Southwark News - July 10th 2025

MILLWALL EXCLUSIVE:

Issue 1745

Est: 1987

50p

July 10 2025

BANGURA-WILLIAMS PENSCOBURN NEW DEAL JOSH ON MILLWALL RETURN

southwarknews.co.uk

EUROPE'S LARGEST LATIN AMERICAN FESTIVAL TO RETURN TO WALWORTH

SEE PAGE 12

JAFFA DEBATE:

DETHRONED

McASH OUT, KING IN

See page 4

BERMONDSEY MUSEUM CAUGHT IN BISCUIT ROW

See page 4 EXCLUSIVE

An extraordinary week in Southwark sees election re-run within a 'divided Labour Party'

ARTISTS OF MORLEY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

See page 9

OUTGOING COUNCIL DEFENDS HOUSING RECORD

JUNE––JULY 2025

A SERIES OF INSPIRING SHOWS Morley Gallery, 61 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HT

See pages 16-17

2 NEWS Contents NEWS Pages 2-17 2-17 Pages

SOUTHWARK TO RUN LARGEST SURVEY OF COUNCIL HOMES IN THE COUNTRY

OPINION OPINION Pages 18-19 Pages 18-19

By Issy Clarke

ARTS ARTS Page 20 Page 21

SOUTHWARK WILL carry out the largest survey of council houses in the country, with plans to check the age and condition of 37,000 homes.

EVENTS EVENTS Page 21 Page 22 HISTORY Page 22 CLASSIFIED Page 24 PROPERTY Page 23 FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS CLASSIFIED Pages 25 Page 22 PUBLIC PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICES Pages 26-28 Pages 24-27 SPORT Pages 29-32

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

From September, the local authority will begin visiting all 37,000 of its council homes, as well as some leaseholder properties and all communal spaces.

The first pilot survey will begin in Wyndham and Comber estates in Camberwell this month.

The survey will provide the council with updated information on the age and condition of roofs, windows, kitchens and bathrooms, heating systems, passenger lifts and more.

It comes in the wake of a damning report issued by the Regulator of Social Housing last October, in which the council was accused of ‘serious failings’ after it found more than 50 per cent of its properties did not have a working smoke alarm, and that over half had not received an electrical condition test for five years.

Councillor Sarah King, Cabinet Member for Council Homes said: “This major new survey of council homes in Southwark – the biggest in the country – is a key part of our work to become a good landlord.

“We will use information from the survey to make sure that our investment in council homes is spent where it is needed most.

“Using data from the survey we will create a five-year management plan, with residents, to carefully prioritise work across our council homes and estates.”

As well as the survey the local authority will be investing £250 million in council homes

happen during a survey. Residents will need to respond to the letters to arrange access to their home for the survey.

The letter will explain in detail what will happen during the survey and will contain important advice to ensure resident safety including how the Property Tectonics team operate and how their surveyors will identify themselves.

Information from the survey will be used for planning right from the start, with the council’s five-year asset management strategy due to be agreed in 2026.

Esther Brady, CEO of Property Tectonics,

said: “We’re committed to working closely with residents and Southwark Council to carry out surveys of council homes, communal areas and some leaseholder properties. This work will be supported by our market leading software and mobile data collection platform, Lifespan Housing.

“Our longstanding partnerships with local authorities and housing organisations have helped drive meaningful improvements in social housing across the UK. We’re proud to support Southwark Council in delivering essential upgrades that will benefit the local community.”

crimes were reported at Southwark tube stations in 2024, down from 16 in 2023.

Overall, there were 2,000 sexual offences on the London Underground network reported to the police last year.

Tube crime as a whole went up by 13 per cent in 2024, according to TfL's latest report, with the largest number of these offences being committed on the Central line The most common crime reported on the

network is theft, which makes up 60 per cent of offences on tubes and 40 per cent at stations. Other types of crimes recorded on the underground include violence, public order offences, graffiti and drug offences Since 2023, London Bridge has recorded by far the highest number of crimes of any station in Southwark, totalling 493, followed by Canada Water, which saw 154 crimes occur.

British Transport Police Detective Chief

Inspector, Nia Mellor, said: "We know that these crimes commonly go underreported, which is why we relentlessly campaign to encourage witnesses and victims to report these offences to us. With this, we expect the number of reports to continue to rise.

“We view this increase as a positive sign that our efforts are paying off, and that women and girls are feeling more confident to report all forms of sexual harassment and violence to us.”

Sex crimes in Southwark stations dip slightly compared to previous year

By Issy Clarke

THE NUMBER of sex crimes reported in tube stations across Southwark fell in 2024 from the previous year - as overall levels of crime on the DO YOU HAVE A STORY underground network continue to for our news team? edge upwards.

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over three years.

The council has appointed built environment consultancy specialist Property Tectonics to carry out the survey.

It will rely on Property Tectonics’ survey to collect and analyse data about its housing stock, enabling the council to make informed decisions about future investment and maintenance.

In the coming weeks Property Tectonics will contact residents by letter as the survey work moves into their area. The team at Property Tectonics will help Southwark Council answer questions from residents about what will

The information, obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice via Freedom of Information requests, revealed that 15 sex

Issue 1744

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

Est: 1987

50p

July 3 2025

southwarknews.co.uk

SHOW US WHO'S BOSS

EXCLUSIVE

MILLWALL NEWS

ENGLAND PLAYER INSIDE RECORD ENGLAND A GIANT ON ESTATE STRIKER DEAL

See page 4

ONGOING SAGA

EXCLUSIVE

See page 9

See page 16

Cllr Sarah King came in as a close second

See page 4

Labour Southwark in disarray after MP calls into question the vote for new council leader ARTISTS OF MORLEY

DEVELOPER SAYS IT CANNOT PROVIDE ANY SOCIAL HOUSING AT ALL

COUNCIL TO SPEND £11M TO BUY BACK COUNCIL HOMES

JUNE––JULY 2025

See page 9

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

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.

A SERIES OF INSPIRING SHOWS

Follow our social media to be updated on local news Morley Gallery, 61 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HT

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

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

NEWS 3

By Abigail Finney IN CELEBRATION of Ele�it, a dedicated day of �itness fun, Castle Square will be transformed into a haven of health-focused programming on July 19.

Having played for the likes of Liverpool City and Manchester City, former footballer David James is honoured to front this year’s Elefit campaign, where he will run child-friendly skills sessions to nurture the next cohort of great British talent.

Castle Square is a new addition to Elephant and Castle, creating a gateway into Elephant Park and home to an eclectic mix of local independent traders.

There will be a wide range of events that will be inclusive of all ages and ability levels.

The strongest among the pack are

welcome to try their hand at weightlifting or powerlifting with Fort CrossFit; meanwhile the rhythmic two-steppers can join an Afrobeat dance session to get their steps in.

True to Elephant and Castle’s diversity, there is an opportunity to book into beginner-friendly Qigoing Flow for a graceful routine or leisurely Latin American aerobics to get your endorphins flowing.

Featuring decorative tents and picnic tables with benches to lounge and spectate from, there’s also an opportunity for attendees to move their minds with a writing workshop, followed by a meal from one of Castle Square’s global culinary delights.

Date: Saturday, July 19 Time: 10:00-13:00 Place: Castle Square, Elephant and Castle Tickets: free

I have found the perfect way to watch Wimbledon

Game, Set and Match: while floating on a garden on the Thames

By Michael Holland WIMBLEDON IS back and while the tournament opened on the hottest day of the year and tennis fans sizzled in the 33° heat, I was in the shade in front row seats in Number One Court, Centre Court and several other courts, with a cool prosecco, a luxury hamper, and servers who supplied us with more drinks instead of tennis balls.

We were at the launch of Screen on the Green, St Katharine Docks' floating garden, which has returned to exclusively show the entire Wimbledon Tennis Championships 2025.

While Emma Radacanu sweltered in her opening match we sipped a sweet cider made by Showerings from three

vintages. Fifteen Love.

As her opponent, Mimi Xu, rallied in the second set, we relished the ceviche, taramasalata and asparagus salad provided by The Melusine, the wonderful seafood restaurant in St Katharine Docks. Deuce.

As the players mopped their brows and rehydrated in the break, we discussed the sourdough bread and ordered another prosecco. Advantage Me. We loved the gentle rolling of the floating pontoon as the players served and volleyed and shared moments of joy and upset whenever the ball hit the net or was hit too long.

This is Wimbledon without the heatwave, queueing and outrageous prices. This is sport-watching on a screen as big as a goal area and a bar

within touching distance.

As Radacanu Aced her way to victory, our empty hamper was taken away and replaced with the obligatory strawberries and cream. Game, Set and Match.

The Screen on the Green is the place to be for the coming weeks.

Set against the stunning St Katharine Docks' backdrop, the floating venue offers visitors an extraordinary way to enjoy Wimbledon on water.

Guests can savour seasonal snacks and drinks while watching all the action on the giant screen, creating a unique atmosphere without sunburn.

Open 12-8 p.m. daily from Tuesday, July 1st, to Wednesday, July 13th.

Free Entry.

For more information skdocks.co.uk/ visit

© Michael Holland

FREE FITNESS EVENT WITH FORMER FOOTBALLER DAVID JAMES

Ex-England goalkeeper David James

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4 NEWS

© @peek_frean_museum on Instagram

JAFFA CAKES: BISCUIT OR CAKE DEBATE SPARKED BY MUSEUM McVitie's letter starts: "We write to you today, not with crumbs of animosity, but with a full slice of firm objection."

By Evie Flynn THE OFFICIAL Jaffa Cakes Instagram account has publicly requested that the Peek Frean Biscuit Museum in Bermondsey remove their brand-new Jaffa Cake display, arguing that they are categorically a cake and not a biscuit.

This debate was sparked after the Peek Frean Museum, dedicated to documenting the rich history of Bermondsey’s Biscuit Factory, unveiled a new Jaffa Cake display on Monday 30 June.

Yet, just one day later on Tuesday 1 July, the Peek Frean team received an unexpected reply from McVitie Ltd, who called for “the immediate removal of Jaffa Cakes from your biscuit exhibition.”

The letter was addressed to: “Dear Sirs, Madams, and Biscuit Enthusiasts, “It has come to our attention, with no small degree of dismay, that the Biscuit Museum has included the humble Jaffa Cake within its exhibition of biscuitry.

We write to you today, not with crumbs of animosity, but with a full slice of firm

Gary, cocurator of the Biscuit Museum objection.

“Allow us to be clear,” the letter read.

“Jaffa Cakes are, in fact Cakes. Not biscuits. Not hybrid snacks. Just cakes.

Some would say the clue is in the name on the box.”

The letter went on to explain: “Cakes harden when stale. Biscuits go soft.”

Much of the controversy surrounding the label comes from Jaffa Cakes' position in the biscuit aisle in supermarkets.

In response, they asked the question: “if one stands in the biscuit aisle, does one magically become a biscuit? By that logic, standing in the fruit aisle makes you a banana.”

The Peek Frean Museum was excited to share their newest addition with the local community and fellow historyenthusiasts. They announced the recent installation on Instagram on June 30:

“From sponge to plinth, we’re excited to unveil a new exhibition today, dedicated to one of the nation’s favourite biscuitsthe McVitie’s Jaffa Cake.

“The tangy and chocolatey exhibition features the iconic biscuit alongside precious Jaffa Cakes archive gems collected over the years.”

McVitie Ltd also called for the immediate removal of the display. The letter was also shared directly onto the official Jaffa Cakes instagram account, which has over 45,000 followers compared to Peek Frean’s 600.

Peek Freans Museum responded on their instagram account: “Well, this is unexpected… @jaffacakesofficial official have sent us a letter asking me and Frank to remove our latest addition to the Biscuit Museum due to… misclassification?! Apparently, it’s not a biscuit? Who knew?”

Letter shared by Peek Frean Museum The Peek Frean Museum have since removed the exhibition and Gary Magold, co-curator of the museum was reportedly surprised by the letter. “As a nation of Jaffa Cakes lovers, we’re hoping we can reach an agreement,” he

said.

McVitie’s has been involved in legal battles concerning Value Added Tax (VAT) on biscuits containing chocolate and the company previously went to court to prove that the treats are cakes.

STREET CAT ADOPTED BY THE LOCAL BOBBIES Blake had a tough life on the streets before being adopted by Lewisham Police Station

By Evie Flynn

LEWISHAM POLICE Station has welcomed a new furry friend to their team: a ten-year old street cat who was overlooked by potential adopters at RSPCA Canterbury.

When Inspector Steve Duffy approached reached out to RSPCA Canterbury & District brand, he told the team that the police station were looking for a “savvy cat who needed a second chance at life”.

Natalie Archer, manager at the branch, said that Blake, a ten-year old street cat who was rescued off the street in April, immediately came to mind.

Blake was in poor condition when he was brought to the RSPCA after being taken to a local vet in Kent by a member of the public. He had clearly been fighting, had a large abscess and had been fending for himself for a long time.

However, Blake’s gentle nature did shine through. Natalie said “Despite this he was friendly with staff. He was neutered in our care and treated for all

his ailments – and thankfully he was soon fighting fit and ready for a home.”

At their first meeting, Inspector Steve Duffy, who works in Mounted Branch, chose Blake to be based at the Lewisham police stables and as an outdoor cat this suits Blake perfectly.

Steve said: “Blake’s settling in really well and has already charmed everyone at the stables. The horses seem curious, but he’s still a little shy. His eyes were like saucers the first time he saw them!

We’re letting him explore at his own pace.

“He’s a confident character and very friendly — he loves a fuss. We’re excited to have him around as he provides us all with a positive outlook.”

Blake now has his own barn as well as a couch in Inspector Duffy’s office. He has settled in brilliantly and is now a firm favourite with staff.

Natalie added: “We know this is just the beginning for Blake, and we can’t wait to hear how he gets on!”

Support the RSPCA’s Summer Cruelty Appeal at: rspca.org.uk/endcruelty

Inspector Duffy collecting Blake from Canterbury

Blake, Lewisham Police Station’s adopted cat

NEWS 5

Partnership

Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery wins Independent Prep School of the Year at Tes Schools Awards 2025

Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery, Dulwich, is proud to announce that it has been named Independent Prep School of the Year at the Tes Schools The prestigious awards, often referred to as the Oscars of education, celebrate the most outstanding schools and teachers across the UK’s state and independent sectors, recognising excellence from early years through to secondary education.

The glittering awards ceremony took place on Friday 20 June at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, London, where Rosemead was honoured alongside other exceptional schools and educators.

Speaking about the accolade, Head, Graeme McCafferty, said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to have won this national award. It is a moment of immense pride for our entire community – staff, pupils and families alike.

‘At Rosemead, we adopt a child-centred approach, ensuring every child is truly known and celebrated. By recognising and nurturing individual strengths and talents, we enable every child to flourish and excel.

This award is testament to the dedication, passion and care of our brilliant staff team and the spirit of our children.’

Graeme continued: ‘This recognition strengthens our commitment to providing a nurturing and inspiring environment where children grow, learn, and thrive.

We will continue to champion the achievements, talents and aspirations of every pupil in our care.’

The judging panel, made up of leading figures from across the education sector, praised Rosemead for its personalised approach, vibrant community and holistic educational offering.

In February 2023, Rosemead joined the St Dunstan’s Education Group, a move that

has helped strengthen the school’s vision and strategic development.

