Southwark News - December 8th 2022

Mum warns parents to be on the lookout

Issue 1612

Established: 1987

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December 8th 2022

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MILLWALL EXCLUSIVE Page 36

millwall Christmas lights shine boss ponders through the fuel crisis loan moves

Eva’s battle with strep a

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MILLWALL EXCLUSIVE

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Issue 1612

Established: 1987

50p

Page 12

December 8 2022

southwarknews.co.uk

despite crisis walworth millwall Christmas boss ponders lights shine loan moves

Eva’s battle with strep a Mum warns parents to be on the lookout

See page 7

4 NEWS

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

Contents NEWS Pages 2-26 arts Page 23 OPINION Pages 24-25

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

‘Southwark Council took over 3,000 days to re-let empty home’, allege lib dems Opposition councillors says their enquiries to the council showed the property took 3,122 days to relet after a resident moved out Exclusive

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk

classified, and family announcements Pages 28 Public notices Pages 29-30 SPORT Pages 31-36

Southwark Council left one of its social homes empty for over 3,000 days, according to the Southwark Liberal Democrats.

They have accused the Labour-run council of “depriving our residents of a place to live” by taking too long to re-let unused properties.

Cllr Emily Tester, Southwark Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson said: “Our housing crisis… means the

council’s deteriorating performance over the years is particularly galling.

“Even if it manages to better its turnaround times as promised, every day a property stayed empty was another day on the council homes waiting list for one of our residents.”

The Liberal Democrats said their enquiries to the council showed the property took 3,122 days to re-let after a resident moved out.

The party claims the property was classified as a “major void”, meaning it needed significant repairs, but could not specify its location.

While Southwark Liberal Democrats

conceded this case “may be an anomaly”, they added that the council “has been struggling to turn around its empty homes in the past decade”.

Statistics show that, on average, the council has taken 110 days to re-let vacant council homes needing major works from 2021 to 2022, almost double the time took ten years ago.

Properties needing minor works took an average of 27 days to turn around from 2010 to 2011, compared to 75 in 2021 to 2022.

In early October, a Southwark Council report revealed 1,714 Southwark council homes were empty. In total, there were

By Herbie Russell

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk MP Neil Coyle roughed it in the freezing cold outside Southwark Cathedral last month to raise awareness around London’s homelessness problem.

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MP sleeps rough to raise homelessness awareness Issue 1611

Editor: Kevin Quinn Deputy Editor: Katherine Johnston Reporters: Herbie Russell; Isabel Ramirez Sports Editor: John Kelly Sports reporter: Alex Jones Arts Correspondent: Michael Holland Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips Advertising: Clarry Frewin, Sophie Ali Design: Dan Martin, Hakob Muradyan Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758 Subscriptions/Announcements: Katie Boyd Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn Published weekly on a Thursday at: Unit A202, The Biscuit Factory, Drummond Road, Bermondsey, London SE16 4DG. News and Sport: 020 7231 5258 Advertising: 0792 203 4598 News: news@southwarknews.co.uk Advertising: ads@southwarknews.co.uk Finance: em@southwarknews.co.uk Printed by Iliffe Print. Tel: 01223 656500 www.iliffeprint.co.uk

Established: 1987

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REISS back on homE tuRf wIth pItch foR thE kIdS

December 1 2022

The MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark spent the night in a sleeping bag from 10pm on Friday, November 25, until 6am the next morning.

After raising over £600 for the ‘Sleepout for Robes’ fundraising event, he said: “It was cold, but clear and didn’t rain thankfully. I read for the time I couldn’t sleep... it is a long night and sleep is patchy but everyone who does it says it is worthwhile.

“It makes you grateful for your own home comforts - a hot shower and comfy bed - as well as more aware of what others are going through nightly.”

The Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) June report found that homelessness in Southwark was on the rise.

It found that, across London, the number of people recorded as sleeping rough was up by 23 per cent compared to the previous year.

The number of rough sleepers recorded in Southwark was up by eighteen

8,588 empty homes but 6,874 of these were privately owned.

The council has since adopted an ‘Empty Homes Action Plan’ which recommends using mechanisms that allow the council to forcibly manage empty properties it does not own.

These mechanisms include Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) and Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs).

The News contacted the council for comment but received no response at the time of going to press.

Addressing the problem of filling homes already under council control, Cllr Tester said: “Going forward, Labour may be able to boost their efforts if they explore policies such as offering cash incentives to tenants for keeping homes in a good state.” compared to January to March, and by thirteen compared to the same time last year.

Meanwhile, government data recently revealed the number of tenants facing homelessness after being served with “no-fault” eviction notices has risen by 76 percent in a year.

Paul Venning, Chair of the Robes board, said: “We are very worried that the costof-living crisis will exacerbate an already difficult situation. So doing everything possible to help people through the crisis and ensure they don’t get forced out of their accommodation is vital.”

The charity encourages churches to open their halls to homeless people and has worked with almost thirty across Southwark and Lambeth.

Paul Venning added: “Many people referred to our shelter are new to rough sleeping or are ‘hidden homeless’ – moving between friends’ sofas, cars and the street.

Providing emergency accommodation to prevent them becoming regular rough sleepers is critical. Consistent political will made a real difference during covid, when there was a huge effort to move homeless people into safe single-room accommodation, and we need this to continue.”

To get involved with Robes, visit: www.robes.org.uk

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

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flyIng thE flag foR England

See page 13

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

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

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

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

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

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

NEWS 5

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Three taxi drivers will row across the Atlantic where they’ll contend with shocking weight loss, sleep deprivation and hallucinations in the “ultimate test of body and mind”.

Cabbies Daren Parr, Stuart Lockhart and Bob Barber begin their 3,200 charity voyage from Lanzarote to Cape Verde onto Antigua on January 3. It will take roughly 60 days to complete.

Skipper Daren, 56, from Blackheath, said: “Back in 2019 we were all fat, unhealthy cab drivers and had enough of it all so we decided to lose some weight and get fit.”

Rotherhithe 49-year-old and “baby of the group” Stuart had similar motivations: “Three years ago I was almost four stone heavier than what I am now. I don’t ever want to go back to those days as I have never been fitter than what I am now!”

Others might have opted for the Atkins diet, but the trio took the extreme step of climbing Kilimanjaro twice - as well as the nearby Mount Meru the second time, sparking a yearning for adventure.

Daren said: “You get the taste for it all - I don’t want to go back to how I was. If I’ve got something to work towards, I’m not having that beer on a Sunday or eating that cream tart.

“I know it’s a bit of an extreme way of staying on the straight and narrow.”

The team, none of which have any nautical experience, has had eight months’ training, significantly less than the two years recommended.

Bob Barber, 57, from Sidcup, said: “Having no experience of rowing a boat across the Atlantic Ocean, this will certainly be a test emotionally, physically and mentally.

Stuart Lockhart

“But isn’t that the reason why people do these sorts of things, to accept the challenge and to push themselves to the limit?”

More people have been into space than have completed the transatlantic trip, which sees competitors sleep and row in two-hour shifts.

Daren and the team will do the voyage ‘unsupported’ meaning they are alone in the ocean, with emergency medical support sometimes a five-day wait.

Possible dangers include capsizing if the boat’s self-righting system doesn’t work, injuries and ‘marlin strikes’.

Marlins are 16ft-long fish with spearlike snouts that can pierce hulls with their bills while hunting fish, skewering sleeping crew members at 80mph.

Asked if he’s scared, Daren said: “Honestly, no I’m not. There are things that come with it that I ain’t gonna enjoy like being away from my family for the best part of three months.”

The crew also hope to enjoy amazing marine life, sunsets and unforgettable comradery. As for the toilet, it’s a “bucket

Daren Parr

rotherhithe cabbie and pals row across the Atlantic

and chuck-it” policy.

In 2021, the group’s Kilimanjaro teammate and fellow cabbie Rosh suffered a rehabilitating stroke, from which he is still recovering.

Scott Barber

So after expenses, all money raised will go to the Stroke Association, as well as the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, and the Huruma Orphanage in Tanzania.

To donate visit: www.gofundme.com/f/

Marlins are 16ft-long fish with spear-like snouts that can pierce hulls

cabbiesdoatlanticrow There is still sponsorship space on the team’s boat. If you’re interested in getting your brand on the side, visit: www.cabbiesdoatlanticrow.com

Get on board with London’s best views KIDS GO FREE with a Family River Pass

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6 NEWS

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Old Justice restored and opening again Exclusive

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Bermondsey residents could soon be boozing at The Old Justice pub now its “stunning” Tudor-style interior has been restored to its former glory.

The Grade II-listed establishment on Bermondsey Wall East went through the wringer when previous owners removed its bar and timber paneling without getting Listed Building Consent.

Those owners paid for the restoration works, completed in June, and now the pub is on the lookout for new leaseholders.

Cllr James McAsh, cabinet member for climate emergency & sustainable development, said: “I’m delighted that The Old Justice’s stunning interior has been restored to its former glory. It would have been a terrible shame to lose such a beautiful piece of Southwark’s history.”

Constructed in 1933 in the ‘brewers Tudor’ style, the pub once formed the backdrop for Sir Paul McCartney’s ‘No More Lonely Nights’ music video.

It was reportedly designed by Sidney Carke - one of the most accomplished pub architects of the inter-war period.

According to Historic England, it’s a “rare, particularly well-preserved example of a small-scale urban pub influenced by the improved pub movement, giving a tangible sense of how such pubs would have looked and operated in the 1930s”.

Local conservation architects Purcell, worked alongside Southwark Council on the restoration. Architect Dan Press said: “It was a privilege for our London team to lend their expertise to the restoration of The Old Justice… to repair and reinstate the pub’s bar servery using traditional methods.”

The Old Justice has narrowly escaped a different fate. In 2017, a developer submitted plans to turn the building into flats.

Following a vocal community outcry, and a petition with 1,500 signatures, the off-shore buyer dropped their plans.

Cllr McAsh added: “I’d like to thank the local community who played an important role in helping preserve the heritage of the pub.”

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH HM GOVERNMENT

Take responsibility to double up with seasonal jabs Experts warn that COVID-19 and flu pose an even greater risk this year.

So stay safe, protect yourself and your loved ones this winter and get jabbed now.

BOTH COVID-19 and flu spread more easily in winter with older people as well as those under 50 with underlying health conditions more at risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.

The protection that the COVID-19 vaccine provides decreases over time and the flu virus can change every year. conditions That’s why it is vital to get both the flu are more at risk vaccine and the COVID-19 booster. this winter and will Medical experts are urging us all to get vaccinated as this is need the COVID-19 the best way we can protect booster and flu vaccine ourselves. And remember, if n Within 14 days of receiving you’re in an eligible group your COVID-19 booster, your and not yet had your first, immunity against COVID-19 will be second and third booster increased to about 90% protection dose. Also people that

Why are vaccines important? n Protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines decreases over time – if you’re 50 or over, in an at-risk group or pregnant boost your immunity now n The flu and COVID-19 vaccines have a good safety record – they are the best protection we have against these viruses this winter n People who have weakened immunity due to certain health

against serious illness

Those eligible for the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster include: n Those aged 50 years and over n Under 50s (over 5 years old for the COVID-19 booster) with... l Chronic liver disease l Chronic neurological conditions such as stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy l Immunosuppressed – lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment

l Diabetics n Pregnant women n Children (eligible for flu vaccine) l Children aged 2-3 on 31 August 2022 (nasal spray) l All children in primary school (nasal spray) l Some secondary school children (nasal spray) n Those aged from 6 months to 50 with long term health conditions are eligible for the flu jab

Visit nhs.uk/wintervaccinations for the full eligibility list

are immunocompromised are offered additional primary doses - book an appointment online or find a walk-in centre.

Professor Steve Powis, NHS England National Medical Director says: “With many people in hospital with COVID-19, and flu posing an even greater risk this year, I urge everyone eligible to book both vaccines as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Dr Susan Hopkins and Sir Stephen Powis

“With thousands of GP practices, local pharmacies and other NHS sites across the country offering both vaccines, it’s never been easier to get this protection.”

UK Health Security Agency Chief Medical Advisor Dr Susan Hopkins adds: “We are extremely fortunate to have vaccines against these two diseases. Most eligible groups have been selected because they are at higher risk of severe illness.”

So, don’t delay, visit nhs.uk/ wintervaccinations to check your eligibility and book your free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster appointments now.

‘Protect yourself from everything’ “It is important to protect yourself from everything” is Trevor Cruickshank’s ringing endorsement for COVID and flu jabs to prevent threatened winter “twindemic”.

“It is better to have vaccinations than end up in hospital or worse,” confirmed the 45 year-old. “I believe in all vaccinations and in science.

“I just say ‘jab it in!’ There’s lots of misinformation out there about vaccines but we have been using them for hundreds of years and they have been saving lives.”

The Surrey catering business

owner suffered a stroke that left him with weakness down the right side of his body, struggling to walk and move his right hand.

“Due to the coronavirus pandemic my husband Chris was unable to visit me in hospital.

“I’ve realised a stroke can happen to anyone at any time but, if you are of African or Caribbean origin, you may have a higher risk than other people in the UK. Advocating jabs, he added: “There is nothing to be afraid of. The vaccinations are over and done with quickly. You do not feel anything. You can also have a conversation with professionals doing the vaccinations. They are kind and reassuring and will answer all your questions and give any information you want.”

Vaccines are your best protection against flu and COVID-19, which spread more

quickly in winter and can both cause serious illness. To find out if you are eligible and book your appointment visit nhs.uk/wintervaccinations

8 NEWS

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Exclusive

By Isabel Ramirez isabel@southwarknews.co.uk A soft play group in Bermondsey where local kids under five have played for free for sixteen years is being forced to close after losing its funding.

Riverside Softplay - based at Salmon Youth Centre in Bermondsey - is being forced to close after sixteen years of providing free soft play for children under five.

The soft play group is run by Riverside Parents & Carers association and is a free place for kids to play twice a week, and is attended by hundreds of kids and their parents every month.

Roger O’Sullivan, a Trustee and local parent who used the service, said: “For sixteen years this has been fundamental for the local community, especially because it’s free. Many of the families who come would not be able to afford something like this.”

Not only is it fun for kids and vital for their development - it gives parents a place to meet a community of other parents.

The Bermondsey Children’s Centre which is funded by Southwark Council - have funded the play group for the last sixteen years, but in June they informed the play group they would no longer be doing so. They gave them a three-month notice period.

“After losing our funding in September, we have been running our free soft play sessions on our reserves while waiting for a local fund application to come through,” said the manager at Riverside Softplay.

She said they applied for the Chambers Wharf Community Enhancement Fund through Thames Tideway but didn’t get it.

“It was a fund for £34,000, which would have funded us for a whole year. But unfortunately, we weren’t successful.”

