Miatta Fahnbulleh, chief executive of a leftwing think tank and former policy advisor to number ten, is vying to become the next MP for Camberwell and Peckham.
Her bid comes after Labour MP Harriet Harman announced in December 2021 that she’d be standing down at the next election after almost forty years in the role.
Miatta has lived in southeast London for twenty years. But despite strong connections with the constituency, she maintains that meaningful change begins at the national level.
“When you get into the bear pit that is Westminster, unless you have that emotional connection with a place, you can get lost.
“But in the end… people want an MP that’s rooted [in the constituency] but they also want an MP that can drive big change nationally because they understand that’s what can unlock change locally.”
As an MP she says she would “stand up for big ideas”. She would campaign for the introduction of a ‘living income’, improving social care, childcare and housing.
She would also push to ensure the climate transition is done in a way that “pumps investment into communities”.
Miatta knows Camberwell and Peckham well: “My dad is Liberian and my mum is Sierra Leonian and we settled in north London, but there’s a massive Sierra Leonian community in Camberwell and Peckham.
“So growing up, it was a community I got to know. It’s where we went to do our hair, it’s where we went to do shopping before supermarkets had aisles for African food.”
Although at home on Rye Lane, she’s just as comfortable in the corridors of Whitehall. She spent three years working for the Prime Minister’s strategy unit and another three leading devolution and local economic growth in the Cabinet Office.
Miatta says being so close to the levers of power during the 2008 economic crash was a watershed moment. She said: “My time at the centre showed me... that profound change is possible if there is the political will, if there is the focus and there is the vision, which times of crisis generate. We saw this during the pandemic when things that you’d never believe were possible, we were doing.”
She left the civil service when the coalition government’s programme of austerity meant dismantling ‘Sure Start’, a family support scheme she’d spent years building.
Nowadays, the 43-year-old mother of three heads up the New Economics Foundation, a think tank promoting “social, economic and environmental justice”.
Asked why she now wants to become an MP, she says the UK’s struggles have left her with no choice. “It feels like politics is still a few steps behind where the country is and the scale of crises. When we [Labour] win, we have to win for big change and, if we don’t, I don’t think the country will forgive us.”
a berMondsey care home “requires improvement” after inspectors found a patient had been given opiate medicine even though they drank alcohol every day.
The report, published on October 4, found that Aspinden Care Home’s “failure to safely manage medicines placed people at risk of harm”.
The report said that some people were prescribed medicines to be taken ‘as required’ meaning patients take them when they think they need them, rather than in prescribed doses. An example might be when a patient is in pain.
However, in these instances, inspectors found that the protocols around this were not “robust” enough, meaning “medicines were
not always managed safely”.
The CQC report said: “At the last inspection we identified some people were prescribed medicines to be taken ‘as required’ (PRN)
for specific needs and conditions but there were no protocols in place. The provider had introduced these PRN protocols, but they were still not robust.
“For example, one person was using an opiate medicine as a PRN four times a day. This medicine was also not meant to be taken with alcohol and this person was drinking every day.”
The inspection concluded that, as a result, patients ran “the risk of receiving unsafe care”.
The report also found that “risk assessments were not robust and were not updated when people’s needs changed”.
It said it found three people using walking aids, and one wheelchair, which all needed repair and that a clinical lead nurse said there was no formal process to ensure the safety of such equipment.
The report alleged that one person had a seizure, but they had not had their seizure risk
assessment updated after the incident.
Inspectors found that accidents and incidents were analysed but “actions were not always completed following incidents”.
The report also said that the provider’s governance and auditing systems did not always identify issues with the quality of the service.
It said this meant appropriate action had not been taken to ensure people received good quality care.
The report did however find that people were “happy living at the home” and that staff understood the need “to safeguard people from the risk of abuse”.
Aspinden Care Home is a residential care home providing personal and nursing care to 26 people.
The News approached the Social Interest Group, the charity that runs Aspinden Care Home, for comment.
Southwark News started life as the Bermondsey News in 1987, as an A-4 photocopied sheet of paper and rapidly grew
cover the entire borough and the surrounding area. As the borough grew, so did the newspaper.
by
Former
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Southwark News, they bought the title in 2002, after the founder Dave Clark died suddenly
of
work tirelessly to cover as much of what is going on
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The Southwark News is proud to be the only independent, paid for newspaper in London
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a rotherhithe World War ii veteran who received France’s highest military decoration and protected london from the luftwaffe has died aged 99.
Albert Wiltshire was a Navy wireman (electrician) who served in the Combined Operations, a group of naval, land and air units that harassed German forces on the European continent after 1940.
His distinguished service was recognised when he was given the French Legion D’honneur at the French Ambassador’s residence in Knightsbridge in 2017.
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, which takes war heroes on fun days out in black cabs, described Albert as a “jolly man with a wonderful character”.
Seb Philp, London taxi driver and Taxi Charity committee member, said: “It was a pleasure having Albert in my taxi.
“I picked him up regularly because he lived close to me and I got to know him well. He often talked to me about his time in London during the Blitz and how he used to do watches from Saint Paul’s for German planes.
“In Normandy together, on a Taxi Charity trip, he explained about letting Canadian troops who he had got to know very well, off his landing ship on Juno Beach on D Day, but never seeing them again.”
As a member of the Combined Operations, set up by Churchill in 1940, Albert helped plan and undertake offensive operations against the Nazis.
These expeditions laid the groundwork for the D-Day landings which led to the Allied forces reclaiming Western Europe after years of German occupation.
Dick Goodwin, vice president of the charity, said: “The Charity is always deeply saddened to lose one of our family.
Albert speaks about his WW2 experiences on a Taxi Chartiy visit to Southwark House
a Personal trainer from dulwich who was homeless at 16 has qualified for the nationals after achieving 1st and 3rd place in her categories at a regional bodybuilding event last month.
Forty-seven-year-old Kerry Ann Haywood entered the body building world just three years ago and hopes to inspire women and girls of all ages.
In 2011 she began working as a fitness instructor at Dulwich Leisure Centre, which is managed by Everyone Active on behalf of Southwark Council. Last month she competed at the 2 Bros Pro bodybuilding event in Maidenhead and won 1st and 3rd in her height and age categories (5ft 2 and 40+).
“Age isn’t something we should shy away from - it shouldn’t stop us competing,” she says.
Despite a rocky start in life in her native Sheffield, which included being made homeless at just 16, Kerry Ann is determined to stay positive. “What nearly destroyed me as a child is now my strength,” Kerry Ann says. “I’ve been down a crazy path but I’m proud of who I am.”
After years of developing her body, Kerry Ann did her first bodybuilding competition
in 2019. “It was a sport I’d always debated taking part in, but never felt ready to before.”
Successfully placing in both her categories and coming away with four trophies in a further competition at the end of the year, Kerry Ann was determined to up her game and continue pushing herself.
“The first time I wanted to compete, I had a guy helping me, but he wasn’t telling me what to eat and how to train. So I trained as a nutritionist and qualified during the pandemic.
“It’s a trial-and-error process, but I’ve pretty much taught myself the whole way.”
After successfully placing in the IFBB natural’s regional qualifier and placing in the top 3 at the event last month, she’s qualified for the national competition next year, which attracts competitors from all over the world.
Depending on the category, female bodybuilders have to wear specific outfits to compete in. But at £400 per bikini, she says it doesn’t come cheap. “I’m just looking for sponsorship so I can carry on because it’s an expensive sport.”
Kerry Ann explains her dream is to get an IFBB card, meaning she will have attained top level recognition in the sport. “I’m now focused on building my confidence further, improving stage presence and posing, and
also building up my bikini profile. I really want to end the year on a high which should help me prepare for next year’s IFBB Pro Qualifier.”
Given the knowledge she’s built up, it’s no surprise that some girls are now going to her for help. “I get girls on Instagram asking me to coach them – but this is my personal journey, I don’t want it to become a job.”
Kerry Ann hopes to continue inspiring others with similar stories to keep going and achieve anything they set their mind to.
“Albert was a lovely jolly man with a wonderful character. It was always a pleasure to have him on our trips. He slotted in so well with everyone and was loved by all our volunteers and cab drivers.
“[He was] an unassuming man who never wanted to be any trouble or inconvenience anyone - and he never was, and he never did.”
Albert was married for fifty years, before losing his wife in 2012. They had two children, four grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren.
Seb Philp said: “Albert loved reading and listening to the radio. He was a wonderful man who enjoyed life to the full. I never once heard him complain and we will all miss him greatly.”
His funeral will be held at St Gertrude’s Church, Rotherhithe New Road, London, SE16 2BB, on 14 October 2022.
Kanye West was spotted getting into a cab wearing dazzling flipflops, after a fashion show was held in a surprising location on Mandela Way last week.
On Monday, September 26, the Burberry Spring/Summer 2023 Show was held in the warehouse next to the Royal Mail sorting office on Mandela Way. It was part of London Fashion Week, which hosts events in different venues all over the city.
The collection was supposed to be shown on the same day as Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, but was rescheduled and relocated to the anonymous warehouse.
A local postal worker told the News: “It was really manic... they tried to stop cars going in the yard but the postmen just said ‘on your bike, we’re going in!’”
One local put on social media: “Why is Kanye on my road in my post office sorting office?”
Others focused on his choice of footwear; black socks and a pair of jewelled flip-flops.
One tweet read: “Looks like he’s about to
go put the bins out.”
Pat Mckenna, who runs The Vic on Pages Way, around the corner from the warehouse, said some of the models came in after the show, all dressed in black. He said: “They didn’t stay long but they were all really nice. We knew something was happening because on Sunday the street was full of black cabs all day. Apparently, there were about 400 people there.”
Stormzy, Gillian Anderson and Erykah Badu were among other well-known faces in attendance.
A council officer said the lack of residential space was not a reason for refusing it
ex C lusive
By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uksouth War K CounC illors have refused developer lendlease’s application to build an eighteenstorey office block on Elephant Park, elephant and Castle.
The building, named H1, would have filled the final plot of the highly controversial development built where the Heygate Estate once stood.
In a gruelling five-hour session, councillors locked horns with the applicant over the building’s bulkiness, “excessive” office space and consequent loss of light.
Councillors repeatedly highlighted that 63,996sqm floorspace was double the 36,100sqm originally planned in the outline planning permission.
The panel of seven, comprising six Labour councillors and one Liberal Democrat voted unanimously to refuse it at the committee meeting on Tuesday, October 4.
Committee Chair Cllr Livingstone said the application had been refused “due to excessive height, mass and bulk of the application, causing harm to the character and appearance of Elephant Road, Elephant Park and Walworth Road.”
Under the Section 106 agreement, signed in 2013 between Southwark Council and Lendlease, Plot H1’s
“principal land use” was earmarked as “residential”.
But, having built 2,689 homes on Elephant Park, with 25 per cent to be rented at an ‘affordable rate’, Lendlease has already fulfilled its housing obligation.
This allowed the applicant to apply for 48,750 sqm of office space, an almost a ten-fold increase on the 5,000 sqm specified in the original masterplan.
Councillors repeatedly questioned the “bulkiness” of the building, which would have been more slender had it been residential as originally planned.
Cllr Kath Whitham said the building was so big it would be like “Ayer’s Rock had landed on Elephant and Castle”.
Southwark’s Head of Design said that changing the building’s principal land use, from residential to commercial, had allowed for the mass increase.
He said: “Residential towers are generally slimmer and more articulated in order to offer outlook and aspect to residents whereas commercial buildings are generally about optimising floor space.”
At the beginning of the meeting, a council officer said the lack of residential space was not a reason for refusing the application.
And various parties repeatedly highlighted that a commercial development aligned with the Southwark Plan 2022, which says Elephant and Castle’s developments should “attract global business”.
Despite, this, Cllr Nick Johnson said approving the plan was like “selling off the family silver” because it was passing up the chance to use the plot for affordable housing.
He said: “We are in effect, as a council, being forced to sell off the family silver in the sense that once this plot’s gone, we don’t have an infinite pot of further plots of land to replace it with.”
Jerry Flynn of the 35% campaign said the office building was a “radical change of direction”.
He highlighted that the entire scheme provided “ten per cent less affordable housing than required by policy on the strength of a viability assessment that is ten years old.”
There were also concerns about the proposed Health Hub. Cllr Reginald Popoola said the 30 year lease was too short.
It has also been a long-standing worry that the new Health Hub could replace existing general practice (GP) surgeries on Princess Street in Elephant and Manor Place in Walworth.
The planning application also contained a clause that allowed Lendlease to turn the space into affordable workspace instead, something councillors were keen to amend.
Following the refusal, Lendlease can appeal the decision or submit a new application. A new submission would probably have to be more in line with the outline planning permission to be successful.
The demolished Heygate Estate, the site of the Elephant Park development, once housed 1,200 council homes.
Of the 2,689 homes being built on Elephant Park, only 541 are classed as ‘affordable’, and just 92 of those are social rent.