Nick Hewlett, CEO of the Group, said: ‘This is a phenomenal achievement for Rosemead and richly deserved. The school has been on an extraordinary journey, and I pay huge tribute to Graeme and the leadership team who have transformed this school. It has been a joy to welcome Rosemead into the Group. The Good Schools Guide was absolutely right to call Rosemead the “one to watch” in south London – and now the Tes Schools Awards have confirmed it.’

This latest recognition builds on a series of recent successes. In the last academic year, Rosemead won two prestigious awards – for Excellence and Innovation in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Awards, and Best EDIB (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging) at the Education Choices Awards 2024.

every pupil’s academic progress.’

Rosemead was also one of the first prep schools in the country to receive a significant strength in its most recent ISI inspection, which commended the school for its ‘highly customised approach to

Find out more about Rosemead’s award-winning education at their upcoming open morning on Saturday 4 October 2025.

Book at www.rosemeadprep.org.uk

Following the win at the Tes Schools Awards, Rosemead was also shortlisted for Independent School of the Year for Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) at Independent Schools of the Year Awards. Winners are announced later this year.

6 NEWS

Beloved children's author holds Herne Hill book signing

THE TRAMPERY ANNOUNCES NEW LGBTQIA+ CULTURAL FACILITY COMING TO BANKSIDE YARDS

Katie Kirby poses with a young fan

By Issy Clarke KATIE KIRBY, the author of the popular Lottie Brooks series, held a sold-out author signing at a bookshop in Herne Hill on Friday, with one fan even travelling all the way from Australia to meet her hero.

The beloved children’s author delighted her young fans who arrived in droves to The Paper Cat Children’s Bookshop on Half Moon Lane to meet their hero and get their books inscribed with a dedicated message.

One young fan came all the way from Australia to meet her favourite author – another family pulled up in a black cab just in time to meet Kirby, emotional and in disbelief they had managed to make it on time after their train from Oxford was delayed.

One father even misled his daughter into thinking she had a dentist appointment – instead driving her to the Paper Cat bookshop where she was delighted, if not slightly confused, to find herself face to face with her favourite author.

Half-an-hour time slots saved parents and their children from queuing for hours in the sweltering heat outside, while next door cafe Flos offered a discount to families waiting in line.

Katie Kirby is currently on a book tour celebrating the launch of her newest release, LOTTIE BROOKS VS THE ULTRA MEAN GIRLS! Young fans each had the chance to speak with the author and bestowed upon her all manner of Lottie Brooks related gifts including Monster Much crisps, Kit Kats and Pot Noodles – the protagonist’s favourite snacks.

The Paper Cat worked closely with Katie’s publisher Penguin Random House as part of Katie Kirby’s book tour and were delighted that so many children were able to meet Katie.

The book signing was attended by countless young fans of the Lottie Brooks series

By Evie Flynn A NEW LGBTQ+ cultural space, Chroma, is set to open in the disused railway arches at Bankside Yards, on the former site of the gay nightclub XXL.

The space, next to the Tate Modern on London's South Bank, will feature a 140 seat studio theatre, a licensed cafebar and a workspace area with private studios and co-working areas.

Owned by Native Land, The Trampery, a queer-owned specialist in workspaces and cultural facilities, were selected to deliver and operate Chroma through a competitive vendor process in 2023.

Until 2019, the space was previously

inhabited by XXL, a gay nightclub that had been operating since 2000.

The Bankside development faced backlash after the closure of XXL, which catered for the gay subculture of 'bears'.

In 2019, nearly six thousand people signed a petition calling for the venue to be saved, arguing against the loss of LGBTQ+ nightlife in the Borough.

The return of a LGBTQ+ venue is welcome news for the community, as research for the Mayor of London showed that there has been a 50 per cent decline in LQBTQ+ venues since 2006.

The theatre will be a multi-functional space, occupying one of the railway arches. There will be an evening programme featuring live music,

cabaret and experimental theatre.

A residency is being offered for an established LGBTQIA+ collective, providing exclusive use of the theatre space for three evenings each week of the year. Applications for the Chroma theatre residency are open now.

The workspaces will be exclusively for startups and creative practices with LGBTQ+ founders.

Southwark Council developed the original vision for the project and supported its conception with £1.5 million of grant funding.

Bureau de Change Architects are the award winning queer-led architect practice who will be designing the refurbishment of the railway arches This project is part of the wider £2.5

billion Bankside Yards development.

Once complete, it will provide 350,000 sq ft of offices, 50,000 sq ft of amenities, bars, restaurants and cultural space.

Chroma has pledged that everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community will be welcome at the new space and all identities will be celebrated.

Charles Armstrong, Founder and CEO of the Trampery, said: "As a queer entrepreneur, I’m honoured that The Trampery has been selected. Working with a constellation of brilliant partners, we are creating a worldclass venue, supporting the amazing creativity of London’s LGBTQIA+ community.”

Find out more about Chroma here: www.chromalondon.org

The National Maritime Museum is officially one of the least disappointing museums in the world

By Evie Flynn ACCORDING TO research, visitors to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich are among the most impressed in the world.

Visitors to the National Maritime Museum were more impressed by the Greenwich exhibitions than the likes of the American History of Natural History in New York and the Science Museum in London.

New research from Radical Storage analysed over 82,000 visitor reviews of 100 of the worlds most visited museums.

With a score of 55.2 out of 100, the National Maritime Museum earned a place in the top ten of least disappointing museums. It is the only London-based Museum earning a spot in the top 10 least disappointing list.

Other highly ranked museums include the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. with a score of 76.9 and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow with 75.9.

Lots of London-based Museums feature high on the most disappointing list with extremely low scores.

Second on the list is the science museum in London with a score of just 8.3 and fourth is the natural History Museum with a score of 11.5.

The study used 102 key word indicators for positive and negative experiences, such as “beautiful” or “boring”.

The percentage of positive reviews was then divided by the percentage of negative reviews in the study to give the museum a overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the less disappointing.

National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

SARAH KING ELECTED NEXT LEADER OF SOUTHWARK LABOUR IN WEEK OF TURMOIL

EXCLUSIVE

By Issy Clarke SARAH KING has been elected the next leader of Southwark Labour, and therefore effectively the council, in a re-run of last Monday’s vote, clinching victory by a margin of two votes – although all eyes will now be on what steps her defeated rival may take.

The Cabinet Member for Council Housing beat James McAsh by 27 votes to 25, and will therefore become the first woman in 23 years to lead the council. She was due to be formally voted in during a meeting of the full council on Wednesday.

It seals a week of turmoil in the local party, after the initial election of McAsh as Southwark Labour’s new leader last week, which was subsequently overturned by the regional party due to concerns over the use of proxy voting. King’s election leaves open the possibility that McAsh could yet seek legally to challenge the result of the contest.

King drew with McAsh in a closed door meeting of the Labour group on Monday, June 30, but it is believed that McAsh was duly declared the winner once first preference votes were taken into account.

There will be huge sympathy for McAsh, who is understood to have quit his job as a primary school teacher upon being declared the leader last week, and claimed he only learned that his victory had been called in by the regional party after he was informed by this newspaper. No objections had been made on the night of his electoral win, and the election itself was overseen by the regional Labour party.

As exclusively reported by Southwark News, the vote was declared invalid by the regional Labour party after concerns were allegedly raised by councillors and MP Neil Coyle about the use of two proxy votes in the election, which is forbidden under the group’s rules. It is understood that had the proxy votes not been counted, King would have won the vote. Monday's re-run was conducted online.

McAsh, the councillor for Goose Green Ward, is a member of the National Education Union and has previously been supported by the left-wing Labour faction Momentum. MP Coyle, who has clashed repeatedly with the left of his party, has admitted he was unhappy to see him elected as leader, but insisted he was merely trying to ensure proper procedure was followed.

King, by contrast, is regarded as a centrist figure within the group and is to the right of McAsh. First elected to represent the Champion Hill ward in 2014, King is a long-standing partner at public relations firm Connect Public Affairs, where she specialises in planning and the built environment.

She is known within the Labour group for her business acumen and extensive knowledge of the planning system - which her supporters view as key qualifying attributes for the leadership.

She had been praised for her work in turning around the council's struggling housing department since becoming the Cabinet Member for Council Homes at the start of last year. Prior to that, King was the Chief Whip under previous council leader Peter John for five years between 2015 and 2020.

The botched leadership vote raises questions around why the rules governing the use of proxy votes were not clarified prior to the declaration of McAsh as the victor last Monday.

Despite previously reporting that proxy voting was thought to be banned under regional party rules, it has since been clarified to the News that London Labour offers local parties significant discretion to draw up their own internal rules.

The News has seen a copy of the 2025 Standing Orders devised by Southwark Labour which prohibit the use of proxies outside of 'exceptional circumstances' such as carer responsibilities and serious illness.

It is also understood that councillors requested for the rules around proxy voting to be checked on several occasions before the vote on Monday 30, including at a meeting called in early June to draw up the timeline for the contest.

Outgoing Southwark Council Leader Kieron Williams, whom McAsh challenged for the leadership last year and only lost out by a handful of votes, declined to comment on why no one from the party appeared to have checked the rules surrounding proxies before last Monday's vote.

Heaping praise on his successor, Williams said: "I'd like to congratulate Sarah. Having worked with her very closely, I know she will be a brilliant, compassionate and very dedicated leader for our borough and I look forward to seeing the many great things she will continue to do for the people of Southwark."

Asked for his opinion on the chaos which has enveloped Southwark Labour since last Monday's vote, Williams did not answer directly, stating: "We have a very talented

Labour Group. It was an impressive field of candidates. It was a hotly fought contest but I’m delighted that Sarah has been chosen as the new leader.”

MP Neil Coyle, who some within the group are likely to view as responsible for the overturning of McAsh's victory, was buoyant when asked to respond to the news of King's election.

"Southwark Labour has a great new leader" he said. "And the first female leader for over two decades, so it's about time.

I'm glad Sarah’s won and look forward to working with her going forward."

Pressed on whether he thought the chaos surrounding the local party had been worth it for the changed outcome, Coyle once more insisted that his interference was to do with the process rather than politics of the election.

"In the past I've had to stand up to the national party when it has made mistakes.

Southwark Labour is no exception. I think my constituents value that challenging attitude.

"I shouldn’t have had to be involved but I'm glad the election has been run properly.

I think the process has to be run fairly and appropriately and now it has been and Southwark has the best leader as a result."

Responding to the election of King as the group's next leader, leader of the opposition Southwark Liberal Democrats Cllr Victor Chamberlain blasted the shenanigans surrounding the contest as a "charade of chaos", adding: "Even Liz Truss lasted longer than Cllr McAsh".

The opposition leader said: “We congratulate Cllr King on her new role, and recognise that as Leader of the Council it’s in everyone’s interest that she succeeds.

NEWS 9

However, Labour’s pointless and chaotic charade has only shown what residents already know – that they’re not fit to lead a students’ union, let alone a council.

"To have had three leaders in the space of a week speaks volumes about the competence and seriousness of the Labour party. Even Liz Truss lasted longer than Cllr McAsh. This is a group that much like the national Labour party, are pulling in totally different directions – and its residents who will suffer.

"Cllr King is a long-standing director and co-owner of Connect Public Affairs, a lobbying firm for big developers including here in Southwark. As Leader of the Council, she will hold significant influence over housing, planning and regeneration decisions in Southwark.

It is essential that residents can have full confidence that public decisions are made in the public interest. For too long Southwark has failed to stand up to big developers and as a result residents are being priced out.

"Whilst Labour tear each other apart, Liberal Democrats are single minded in standing up for Southwark’s residents, fighting for homes local people can afford, cleaner and safer streets, and tackling the cost of living.”

Aside from how McAsh may choose to respond, King as leader will now face the daunting task of trying to unite a divided party - with 25 colleagues who supported McAsh possibly feeling the leadership has been wrested from him.

Both James McAsh and Sarah King were contacted for a statement but had not responded by the time we went to press.

10 NEWS

AUTHOR STEPHEN BOURNE UNCOVERS FRESH STORIES IN BLACK BRITISH THEATRE HISTORY

Latest edition of Trailblazers of Black British Theatre

Stephen Bourne

By Abigail Finney A CAMBERWELL author has published a paperback copy and three new chapters of Deep are the Roots: Trailblazers Who Changed Black British Theatre, a book that unveils fresh stories in the black British theatre.

Stephen Bourne's original book, published in 2021, covers a 150-year period from 1825, when a black actor called Ira Aldridge played Othello, the greatest black character in a Shakespeare play, on the British stage for the first time.

A few new perspectives are uncovered in the additional three chapters: playwright Una Marson and actors Ida Shepley and Dame Cleo Laine.

In addition to providing a longoverdue critique of Laurence Olivier's Othello, Bourne has unearthed the forgotten story of Paul Molyneaux, a Shakespearean actor of the Victorian era.

There are chapters about the groundbreaking work of playwrights at the Royal Court, the first Black drama school students, pioneering theatre companies and three influential dramatists of the 1970s:

Una Marson and Learie Constantine at the BBC in 1941 Calling the West Indies

He releases three new chapters to his 2021 book, covering playwright Una Marson and actors Ida Shepley and Dame Cleo Laine Mustapha Matura, Michael Abbensetts and Alfred Fagon.

Drawing on interviews with leading lights and illustrated with rare photos from Bourne's private collection, this book offers everything you need to know about the trailblazers of Black theatre in Britain and their profound influence on the culture of today.

Ira Aldridge is still central to the book despite the additional three

chapters. The American actor had a difficult time when he first came to this country as a teenager, although he moved to London to avoid oppression at home in the US. He married a white English woman called Margaret Gill, which angered pro-slavery activists in London, according to Mr Bourne.

The slave trade had been abolished in the British Empire in 1807, although slavery in British colonies was not finally outlawed until 1833. According to Mr Bourne’s book, this made it difficult for Aldridge to establish himself on the London stage and he was forced to move out of the capital to build up his reputation.

He played Othello for the first time in his career in 1825 in Brighton, and toured provincial British theatres with great success for several years before returning to London in 1833.

He played Othello at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden. According to Mr Bourne, “it was the first time a Black actor had appeared in a Shakespeare tragedy in a first-rate London theatre”.

He received hostile reviews: one newspaper quoted in Mr Bourne’s book said: “Aldridge shall be jammed to atoms by the relentless power of our critical “BATTERING RAM” if his name

is not immediately withdrawn from the Bills!!!”

Aldridge persevered and performed as Othello again at the Surrey Theatre on Blackfriars Road. He also toured extensively in Europe. Ira eventually died in Poland aged 60 in 1867.

Mr Bourne has also uncovered the story of a black American actor from the nineteenth century who lived near Camberwell Grove. Paul Molyneaux came to London and performed as Othello in a theatre in Kilburn in the north-west of the capital in 1883. The production got bad reviews, at least in part down to its mostly-amateur cast, which frustrated Molyneaux.

Molyneaux appears to have moved to Glasgow, where he married a white British woman, but eventually left the country. He died in 1891, probably because of a brain tumour.

Mr Bourne describes Paul as ‘the forgotten Othello’ because historians have often claimed that Aldridge was the last black man to play the character in Britain for about 60 years, before Paul Robeson in the 1930s.

But he has not been forgotten by his British descendants, who have done their own research into their pioneering relative.

Molyneaux’s grandson lives in Wales and his great-

granddaughter in Devon. His ten-yearold great-great-grandson has recently performed in his first Shakespeare play.