The council said there had been no cuts

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

Parents left devastated as local free play group is forced to close

to the funding of the Children’s Centre for at least the last five years - but with no funding from the centre, they have to close.

Last week, nearly 100 children attended their final soft play session on Tuesday November 29th and parents all said they were ‘devastated.’

“Some mothers tell us this place has saved their lives, after they’ve suffered with post-natal depression,” she said.

“They say coming here has given them a community that they wouldn’t have otherwise.”

“These kids mostly live in flats, so they don’t have an indoor space to play and run

around. If this closes for good, where will they do that?”

Toyin Oluwa, a childminder based in Bermondsey, has been coming here since it opened. “Taking this away is a disservice to the children”, she said.

“I don’t know anywhere else like this locally. All of them are smaller - so it would be great if they can save this. For the children.”

They set the toys up in a way that stimulates learning by encouraging kids to experiment. There are toys for kids to hold and touch, which is key for children to develop their motor skills.

Kim Muller, a Rotherhithe-based mum, said: “We don’t have a huge space at home, so it’s been a blessing to come here.

“I felt so sad hearing it’s closing. It will leave such a gap in the community - where do you take children now?”

Carol Catchpole, also a childminder from Bermondsey, said: “How could you close something down that so many people use and benefit from? Especially given what a lot of these parents and kids have been through with the pandemic.”

Louise Purvey from Bermondsey had a baby in the pandemic. She said the support she gets from the group is crucial

for both her and her child: “It was hard for me to begin with. There was a lack of support for new parents in the pandemic because of social distancing - then you find a place like this and it’s free.

“And you can make friends for life here because the kids are probably going to end up at the same schools.

“It’s not just a play group, it’s a community,” she added.

The council said it hadn’t been made aware of the funding challenges the group were facing, and has set up a meeting with them, stating they will try to help them in whatever way they can.

Peckham students saddle up with riding champ

By Isabel Ramirez

isabel@southwarknews.co.uk Kids from a Peckham-based school were the first to take part in a week-long trip to a famous racecourse, where they rode a horse for the first time.

The Riding A Dream Academy supports young people from diverse communities and disadvantaged backgrounds to get into racing. It was set up by Khadijah

Mellah (pictured inset above) who made history by becoming the first British Muslim woman to win a UK horse race.

Harris Academy in Peckham were first to take part in the Riding A Dream Academy Regional Week at Epsom Racecourse, which saw Year 10 students ride a horse for the first time.

The fact it was a Peckham school was particularly special for Khadijah, who grew up in the area. She said: “I am so pleased that a school from my

neighbourhood has been the first to take part in this new initiative for the Academy.

“It has been great to see the students bond with the horses and find out that, no matter where you come from, there is a place for everyone within racing.”

Last week, ten students with no experience of racing or working with horses, had the chance to ride for the first time and look after five horses from the British Racing School.

It was held at Epsom Downs Racecourse, home to the world-famous Derby.

The students also visited Pat Phelan’s racing yard, undertook media training with ITV’s Oli Bell and learned about the history of the racecourse and The Derby’s status as the world’s most prestigious flat race.

The Regional Week is being rolled out thanks to funding from The Racing Foundation and is an extension to the Academy’s existing programmes. It is

designed to broaden access to horses and the racing world by taking the Academy out to communities and schools.

Charlotte Evans, Assistant Principal at Harris Academy Peckham said, “Our students have had a spectacular week at Epsom racecourse. It has been truly wonderful to see their confidence grow.”

“We are very pleased to have been able to expand our students’ experiences. This is something that will stay with them for a lifetime.”

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

NEWS 9

Mum warns families about Strep A as Eva, 5, fights for her life at evelina hospital

Eva in recovery with her cuddly toys

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk A terrified mum is warning parents about the dangers of Strep A as her five-year-old daughter fights for her life at Evelina Children’s Hospital.

Sarah Page, 33, from Sussex, has had to see little Eva put into an induced coma and suffer a cardiac arrest since she became ill two weeks ago.

She said it had been “extremely scary” and at times “we didn’t know if she was going to make it”.

On Monday, a twelve-year-old boy from Colfe’s School in Lewisham died after contracting the lethal bacteria, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed.

Thankfully young Eva, described by Sarah as a “wild child” who loves her friends and animals, is slowly recovering in hospital.

But her mum still wants to warn parents about the dangers of Strep A. She told the News: “Eva became unwell about two weeks ago with what I thought was a common cold cough and achy legs [and a] high fever.

“She started to deteriorate, with spiking high temperatures that wouldn’t go down so I took her to A&E that night where she was given antibiotics and sent home.

“That night she got worse - she went blue - so we called an ambulance where she was taken to East Surrey - our local hospital.

“They decided to put her into an induced coma and a ventilator, where she then had a cardiac arrest.”

The UKHSA has urged parents to be vigilant and stay on the lookout for symptoms like breathing difficulties, the skin, tongue or lips turning blue, or unusual fatigue.

Dr Yvonne Young, UKHSA London’s deputy director for health protection said: “It’s vitally important that, as a parent, you trust your judgement and seek urgent medical help if your child’s condition begins to worsen or they have any of these serious symptoms.”

Group A Streptococci is a common bacteria which commonly causes mild symptoms. But if the bacteria becomes “invasive”, infecting areas like the lungs or bloodstream, it can be fatal.

According to the UKHSA, scarlet fever activity is significantly higher than it

normally is this time of year - with 4,622 cases recorded this season compared to an average of 1,294 - and this can be one of the symptoms.

Earlier this week, south London was rocked by the news that a Colfe’s School secondary school pupil had died, bringing the UK death toll to nine this season - all children.

Colfe’s School Headmaster Richard Russell said: “This wholly unexpected tragedy has affected all members of the school community, including pupils, parents and staff. We are doing what we can to support the pupil’s family who are seeking to come to terms with their devastating loss.”

Children in Belfast, Hampshire, Buckingham, North Ealing and Ashford have all died after becoming infected.

With Eva on the long road to recovery, mum Sarah said: “We are very grateful they managed to bring her back around.

“The first few days were extremely scary.

We didn’t know if she was going to make it, but the team at Evelina have been amazing and saved our little girl.

“Eva is a wild child always on the go. She loves her dancing and her friends. She is such a caring little girl who loves her animals.”

The UKHSA says maintaining good hand and respiratory hygiene, and staying away from those feeling unwell, are key to preventing infection.

Dr Young said: “I understand that parents in London might be concerned about Group A streptococcus (GAS) infection, which is currently circulating at a higher level than we usually see at this time of year.

“It is typically mild and can cause various symptoms such as scarlet fever, mild skin infection, sore throat, fever, chills and muscle aches.

“However, in very rare occasions, GAS bacteria can become ‘invasive’ (iGAS), and the symptoms to look out for include breathing difficulties, the skin, tongue or lips turning blue, or if your child is floppy and will not stay awake.

“It’s vitally important that, as a parent, you trust your judgement and seek urgent medical help if your child’s condition begins to worsen or they have any of these serious symptoms.”

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10 NEWS

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Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

Exclusive

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk A Bermondsey mum has spent two years in a damp Aylesbury Estate flat, which is now infested with cockroaches and vermin.

Mother-of-two Georgie Howell, 22, says her children’s clothes are covered in mould and her kids are terrified of the “beasties” crawling around her home.

Both her children have developed asthma since living there and her threeyear-old daughter was hospitalised with respiratory problems in October last year.

Tearful Georgie said: “I’m just fed up I just want a home. Some people want a nice big mansion but I just want a home for my kids. I never have time with them.

I have to spend all my time cleaning the house which means I end up shouting at them and that’s not what I want.

“It’s just really hard - I just feel like giving it up.”

The Aylesbury Estate where Georgie lives was built in the ‘60s as part of Southwark’s slum clearance - then regarded as a sparkling example of modern social housing.

But the following decades saw it fall into disrepair and in 2015, developers Notting Hill Housing Group got permission to demolish and redevelop it.

Despite removing most residents, Southwark Council are using some flats for temporary accommodation in a bid to

‘I have been left to rot on the Aylesbury with my two children’

ease the 17,000-person waiting list.

In May 2021, the council said these flats would “help meet the high demand for good quality temporary accommodation for local homeless families”.

Georgie, who is also battling mice, has covered the flat in mouse traps and bug spray in a bid to rid her home of unwanted pests.

She says the heating is temperamental, and her children’s feet sometimes turn blue from the teeth-chattering cold.

When Southwark housing officers visit, she says they are visibly reluctant to sit down because of the damp, mould and bugs.

It’s not her first time in unsuitable accommodation. Before being moved to the Aylesbury Estate, she lives in temporary accommodation in West Dulwich. There, water poured through cracks in the ceiling when her upstairs neighbour had a shower with the bathroom ceiling eventually collapsing.

Georgie’s flat is temporary accommodation while Southwark help her find a new home. According to homeless charity Shelter, temporary accommodation should be meet basic standards.

This means homes should not need major repair works and not be unsuitable for people’s health needs.

Cllr Darren Merrill, Cabinet Member for Council Homes & Homelessness, said: “I am very sorry for the distress

this is causing Ms Howell. A number of steps have been taken by the team to get this resolved, while we look into alternative temporary accommodation for Ms Howell’s family. We have arranged a technical inspection to make sure we cover all the works that are needed.

Once the surveyor is given access to the property and we have their report, we can arrange the repairs. Our pest control team is due to revisit the property this week.”

“In 2020, Rotherhithe residents of all ages crowdfunded over £30,000 to legally challenge the K1 Roberts Close development in the high courts but were unsuccessful.”

Back then, campaigners argued that by being set away from the main site, developers British Land had deliberately separated council tenants from private tenants.

They also said the building was an “overdevelopment” given the site had been earmarked for just 28 units in the council’s unitary development plan.

Thirdly, there was widespread anger that the block would overshadow an adjoining butterfly sanctuary and the Russia Dock Woodland.

But Cllr Darren Merrill, Cabinet Member for Council Homes and Homelessness, praised the news, saying: “I’m so proud that we have reached this important milestone in providing 79 high-quality

homes for the council.

“These new homes are going up in a wonderful area, surrounded by parks and green spaces, in a place with a rich heritage and history.”

All new homes will be fully electric, have efficient water usage and be net-zero once they’re completed.

Thirty-nine flats will be three-beds, with 26 two-beds and fourteen one-beds - all with access to a communal ground floor garden.

The construction, which began in November 2021, has employed six people from SE16 and three more local workers are expected to join by the end of the year.

Mr Cornish added: ”Surrey Docks and Rotherhithe Residents lost their legal challenge on K1 Roberts Close, but will always take on any future development that they feel is harmful and detrimental to their environment “However we move on and look forward

to welcoming our new K1 residents to our fantastic area in Surrey Docks.”

K1 is just one part of the Canada Water Master Plan, a 53-acre mixed-use development site which includes the Surrey Surrey Quays Leisure Centre.

It’s a 15-year project, which developers say will provide 3,000 new homes, of which 35 per cent are expected to be

affordable.

A spokesperson for British land said: “The proposals we produced for Plot K1 came about as a result of extensive consultation with local residents and stakeholders. We had almost 5,000 people engage with us to help shape the wider masterplan, and we have worked to take on board feedback wherever possible.”

“To be honest the whole thing with the avian flu has been really awful and the worst thing is there’s absolutely nothing we can do. Normally, if we see a sick bird we’d take it to the swan sanctuary but it’s been closed to new admissions because if there’s an outbreak, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFA) could cull all the birds.”

The swans’ woes began when on November 17 when the mother crashlanded on railway tracks at Cambridge Heath, Bethnal Green.

It seemed like she’d recovered but within days of returning to Canada Water, she was displaying symptoms of avian flu.

Although the cause of death hasn’t been confirmed, locals report she was showing a loss of appetite, half-closed eyes, a drooping neck and lethargy.

Within days, her two cygnets had also died. The fate of her other four cygnets, who left the nest in October, is unclear.

Avian flu is an infectious disease that has existed for over a century. The most prevalent strain nowadays is H5N1, first reported in China in 1996.

There have been sporadic outbreaks ever since but this year’s wave is possibly the worst in history, slaying a hundred and sixty million domestic birds worldwide.

Asked if the government could have done more to protect wild birds, Andy said: “In all honesty, I don’t think there’s much that could be done to stop it spreading through wild birds. The government’s main focus has been on commercial farming and poultry flocks.”

In the UK, roughly half of the 1.3m freerange turkeys reared for Christmas have

died or been culled in the latest outbreak.

Developer Art-Invest is building eight new nesting pontoons at the Canada Water waterbody. It is hoped that a new family of swans will move soon move in.

Canada Water docks are not the ideal habitat for swan families given its lack of

natural materials and food sources.

But Andy explained: “It’s like the London property market. There are limited patches of open water in London so, if you’re two swans looking to have cygnets, you’ve got to get your foot on the ladder.”

Controversial affordable homes in Canada Water near completion Exclusive

By Herbie Russell

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Builders on the Canada Water Masterplan have celebrated an important milestone after ‘topping out’ K1 - meaning the site’s first homes are nearing completion.

‘Topping out’ means K1 on Roberts Close, which will provide 79 affordable homes including 60 council flats, has reached its full height.

While Southwark’s housing boss Cllr Darren Merrill praised the achievement, local campaigner Steve Cornish has reminded people of the building’s controversial history.

Mr Cornish said: “Rotherhithe & Surrey Docks residents were surprised to see so many ‘dignitaries’ attending the highly controversial topping out ceremony this week.

Swan song! ‘Avian flu deaths at Canada Water waterways Exclusive

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Three swans have died of suspected avian flu at Canada Water dock leaving this patch of waterway home to just one solitary male.

The mother and her two eight-monthold cygnets died within days of each other between November 17 and November 24, as the UK’s worst-ever outbreak continues ravaging the country.

Andy Miller volunteers at a swan sanctuary in Shepperton and often cared for the mute swan family at Surrey Water, a patch of waterway between Decathlon, Surrey Quays Shopping Centre and the Canada Water Library. He told the News:

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Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

little Blake’s story at evelina shows why you should help

By Isabel Ramirez isabel@southwarknews.co.uk A woman who gave birth to a son weighing only 690 grams at the Evelina London Hospital is backing their Christmas appeal, saying funds could help to improve facilities in rooms for new mums.

Eleanor Knight from Enfield gave birth to baby Blake in March this year at St Thomas’ hospital.

“My waters broke at 22 weeks and I was transferred from my local hospital to St Thomas’,” she explained.

But when she caught an infection at 24 weeks, she had to be induced - and Blake was born sixteen weeks premature. He weighed just 690 grams and needed round-the-clock intensive care.

The first time Eleanor saw him he was in an incubator surrounded by machines: “The whole experience was scary as he was taken away straightaway,” she said.