Jerry Flynn said: “The planning committee made the right decision. We hope Lendlease will accept it and begin to have a proper consultation about what to build on H1.
“We do need new health facilities, but people also need to know more about potentially big changes to local health provision and how it might affect them.
“We also need homes that people can afford to live in – these should be the priorities now for Southwark and for Lendlease, not offices.”
Kids FroM six southwark primary schools were selling produce they have grown from scratch at busy borough Market on Wednesday, after getting a masterclass in where food comes from.
School Food Matters and Borough Market teamed up in 2012 to create the ‘Young Marketeers’ programme –which aims to educate primary and secondary school kids about where food comes from.
Stephanie Slater, director of School Food Matters - who first proposed the idea 11 years ago - said: “What started as a pumpkin sale has become an annual fixture at Borough Market with 30 schools taking part over three market days: winter, summer and harvest. We want to arm the next generation with the skills they need to live healthy and happy lives.”
In April, 5 to 7-year-olds from six different Southwark schools went to meet with the market traders at Borough, where they got a lesson in how to sell at a
market, as well as how to grow vegetables from seed.
Stephanie explains that the scheme helps the kids grow in confidence. “Year on year kids who might not be as involved in the classroom become ‘Borough boys’ on the market,” she said. “You really see them grow in confidence.”
As all funds raised go to food distribution charity, The Felix Project, the children also gain an understanding of food poverty and waste. Kate Howell, director of Communications and Engagement at Borough Market said: “Over the last 11 years, the money raised has so far provided 7,000 meals for families in need,”
The Southwark primary schools involved in this year’s Harvest sale are Charles Dickens and Friars in Borough, Tower Bridge, St James’s C of E and Snowsfields all in Bermondsey. Kate adds that there’s often “healthy competition” between the schools on who can sell the most. “They all learn about the charity they’re raising money for, which makes them all determined to sell the most.”
PoliC e have released an image of a man they want to trace in relation to an incident where two women witnessed an indecent exposure in lewisham.
The incident happened on Lewisham
High Street, next to the Iceland shop, shortly before 11pm, on Saturday, July 30.
The suspect police are looking for is
described as black, around 5ft 9” and in his 50s, is believed to have left the scene via a route P4 bus. Police say he was bald and wearing a black or dark suit, white shirt and red tie. The two women involved in the incident are being supported by police. Anyone who recognises the man in the photo, or has any information that could assist police, is urged to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 3268/19SEP22. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
london Mayor sadiq Khan visited the blue to announce a new team of industry experts who will support london markets.
He met with local traders and people who had participated in the Bermondsey market’s recent regeneration, along with Council Leader Kieron Williams, on Friday, September 30.
His new board of experts will support London’s markets by lobbying the government for the resources they need to play “a crucial role in the capital”.
The Mayor of London said: “I’m delighted to appoint nineteen experts to the London Markets Board. They will help ensure that markets like The Blue Market in Bermondsey can continue to thrive and serve the community in the best way possible.
“Markets in London play a crucial role in the capital. Not only do they enable people to buy goods and services from others in their community, they are also great hubs where people from all backgrounds and ages can socialise and
connect.”
Khan also launched Openmarkets. london - a new website making it easier for young people and new traders to access pitches on markets.
The Blue benefited from the Mayor’s funding when it was regenerated using £2 million from his Good Growth Fund.
With that money, the historic market underwent a revamp. There are now new stalls for traders and much-needed maintenance has been done.
A public space for community events has also been established and, at its centre, a new clock tower built.
Inspired by one that used to sit on top of Peek Frean’s biscuit factory, the tower is clad with 3,000 tin can discs made in Old Kent Road.
Once an important community hub, socio-economic changes and the opening of the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre in 1988 led to the Blue’s gradual decline.
Russell Dryden, a fishmonger in charge of the Blue Bermondsey business improvement district (BID), said: “The Blue has always had a street market for over 100 years and 150 stalls used to line Southwark Park Road.
By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uka ber Mondsey teen who lost his legs aged ten has applied for over 300 jobs since February, but says he keeps getting rejected because of his disability.
Cameron O’Connor, a “sociable, playful and fun” 19-year-old, desperately wants to earn money so he can enjoy nights out and holidays with his mates.
The former Bacon’s College student said: “I’m at that age where I like to go out with my mates partying and I can’t because I’ve got no job. Every time my mates are saying ‘let’s go out’ I can’t because I’ve got no money.
“I’m not one of those people who stays indoors and plays on the PlayStation. I’m an out-all-day kind of person. This just makes me feel depressed and down all the time.”
Cameron, who lives with his mum, dad and two sisters, contracted meningitis aged one, which stunted his legs’ growth. But it also taught him resilience.
“People in the school playground would say ‘you can’t play football’ and then I would play, even with how my legs were. You don’t put someone down for the way they look.”
But aged ten, his family made the impossible decision to amputate both his legs, after doctors said they could cause health complications later in life.
Now using a wheelchair, Cameron is a talented wheelchair basketball player and enjoys an active social life. But he needs a job to support his passions.
Between September 2021 and June 2022, he did a youth coaching apprenticeship at Salmon Youth Centre, in order to gain experience.
Only earning an apprentice wage of roughly £4 an hour, he picked up extra shifts as a seasonal temp at Tesco.
Over the Christmas period, he did sevenday-weeks, working 160 hours a month across both jobs, earning just £900 a month.
Now his contracts with Tesco and Salmon Youth Centre have ended, he’s been applying for roles since February without success.
Frustratingly, employers often assure him
that his disability isn’t a problem, but he told the News they later say they can’t hire him because they can’t accommodate his needs.
In May, he applied for a job at a major hotelier, whom he says told him he was “perfect for the job”. So when he got rejected and he didn’t receive feedback, he went to the hotel in person, where he says a manager told him he wasn’t hired because the site wasn’t disabled accessible. But
Cameron says that was a “rubbish excuse”: “It was fully accessible! There were lifts everywhere, ramps everywhere. You could take a disabled basketball team there and they could stay there for months because it was so accessible. It was a rubbish excuse.
“They just don’t want to hire me because they don’t want the burden of me. Companies are smart. They don’t say this over the phone or by email. They tell me face to face, so when I take it to the public I’ve got no proof.”
The News is investigating to find out why these employers rejected Cameron.
Derrick Johnson, 27, a friend and excolleague of Cameron’s at the Salmon Youth Centre, said: “He’s playful and fun and loves to do jobs and when it comes down to it he can and will be serious.
“He’s very hardworking and even now as he’s looking for work, he’s got the motivation to keep going and is able to push himself even when he feels like he’s going nowhere.”
Derrick said seeing Cameron being turned down for jobs is “frustrating” and that employers don’t understand “what he’s capable of doing”.
Cameron trains five days a week with his basketball team Brixton Ballers and hopes to represent Team GB at the Paralympics one day. “Most disabled people don’t want to get up and get a job. I explain to them it doesn’t mean you have to stop your life entirely.
“It just means you have to prove to people why having a disability doesn’t stop you from doing the things you love.”
If a local employer would like to speak to Cameron about job opportunities, please contact us at: editor@southwarknews.co.uk
“I’ve seen it trading for thirty-odd years and seen it go down in front of my eyes… when they opened Surrey Quays it took a lot of people away.
“A lot of people don’t agree with Kahn
on his policies around transport but if it wasn’t for him stepping in with the funding, we wouldn’t have this lovely town centre.
“We can’t compete with online
supermarkets and big super chains on price but we can compete on social value. People who want to come to the Blue can come and support their local shops, have a chat and a coffee.”
tWo doCuMentaries that tell individual’s stories from the elephant Mall closure are hailed as “compulsory viewing” for planning committee by local activist.
The films were shown last week, at Draper Hall, as part of the two-year commemoration since the closure of the Elephant and Castle shopping centre.
Latin Elephant put on the event in the hope of reigniting the community, who feel that whilst some people got a good deal, others are still waiting to be relocated.
a n elderly rotherhithe woman is “devastated” after she said a faulty radiator exploded with “boiling hot water” and ruined her home.
Christine Musgrove, 71, told the News got back from shopping on Thursday morning, September 29, to find alarms wailing and steam billowing from her windows.
Water dripped from the ceilings, the floor was drenched, her family photos were ruined and the electrics were broken. If she’d been in her home at the time seh says “she would have been burned to pieces”.
Speaking from a garden chair outside her home, Christine said: “I thought it was a fire at first. The whole house is ruined. It’s soaking wet in the living
room, the hallway, there are big puddles and no electricity.”
A council tenant at the property for eleven years, she says she’s repeatedly asked the Council to fix her leaking shower and gathering mould.
But despite repeated requests for help, and several visitations from council officers, she claims no maintenance has been done.
Christine says a council officer suggested she fix the mould by “getting on a stepladder and spray-painting it”.
Her niece, Claire Muldowney, 41, said: “She missed it by forty minutes. If that exploded while she was brushing her teeth she would have been burned to pieces.”
The family says the Council initially offered her temporary accommodation in Deptford and Peckham but, being in her 70s, she wants to live near family.
Southwark Council says Christine has accepted temporary accommodation at a hotel.
Claire said: “It’s ruining her home. She’s devastated because she’s got nowhere else to say. She’s so much her own person and she’s lived on her own for years. She’s got her own little ways and now she’s being pushed out of her own home.”
Southwark Council was unable to comment because the incident is now a legal disrepair case.
“This event was about bringing people together, those who have always loved the Elephant and wondered how the development has affected the community of traders and locals,” said Santiago Peluffo, programme director at Latin Elephant.
“It was also a celebration of their resilience in light of the displacement of many of their businesses,” he added.
Jerry Flynn, of the 35% Campaign, which represents locals, traders and others with an interest in local regeneration went along to show his support. “Anyone watching the films can see it’s clear some people were left behind.”
“These two films should be compulsory viewing for every member of the planning committee”, he said.
The first film, The Palace followed the bingo club that closed with the shopping centre and premiered last year.
But this was the first-ever screening of the second film, Élefan, directed by Daniel Díaz.
Daniel grew up in South West London, but he said his parents, who are Colombian, would take them to the centre often.
“For many of us, Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre was the only reference
point for Latin American culture here in London - we went regularly.”
He says its closure is a moment in history that needs to be remembered. “I wanted to tell a story. It’s about making people aware of the real people behind the centre closure.”
“When it comes to opinions about it - everyone’s experience was slightly different. Especially the people we featured in the film. No one’s right or wrong.” He says what was more important to them was capturing the moment and looking to the future – “this film can act as closure for what was an uncertain time for many,” he adds.
One of the people featured in the film is Anna Castro, who runs ‘Anna Castro Boutique’. As someone who was relocated from the Elephant Centre, she now occupies a space on the corner of Castle Square – but hopes to return to the new shopping centre when one is built. She added: “I decided to participate in the film so when my children grow up, they can see my part in what happened – it’s an important part of history for us.”
Christian, MusliM and rastafarian organisations have been recognised for their “often unnoticed” community work at the southwark Faith and belief awards (F&bF).
Local religious centres that have acted as youth schemes, food banks and advice centres were thanked at the ceremony held at Southwark Council’s offices, Tooley Street, on Thursday, September 22.
A mosque that disseminated Covid information and a church that distributed hundreds of food parcels during the pandemic were among the seven winning projects.
Jessica Hazrati from the Faith & Belief Forum said: “Having worked in the interfaith sector for over twenty years, we at F&BF have seen the power faith and belief communities have in transforming their communities for the better.
“This work that happens at the
grassroots often goes unnoticed by wider society, due to the humility of those delivering the work but also sometimes due to incorrect assumptions about the role and influence of faith and belief in society.”
One winner was The Empowerment Group, operating from New Cross’ Cornerstone Church. It alleviates mental illness within the black and minority ethnic (BME) community by supporting access to “culturally trained” therapists.
Church Pastor Kunlé Oyedeji has since raised over £100,000 to employ fifteen therapists who provide one-to-one mental health support to hundreds of people.
The Dulwich Islamic Centre spread Covid-related information to its 300-plus strong online congregation every Friday during the pandemic.
Its piritual leaders continue to provide reassurance and advice to families who have been bereaved or affected by Covid-19.
Growing Hope Brockley which gives free therapy to children across Lewisham
and Southwark from St Peter’s Church, Brockley, also grabbed a prize.
Sharon O’Driscoll, Clinic Manager at Growing Hope Brockley, said: “We have the privilege of journeying with families and sharing hope with them even in the most difficult situations.
“We’re grateful for the Southwark Faith & Belief Awards which have encouraged us in celebrating the impact of the third sector on healthcare today.”
The Rastafari Movement UK’s Food & Well-Being Programme set up a telephone helpline for isolated and vulnerable people who need emotional support or help accessing benefits or healthcare.
Amazing Grace Parish Community Project in Peckham, Love North Southwark in Bermondsey and the Southwark over 40s Football Club also received awards for their hard work.
This Faith & Belief Forum was made possible by the support of Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London’s Council on Faith and the City Bridge Trust.