The family told Mr Bourne: “It has given us great pleasure to know that Paul’s achievements are not forgotten and that his life and experiences will inspire other young actors to keep battling against disadvantage and discrimination. As a family we are all very proud to have had such brave and inspiring ancestors.”

The book is also deeply personal. In the opening chapter Mr Bourne shares the story of how he was first introduced to the world of black British theatre and other art forms by a friend, Sonia, with Caribbean roots, who worked in the Peckham unemployment office in the 1980s, against the backdrop of the riots in south London. They remained friends and stayed in touch before Sonia died aged just 45.

Other chapters include discussions of the twentieth century actor and singer Paul Robeson, the experiences of black students at the famous RADA acting school from the 1930s to the 1960s and the influential playwrights Mustapha Matura, Michael Abbensetts and Alfred Fagon, among many other stories.

The book is available on Amazon

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12 NEWS

CARNAVAL DEL PUEBLO RETURNS TO BURGESS PARK

By Claudia Macaluso

Carnaval del Pueblo 2022.

Credit Jander Studio Photography

EUROPE’S LARGEST Latin American festival, Carnaval del Pueblo, will return on Sunday 10 August, transforming Burgess Park into a vibrant celebration of music, dance and culture.

The free event, running from 12pm to 9pm will feature live performances, and an array of traditional food and crafts.

Once in the park, three stages, including the main stage and dedicated Andean and Brazilian areas, will host performances from prominent Latin American artists.

Festival-goers will also be able to enjoy a salsa dance floor, children’s activities, and over 200 stalls selling regional food, drinks, and crafts.

Organisers have asked people to leave their dogs at home and avoid travelling by car if possible.

Marking the Bicentenary of Independence for several Latin American countries, this year’s festival aims to break the Guinness World Record for the largest salsa dance.

The festival is supported by Arts Council England and continues to grow in popularity, drawing visitors from across London and beyond.

Festival founder Nuala Riddell-Morales said: “This is more than a carnival, it is a platform for London to learn from Latin America, about community, resilience, and joy.

“With support from several Latin American embassies this year, we’re breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all.”

Ahead of the festival, community leaders from seven Latin American

countries gathered last Thursday at Westminster City Hall for a special engagement session.

The meeting, hosted by Westminster UNISON’s Christopher Smith, aimed to strengthen ties between the Latin American community and to establish a directive group to guide the CDP’s future as both an event and an organisation.

Participants discussed the challenges faced by Latin Americans in London, including financial hurdles, cultural isolation, and a tendency to remain underrepresented.

Ideas emerged to create a Latin American union, encourage more educational stands at the festival, and use the event as a platform to promote environmental and social causes.

Christopher Smith said: “This carnival is a community supporting each other, not just a party. I want to help it grow and stay financially stable, because it brings people together in a way few events can.”

Artist and creative practitioner R.M. Sánchez-Camus, who facilitated the session, emphasised the need for longterm sustainability.

Man arrested following vandalism of Windrush Exhibition in Brixton The police said the incident was not being treated as a hate crime

By Kevin Quinn A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after an exhibition honouring the Windrush generation was vandalised in Brixton.

Police have confirmed that, based on enquiries so far, the incident is not being treated as a hate crime. They have said that further investigations are underway to determine the full circumstances.

Police were called to Windrush Square at 6.09am on Thursday, 3 July, following reports of criminal damage to the display.

An investigation was launched and two days later on Saturday, 5 July,

a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of vandalism.

The man remains in police custody and Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, who leads policing in Brixton, said: “We understand that those in the community will feel distressed about vandalism to the Windrush exhibition in Brixton.

“We believe that this was not a hate crime, and I want to reassure anyone with concerns, that a man has now been arrested.

“Local neighbourhood officers have been in contact with the organiser of the exhibition, and remain in the area to respond to any questions or worries that people may have.”

After the damage people took to social media to express their outrage and the Brixton Blog reported how Seema Malhotra, a parliamentary under-secretary of state in the Home Office, whose responsibilities include immigration policy and the Windrush compensation scheme, had come to see and hear for herself the damage to the Windrush Untold Stories exhibition and the effect it has had locally and nationally.

The 20 portraits of Windrush Generation pioneers and descendants that make up the exhibition have been severely scratched around the eyes with a sharp object, plus one has been spray-painted.

He said: “The organisation has been running on goodwill and volunteer labour. This year, with new infrastructure support worth £350,000, we have a real opportunity to secure the festival’s future, but it must be managed strategically.”

In fact, for the first year Southwark Council negotiated the infrastructure with the multinational festivals taking place in the park before the carnival, which are contractually required to provide ‘community days’.

CDP will therefore benefit from highquality infrastructure which would

otherwise cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to set up, allowing it to host bigger stars and more elaborate productions.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of representing all Latin American countries equally and suggested that each nation could have its own ‘expo’ stand with cultural information, performances, and food, potentially funded by embassies.

Another proposal that emerged from the workshop was to merge Spanish and English more intentionally, using the festival as a space for cultural exchange and education, with the ultimate goal of inspiring young people.

Riddell-Morales echoed this vision, noting the festival’s role as a space for shared learning and connection.

She explained: “This is just the beginning, we want people from across the UK to come to South London for this, like they do for Edinburgh’s international festival, because this is a carnival for everyone not just for Latin Americans.”

She continued: “This is a historic year, with embassies actively supporting us and a new focus on integrating Latin American voices into London’s cultural fabric.”

With preparations in full swing, the organisers said they plan to use the festival as a launchpad for continued community engagement and fundraising efforts, ensuring that future editions remain free and inclusive.

By inviting audiences and artists to participate in regular community meetups throughout the year, they aim to create a strong network among Latin American organisations and artists and share resources to keep building momentum beyond the festival itself.

This Bermondsey Brewery wants to expand their taproom and will reward those who donate

By Evie Flynn BREWERY BIANCA Road Brew Co is crowdfunding to expand its Beer Mile taproom and backers will receive double their money back to spend in credit when it opens.

The independent Bianca Road Brew Co has deep roots in South East London and started in Peckham over ten years ago. The have an existing venue on the Bermondsey Beer Mile (Druid Street) where they brew lager, pale ale and sour beer.

Yet demand is picking up and under new ownership, they are looking to expand their offering and open a new taproom space on Druid Street.

Unlike traditional fundraising, every backer who donates to their crowdfunding page will receive double their pledge back to spend in credit when the new taproom opens.

The credit can either be spent in the

taproom itself or online through Bianca Road’s online shop.

Donations start at £20 and you would get £40 back to spend behind the bar.

Bianca Road need to raise £20,000 to redesign the empty railway arch, including furniture, seating and insulation to keep punters cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

The team are planning for the current taproom seating space to become a cold store, with the addition of a new arch to create a new taproom experience.

They have said that this unique approach “not only helps fund the taproom’s creation but ensures that the benefits flow straight back to the community that makes the brewery what it is.”

Terry Staples, co-founder of the brewery has told the News that they hope the new taproom will be open at the end of July.

You can donate at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ bianca-road-brew-co—new-taproom

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14 NEWS

NEWS 13 ADVERTORIAL

ADVERTORIAL

Virtual reality app is supporting young patients Francine and Salvador

EVELINA LONDON has collaborated with the patient education company Xploro to create an app that helps children prepare for day surgery.

The app, which has already been downloaded by hundreds of patients, aims to reduce anxiety in children and young people having surgery at the hospital by introducing them to what will happen on the day of their procedure. The app helps patients to get used to the environment from the comfort of their home.

Francine and four-yearold Salvador used the app to prepare for his surgery.

Francine said: “The Xploro app was such a fantastic tool for us to engage Salvador in his upcoming surgery and what to expect with his visit.

“He loved the interactive character and dressing him up and popping him into his surroundings. The explanations of the day surgery, hospital staff and equipment were age appropriate and clear and helped to prepare him for the day so he knew what to expect.”

Dr Raksa Tupprasoot, a consultant paediatric anaesthetist working in the children’s day surgery unit, said: “I was impressed that my patient had an idea of what the anaesthetic involved from the app, which was a pleasant surprise and really helped build on my explanation to them about the anaesthetic on the day. The fact that they were mentally prepared and knew what to expect was enormously helpful.”

For more information about the app, visit: https://www. guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/ innovative-digital-solution

JOIN ST THOMAS’ ABSEIL ON 19 AND 20 SEPTEMBER

EVELINA LONDON Children’s Charity is celebrating 10 years of the iconic St Thomas’ Abseil.

Join fundraisers at a special celebration, and take the 160 feet plunge down the front of St Thomas’ Hospital.

The abseil is an opportunity to take part in an adrenaline-fuelled event, and enjoy a birds-eye view of some of London’s most famous landmarks.

A spokesperson for the charity

said: “It will be an electric party atmosphere, and you’ll create memories to cherish forever.

Thousands of amazing people have taken on this challenge over the last decade. Make this your year to join them, and help us raise vital money to support the compassionate, trailblazing care at Evelina London.”

Sign up by Friday 11 July with the code FLASH50 and get a 50% discount: evelinacharity. org.uk/abseil

St Thomas’ Abseil

Progress Pride Badges

A staff member with a Progress Pride Badge

Save the Date: Annual Public Meeting – Wednesday, 3 September

GUY’S AND St Thomas’ celebrated Pride Month, with many staff proudly wearing their Progress Pride Badges to show that the Trust provides open, non-judgemental and inclusive care for patients who identify as LGBT+.

The new design of the badge builds on the NHS Rainbow Badge project that began at Evelina London in 2019, and updates the six-striped rainbow flag with the Progress Pride flag.

It aims to better represent the many identities within the LGBT+ community, including trans and

GUY’S AND St Thomas’ announced that its Annual Public Meeting will be held on Wednesday 3 September.

The meeting is free to attend and open to everyone.

People who join the event will hear from the Trust’s Chair,

non-binary people, and people of the global majority.

LGBT+ refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities – and the ‘+’ simply means inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities, regardless of how people define themselves.

The Trust remains part of the NHS Rainbow Badge project, which is now a national assessment and accreditation model allowing NHS Trusts to demonstrate their commitment to reducing barriers to healthcare for LGBT+ people.

Charles Alexander and Chief Executive, Professor Ian Abbs about achievements over the last year and plans for the future. There is also an opportunity to ask questions.

You can attend this event either in person or online. To register for your free place, email gstt.members@nhs.net

NEWS 15

HARRIS ACADEMY PECKHAM CELEBRATES 'OUTSTANDING' OFSTED RATING THIS YEAR TEACHERS STRIKE OVER RESTRUCTURE

By Issy Clarke

TEACHERS AT Harris Girls' Academy in East Dulwich have walked out for three days this month in protest against a staff restructuring which they claim will make seven members of staff redundant.

By Issy Clarke THE HARRIS Academy in Peckham hosted a celebration last week after the school was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted earlier this year.

The Mayor of Southwark and local MP Miatta Fahnbulleh joined students in celebrating the glowing report issued by the education inspectorate, with the occasion featuring a series of musical, drama and poetry performances.

Inspectors from Ofsted rated the school ‘outstanding’ in all areas, praising the Academy’s “highly ambitious” curriculum and “expert” teaching staff, as well as the students’ “excellent” behaviour.

School leaders were also praised as “highly ambitious for the school and the role it plays in their local community.”

Representatives from the Harris Federation, including Chief Executive Sir Dan Moynihan and Lord Harris of Peckham, as well as the Mayor of Southwark and the Academy’s Principal gave speeches to those in attendance about the Academy’s significant improvement which led to their Ofsted success.

Peckham MP Miatta Fahnbulleh also spoke with students about the history of the school and its success.

Reflecting on the event, she later wrote on X that the report represented an “extraordinary milestone” and a “collective achievement reflecting years of dedication.”

Claudette Bergin, Principal of Harris Academy Peckham, said: It was fantastic to see so many members of our community come together to celebrate

our recent Ofsted achievement. Our students thoroughly enjoyed hearing from all our speakers, and showcasing their wide-ranging talents with a series of brilliant music, drama and poetry performances.

“Thank you to everyone in our school community whose support contributed to our Ofsted outcome and to everyone who came along to celebrate, particularly the many members of our local community here in Peckham.”

and training system in England.

He was the principal advisor to the Secretary of State on higher education, further education and adult skills.

He previously worked at PWC, a consultancy firm, as a Senior Adviser and Global Director covering Education and Skills. Throughout his work across the UK education sector he has championed the role of universities as drivers for growth and the need to help them reach

financial sustainability.

Welcoming the appointment of Paul Kett, Sir Simon Hughes, Chancellor of LSBU and former Liberal Democrat MP for Bermondsey, said:From a very strong field of applicants, Paul Kett is a very exciting, talented and well-qualified appointment as our new Vice Chancellor and CEO of the LSBU group.

“We can be very confident that under his leadership we will continue our success as a leading

Members of the school's teaching and support staff were due to walk out this week on Tuesday 8 July, Wednesday 9 July and Wednesday 16 July next week.

The National Education Union, which is behind the strikes, said a planned restructuring threatened to make seven experienced members of staff redundant, including five members of the safeguarding team. It is calling for the school to withdraw all proposed compulsory redundancies.

The union cited a 2023 study showing that the Harris Federation, the largest academy trust in South London, spent three times more than the average multi-academy trust on executive pay and 23 times more than the largest local authorities.

It also claimed executive pay at Harris rose by £540,000 (14 per cent), with the Federation’s CEO, Sir Dan Moynihan, becoming the first education executive in the UK to earn over £500,000 annually.

Paddy Emond, Regional Officer at the National Education Union, said: “No one disputes that schools are under serious funding pressure. But when the highest-paid education executive in the country is overseeing cuts to vital safeguarding roles, something is deeply wrong. Our members care about their school, their students, and their community.

London South Bank appoints former education Director General as its new vice-chancellor

By Issy Clarke LONDON SOUTH Bank University (LSBU) has appointed a former Director General of education as its new vice-chancellor.

Paul Kett will be stepping into the role of vice-chancellor and CEO of the LSBU group in September.

Kett worked in the Department for Education for six years until 2022, where he was responsible for overseeing the post-16 education

and innovative London and British modern technical university and group.

“At LSBU thousands of young people and adults will develop their skills with apprenticeships, degrees and other qualifications to fit them for the best employment opportunities in the decades ahead.”

"They are being forced to strike because decisions are being made that put pupils at risk while executive salaries continue to rise. This is not about necessity, it is about priorities."

The Trust announced plans in May to lay off staff in 14 of its 55 schools, including Harris Girls’ Academy East Dulwich, Harris Academy Bermondsey and Harris Academy Peckham.

A spokesperson for the Trust told the News that the decision had been made due to “financial pressures”, adding: “In Southwark, where more and more families are being priced out of the area, falling rolls that have already affected primaries are now affecting secondaries.”

Responding to the news of the upcoming strike action, a spokesperson for the Federation said: "In common with almost every other school in London, we are restructuring our team to meet the decline in secondary school rolls across the city and to be able to afford the unfunded national insurance increases and national pay awards that the NEU campaigned for and the government has introduced.

“The Academy will remain fully open throughout the period of strike action and a full school day will operate.

“The Academy is fully staffed for September in all roles. It is disappointing that the NEU is scaremongering but, as ever, they are more concerned about promoting themselves rather than considering what could unnecessarily concern families.”