“I just sat there holding his hand from 9pm until two in the morning.”

Despite the scary situation she found herself in, she said she was determined to stay positive.

“The nurses told me how important it was that Blake get breastmilk due to being premature,” Eleanor explained.

“It was overwhelming but I wanted him to have the best start.

“But because he was too small to breastfeed, one of the lovely nurses showed me how to collect my milk into tiny syringes. It was such a small amount but looking back, it was gold.”

In total, Eleanor spent two months in the neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU).

“They were so amazing. We’re in debt to them.”

She noted that although the care she received was ‘amazing’ - some of the rooms could do with improvement to make new mums feel more at ease.

“The milk room – where mother’s can express milk to give to their new babies, that needs improving.

“At the moment it’s really small and there’s no window. So instead of feeling tranquil it makes you feel on edge.

“Even if there was a tv or music - the money could go towards that.”

It is stories like Eleanor’s that have inspired Evelina London’s Christmas appeal to improve the NICU. The unit cares for seriously ill babies and their families when they need it most, by offering life-saving treatment and vital support.

The money raised for the hospital’s Christmas appeal will help to provide more welcoming, homely spaces at the hospital which will help to make families feel more comfortable. The funds will ensure the NICU is able to offer peaceful, calming places where worried and exhausted parents can spend precious moments with their tiny baby.

With the support of the dedicated neonatal team, Eleanor began regularly expressing breast milk for Blake and when he was stronger, physically breastfeeding.

Now, Blake is about nine months old and “loving life.”

“He’s going be one in March. It’s gonna be a special birthday because he’s special.

“He came home with no medication and no oxygen.

“If you looked at him now, you would never know he was born premature.”

To donate to Evelina London Charity’s Christmas Appeal scan the QR Code

Blake being breastfed with tiny syringes at Evelina

Blake is now a healthy little nine month old baby

Young cyclists are forced to travel through ‘killer junctions’, warn campaigners

By Herbie Russell

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Cycling campaigners have warned that ‘killer junctions’ are endangering cyclists and discouraging sustainable travel, days after a child was in collision with a lorry in Borough.

Local campaign group Southwark Cyclists has demanded that Southwark Council pressures TfL into taking “urgent action” on dangerous junctions across the borough.

The council’s own ‘Streets for People’ report, released this week, found “concerns about road traffic injury are a major contributor to physical inactivity for both parents and children”.

Simon Saville, Coordinator of Southwark Cyclists, told the News: “Concerns about road safety is one of the biggest reasons why more people do not cycle in our borough.

“The London Cycling Campaign, is pressing TfL and Southwark Council to take urgent action to improve the safety of dangerous junctions like this one.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has already pledged to “end fatal collisions” in London by 2041, but campaigners have long warned this target is impossible without wholesale change to the capital’s traffic network.

Those warnings took on fresh impetus on Thursday, December 1,

when a twelve-year-old boy suffered “life-changing injuries” at the Borough Station junction.

In September, a cyclist at the same junction was left fighting for his life after a collision – also with a lorry.

Speaking from the junction in an impassioned video posted to Twitter, London Cycling Campaign’s Simon Munk said junctions “are killing too many people in London”.

Southwark Cyclists say the Borough junction should be made a priority, along with junctions at Newington Causeway, Elephant and Castle, Camberwell Green, and Peckham High Street.

They say that installing protected cycle tracks, bus stop bypasses and protected junctions are vital to safeguarding cyclists.

Bus stop bypasses route cyclists behind bus stops so they don’t collide with alighting buses, while protected junctions separate motor traffic from cyclists.

There is also a socio-economic element to these discussions. A Southwark Council report found that cyclists in the most deprived wards are four times more likely to be injured than those in the least deprived wards.

A study recently concluded that Southwark is the eight most dangerous UK area for cyclists, seeing more than 3,144 cyclists injured in the last ten years.

However, Southwark’s numbers are inflated by the fact that it sees more cyclists than other boroughs.

‘Injuries per miles’ cycled is seen by

many as a more accurate metric for measuring dangers to cyclists.

On Tuesday, December 6, Southwark approved a report which promised to

establish a borough-wide network of cycling routes for all abilities.

Southwark Council has been approached for comment.

14 NEWS

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

Walworth Christmas lights display shines on despite energy crisis

By Isabel Ramirez

isabel@southwarknews.co.uk

A Walworth family who have covered their house in Christmas lights for twenty-five years in aid of the charity that saved their son’s life have decided to put them on again this year, despite a rise in energy bills.

Watch the video

nline

southwarknews.co.uk

Alex as a child with Lewis Hamilton

Alex Mustafa now aged 26

The Mustafa family, who live at the end of Thurlow Street, have been putting on an elaborate display of festive lights for twenty-five years, to celebrate the charity that saved their son’s life.

Dad Gunaltay Mustafa started putting up Christmas lights when his son Alex was diagnosed with leukaemia at age four, as a way of cheering him up after his chemotherapy.

After he relapsed at the age of eleven, Alex was given a four per cent chance of survival. His only hope was a bone marrow transplant – something notoriously difficult to find for people from ethnic minorities.

However, charity Anthony Nolan found Alex a donor, saving his life.

The Mustafa family still put on the light show every year, now to celebrate the incredible work by Anthony Nolan, and to raise money for them.

But this year it nearly didn’t go ahead.

“We debated not putting them up this year, because of the way things are at the moment,” Gunaltay said.

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“But we can’t stop after twenty-five years.”

Instead, they are shortening the hours they’ll be turned on. “Usually we put them on from 5pm until midnight but it’s just too expensive this year. So they’ll be on from 5 till 9 instead.

“It’s mostly for the kids anyway,” he added. “They can come into the garden and have a look, and we just ask people to donate what and if they can.

“It’s costing me an extra 70 pounds a week in electricity - but it’s worth it to see how happy it makes people.”

After a difficult start in life, Alex is doing well. “I don’t really remember everything as I was very young but I was in and out of hospital for three years straight at one point.”

Now 26, he’s working as a teaching assistant in a school and gives oneon-one support to kids with special educational needs.

Mum Donna said: “When Alex was ill, through various organisations we met the cast of Harry Potter and Lewis Hamilton. We went to Formula 1 too.

“All of that was great but at the time all you want is for your child to be healthy.

“We’re so grateful that Alex made it. But some kids aren’t so lucky - so whatever we can do to make it easier for families - we will,” Donna added.

They’re aiming to raise about £700 for Anthony Nolan this year. To donate scan the QR Code.

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16 NEWS

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Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk A row has exploded over a meeting earlier this month, where Dulwich Village residents discussed the council’s controversial Turney Road closure proposal.

In October, some residents were left incensed when Southwark Council began consulting local residents on two designs for Turney Road - both of which stopped traffic at its eastern end.

Organised by Dulwich Village residents’ associations, the meeting at St Barnabas Parish Hall on November 22 was advertised as “an open meeting where people can speak for or against” the plans.

But some residents and councillors say the meeting was “not a forum of discussion” but a “rallying cry” where pro-closure voices were met with hostility.

Organisers say opposing opinions received a “polite reception” and that the meeting was let down by councillors refusing to attend.

Leafy Dulwich Village has been riven with division ever since June 2020 when, during the first lockdown, Southwark Council implemented a low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) on the Dulwich Village junction.

Supporters say it has made the area less polluted and safer, while others say it has congested boundary roads, impacted local businesses, and isolated the elderly and vulnerable.

Now the council has submitted the Turney Road plans, many local residents fear it will exacerbate congestion on boundary roads and quicken the demise of local businesses.

The council has arranged meetings with some local residents’ associations - but attendees complain that these were attended by council officers rather than elected representatives.

A coalition of local resident associations said the meeting was a chance for the public to put their questions to councillors backing the Turney Road closure - but no elected representatives attended.

The meeting at St Barnabas Parish Hall with the councillors’ names left on the empty chairs

Dulwich Village Meeting organised by residents’ associations sparks row

Cllr Margy Newens chose not to attend, saying: “A meeting organised by a particular interest group at this stage is not a forum where everyone can contribute to the discussion equally and, as such, does not enhance the process of the consultation.”

Clean Air Dulwich, whose members describe themselves as “a group of local parents… campaigning for healthy and safe streets” said: “We

recommended people didn’t engage with what was very likely to be a hostile environment.”

An anonymous pro-LTN attendee said: “A lot of people were respectful of different opinions but not everyone.”

Another pro-LTN attendee, who also wished to remain an anonymous, said: “Nobody was discourteous - I wouldn’t have described it as hostile but maybe partisan.”

The five resident association chairs who organised the meeting said it “was a great success”. They added: “Any suggestion that speakers in favour of the closure were discriminated against, heckled or prevented from speaking is entirely untrue, as the audio record of the event confirms”.

At the meeting, attended by between 120 and 250 people, speakers predominantly against LTNs derided

the Turney Road closure as having been “inadequately consulted.”

Some residents’ associations have conducted independent surveys and claim 86 per cent of Turney Road residents want it kept open.

Over 100 blue badge holders recently wrote to Council Leader Kieron Williams pleading to be allowed through the camera-controlled crossroads.

Local heroes honoured at Westminster Abbey for their community work

By Isabel Ramirez

isabel@southwarknews.co.uk Southwark heroes were celebrated for their community efforts at an awards ceremony at Westminster Abbey last week.

Southwark’s heroes were among those across London who were celebrated at the Faith & Belief Community Awards ceremony at Westminster Abbey last week.

The awards celebrate the vital work of London’s faith and belief communities by bringing together local heroes and shining a light on their inspirational work.

As well as getting to visit the esteemed Westminster Abbey, each winning project was given £500 to further their work.

Thirty-eight projects were recognised with awards, ranging from Environmental sustainability to community resourcefulness in response to Covid-19.

The Celestial Church Of Christ Amazing Grace Parish in Peckham got an award for their community work during the Covid outbreak. Elizabeth Akinsanya, from the church said: “The pandemic exposed the inequality and suffering

of many families especially those with no recourse to public funds, and as a church, we had to support these families regardless of faith.”

She said going to Westminster Abbey was ‘mind-blowing’.

“I had to pinch myself to be sure I wasn’t dreaming. During the queen’s funeral I was glued to the screen, admiring the beauty of this iconic building, so to be part of sitting in it was a great honour for me.

“Every year we provide Christmas hampers for a variety of age groups, so the money we got will go towards Christmas hampers for the most vulnerable service users,” Elizabeth added.

Another Southwark winner was The Redeemed Assemblies Trust for their community food bank. They opened their food bank during the pandemic and are open 7 days a week.

Franklin Akpomuvwe, food bank manager said: “There is no registration - the only criteria is that you’re hungry and you need food.

“We’re happy to win this award as it tells us our efforts are working.

“Going to Westminster Abbey was awesome - it’s an amazing site!” he added.

Phil Champain, the Director of the Faith

Amazing Grace Parish (second in from right: Elizabeth Akinsanya)

& Belief Forum, said: “Faith and belief groups are at the centre of community life in London, providing vital services and support to those in need and a strong sense of belonging to their members and

beneficiaries. We believe that the power of collaborative faith and belief based social action needs to be supported, recognised, and celebrated.”

Other local winners included Growing

Hope Brockley and Pecan food pantries.

The London Faith & Belief Community Awards ceremony took place on Wednesday November 23 at Westminster Abbey.

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18 NEWS

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

Smokers offered free lung checks

By Herbie Russell

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Southwark smokers are being offered free lung health checks to ensure people at risk of lung cancer and other respiratory conditions are diagnosed early.

Current and former smokers aged between 55 and 74 and registered with GPs in Southwark and Greenwich are entitled to the examinations.

Those eligible can expect a letter from their local NHS service but if it doesn’t arrive, people can call 020 3350 1513 to book an appointment.

Former smoker and Southwark resident Pat Caro, 71, is urging people to come forward, after she was unexpectedly diagnosed with lung cancer last year.

Pat said: “I was surprised when I was

asked to have a lung scan – particularly as I felt fine and had no symptoms which would indicate any lung problems.”

Her scan revealed a small tumour on her left lung. She continued: “The doctors confirmed that my history of smoking had most likely contributed to my diagnosis – despite having quit over 10 years ago.”

Patricia, who received treatment and is now cancer free, said: “One simple scan could save your life and give you more time to spend with your loved ones.

“Just by showing up, you can put yours and your family’s mind at ease. Don’t hesitate. Go to your appointment – you won’t regret it.”

Appointments begin with a nurse-led assessment followed by a low-dose CT lung scan if deemed necessary. The scans are being done in a community van at the

Asda Superstore in Old Kent Road.

South east London is seeing some of London’s highest rates of lung cancer cases and only 24 per cent are being diagnosed early - stage one or two.

Dr Kimuli Ryanna, clinical director for the Targeted Lung Health Check programme in south east London, said: “Catching lung cancer at an early stage can make a big difference to how the

Teen stabbed near the Peckham Arch

By Herbie Russell

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk A teenager has reportedly been stabbed in broad daylight at the junction between Peckham High Street and Rye Lane.

Two men have been arrested following the incident, which saw a nineteen-year-old rushed to hospital at around 1pm last Friday, December 2.

Police say he suffered a stab wound and that his condition is not life-

Exclusive

threatening.

Detectives have not identified the two individuals who have been arrested but say they were taken into custody.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “Police were called at 12:57hrs on Friday, 2 December to reports of a stabbing at the junction of Peckham High Street and Rye Lane, SE15.

“Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service. A 19-yearold man was taken to hospital with a stab wound. His condition was

disease is treated and improves outcomes for the patient.

“However, we know from a recent YouGov survey that current smokers are less likely than never-smokers to believe that detecting cancer in its early stages improves the chances of successful treatment.”

People may have already seen South East London Cancer Alliance’s eye-

catching advertising campaign featuring striking optical illusion imagery.

It’s designed to warn people of undetected lung conditions by reminding passers-by to that it’s not only our eyes that can trick us, but also our lungs.

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assessed as not life-threatening.

“Two men have been arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody.”

Photos posted to Twitter showed a police cordon around the road in front of the Peckham Arch, a notoriously busy area.

Enquiries are ongoing and any witnesses are asked to call 101 quoting CAD 3251/02Dec. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Green spaces across Southwark may have been rescued after a ‘landmark’ application to build a four-bedroom house on Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) was rejected.

Campaigners had feared plans to build a four-bedroom house on Somerford Way

by Russia Dock Woodland would pave the way for more developments on nature conservation sites.

But at a planning committee meeting on Monday, December 5, councillors unanimously refused the application.

They concluded that the development “fails to protect the openness of the MOL and does not provide a building that supports the open space use, nor protect the nature conservation interest of the site.”

Steve Cornish, a member of local environmental group Green Connections, said: “The unanimous decision by Southwark Council’s planning committee to refuse permission for a new house to be built on Russia Dock Woodlands MOL was a landmark moment.

