Southwark News - December 22nd 2022

MILLWALL EXCLUSIVE

our next issue is out on 5th january

Issue 1614

Established: 1987

softplay saved for time being exclusive

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December 22 2022

southwarknews.co.uk

what’s happened where to to the Peckham get a free lido campaign?

meal this christmas Page 3

exclusive

Page 8

Bradders backs Millwall to invest

Page 30

‘All we want for Christmas is a minibus for our centre’

driving hope for christmas

exclusive See page 6

2 NEWS

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

our next issue is out on 5th january The paper is not be out between Christmas and New Year, but stories will be online daily

southwarknews.co.uk

Contents NEWS Pages 2-18 arts Page 19 OPINION Pages 20-21 classified, jobs and family announcements Pages 23 Public notices Pages 24-25 SPORT Pages 27-32 Contact us if you have a story on 07973175511 or email

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Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

Primary school closure confirmed

By Herbie Russell

PTA, which I wish we knew a few years back as I would have been happy to help out.

“Parents weren’t consulted at all. First we knew that it might be closing was May 13 and I panicked thinking my son wouldn’t have a school to go to with all the parents looking to move their children to a school nearby. I wish I’d waited and seen if there was more we could have done to help.”

The saga began in May, when the school’s trustees, The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, announced they would leave in September 2023. Southwark Council was then charged with deciding the school’s future.

While the school was popular among parents, and rated ‘Good’ in its most recent Ofsted inspection, it had 334 pupil vacancies

and a £200,000 annual budget deficit.

This is because, under the current system, schools get funding per pupil. But the school’s admissions have fallen every year since 2016.

A consultation period from September to October involved primary schools, parents, governors, surrounding councils, trade unions, and the diocesan boards.

While many parents were vocally opposed to the closure, Southwark Council says there were no viable alternative proposals.

With the school’s budget deficit expected to rise above £600,000 in the next academic year, and no schools deemed appropriate for merger, Southwark Council says the school is “no longer financially viable”.

Many parents have already removed their children and the council has promised to help the remaining pupils find new schools.

The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who plan to turn their focus to schools in Ethiopia and Uganda, will maintain control of the building.

Cllr Ali said this is why Southwark Council could not commit to keeping the building for educational purposes.

There are sixteen primary schools within 1.0 miles of St Francesca Cabrini, including two Roman Catholic schools.

hunger likely to increase this winter without additional government support.

“The prime minister must now take decisive action to extend, like we have done in Southwark, free school meals to all primary school children, to ensure they are provided with a hot, nutritious lunchtime meal.

“He must also properly fund the Holiday Activities and Food programme and open it to all, so that no young person is left hungry during the holidays.”

She was joined on Downing Street’s steps

by Kim Johnson, MP for Liverpool Riverside and Education Select Committee member, and some of her young constituents.

Cllr Ali has also written to the Secretary of State for Education urging her to take immediate action on the expansion of free school meals to avert a “calamitous hunger crisis”.

According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, universal free primary school meals would cost £950 million - an estimate made before the current wave of inflation.

But according to a study by not-for-profit health foundation Urban Health, every £1 investment in free school meals would return £1.38 over the next twenty years.

The data, analysed by PwC, said that the money would be made through subsequent

improvements across social, health and educational areas.

But Southwark Council is aware of the high costs associated with such a scheme.

When the Lib Dems suggested the council extend its own scheme to include secondary school pupils, Champion Hill councillor Sarah King said they had “failed to recognise” the “very serious” financial challenges facing Southwark.

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Cash-strapped St Francesca Cabrini Primary School will close in September 2023 because of a funding gap caused by falling pupil admissions.

The Honor Oak Catholic school’s fate was rubber-stamped by the council’s cabinet on Tuesday, December 6, which said all options for keeping it open had been explored.

Southwark schools boss Cllr Jasmine Ali said the decision was made with “great sadness” given “the school has been at the heart of the community for many years”.

The News understands it is one of sixteen Southwark primary schools in financial difficulty, a figure set to rise to 37 next year.

A Nunhead mum who wished to remain anonymous said: “It’s very sad. We hold a lot of memories in Cabrini. My eldest spent his whole primary school life there. The teachers were brilliant, all the children were friendly.

Parents were welcoming and we’re really going to miss it. I took my youngest son out before the summer who was in year one.

“I was praying Cabrini would stay open and my son would have been delighted to go back and I know a couple of other parents feel the same. The one thing Cabrini lacked was a

Please sir can we have some more? Councillor marches on Downing Street in call for free school meals

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Southwark’s education chief has marched to Downing Street, urging the Prime Minister to give free school meals to every primary school child in the country.

The council has offered free school meals to all its primary school pupils since 2013.