She missed it by forty minutes. If that exploded while she was bushing her teeth she would have been burned to pieces
s hoPK eePers on lordship lane, east dulwich, are at their wits’ end because of a spike in “brazen” thieves stealing booze and groceries.
Three shops, including a charity shop, told the News that shoplifting is going up and police struggle to arrive quickly enough when it happens.
Tee, who works at the Mind charity shop, at the corner of Lordship Lane on Grove Vale, said: “Recently they’re brazen… I had somebody in here last Thursday and he nicked a customer’s handbag while they were shopping.
“While they turned he grabbed it and ran outside down the road and he was tugging the bag with us and a fight almost ensued!
“With the economic downturn, people are desperate now - people who fall into alcohol, drugs and mental health - they fall through the net.”
Every ward should have two police constables and one police community support officer but the News recently reported that Goose Green went weeks with just two officers.
Speaking at the South Area Multi Ward Meeting at Chris Church, Dulwich Village, on Tuesday, September 20, Goose Green Councillor Charlie Smith said police shortages had caused an “epidemic of shoplifting”.
The Labour councillor said: “I remember a few years ago each ward had five officers, a sergeant, a couple of
PCs, so on and so on. “Of course, that’s not the case now. I go to the local neighbourhood meeting and I’m surprised to see that a sergeant’s moved on, or he or she is covering two wards, or there’s another officer that’s disappeared. It’s just not good enough.”
Over the last twelve months, theft and burglary have been the second most commonly recorded crime in Goose Green, surpassed only by anti-social behaviour.
Alex Yildiram, a shopkeeper at Lane Supermarket, Lordship Lane, for six years, said: “The grab and run is more usual than before.
“Kids maybe steal a chocolate bar but that’s nothing… sometimes elders come in with a big bag and try and fill it.”
Gurinder Singh, 39, a shopkeeper at Organic Village Market, Lordship Lane, said: “We have some problems with people stealing fruit and veg from outside. If you see them and say something they put it back. It’s mostly elderly people.”
Asked about the police response, he said: “They don’t have enough officers. If they walked through the streets people would have in their mind that there are police on the street. If they could patrol like that it might be better.”
roughly 8,588 southwark homes lie empty despite the fact that over 16,000 people are on the council’s housing waiting list, according to a southwark Council report.
Southwark Council says “the numbers appear to be moving in the direction” because this is less than the 9,125 empty homes recorded in October last year.
These figures have been released by the council a year after it adopted its ‘Empty Homes Action Plan’ and announced a “zero tolerance” approach to empty housing.
The plan, approved by cabinet in October 2021, recommended the council adopt a series of measures to tackle the empty homes crisis.
Among its measures, the plan recommended using mechanisms
which allow the council to forcibly manage or own empty properties. These mechanisms include Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) and Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs).
It also recommended improving the data on empty homes and incentivising property owners to let their homes to homeless families through the council’s social lettings agency.
While the fall in empty homes indicates some success, the vast majority of homes uninhabited last year remain as such.
Of the 8,588 empty homes, 6,874 of these are privately owned while 1,714 are owned by the council.
Of the empty 6,874 private homes, 2,457 are furnished but unoccupied. This is an important distinction because these properties are often regarded as ‘second homes’.
As a result, local authorities have fewer powers to pressure owners into
letting them because it’s more difficult to impose measures like council tax premiums.
The report said the council had surveyed owners to find out why their properties had remained empty.
48 per cent of residents said that the home was empty due to works being needed. Of these, two thirds indicated they needed significant renovation.
The remainder indicated they needed minor works and 31 per cent said that the home was up for sale.
Less than half of owners said they wanted help from the council in bringing their homes back into use.
Of those who said they were interested in help, they tended to want rental guarantees and cash incentives.
The council has resolved to improve its “marketing material” as it already incentivising owners to let their homes through measures like rental guarantees and cash incentives.
a C hild is fighting for his life after a collision involving a bus on norwood road, as police appeal for witnesses and information.
The 11-year-old boy has been rushed to hospital, where he remains in a
critical condition.
Officers were called to the scene at 8.13am on Tuesday, 4 October, after receiving reports of the collision on the West Norwood A road.
London Ambulance and Air Ambulance Service attended and took the pedestrian, a young boy, to hospital.
The driver of the bus stopped at the
scene and is assisting police with their enquiries. No arrests have been made.
Any witnesses or drivers with dash cam footage who could assist the investigation are asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 02082851574. Alternatively, they can call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD1307/04OCT.
Not all shopkeepers have had problems. Red Apple corner shop shopkeeper Wayne Potton, 50, said: “There’s hardly any shoplifters. There might be one or two that have a try. I’ve worked here 28 years, I know all our customers.
“We know a lot of the people around here. We’ve been here so long we don’t really get that.”
Last week, the News reported that the wards in the south of the borough, including Goose Green where Lordship Lane is, are now fully staffed with police officers. Local police were approached for comment..
a Man who has “absconded” from prison has links to southwark according to police.
Thames Valley Police are appealing for help in tracing Nicholas Doyley, 47, who police say is “believed to frequent London” and has links to both Southwark and Lewisham.
He is described as being 5ft 10 inches tall, of medium build, having brown eyes and a scar on the left side of his head.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Kate Bottomley, based at Aylesbury police station, Buckinghamshire, said: “If anyone sees Doyley they are advised not to approach him but instead to call 999 immediately.
“If you have any information regarding where he may be, you can call 101 or report online via the Thames Valley Police website, quoting reference 43220441148.
“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.ukA gold-mEdA l-winning athlete and ninja Warrior star has been inspiring herne hill school kids to be physically active.
Frederick Afrifa, 26, who has two winners medals from UK athletics championships, led a fitness circuit with pupils at St Jude’s CE Primary School on
Tuesday, September 27, 2022.
Florence, year six, said: “I enjoyed doing the course Frederick made up. We did spotty dogs, mountain climbers, pressups and star jumps.
“I found it interesting to hear about Frederick’s backstory before he became a professional athlete.”
After the session, Fred led an assembly
where he spoke to the children about the importance of discovering and pursuing their passions.
Jorge, year four, said: “I think it was an amazing experience because Fred taught us and got us fit. Also, I’ll never forget his amazing words of wisdom. Fred was very exciting and he was very kind and helpful.”
As well as winning the World Youth Relay in 2013, and the Surrey County Championship in 2015, Frederick competed in Ninja Warrior UK, a televised assault course, in 2019.
Children get sponsored by friends and family to participate in the session and the money raised goes towards buying the school new sports equipment.
If pupils raise enough money they can win wristbands and signed posters of the athlete they’ve been taught by.
a teenager who was left paralysed due to a rare condition abseiled 160 feet to thank evelina london Children’s hospital after making a full recovery.
Alex Jeffery, 18, from Greenwich, abseiled down St Thomas’ Hospital and was inspired to take on the challenge after receiving lifesaving treatment at Evelina London for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).
The condition affects the brain and spinal cord and caused Alex to lose
movement in her lower body at just 13 years old. She also experienced breathing problems, that almost led to her having to be put on a ventilator. “I could only say one word at a time before I’d lose my breath,” Alex explains.
ADEM is rare, affecting one in every 125,000 to 250,000 people worldwide each year. It typically only affects children aged two to ten. “I was 13, and my condition deteriorated abnormally fast,” she explained.
“The doctors had never seen my particular case before, which was why they were unable to say if and when I would recover.”
Alex said without proper treatment, ADEM can be fatal. “That’s why I’m so lucky to have received the treatment I did at Evelina. If it wasn’t for them, I would still be in a wheelchair.”
Alex spent almost four weeks at Evelina London before being discharged back home to finish recovering. She has regained all movement in her lower body and is able to walk without crutches.
To thank Evelina London, she did the abseil and set up a fundraising page to raise money for the hospital.
“I had so much fun and knowing I was raising money for an important cause made it even more special,” she said.
By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk
the nhs south east london integrated Care board (iCb) has confirmed that the Tessa Jowell health Centre’s community services are available to patients all over south london, but extended primary care services (ePCs) are not.
Last week, the News reported that patients in Southwark’s extreme southGypsy Hill and West Dulwich - were cut off from vital health services.
The NHS has since confirmed that Tessa
Jowell’s EPCS, which provides additional doctor appointments when other GPs are fully-booked, is only available to those registered with Southwark GPs.
For those Southwark residents forced to register with GPs outside of the borough, this will stoke fears that health planning is failing to provide for their needs.
Francis Bernstein, a Gypsy Hill resident registered with a Lambeth GP, told the News: “The problem is we don’t have a choice. We’re completely out of catchment for all these Dulwich GPs in the very south of the borough.
“There’s a little bubble around Dulwich. But what about other people who live in the south of Southwark?”
On the other hand, community services - which include child health, musculoskeletal therapy, sexual health and much more - remain available to people throughout London.
Patients access these services by being referred to them by their doctor or other means. In this case, it does not matter where they are registered.
The News understands that the NHS South East London ICB is organising a meeting with south Southwark councillors and concerned residents to discuss which services they can use.
A spokesperson for the NHS South East London Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “Tessa Jowell Health Centre contains a wide variety of services
“When I got to the bottom, I was interviewed by ITV News. That was more nerve-wracking than the abseil itself,” she says. “The abseil was perfect for me; I don’t mind heights and it’s a bit like going up the mast in sailing.”
She told the News she started sailing with her dad when she was two, and before being paralysed, she was used to doing it ‘single-handedly’, meaning she was the only one on the boat.
“Doctors said they didn’t think I’d ever be able to do that again – but one month after being discharged from Evelina, I was back sailing on my own,” she said.
Alex’s dad said she’s been looking for
a good opportunity to say thank you to the people at the Evelina for some time.
“It was great when she was finally able to take part in the abseil - it meant a great deal to the whole family to be there with her,” he added.
Dr Ming Lim, a consultant neurologist at Evelina, said: “Alex has made a remarkable recovery. At Evelina London we have specialist teams who know how to treat rare conditions like this.”
“We are very thankful for her fundraising and we are so pleased that she is doing well and is sailing again.”
Alex has raised nearly £1000 so far for Evelina London Children’s Hospital.
open to people in Southwark and other London boroughs, although a referral will be required to access some services.
“We are working with local councillors, neighbouring councils, and the service
providers including Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to identify and understand any access issues reported by residents.
rotherhithe’s iConiC nightclub
Printworks has been thrown a lifeline months after southwark Council approved plans to turn it into offices.
As part of the Canada Water Masterplan, British Land’s project to build offices and 3,500 new homes, the iconic venue looked set to turn off the lights permanently.
But Printworks released a statement on Tuesday saying it was “in detailed talks about our return to our much-loved venue”.
Run by event managers Broadwick Live, Printworks wrote on Facebook: “We’re pleased to confirm in partnership with British Land, we’re in detailed talks about our return to our much-loved venue.
“While there is still a detailed planning process that needs to take place before we can 100 per cent confirm the future of Printworks, we’re positive about our future.”
“Thank you for your unwavering support. The backing of our community has been vital in getting us to this point and is crucial to the future of Printworks London,” it added.
The news comes after ravers tabled a mammoth 11,500 signature petition to stop the closure, noting that 22 per cent of London clubs had closed since 2019.
But given that the Council has already approved plans to turn the venue into 405,502m² of office space, some are questioning what Printworks’ return would really look like.
One Facebook commenter wrote: “Don’t get your hopes up, the whole area will be offices and flats without a doubt, with the odd expensive bar dotted around as a leisure/entertainment concession. Certainly no massive nightclub like
Printworks.”
Another commenter agreed: “Hmm I’m not sure what to take from this... I’m pretty certain the plans to turn it into offices… I can’t see how you can incorporate a nightclub.”
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British Land has previously hinted that there may be room for a music events space. In July, the developer told the News it “believes that culture will play an important role as part of a new urban centre at Canada Water”.
Amy Lamé, London’s Night Czar, said in a statement: “I’m delighted that Broadwick Live and British Land are working together to develop the next chapter for Printworks.
“This fantastic temporary venue has
become a major destination that attracts some of the biggest names in electronic music and visitors from all over the world.
“I will keep working with them and offer all the support we can to secure an exciting future for the venue.”
CyClists Pedalling from Central london to greenwich can look forward to a “safer protected” cycleway which has just opened on evelyn street, deptford.
It’s the latest section of Cycleway 4 to be completed, a major new route that will improve cycling for thousands every week.
Nick Fairholme, Director of Project and Programme Delivery at Transport for London (TfL), said: “Walking and cycling are vital to London’s transport network and this new section of Cycleway 4 in Deptford will ensure that even more people have access to the capital’s network of high-quality routes.”
The works are part of Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s ‘healthy streets and healthy people’ strategy, which aims to reduce car dependency and the health problems it creates.
In opening the new route, TfL noted that 60 per cent of inner London households don’t have a car, with a high proportion of these being low-income households.
The works have also brought about new pedestrian crossings on Gosterwood Street and Grinstead Road,
and upgraded pedestrian crossings at Oxestalls Road and Deptford High Street.