16 NEWS EXCLUSIVE

By Issy Clarke SOUTHWARK COUNCIL'S retiring leader Kieron Williams sat down with this paper last week to re�lect on his tenure, claiming he has left the borough "in a better place" than he found it �ive years ago, when he took over from his Labour colleague Peter John, amid the global pandemic.

He shot up the ranks of the local Labour Party, taking the top job in 2020 within six years of being elected and says housing has always been his top priority. "Housing is the number one issue in my inbox," he told us, but he cast doubt on whether the council's much publicised target of building 11,000 new homes by 2043 would be reached.

With a council housing waiting list that has now ballooned to 19,000, Williams has come under much fire from local groups and the main opposition party at the Town Hall for not delivering on his own commitments and those of his predecessor Peter John.

The council under Williams was accused of ‘serious failings’ by the Regulator of Social Housing last October and as he leaves office an investigation into major works on two estates that collectively ran £5.6 million over budget is still ongoing.

Meanwhile falling birth rates have meant eight primary schools have had to close, accelerated in areas where regeneration in Southwark has meant more and more families have had to up sticks, with wealthy professionals taking their place.

Addressing all these issues with us, Williams held fast to his claim that Southwark has done more than any other council in London to get homes built and has “really turned a corner” since the regulator's report. The outgoing leader also said he was personally behind the push to investigate failings like major works in the borough, and claimed that regeneration has not resulted in a net drop in social housing in Southwark over the past decade.

Williams took over from John in October 2020, when the world was in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The councillor for Camberwell Green reflects on this period as “the best of the council and the best of our community.

We got help to 73,000 vulnerable residents in the borough. I can hand on heart say, I don't think any council in the country did more than we did.”

We asked Williams what he made of the criticism that swathes of the council's workforce went home during the pandemic and never came back to the office.

"Everybody is in the office, some people work from home a proportion of the week" he said. "But all of our staff are in the borough."

As the country emerged from the pandemic, one of Williams’ first actions was to commission a comprehensive review of the council’s entire housing service.

“I knew we would find some things that needed fixing” he said. “That's why I asked for it. But if I'm honest, it found more things that needed addressing than I thought there would be.”

It is an argument reminiscent of the Labour government’s oft-repeated 'shock' upon entering office last year to discover a ‘£22 billion black hole’ in the country’s finances. Of course, the difference being that Williams, who had previously served as the Cabinet Member for Housing, took over what was already a Labour administration,

DEPARTING SOUTHWARK COUNCIL LEADER DEFENDS HOUSING RECORD

At the meeting at Lower Road

He says regeneration has not resulted in a drop in social housing in the last decade, but casts doubt on whether the council's much publicised target of building 11,000 new homes by 2043 will be reached not a Conservative one.

The context of a housing department in a long-term state of disarray, he suggests, presented the backdrop for a damning rating by the Regulator of Social Housing in October 2024. The council was slapped with a C3 rating – the second worst possible score – and accused of ‘serious failings’. The report found that 50 per cent of the council’s properties did not have working smoke alarms, and more than half had not received an electrical safety test for five years.

In the aftermath of the report, Williams

was forced to come out and apologise to tenants. He said: “I set out that apology because I saw from that root and branch review, that some things hadn't been up to the standard they should have been.”

Nine months on, Williams insists the council has “really turned the corner.”

“We’ve had regular meetings with the Regulator of Social Housing, and they have been really clear recently that our plans are the right plans and that they see we are making progress and heading in the right direction," he adds.

The council confirmed that since the report was published, it has completed

6,300 electrical safety checks and 2,850 smoke alarm checks. By next year it expects all 36,000 of the homes it manages will be fully compliant with the regulator's health and safety standards.

Meanwhile, questions remained unanswered over the whereabouts of a report commissioned by the council last year after major works on two estates – the Canada Estate in Rotherhithe and Devon Mansions in Bermondsey – collectively ran £5.6 million over budget and months over schedule.

The report was initially scheduled for publication last August – then it was

delayed until September. Two meetings to discuss the still-unpublished report earlier this year were called off, seemingly with little explanation.

Asked when residents could expect to see the report, and what would be included in it, Williams avoided answering directly, stating: “All of the work we've done to improve housing, we've made it transparent. We're producing a new annual report this year that will set out where we are with all of our housing services.”

Pushed on whether he had a date for the publication of the report,

NEWS 17

the outgoing leader said: “I don’t have that information in front of me.”

Just days after our interview the date of July 28 has been set to discuss the findings of that report.

Williams is sanguine about the council’s progress on housebuilding under his tenure, listing it as one of his proudest achievements as leader. “Housing is the number one issue in my inbox,” he claims, “so to have made such good progress on that is something that I am really proud of.”

Since 2013, the council has been working towards the goal of building 11,000 new homes by 2043, a target set by Williams’ predecessor. So far, the council has started work on or completed 3,000 council homes across the borough – 8,000 homes short of its 2043 goal.

“The (11,000) target allowed us to focus on going big in the long term,” Williams said, adding that “since we set that goal, we have had to deal with the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, the need to invest in our existing housing stock.”

Pushed on whether the 11,000 target could be scrapped, Williams replied: “That’s a question you will have to ask my successor.”

But despite Williams' optimism, conflicting reports of the council's housebuilding programme make establishing a clear picture of its progress difficult. The Liberal Democrats recently castigated the local authority for failing to start

work on a single new home last year. For its part, Southwark Labour point out that last year the council may not have started any new projects, but they did manage to complete more houses than any other London borough.

Meanwhile, reports regularly fill the pages of this newspaper of private developers claiming they ‘can’t afford’ to provide social rent homes. Just last week, we reported that the developer behind Solomon’s Passage in Peckham had written to local residents informing them that the site will no longer include the previously-promised 32 social rent flats because it had not been able to find a housing association willing to take them on.

Asked why the council could not jump in to foot the bill of providing affordable homes in private developments, Williams admitted that “money has been tight”.

He continued: “Over the last 14 years previous to this government, we have seen the government cut funding for affordable housing, for existing social rent homes, and we have seen the funding that local authorities have available for council housing slashed as well.

“So we can't fund every single housing project in the borough and we're really focused on funding the ones that we think are the best bet for our residents.”

On a more positive note, Williams said the last year had seen a “sea change” from the government. “We’ve seen £40 billion announced for affordable housing. That is a once in a generation turnaround.”

The supply of affordable family housing is indexed to another issue which has dominated Williams’ leadership - the spiralling number of school closures. Since 2022, eight primary schools have shut in Southwark. The issue is London-wide, blamed on a falling birth rate due to soaring house prices.

However in Southwark, school closures have occurred amid the context of the demolition of some of the borough’s, and indeed London's, largest housing estates. Both the Aylesbury Estate in Walworth and the Heygate Estate in Elephant & Castle, which provided homes for countless local families, have been signed off for demolition since Labour took control of the council in 2010.

Asked whether he felt that council-led redevelopment projects were at least partially behind school closures, Williams said the reasons behind the reduction in the number of children in Southwark were “complicated”.

“It's not as a result of a change amount of social housing, because we've got roughly the same amount of social housing now in the borough as we had a decade ago.

“It is because house prices for private renters and buyers have gone up, as they have across London, the country and indeed most of the world.

“And now housing benefit simply doesn't cover the cost of renting in the centre of London anymore in a way that it did back pre-2010.

“School funding is based per pupil, so if your classroom is half empty, you might have enough money coming in to pay for the teacher and the school building, but you can't pay for teaching assistants and all of the extra support kids need to do really well."

When we asked if the number of family-sized socially rented homes in the borough had changed in the last decade, the leader said: “We've got really clear planning policies that we require family sized homes in all new developments, including family sized, social rent homes.”

As he prepares to leave Tooley Street behind, what next for the outgoing leader of Southwark Council?

Previous council leaders have been criticised for taking up lucrative jobs in the property world – including Peter John, despite making promises to the contrary.

“My whole life has been about public service," he said. "I started out doing that as an officer in the civil service, as a council officer, I worked for volunteering community organisations.

"I've done it as an elected representative. I will absolutely be carrying on in public service.”

Asked whether this meant he had no plans to go into property, the leader avoided answering directly, instead saying he would be “carrying on in public service. That is my plan.”

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18 OPINION

Comment

‘We are providing free school meals and will be rolling out free breakfast clubs’

F

REE SCHOOL meals make a huge difference, providing a hot nutritious meal that many children would otherwise go without and enabling them to learn and make the most of their education.

In Southwark, we have seen the benefits of universal free school meals for primary school children since the Council introduced this policy in 2010. I was proud to be a councillor at that time who voted for the universal free school meals policy, which was opposed by the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.

I am really proud now that the Labour government is expanding

HELEN HAYES

eligibility for free school meals to all children in families receiving Universal Credit right across the country from September 2026. This is on top of the roll out of free breakfast clubs that is currently underway and will be extended to every school in the country over the coming years.

Children can’t concentrate and they can’t learn if they are hungry, so this combination of new policies will have a positive impact on educational attainment and attendance at school which are cornerstones to ensure that every child and young person can thrive.

Southwark has continued to lead the way. When Labour’s Mayor

Sadiq Khan committed to providing free healthy school meals to every child attending a state primary school across London, Southwark Labour didn’t rest on their laurels, but instead used the funds to roll out free healthy school meals to children from families receiving Universal Credit at secondary schools too.

Under the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats from 2010 to 2024 too many children were plunged into poverty. Child poverty had increased by almost a million by the time

The largest city-wide climate festival in Europe, it brings together over 700 events to tackle the defining issue of a generation. The week showcased the action already being taking and the scale of ambition still needed.

Mayor Sadiq Khan is a pioneer of tackling climate change. He has been backing bold solutions with serious investment.

He recently announced a new £2.8 million joint initiative with Bloomberg Philanthropies to expand the city’s pioneering Breathe London air quality programme.

The next phase of Breathe London will bring even more low-cost sensors and targeted support to communities, hospitals and schools.

More data empowers councils and residents to understand

pollution levels in their area and take action to protect our health.

The Mayor has just opened the fifth round of his £500 million Green Finance Fund, supporting projects like solar panels on the London Stadium.

Since 2023, the fund has committed over £318 million, the equivalent of taking more than 31,000 cars off the road in reduced carbon emissions.

Transport for London, London’s largest electricity user, has also signed a new energy contract that will power our Tube network using solar energy from Essex.

And landmark measures like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), the Congestion Charge, and London’s growing fleet of electric buses have seen pollution levels falling in London.

ULEZ has prevented nearly

MP for Dulwich & West Norwood they left government. That’s not something Labour is willing to allow.

Every toddler in pre-school, every child at school and every sixth former at college whose household receives universal credit, will get a free, nutritious lunch. That’s over half a million more free lunches across England, on top of the 3 million already served every day and this policy will pull a full 100,000 children out of poverty entirely.

And Labour’s child poverty strategy later this year will take us

'Soaring temperatures are a stark reminder of climate change' A S TEMPERATURES soared across London last week, many of us struggled to cope with sleepless nights and sweltering days.

Heatwaves are no longer rare events. They are becoming more intense and more frequent, and they are a stark reminder how climate change is impacting our daily lives.

Last month’s damning report by the Royal College of Physicians revealed that 99% of the UK population was now breathing in “toxic air”. Air pollution is killing 500 people a week and costing £27bn a year in ill health, NHS care and productivity losses, the research showed.

That is why the recent London Climate Action Week could not have come at a more important time.

even further in tackling the stain of child poverty across the country.

Families across Southwark and Lambeth are doing their best to provide for their families, working all hours to give their children the very best start. At last, they have a Labour government that is on their side.

Better lives for families.

Opportunity for children to thrive no matter their background. Those are our driving forces, and that’s the change we’re delivering.

MARINA AHMAD

GLA Member for Southwark & Lambeth 300,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide emissions and Nitrogen Dioxide Levels have fallen 50% in inner London and 25% in Outer London.

It can be disheartening seeing that not enough is being done globally to tackle climate change, especially when leaders of some of the world’s biggest economies are deaf to the need for change.

But London is showing that change is possible at every level.

From adopting healthy school streets in local communities, to purchasing clean energy at a regional level and the Mayor of London providing strong global leadership to raise the alarm about climate change, we should take heart that we can all live greener, healthier lives.

OPINION 19

A week is a long time in politics

W

hile all eyes this week have been �irmly �ixed on Southwark Labour’s next leader, we also found time to sit down with Kieron Williams to re�lect on his �ive years at the helm of a borough with the largest number of council homes in London.

The outgoing leader fielded our questions on the most salient critiques from his time as leader – from the council’s ballooning housing waiting list to an unresolved investigation into major works on two estates.

Our conversation with Cllr Williams yielded some surprising answers – in particular, his ambivalence when asked whether the council was on track to meet its target of building 11,000 new homes by 2043. The council has only managed to start building 3,000 homes since the goal was set 12 years ago and failed to begin work on a single new build last year.

Williams was buoyant about the council’s record on housing under his leadership, describing it as one of his “biggest achievements”. However, the figures tell a different story and cast some doubt on whether the council will be able deliver the remaining 8,000 homes over the next 18 years.

We also pushed Williams for an update on the much-delayed major works investigation into a £5.6 million overspend on major works on the Canada and Devon Mansions estates. He declined to answer when we asked where the report was and what would be in it. However, in the days after we met with the outgoing leader a date was set for the report to be discussed at a meeting of the council’s housing scrutiny committee.

The previous two meetings called to discuss the report were both cancelled at the last minute, so residents will look ahead to the meeting with bated breath. However, many will be tentatively hopeful that the report will at long last establish some accountability for the debacle which has run on for years.

The council’s daunting housebuilding target and the ever-growing size of its housing waiting list are challenges which Williams’ successor will now inherit.

Sarah King was anointed the new leader of Southwark Labour on Monday, after a messy contest which saw James McAsh briefly crowned and then brutally defenestrated under the orders of the regional party. She won’t have any time to waste. With May’s local elections fast approaching, the party will need to get to work immediately so it can present a compelling pitch to voters come the spring.

Some may look on King’s election as a boon for the council’s housing targets – King is a long-standing partner at a public relations firm with a specialism on planning and the built environment. Her supporters are likely to view this, combined with her 18-month long stint as the council’s lead for housing, as key qualifying attributes for the leadership. But others – including opposition leader Victor Chamberlain – worry her ‘cosiness’ with the planning sector could compromise her judgement.

While Williams was keen to put across the external challenges to which the council is beholden – the Ukraine war, Liz Truss’s disastrous mini budget – it’s an argument which risks appearing increasingly out of touch. Many voters would, fairly or unfairly, point out that Labour now controls every lever of power affecting the borough – the council, the London Mayoralty, all five constituencies and the national government. Come May, the party will Flyer_A5.pdf 1 12/10/2021 22:35 need to show that its omnipotence in Southwark is delivering meaningful results for residents if it hopes to see councillors return in the same numbers as they did in 2022.

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4 Cheats at cards? (6) 8 But strong drink on Saturday and Sunday? (4,3) 10 All tear sideways (7) 11 Understand the subject on hand (5) 12 Where one cannot expect a warm welcome? (5) 13 A tailor's right to be upset about men's clothes (9) 16 An April display presumably (5,4) 19 The battleground is some land round the north (5) 20 One needs drive to make a go of it (5) 22 Last in bed got blown up (7) 23 Hang it! (7) 24 Songbirds? (6)

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ARTS 21

what’s on

ROTHERHITHE ARTIST Ed Gray's latest show brings together 30 years of painting city life all over the world and includes some of his greatest hits going back to the mid-90s, writes Michael Holland.