“This decision was not only arrived at to protect Russia Dock Woodland, but every woodland, park or open space in Southwark, London and the UK.” This case was a complex one, with councillors’ final decision hinging on a land sale that took place over thirty years ago.

Between 1983 and 1996, a previous homeowner at 2 Somerford Way bought some MOL land from the council and

Green spaces saved after ‘landmark’ Russia Dock Woodland building plans are rejected the now-defunct London Docklands Development Corporation.

The homeowner turned this newly purchased land into a domestic side garden, and it has been used as such ever since.

The applicant recently bought the property from the homeowner and wanted to build a house in the garden.

But it emerged that, despite the purchase,

the boundaries of MOL land were never redrafted so, technically, parts of the garden remained MOL. Under both Southwark’s and the Mayor’s planning guidelines, MOL should be afforded “the highest protection” against “inappropriate development” - much like Green Belt Land.

Despite these protections, an officer recommended it be approved because

“selling the land to a householder indicates an intention that the open space use would cease”.

In an unusual move, Southwark’s own Parks & Leisure team vocally opposed the plans, saying approval “could have unintended consequences for other open space in the borough”.

At the meeting, Labour’s Old Kent Road councillor Richard Livingstone said: “I can

see entirely why the family want this home and the difficulty navigating planning laws… however for me that doesn’t take away from the fact this is MOL…” There were also fears that “magnificent” willow could be felled if the application was approved but it will now be retained..

The News contacted the applicant who want to build the home, but received no reply at time of going to press.

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

NEWS 19

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Sangeeta Leahy, Director of Public Health, Southwark said, “COVID-19 has not gone away so it is important to protect yourself and others. If you are over 50 and have received an invitation from the NHS, please have your vaccination. You may be offered a flu jab on the same day.”

Sangeeta further urges people in Southwark to “Continue to prevent the transfer of COVID-19 and flu with frequent handwashing and wearing a face mask in indoor public spaces such as in shops and on public transport. As we meet more indoors, also try to open doors and windows to let in fresh air.”

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• a 1st booster for everyone aged 16 and over, and some people aged 12 to 15 who are at high risk You can get your vaccination by: from COVID-19, once they have • Visiting the National Booking completed their primary COVID-19 System www.nhs.uk/covidvaccination course vaccination • a seasonal booster (autumn • Calling 119 booster) for some people, including those aged 50 years or over, those • Checking local vaccination at high risk from COVID-19 or who offer in Southwark and across are pregnant, and frontline health SE London at www.nhs.uk/ and social care workers grab-a-jab Please note: You can have your seasonal booster if you’re 50 and over and it has been at least three months since you had your previous dose.

We are visiting all our housebound residents to give them their booster vaccination. Don’t worry if you have not had yours yet – primary care network (PCN) or GP surgery teams will be in touch. Visit www.selondonics.org/icb for more information.

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Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

Exclusive

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Campaigners have slammed Berkeley’s latest plans for the Aylesham Centre redevelopment as a “citadel that will loom over historic Peckham”.

Published last week, the plans aren’t final, but the first look at a redevelopment encompassing the shopping centre, Morrisons supermarket and Peckham Bus Station.

The proposals involve building 1,050 homes, of which 35 per cent would be affordable, office space, retail, green spaces and a revamped Morrisons.

Opponents say it’s an “overdevelopment” and that towering residential blocks of up to 27-storeys are “not the answer to London’s housing crisis”.

A spokesperson for local campaign group Aylesham Community Action (ACA) said: “People across the community are up in arms about these plans – they feel the plans have nothing to do with Peckham, don’t build on what makes Peckham a thriving place, and won’t meet the needs of people that live and work in Peckham.”

In an online petition against the plans, ACA said: “It is a massive overdevelopment with enormous buildings - a citadel that will loom over lower-rise, historic Peckham.”

Berkeley has said the proposals are only an “emerging masterplan” and it is engaging residents in an ongoing “conversation about the future of the site”.

The plans do appear to contradict Southwark’s own planning guidelines for the area, which say: “In any case, a 20-storey height restriction on development proposals should be observed.”

One of the blocks in the plans, located to the east of the site, would rise a staggering 27 storeys, while others would be as high as 20, 18 and 15 storeys.

In an open letter, Southwark Council said: “Officers would consider one of these buildings being taller than twenty storeys… Beyond that none of the buildings should generally exceed ten storey in height.”

The council said the proposals had “some positive aspects… but there remain a number of significant issues” that need consideration.

For example, the 1,050 homes proposed exceed the 850 capacity specified in Southwark’s planning guidelines.

Southwark Council said that although the 850 figure was flexible, increasing

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

NEWS 21

Controversial Aylesham Centre plans send shockwaves through Peckham

Consultation meeting to be held Berkeley have been hosting a series of consultation events for the community on the emerging masterplan.

the housing stock by almost 25 per cent “would be detrimental to the character of Peckham town centre”.

The council also expressed fears over how the development would fit in with the area’s distinct “Peckhamness”.

There has also been little indication of what Berkeley would do to secure the future of small businesses already on the site.

Locals are also unhappy about a perceived lack of consultation. The ACA spokesperson said: “People feel the consultation to date has been entirely on

Berkeley Homes’ terms. The community have not been able to input on the most important aspects of the scheme like its building use, size, housing types, and how it is integrated into the rest of Peckham.

“There has been no two-way dialogue where options are explored and the community can see how its input is being reflected.”

If approved, phased construction of the development would begin in 2024 and conclude in 2033.

Under the construction plans, the Aylesham Shopping Centre would remain

These sessions will be attended by the members of the design team and will be held at Unit 12 (Bright House) in the Aylesham Centre. There are two still left: • Saturday 10th December – 11am - 2pm: Public exhibition event • Thursday 5th January, 6:30pm – 8pm: online webinar – please contact us to register for this session.

open to shoppers until 2032.

In response to a request for comment, Berkeley Group shared a press release saying: “Berkeley is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with the community, local businesses, the Council and other key stakeholders to deliver proposals that meet the current and future needs of Peckham.

“The Berkeley team has shared an emerging masterplan with the community as part of the ongoing

consultation process for the proposed redevelopment of the Aylesham Centre in Peckham, which includes the shopping arcade, Morrisons store and car park.

“Berkeley is asking local residents, businesses and visitors to join the conversation about the future of the site.”

ACA has asked Berkeley to “engage with the community on all aspects of the scheme, and create a plan… that will have the consent of all of our communities”.

Peckham school for excluded kids wins two architectural awards

By Isabel Ramirez

isabel@southwarknews.co.uk A Peckham school for excluded schoolchildren has swept up two prestigious architecture awards for creating a “calm, optimistic and nurturing setting” for its pupils.

Southwark Inclusive Learning Service (SILS 3), on Davey Street just south of Burgess Park, won New London’s Education Award and the Mayor’s Prize at a Guildhall ceremony on Tuesday, November 29.

Designed by Tim Ronalds Architects, SILS 3 replaced a decrepit 1970s children’s home. The new building was planned around the old building, allowing the existing school to stay open while the new building was constructed.

The NLA Awards website describes the project: “The design was based on

observation, consultation and research into the life of a pupil referral unit, and the design factors that could benefit children and teachers.

“The resulting building is designed with the objective of providing a calm, optimistic and nurturing setting which responds to the individual needs of its students, some of whom experience vulnerabilities which impair their ability to fully engage with education.”

At the Guildhall ceremony, Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe said the project’s inclusivity and diversity “epitomised the aspirations of London”.

Earlier this year, the school won a Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) London award and RIBA national award.

Back then, organisers described the building as “comfortable, light, spacious and airy – while also being secure and tough”.

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

By Isabel Ramirez isabel@southwarknews.co.uk Bankside will play host to a special fair that pays tribute to the weird and wonderful winters of Southwark’s past, including when an elephant walked across the Thames.

Over the next two months, Better Bankside, the business improvement district for the area, is putting on the biggest modern day ‘Frost Fair’ yet – a tribute to the area’s unique history, celebrating the fascinating stories from winters past.

There have been modern revivals of the famed Frost Fairs before, but none of them on this scale.

Between 1605 and 1814, the surface of the River Thames froze over 24 times, bringing all trade on the water to a standstill.

The people of Bankside turned catastrophe into opportunity, creating what was known as the ‘Frost Fair’. They hosted markets, organised gambling and games on the ice, and guided people across the frozen river.

Legend has it that when the Thames last froze over in 1814, an elephant was walked across the ice.

Inspired by this, from Thursday, December 1st, Better Bankside will be recreating these strange happenings for the very first time through a special augmented reality display. There will also be events, workshops and food & drink to mirror the markets of the past.

A specially curated street art trail will be revealed where visitors will find murals displaying historical scenes and modern interpretations of the Frost Fair from renowned street artists: Mr Cenz, Dreph, Nomad Clan and Peachzz.

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

Photo by: Jason Slabber

22 NEWS

‘Sexual assault’ on New Cross bus prompts police photo appeal

winter fair pays tribute to Southwark’s unique icy past Meanwhile, guided tours will take place throughout December and January where people can discover more about the games, events and markets that took place on the river during these icy winters.

Bankside businesses will also be creating Frost Fair inspired menu items

and food & drink experiences, hosting themed club and music nights, workshops and events with donations going towards supporting local homeless charity The Manna Society.

Bankside’s Frost Fair has various sponsors, including Better Bankside, Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe

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and many more.

It launches on Thursday, December 1st at 18:14pm on Dirty Lane, SE1 9PA, just down the road from Borough Market. It’s on until January 31st.

For more information about Frost Fair and what’s on offer www. banksidelondon.co.uk/frost-fair

Police have released an image of a man they’d like to speak to as they investigate a young woman being sexually assaulted on a bus in New Cross.

At 4am, on Saturday, November 12, the 22-year-old victim was on the N453 to central London when she was approached by a man, who sexually assaulted her.

The man got off the bus at New Cross Road, on the junction with Kender Street, just down from Old Kent Road.

Detectives would like to speak to the man pictured to help them with their investigation.

Anyone who recognises him or has information is asked to come forward.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

To contact police call 101 quoting reference CAD 1270/12Nov.

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

By Isabel Ramirez isabel@southwarknews.co.uk An ex-crime scene examiner who now works at Maudsley hospital is putting on a free exhibition of his paintings in Camberwell.

David Urquhart, 49, works as a carpenter in the Maudsley psychiatric Hospital in Camberwell - but before this he spent years doing something he never imagined he would.

“I was looking through the job section on the way to work as a decorator, and I saw a job advert for forensic examiners.

“They were looking for people with an eye for detail to go into crime scenes and pick up evidence for forensics to help with solving crimes - with my background as an artist, I fit the bill.”

He spent sixteen years working across London as a crime-scene examiner.

“At first I liked the problem-solving of it,” he said. “You just had to see it as a set of tasks.”

But he said after doing it for over a decade, it started to affect him: “You’re seeing the worst side of humanity day in, day out and that took its toll on me,” he said.

“The areas that you know and are used to – you just remember the crimes you saw in each place. I would walk around London and think: ‘I packaged a body there’ or ‘someone jumped out of a window there’. It leaves little marks on your day-to-day reality,” he added.

David said although it left a mark on him, it also influenced his paintings.

“I would be in the morgue – and you’d see where the guy had shaved the night before and it was all crisp and clean - because he didn’t expect to die so

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

Ex-crime scene examiner opens FREE art exhibition

David Urquhart (inset) and one of his paintings on display probably had his whole day planned.

“Little did he know, he was going to be lying on a slab in a day’s time.”

He said by going into crime scenes and collecting evidence, he became fascinated by where people were going and where they’d been.

“I was only collecting the evidence and not solving the case, so often,

I didn’t get an answer about what happened.” This led David to make up his own story, which he tells in his own way through art.

Since working in Camberwell he said he hopes to paint more featuring the local area. He added that he’s grateful to Sonia, who works at The BeauVert cafe in Camberwell, for allowing him to

show his art for free.

“Unless you’re from a moneyed background it’s very difficult to keep art going.”

‘Human Intersection’ is on now at The BeauVert cafe in Camberwell, 43 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8RS. It’s on until the 18th February and is free to view.

NEWS 23

Burglars are targeting Southwark, report finds Burglars are targeting Southwark according to a recent study, which showed the borough is the eighth most burgled area in the UK.

According to the report by security company Locks Direct, Southwark suffers 7.34 burglaries per 1,000 residents.

The most burgled area was Middlesborough, where there are a staggering 10.03 burglaries per 1,000 residents.

Southwark residents will be aware of the challenges it faces with burglaries.

Last month, the News exclusively revealed that distraction burglars were terrorising the borough.

The brazen thieves, who pose as council workers to burgle their victims’ homes, are understood to have hit multiple properties since late October.

Plymouth was the least burgled area, with just 2.07 burglaries per 1000 residents, closely followed by Swindon which saw 2.32 burglaries per thousand people.

In 2021, burglaries were down on the previous year. Last year, England & Wales’s police forces received 235,280 crime reports of burglary. This was a 14 percent reduction on 2020’s figure of 274,899 reports.

This means there was an overall burglary rate of just 3.9 per 1,000 people in 2021 compared to 4.6 per 1,000 people for 2020.

Join us for festive family fun on London’s Bankside in our reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen’s festive fairy tale.

GLOBE THEATRE 15 – 31 December

Writer Hannah Khalil #TheFirTree

Blackfriars, London Bridge, Waterloo

TICKETS FROM

£5

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

what’s on

www.southwarknews.co.uk/arts

in Southwark

The Greenwich Theatre Panto is back with Robin Hood and it returns with a bang and Anthony Spargo not just as the Bestest Baddie in Town in the role of the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham but also as this year’s writer, writes Michael Holland...

(c) Tate Photography, Madeline Buddo

Maid Marian (Amy Bastani) is the love interest, Mutley (Louise Gielecki) is the cute comedy turn, and Martin Johnston brings gravitas to Friar Tuck. This year’s dame is local actor Phil Sealey playing Little Joan and the 3-man band who seem to create the sound of a sextet is excellent guitarist Gordon Parrish, Chris Wyles on drums and, of course, Musical Director ‘Uncle’ Steve Markwick. Once again, the theatre gives local actors from Trinity Laban Conservatoire the chance to make their professional debut and this year it is Sam Rowe and Millen Scrivener grabbing the opportunity with both jazz hands.

The Sheriff loves taxing the poor to keep up his lifestyle of unadulterated hedonism, but Robin Hood (David Breeds) loves robbing the Sheriff’s tax collectors to give back to the poor, thereby setting up the conflict between the two.

As always, the Greenwich panto combines modern hits with topical news and a hint of local flavour, so there was Ed Sheeran, the cost of living crisis, House of Thrones references and talk of Deptford.