It is also hoped that wider footways and a new public space on New King Street will make the area “a nicer place to walk around and spend time in”.
Construction of the remaining section of Cycleway 4, on Lower Road, will begin later this year.
Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “In the last two years, we’ve seen more Londoners than ever choosing to walk and cycle around the capital.
“We are determined to maintain this success and encourage more people to pick up greener and more sustainable transport options by continuing to make London’s roads safer and journeys easier.
“I’m delighted that this latest section of Cycleway 4 is now completed, enabling an important and safer cycling route for local communities between Greenwich and Central London.”
TfL recently announced that the experimental extension of a route along Tooley Street to London Bridge is being made permanent.
Data showed that vehicle numbers fell by a third since its installation and bus journey times westbound became quicker and more reliable.
WoMen relying on an underthreat night bus through Peckham could be in danger with data showing they need it more than ever.
Statistics released by Transport for London (TfL) show that the 24-hour number 12 route from Dulwich Library to Oxford Circus is being used more than it was pre-pandemic.
The data, revealed following a Liberal Democrat freedom of information request, counters TfL’s claims that bus cuts respond to falling passenger numbers post-pandemic.
If the 12 route gets axed, its passengers may have to use interchanges more often, which TfL has previously said is detrimental to women’s safety and
disabled people.
Leader of the Southwark Liberal Democrats Cllr Victor Chamberlain said: “Night buses are an irreplaceable asset to our city. They transport people safely home at night and help residents, including key workers, access hospitals at all hours.
“Getting rid of them poses a risk to Londoners’ safety, reduces access to hospitals and will badly affect the workers we rely on most.
“This latest data lays bare just how important they remain to people all across London and what a travesty it would be if TfL’s proposals were to come to fruition. Sadiq Khan must commit to preserving our night buses.”
The data assessed the use of eight threatened night buses, including the 24hour route 12, and found that many were often used at over 90 per cent of their prepandemic levels.
The buses included in the study were the N11, N16, N31, N72 N74, 12, 14 and 24, between 12am and 5am, over a 23week period, between February and August, in 2019 and 2022.
Out of the eight routes, all were above 80 per cent of pre-pandemic use, five were 90 per cent and up, and two, including route 12, were over 100 per cent.
In August, a spokesperson for London TravelWatch, an advocacy group for London’s travellers, said: “Women and girls, older and disabled people and people of colour told us that they feel especially vulnerable when travelling at night. And with Londoners on lower incomes relying on the bus the most, taking an uber instead just isn’t an option.”
The latest figures come just months after the News reported that the at-risk 78 bus was being used 27 per cent more than during the same week in 2019.
CoMM uters should plan their journeys carefully this saturday with strikes set to disrupt travel plans.
Strikes by the RMT, ASLEF and TSSA unions will disrupt trains on London’s overground, tube and Southeastern networks.
On Saturday, October 8, no
overground services will run from 4am till 8am and after 6pm. From 8am till 6pm, a reduced service will operate. Services are set to resume slightly later the following morning on Sunday, October 9.
On the underground, the District and Bakerloo lines will also be disrupted on Saturday.
On the Southeastern railway network, a reduced service expected on October 8.
Southeastern runs trains through much of south-east London, including London Bridge, Blackfriars, Elephant and Castle, Peckham, Denmark Hill and Nunhead.
Scott Brightwell, Southeastern Operations and Safety Director, said: “We recognise the inconvenience this causes and offer our sincere apologies. We continue to work as hard as we can to get normal services resumed as quickly as we can.”
By Isabel Ramirez
isabel@southwarknews.co.uk
south War K CounC il was hailed as this year’s best performing borough for keeping its parks clean.
This year, the Good Parks for London report looked at how landowners are keeping parks clean across London - and Southwark came out on top with the organisation saying it provided a ‘top quality service’.
“Lewisham and Lambeth have held the top performing positions for the last few years - but Southwark have never been far behind, so coming top this year is great for them,” said Tony Leach, CEO of Parks For London.
“It’s saying that the service they’re providing is top quality – it’s something that other boroughs aspire to.”
“Southwark’s always been in the top quartile which shows a good commitment to the upkeep of the parks and green spaces across the borough,” he added.
Cllr Catherine Rose, Lead Member for Leisure, Parks, Streets and Clean Air, said: “We are very proud to be named Best Borough by Good Parks for London. This award is testament to Southwark Council’s investment in its parks, as well as its understanding of the importance of cared for green spaces for Londoners.
“Our green spaces do much to help improve the quality of life and physical and mental health of people in
Southwark, this is why we continue to invest in it.”
Each borough is scored based on a list of criterion, including sustainability, where Southwark scored particularly high.
“The council composts all of the green waste recovered across its parks, and then returns it to flowerbeds to feed more plants and flowers,” Cllr Rose explained. She added that, over the last two years, thanks to the help of all of the Friends groups and volunteers, the council has planted 17,000 new trees in parks across the borough.
“We are focused on improving air quality and making changes now, in order to safeguard our environment for future generations,” she said.
a Kennington teenager was one of two found guilty this week of conspiracy to murder, after a sixteen-year-old boy was left for dead, having been run over and repeatedly stabbed while test riding his new bicycle.
Taiquane Lewis, 19, of Kennington Park Road, Kennington, was found guilty of being involved in the “cowardly, senseless attack” on sixteen-year-old James Bascoe-Smith.
He was convicted alongside coconspirator Leon Alan Rashid, 20, of Dunheved Road, Thornton Heath, this Thursday, September 29, 2022, at the Central Criminal Court.
Police described the ‘murderous random assault on a lone and outnumbered James’ as “about as sinister as it can possibly get”.
The extensive injuries to his organs, and neurological damage, mean he requires constant care and support, and will do for the rest of his life.
His mother even went through the trauma of receiving a video call from her incapacitated son saying “he’d been stabbed and was dying”.
James, now eighteen, had been testing out a bike his mother had bought him near his home on Henry Road, Oval, around 6pm on February 23, 2021.
A Range Rover, in convoy with a VW Passat, sped into James, before men leapt out and began “stabbing and slashing” at him in front of horrified neighbours.
Police said the “merciless assault” ended when a male who had been acting as look-out said something, prompting the attackers to drive off.
Witnesses said sparks flew when James’ bike got trapped under the escaping Range Rover, with one occupant getting out to remove it from under the wheels.
It was now that James called his mum, to tell her what happened, while his own life ebbed away.
Police and paramedics were called to the scene at 6.15pm to reports of a stabbing. On the way to hospital, James’ heart stopped beating and he stopped breathing.
Doctors conducted a thoracotomy and defibrillated James four times. On the fourth attempt, his heart started beating again.
Now on the long road to recovery, police have described James as a “miracle and a role model” who has shown “heroism and dignity” throughout the trial.
While James fought for his life in the back of the ambulance, police were already gathering evidence of the horrific ordeal.
Police recovered CCTV footage showing the suspect vehicles, which later turned out to be stolen, patrolling the estate before ploughing into James.
Five knives were recovered from the scene, two from inside the VW Passat, some of which were covered in blood.
The Range Rover was found abandoned by police the next morning and smelled strongly of cleaning products.
Police said considerable forensic examinations were conducted and Lewis was identified after his DNA was found on the VW Passat.
The court heard a search of his bedroom turned up knives which were the same type as those used in the offence. His DNA was also found on a sheath discovered in the Range Rover.
Police said Rashid was identified through DNA evidence found on one of the knives, which also had James’ blood on it.
Tragically, police have never established a motive, saying that
James was a totally innocent victim caught up in a dispute between rival gangs.
The court was told James had been doing well in his GCSEs and working as a coach at a local gym at the time the attack happened. Through a victim impact statement his mother
Lisa Bascoe-Smith said: “My phone rang and I saw James lying on the floor.
“I sank when I saw him in a pool of blood. I keep asking myself, ‘how can it have happened in that space of a minute out of my eyesight?’”
Ms Bascoe-Smith said James had made some progress in his rehabilitation, adding: “He has gone from a sporty, carefree, happy-golucky boy to someone who has been bedridden and is struggling to move or communicate.”
DI Awad said: “In my years as a police officer I have investigated some harrowing cases. What happened to James is among the worst I have encountered. The strength shown by his family after that ordeal, and the ensuing trial, is utterly incredible.
“The reason for the attack on James has never been satisfactorily explained. He was a completely innocent victim caught up in a dispute between rival gangs.
“I would like to thank the team of dedicated officers who worked so diligently for James to bring this
awful group of people to justice. And of course, the paramedics, doctors and nurses, without whose care, skill and expertise James would not be here today.”
Police praised James and his family, whose “collective heroism and dignity has inspired the entire police and prosecution team”.
James’ auntie, Rachel Duncan, said: “The family are thankful for the justice that has been served today and hope that we can now live our lives in peace knowing that these violent offenders are off our streets. We thank all involved that brought these people to justice.
“We now plead with those who carry knives and weapons to cause serious harm or to kill, to stop this now, because life can change in an instant or in a minute but the impact can be life-changing!”
Detective Superintendent Neerav Patel, Central South Command Unit, said: “It is a miracle that James is here
with us today and he is a role model to us all.
“James has a long road of recovery ahead, supported by his loving family who have been with him every step of the way.
“This cowardly, senseless attack shines a light on the evil of knife crime and gang-related violence.
“Most importantly, however, it reiterates that we will be relentless in our pursuit of those who commit acts of violence like this, working day and night to bring them to justice.”
Crown Prosecution Service Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor David Malone said: “My thoughts today are with the victim, James, and his family who I spent some time with yesterday at the Old Bailey as we awaited the verdicts.
“I know that their collective heroism and dignity has inspired the entire police and prosecution team, whose professionalism and dedication has ensured two cowardly individuals have been brought to justice.”
Victim James Bascoe-Smith was effectively brought back from dead and will now need round-the-clock care, court told
My phone rang and I saw James lying on the floor. I sank when I saw him in a pool of blood. I keep asking myself, ‘how can it have happened in that space of a minute out of my eyesight?Taiquane Lewis Leon Rashid
a south War K charity that will be representing the latin americans of london in the next new year’s day parade are fundraising to bring 27 poverty-stricken children from a marching band over from el salvador, after new visa regulations saw costs skyrocket.
The youth marching band said they would struggle to perform in the London New Year’s Day parade after visas were imposed to curb the increase in asylum applications.
In May the UK imposed a visa requirement for Salvadorans looking to enter the country after a reported spike in asylum applications. According to Reuters, last year the UK received the highest for a country whose citizens could visit without a visa; a total of 703 applications.
Willian Soriano, Salvadoran and Carnaval del Pueblo volunteer, says many Salvadorans were seeking asylum for poverty, which is not listed as a valid reason to claim. “Poverty is not one of the things you can claim asylum for, so when the government found that out, they decided to put visas in place to
deter people.”
Carnaval del Pueblo, based in Peckham, is the official Latin American partner of the London New Year’s Day parade and this year staged a festival in Burgess Park after a twelve-year absence due to funding and Covid.
Boinas Verdes Marching band, from San Juan Opico in El Salvador, asked Carnaval del Pueblo back in January if they could perform, after seeing last year’s parade on social media.
Renzo Fuentes, who started the band 20 years ago, says: “It became my dream to see the band marching down Piccadilly Circus.”
“I want to show the children that every dream can be achieved with hard work, and to give them the opportunity to represent their country.”
But since visas were imposed, they’ve been struggling to afford the travel costs.
Carnaval del Pueblo have set up a fundraising page to help them. “We’re raising £5,000 to give 27 children in the band the chance to come and perform in the parade,” says Director Nuala Riddell-Morales.
Willian was a part of the band when he was a child and says, after growing up in poverty, the band was what steered him onto
the right path. “For me, Boinas Verdes was my Narnia. It was the place where I could escape from criminality.”
“I didn’t have many opportunities, but thanks to this band, instead of getting into crime, I was practising music - I was learning something positive!”
“I know how helpful it is for the kids now. They might not even realise, but it keeps them away from criminals. Renzo is saving a lot of lives.”
He hopes that their coming over will show people the beauty of El Salvador.
“Most of the public, when you mention El Salvador, all they think of is the high levels of criminality, the bad things going on there - but our country is more than that.”
“We want to show the beauty of El Salvador!” he adds.
In addition, the British Ambassador to El Salvador, David Lelliot OBE, will also host a fundraiser event in October for this ‘very exciting initiative.’
As “one of the biggest street parades in Europe”, Nuala says this could be life-changing for the children. You can donate on their ‘Go Fund Me’ at ‘Help bring a youth band from El Salvador to LNYDP’.
Whenyou consider that roughly 2,000 Millwall fans were willing to travel up to blackburn just to watch their side slump to a 2-1 defeat, 70 or so people attending a council meeting might not sound like a lot.
But compared to the paltry numbers that usually attend these events, 70 was a lot. Their attendance was testament to the monumental decision that the planning committee made on Tuesday night.