In a hand-delivered letter to Rishi Sunak, Cllr Jasmine Ali demanded the national government follow suit.

This comes just weeks after Southwark’s Labour council decided not to extend its own free school meals scheme to secondary school pupils, saying it would be too expensive.

Cllr Ali said: “Young people are contending with hunger and cold every day, with holiday

MILLWALL EXCLUSIVE

Back page

Issue 1613

Editor: Kevin Quinn Reporters: Herbie Russell; Isabel Ramirez Sports Editor: John Kelly Sports reporter: Alex Jones Arts Correspondent: Michael Holland Digital editor: Katherine Johnston 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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ROWETT ON JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW

AN ADVENT CALENDAR OF DISRUPTION: STRIKES OVER CHRISTMAS

BISHOP CONVICTED Over two years after Climate

See our feature on pages 10 & 11

Climate Wiseman

Wiseman was exposed by the News for selling fake Covid protection kits - he is found guilty of fraud

See page 6

The Southwark News is proud to be the only independent, paid for newspaper in London Southwark News started life as the Bermondsey News in 1987, as an A-4 photocopied sheet of paper and rapidly grew to cover the entire borough and the surrounding area. As the borough grew, so did the newspaper.

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

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

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.

Follow our social media to be updated on local news

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

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

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

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

NEWS 3

Rotherhithe photographer stars Where you can get a in Christmas special at kew FREE Christmas meal

By Isabel Ramirez

isabel@southwarknews.co.uk With Christmas just around the corner, here are some of the FREE Christmas celebrations local groups are hosting this week in Southwark,

Friday December 23

Peckham Soup Kitchen

95B Meeting House Lane, Peckham, SE15 2TU A FREE Christmas dinner drop in.

3:30pm-7pm No need to book, just walk in!

Saturday December 24

London Senior Social

90 Rye Hill Park, Peckham, SE15 3JU A FREE Christmas meal for all members - choice of traditional British or Caribbean.

Music and more.

Anyone over 60 living in Southwark can become a member. Call 07956 442548 to reserve a space.

By Isabel Ramirez isabel@southwarknews.co.uk A Rotherhithe man known for his nature photography and being Kew Gardens’ ‘biggest fan’ features in a Channel 4 Christmas documentary.

Kam Hong Leung has lived in Rotherhithe since 1989, after growing up in Hong Kong. He regularly pays tribute to the area through his enthusiasm for nature and photography, which he described as his “meditation and salvation.”

“I love my beautiful natural neighbourhood in Rotherhithe.

There’s extraordinary community spirit here, as well as so many public green spaces for all to enjoy!” he said.

But when Kam was recently interviewed for a Channel 4 documentary, it looks like Rotherhithe is vying with Kew Gardens as the place he spends most of his time with his camera.

Kew Gardens - the Royal Botanic Gardens in Richmond - are famous for

The London LGBTQ+ Community Centre

their Christmas display and have been named as one of the top places in the UK to see festive lights. They feature in a one-off Channel 4 special called ‘Lighting up Christmas’.

A spokesperson from Channel 4 said: “This year, more than any other, the best lighting companies are pulling out all the stops to make Christmas 2022 brighter than ever.

“We followed the top teams as they work to design, decorate and unveil Britain’s most iconic and magnificent displays.

“It’s a chance to see what it really takes to light up Christmas, behind the scenes of the UK’s most celebrated streets, shops, estates and attractions.”

Kam was approached by producers on social media and interviewed

for the upcoming special featuring Kew. “I was truly honoured that Channel 4 wanted to feature me in the documentary,” he said.

“They wanted to interview a loyal member of Kew - I’ve been for the last eight years at Christmas and I go there regularly to take photos! I’m a huge fan.”

This isn’t the first time Kam has been recognised for one of his passions.

He’s won many awards for his nature photography, including this year when he won an award for a photo taken at Kew’s Waterlily House in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Photographic Competition.

The special aired on Channel 4 on Sunday December 18 and is available on catch-up.

60-62 Hopton St, Bankside, SE1 9JH The London LGBTQ+ Community Centre is a safe, sober, intersectional

and intergenerational community centre and café.

A FREE Christmas Eve vegan feast for LGBTQ+ folks who wish to spend the festive season in the loving company of their community.

As Christmas can be tough for the LGBTQ+ community: “No pressure, no Christmassy vibes, just hot drinks, books, great conversation and a whole lot of love.”

1pm-6pm They are also open on Christmas Day 12pm-6pm To reserve a space scan the QR code.

Sunday December 25 Oasis

1A Kennington Rd, Waterloo, SE1 7QP A FREE community Christmas Dinner, including vegan option - plus games, and plenty of festive fun.

From 12pm To RSVP text 07862 007739.