Plus, lots of innuendos from Little Joan and evil cackles from the Sheriff to elicit boos from the audience. Funniest bit: The scene with the lie detector machine had me laughing out loud. Cleverest bit: The punning on the names of chocolate bars.

Spargo says, ‘Robin Hood is the story of struggle over adversity, strength through

Robin Goes Robbing The Rich For Christmas numbers, resilience in the face of tyranny.

Themes that seem rather pertinent in the current climate.’

The Greenwich Theatre Panto and the people who put it on make us feel like part of a great big happy family and make it a

Forest fruit of The Loom

real part of Christmas in the community, so we have come to expect familiar faces and themes, which we get with Spargo and Uncle Steve. We don’t expect money spent on lavish costumes, special effects and grand sets because it is the proceeds

There is a long-forgotten world in the new Tate Modern’s exhibition Magdalena Abakanowicz: Every Tangle Of Thread And Rope, writes Madeleine Kelly..

Abakanowicz was born Marta Magdalena Abakanowicz in 1930. The child of aristocratic parents, her early childhood was spent playing in the forests around her family estate. The family retreated permanently to this estate after Poland’s invasion by Nazi Germany in 1939. But the forest would not remain a safe place to hide and in 1943 German soldiers broke into the family home and an explosion severed her mother’s arm.

Abakanowicz graduated from the Academy of Fine Art, Warsaw in 1954 and by 1962 was being recognised at 1st International Tapestry Biennial in Lausanne. By the mid-60s, her tapestries began working their way off the wall and into space. These early experiments defy

ARTS 25

from the panto that allows the theatre to do what it does for local theatregoers and children throughout the year. But we do expect to be entertained and we are never disappointed.

Robin Hood has it all with its jokes the rectangular weft and warp of the loom, a practice the artist called ‘loom thinking’.

In 1967 she began to produce her first three-dimensional textiles and it is these works that form the textile wood, a place haunted by the traumas of her and her nation’s youth. In the figures named ‘Abakans’ by a bewildered critic - Abakanowicz found a place to hide much like the forest of her childhood.

She very much meant the sculptures to feel like a world of their own. By the late 60s, she made Abakans in groups to be displayed together as ‘environments’, or installations as we might call them now.

Abakanowicz’s career spanned over 50 years but in this retrospective, curators Ann Coxon and Mary Jane Jacob focus on the years spanning the mid-50s to the early 70s. The forest of thread is in the penultimate room, but the show starts with its seedlings.

In choosing to focus on one decade, the

aimed at different levels for different generations, great song and dance routines, and the compulsory audience sing-a-long battle before the big finale.

My only complaint is that as the writer, Anthony Spargo wrote all the best gags for Little Joan to camp it up, so as not to come across as a narcissist, which meant he didn’t make an appearance for what seemed an age, but when he did come on singing Queen’s I Want It All, we booed and cheered in equal exuberance, and that’s because nobody does Bad like Spargo does Bad and we were pleased to see him being Bad again.

Whenever he is tripping around the stage giving the evil eye to the audience and goading us to bring on the boos, everyone is looking at him. ‘I’m the King of Kerching with all the Bling’ he boasts and we boo. He points at young people in their seats near the front and tells us ‘I hate kids’ and we boo some more. He digs out a couple from the older generation and says the over-60s smell of Lidl and lavender and we boo even louder. This is what we came for.

But along with Anthony Spargo, everyone gave their all to ensure we went home smiling.

Robin Hood is the best panto in town so far and I do not expect that to change in the weeks ahead.

Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, Greenwich, London, SE10 8ES until Sunday 8th January 2023. Time: Tues - Sun 7pm, other times vary.

Tickets are available priced at £32, Concessions £25 and £16.50 for children Box Office: 0208 858 7755 - www. greenwichtheatre.org.uk

curators allow us to follow the thread of the Abakans through the artist’s work. The Tate has pierced slits in the walls of the exhibition through which you might view the next rooms so that standing in the shadowy world of the forest you might look back to the first tapestries. This also allows the viewer to understand the staggering achievement and mastery of the Abakans as they work against the traditional logic of the loom without losing tension or life.

The final result is a fibrous world that threatens to engulf the viewer, its organic folds at once a hiding place and a smothering. The ancient Abakans hang like passive witnesses of our bloodied pasts – the promise of a natural world that, if it will not forgive us, will at least outlive us.

Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG until 21st May. Admission: £16 Booking: www.tate.org.uk

26 OPINION

www.southwarknews.co.uk/letters

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

Comment

T

he need for safe and genuinely affordable housing is one of the biggest issues facing my constituents.

While Southwark’s Labour council has worked really hard to deliver new council homes for local residents, across the UK the Conservative and Lib Dem governments since 2010 have failed to ensure that new social homes have been built at the scale that we need.

Cuts to council budgets have undermined the ability of councils to invest in their homes and to hold private landlords to account for the condition of the homes that they rent out.

The tragic, avoidable death of two year old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale due to mould in his home is an appalling reminder of the terrible consequences of the housing crisis facing our country.

The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill, being debated in Parliament is a welcome step in strengthening the rights of social housing tenants. The Bill would introduce important reforms to strengthen the Regulator of Social Housing including the power to inspect housing associations and local council housing departments. This must be matched by proper funding to help both councils and housing associations to invest in their homes.

However, the Government’s ambition is narrow and further measures are needed to stop the daily problems tenants and leaseholders are facing across the country.

In the coming days I will be carefully scrutinising the Government’s proposals and working with my Labour colleagues to amend the Bill to ensure this opportunity is used to improve the health and wellbeing of tenants across

helen hayes

MP for Dulwich & West Norwood

The big issue of affordable housing the country.

This must include better protections for families forced to move after a threat of violence. No one should face homelessness because they or their family are threatened with violence, but this is the reality for far too many families.

Earlier this year, I introduced Georgia’s Law to Parliament named after my constituent. Georgia and her children were happy in their housing association home, but the police advised Georgia to move immediate for his safety after gang members threatened her son. Georgia’s family life and stability was turned upside down in that instant.

Georgia was placed in poor quality temporary accommodation without enough space for her sons. After more than a year in temporary accommodation, her housing association began steps to end Georgia’s permanent tenancy which would have sent her to the bottom of the housing list. This would have meant a wait of many years before Georgia would have had any chance of a regaining permanent home.

The loss of a secure tenancy is far too high a price to pay for being the victim of a threat of violence.

Eventually and following my intervention, Georgia and her children were rehoused by their housing

The bus cuts campaign: ‘We worked hard, we were heard, and we won’ marina ahmAd

W

ell done to everyone involved in the campaign to save Southwark’s buses.

We worked hard, we were heard, and we won.

It is inspiring to see the community united.

Buses are so important to Londoners. Buses connect communities, like ours, without other transport links. The pandemic ravaged Transport for London’s (TfL) finances. But, thanks to our campaigning, and the work of the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the 12, 78 and 45 have been saved.

At City Hall I scrutinised the Mayor and TfL’s approach every step of the way, putting the needs of Southwark at the forefront of my questioning. In the community, I’ve spoken at rallies across my constituency including Camberwell, chaired a packed

The tragic, aviodable death of two-year-old Awabb Ishak in Rochdale due to mould in his home is an appalling reminder of the terrible consequences of the housing crisis association, but not before they had suffered horrific consequences.

My amendment to the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill would give security to families like Georgia’s. It would ensure that social landlords must work together

to find a new safe home for people forced to move due to violence and it would protect their tenancy rights.

I hope the Government will support my amendment week and put Georgia’s Law on the statute book.

GLA Member for Southwark & Lambeth public meeting with residents and, alongside local councillors, organised a march from Nunhead to Peckham where the public’s passion to protect bus services was clear to see.

Unfortunately, there will be changes to some London journeys. Thankfully, the impact in Southwark will be minimal. The 521 from Waterloo to London Bridge will now be serviced by 133 and 59. I will work tirelessly on behalf of the borough to mitigate any issues that arise.

I am cheering the Three Lions on at the World Cup, just as I did with the England women’s team, who won Euro 2022. The nation gained some new sporting heroes that day. England lifting the trophy in London can inspire a new generation of women footballers.

At school I loved playing football with my four younger brothers and their friends. I did

not fit the stereotype of an Asian Muslim girl and my teachers were unable to cope with my love of football and forced me to stop.

The fact that there are young girls in Southwark, in London, and all over the world dreaming of emulating their idols’ achievements after watching the Lionesses, really resonates with me. It can spearhead a surge off the pitch for equal participation in football.

Girls must be given better access to football at school, and we need more investment in grassroots football.

I am joining Peckham’s Athenlay Women’s Football Club for a training session to see the fantastic work they do, and what I can do as an Assembly Member to give more girls a chance to fall in love with sport. This is the time to secure parity for girls and women across all sports. We owe it to all the budding sportswomen out there.

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk/letters

OPINION 27

Educate yourself about Strep A symptoms

T

he sudden spate of child deaths from Strep A is desperately sad, and also deeply worrying for parents.

As our interview with Sarah Page this week shows, it can be a very short window between a child falling sick with coldy symptoms to deterioriating rapidly - as happened with her five-year-old daughter Eva. She told us that little Eva was now making a slow but steady recovery, and we very much hope that this continues, not least thanks to the excellent care at our local Evelina Children’s Hospital.

Parents will of course by concerned by this development, and while the government says doctors and hospitals are prepared, the best thing you can do is educate yourself about potential symptoms. For information, visit: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/12/05/group-a-strep-what-you-need-to-know/

Let’s raise a glass to the Old Justice

T

his weekend, we’ll be raising a glass to the news that The Old Justice pub has been restored and is looking for new owners. But it hasn’t been easy getting to this point.

Back in July 2017, a developer submitted plans to turn the pub into flats - an all-too-familiar story.

Pubs across London face intense commercial pressure for residential land in London. Sadly, investors frequently see flats as a more reliable revenue stream than pubs. But Bermondsey refused to accept this turn of events, and so began campaigns from councillors, industry figures and locals aiming to keep the pub in its original form. At one point, campaigners from the southeast London branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), along with residents and councillors, held a ‘mock trial’ outside its doors.

Eventually, the plans were rejected. The Tudor-style interior was sadly torn apart, so it’s good to hear the restoration has been a success. Not only does this mean locals might finally be back at the much-loved pub after a five-year wait, but it’s a glimmer of hope for an industry that we hear is often on the ropes.

When Liz Truss announced the freeze on alcohol duty as part of her failed mini-budget, publicans’ hopes were raised, only to be dashed when her government collapsed. Last month, 100 UK drink industry figures wrote a letter to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, urging him to rethink the decision to reverse the alcohol duty freeze.

In the past three decades, the number of pubs across the capital has halved from more than 7,000 to around 3,500. This decline is particularly worrying for Southwark. As one of London’s most vibrant boroughs, pubs are a key cog in the local economy - whether it’s the hipster bars of Peckham Rye or the sticky-floored boozers of Bermondsey.

cryptic Puzzle Clues Across 1 Place to have had a meal after the morning is cut off (8) 4 The distant part of Australia farmers appreciate (4) 8 Fails to find fifty ecclesiastical features (6) 10 Shows the way in which painting and music come to church (6) 11 I leave the older Spaniard (5) 12 The elusive creature came back to me in the crowd (5) 14 Mother has something to do in the gallery (6) 17 Cut up Diana’s limb (9) 18 It’s ages on the move for Milton’s strong man (9) 22 Vigorous short strasse on German capital (6) 23 The wailing sound of the sea nymph? (5) 24 I get the wrong face it’s an old story (5) 26 Spread out the forces of the French gambit (6) 27 Puzzling sieve? (6) 28 Time for some fruit (4) 29 Touched one in possession of the necessary digits? (8)

Clues Down 1 Is it the unknown quantity in the drink which makes things revolve? (4) 2 Exploded the case round misplaced energy (6) 3 Mysterious ending for these essays (6) 5 Man of the land in distant French sea (6) 6 A quiet start to beginning again could be taking things for granted (8) 7 The right bush to turn into a small tree (5) 9 Look at Chinese porcelain in the latter half of July, it would Appear (9) 10 Scram! So I’m able to become a high official (9) 13 Put back nothing and go after the language (5) 15 Cut the verse about (5) 16 Lived after the end of the coup, and took charge (8) 18 Escort to the mine that’s hollow below the shoulder (6) 19 Tearjerking food? (5) 20 Carrying it back to the sound of a bell (6) 21 More dense about the person who despatched it (6) 25 The germ of a top player (4)

Quick Puzzle Clues Across 1 Sinks (8) 4 Journey (4) 8 Disprove (6) 10 Dangerous (6) 11 Occurrence (5) 12 Sportsground (5) 14 Parts of a church (6) 17 Incessantly (9) 18 Divided (9) 22 Hidden (6) 23 Creator (5) 24 Make merry (5) 26 Capers (6) 27 Pollute (6) 28 Visionary (4) 29 Claims (8)

Clues Down 1 Afflicted (4) 2 Previously (6) 3 Mean (6) 5 Actually (6) 6 Forcing (8) 7 Those in opposition (5) 9 Appraises (9) 10 Without remorse (9) 13 Go into (5) 15 Smooth (5) 16 Intrude (8) 18 Tool for mowing (6) 19 Resting place (5) 20 Ability (6) 21 Plan (6) 25 Muddle (4)

Solutions to last week’s crossword Cryptic

Across: 1 Weathercock 9 Odd 10 Polynesia 11 Manes 13 Steward 14 Negate 16 Anodes 18 Lateral 19 Trace 20 Charlatan 21 Arc 22 Plaster cast Down: 2 End 3 Types 4 Enlist 5 Canteen 6 Cassandra 7 Commonplace 8 Candescence 12 Nightfall 15 Turtles 17 Clothe 19 Tonic 21 Ass

Quick PUZZLE

Across: 1 Discourtesy 9 Pal 10 Bystander 11 Onset 13 Fanatic 14 Normal 16 Bewail 18 Maestro 19 Token 20 Necessary 21 All 22 Prosecution Down: 2 Ill 3 Cubit 4 Unsafe 5 Trainee 6 Sidetrack 7 Appointment 8 Truculently 12 Streetcar 15 Attests 17 Mosaic 19 Tryst 21 Ado

28 NEWS

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022 ADVERTORIAL

Patients praise neighbourhood nurses who feel “like family” Neighbourhood nurse Adeola Arigbabu cares for patient, Nilgun Taki

A new film highlighting the vital role of

Guy’s and St Thomas’ neighbourhood nurses and the difference they make to our patients’ lives has been released.

The film, which will be used to recruit neighbourhood nurses, gives an overview of the essential work community nurses do to keep patients at home for longer while avoiding hospital admission.

Nilgun Taki, 62, who has ovarian cancer appears in the film alongside her daughter,

Figen Hassan and neighbourhood nurse, Adeola Arigbabu.