The application to build an 18-storey office block on Elephant Park, formerly the Heygate Estate, has been refused.
Lendlease’s early proposals for the plot had been to make it a residential-led building. But the offer on the table on Tuesday was a hulking 63,996sqm tower of mainly offices.
The developer maintained that the proposals responded to a clear need for office space in the area, as has been outlined in the New Southwark Plan.
Over five hours, councillors, council officers and applicants debated the plans, covering every base, from loss of lighting to health provision.
Ultimately, the decision to refuse hinged on the fact that the building was so much bigger (almost twice the size) than had been originally planned.
The councillors involved ought to be thanked for their service that night. Not so much for the decision they reached, but the way they reached it.
All had clearly done extensive research prior to the meeting and their unwavering determination to understand the intricacies of the proposal, and how it would affect residents, was commendable.
Some might argue this is their job. And, indeed, it is. But while national politicians often need reminding that they exist to serve the public, these councillors needed no such reminder.
It’s hard to know what will happen next. The office building could still go ahead if Lendlease chooses to appeal the committee’s decision. But regardless of the application’s eventual outcome, the night was an example of local democracy in action.
Millions of pounds have been poured into the Elephant Park development. With this being the last piece in the jigsaw puzzle, the passive acceptance of these proposals was arguably the easy option. It would have, after all, drawn the curtain on a seemingly endless saga, that has seen Southwark Council accused of social cleansing, while the authority argues it has pushed for a transformation of what many felt was a rundown area.
Instead, the councillors displayed conviction by voting for what they thought was right. That is something to applaud.
Clues Down
about a former country (6)
Lied about being out of work (4)
They provide a firm basis for pressing matters (7,6)
Holidays somehow delayed
Royce test (3 6,4)
Fifty in the band are dazzling (8)
Dry out the organ dull (6)
She could be an ideal girl (5)
Risks about a pound in church (8)
He somehow drew with the District Attorney (6)
Presumably you don’t mind if they are cross (5)
course (7)
Unruly sets I’d stop (6)
Come see an exhibition of EQT Exeter and Karbon Self Storage’s plans to redevelop the land at 257-283 Ilderton Road to create a mixed-use development containing industrial floorspace and residential apartments. The exhibition will include boards detailing the proposals and representatives from EQT Exeter and Karbon Self Storage’s development
will be on hand to answer
questions
of the proposals will appear on our website, www.257ildertonroad.co.uk after the public exhibition.
you would like any further information on
plans, or would like to discuss further please contact: kim.humphreys@carvil-ventures.co.uk
Is in awe of many mad dares (6)
It can take a hammering (4)
The ever-changing immigration rules to bring family members to the UK, most often your partner or spouse, can be a daunting process. The chal lenges that families face when they look to bring their partner or spouse visa to the UK are both complex and stressful.
We know that immigration policies are at the forefront of all political rallies however what is missed out in these policies, is how they affect family members. ICS Legal through our cli ents, experiences those situations and we help families to bring their loved ones to the UK.
The UK Visas & Immigration office governs the spouse visa application route and requires both the appli cant & their sponsor to meet certain requirements. Let’s discuss further on what is required when applying for a spouse visa.
The main requirement of the spouse visa is to demonstrate that the rela tionship is genuine and subsisting. There are thresholds to be met along with evidence required and this can vary based on your own circumstanc es. For example, if you live together, then there is an expectation to prove this. Further to this, in most cases, the applicant will need to meet the English language requirements, however, you are able to seek an exemption based on your nationality, your age, medical grounds or you have completed a de gree taught in English to name some
of those.
Following this, the sponsor, who nor mally would be the partner settled in the UK, would need to meet the finan cial requirements. Now meeting the financial requirements can be done in
a number of ways which can include employment, self-employment, income from other sources and cash savings.
Following the leading judgement, the Home Office is required to consider other financial positions including third-party sponsorship and if the
decision would impact a person’s right to family life. This is set out in Article 8 ECHR ruling. The final requirement is to meet and demonstrate that your partner can come to the UK and be ac commodated. The sponsor is required to prove this.
london MetroPolitan Police has released the statistics revealing which parts of southwark saw the most criminality in June.
The News has gathered the data to break down which were the most dangerous wards in the borough for that month.
1. london bridge and West bermondsey: 434 crimes recorded
For the fourth month in a row, London Bridge and West Bermondsey emerges as the most crime-ridden area.
From October 2021 to February 2022, the riverside ward saw a steady decline in crimes recorded but police have been kept increasingly busy ever since April.
There were 90 violent and sexual offences, 53 anti-social behaviour incidents and 61 thefts from the person.
There were also 81 incidents of ‘other theft’ which includes all theft in which the item stolen was not on the person at the time.
Just last weekend, two men were taken to hospital after an attack on Tower Bridge Road.
2. borough and bankside: 349 crimes recorded
Unlike most wards, Borough and Bankside saw a slight fall in crime in June compared to May, but not enough to take it below second place.
As has been the case previously, its rampant levels of theft keep it at the top end of this list with 155 incidents of theft and other theft.
More bikes were stolen in Southwark than in almost any other London borough over the past year and 277 of these were in Borough and Bankside.
3. north Walworth: 286 crimes recorded Previous Position: 3rd Crimes recorded increase/decrease: +75
It was a bad month for North Walworth which had its highest number of recorded crimes of the last twelve months.
Since January, recorded crime has almost doubled, the increase often led by increases in violent, sexual and anti-social behaviour offences.
Earlier this month, police were appealing for witnesses following a collision involving a suspected drug driver.
4. rye lane: 286 crimes recorded Previous Position: 4th. Crimes recorded increase/decrease: +3
Following a brief foray into second place in March, Rye Lane just sneaks into the top five after July had a negligible increase in recorded crimes compared to June.
There were 71 incidents of anti-social behaviour, 55 violent and sexual offences, 36 ‘other thefts’ and 29 incidents of shoplifting.
5. old Kent road228 crimes recorded
Previous Position: 5th Crimes recorded increase/decrease: +6
For the second month running, Old Kent Road has usurped Rotherhithe and taken fifth place.
On Saturday, September 10, two teenagers were charged with possession of a pointed and/or bladed article after an incident at a restaurant in Old Kent Road..
the rest:
6. norTh BErmondsEy - 215 crimes recorded . Previous Position: 12th. Crimes recorded increase/decrease: +83
7. rotherhithe - 199 crimes recorded. Previous Position: 6th. Crimes recorded increase/ decrease: -21
8. CaMberWell green - 193 crimes recorded Previous Position: 7th. Crimes recorded increase/ decrease: -19 = 8. nunhead and Queen’s road
Previous Position: 8th. Crimes recorded increase/decrease: +23
9. souTh BErmondsEy - 183 crimes recorded. Previous Position: 15th. Crimes recorded increase/decrease: +60
10. ChAuCEr - 173 crimes recorded
Previous Position: 9th. Crimes
recorded increase/decrease: -10
11. Faraday - 138 crimes recorded
Previous Position: 10th. Crimes recorded increase/decrease: -5
12. PeCKhaM - 136 crimes recorded
Previous Position: 14th. Crimes recorded increase/decrease: +8
13. goose green - 130 crimes recorded. Previous Position: 11th Crimes recorded increase/ decrease: -11
14. st giles - 126 crimes recorded
Previous Position: 10th. Crimes recorded increase/decrease: -17
15. surrey doCKs - 105 crimes
Position: 17th
recorded increase/
- 100 crimes
Crimes
st george’s - 98 crimes recorded. Previous Position: 13th. Crimes recorded increase/ decrease: -30
dulWiCh Wood - 87 crimes recorded. Previous Position: 17th Crimes recorded increase/ decrease: -19
dulWiCh village - 78 crimes recorded. Previous Position: 20th Crimes recorded increase/ decrease: +7
ChaMPion hill - 71 crimes recorded. Previous Position: 18th Crimes recorded increase/ decrease: -22
PeCKhaM rye - 56 crimes recorded. Previous Position: 19th Crimes recorded increase/ decrease: -26
dulWiCh hill - 49 crimes
Position: 21st. Crimes recorded increase/decrease: -1
a revie W of the much-criticised police investigation into missing King’s College student nurse owami davies has concluded there was “no evidence of racial bias”.
It found that police forces could improve the way they share missing person information with each other, but that the investigation was carried out with “compassion and care”. Owami, 24, from Essex, was reported missing on July 6 and found safe and well on August 23 in Hampshire. Five people were arrested on suspicion of murder and kidnap but later released.
The review comes after the Metropolitan Police was criticised by some for being slow to investigate Owami’s case because of her skin colour.
Commander Paul Brogden said:
“This was the biggest missing person investigation conducted by the Met this year and officers worked tirelessly over several weeks to ensure Owami was found safe and well.
“As with any large policing operation, we have worked with our advisory groups to review our actions. I’m pleased that their feedback was largely positive, both about the officers involved and our handling of the investigation,” he added.
People questioned the police investigation when it emerged that officers had spoken to Owami hours after she was reported missing on July, 6.
The review found that police did not immediately circulate Owami’s missing person file on the national system so the officers visiting her could not have known they were speaking to a missing person.
Commander Brogden said “how a missing person enquiry is transferred from one force to another” was an “important learning point”.
The report said the delay was because Essex officers were responding to two high-risk missing person investigations and an attempted murder investigation in the same policing district.
One of the police appeals for information on missing Owami also contained an image of a woman who was not her. The report said the mistake was due to human error, not racial bias.
Members of the Central Race Independent Advisory Group (IAG) were closely linked with the investigation and encouraged to offer criticism.
They were satisfied there was no evidence of racial bias. Police will be presenting the findings of the review to the Central Race IAG next month.
using s PeC taC ular back projection effects and photography this is a play about Mary shelley and her Monster; Michael Faraday, the father of electricity; vibrating pubs that give you seasickness on land; a famous court case, and one woman, octavia hill, who fought for the right for the ordinary people of southwark in london to have decent homes and clean air.
‘Ghosts On A Wire’, written and produced by Linda Wilkinson, will gets its world premiere as part of this year’s Totally Thames Festival.
Mary Shelley’s prophesies in her book ‘Frankenstein’, the Modern Prometheus, came to fruition some hundred years after publication on the banks of the Thames at Blackfriars. Electricity, the source of her supernatural themes, became a true force of power in the world, a force as destructive as it was beneficial. ‘Ghosts on a Wire’ follows the development of the world’s largest coal powered electric plant, The Pioneer as it lit the houses and streets of the affluent North Bank of the Thames, whilst destroying the homes and working-class communities on the South.
One woman, Octavia Hill, fought for the rights of the ordinary people of Southwark to have decent homes and clean air. Her story and that of our ghosts, recounts a tale of unworldly events, corruption, greed and resilience in the face of a Leviathan that was able to consume everything it encountered.‘Ghosts On A Wire’, which uses spectacular back projection effects and photography, was commissioned by Southwark Council, who had previously commissioned Linda Wilkinson to write ‘Albion in Flames’. Wilkinson is thrilled that the same creative team behind ‘Albion in Flames’, are back together again for ‘Ghosts On A Wire’.
Linda Wilkinson (whose first play, ‘Dust
at Midnight’, was a winner of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain’s Theatre Showcase) was born in Bethnal Green in the heart of London’s East End. For the first 24 years of her life she lived in a house on Columbia Road. These days it’s home to the internationally renowned Flower Market, in those days it was just for the locals who bought plants for their tiny back yards and gardens.Her family have
lived in the area for many generations and she can trace her roots in East London back to the 1650’s. Her mother was a seamstress and her father worked for the Gas Board. Much of her writing has been about the realities and challenges she observed in the lives around her. Her own life is recounted in her memoir, ‘Columbia Road Of Blood and Belonging’. Having left the area in her twenties, in 1986 she
returned to live just a stone’s throw from her original home. She has in turn been an accountant, scientist, playwright, author, radio producer and Chair of Amnesty International UK. As an avid proponent of Human Rights’, she was a founder member of Amnesty Internationals’ LGBT networks. She and her partner Carol were the first women to sign London’s GLA Partnership Register which kick-started
the road to Same-Sex marriage in the UK. Union Theatre, Old Union Arches, 229 Union Street, London, SE1 0LR from September 21 - October 8. Times: Monday-Saturday 19.30; Matinees Saturdays 14.30. Admission: (between £10-£25), Southwark Residents £15 (with proof)Box Office: 020 7261 9876 www.uniontheatre.biz/show/ghostson-a-wire/
reinvent the wheel - but the play, for those familiar with it, does not feel stale.
There is the climate of fear in Salem that develops into a frenzy and then, finally, into rigid devastation. There is the dawning horror that no reason may be heard, only paranoia. And then there is Abigail’s delusional and ultimately destructive desire for the tormented
John Proctor.