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GRAY

As well as get a true insight into our London and its markets, London Underground buskers, Remembrance Day commemorations and pubs, we get to see Mexican rituals, Americans at play, Japanese commuters and football in the South African townships.

We also get to see how Gray's work has evolved over the years. I asked him how he thought it had changed: 'I used to work in straight lines and now I work in circles,' he said enigmatically, but when you look at something from 2001 and then his recent Shoreditch High Street painting, you can see exactly what he means. They are more complex these days and need more of an intense look; they have so much going on you really need to stop to take it all in.

A new addition to the artist's shows now are QR Codes with each artwork

that take you behind the scenes and tell you what inspired the work and also reveal some of the hidden secrets that he includes in every painting.

The show, in a fantastic Huguenot house that has hardly changed since it was built in 1705, has already attracted overseas visitors along with London's finest. I spoke to Americans and Italians during my visit, and saw that already the red 'sold' stickers were going up on the sketches and prints. This is contemporary art in early-18th century surroundings.

The highlight of this exhibition, for me, is the West Lane War Memorial piece because it has a poignant story attached to it and 70% of each sale will go to UNICEF. House of Annetta, 25 Princelet Street, Spital�ields, E1 6QH until July 20th.

Admission Free. Mon – Tues 11am – 5pm; Add – Sun 11am – 8pm.

Link to the War Memorial print(67cm x 60cm) https://www.edgrayart.com/shop/ remembrance-west-lane-warmemorial-rotherhithe/

© Photo by Johan Persson ©Disney

This is not history this is high end histrionics!

WHAT DO I know about Hercules?

Not a lot, actually. I'm hoping Disney can �ill the gaps in my Greek mythology knowledge, writes Michael Holland.

The big columns on the big set were immediately impressive, as was the big opening number when five funky females rose up through the floor and promised to liven this legend up. This is mythology with money behind it.

Two brothers, Zeus (Goodie) and Hades (Baddie) had fallen out. Hades had been banished to the underworld, while Zeus was up with the Gods on Olympus. When their new baby Hercules was born, Hades saw his inheritance slipping away so had the boy kidnapped and slayed.

However, The Dumb and Dumber kidnappers couldn't go through with the killing so administered a potion that made Hercules half-human, then abandoned him on Earth to grow up with humans. Alas, as he got older the half-God part of him manifested itself as super-human strength and he was deemed a bit of a clumsy oaf by the townsfolk for unintentionally breaking almost everything he touched.

Life worsened as the neighbours became more hostile; it was time for

his mum to explain how she found him abandoned with a gold amulet around his neck, which she gives to her boy and waves him off to find his own way in the world.

This is a real Disney production so any historical facts can be taken with a pinch of fairy dust. I kind of sussed that when Hercules had to track down a personal trainer named Phil to help him get through a series of tests and become a God again. This is a userfriendly Hercules, so there is also a Bob, a Charles and a Meg, who is under the evil spell of Hades.

It is the women who are the driving force behind the men in this version, from Hera delicately guiding Zeus, and Meg outplaying Hades, and the Five Muses who keep us constantly updated with any story twists with music that was high-kicking and toetapping and swung with a real swing.

They had shoobedooos and shalalalas!

This was a Greek Chorus that had soul!

Disney does this stuff with ease.

They hire the best for everything so rarely make mistakes when it comes to entertaining the world. Alan Menken and David Zippel created the music, and they have a great pedigree - They can't have enough mantelpiece space

a Hound - a painting that has hung in the DPG for many years - and includes several newly commissioned works.

The large works burst with colour when you first encounter them but strangely feel quite muted, with swathes of brown linen left untouched.

In their abstractness they depict rows of teeth like rocks at the bottom of a canyon, or bricks in broken rows.

Seemingly unfinished, the paintings leave the viewer to fill in the gaps.

The artist says, 'The repetition of

a mouth filled with teeth is how I play with, subdue, elevate or put meaning and content into ideas around representations of self and Blackness.

It’s both specific and very general.

Using a work from the Collection (Head of a Hound) as a prompt for these works has significantly deepened my relationship to the history of images, their context and the narratives created around them.'

Gated Canyons can both confuse or open your eyes and mind to what Jones

in their homes for all the awards they have garnered over the years. And you can say the same about the writers, Robert Horn and Kwame KweiArmah (Former Young Vic Artistic Director). The script whipped along with wisecracks and heartwarming homilies.

The comedy is aimed at all ages, like panto, and they gave the characters pop and pizzazz. The Blind Prophet had some great lines, Meg had sass, but my man was Hades (Don't we all love a baddie?). Stephen Carlile had a lot of fun with this role, camping it up and eliciting boos in equal measure.

The SFX were fantastic, the outfits to die for. Who thought you could design something that would look good right now in Roman Road and be bang on trend in Ancient Greece?

Hercules is an eye-popping extravaganza. It has everything for everyone. This is not history this is high end histrionics!

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Catherine St, London, WC2B 5JF until 28th March 2026.

Booking and full details: https://lwtheatres.co.uk/whats-on/ hercules/

WHEN I saw the artist was a working-class black woman, born in Whitechapel and striving to be known in the art world, I recognised a struggle and felt an instant kinship, writes Michael Holland.

Already she has broken through many ceilings to get this exhibition, the first solo show by a contemporary artist in the main space at Dulwich Picture Gallery, and as had to stay grounded after finding fame so soon

after art school.

Jones has done that by keeping a connection to Black figures in art, continuing her lips and mouth motifs and making the art that she wants on material that she wants in a shape that she decides. So in Gated Canyons there are paintings on linen or canvas with 90° angles, and others on harder materials with unconventional shapes.

The exhibition has been put together by Jane Findlay and the art is a response to Peter Boel's Head of

Photography Eva Herzog

The large works burst with colour in Dulwich

wants her art to achieve.

Dulwich Picture Gallery until 19th October.

Booking and full details: www. dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/

22 EVENTS

Events

© Vision Cinema

© Charlton House

Heading south - our pick of upcoming summer events

Tuesday Concerts at Charlton House (FREE)

Walk-in Cinema at Royal Arsenal, Woolwich

Next Dates: 15th July - 26th August Time: 1pm every Tuesday Location: Charlton House, Charlton Rd, London SE7 8RE Tickets: Free- first come, first seated

Date: July 18th - July 20th. Time: Various Location: No. 2 Duke Of Wellington Avenue, Royal Arsenal Riverside, Woolwich SE18 6BY Tickets: £13.95 adult, £8.95 child and kids under two go free. Book here: https://visioncinema.co.uk/location/royal-arsenal-riverside-berkeley-homes/#movies-list

Every Tuesday afternoon throughout July and August, Charlton House Concert Society will be performing a free classical music concert in conjunction with The Royal College of Music and The Royal Academy of Music. You can expect Aidan Baracol (piano) on 15th July, Julia Trintschuk (guitar) on 22nd July and Denis Patrickson (saxophone) on 29th July.

The lunchtime concerts are free

There will be three days of family-friendly outdoor cinema at the Royal Arsenal Riverside. There will be traditional cinema seating, food you can order from your phone, comfy inflatable chairs and blankets. Films screening this July include: Captain America, Inside Out 2, Mamma Mia, The Monkey, Despicable Me 4, Coach Carter, Hangover Part II and Hazard.

© Woolwich Works

Dog Show at Woolwich Works (FREE TO WATCH)

Woolwich Works are putting on a family-friendly four-legged show where Woolwich dogs have the chance to compete for a range of prizes. Do you have a playful pooch who loves audience attention? If your pup loves a challenge, this competition is a match made in heaven. Categories include: Waggiest tail, best rescue, Mr Woolwich, Miss Woolwich, Golden Oldie (for dogs aged 7+ in human years or 44+ in dog years!) Warm up will be from 2pm and the show will start at 3pm. It’s completely free to watch and only a small fee for participating dogs.

Once you buy one ticket for your dog, you can enter them in as many categories as you like throughout the day.

Date: Saturday 19th July. Time: 2pm-4pm Location: Woolwich Works, 11 No.1 Street, Woolwich, London, SE18 6HD Ticket: Free to watch, £5 competition entry per dog (for all categories)

Kilmorie Primary School’s production of Peter Pan JR at Broadway Theatre

It’s not About Coffee is Little Coup Theatre Company’s debut performance.

Founded by Sophia Hail and Jennifer Kehl whilst pursuing MFA degrees at Rose Bruford College, the pair bonded over pushing theatrical boundaries. The show follows Zona and Katherine, two women who have signed on for a 60 day trial as baristas in a coffee shop in Hawaii. But the coffee shop is a mile underground. Desperate for income, the pair must navigate co-living as strangers under extreme circumstances all while being monitored around the clock by the owner of the bunker: a billionaire tech mogul who is known for getting what he wants, no matter the cost. It’s Not About Coffee explores how far we are willing to go to appease the power of the ultra-rich before the scales tip.

Dates: Tuesday 15th - Saturday 19th July. Time: 7:30pm each night Location: Jack Studio Theatre, 410 Brockley Road, London SE4 2DH Tickets: £17, £15 concessions.

Book here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/brockleyjackstudio/events

© Little Coup Theatre Company

It’s Not About Coffee at Jack Studio Theatre, SE4

© Peter Pan JR / Kilmorie Primary School

Kilmorie Primary School children will present their take of the classic Peter Pan story on the big stage. The audience can follow the Darling children on their journey to Neverland with Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. Meet the noble Brave Girls, cheeky Lost Boys and terrifying pirates. The children from Kilmorie will show the audience what can be done if you believe in the power of fairy dust.

Dates: Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th July. Time: 2pm Location: Broadway Theatre (Main Theatre), Rushey Green, Catford, London, SE6 4RU Tickets: £7, book here: https://www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk/events/kilmorie-presents-peter-pan-jr

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FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 25

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Birthday

GRACIE MAY JONES To our Beautiful Gracie May Jones, wishing you the most wonderful 8th Birthday.

Love you to the moon and back, from your brother Tommy, Nanny Kath and families.

Your Dad loves you very much. we love you always and forever xx

26 PUBLIC NOTICES

Thursday, July 10th 2025

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (POOLMANS STREET, RAILWAY APPROACH, COPPERFIELD STREET, EVELINA ROAD)

REVIEW OF ROTHERHITHE AND SURREY DOCKS CONTROLLED PARKING ZONE ‘S’

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) 1.

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

2.

Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload at any time in: (2a) Poolmans Street, between Needleman Street and Timber Pond Road (2b) Railway Approach, between A3 Borough High Street and Guildable Manor Street (2c) Copperfield Street, between Risborough Street and Great Suffolk Street (2d) Evelina Road, between No’s 43 located near it’s junction with St Marys Road and No’s 61 ‘at any-time’ waiting and loading restrictions will be introduced on both sides of the carriageway (north and south side)

3.

The alternative routes for affected traffic will be (2a) Timber Pond Road, Lagado Mews, Salter Road, Brunel Road, Lower Road, Surrey Quays Road, Needleman Street (2b) not applicable (2c) Great Suffolk Street, Loman Street, Sawyer Street, Copperfield Street (2d) not applicable

4.

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

5.

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

6.

The closure will be in operation on the following dates (2a) 21st July – 31st August (2b) 21st – 24th July (2c) 28th – 30th July (2d) 21st – 24th July

7.

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

The London Borough of Southwark (Charged-for parking places) (CPZ ‘S’) (No. *) Order 202* The London Borough of Southwark (Free parking places, Loading places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping restrictions) (CPZ ‘S’) (No. *) Order 202* 1. Southwark Council hereby GIVES NOTICE that it proposes to make the above Orders under sections 6, 45, 46, 49 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended.

2. The general effect of the Orders, as part of the provision of changes to existing Controlled Parking Zone (‘CPZ’) ‘S’ in the Surrey Docks area would be:(a) in ROTHERHITHE STREET on the south-east side (i) opposite its junction with Bryan Road reduce existing ‘at any time’ waiting restrictions (double yellow lines ‘DYLs’) by 12 metres and relocate existing 'shared-use' (permit-holders’ only and ‘Pay by Phone’) parking (35 metres in length) south-westward for a distance of 12 metres, and (ii) opposite Bryan House install a new loading place (7 metres in length) for the purposes of loading only which will operate Monday – Friday between 8.30 am and 6.30 pm (4 hours max stay, and no return within 2 hours), and add 5 metres of new ‘DYLs’ to accommodate the parking changes; (b) in SALTER ROAD (i) south-west side opposite its junction with Byfield Close convert an existing ‘shared-use’ parking place (74.5 metres in length) to a new free ‘short stay’ parking place which will operate Monday – Friday between 8.30 am and 6.30 pm (30 minutes max stay, and no return within 2 hours), and (ii) north-west side opposite No. 400 Salter Road (Ballers Academy) relocate existing free 'short stay' parking (60 metres in length) south-westward for a distance of 5 metres, and adjust ‘DYLs’ by 5 metres at either end of the relocated parking bay to accommodate the parking changes; and (c) in TIMBER POND ROAD (i) north-east side opposite the rear of Nos. 10-12 Keel Close split and reduce existing 'shared-use' parking by 10 metres (a total of 50 metres remain) and add 10 metres of new ‘DYLs’ to accommodate, and (ii) north-west side outside the rear of Nos. 6-7 Keel Close reduce existing permit-holders’ only parking by 5 metres (45.5 remain) and add 5 metres of new ‘DYLs’ to accommodate.

NOTES: (1) permit-holders’ only refers to parking places for holders of valid parking permits within the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) listed – CPZ ‘S’ and ‘shared-use’ refers to parking places in which holders of a valid permit for the CPZ listed or ‘Pay by Phone’ paid ticket holders are permitted to park within the permitted hours. (2) ‘DYLs’ refer to 'at any time' waiting restrictions. (3) All measurements are in metres and are approximate. (4) Parking charges are listed on www.southwark.gov.uk/parking

Dated this 10th July 2025

3. For more information about these proposals please contact the Council's Highways – Parking Programme team Highways@southwark.gov.uk.

Ian Law Traffic Manager, London Borough of Southwark, Network Management, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street, PO Box 64529, London, SE1 5LX Ref: (2a)92476370 (2b) LBSCR14157 (2c) 81237033-0260 (2d) 81387343/0045

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

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (MELIOR STREET, WESTON STREET, MELIOR PLACE, MELIOR STREET (TEMPORARY WAITING AND LOADING RESTRICTIONS AND TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) 1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that, because of development works, it intends, to make an order, the effect of which would be to introduce various waiting and loading restrictions in part of the above named roads.

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:

5.Anyone wishing to make any representations either for or to object to the proposals, may use our consultation portal at https://consultation.appyway.com/southwark; or send a statement in writing to: Traffic Order Consultations, Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Sustainability & Leisure, P.O. Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX or traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk quoting reference ‘TMO2526-009 CPZ S amendments’ by 31 July 2025. Please note that if you wish to object to this proposal you must state the grounds on which your objection is made.

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

Dated 10 July 2025 Steven Grayer Interim Head of Service - Highways, Environment, Sustainability & Leisure LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (GROVE PARK, CHADWICK ROAD, LINWOOD CLOSE)

(a) Melior Street - the existing ‘waiting restrictions’ (single yellow lines) will be converted to ‘at any time’ ‘waiting and loading’ restrictions (double yellow lines) located on the south west side from the junction with Fenning Street for a distance of 20m west

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC)

(b) Melior Street – the existing ‘waiting restrictions’ (single yellow lines) will be converted to a 12m loading/unloading bay located on the south west side near No’s 14 loading will be 40 minutes, with no return within 2 hours

1.