Figen said: “Mum was diagnosed in early November [2021]. To be honest it was an absolute shock. And, yes, there was a level of anxiety as to when we come [home]. ‘How is it going to be? Would I be able to do everything that mum needed?’ The relief that I felt when we were appointed nurses... They felt like family straight away. They come twice a day and the amount of care and work they put in is amazing.”

Putting patients first in pandemic recovery

In 2018, Guy’s and St Thomas’ was the first NHS trust in England to introduce and adapt the Dutch model of community nursing known as Buurtzorg into district nursing. The service is now known as neighbourhood nursing.

This model provides more quality care over time, enables staff to build better relationships with individual patients, and encourages patients and their families to be more independent. Teams are supported by a coach rather than a manager to make collaborative decisions.

The Joint Programme for Patient, Carer and Public Involvement in COVID Recovery was established by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and delivered in partnership with King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and London South Bank University.

The reports make a number of recommendations, including: • support for people waiting for treatment should be consistent and fair, wherever someone lives, and improved regular communication to patients can help manage the uncertainty caused by waiting • long COVID clinics should be embedded in all local communities, should be easy to access and treatment should be designed around the need of the individual

Charity will be bringing some seasonal joy to patients who can’t be at home this Christmas, as well as the dedicated NHS staff providing their care.

Thanks to generous donations, a special patient menu will be available on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, including a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings on December 25.

Around 2,000 gifts will also be delivered to those who are in hospital or housebound in the community,

Aerial view of London Andrea Carney, head of patient and public engagement at Guy’s and St Thomas’ said: “We will be using the recommendations from the report to drive real change in our own services, but I also hope that it offers valuable learning for local partners and NHS organisations across the country.”

The projects were carried out using a combination of methods, including more than 20 workshops, and the entire programme was funded by Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity and King’s College Hospital Charity.

The findings and recommendations from the 3 projects (animations, graphics, reports, Easy Reads) are on the LSBU website: bit.ly/GSTT-LSBU-recovery

Spreading festive cheer

Supporters of Guy’s & St Thomas’

Organisations in south east London

have come together to set out how the NHS can improve the way it provides virtual access to care, support patients on waiting lists, and treats patients with long COVID. The findings have been published in a new first-of-its-kind series of reports into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients.

Avey Bhatia, Chief Nurse at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “I would encourage everyone to watch the film, especially those considering a change of direction in their nursing career. It’s really important for our patients to be supported to stay at home and for their care to meet their individual needs. Nurses joining our community teams make a real difference to people’s lives.”

For more information contact: Karen Jackson, Head of Nursing, Integrated Local Services at karen.jackson@gstt.nhs.uk.

Get vaccinated

Guy’s and St Thomas’ vaccine

teams are working hard to protect our communities this winter. Make sure you get the vaccines you are eligible for.

Booking is easy and our friendly staff can answer any questions you may have. The following vaccinations are available:

COVID-19 autumn boosters and flu – for people over 50 and in at

risk groups. Visit www.nhs.uk/ covidvaccination to book.

Polio vaccines – extra doses and routine vaccinations for children aged 1-9. Visit evelinalondon.nhs.uk/ PolioVaccine to book.

Mpox first and second doses – for those most likely to be exposed to the virus previously referred to as monkeypox.

Visit bit.ly/GSTTmpox to book.

For more information about these vaccines, who should have them and why they are so important please visit: www.nhs.uk

while 13 cheerful Christmas trees will be installed across Guy’s and St Thomas’ for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy.

The festive funding also covers free meals for staff working on Christmas Day, and a special thank you gift for volunteers who have helped in areas such as the vaccination programme and Older Person’s Unit this year.

Thank you to all who have helped Guy’s and St Thomas’ go further for patients and staff in 2022. To find out more about Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, visit www.gsttcharity.org.uk.

www.southwarknews.co.uk/jobs

RECRUITMENT / FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 29

30 CLASSIFIED / ANNOUNCEMENTS

www.southwarknews.co.uk

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

BIRTHDAYS

Happy 1st Birthday to our princess Tallulah

JIMMY & DANIELLE INVITE LOCAL BERMONDSEY PENSIONERS TO ENJOY A COMPLIMENTARY XMAS DINNER

AT THE OLD BANK

Love you to the Moon & back, love Mummy, Daddy, your Big brothers James & Louie and your big sister Lyla xxx

TUESDAY 13TH DECEMBER 12:00-14:00

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Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk

PUBLIC NOTICES 31

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (as amended) PLANNING (LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS) ACT 1990 (as amended)

The planning applications listed below can be viewed on the planning register at https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/ You can use facilities at your local library or 'My Southwark Service Points' to access the website.

How to comment on this application: You should submit your comments via the above link. Comments received will be made available for public viewing on the website. All personal information will be removed except your postal address. Online comments submitted without an email address will not be acknowledged and those marked 'confidential' will not be considered. Written comments can be submitted to; Southwark Council, Chief executive's department, Planning division, Development Management, PO Box 64529, London SE1 5LX. Reason for publicity. The applications are advertised for the reasons identified by the following codes: AFFECT - development affecting character or appearance of a nearby conservation area; OR development affecting setting of a nearby listed building(s); DEP - departure from the development plan; EIA - environmental impact assessment (these applications are accompanied by an environmental statement a copy of which may be obtained from the Council - there will be a charge for the copy); MAJ - major planning application; STDCA - development within a conservation area; STDLB - works to or within the site of alisted building; HERNE HILL STADIUM 104 BURBAGE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE24 9HE (Ref: 21/AP/3417) Retrospective planning application for the use of land as a class E(f) outdoor nursery (and temporary use as a holiday club) and the stationing of associated temporary free standing structures. This application is a DEPARTURE APPLICATION: The proposed development is a departure from Policy P57 (Open Space) of the Southwark Plan (2022).

(Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA DEP (Contact: Ewan Lawless 020 7525 1264) 32 SUTHERLAND SQUARE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE17 3EQ (Ref: 22/AP/3938) Construction of rear extension and remodeling of closet return to provide additional Storey and lower ground floor glass extension. (Within: Sutherland Square CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Eleanor Heagney 020 7525 5403) 5G MAST SWK25472 LAND AT SURREY QUAYS ROAD JUNCTION WITH REDRIFF ROAD SOUTHWARK SE16 7PW (Ref: 22/AP/3957) Prior approval for a proposed 5G telecoms installation: H3G 15m street pole and additional equipment cabinets. (Within: Cobourg Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Glenn Ruane 020 7525 5447) 38-42 SOUTHWARK BRIDGE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 9EJ (Ref: 22/AP/4006) Demolition of the existing redundant office building (Class E) and the construction of a high-quality replacement building to deliver additional office (Class E) floorspace along with other associated works. Reason(s) for publicity: MAJ (Contact: Gemma Perry 020 7525 1146) PLOT A1 CANADA WATER MASTERPLAN LONDON SE16 7LL (Ref: 22/AP/4041) Display of hoarding advertising and wayfinding for the duration of construction works for Plot A1 in the Canada Water Masterplan 18/AP/1604 Reason(s) for publicity: AFFECT (Contact: Rose Sharkey ) 73-75 CAMBERWELL CHURCH STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 8TU (Ref: 22/AP/4065) Display of five externally illuminated handpainted fascia signs on the Vicarage Grove and Camberwell Church Street elevations.

(Within: Camberwell Green Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Louise Dinsdale 07513137967) 9A BLENHEIM GROVE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 4QS (Ref: 22/AP/4081)

Listed Building Consent: Retrospective erection of a temporary single storey art studio in the courtyard area of 9A Blenheim Grove. (Within: Holly Grove CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Eleanor Heagney 020 7525 5403) 33 KNATCHBULL ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 9QR (Ref: 22/AP/1123) Replacement of windows on the front, side and rear elevations, replacement of doors at rear of property-style to match existing (Front Elevation: Timber Frame, Side/Rear Elevation: uPVC). (Within: Camberwell New Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Sean Gomes 020 7525 0666) 52 CAMBERWELL GROVE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 8RE (Ref: 22/AP/3975) Removal of existing garden store and loose earth and rubble and replace with garden room. (Within: Camberwell Grove Conservation Area CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Athena HyltonThompson 020 7525 2161) 29 CRYSTAL PALACE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE22 9EX (Ref: 22/AP/3988) Removal of two existing garden buildings and the installation of a new combined garden building and shed at rear of garden.

(Within: The Gardens CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Janey Zhao 020 7525 1258) FLAT A 21 KNATCHBULL ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 9QR (Ref: 22/AP/1122) Replacing all existing single-glazed timber sash windows to the front elevation with double-glazed timber sash window sets.

Windows at the rear and flank of the property of timber casement and sash openers will be overhauled with a set of double-glazed uPVC casement windows. (Within: Camberwell New Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Anna Poulose ) 9 KNATCHBULL ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK (Ref: 22/AP/1514) Remove all existing single-glazed timber sash and UPVC casement windows on the front elevation and replace with more fit for purpose double-glazed timber sash window sets. Windows at the rear and flank of the property are installed with either casement, sash or pivot opening mechanisms, but all will be overhauled with a set of doubleglazed UPVC casement windows. (Within: Camberwell New Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876) 9 OAKHURST GROVE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE22 9AH (Ref: 22/AP/0681) Removal of existing single-glazed timber sash windows and installation of doubleglazed timber sash windows to the front

elevation. Removal of timber doors and installation of uPVC doors. (Within: The Gardens CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876) 37 KNATCHBULL ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 9QR (Ref: 22/AP/0698) Existing single glazed timber sash windows on the front elevation to be replaced with more fit for purpose double glazed timber sash window sets. Windows at the rear and flank of the property are installed with either sash or casement opening mechanisms, but both will be replaced with a set of doubleglazed uPVC casement windows. (Within: Camberwell New Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876) 12 BELVEDERE MEWS LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 3LT (Ref: 22/AP/4058) Change the single-glazed timber windows for new fit for purpose double-glazed uPVC units (Within: Nunhead Green CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876) 4 KNATCHBULL ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK (Ref: 22/AP/0699) Removal of existing single-glazed timber sash windows to the front elevation and replace with more fit for purpose double glazed timber sash window sets. Windows at the rear and flank of the property are installed with either sash or casement opening mechanisms, but both will be overhauled with a set of double-glazed uPVC casement windows. (Within: Camberwell New Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Ibrahim Azam 020 7525 2876)

(Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Anna Poulose ) 15 KNATCHBULL ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE5 9QR (Ref: 22/AP/0623) Removal of all existing front elevation single glazed timber sash windows and replacement with new double-glazed timber sash windows. Removal of both the casement and sash timber windows at the rear of the block and replacement with new double-glazed uPVC windows. In addition replacement of timber door sets at the rear of the property with uPVC door sets. (Within: Camberwell New Road CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Anna Poulose ) FLAT C 12 PECKHAM HILL STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 6BN (Ref: 22/AP/4050) Erection of an outbuilding at the end of the garden. (Within: Multiple CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Samuel Hepworth 020 7525 5465) Dated: 06 Dec 2022 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date.

STEPHEN PLATTS - Director of Planning and Growth

9A BLENHEIM GROVE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 4QS (Ref: 22/AP/4080) Retrospective erection of a temporary single storey art studio in the courtyard area of 9A Blenheim Grove. (Within: Holly Grove CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Glenn Ruane 020 7525 5447) 106-108 PECKHAM HILL STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK (Ref: 22/AP/4114) Listed Building Consent: Replacement of all white single glazed timber windows with white slim line double-glazed timber windows, with the fenestration remaining as existing. The replacement windows will match a traditional design. Secondary glazing to be put in set back from the replacement windows. (Within: Peckham Hill Street Rye Lane Peckham CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Eleanor Heagney 020 7525 5403) 99 WOODWARDE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE22 8UP (Ref: 22/AP/4101) New conservation rooflight to out-rigger

To place a notice, please email em@southwarknews.co.uk Cut off is 2pm ever y Tuesday.

Access all published notices: w w w. s o u t h w a r k n e w s . c o . u k / p u b l i c - n o t i c e s

32 PUBLIC NOTICES

www.southwarknews.co.uk

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (MERRICK SQUARE, TRESCO ROAD, AMELIA STREET, REYNOLDS ROAD, SAWYER STREET) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) 1.

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

2.

Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload at any time in: (a) Merrick Square, between No’s 32 – 16 and No’s 1 – 16. (b) Tresco Road, between No’s 8. (c) Amelia Street, south side lane of carriageway, between Walworth Road and Crampton Street. (d) Reynolds Road, north bound lane of carriageway, between Cheltenham Road and Borland. (e) Sawyer Street, between Sturge Street and Southwark Bridge Road

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

Notice of Application for a Premises Licence made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 Please take notice that I / we Elephant Park Group Ltd Have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of Kachori 12 Ash Avenue, London SE17 1GQ The relevant licensable activities and proposed times to be carried on, or on from the premises are Days

Start time

Finish time

The retail sale of alcohol:

Sunday to Thursday Friday & Saturday

10:00 10:00

22:30 23:30

The provision of late night refreshment:

Friday & Saturday

23:00

00:00

Opening hours:

Sunday to Thursday Friday & Saturday

08:00 08:00

23:00 00:00

A register of all applications made within the Southwark area is maintained by: The Licensing Service, Hub 1, 3rd Floor, 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH A record of this application may be inspected by visiting the office during normal office hours by appointment on 020 7525 2000; details are also available on our website at http://app.southwark.gov.uk/licensing/licenseregister.asp

3.

The alternative route for affected traffic (2a) Merrick Square (2b) as indicated by the signs displayed (2c) Manor Place, Crampton Street. (2d) Cheltenham Road, Hichisson Road (2e) Southwark Bridge Road, Southwark Street, Blackfriars Road, Union Street, Great Suffolk Street, Loman 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.

It is open to any interested party to make representations about the likely effect of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives. Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Service at the office address given above (or by email via licensing@southwark.gov.uk) and be received by the Service within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below.

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.

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

6.

The works will be in operation for (2a) 2nd – 13th January 2023, the works will be carried out in 2 phases. (2b) 3rd – 10th January 2023 (2c) 4th January – 13th March 2023 (2d) 4th January – 17th February 2023 (2e) 3rd – 9th January 2023

Date of application 8th December 2022

7.

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

Dated this 8th December 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) 6339/SW-V9032MERRIC-BT (2b) 6331/W118948652-02548-SGN (2c) 6324/6436-02THAMES (2d) 6389/6340-07-THAMES (2e) 6098/W117271770/2-02198-SGN

Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence A N Other, trading as Midland Havlage, of 5 Maze Street, Walsall, WS1 3AJ is applying to change an existing licence as follows: To keep an extra 2 goods vehicles and 2 trailers at the operating centre at: Unit 3, Charnwood Industrial Estate, Walsall, WS2 2BE, Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner's office.