It is this desire that Turner’s play does not quite know what to do with. Erin Doherty’s Abigail, whilst realistically desperate and manipulative, is also a petulant child. In her pinafore, she skulks across the stage with the physicality of a pre-teen. Whilst this might age the actress down it renders the relationship between her and the married Proctor an almost too hideous aberration. Whilst he is always guilty of abusing the power imbalance, in this version his sin is uncomfortably criminal.
makes his internal wrestling and slow journey towards goodness less lofty, more flesh and blood.
There are other noteworthy performances, Eileen Walsh’s Elizabeth is a perfectly anxious and yet steadfast balance. Fisayo Akinade’s Reverend Hale appears irritatingly assured at the beginning, certain that his witchhunting work is only for the benefit of the community. But as he watches his seniors use the trials to satisfy their own political ends, Akinade embodies his anguish. Ultimately there is little of the first man left as he leaves behind his faith to encourage the accused to save what he believes is all they have left, their lives.
the national’s revival of arthur Miller’s ‘the Crucible’ is a spectacular and classic rendition of a play that on its own is already an excellent piece of work, writes Madeleine Kelly...
Before you even take your seat in the Olivier Theatre, the set gets your heart going. A glimpse of the sparse meeting house through Es Devlin’s curtain of rain introduces a cold world of absolutes.
Tim Lutkin’s lighting creates an eery
gloom that, regardless of changes in tone, does not lift in all 2 hours and 55 minutes of the play’s runtime and yet remains hair-raising.
The play is faithful to Miller’s original - Lyndsey Turner has not decided to
Brendan Cowell’s Proctor is distinctly human. His American accent separates him from the lofty almost Shakespearian Proctors of past versions. It must be said the American accents do not work for everyone and are patchy in places but do a lot to bring the production down to earth, especially for Proctor. His salt-ofthe-earthiness (worker’s shirt and all)
In the end, though Turner’s bewitching production does not deviate particularly from others, its story –without really having to try – remains relevant. The dangers of a government that elects to listen to its worst and most paranoid self is sadly fitting. As is the question of what we have left to do when it seems nothing can be done. What we might owe each other, what we might owe ourselves.
National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 until November 5th. Times: Mon - Sat 7.30pm; Wed ‡ Sat matinees 2pm. Admission: £20 - £86. www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
An 11-18
New Kent Road
We are looking to recruit friendly and enthusiastic cleaners for our outstanding, vibrant school. The successful applicants will work as part of a team that is responsible for the upkeep of classrooms and surrounding areas. Duties will include cleaning, buffing, sweeping, vacuum cleaning and other general cleaning. Times will be before school and after school. Hours are from 6.00am to 8.00am and 4.00pm to 6.00pm.
The job will involve alternative arrangements during school closure periods. Previous experience is not necessary, as training will be provided.
Contact the school on 020 7407 1843 or email apply@ssso.southwark.sch.uk for an application pack.
Closing date for applications is 12 noon, Friday 14th October 2022.
‘an outstanding school, which provides an excellent quality of education for its students’ Ofsted
Our school is committed to the safeguarding of children and all our appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. We are committed to Equal Opportunities and are a Living Wage employer. St Saviour’s & St Olave’s School, New Kent Rd, London, SE1 4AN Tel: 020 7407 1843 www.ssso.southwark.sch.uk
An 11-18 Church of England Girls’ School
New Kent Road London SE1 4AN 020 7407 1843
This highly successful multi-cultural comprehensive school is looking to appoint a full-time - 5 days which could include occasional SaturdaysPremises Assistant. The successful applicant will have good interpersonal skills and be happy to work as part of the Premises team. Duties will include maintenance, cleaning, health and safety, security and other general site services within the school; some duties will involve physical activity such as lifting, carrying up and down stairs, ladder-work, porterage and small decorating jobs. As the key holder, at times there will be a requirement to work out of hours, which will be paid according to the scale above.
Contact the school on 020 7407 1843 or email apply@ssso.southwark.sch.uk for an application pack.
date for applications is 12 noon, Friday 14th October 2022.
outstanding school, which provides an excellent quality of education
its students’
school is committed to the safeguarding of children and all
enhanced
We are
appointments
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 in:
(a) Cluny Place, at it s junction with Bermondsey Street
(b) Hatcham Road, between Record Street and No’s 60 Hatcham Road
(c) Abbey Street, between Druid Street and Enid Street
(d) Melior Street, between No’s 16 (e) Southwark Park Road between Raymouth Road and Almond Road (f) Ivydale Road, between Harlescott Road and No s 232 (g) Long Lane, between Tennis Street and Tabard Street
3 The alternative route for affected traffic (2a) not applicable (2b) Record Street, Penarth Street Hatcham Road (2c) Abbey Street Tanner Street Southwark Park Road St James Road, Abbey Street (2d) Weston Street, St Thomas Street, Melior Street (2e) as indicated by the signs displayed (2f) Ivydale Road, Limesford Road, Inverton Road (2g) Long Lane, Pilgrimage Street, Great Dover Street, Bricklayers Arms, Great Dover Street Great Dover Street, Silvester Street, Tabard Street, Pilgrimage Street
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 works will be in operation for (2a) 17th 19th October (2b) 17th October
(2c) 18th 20th
October
7 Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network Management at ttmo@southwark gov uk
Dated this 6th October 2022
Ian Law
Traffic Manager London Borough of Southwark Network Management Regulatory Services Environment and Leisure 160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX
Ref: (2a) 6173/000811501980100-001-morrison (2b) 6174/77000874-DC/re-ad (2c) 6225/XTD-02-44181022 centurion (2d) 6247/000811913860040 Thames/SQS (2e) 6213/LBW 01 29 181022 centurion (2f) 6205/000811656790045 003 morrison (2g) 6244/45842837 Conway
Council of the London Borough of Southwark
works to be carried out, it made, an
gives notice that to
Ian Law Traffic Manager
THE LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (as amended)
THE LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK hereby gives notice that it proposes to make an Order under Section 247 of the above Act to authorise the stopping up of the following areas of public highway shown hatched black on the drawing number 16585 WIE ZZ XX DR D 95001 P03 attached to the draft Order and labelled Barge House Street & Upper Ground Stopping Up Order Plan
The highway to be stopped up is in the London Borough of Southwark and can be described as an area of highway at Barge House Street The area measures 75 metres in length and 2 2 metres (at its widest point)
IF THE ORDER IS MADE the stopping up will be authorised to enable the development described in the Schedule to this Notice to be carried out in accordance with:
the planning permission granted under Part III of the Act by the Council on 23 February 2022 under local planning authority reference No 21/AP/0179; and
the planning permission granted under Part III of the Act by the Council on 9 August 2022 under local planning authority reference No 22/AP/0918
COPIES OF THE DRAFT ORDER AND THE RELEVANT PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED FREE OF CHARGE by way of appointment during a 28 day period commencing on 6 October 2022 at 160 Tooley Street London SE1 2TZ by calling 020 7525 2135 and referring to the Barge House Street Stopping Up Order A copy may also be viewed on the Council’s website at https://www southwark gov uk/transport and roads/traffic orders licensing strategies and regulation/highway stopping up closure orders?chapter=4
ANY PERSON MAY OBJECT to the making of the proposed Order within a 28 day period commencing on 6 October 2022 by written notice to the Director of Legal Services, 2nd Floor, Hub 2, PO Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX quoting reference (LEG/PL/RE040/124)
In preparing an objection it should be borne in mind that the substance of it may be imparted to other persons who may be affected by it and that those persons may wish to communicate with the objector about it
Doreen Forrester Brown Director of Legal Services
a) ‘Construction of a part two, part five storey extensions to
LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (BARGE HOUSE STREET, SOUTHWARK PARK ROAD, HARRIS STREET, WADDING STREET, BASSANO STREET, CULLING ROAD, GREAT GUILDFORD STREET)
1 The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable various works to be carried out, it intends, to make, an order, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named roads
2 Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload in:
(a) Barge House Street, between Upper Ground and the side of No s 34 (b) Southwark Park Road, between Reverdy Road and Longley Street (c) Harris Street, between No’s 1 No’s 23 Bernard Myers House to it’s blocked end (d) Wadding Street, at it’s junction with Content Street (e) Bassano Street between No’s 21/22 and No’s 123 (f) Culling Road, ban the right turn into Lower Road from Culling Road (g) Great Guildford Street, between Kepple Row and Union Street
3 The alternative route for affected traffic (2a) Upper Ground, Barge House Street (2b) Southwark Park Road St James Road Rolls Road Dunton Road (2c) not applicable (2d) Brandon Street, Portland Street, Albany Road, Thurlow Street, Flint Street, Rodney Road, Wadding Street (2e) ) Blackwater Street, Lordship Lane (2f) Culling Road, Lower Road, roundabout, Lower Road (2g) Southwark Bridge Road, Southwark Street, Blackfriars Road, Union Street
4 The existing ‘one way’
dulW iCh haMlet head coach Paul barnes said his side fell short of their standards in their shock Fa Cup third qualifying round defeat against isthmian league Premier division side Folkestone invicta at Champion hill last weekend.
Former Hamlet player Ade Yusuff scored what turned out to be the only goal three minutes into the second half. It was all the more galling for the hosts as they played against ten men for an hour following the sending-off of another exDulwich player, Nathan Green.
Barnes had won three of his first four games in charge.
“I didn’t think we hit our standards we’ve set for the last few weeks. We didn’t have the real intensity and energy that we have played with so far, at times it was too slow in possession” Barnes told the News
“I don’t know if it was the occasion being the FA Cup and everyone put so much pressure on themselves, after a good win on Tuesday. Some of our key performers in the last few weeks probably weren’t at the same level today, but I’m not going to single out players, it’s ultimately my job.”
It was a frustrating afternoon for the Hamlet faithful who saw their side hit the post, crossbar and have a goal disallowed.
Dulwich started with a 4-3-3 formation to allow their creative attacking players to get on the ball as much as possible.
And for the first 30 minutes those players caused problems. George Porter on the right wing had a low cross hooked away just a couple of yards from goal, and Joe Felix and Nana Owusu both had decent long-range efforts but narrowly missed the target.
Long-serving Folkestone boss Neil Cugley had set his team up in an organised 4-4-2, and the fast-paced counter-attacking moves were a constant feature for the visitors throughout the clash. The Hamlet got their first warning in the 28th minute when Ian Draycott
cleverly slipped in Yusuff who saw his low effort across goal saved well.
Then out of the blue Folkestone had a man sent off ten minutes before halftime. Left-back Green had been in booked in the fourth minute for a late challenge on Jack Holland and was then booked again for seemingly innocuous trip on
Dulwich
Porter. However Porter was leading the break, so Robert Ablitt was left with no choice but to give a second yellow.
The game meandered into the halftime break with the visitors defending resolutely and the match not really changing pattern from prior to the red card.
The game did change in the 48th minute when Yusuff showed great pace to get in behind the defence before playing a one-two with Ira Jackson and then firing home.
The home side bombarded the
Folkestone goal for the next 40 minutes.
Felix, fresh from picking up his player of the month award, was a real menace pushing on from right-back. It was his cross that nearly led to an equaliser in the 53rd minute but Danny Mills thumped his header off the base of the post.
An outstanding performance from the two Folkestone centre-backs, befitting of any FA cup giant-killing, was key to keeping the away side in front. Time and time again Ian Gayle and Matt Newman dealt with dangerous deliveries superbly.
Even when Mills did inevitably win a
header they would do enough to make it difficult for the forward. As was the case when Mills flicked substitute Kreshnic Krasniqi’s cross onto the crossbar.
It clearly wasn’t going to be Hamlet’s day but there were two more good chances before full-time. The relentless deliveries from Felix saw Mills have a volley nicely saved by Bailey Vose and then Porter flashed a header wide of the near post.
After the frustrating defeat Barnes looked ahead to this Saturday’s National Leagus South clash against Dartford.
“Oobviously the league is the most important from our point of view, to start pushing up the table and [there’s] no bigger game than playing against someone like Dartford next week so we’ll be looking to bounce back.”
And on the disappointment of bowing out the cup, Barnes said: “Obviously everyone wants to have a good cup run and we wanted to get through. I wanted to get the club through, I feel it’s something they deserve”.
Kick-off at Champion Hill this weekend is at 3pm.
ber Mondsey’s C anada Water had three youth teams in action last weekend and racked up three wins as they continued their good start to the season.
The under-10s Dockers maintained their 100 per cent record record with an 8-2 victory at Greenwich Peninsula Lions. Zidan Khan-Basit grabbed a hattrick, George Mack a brace and there was one each for Theo ZV Freaza, Harry Humphreys and Eren Africa.
They face AFC Lewisham Blue this weekend and the under-10 Porters play Long Lane Tigers.
Canada Water under-13s bounced back from a disappointing result the previous weekend to win 4-2 away to Welling United Blues.
There were four different scorers as Sebastian Levenson La O, Richie Walsh, Teddie Crump and Jayden Malasusa were on the mark.
At the time of writing they were waiting for the league to schedule their next game.
There was an even bigger win for the club’s under-16s as they hit seven and kept a clean sheet at London Legends.