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

(c) Weston Street – the existing ‘waiting restrictions’ (single yellow lines) will be converted to ‘at any time’ ‘waiting and loading’ restrictions (double yellow lines) located on the south west side outside No’s 50 for a distance of 8m

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(a) Grove Park will be closed at its junction with Linwood Close and Chadwick Road

(d) Melior Street - the existing ‘waiting restrictions’ (single yellow lines) will be converted to ‘at any time’ ‘waiting and loading’ restrictions (double yellow lines) located on the south west side outside No’s 14 to the junction with Weston Street.

3(a) Grove Park/Chadwick Road, located between Linwood Close and No’s 155 Chadwick Road, south west side – 11 permit holders or paid by phone bays location 801178, will be suspended.

3(b) Chadwick Road, located between Linwood Close and No’s 133, north east side – 19 permit holders or paid by phone bays location 801178, will be suspended.

3(c) Chadwick Road, located between No’s 147 and Draymans Mews, south west side, – 17 permit holders or paid by phone bays location 801178, will be suspended.

(e) Weston Street – ‘disabled parking space’ 6m will be allocated from the end of the existing ‘paid by phone’ parking spaces located on the south east side between No’s 52/54 (f) Melior Place, ‘disabled parking space’ 6m will be allocated from the end of the existing ‘paid by phone’ parking spaces located on the north west side between No’s 1 and No’s 2 to 4

4.

The alternative routes for affected traffic (2a) Grove Park, Camberwell Grove, McNeil Road, Lyndhurst Way, Chadwick Road.

(h) The alternative route will be indicated by the signs displayed for (2g)

5.

3.

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.

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.

4.

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.

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

7.

The closure will be in operation on the following dates (2a) 29th July – 16th October.

5.

The restriction will come into force on the 24th July – 31st September 2025

8.

6.

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

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

Dated this 10th July 2025

(g) Melior Street, closed at it’s junction with Weston Street

Dated this 10th July 2025 Ian Law Traffic Manager, ondon Borough of Southwark, Network Management, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street, PO Box 64529, London, SE1 5LX PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LXextension

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) TWL0070GROVEPARKMW/thames /TWL0070CHADWICKMW/thames/ TWL0070LINWOOD/thames

Thursday, July 10th 2025

PUBLIC NOTICES 27

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; 74-82 UNION STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 0NW (Ref: 25/AP/0699) Demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment of the site to provide a 6 (and part 1, part 2 part 3 and part 4) storey plus basement level office building with flexible retail use at ground floor (Class E) with amenity roof terraces at floors 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and hard and soft landscaping works, cycle parking and associated works (Within: Union Street Union Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: AFFECT MAJ (Contact: Thomas Weaver 020 7525 3841)

158A CAMBERWELL GROVE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 8RH (Ref: 25/AP/1795) Listed building consent for demolition of existing outbuilding and erection of single-storey replacement outbuilding. Minor alterations to rear extension of existing dwelling, including new roof, rooflight and glazing. (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area Camberwell Grove Conservation Area Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Anna Poulose 020 7525 3174)

74-82 UNION STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 0NW (Ref: 25/AP/0699) Demolition of existing buildings and redevelopment of the site to provide a 6 (and part 1, part 2 part 3 and part 4) storey plus basement level office building with flexible retail use at ground floor (Class E) with amenity roof terraces at floors 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and hard and soft landscaping works, cycle parking and associated works (Within: Union Street Union Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: AFFECT MAJ (Contact: Thomas Weaver 020 7525 3841)

FLAT 4 99 KENNINGTON PARK ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE11 4JJ (Ref: 25/AP/1749) Retrospective application for internal alterations, including the creation of a sliding door opening between the living room and kitchen/dining room; the blocking up of a former doorway between the hall and kitchen/dining room; the removal of two chimney breasts, and, the creation of a larger door opening (which is a sliding door) to the living room from the hall.

(Within: Kennington Park Road Kennington Park Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Rosie Poser 020 7525 7924)

30 QUEENS ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 2QW (Ref: 25/AP/1239) Change of use of a house in multiple occupation (class C4) to a children's care home (class C2), for up to four children. Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Alex Lambert 020 7525 1353) 49 CAMBERWELL CHURCH STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 8TR (Ref: 25/AP/1361) Construction of single storey rear extension to provide additional seating area. (Within: Camberwell Green CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA STDCA (Contact: Susherrie Suki 020 7525 0646) 4 VICTORY PLACE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE17 1PG (Ref: 25/AP/1673) Construction of a three storey, three bedroom dwelling. (Within: Yates Estate And Victory CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Andre Verster 020 7525 5457) 127 COURT LANE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE21 7EE (Ref: 25/AP/1553) Construction of hip-to-gable roof enlargement and two dormer windows on rear roof slope. (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Louise Dinsdale 07513 137967) 1 ORIENT STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE11 4SR (Ref: 25/AP/1779) Reconstruction of existing lower ground floor rear extension; minor reconfiguration of lower ground floor layout; enlargement of existing opening at upper ground floor; alterations to first floor shower room; reinstatement of fireplace to first floor; replacement of floorboards at upper ground floor. (Within: West Square CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Gabriel Neri 020 7525 2707)

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

5 MORE LONDON PLACE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 2BY (Ref: 25/AP/1863) Display of two internally illuminated projecting signs, non illuminated menu stand, two internally illuminated tablet signs to exisitng pergola structure and individual letter illuminated sign to exisitng pergola structure.

Reason(s) for publicity: AFFECT (Contact: Glenn Ruane 020 7525 5840) 49 COBOURG ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 0HU (Ref: 25/AP/1812) Construction of rear glazed extension linking house and coach house; internal alterations; demolition of existing outrigger and construction of new two-storey rear outrigger; conversion of coach house to home gym/wellness space; roof repairs and solar panels to main roof. (Within: Cobourg Road Cobourg Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: (Contact: Glenn Ruane 020 7525 5840) 49 COBOURG ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 0HU (Ref: 25/AP/1813) Listed building consent for construction of rear glazed extension linking house and coach house; internal alterations; demolition of existing outrigger and construction of new two-storey rear outrigger; conversion of coach house to home gym/wellness space; roof repairs and solar panels to main roof.

(Within: Cobourg Road Cobourg Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Tracy Chapman 020 7525 1948) 73 ST GEORGES ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 6ER (Ref: 25/AP/1853) Listed building consent for remedial works to preserve the building including the addition of steel reinforcements to the rear facade, the installation of lead flashing to the rear facade to prevent moisture

ingress and the replacement of the rear garden door (Within: West Square West Square CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Tracy Chapman 020 7525 1948) LAND REAR OF 163 CAMBERWELL GROVE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 8JS (Ref: 25/AP/1705) Listed building consent for the construction of boundary wall following demolition of boundary garage wall (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Rosie Poser 020 7525 7924) 1 ST THOMAS STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 9RY (Ref: 25/AP/1663) Installation of external signage. (Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Agneta Kabele 020 7525 3148) 168 BURBAGE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE21 7AG (Ref: 25/AP/1844) Erection of a single storey conservatory on the ground floor rear elevation and 3x dormers on rear elevation roof (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Gabriel Neri 020 7525 2707) 17 ELM GROVE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 5DB (Ref: 25/AP/1806) Replacement of ground floor annex to rear elevation on same footprint; replacement of rear boundary timber fence with brick wall; enlargement of ground floor rear window to create door; replacement of uPVC bifold doors with metal framed sliding doors; addition of a side elevation window to the replacement ground floor annex; removal of chimney stack from rear extension; enlargement and replacement of existing rooflights to rear slope of main roof. (Within: Holly Grove Holly Grove CA) Reason(s) for publicity: AFFECT (Contact: Susherrie Suki 020 7525 0646) 20 GRANGE WALK LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 3DT (Ref: 25/AP/1682) Replacement of existing windows and doors with timber sash units to the front elevation and uPVC casement units to the rear elevation. (Within: Bermondsey Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Joseph Vadilonga 020 7525 5341) ST THOMAS'S CHURCH 9A ST THOMAS STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 9RY (Ref: 25/AP/1230) Restrospective permission for change of use from Sui Generis (drinking establishment) to Sui Generis (drinking establishment, night club and live performance venue); retention of 4x AC cassettes (Within: Borough High Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: James Holmes 020 7525 0803) 4 VICTORY PLACE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE17 1PG (Ref: 25/AP/1674)

Construction of a three bedroom dwelling. (Within: Yates Estate And Victory CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Andre Verster 020 7525 5457) 123 WOODWARDE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE22 8UP (Ref: 25/AP/1752) Demolition of existing ground floor side extensions and construction of new ground floor side extension; removal of existing driveway and formation of new driveway within front garden with landscaping and EV charging point; bin store to front garden; alterations to existing northern and western boundary treatments; replacement of existing windows and installation of new ground floor side window; repositioning of existing front rooflight; and alterations to existing rear dormer, including new cladding, windows and rooflights.

(Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Louise Dinsdale 07513 137967) Dated: 08 Jul 2025 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date (or 14 days for Permission in Principle, 30 days for EIA development).

STEPHEN PLATTS - Director of Planning and Growth

28 PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE London Borough of Lambeth

Thursday, July 10th 2025

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

NOTICE OF DESIGNATION OF AREAS FOR SELECTIVE LICENSING

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (SNOWSFIELDS, RYE LANE, HORSELYDOWN LANE, ILDERTON ROAD, PARK STREET, PLAYFIELD CRESCENT, SOUTHWARK PARK ROAD)

Section 80, Housing Act 2004 1. The London Borough of Lambeth (“The Council”) in exercise of its powers under section 80 of the Housing Act 2004 ("the Act") hereby designates for selective licensing the areas described in paragraph 5

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC)

CITATION, COMMENCEMENT AND DURATION

1.

2. This Designation shall be known as the London Borough of Lambeth Phase 2 Designations for Areas for Selective Licensing 2025. All privately rented residential accommodation situated within the designated areas must be licensed with the Council unless subject to statutory exemption as set out in paragraph 6.

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:

3. The Designation was confirmed on 23rd May 2025. The Designation fall within a description of designations for which confirmation is not required by Secretary of State, and come into force on 1st September 2025

(2a) Snowsfields, between Kipling Street and Crosby Row (2b) Rye Lane, slip road at its junction with the main connecting carriageway of Rye Lane and Its junction with Copeland Road. Suspend the bus & cycle lane at Rye Lane, located between Rye Lane slip Road and opposite the main connection carriageway of 200 Rye Lane.

(2c) Horselydown Lane, at its junction with Queen Elizabeth Street for 20m Northbound.

(2d) Ilderton Road, northbound lane of carriageway located between Wagner Street for 50m north of the junction of Hornshay Street.

(2e) Park Street, between Bank end and Tate Modern (2f) Playfield Crescent, between Colwell Road and Lytcott Grove (2g) Southwark Park Road, between Alma Grove and Dunton Road, (cycle lane closure)

4. The Designations shall cease to have effect on 31st August 2030 (not more than 5 years) or earlier if the Council revokes the scheme under section 84 of the Act. AREA TO WHICH THE DESIGNATION APPLIES 5. These designations apply to the following areas of the London Borough of Lambeth. The Designation is delineated in blue with the area itself coloured purple on the map in annex A below. The following wards are included: Wards included in Designation Brixton Acre Lane Brixton North Ward Clapham Common & Abbeville Clapham East Gipsy Hill Herne Hill & Loughborough Junction Oval St Martins Streatham Hill West & Thornton Streatham Wells

Brixton Rush Common Clapham Park Kennington Stockwell East West Dulwich

Brixton Windrush Clapham Town Myatts Field Stockwell West & Larkhall

3.

The alternative routes for affected traffic (2a) Crosby Row, Long Lane, Weston Street, Snowsfields (vehicle diversion). Kipling Street, Porlock Street, Crosby row (cycle/pedestrian diversion) (2b) Rye Lane, Peckham Rye, Nunhead Lane, Consort Road, Heaton Road. (2c) Queen Elizabeth Street, Lafone Street, Gainsford Street (vehicle diversion). Queen Elizabeth Street, Horselydown Lane (pedestrian diversion) (2d) (east bound) Old Kent Road, New Cross Road, Amersham Road, Parkfield Road, Lewisham Way, New Cross Road. (west bound) Old Kent Road St James Road, Rotherhithe New Road. (2e) as indicated by the signs displayed. (2f) as indicated by the signs displayed. (2g) not applicable.

4.

Rye Lane, slip road, suspend the loading bay located between the main connecting carriageway of Rye Lane and Its junction with Copeland Road for item No’s (2b)

5.

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

6.

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

EFFECT OF THE DESIGNATION 6. Subject to sub paragraphs 6(a) to (f) every house in the area specified in paragraph 5 that is occupied under a tenancy or licence shall be required to be licensed under section 85 of the Act(5).

7. The London Borough of Lambeth will comply with the notification requirements contained in section 83 of the Act and shall maintain a register of all houses registered under this designation, as required under section 232 of the Act(6).

7.

The closure will be in operation on the following dates (2a) 26th & 27th July, if due to adverse weather conditions, then the closure will be operational on the 2nd August. (2b) 28th – 31st July (2c) 28th July – 22nd August (2d) 28th July – 29th October. (2e) 15th September – 28th October and the works will be carried out in phases. (2f) 25th July – 25th August and the works will be carried out in phases (2g) 29th July – 31st August.

If you are a landlord, managing agent or a tenant, or if you require information regarding this designation, or to apply for a licence, further information and assistance is available from the Council’s Private Rented Property Licensing Team by telephone on 020 7926 8591 or by email to PRSlicensing@lambeth.gov.uk, or by writing to Private Sector Enforcement and Regulation Service, PO Box 80771, London, SW2 9QQ. The Designation may be inspected at the above address during office hours. All landlords, managing agents or tenants within the designated area should obtain advice to ascertain whether their property is affected by the Designation by contacting the Council’s Private Rented Property Licensing Team.

8.

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

APPLICATION OF THE DESIGNATION 6. This designation applies to any house(1) which is let or occupied under a tenancy or licence within the area described in paragraph 5 unless: a. the house is a house in multiple occupation [HMO] that falls within the nationally prescribed category of HMO that is required to be licensed as a ‘mandatory HMO’ under section 55(2)(a) Part 2 of the Act2(2). b. the house is a house in multiple occupation that falls within the prescribed category of HMO that is required to be licensed under the London Borough of Lambeth Designation of an Area for Additional Licensing of Houses of Multiple Occupation made on 9th December 2021 under Section 56 of the Housing Act 2004(3). c. the tenancy or licence of the house has been granted by a registered social landlord(4). d. the house is subject to an Interim or Final Management Order under Part 4 of the Act; e. the house is subject to a temporary exemption under section 86 of the Act; or f. the house is occupied under a tenancy or licence which is exempt under the Act or the occupation is of a building or part of a building so exempt as defined in Paragraph 5(f): Exempted tenancies or licences, Selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006 SI 370/2006.