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk/sport

SPORT 33

Hamlet take point from Oxford test Lynn Boss pleased with squad depth as injuries clear up fighter claims national crown

Sanchez Ming has returned to the side

By John Kelly johnk@southwarknews.co.uk DULWICH HAMLET boss Paul Barnes felt his side earned a “great point” in their 2-2 draw at Oxford City last weekend.

The visitors went a goal down before coming back to lead 2-1 in the second half only to concede again as the spoils were shared.

Oxford took the lead in the 28th minute through Klaidi Lolos but Dulwich fought back and it was their talisman Danny Mills on the mark as he took advantage of a mistake to go through one-on-one and finish in the 34th minute.

Joe Felix had the last chance of the first half but he fired wide from Mills’ flick-on.

It took the visitors just three minutes after the break to go in front as George Porter headed home following a free-kick.

The Hamlet appeared to be relatively comfortable but conceded the equaliser sixteen minutes from time when Tom Harrison’s volley bounced up and over Hamlet goalkeeper Charlie Grainger.

There were ten minutes of injurytime and still chances for Mills, Porter and Jayden Clarke, but Barnes’s side had to settle for a point.

“Great point. If you look at the first 45 minutes I thought we were

Millwall goal-blitz fells Acorns sport@southwarknews.co.uk MILLWALL LIONESSES maintained their two-point lead at the top of the London & South East Regional Women’s Football League with a comfortable 6-0 victory over Gatwick-based AFC Acorns last weekend.

After the previous weekend’s disappointing loss to rivals Fulham, the task for manager Jack Wheeler was to ensure that the Lionesses started another unbeaten run in the league, and they duly delivered.

Millwall have built a strong squad of nineteen, 20 players, and Wheeler decided on five changes to his starting line-up. One of these was new signing Shannan Drewe, returning to the club after leaving for National League football in 2020, and she struck an impressive hat-trick between the 39th and 69th minutes.

The scoring had been opened on 21 minutes when goal-scoring

midfielder Maisie Joyce, recalled to the side, made it 1-0 and then hit the bar on 22 minutes and the post in the 29th minute.

Drewe’s first had made it 2-0, and that was the half-time score. The excellent Millie Connell hit Millwall’s third on 48 minutes, which opened the floodgates. Drewe’s second and third goals quickly followed.

Wheeler always uses his full bench, and two of the substitutes, midfielders Grace Seely and Millie Penfold, scored the final two goals to make it 6-0.

This was a great team effort, and finally buried the disappointment of the dramatic loss in the Women’s FA Cup against Gillingham two weeks ago.

There are now two more games before the Christmas break: Saltdean United at home and then a derby at Sutton United. The first priority is to maintain the two-point lead into the New Year, and then push on for promotion to the National League.

By John Kelly johnk@southwarknews.co.uk LYNN ABC’S Cyrus Donaldson secured his third national title in as many years with a majority points win at the novice championships last weekend.

Donaldson boxed in the England Alliance under-57kg novice championships after having pull-outs against him in the quarter- and semi-final.

Donaldson put in a fantastic display of boxing to secure his first senior title after success in both the junior and youth categories in previous years.

His opponent Rory O’Hara from Waltham Cross ABC proved to be a formidable opponent which made it a great fight but Donaldson came away with the majority decision.

In Lynn’s other match, Frankie Hannratty lost a points decision to Ben Bishop From Halling ABC. Coach Terry Pearson said: “I was extremely proud of both boxers. They did the club proud.”

Surrey head to Lancashire for opener

By John Kelly

Photo by Mark Samdom

By Jeff Burnige at St Paul’s

struggling to come to terms with their shape, hanging on a little bit.

But we showed great character to hang in there and get a goal to go in at 1-1,” Barnes told Dulwich’s media.

“The information we gave them before the game, it probably didn’t translate first half, it took us a little bit longer to get used to the system and control certain areas of the pitch.

At half-time we got some information into the boys again and they were brilliant in implementing that. The second half we were really controlled, really measured. I was really pleased with the second-half display.

“Two great finishes, the goal from Ports, we know what he’s about.

Great finish from Danny Mills through

one-on-one. I thought we had some good chances as well and maybe just picked a wrong pass. We still created, it’s not like we came here and set up to counter.

“We played some good football at times, defended very well and I thought we were good value for it.”

Barnes is pleased with the added depth in his squad.

Barnes said: “Temi Eweka started his first league game for us, started at right-back and shifted in to centrehalf and I thought he was very good second half. Sanchez Ming coming back from injury, great to have him back, I thought he was brilliant second half. Andre Blackman coming on, back from injury and helping us to get that point. And James Comey coming on to make sure we saw the game out.

“It’s invaluable to have everybody coming back for that squad depth to make sure we can change it.”

Meanwhile, Sam Deadfield has left Dulwich by mutual consent and rejoined his former club Hampton & Richmond Borough.

The 25-year-old signed for the Hamlet in the summer and made fifteen appearances under Barnes and Gavin Rose.

Barnes said: “Sam has been brilliant in his attitude both as a person and player, very professional and someone whom I have the utmost respect for.

“Everyone wishes him and his family the very best for the future and he is someone that can always give me a call if ever he needs anything in the future. Football often has challenges that don’t allow for things to work out how you first set out and we acknowledge that and depart with a mutual respect.”

The Hamlet were in action against Chelmsford City on Tuesday night.

Go to southwarknews.co.uk for the report.

johnk@southwarknews.co.uk SURREY WILL start the defence of their County Championship title in 2023 with a trip to Lancashire – whom they played in the final game of last season.

Surrey, who had already captured their 20th title, lost that game to the side that finished as runners-up.

Surrey will play their first London derby against Middlesex at The Kia Oval on May 11, with the return clash at Lord’s starting on July 18.

The T20 Blast will start at Edgbaston on May 20 and the Men’s and Women’s Hundreds will be in August. The County Championship will finish in September.

Opening fixtures

Thursday, April 6 Division One: Hampshire vs. Nottinghamshire

Lancashire vs. Surrey Somerset vs. Warwickshire

Middlesex vs. Essex Kent vs. Northamptonshire

34 MILLWALL

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Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

Millwall suffer a nightmare on Wearside

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP Sunderland - 3 (Amad 53’, Pritchard 58’, Simms 90+3’) Millwall - 0 Date: Saturday. December 3, 2022 Attendance: 37,012 Referee: Tim Robinson Man of the match: Amad Diallo

Lions thrashed in heaviest defeat of the season despite promising start

By Alex Jones at The Stadium of Light alexj@southwarknews.co.uk NOT ONLY did Millwall miss out on the chance to move up to fourth place on Saturday afternoon, but their 3-0 defeat to Sunderland saw them drop out of the top six altogether despite none of their topsix rivals being in action.

The Lions suffered their heaviest defeat of the season at the Stadium of Light despite a promising start. The likes of Tom Bradshaw and Zian Flemming were made to pay for missen golden opportunities in the first half, with the ruthless Black Cats taking all three points with an exceptional second-half display.

In a way, this was a massive surprise.

After all, Millwall showed no signs of rustiness as they dug straight into Sunderland from the first whistle, although they weren’t given any space to get a shot away.

Flemming got himself into a good position to shoot, but was closed down before he could pull the trigger. Down the other end of the pitch, George Long was called into action to beat former Lions target Ellis Simms to a long ball over the top of the defence.

The tempo started to slow down after the first ten minutes as Sunderland began to break up the play. However, Millwall’s set-piece strength was nullified despite Jake Cooper finding space to head the

Sunderland had only won two Championship matches before beating Millwall on Saturday ball into dangerous areas. None of his teammates were able to get into the right positions to capitalise.

The Lions’ response was to try playing through their opponents with liquid football. Billy Mitchell set up Danny McNamara down the right flank, but his cross to Bradshaw was ultimately overhit. Flemming was able to pick it up on the left side of the box and set up George Honeyman, but he was unable to make his boyhood club pay with his shot deflecting out for a corner.

In the 23rd minute, Millwall had arguably their best chance of the half when Tom Bradshaw headed the ball over Anthony Patterson, who rushed out of his goal. As the striker started to wheel

away celebrating, Luke O’Nien somehow managed to get back in time and clear it off the line to deny the visitors the opening goal of the game.

Sunderland began to grow back into the game, and Millwall’s physicality saw them pick up three yellow cards and give away a number of free-kicks. Alex Pritchard’s in the 28th minute was undoubtedly in the best position, but the wall did its job to prevent the ball from trickling underneath and into the goal.

After a fast counterattack which saw Andreas Voglsammer blaze the ball over the bar, the Lions had to get back to deny a glorious chance for the hosts. Nobody picked up Amad Diallo’s run to connect with a low ball across the face of goal, but

VS

the Manchester United loanee ended up taking a touch before allowing Murray Wallace to rush in with a superb sliding tackle to win it back.

As Millwall started to look more comfortable, they were presented with arguably the best chance of the entire half in stoppage time. As Sunderland played the ball back to Patterson, Bradshaw pressed and put the ‘keeper under pressure, forcing him to play it straight to Flemming. The Dutchman showed that he was human after all, taking the shot too quickly and curling his weak effort past the post.

Ultimately, the Lions were made to pay for their missed chances shortly after the break. Pritchard’s long-range effort

clearly wasn’t enough of a warning, as he was given acres of space down the left to pick out Simms with a low cross into the box. Instead of shooting, the striker backheeled the ball into the path of Amad, who simply tapped it into an open net for the lead after 53 minutes.

Gary Rowett’s side looked for an immediate response, with Flemming seeing his header cleared off the line by O’Nien before Saville fired wide from the resulting corner. It was another costly miss, however, as Pritchard was once again allowed far too much space up the other end of the pitch, sneaking the ball under Long with a low, weak shot from the edge of the box to make it 2-0 just five minutes after their first.

The second goal was the end of Millwall, who began to crumble as Sunderland gained confidence. Thankfully, the hosts brought off Pritchard and Amad, although substitute Elliot Embleton came close to adding a third in the 68th minute.

Rowett opted to bring on five substitutes across two different periods, but it was ultimately not enough for the Lions despite a late surge. They failed to truly test Patterson after resorting to an incredibly direct approach in the dying embers of the clash. To wrap up a horrible day, Simms capitalised on some shocking defending to race clean through on goal, flicking the ball over Long and firing into the back of an empty net to seal a 3-0 win for Mowbray’s men.

Sunderland: 4-2-3-1: Patterson; Gooch, O’Nien, Batth, Alese; Evans, Neil; Amad (Roberts 74’), Pritchard (Embleton 63’), Clarke (Cirkin 80’), Simms Millwall: 4-2-3-1: Long; McNamara (Evans 82’), Cresswell, Cooper, Wallace (Malone 82’); Mitchell, Saville (Shackleton 66’); Vogsalmmer (Styles 66’), Flemming, Honeyman (Bennett 66’); Bradshaw

Touré’s first test comes at The Den Lions to face another new manager in crucial clash against Wigan Championship preview

Millwall

Wigan Athletic

By Alex Jones

alexj@southwarknews.co.uk MILLWALL WILL aim to make an immediate return to the top six as they host Wigan Athletic at The Den this weekend

The match comes a week after the Lions’ 3-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, a result which saw them drop out of the play-off places on goal difference despite the fact that the rest of the division are yet to return from the World Cup break.

It means that Wigan are yet to play a Championship fixture since November 12th when they beat Blackpool 2-1 in their first match since sacking Leam Richardson.

The decision was a major surprise given his backing both on and off the pitch. The 42-year-old had a stand at the DW Stadium named after him after helping to save Charlie Wyke’s life by administering CPR when the striker collapsed during a training session.

Millwall will be hoping to take advantage of their impressive home record on Saturday afternoon Later that season, he guided the Latics to the League One title less than two years after they were almost wound up.

Their return to the Championship has been far from ideal, however, with Wigan sitting in 23rd place at the time of Richardson’s departure.

Owner Talal Al Hamad had the chance to appoint a proven Championship manager but ended up going for a slightly more left-field option: Leicester

City coach Kolo Touré.

Touré, of course, is known for his impressive playing career as a centre-back for the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool. After retiring, he took up coaching roles with the Ivory Coast national team, Celtic and Leicester, but his new role in charge of the Latics will be his first as a manager.

Speaking to the News, Millwall

The Den. Saturday, December 10th. Kick-off: 3pm

boss Gary Rowett described him as “an experienced player with a vast experience of football.”

“I’m sure that management was probably his next step, the natural step.

“For us, it makes the game a little bit trickier, but because it’s at home, it’s about us concentrating on what we need to do and doing it very well.

“We’ve got an excellent record at The Den and we have to try and extend that, but we know with any new manager coming in that there’s new ideas, there will always be some surprises. We’ll have to cope with that on the day.

“If we want to achieve something this season, we have to be good at what we do. At The Den, we have to make sure that we continue to make that a difficult place to come and play.

“That will be our main focus, bouncing back from the Sunderland game, but obviously we’ll be mindful that Kolo will have some new ideas and we could see a very different Wigan side because they’ve had a long break

to work on things as well.

“It will be interesting to see, but we’ll stay focused on what we need to do while remaining respectful of them.”

The Lions will likely have Tyler Burey available once again after the forward recovered from illness, although Benik Afobe [knee] and Ryan Leonard [hamstring] are unlikely to feature as they continue to recover from their injuries.

matCh details

Possible Millwall starting XI: 4-2-3-1:

Long; McNamara, Hutchinson, Cooper, Wallace; Mitchell, Saville; Voglsammer, Flemming, Bennett; Bradshaw

Match odds:

Millwall 17/20 Draw 12/5 Wigan 16/5

Last meeting:

Championship (February 22nd, 2022): Wigan 1-0 Millwall (Hutchinson OG 57’)

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

www.newsatden.co.uk

Doing what’s best for the team

MILLWALL 35

Gary Rowett has often kept the same starting lineup since moving to a back four

Millwall boss not afraid of frustrating his players - despite potential for January exits EXCLUSIVE

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk GARY ROWETT is cautious of keeping his squad happy ahead of the January transfer window, but admits that he can’t give everyone the game time they want over the winter period.

It comes after the Millwall boss confirmed that “one or two players” would likely leave the club on loan or even permanently next month, prompting supporters to question whether some of the players on the fringes of the first team could look for an exit in the coming weeks.

Rowett is, of course, determined to

keep most of his squad together for the remainder of the campaign. After all, the Lions were pushed to the brink during their injury crisis in 2021-22 and will need to avoid a repeat of that if they are to challenge for a place in the play-offs.

“For those players who haven’t been playing, you’ve got to give them an opportunity and a pathway to get back into the team,” he told the News.

“You have to try and explain to them why that is. We’ve been on a really good run of form, so I think any player understands that.

“You could be out of the team for one reason and then not get back in it for five games if the team is winning.