There was another hat-trick, from Godwill Amasse, Mecca Maxime-Samuels got two and Freddie Doublet and Jamari Palmer were also on the scoresheet.
Coach Charlie Pearce said: “The team would be first to say that last week felt like a loss whilst they haven’t quite been their fluent self in front of goal and in their general play in recent weeks, which is to be expected due to still being quite early in the season and with new players also looking to settle into the group and find their rhythm. The team has also been scheduled to play the new teams that have entered the league this season.
“However, last Sunday the team showed that they are slowly coming together with a dominant win against London Legends.”
The under-16s take on Baldon Sports Orange this weekend.
By John Kelly sport@southwarknews.co.ukdavid haye said he was “very happy” after being cleared of an assault charge.
Bermondsey’s Haye, 41, had been accused of assaulting a man in 2021.
But on Tuesday afternoon, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told Westminster Magistrates’ Court “that there is no case to answer”.
Former cruiserweight world champion Haye was accused of grabbing Nickesh Jhala by the throat and threatening to kill him at the Hammersmith Apollo on October 30, 2021.
It was alleged that Haye took offence with some of the remarks from the defendant, who was sitting in the row behind him, and put his hands around Jhala’s throat and threatened to kill him. But Haye’s lawyer, James Scobie KC, said: “Our unequivocal case is ‘hand on shoulder’, at most, and no threats to kill, ever.”
MillWall boss gary rowett believes that his side need to overcome a psychological barrier that has prevented them from picking up points on the road.
The Lions have one of the worst away records in the Championship so far this season, which has prevented them from challenging at the top end of the division.
When asked about their winless run after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against
Blackburn Rovers, assistant manager Adam Barrett said that “I think the more people go on about it, obviously it’s in the back of people’s minds”.
Rowett admits that he agrees with that statement, and states that his squad will need to change their mentality and the way that they approach away games if they want to improve their dismal record on the road.
“The players are thinking about it, it gets mentioned a lot, therefore it’ll be in conversation around the place,” he told the News.
“What we have to do is compartmentalise it. There’s no point thinking about it as a whole, the way you’ve got to think about it is that we’ve got one game coming up where we can turn around and do our very best to get three points from two games in a week away from home. It’s as simple as that.
“We’ve had some tough away games, but Blackburn was another game where I think we should’ve got something out of the match. That’s the biggest frustration at this moment in time.
“We need to come out of it, we need
to show a stronger mentality, we need to show that we’re not going to let any talk of poor away form affect our chances of winning the next game, and that’s the important bit.
“Otherwise, if that’s the case, you’re halfway to a defeat before you’ve started if you let the form affect you. We’re professional footballers, we get paid a lot of money to be in professional football, we’re very privileged. Being part of that pressure is a privilege and we’ve got to start to embrace it rather than feel it and affect some of our decision making within the game.”
M illWall lionesses enjoyed a sensational 9-0 victory at bromley FC Women in the second qualifying round of the Women’s Fa Cup last weekend to secure a tie against long Crendon.
A vocal and wildly enthusiastic record crowd of 669 saw a classic local derby, and Bromley had plenty of good moments despite the scoreline. That was down to some great attacking play from the in-form Lionesses.
It is a reflection of the rapidly growing appreciation of the women’s game that the match attracted such a crowd and a great atmosphere. Millwall fans are catching on to the fact that our Lionesses are on their way back to the level they enjoyed before the administrative demotion of 2019, and the attendances look certain to climb rapidly.
There was some anxiety among the fans because of the absence of three key players in skipper Sophie Chapman, Grace Seely and Kaydence Kabadaki, but an impressive first-half blitz of seven goals showed the quality of their finishing and the depth of the squad.
There were too many goals to describe in detail, but there were hat-tricks for Otesha Charles and Angel Reid and a brace for Gemma Bryan. There was at least one especially great finish from each of our front three. Millie Penfold hit the other goal.
Lauren Williams had a sound debut at right-back, Jas Auguste excelled after moving to central midfield in the absence of Chapman, and there was another great display from Millie Connell.
The next round of the Women’s FA Cup is at home to Buckinghamshirebased Long Crendon from the South Regional League on October 23, and this Sunday’s League match is at Crawley base Acorns WFC. Kickoff is 2pm.
gary ro W ett managed to run s unday’s l ondon Marathon in just over four hours and four minutes, narrowly missing out on his target.
The Millwall boss had aimed to finish the race in under four hours after failing to do so back in 2016, but he was still able to raise more than £1,000 for Lions Food Hub.
“I wanted to break four hours, but I got to 20 miles and started cramping up everywhere,” he told the News.
“It was a horrible feeling, I’ve had that in every marathon I’ve done so far, so I can’t avoid the dreaded cramp.
“It was good. The atmosphere
is incredible, it was a great day. It’s hard not to enjoy it, at least the first portion of it, and then in the last six miles, I think anyone who says they absolutely loved it is a liar. It’s horrible, absolutely horrible.
“It’s a brilliant event and I’ve done it for a good cause, that’s the main thing really.”
A video posted on Twitter showed Millwall fans cheering Rowett on as he passed by, although the 48-year-old admitted that he was unable to avoid some harsh words after the Lions lost 2-1 against Blackburn Rovers the day before.
“I only had one bloke who
started giving me a little bit of gyp through Rotherhithe, shouting ‘sort it out Rowett!’
“I thought ‘yeah, fair enough’, that was fine. Our fans are passionate and want to see the team win. Even the marathon didn’t completely save me!
“There were a lot of Millwall fans, a lot of shouts of ‘Mill!’ and a lot of positivity. They were trying to help me I think, but even that wasn’t enough for me unfortunately.”
You can still donate to Rowett’s campaign by visiting: www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ garyrowett
M illWall’ s aWay performances in august can largely be excused by fans and pundits because they faced some of the toughest teams in the division.
The Lions didn’t play a single away game in September after their clash against Sunderland was postponed. Their last match on the road was away at Burnley just two days before the summer transfer window shut, their next one would be played a month later in a town just fourteen miles down the M65.
Unfortunately for Gary Rowett’s side, the performance and the result was almost exactly the same, with Blackburn Rovers running out as 2-1 winners on a rainy afternoon at Ewood Park.
The hosts threatened from the very start of the game, rocking a new-look attacking lineup that featured Ryan Hedges as a right wing-back. However, it was Tyrhys Dolan who came closest in the opening stages after goalkeeper George Long came to clear a freekick, allowing the forward to lob an audacious effort towards an empty net, with the ball dipping over the crossbar.
Millwall won a free-kick in a similar position soon after, but Zian Flemming opted to go for goal rather than cross into the box. His effort, like Dolan’s, fizzed into the stands, with the Dutchman clearly frustrated by his wayward strike.
Blackburn soon went into kamikaze mode, playing out from the back with overhit passes that allowed the Lions
to press them in the final third. When Rovers won a free-kick on the halfway line, they ended up playing it short, allowing Callum Styles to rob them of possession and play Benik Afobe through on goal. The striker was immediately closed down, however, and forced to blast a wayward effort miles wide of the target.
It was, in truth, a non-event of a first half. The best chance of the opening 45 minutes came in the final few seconds when Long was forced into a brilliant save to deny Blackburn from pointblank range after Millwall failed to clear a corner.
While Rowett’s men had a good shout for a penalty after Daniel Ayala shoved Afobe in the box shortly after the restart, the tide began to turn soon after. Ben Brereton Diaz pressed Long
into making a wayward clearance, kicking the ball straight into the path of Hedges, who’s low shot bobbled wide from distance. It was a sign of things to come.
Liverpool loanee Tyler Morton was given the freedom of midfield to pick out a superb lobbed pass towards Sam Gallagher, who shrugged off Murray Wallace with ease and prodded a weak pass into the box. Long and Charlie Cresswell both went to clear the ball, with the defender winning the race and smacking the ball straight into the path of Dolan. At this point, Long was already caught off his line, allowing the Blackburn forward to slot the ball into the back of an empty net to give his side the lead just before the hourmark.
Six minutes later, things went
from bad to worse for Millwall after conceding a corner. Morton’s delivery was accurate and powerful, allowing Brereton Diaz to push past George Honeyman. The Chilean international was then free to tap the ball into the back of the net from close range, giving Blackburn a 2-0 lead and leaving the Lions staring down the barrel of yet another away defeat.
With 15 minutes to play, the visitors started to show signs of life. Rovers failed to clear a dangerous cross into the box, allowing substitute Tyler Burey to recycle the ball back into the penalty area. Centre-back Jake Cooper was able to rise higher than his marker, diverting it past Thomas Kaminski and into the back of the net.
There was a genuine feeling that Millwall could repeat their heroics
from their draw at Swansea City in mid-August, but they were unable to test the Blackburn ‘keeper in the dying embers of the match. Cooper, Flemming and Andreas Voglsammer all tried their luck, but the Lions winless away run was ultimately extended, dropping them down to 16th in the table ahead of Wednesday’s match against Rotherham United.
blackburn: 3-4-3: Kaminski; Hyam, Ayala, Wharton; Hedges (Carter 79’), Travis, Morton, Pickering; Gallagher (Hirst 64’), Dolan (Szmodics 65’), Brereton Diaz (Dack 90’)
Millwall: 5-3-2: Long; Shackleton, Cresswell (Evans 68’), Cooper, Wallace, Malone; Honeyman (Voglsammer 68’), Mitchell (Burey 68’), Styles (Saville 79’); Afobe, Flemming
By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.ukgary roW ett is aware that the lions face an unusually difficult challenge in the Championship this week.
The Millwall boss admitted that his side had difficulties preparing for Wednesday’s match against Rotherham United because of their ongoing managerial situation, with the Millers ironing out legal issues with Matt Taylor’s appointment in the hours before their match in South Yorkshire.
They’ll face a similar situation on Saturday afternoon as they host Middlesbrough at The Den, with their opponents sacking manager Chris Wilder on Monday morning.
At the time of writing, it leaves the Teessiders without anyone at the helm ahead of Saturday’s game, although Leo Percovich, Craig Liddle, Mark Tinkler and Lee Cattermole are
taking charge of first-team affairs in the interim.
Whether or not Boro will appoint a permanent boss ahead of their trip to South Bermondsey remains to be seen, with Rob Edwards, Steve Cooper and Carlos Corberan listed as the bookies’ favourites to take over.
Rowett isn’t necessarily shocked by Middlesbrough’s decision to part ways with Wilder, who left them in 22nd place ahead of Wednesday’s match against Birmingham City, although he does feel confident that the former Sheffield United head coach will bounce back with another high-profile managerial job in the near future.
“People don’t realise that most of us managers have been around the block for a while,” Rowett told the News.
“We know how it works. If you don’t get results, particularly at places where there’s an expectation level, then at some point that usually leads to a manager losing their job.
“I can’t really comment on what’s happened up there because I don’t know, I’m not up there. All i can say is that Chris is a really good guy, I really like him, he’ll bounce back into management whenever he wants to, I’m sure.
“I’m pretty sure also that he’ll be disappointed that they started as poorly as they have. If you look at the likes of West Brom, Middlesbrough, and even the likes of ourselves to a certain degree, we’d have hoped to have been a little bit higher up the league at this point in the season, but particularly those two clubs, when you look at their capabilities.
“But Chris is a good guy, I’ve got a lot of time for him and hopefully he’ll get back in whenever he really wants.”
On the pitch, Middlesbrough’s performances have largely been as bad as their results suggest. Despite being tipped as one of the preseason favourites for promotion, they’ve won two and drawn four
of their first eleven Championship games. Wilder, reportedly unhappy with his role at the Riverside Stadium, was linked with a number of Premier League vacancies while discussing his frustration with the club’s activity in the summer transfer window.
It remains to be seen what the mood will be like in the away end on Saturday afternoon following his departure, and it may hinge on whether or not a new manager is found in time for the game. Conversely, Millwall fans are far from pleased with how their team has performed so far this season, albeit that their home form has been impressive so far this season.
The Lions have won four and drawn two of their matches at The Den so far this season, a huge contrast to their performances and results on the road. As a result, they will feel confident of adding another three points and climbing up the Championship table on Saturday afternoon.
george long ’ s Millwall career has been far from easy.
Ultimately, that’s the life of a backup goalkeeper. Each team can only have one player in the net, and unfortunately for the 28-year-old, the Lions have one of the best shotstoppers in the Championship in Bartosz Białkowski.
But out of nowhere, Long was suddenly drafted into the starting lineup to face Blackpool before the international break. He took his chance, helping Gary Rowett’s side to secure a crucial 2-1 win at The Den.
He ended up starting the next game too, playing the full 90 minutes as Millwall were beaten by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Long ended up conceding two goals, and while he doesn’t exactly have many positive memories of his trip to Lancashire, he’s loving life as the Lions’ starting goalkeeper.
“It can be frustrating because I obviously didn’t come to Millwall to be happy to sit on the bench,” he told the News.