Cummin Up

389 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6NZ A FREE Christmas meal to everyone - roast turkey to jerk chicken, roast potatoes to rice’n’peas!

1pm - 6pm No need to book, just walk in!

Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year

Happy Valentines Day

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4 NEWS

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

Hope for parents as Bermondsey free soft play group can stay open ‘for now’ Exclusive

By Isabel Ramirez isabel@southwarknews.co.uk Parents who were devastated that their free local soft play group was being forced to close have been offered a glimmer of hope as they receive funding that could mean they can stay open.

Last month, Riverside Softplay – based at Salmon Youth Centre in Bermondsey – told the News it was being forced to close after losing their funding.

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

The Bermondsey Children’s Centre – which is funded by Southwark Council – had been funding the play group for the last sixteen years, but in June they informed them they would no longer be doing so.

“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.

Last week, the group made their case to Southwark Council after their plight was highlighted by the News and have been granted a one-off donation of £23,700 from them, meaning they can stay open ‘for now.’

“We have received some of emergency funds from Southwark Council to reopen Soft Play from January. The council said they can see clearly the impact this has on the community.”

The money will last until June, and in the meantime Community Southwark are helping to secure them a more permanent source of funding, through local businesses and charities.

“But for now, we are staying open!”

They have also set up a crowdfunding page.

“Because we used up all our reserves to stay open until November - we have now made a crowdfunding page to raise

those back, in case it takes longer to get funding.”

Donations are already flooding in, including one from an anonymous source for £1,000.

Cllr Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Education, said: “We always try to help where we can when an issue is brought to our attention.

“In this case, I’m delighted that urgent financial support from the council will

help the Riverside Parents and Carers Association keep the play group open while they work with Community Southwark to get themselves onto a sustainable footing.

“We are incredibly grateful for all that they do for and with families in Southwark.”

The manager at Riverside Softplay said she’s feeling ‘very good and positive.’

This week, the group were able to

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throw a Christmas party for the families - complete with a surprise visit from Santa.

“Team London bridge donated one hundred gifts of toys for the children, individually wrapped and labelled. And the Salmon Centre offered the space for free for us to have the party.”

“Despite all the bad news, we’ve really finished the year on a high.

“These acts of kindness have showed me people really care,” she added.

SAT 11 MAR 1pm & 3pm

JOSIE LONG SAT 25 FEB 8pm

DANNY BAKER

SAUSAGE SANDWICH TOUR SAT 11 MAR 7.30pm

UKULELE ORCHESTRA THU 23 MAR 8pm

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

help catch ian’s killers

By Herbie Russell

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Killers who stabbed a man in front of his mother at their family restaurant have never faced justice, prompting a renewed police appeal.

Ian Gualavisi, 23, (pictured) was fatally wounded at a restaurant in Maldonado Walk, off Hampton Street, in Elephant and Castle, on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood is “convinced” that people in the community have information that would help find those responsible.

Last December, two men arrived on a stolen moped, barged past horrified diners and killed Ian, before riding through Burgess Park.

The moped was later found burnt out on Picton Street on the Elmington Estate, around 1.5 miles away from the scene of the crime.

Paramedics and police arrived at the restaurant shortly after 7.46pm but Ian was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem examination two days later found the cause of death was a single stab wound.

Throughout the police investigation, ten men have been arrested. But despite the

“abhorrent” public killing of a beloved son, nobody has ever been charged.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood, who is leading the investigation into Ian’s murder, said: “It is now one year since Ian Gualavisi was murdered whilst working at his family’s restaurant. In the time since his murder ten people have been arrested.

However, no one has yet been charged.

“I remain convinced that there is evidence and information within the community that would assist in bringing Ian’s killers to justice that has not yet been disclosed to the investigation team.

I would urge anyone who feels that they may know anything, however small, to contact us.

“What you know may be vital. Ian’s family have had to endure the worst possible year. I have reassured them, and I would take this opportunity to reassure Londoners as a whole, that we will not stop in our pursuit of those responsible for this abhorrent crime. Again, if you have any information please come forward.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information about what took place, should call 101 giving the reference 6908/14DEC. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

Mum-of-two Rebecca Ikumelo

Gaby Hutchinson was working on security on the fatal night

Two die in Brixton Academy crush

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Two people are dead following a crowd crush at the music venue Brixton Academy, with reports that ticketless revellers forced their way into the concert last Thursday evening.

Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, and Gaby Hutchinson, 23, were pulled from the chaos by emergency services but died in hospital on Saturday and Monday respectively.

A third person, aged 21, is fighting for her life in hospital as police continue appealing for witnesses as part of their “urgent investigation”.

Rebecca’s grieving family said: “Rebecca was a graduate of nursing.

She was an adorable mother of two children who loved working with kids.

