Neil suggested more could be on the move before the January window shuts.

“I think there will be some players going out on loan this month, but as we’re all fully aware, our squad’s been stretched, so nothing is imminent,” Neil told this paper. “Nothing’s going to happen until we feel we’re well covered in specific areas of the pitch.

“What we don’t want is to this sort of tail end of the season, and we’ve got some lads that haven’t had many minutes at all. There are some lads we’re going to have to naturally keep because we can’t leave ourselves light, but there are also other lads that I think we can afford to potentially put out and hope that they can get more minutes and have a strong end to the season somewhere.”

George Evans

INSIDE

Sport Southwark

PAGE 29

CHANGES HAVE TO BE MADE

Alex Neil set to rotate squad for Burnley FA Cup tie

Camiel Neghli fires Millwall into the lead against Bristol City

EXCLUSIVE

By Will Scott

© Millwall FC

ALEX NEIL admitted he would likely have to make significant changes for Millwall’s FA Cup Third Round trip to Burnley on Saturday.

The Lions were still without seven first-team players in their 2-1 win over Swansea City last weekend, while Billy Mitchell, Derek MazouSacko and Ryan Leonard have only just returned from spells on the sideline.

Millwall finished the gruelling festive period unbeaten, taking eight points from four games to

climb back into the play-off places in fifth.

Neil made widespread changes in Millwall’s three EFL Cup ties earlier this season and was asked whether he would approach the FA Cup in the same way.

“If you asked me this question at the start of the season, [I would have said] we treat every cup with the respect it deserves, and we want to win,” Neil told this paper. “I think where we are at the moment with the squad being stretched and a lot of lads just having come back, we will certainly look to freshen up to a certain extent.

“But equally, I’ll still try and put

out the strongest team that I think is available and ready without jeopardising ourselves. Right now, where we’re sitting in the league table, the league naturally is going to be more important than the first round of the FA Cup, with the greatest respect to it, because if we went and I fielded a team and [we could] lose two or three bodies that were going to be vitally important for us. We just need to be careful in that respect.”

The Lions will be looking to reinforce their squad this month, with director of football Steve Gallen saying in mid-December that the club would try to sign one or

two players early in the window.

Neil was asked if that was still the plan.

“If that’s what Steve says, then yeah,” Neil said. “I think that the recruitment team and Steve will be working on a multitude of things at the moment.

“Until something’s really further down the line and imminent, then it’s not my day-to-day. I dip a toe into recruitment in terms of speaking to Steve, speaking to the lads, watching players, different things like that, that the guys present. But my dayto-day is obviously coaching the team and trying to make sure we try and win the next game.”

Wiktoria claims bronze in Poland COOPER CONTRACT EXTENDED TO 2027

By Will Scott JAKE COOPER has signed a new contract with Millwall, extending his stay until 2027.

The Lions skipper and longestserving member of the squad has been a mainstay since signing in January 2017, reaching 400 appearances for the club in early November - only the sixth player in Millwall’s history to do so. He now sits just two matches behind Alan McLeary, who ranks fifth on Millwall’s all-time appearances list.

Over the course of his nine years at the club, Cooper’s rigorous fitness routine has enabled him to make at least 35 league appearances in each full season he has played.

The 30-year-old centre-back continues to be an essential part of the first team, starting every league match when available and missing just one through suspension as Millwall compete for the top six.

Millwall director of football Steve Gallen said: “Everyone at the club is really pleased that Jake has decided to extend his contract.”

“It was a pretty easy deal to do, to be honest. We wanted him to stay and Jake wanted to stay - so when both parties are thinking the same thing, it makes it a lot easier. Jake is our club captain and a fantastic presence on and off the pitch. Everyone really respects him - staff, players, fans and so on.

“He recently reached 400 games for the club, which is very rare in modern football. His longevity is brilliant and it looks as though he is getting better with age. It’s a good day for the club.”

Jake Cooper after his 412th Millwall appearance

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