Upon the Designation coming into force any person having control of or who manages a licensable property without a licence or allows a licensed property to be occupied by more households or persons other than as authorised by a licence, is liable to prosecution and upon summary conviction is liable to an unlimited fine pursuant to the provisions of section 95 of the Housing Act 2004. A person who breaches a condition of a licence is liable upon summary conviction to an unlimited fine. The Council, as an alternative to initiating a prosecution, may pursue one or more of a range of other enforcement actions including the imposition of a financial penalty of up to £30,000 and/or taking management control of unlicensed property. Further, where an offence has been committed an application may also be made by the Council and/or tenant under the provisions of section 96 and 97 of the Housing Act 2004 for a Rent Repayment Order to pay back up to 12 months’ rent, Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. No notice under section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 may be given in relation to an assured shorthold tenancy of the whole or part of an unlicensed house so long as it remains an unlicensed house.

Signed by Cabinet Member for Safer Communities: Councillor Dr Mahamed Hashi for and on behalf of the London Borough of Lambeth 1 For the definition of "house" see sections 79 and 99 of the Act 2 Section 55 of the Act defines which Houses in Multiple Occupation are required to be licensed under the Act. See also The Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (Prescribed Descriptions) (England) Order 2005 (SI 2006/371) 3 Additional Licensing covers HMOs that are not within the scope of Mandatory HMO Licensing where tenants share one or more ‘basic amenities’ i.e. a WC, personal washing facilities or cooking facilities.

4 Section 79 (3) of the Act. For the definition of a Registered Social Landlord see Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996 5 See the Selective Licensing of Houses (Specified Exemptions) (England) Order 2006 SI 370/2006 6 Section 232 of the Act and paragraph 11 of SI 373/2006

Annex A: “Map showing selective licensing designations with the designation boundaries marked in blue and the designation areas”

Dated this 10th July 2025 Ian Law Traffic Manager, London Borough of Southwark, Network Management, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street, PO Box 64529, London, SE1 5LX

Transport for London Public Notice ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 THE A202 GLA ROAD (CAMBERWELL NEW ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF STOPPING AND SUSPENSION OF BUS LANE) ORDER 2025 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 railway bridge examination and maintenance works to take place at A202 Camberwell New Road.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from: (1) stopping on Camberwell New Road between its junctions with Comber Grove and Camberwell Station Road; (2) stopping at the south-eastern kerb-line of Camberwell Station Road adjacent to number 296a Camberwell New Road.

The Order will be effective at certain times from 21st July 2025 until 23rd July 2025 every night between 11.30 PM and 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.

The Order also permits all vehicles to use the south-eastern bus lane on Camberwell New Road between its junctions with Medlar Street and Camberwell Station Road.

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

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

Licensing Act 2003 Application for a Premises Licence Name of Applicant: James Allen’s Girls’ School. Address: James Allen’s Girls’ School, 144 East Dulwich Grove, London, SE22 8TE. Licensing Authority: London Borough of Southwark Council. Licensing Authority Address: Licensing Team, London Borough of Southwark Council, Hub 2, 3rd Floor, 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2TZ (where a record of the application may be inspected during normal office hours) Licensing Authority Website: www.southwark.gov.uk. The applicant has applied to the Licensing Authority for a premises licence for the above premises for the following licensable activities: 1. The sale of alcohol between the hours of 1200 and 2200 daily for consumption on and off the premises.

2. The provision of regulated entertainment between the hours of 1200 and 2200 daily.Any person or responsible authority (as defined by the Licensing Act 2003) may make representations to the Licensing Authority no later than 30 July 2025. Any representations made to the Licensing Authority must be in writing to the address above or by email to licensing@southwark.gov.uk.

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is an unlimited fine.

Dated: 2 July 2025 Winckworth Sherwood LLP, Arbor, 255 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 9AX. Ref: AGS/37657/00010/RPB Solicitors and authorised agents for the applicant

To place a notice, please email em@cmmedia.co.uk

SPORT 29

SURREY’S FRANKLIN DENIES ESSEX

© Keith Gillard

Surrey 159-5 tied with Essex 93-5 (DLS)

By Ben Kosky at the Kia Oval PHOEBE FRANKLIN and Kira Chathli shared an explosive unbroken partnership of 72 from 35 balls as Surrey and Essex fought out a dramatic rain-affected tie in the Vitality Blast last weekend.

The home side slumped to 45-4 at the Kia Oval, with former Surrey seamer Eva Gray taking 2-18 before Franklin, with an unbeaten 48 from 23 and Chathli (44 not out from 38) reinvigorated their innings.

That late recovery, with the last four overs yielding almost 60, enabled Surrey to post 159-5, but rain during the interval left Essex to chase an amended target of 94 from ten overs instead.

Lauren Winfield-Hill’s pugnacious 49 from 27 kept the visitors firmly in the hunt but, with two needed off the final ball, Jo Gardner was run out coming back for the second and the spoils were shared.

Depleted by England call-ups, the home side drafted in Hampshire youngster Rachel King on loan for her debut as Bryony Smith’s opening partner and the pair added 25 from four overs after being put in.

But both openers departed in similar fashion, snicking behind as they misjudged the pace of the ball and Surrey were floundering after Gardner’s throw from extra cover ran out Alice Monaghan and Grace Harris was caught in the deep for a second-ball duck.

Chathli and Alice Davidson-Richards, with 21 from as many balls, rebuilt the innings with a stand of 42 from 40 and, although Gray tempted the latter to hole out to deep midwicket, Surrey maintained their impetus.

Kia Oval duo share explosive partnership Surrey opener Dom Sibley

Phoebe Franklin takes aim With Essex beginning to lose their way during the death overs, Chathli shrewdly picked out gaps in the field while Franklin’s powerful hitting propelled the home side above the 150 mark.

Successive sixes off Sophia Smale in the final over enabled Franklin to outscore her partner and finish with a flourish, but the downpour between innings ensured a drastically revised equation.

Essex’s hopes were dented when Priyanaz Chatterji had Lissy MacLeod caught at backward point with her first

delivery, but Winfield-Hill went on the offensive immediately, plundering a trio of consecutive fours off Kalea Moore.

The opener found the rope with regularity, dominating her second-wicket partnership of 54 from 33 with Maddie Penna, only to miss out on a second halfcentury of the tournament as she skied Chatterji (2-12) to long off.

Penna (22 from nineteen and Griffith took up the baton following WinfieldHill’s departure, but both fell to Harris (2-22) in the final over before Franklin’s

accurate throw to the keeper left Gardner short and denied Essex victory.

“We didn’t maybe bowl our best at the top, but I think we brought ourselves back nicely and gave ourselves a chance at the end,” Chathli said. “We didn’t win but I think a draw is a fairly good outcome from where we were.

“Considering we were 45 for four, you have to rebuild that partnership and graft a little bit, which me and ADR [Alice Davidson-Richards] did and then Phoebe came out and batted really well at the

end. Overall it was a team effort.

“I felt like it wasn’t really coming out of the middle but my mindset was to get into positions that give me the best chance of scoring boundaries and if I don’t get that, it’s fine.

“Loz [Winfield-Hill] batted really well.

We didn’t bowl awfully to her, I just think she has a lot of options and they came off today.”

Surrey were in midweek action at Bears and travel to Trent Bridge to take on The Blaze this Friday (July 11, 2.30pm).

chasing down a target of 142.

The contest was reduced to twelve overs per side following a heavy downpour fifteen minutes before the scheduled start, with Surrey posting a challenging total of 141-6.

Former Essex leg-spinner Adam Zampa did his best to ruin their hopes on his debut for Surrey, taking 3-14 in three overs, but it was not enough as Matt Critchley carved Sam Curran’s final ball to the boundary to clinch victory.

Once play finally began, Essex struck twice inside the reduced powerplay, with Pepper’s diving catch in the deep accounting for Dom Sibley and Will Jacks (20 from thirteen) obligingly punting Luc Benkenstein’s first delivery straight to mid-off.

Sam Curran (25 from thirteen) struck the ball cleanly, thrashing sixteen from Walter’s first three deliveries before going after the next one as well, with Jordan Cox racing out from behind the stumps to complete a tumbling catch near point.

Despite less than perfect timing, Jason Roy’s power brought him 30 from seventeen, including two enormous sixes off Critchley before the leg-spinner took his revenge, castling him with a googly.

Laurie Evans’ five-ball cameo of eighteen propelled the home side above 100 and, although they were initially reined in by Mohammad Amir, Tom Curran (27 not out from eleven) finished the innings on a high by hitting the left-armer’s last two deliveries for four and six.

That left the visitors pursuing almost

twelve an over – and they blazed 50 from the first three of them, with Pepper sweeping Mitchell Santner for two boundaries before lifting the bowler over the leg-side fence.

Zampa’s introduction prised out Pepper and slowed Essex’s progress, but Walter slammed Chris Jordan for back-to-back fours before the Australian spinner dismissed Jordan Cox and Benkenstein in successive deliveries.

Sam Curran had Walter caught behind with eighteen still required, while Charlie Allison (fifteen from twelve) and Simon Harmer also perished before Critchley, undefeated on fourteen from six, held his nerve to pierce the ring of fielders at the death.

“I felt we weren’t able to stem the flow,

whenever we had the opportunity with a new batter we’d go for a couple of boundaries,” Zampa said after his debut.

“With the experience some of the boys have had playing in T10, they knew what a good score would be and we were happy with 140. But they got off to a flyer in the powerplay and put us under pressure.

“Paul Walter was key there towards the back end. With someone like Paul, if you give the ball too much air and got it wrong, he’s got long levers and he’s got the power to make you pay.

“When we got him out it could have gone either way but Essex were in a position to finish off the game and they did.”

Surrey were in action at Gloucestershire on Wednesday and host Glamorgan at the Kia Oval this Friday (July 11, 6.30pm).

Surrey stunned on final ball as Essex off the mark Essex 145-6 beat Surrey 141-6 by four wickets

By Ben Kosky at the Kia Oval SURREY WERE stunned as Paul Walter smashed his �irst halfcentury of this season’s Vitality Blast as Essex broke their duck in the tournament in a rain-reduced �inalball encounter at the Kia Oval at the weekend.

The left-hander struck 55 from 26 balls, sharing an opening partnership of 64 from 27 with Michael Pepper (36 from fifteen) as Essex finally registered a South Group victory at their 10th attempt,

Kat brace helps Fisher to victory

By John Kelly JACOB KATONIA scored twice as Fisher beat Redhill 3-2 in a friendly at St Paul’s at the weekend.

Both sides made their respective playoffs in Step 5 last season, the Fish losing the SCEFL Premier Division decider 2-1 to VCD Athletic.

Fish boss Ajay Ashanike has managed to retain the majority of last season’s squad

as they aim to mount another promotion push.

Kesna Clarke scored Fisher’s other goal in front of a 127 attendance in Rotherhithe.

Fisher start their league campaign at the end of this month, with the fixture yet to be released.

Fisher travel to Combined Counties League Premier Division South side Redhill in the FA Vase first qualifying round on Saturday, August 23.

Hamlet retain Mills

By John Kelly

DULWICH HAMLET have retained the services of captain Danny Mills.

Mills joins Luke Wanadio, Michael Chambers, Anthony Jeffrey, Sean Bonnett-Johnson and Jordan Wynter as players retained from last season’s squad.

Mark Dacey’s Hamlet have continued their squad rebuilding

over the last week with the addition of Alfie Payne from St Albans City, who were relegated from the National League South last season.

Dacey said: “Alfie's range of passing and ability to play forward is something that has really impressed us. He's got a beautiful left foot that if we can utilise will cause teams lots of problems.”

Dulwich have also signed defender Joseph Adewunmi from Heybridge Swifts of the Isthmian League North.

"Joe had a great individual season last year, picking up most of the major awards at Heybridge,” Dacey said. “He came as a recommendation from AJ [Ashanike] at Fisher, once he settles in he could play a huge part in our season."

30 SPORT

Millwall fixtures moved for TV

Josh Coburn made 22 appearances for Millwall last season

By Will Scott MILLWALL'S THREE Championship �ixtures in September have been moved for live television coverage, and three more matches later in the season have also seen their kick-off times changed.

The Lions' trip to The Valley to face rivals Charlton Athletic on Saturday, September 13, will now kick off at 12:30 pm and will be shown on Sky Sports Football.

Millwall's home clash with Watford, originally scheduled for Saturday, September 20, has been moved to Monday, September 22, with an 8pm kick-off. It will also be broadcast on Sky Sports Football.

Their final league match of the month, away to Swansea City on Saturday, September 27, will now also kick off at 12:30pm and be shown on Sky Sports+.

The club confirmed that all four of Millwall's league fixtures in August remain unchanged and will still kick off at 3pm.

Looking further ahead, the Lions' trip to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, October 18, will now kick off at 12:30pm, as will the home match against Charlton on Saturday, January 24.

Millwall's Easter Monday clash with Norwich City at The Den will now get underway at 1pm

Millwall announce two friendlies

By Will Scott MILLWALL WILL face Crystal Palace in a behind-closeddoors friendly on Saturday, July 12 (kick-off at midday), and will take on La Liga side Elche on Friday, July 18, at Pinatar Arena (kick-off 10:30 local time), the second �ixture in their upcoming training camp in Spain.

Their clash with the Eagles this weekend will be streamed on Millwall TV, with fans able to watch the match by purchasing a Match Pass.

The Lions last met Crystal Palace in the FA Cup Fifth Round last season, losing 3-1 at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace went on to win the competition, their first ever major trophy, and finished twelfth in the Premier League.

The fixture will be Millwall's first of pre-season, with Alex Neil and the squad heading to Murcia, Spain, shortly afterwards.

There, they will face Northampton Town on Tuesday, July 15 (kick-off 7pm), also at Pinatar Arena, before taking on Elche three days later.

Elche finished 1st in Segunda Division last year, securing promotion back to La Liga after two seasons in the second tier.

The Lions will then return to England to complete their pre-season schedule with three away fixtures: AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday, July 22 (kickoff 7.30pm), Bromley on Saturday, July 26 (kick-off 3pm), and Sutton United on Tuesday, July 29 (kick-off 7.45pm).

‘I’D ALREADY MADE MY MIND UP’ Josh Coburn on why he returned to Millwall

EXCLUSIVE

By Will Scott MILLWALL MADE no secret of their intentions for Josh Coburn in the �inal months of the 2024-25 season.

Alex Neil told the media on multiple occasions that the club wanted to turn the striker’s loan deal into a permanent one, and it did not take long for them to secure his signature.

Just under eight weeks after the season ended, the club announced they had yet again broken their transfer record to sign Coburn from Middlesbrough, just in time for the start of pre-season.

The Teessider is set renew his fruitful striking partnership with the similarly tall and previous record signing Mihailo Ivanovic, with the duo starting nearly every game down the final stretch last season as the Lions nearly cracked the Championship play-offs for the first time since 2002.

Coburn has signed a four-year deal and is clearly in it for the long term. What convinced him that this was the best next step for his career?

"I think I'd already made my mind up even before the season ended," Coburn told this paper. "I really enjoyed playing with Mika. Two up front worked quite well last season, and I enjoyed that. So I was eager to get back down after that."

Coburn also pointed to his relationship with Neil as a key factor in his decision to swap Boro for south-east London.

“When he first came in, he was unbelievable with me,” Coburn said.

“I was injured at the time when he first came in, and I was obviously a bit down and sort of struggling with it. Then he came in and guided me really and helped me a lot.

“He made me build up very slowly. He knows my injury record, and it was sort of an unlucky injury, but he said I don't want to break you down and things like that. So he was really good for me in that aspect.