“I think sometimes, while players might not be overly enamoured by

not starting every game, our group is predominantly pretty happy. I think most of the players like the environment and the way that they are treated.

“The perfection is that they start every game, but they know that it’s football and that it doesn’t happen in any environment. You could go somewhere else in January and essentially not start games there.

“I think most players are realistic.

We’ve got a really good group. It’s part of my job to keep that group motivated and, not necessarily happy, because the more experienced manager that I am, I accept that you can’t keep everyone happy.

“I think you can still be honest with them and be fair to them. All of that

group is going to need to be ready to play games, it’s as simple as that.

“I’m not sat here biting my fingernails that January is coming. It’s more just a case of day-to-day management of the squad and you can’t have just eleven players. Any more than eleven and you’ve got to try and manage the situation, that’s part of the skill or not the skill of the manager depending on how you do it.”

Rowett admits that this is undoubtedly easier said than done, albeit necessary for a team to compete at the top end of the division. “It’s the toughest balance for any manager,” he adds.

“Having to drop players is tough.

When they work hard, not starting players is tough, but it’s not an easy

job.

“It’s one of those things where, if you want to be successful, you need to probably have eighteen to 20 players that are capable of playing in the team from the start and not weakening it.

“Of course, different elements come into that in terms of impacting games late on in different types of games, but predominantly you have to have those numbers.

“Because that’s the ideal recipe, what that then does is it causes the manager a headache on the flip side. You’ve got six or seven players that won’t be in your team, some not on the bench.

That’s the challenge of any successful team and that’s why the best teams have the best players, and they find the right balance.”

Young Lions show character to make comeback Gary Rowett delighted as under-23s fight back to secure draw against Ipswich

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk MILLWALL UNDER-23’S fought back from 3-1 down to pick up a 3-3 draw at home to Ipswich Town.

The young Lions were expected to beat the Tractor Boys, who sat sixth in the Professional Development League table ahead of the game, but found themselves 2-0 down inside the opening ten minutes of the match thanks to an own-goal from Arthur

Penney and a strike from Gerrard Buabo.

While the hosts got one back through Seb Drozd in the 18th minute, Ipswich restored their two-goal lead four minutes before the half-time break, giving manager Kevin Nugent a lot of work to do.

Whatever he said clearly paid off as Abdul Abdulmalik and Drozd both found the back of the net in the second half to help their side pick up a crucial point and keep within touching distance of leaders Bristol

City.

After the game, Nugent admitted that he was angry with his players, something which he described as “rare”. However, he added that he was pleased by the way his side fought back to secure the draw, something which first-team boss Gary Rowett also acknowledged.

Speaking to the News, Rowett highlighted the importance of mental strength and determination in young players over raw talent, something which he believes can be coached at

any point during their development.

“I think you always have to have the character and resilience to make it at the top level,” he explained.

“That’s just a given in elite sport in general. A lot of players have the talent and the ability, and often those things are natural. Obviously you can work on those things to improve them, but sometimes it’s the resilience, decision-making and intelligence that makes a player stand out as they move up the levels.

“That’s the challenge for any young

player. You’ve seen it with Jude Bellingham in the World Cup, he’s a young player but he makes very, very good decisions at the right times. You can’t always coach those things.

“Obviously a young player will develop and continue to develop as they grow and get older, but you need a balance of everything. Some players can get by on outstanding ability alone, but I think it’s very hard to sustain a career with just that.

“You need the character and determination to go with it, of course.”

36 MILLWALL

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Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

Billy backs Millwall to bounce back Youngster keen to keep confidence high after heavy defeat Billy Mitchell still has his sights on the play-offs despite Saturday’s loss at the Stadium of Light

EXCLUSIVE

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk MILLWALL are looking for an immediate reaction.

Saturday’s defeat to Sunderland was a shock to the system, the Lions’ heaviest loss of the campaign so far and one which highlighted some major issues in the final third and at the back.

Preparations are already well underway for their upcoming clash against Wigan Athletic. Midfielder Billy Mitchell told the News that the first-team squad have been worked extra hard in training this week after their heavy loss on Wearside.

“It’s fair enough, really,” he added.

He realises that there are few complaints to be had from anyone after such a lacklustre showing in a crucial game.

Overall, the mood is still positive.

One result won’t define Millwall’s season, and Mitchell believes that their performances so far have certainly met their expectations.

“I’m not exactly sure what our

points record would have been at this stage in the last few seasons, but I’d like to bet that this is up there.

“You learn with every game, and I think in the second half of the season we’re only going to get tighter knit as a group. We’ll have more of a chance to go forward and score more goals but equally be defensively solid, something which we’ve done well in the last few games before Sunderland.

“I see us hopefully having as good, if not a better second half of the season than we did in the first half.”

It was, however, a missed opportunity. A win would have taken Millwall up to fourth in the league and put a gap between them and the chasing pack behind them, but their heavy defeat has seen them drop out of the top six all together on goal difference despite the rest of the division yet to resume their respective Championship campaigns.

Nonetheless, it’s crucial not to get caught up in the league table at this point in the season. After all, the Lions are one of four clubs currently sitting on 31 points, while the gap from Watford in fourth down to

Luton Town in eleventh is just four points.

“It’s going to be hard to know whether that changes as the games progress,” Mitchell admitted.

“Maybe there will be a pack that runs away from mid-table or the rest of the league, or maybe it will remain that tight and it will be anybody’s guess as to who can make the playoffs come the last three or four games, which seems to have been the case in most seasons.

“Hopefully if we can keep grinding out results, keep making the most of our home games and doing our best to get results in the away games, we’ll put ourselves in a good position.

“I think it’s about keeping the momentum because you can quite easily lose a couple of games on the bounce and feel like your season is done for and that everything you’re playing for is suddenly out of reach.

“Of course, that probably isn’t the case, but sometimes it can feel like that and it can spiral into some worse results, so it’s important that you keep on top of your form.

“I think every point in the

Championship is a valuable one, but more often than not you have to get three points in your home games and do what you can in your away games.

“Hopefully if we can stay in and around it, that might keep the spirits up.”

The 21-year-old is adamant that such a result won’t have a lasting effect on his teammates given their impressive performance in the first half, but it also epitomises Millwall’s new approach. Manager Gary Rowett previously explained that his side were risking more to try and win games even if it means that they lose more than they would like.

It’s an active effort to reduce the number of draws that the Lions picked up, something which prevented them from reaching the play-offs last season, and Mitchell believes that this mentality could make the difference as they push for promotion to the Premier League.

“If you look at last season, we had a lot of draws. I remember seeing that we were tied for the most draws in the Championship with one other team.

“Granted, you never feel that bad because you’re not losing games, but you’d be surprised how drawing lots of games sees you slip down the table more than it does lift you up it.

“It’s a catch-22 situation really.

Three draws is the equivalent of a win, so winning just one game and losing the next two is the same as going three games unbeaten but not picking up a single win.

“In some senses, I think it’s a lot better to try and go from these games and leave everything out there. If we do get beaten, we know that we’ve gone for it and it’s not the end of the world.

“You go and win the next game and you’re in a much better position anyway, the only problem is that when you do lose games, sometimes it can kill the morale a little bit and it can feel like you’ve not played as well. Therefore you can stifle your momentum that way.

“It’s a tough one but I do agree with what the gaffer has said. In general, it’s better to go for it and try to win games, it’s just got a much better effect on the table.”

Southwark News, Thursday December 8 2022

www.newsatden.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE

George Honeyman has improved hugely since coming back into the team at the start of November

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk GEORGE HONEYMAN has always been known as a natural, hardworking midfielder.

The Sunderland academy graduate has made a career out of that exact role, from playing in the Premier League with Sunderland to winning the League One title with Hull City in 2021.

He now finds himself at The Den, and Millwall simply don’t need that type of player in their new 4-2-3-1 formation.

It has meant that Honeyman has had to adapt to a new position, playing in a more advanced position out wide alongside Zian Flemming and Andreas Voglsammer.

“It’s been a few years since I played out there, as an out-and-out wide man,” he told the News.

“The manager wants me to drift in and get involved, and that’s exactly the sort of licence that I want and kind of need to be able to perform at my best.

“The versatility thing is a great thing because hopefully it means that you’ll play more games than if you were just consigned to one position.

“There’s a lot more for me to give and getting used to Millwall’s positions has taken me a little while, but hopefully I can keep trying to improve and looking at what I can improve. Hopefully the performance levels go up with that.

“I don’t mind where I play. Obviously in the last few years I’ve played more centrally, in midfield. I’ve not really played there this season, which is absolutely fine, as long as I’m on the pitch you won’t hear any complaints from me.”

It undoubtedly isn’t his preferred position, but it’s an area where he has improved since coming in on the right flank in Millwall’s 0-0 draw with Birmingham City at the start of November.

His performance against his boyhood club at the Stadium of Light on Saturday was arguably his best since changing positions despite the 3-0 defeat, and both he and manager Gary Rowett see his new role as a narrow winger as the best thing for his progression in the Lions’ starting lineup.

“As long as the team is doing well, that’s all that matters,” Honeyman added.

“As long as I can contribute to the team

MILLWALL 37

Honeyman comes out of his comfort zone Millwall midfielder adapts to his new role out wide

climbing up the table, I’ll play left-back and goalie if that’s what’s required!

“It’s good and it’s a bit different. I’m always trying to improve my personal performances and trying to contribute

more to the team. We’re in a really good spot as a squad and as a team.

“I’ve just got to try and keep getting onto that green stuff and doing my best for the team.”

That being said, the 28-year-old was quick to backtrack on his comments about playing in goal.

“I hope not!” he joked.

“People would be shooting from a good

50 yards out, the size of me.

“I think I can get about but I’m not sure what my jumping is like. I’ll never be seen again in a Millwall top if I end up in goal, I’ll tell you that!”

‘I’m just glad to be back playing’ The Lions have played two friendly matches and one league fixture in the last two weeks

Millwall boss plays down impact of early Championship return ahead of Wigan clash

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk GARY ROWETT doesn’t believe that his side’s early Championship return will impact their performances ahead of a busy Christmas period.

Millwall returned a week before the rest of their division, losing 3-0 to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon Many fans believe that, despite the poor performance on Wearside, the Lions will be able to capitalise

on the fact that they have resumed competitive action before their top-six rivals, although Rowett is adamant that it won’t have a significant impact in the coming weeks and months.

“I don’t know how much that will have any sort of effect,” he told the News.

“Looking at the game, in the first half we were pretty strong so it didn’t affect us in that sense. We made mistakes and lost a tight game that didn’t look tight in the end, but that’s the Championship.

We’ve done it a few times recently to other teams.

“We’ve got the game out of the way.

For me, it’s a game, an opportunity to win and get three points regardless of whether that’s our game in hand.

“Saturday will be exactly the same. It won’t feel like we’ll have an advantage over teams or anything.

“I’m just glad to be back playing, in fact it would be nice if there was a midweek game where we could crack on and play again. Obviously we’ll have to wait until the weekend and try our best to bounce back quickly, which we’ve done this season a lot of times.”

Hamlet take point from Oxford test

inside

Sport Southwark

Page 31

Defender set to see out loan spell

The Lions tried to sign Everton striker Ellis Simms on loan over the summer

Alex Mitchell has played in all but one of St. Johnstone’s league games so far this season

EXCLUSIVE

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk

Here for a good time, not for a long time Millwall boss ponders loan moves after being punished by former target EXCLUSIVE

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk GARY ROWETT has refused to rule out utilising the loan market in the upcoming January transfer window as he looks to strengthen his squad.

Millwall have just three loanees under contract this season - Charlie Cresswell, Jamie Shackleton and Callum Styles - meaning that the club can bring in another two to take them up to the maximum of five in a matchday squad.

Loanees, of course, can be a costeffective way of bringing quality talent in for a fraction of the price, something which the Lions’ recent

opponents, Sunderland, have done incredibly well. Former Millwall target Ellis Simms grabbed a goal deep into stoppage time, while Amad Diallo proved once again that he’s one of the top talents in the Championship and capable of breaking into the first team at Old Trafford.

“I think Manchester United paid a hell of a lot of money for him, I’m led to believe. Someone mentioned 30 odd million quid,” Rowett told the News.

“He’s obviously a player with that star quality and Sunderland have been starting to get that out of him a bit more consistently.”

When asked whether the club could look to find a similar talent on loan in January, the Millwall boss admitted that it was a possibility, although

he added that he would prefer to sign players on a permanent basis if possible.

“There’s good players everywhere and you’re always looking for someone that can make a difference,” he explained.

“The challenge we have, and it’s the same challenge this year, is that when you end up signing three or four loan players, in the summer the reality is that you’re probably going to have to sign another three or four players again.

“In an ideal world, you want more continuity in your squad, it’s something that we probably, as a club, need to be mindful of. Then again, you always want to maximise the position for the budget and sometimes that might be a loan player rather than a

permanent player.

“Ellis Simms is an example of that at Sunderland. He’s a player we tried to sign, he went to Sunderland and although he’s on loan, he’s someone you might not be able to buy at this level at that age.

“I don’t think anything is black and white, you’re always making a decision on that position, what’s available and what the options are. I don’t think there’s a specific target on a loan player or for a permanent one.

“I always think it’s easier to have permanents and then the young players are the ones that come in and out, develop and become massive assets for the club. Again, you’ve got to make your budget stretch as far as it can go so you’ve got to make different decisions along the way.”

ALEX MITCHELL is set to see out his loan spell at Scottish Premiership side St. Johnstone despite rumours of a potential recall in January.

The defender moved north of the border before the start of the 202223 campaign and has been one of the Saints’ star players, having regularly been cited as their top performer in an impressive season so far.

However, with reports that Leeds United were keen to recall Millwall loanee Charlie Cresswell, some fans speculated that the 21-year-old could be brought back to The Den ahead of the second half of the season.

This now seems to be unlikely, with Cresswell reportedly set to stay at The Den despite concerns surrounding his game time, although manager Gary Rowett has refused to rule out bringing Mitchell back from McDiarmid Park in a similar way to Danny McNamara last year.

“I spoke to Callum [Davidson] the other day about it, our intention is that he stays there for the season,” he told the News.

“I can’t guarantee what’s going to happen in January, we might pick up an injury or two and it could force our hand to change that thinking.

“Our thinking at this current moment is that he’s doing really well there, he’s learning under a good manager and learning through highs and lows of a loan.

“He scored a goal against Celtic and then he got sent off a few games later.

It’s those experiences where we want him to come back as a better and more rounded player.

“The intention is that he stays out there andare that’s we’ll The Lions keenwhat to open thedo siteunless in anything changes.” autumn 2024 The recycled paper content of UK newspapers in 2014 was 83.5%

Visit www.newsatden.co.uk for all the latest Millwall news online

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