“Obviously it’s taken a little while to get that opportunity, but it’s been consistent hard work, day in, day out, and being patient for an opportunity
to play. “I’ve had cup games last season and early this season which just keeps you ticking over a little bit, but as a player you want to be playing week in, week out.
“Consistent hard work puts you in that position for doing well when you do get the opportunity because without that you can’t just switch it on.
“Coming to Millwall, I knew Bart would be starting the season again because he’d had a great couple of years before that.
“I came to the club knowing that I’d have to work hard, show what I could do and be patient for my opportunity. To get that now is great, and that’s only come through hard work really, persistent hard work.
“It can be frustrating when you’re not playing, like any player you’d speak to would say, they don’t want to be sat on the sidelines. To get the opportunity now is great, and I just need to continue that hard work and keep doing the best I can.”
Being a back-up goalkeeper is much more demanding than many fans would imagine. On the surface, you travel around the country watching games of football from the sidelines without ever playing. However, with that comes a certain mental resilience that’s needed to stay positive and confident, as well as a level of physical
preparation that comes with knowing you could be brought into the starting lineup at any time.
“I have to always be ready to play really, whether I’m in the team or not. My mentality is being ready and in the best shape I can be all the time. Nothing comes as a surprise, you’re not having to play catch-up then.
“That’s how I’ve always worked, whether I’m playing or not, that just gives me the best opportunity to perform at the best level I can do.”
Long faces fierce competition from Białkowski, a former Polish international who boasts hundreds of Championship appearances for the likes of Southampton, Ipswich Town and now Millwall. His professional playing career has spanned almost 20 years, highlighting the job that his understudy has to get him out of the starting lineup.
It isn’t daunting for Long, however. He relishes the competition, even though it means that he’s hardly played during his time at The Den, and this is largely down to his respect for Białkowski as a player and a person.
“We’ve had a great relationship since I joined the club. He’s a real professional and we get on really well.
“He’s obviously had a great few seasons before I came to the club, but obviously I’ve worked hard to come in and get the number one shirt and play.
“It’s one of those where you’ve
got to be patient and wait for your opportunity. Thankfully for me it came a couple weeks back.
“That’s just the nature of the beast. Everyone wants to play but only one can as a goalkeeper. Aside from that, it’s a great working relationship and he was really supportive when I got the nod to play, so I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
In front of him, Long is blessed with playing alongside some of the best defenders in the division, even if they’ve failed to show it regularly enough so far this season.
Jake Cooper, Murray Wallace and Shaun Hutchinson are all veterans of the division, something which has helped the former Hull City goalkeeper to settle into the starting lineup.
“The track record of the lads over the last few years has been great in terms of defending and keeping clean sheets,” he explains.
“Coops, Muzza and Hutch have all been great players in a really tough defensive line that we’ve got.
“Of course that helps and I think it’ll get stronger as I play more games, that understanding will come of how I play as a goalkeeper. That relationship will only improve with time.”
Similarly, the manager has played a huge part in developing his career as well. Not only has Rowett given Long an opportunity to become the club’s
first-choice goalkeeper, but he’s also praised him on multiple occasions, highlighting his work ethic and mentality as his key attributes.
“I appreciate the compliments from the manager. He’s obviously given me the opportunity, which I’m grateful for, and I think it’s been about patience and demonstrating what I can do on the training ground.
“When you’re not playing, that’s your chance to show what you can do. It’s just been about doing that consistently over the time I’ve been at Millwall and the chances will always come at some point.
“Obviously the manager has seen that and put faith in me, so it’s great for me.”
Looking into the future, his aims and aspirations are incredibly simple. While outfield players often set targets of how many goals or assists they want in a season, Long simply wants to play football games to the best of his ability in order to help Millwall secure a top-six finish.
“Every goalkeeper wants clean sheets, but for me it’s game time and performing as best as I can.
“If you do your job to the best of your ability then the results are a byproduct of that. That’s my mentality, to work as hard as I can, try to improve with each game and I feel like my attributes and ability will be able to help the team to push forward.”
exClusive
By Alex Jones sport@southwarknews.co.ukFor JAKE Cooper, Millwall’s campaign has been pretty easy to sum up: “we’ve been brilliant at home and poor away from home”.
The 27-year-old defender goes on to pick out some of the key areas that the Lions have been struggling with this season. The obvious answer is the defensive mistakes that they’ve made, which is perhaps best highlighted by their performance against Blackburn Rovers.
The defending for the hosts’ first goal was nothing short of comical, while their second strike was incredibly simple because Millwall totally switched off during a set piece.
Gary Rowett discussed these isolated incidents as ones that changed the course of the game, believing that there were no problems with how his side were set up tactically. Cooper agrees with this, pointing the finger at the whole back line, including himself.
“There definitely has been a fair number of mistakes, too many, for sure,” the centre-back told the News.
“We also lacked on the scoring front I’d say. Getting the first goal in this league is massively important seeing that, when we’ve scored the first goal in a game, I think we’ve won every one.
“It just shows you how important that is, and especially away from home, conceding soft first goals puts the games in really difficult positions for us.
“We have to work on that, and if we’re not going to score too many then we’ll have to be harder to break down and eradicate the mistakes. That’s maybe how we’ll have to go about things.”
It’s possible that some of their defensive fragility has come from the absence of Shaun Hutchinson, who’s been ruled out for the last few weeks with a groin injury. The Lions’ captain has formed a resilient back three alongside Cooper and Murray Wallace in recent seasons, with Charlie Cresswell also providing cover at centre-back when needed.
The reality is that, in Hutchinson’s absence, Cooper has had to play through the middle of the back five, a role he’s clearly not as confident in. Similarly, as good as Cresswell is in the opposition’s penalty box, he often struggles in his own defensive third.
“Hutchy is a great player to have in our defence, but I think it’s just individual errors and errors from the team that’ve let us down more often than not. That’s something that, if you take it out of our games, we’d be in a much better position defensively.
“We’re also not forcing errors onto other teams and we’re not getting goals like that for ourselves. Maybe we just need a turn in luck or fortune, but there’s something that we’re not doing right at the minute that we need to put our fingers on and turn things around.”
As mentioned, the away performances are certainly a major concern, with Millwall ranked as the worst team on the road in the entire division ahead of Wednesday’s game against Rotherham United. It remains to be seen as to whether or not there’s a psychological block that prevents the Lions from winning away from The Den, although Cooper admits that he can feel the tension at the club as their winless run continues.
“I certainly think that there’s a slightly added pressure on us.
“Knowing the form, knowing how the last few years have gone away from home, especially at the start of seasons, I can feel that pressure within the group.
“I don’t know, you’ve got to find the result
somehow. You’ve got to grind out the result, you’ve got to dig in and really work to get it. We’ve done it plenty of times before.”
It can certainly be argued that Millwall are still in a period of transition, with the likes of Zian Flemming and Andreas Voglsammer still settling into their new surroundings.
Cooper, however, is keen for this not to be seen as an excuse, claiming that “most people understand the club now.”
“There’s certainly a lot of us that have been here for a good number of years and have had a good experience with the club, so it’s just about settling into our play and finding players with some form.
“A good result can turn things really quickly. You go get one result, then you can go and get two or three results off the back of a good performance.
“I don’t think the turnover is the cause of things being a bit up and down, but it’ll certainly take time for some players to get used to the club. Hopefully we can show how good a group we are in the upcoming weeks.”
However, as bad as things have been for Millwall so far, the season is still young. The Lions are just over a quarter of the way through their Championship campaign, and Rowett remains adamant that he won’t form any real judgments of his side until they have played ten home games and ten away games.
Cooper feels the same way, although he respects the concerns from the supporters.
“You never overreact,” he explains. “We beat Blackpool at home very convincingly and then had a disappointing result on Saturday [vs Blackburn].
“This league is very up and down for many teams. We’re on that rollercoaster a bit too much at the minute, we need to level it out and find some form as a group. We all know that, we’re all trying our best to figure that out, and it starts with the next game.”
By Alex Jones sport@southwarknews.co.uk
gary roW ett isn’t at all surprised by the managerial roundabout in the Championship this season.
The Millwall boss told the News that he has eyes on becoming the longestserving manager in the division as he currently sits in second place behind Coventry City’s Mark Robins.
Some managers aren’t as lucky as the likes of Robins and Rowett, however, with an astonishing number of clubs opting to make changes early on in the campaign.
After just eleven league games,
there have already been seven managerial sackings or departures. Mick Beale, who was given the QPR job in June, has already become the eleventh longest-serving manager in the second tier.
Since the start of the international break, Watford opted to sack Rob Edwards, replacing him with Slaven Bilić. Rotherham’s Paul Warne resigned to take the Derby County job, with Exeter City’s Matt Taylor coming in as his replacement. Millwall’s next opponents, Middlesbrough, are still hunting for their next boss after firing Chris Wilder on Monday morning, as are Cardiff City, who are yet to find a new head coach after parting ways with former Lions striker Steve
Morison.
However, Rowett simply believes that this is the norm in English football, and that clubs have become more trigger-happy since the end of the coronavirus pandemic.
“If you think about Covid, most clubs were cutting their cloth accordingly,” he explained.
“They didn’t know where it was going or where it would lead finances in football. I think a lot of clubs were perhaps timid about what they wanted to do.
“As soon as you come out of that, it feels a little bit more like a normal Championship season where carnage prevails once more.
“We’re a very fortunate club where
we’ve got an owner who values longevity in the way he does things.
At the same time, every owner is sitting on the verge of a £150 million promotion to the Premier League, which brings its own pressures and expectations to be around the top.
“That’s why we’re in it. If I didn’t want to be in it, and most managers didn’t want to be in it, then we’d go and get a steady job. I did a little bit of work in the media for a while and that’s the sort of thing you can do easily.
“It’s the buzz of trying to win football games and the low of losing football games and those extremes that really inspire you and make you determined to do better.”
Jake Cooper is one of the Lions’ top scorers so far this season
gary roW ett has stressed that no player is guaranteed a place in the starting lineup after Millwall’s poor start to the Championship campaign.
The Lions have performed below expectations since their win against Stoke City on the opening day of the season. They occupied a place in the bottom half of the table going into the international break despite beating Blackpool at The Den, and early signs have shown that there has been little improvement going into October.
Danny McNamara and Andreas Voglsammer were dropped from the starting lineup in September, with neither player returning to the team for Millwall’s 2-1 loss against Blackburn Rovers. Rowett admits that, given their disappointing run of form, it might not be long before some of his regular substitutes are given another chance to play in the Championship.
“I think it’s more about what the others need to do to keep them out of the team,” he told the News
“At the moment, you need to win games of football and you need to perform really well. You can argue that we haven’t got lots and lots of players in that position, which is why I’ve kept having to change formation and tinkering with the team to try and find a solution.
“Those players will get back in the team at some point very soon. It’s up to Danny to defend really well when he gets back in, it’s up to Vogi to create
goals and score goals, it’s as simple as that, like any other player. They’re both good lads, they’ve both worked incredibly hard out of the team.
“We spoke about it. We’ve got a competitive squad and what we need is players to pick themselves, it’ll make my job a hell of a lot easier if they do.”
The challenge that Rowett has set for his players is to make them impossible to drop from the starting lineup. At the moment, their performances haven’t warranted such immunity, albeit that he ended up naming the same starting lineup against Blackpool and Blackburn.
The result at Ewood Park may be the end of the line for some players who’ve been regulars in the team, with Millwall being punished for sloppy mistakes at the back while failing to threaten in the final third.
“It’s really simple, and it was no different when I played as a player. You picked yourself because you’d try to play so well that it was impossible to drop you.
“At this moment in time, I spoke to the players about it, I don’t think our levels have been high enough for the players that we’ve got. Therefore you can’t guarantee your place in the team, it’s as simple as that.
“We’ve probably got two or three that have performed well enough to be picked every week, and some of the others really need to step up and give those performances that we know they can.
“Hopefully we start settling down a little bit and getting a bit more consistency to performances and selection.”
By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk
M ason bennett played 45 minutes for Millwall under-21’s as he continues his return from injury.
The 26-year-old tore his hamstring in the first twelve minutes of the Lions’ 3-2 win against Coventry City on August 13th, missing a substantial chunk of the start of the campaign.
While he was deemed fit enough to travel with the first-team squad to Blackburn, he wasn’t named on the bench at Ewood Park, instead playing for the under-21’s against Bristol City at The Den on Monday morning.
Bennett scored the first goal of the game as Kevin Nugent’s side drew 1-1 against the league leaders, a result that saw them miss out on a return to the summit of the Professional Development League.
Millwall boss Gary Rowett was pleased to see the forward back in action, but stressed that he’d be careful with his return to ensure that he can remain fit for the foreseeable future.
“Mase played 45 minutes and did quite well,” Rowett told the News.
“There’s an opportunity where, if we wanted to, he could be involved.
“We have to think about the fact that he’s been out for a while with a hamstring injury, so I don’t want to push him too much.
“I want him available for a long time when he’s back.”