“Then obviously built me up, and then

I've ended up playing week in week out, which was perfect for me. I can't thank him enough for believing in me.”

While negotiations were ongoing, Coburn received inquiring messages from teammates asking if he would be back down, with Ivanovic calling him more than once.

Macaulay Langstaff, who is from Stockton-on-Tees, 30 miles from Coburn's home town of Bedale, was also on the phone.

“I had a few messages from the lads,” Coburn said. “I speak to Macca quite a lot, and he was saying, 'Oh are you going to come back down?'. We've got a really good relationship and did quite a bit of stuff in pre-season with him as well. He was always asking what was going on and things like that. It's a really good group down here.”

Millwall’s interest in bringing Coburn to the club permanently stretches back to last summer.

“I think even the first summer, when I came in loan, they wanted me to go permanently,” Coburn said. “I wanted to come on loan first to see if I enjoyed it, see what it was like, see what the lads were like.

“I think then it was easy for me. It was an easy decision for me to come back down, just because I enjoyed it so much and everyone down here really welcomed me.”

The Lions’ extensive pursuit of Coburn shows how highly they value him, something he was keenly aware of.

“I think it gives you a lot of confidence playing for a club that really wants you,” Coburn said. “Steve Gallen's been excellent and told me how much they want me, and obviously the gaffer as well.

“Everyone around the club has welcomed me. Even last season, the kit men were saying, 'Oh, are you going to come back permanently?'. It's nice to be wanted, and I think that played a massive part in me coming back down.”

Coming back down necessitated leaving the club he had been with since

he was sixteen, only 26 miles away from where he grew up in North Yorkshire.

“It was a big decision because all I know is Middlesbrough, really,” Coburn said.

“Moving away from all the people you're close with and things like that, it's a big deal, but I think it was just the right time for me to come, and I think it's the right step for me in my career. Football-wise, I think it's perfect for me. I've loved living here, I've really enjoyed it.”

Coburn’s move to London last summer gave him a more consistent taste of Championship football. While he often came off the bench for Boro, he was often one of the first names in Millwall’s starting eleven when fit, under both Neil Harris and Alex Neil.

How has he improved with the additional game time?

“I think using my body the most,” Coburn said. “At the start, you're sort of getting used to Championship-level defenders and playing week in, week out, which I hadn't really done in the Championship.

“I did it in League One, which is physical, but I think in the Championship the defenders are just that little bit more street-wise. They know how to get around the strikers and things like that.

“The gaffer helped me with little things to do with that. He's helped me with a lot, even after training with me and Mika just finishing in and around the box, and where we should be.

“He's made it simple for me and Mika. He broke it down, and he just wants us to get in the box and score goals. That's our job.

He's made it simple for us and it's worked quite well.”

It was not until February that Coburn and Ivanovic were both fit at the same time for more than a few weeks. They initially rotated as Neil played with a lone striker, before the Scotsman opted to start them together up front for the first time at home against Stoke City on March 15.

It proved to be a successful decision, with Coburn winning the injury-time penalty

that Ivanovic emphatically converted to give Millwall a 1-0 win.

The duo would go on to start six out of the next seven games they were both available for, combining for seven goals as the Lions won four of those fixtures.

Coburn thinks they complement each other well.

“We are different type of strikers,” Coburn said. “I'm probably more of the one who's the target, and then Mika is more of the one who runs off, and he scored a lot of goals last season.

“We've got that good understanding. I think by the end of the season, we knew where each other were going to be and it works really well.

“Like the gaffer said many times, I think we're two different types of strikers, and I think that's benefited us massively.

[We played] a new formation that we weren't really used to. So it took a bit of understanding to start with, but I think once we understood it, it worked well.”

The duo nearly helped fire the club into the play-offs last season, with Millwall just falling short on the final day with a 3-1 defeat to second-placed Burnley.

Reuniting the pair for a fee that could approach £5 million, which will only happen if a significant number of clauses largely related to Premier League promotion are met, was a serious statement of intent.

The club’s ambition to compete for the play-offs in the upcoming season is clear.

Did that factor into Coburn’s decision to return?

“Yeah, 100 per cent,” Coburn said. “The gaffer showed us his vision last season. As soon as he came in, he knew exactly what he wanted.

“We've had a great run ever since he came in, and that made me realize how good of a manager he is. It made me want to be a part of it, really. Speaking to Steve and the chairman as well. Their visions of the club and how they want it to plan out, that was perfect for me.”

SPORT 31

‘WE’VE GOT A LITTLE BATCH… THAT WE WANT TO LOOK AT’

The Millwall youngsters Alex Neil will be assessing this pre-season

Neil seeking new leaders after Hutch departure EXCLUSIVE

By Will Scott MILLWALL'S CHANGING room has often been pointed to as one of the club's greatest strengths in recent times.

Sheldon Kendall, Alfie Massey and Ra’ees Bangura-Williams after featuring in Millwall’s 3-1 win against Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Cup Third Round

EXCLUSIVE

By Will Scott IN THE past eighteen months, Millwall have permanently signed eleven players aged 24 or younger for the �irst team, drastically lowering the average age of the squad.

At the start of the 2023-24 campaign, the Lions' average squad age was 26.6 according to Transfermarkt. It is now 24.3.

Millwall still have transfer business to do and that number could rise, but they have signed a swathe of promising young talents, some of whom have featured prominently for the club in the Championship.

Mihailo Ivanovic, Josh Coburn, Tristan Crama, Femi Azeez, and Luke Cundle were all regular starters last season under Alex Neil, while former clubrecord signing Camiel Neghli would have been in that group if not for ankle and hamstring injuries.

Several players will be pushing for first-team roles this pre-season, and Neil will be assessing their progress in the coming weeks "We've got a little batch at the moment that we want to look at, and that's without even dipping into the academy," Neil said.

"Ra'ees [Bangura-Williams] broke into the team, but he's still got a bit to do, so we need to get him more game time. We've got Dan Kelly, we've got Zak Lovelace, we've got Benicio [Baker], we've got Ajay Matthews, we've got potentially Alfie [Massey]. So there are quite a few in there.

"Ben Drake was in the squad a lot.

Sheldon [Kendall] has been in the squad, George Evans. So when you just start thinking of that alone, there's quite a few in there. We've got Jack Howland, who's a younger one who plays off a side as well. He's an interesting one for us. There's a lot there.

"The problem you've got is you can only pick eleven, and I just rounded off

about twelve players to you. They can't all play. However, pre-season's a great opportunity for us to have a look at all these lads and basically test where they are and see where they are."

Lovelace has yet to make an appearance since rejoining the Lions in January, having undergone surgery on his knee a few weeks after his move from Rangers was confirmed.

Neil is keen to manage his recovery carefully.

"Zak is still obviously recovering, but he's on the grass now, so he's doing some runs, he's doing some technical work, but he's just probably a little bit behind others, purely because of his injury,” Neil said.

"If you look at him right over the last three seasons, his injury record has been not particularly good, which means we need to be careful with him.

So we need to make sure we build him up in a manner which allows him to stay fit.

"If you look at Aidomo [Emakhu],

Aidomo's record was very similar.

Aidomo never picked up another injury from when he came back, because the way I dealt with him in terms of dipping him into the team, dipping him out, maybe changing his work schedule a little bit.

"Zak Lovelace will be in a similar sort of bracket to that. We need to work him up to the point where he's robust enough that he can then sustain the workload that we need to put him through."

Baker, who joined from Brighton in January, has also yet to make a firstteam squad after being diagnosed with a pubic symphasis injury. The 21-year-old winger has made a couple of appearances for the under-21s.

"He's probably in a similar position to Zak, in the fact that he's still a little bit behind the other lads," Neil said. "But he's getting through a lot of his work.

He's just not quite where the lads are just now, so he'll take a little bit more time."

Former Lions manager Gordon Jago passes away

By Will Scott FORMER MILLWALL manager Gordon Jago MBE, who guided the Lions to promotion to the Second Division in 1976, has passed away aged 92.

Born in Poplar on October 22, 1932, Jago made 137 appearances

for Charlton Athletic from 1954 to 1962, before retiring and moving into coaching.

He was appointed Millwall manager in November 1974, following spells in charge of Eastbourne United, Baltimore Bays, Queens Park Rangers, and the United States national team.

Jago battled to keep the Lions in

Division Two in his first season in charge, but they finished in 20th, three points adrift of safety. However, he guided them back to the second tier the following season as they finished third in Division Three.

Jago moved stateside later that decade, taking charge of the North American Soccer League side Tampa

Bay Rowdies between 1978 and 1982, before serving two stints as head coach of indoor football side Dallas Sidekicks, stepping down in 1998.

He then served as executive director of the international youth competition, the Dallas Cup, from 2002 to 2012.

Marshaled by captain Shaun Hutchinson and his lieutenants, the group has been frequently praised by its various head coaches, with current gaffer Alex Neil complimenting his squad's "natural desire", "natural resilience", and "natural grittiness" following Mihailo Ivanovic's injury-time winner against Stoke City on March 15.

However, several of its key members departed Millwall as free agents earlier this summer.

Hutchinson, George Saville, and Murray Wallace, who all made 240-plus appearances for the Lions, left the club, as did the experienced George Honeyman and Duncan Watmore.

Neil is expecting several of the more experienced members of the squad to step up in their place to maintain the strong dressing room culture that has characterised the Lions for the past few years.

"That's something we've already spoken about," Neil told said.

"Jake Cooper has been appointed captain. Lenny has been appointed vice-captain.

"But equally, the leadership skills of the likes of Casper [De Norre], Billy [Mitchell], Joe [Bryan], Tristan [Crama], Japhet [Tanganga], all these other guys who are experienced players that we've got in the building, Wes Harding. The thing is with leadership, it's not just purely about the captain and vicecaptain. It's about the sort of guys underneath that know what right and wrong look like. They know what good practice looks like.

They know what discipline looks like and dealing with frustration.

"The easiest part of management is dealing with the guys who are in the starting eleven. Where the changing room was brilliant last year were the lads who weren't quite in the team, who maybe felt as if they should have been. It's how they handled that frustration and disappointment, supported their teammates, listened to staff, and still continued to work and do all the bits that you would hope and expect. That really is the strength of our changing room.

"If you can have good voices in there that can call out certain things that sometimes need to be addressed, without me having to deal with it. What that allows me to do is focus on trying to help the lads win games, and focus on watching games and the tactics and all that sort of stuff. That's something that's going to be a real focal point for us, to make sure to maintain that as well as obviously trying to improve it."

INSIDE

Sport Southwark

PAGE 29

SCINTILLATING JACKS BLASTS LONDON RIVALS Danny Mac three to four months away

Max Crocombe during preseason training

EXCLUSIVE

By Will Scott DANNY MCNAMARA could be back playing football in three to four months, Millwall boss Alex Neil said.

‘I DON’T FEEL I’M AT MY CEILING’

Millwall’s new keeper Max Crocombe targeting next breakthrough after rise from non-league to Championship EXCLUSIVE

By Will Scott MAX CROCOMBE has climbed the leagues at pace in recent years and is eying up another leap up the pyramid with Millwall.

The 31-year-old shot-stopper signed for the Lions on June 26, 2025, after his contract with League One side Burton Albion expired.

The New Zealand international was plying his trade in the National League for Grimsby Town just four years ago, but after rising up the leagues, views the Championship as the perfect next step.

“It was an amazing time at Burton,” Crocombe said. “I think after the two years I’ve had, playing pretty much every week, I just felt like I had another step up in me. I felt like if there was an opportunity to try and progress my career, I’d look to explore that.

“When Millwall came in, I was delighted by it, really excited by it. Another opportunity to test myself, which is what I want to do.”

Crocombe’s move to SE16 caps off a remarkable rise through the leagues,

made all the more impressive when considering his struggles in the early part of his career.

He joined Oxford United as a seventeenyear-old but struggled to get a look-in during his six seasons there, going on a string of lower-league loan spells before being released.

Spells at Carlisle United, Salford City, and in the A-League followed, before he won the opportunity to start at the National League level shortly after he joined Grimsby Town aged 28.

He started in the National League play-off final as the Mariners secured promotion to League Two, started every game the following season, before joining Burton Albion in League One ahead of the 2023-24 campaign - where he was named Player of the Season in his first season.

“The rise was quick, but I adjusted quickly to it, to be honest,” Crocombe said. “When I came through in League Two, I had to drop down just to get opportunities. It was very difficult to get loan deals higher up the pyramid.

“So I’ve had to prove myself lower down, which I’m grateful for. It’s

something that I kind of carry with me.

I’m not ashamed to have done that. I might not necessarily have the name of some others, but I know that I’ve gone through some really testing times, and proven myself up the pyramid and up the pyramid. I don’t feel I’m at my ceiling.

I didn’t feel I was at my ceiling last season.

I felt I could kick on again.”

Crocombe will likely not be the only goalkeeping signing Millwall make, and he will face competition for game time after spending the past two years as Burton’s undisputed first choice.

He has, however, been in this situation before. He was signed by Grimsby to be their back-up goalkeeper, but he became first choice by December.

Crocombe is not concerned about any potential battle for minutes.

“It’s not really something I focus on,” Crocombe said. “I generally just focus on myself. I try and push myself.

“I’ve played a lot of games over the last four years, but I’ve also had short times out of the team. But when that happens, I don’t sit and sulk about it. I just get my head down and work on everything I can do off the pitch. To make sure that I’m

ready when I’m called upon.

“When I’ve got my opportunities, I’ve stayed in the team after that. So that’s been brilliant, but the work that goes on before you get the opportunity is what allows you to take it when it does arise.

It’s not really something psychologically I think about too much. I know what I can offer.”

Regardless of where Crocombe ends up in the pecking order, the goalkeeper hopes to be a big part of any potential success the Lions have this season.

“We want to be pushing for promotion, and we want to try and achieve that,” Crocombe said. “It’d be incredible for the football club, and that’s the aim for everyone from speaking to the gaffer, Steve, everyone around the football club.

That’s the aim. We want to be going in an upward direction.

“For me, I just want to add value to it.

I want to add value to that where I can, and be as big a part of it as possible.

Obviously, you want to get in the team, playing as many games as I can. That’s my first goal individually. But all towards the collective of having a successful season.”

The 26-year-old full-back suffered a serious knee injury shortly after being substituted on against Cardiff City on January 21, and has been ruled out since following surgery on his left leg.

Neil confirmed that McNamara was back in training as pre-season kicked off on Thursday, June 26.

"Danny Mac is back on the grass," Neil said. "So he's doing straight line stuff.

"The true test for your knee is that you can't rush it. When you get some sort of cruciate or medial ligament injury, the difficulty you've got is there's a specific time frame that generally allows you to then come back and be injury-free beyond that.

If you try and rush that process, sometimes there's a weakness within the knee that's not fully strengthened or fully healed by that point.

"So he'll stick to the time frame, which I believe is about three to four months from now. But he's made good progress. It's not as if he's not working. He's doing all his gym work.

He's out in the grass doing his straight line stuff so he can get his aerobic capacity up.

"It's just a case of making sure we follow the process and he ticks those bits off. The last thing we want is a recurring injury."

Neil also confirmed Lukas Jensen, out since mid-April, had successful surgery on his ruptured Achilles and hopes to have him back before the end of next season.

Danny McNamara THE RECYCLED PAPER CONTENT OF UK NEWSPAPERS IN 2014 WAS 83.5%