“She was well respected in the family for her care, kindness and love. Her parents call her Tosin (short for Oluwatosin) meaning ‘Lord is worthy’.”

Gaby Hutchinson had been working as security at the event. In a heartbreaking tribute, her partner wrote: “My absolute world. I love you with my entire heart and soul.”

The concert from afro-pop star Asake was stopped halfway through, with police called to reports of people pushing their way into the venue at 9pm.

The chaos was caught in videos shared on social media, which showed masses of people gathering outside the venue.

Harrowing footage from the concert hall and foyer appeared to show crowds swelling and people running.

One video also appeared to show a woman being hurled down steps by a police officer.

In total, eight people were taken to hospital by ambulance. Police say that all three people who sustained critical injuries were in the foyer.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is standard practice for incidents where multiple people are

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Cyclists can now grab Transport for London (TfL) hire bikes from seven new docking stations across Bermondsey and Walworth.

New bermondsey post office isabel@southwarknews.co.uk A local family has opened a brand new post office in Bermondsey, restoring much-needed services to the local area.

Postmaster Faheem Sheikh, a former Ark Globe Academy student, swung the doors open on Friday, December 16.

Based inside the new Bagh Convenience Store, next to the Spit and Sawdust pub, the post office replaces the Great Dover Street branch which closed in 2018.

Faheem Sheikh recognised the area desperately needed better postal services. He said: “People in this

community have made us feel very welcome since we opened the shop.

Every day I see new faces in the post office and shop, and I have received a lot of positive feedback from the community on how convenient the store is.

“We are very pleased to have a post office and store that serves the community so well. We are also very happy that we have been able to open before the busy Christmas period.”

Customers will be able to send and collect post and even return online delivery items at the branch, which is open seven days a week.

It also has high-level disabled access thanks to its wide automatic door,

hearing loop and wheelchair space.

MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark Neil Coyle, who cut the ribbon, said: “It is great for local people. A post office is an essential part of a community and I thank Faheem and his family for serving local residents so well and expect him and the new post office to be very busy over Christmas!”

As well as normal postal services, customers can make bill payments, cash withdrawals, and get foreign currency.

The post office’s opening hours are Monday to Saturday: 7am to 10pm, and Sunday: 9am to 10pm, offering customers 103 hours of service per week.

injured.

Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, policing commander for Lambeth and Southwark, said: “From the outset, the police investigation into the incident at the Brixton Academy has been painstaking and forensic in its nature.

“I’d like to extend my sympathies to all those who have been affected.

Having seen some of the really upsetting images on social media our thoughts are with them.

“We have set up an online page for the submission of photos and videos. There were around 4,000 potential witnesses present at the time of this incident and we want to urge any members of the public with information to come forward. We need your information as we try to establish what happened as quickly as we can.”

Any witnesses who are yet to speak with police are asked to call 101 referencing 6725/15Dec. An online photo submission portal is available at www.mipp.police.uk.

Seven new TfL hire bike docking stations arrive in Bermondsey and Walworth

By Herbie Russell

By Isabel Ramirez

NEWS 5

Santander Cycle stations have been installed at Albany Road, South Bermondsey station, Brandon Street, Clements Road, Harris Academy, Crimscott Street and The Blue.

David Eddington, TfL’s Head of Cycle Hire, said: “Through the expansion of the scheme, we hope to encourage even more Londoners to take up cycling, improving their wellbeing and London’s air quality, and tackling congestion.

“I’d like to thank Southwark Council for their support with the expansion and we’ll continue to work with the borough to improve access to cycling.”

TfL had originally planned to install a station on Camberwell Road but scrapped it because it couldn’t find an “appropriate location”.

It’s already been a busy year for the capital’s hire bikes, which saw a surge in usage in 2022.

This year, journeys were eleven per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels,

with eleven million hires already made in 2022.

From August 2021 to 2022, every month saw record-breaking hires compared to corresponding months in previous years. With its major thoroughfares and high rates of cycling - one in ten people are cyclists here Southwark is a cycling Mecca.

The borough’s transport chief Cllr Catherine Rose said Santander Cycles are already “well-used” by local residents, improving their physical and mental health.

In October, Santander and TfL launched the scheme’s first e-bikes, which have already seen over 100,000 hires.

Despite other cycling schemes, like the ongoing construction of Cycleway 4, connecting Greenwich with Central London, campaigners say Southwark cyclists need better protection.

Earlier this month, Southwark Cyclists released a map of dangerous junctions which included the Elephant and Caste Roundabout, Camberwell Green and where Peckham High Street meets Rye Lane.

Southwark Cyclists are advocating for more protected cycle tracks, bus stop bypasses and protected junctions to protect cyclists.

6 NEWS

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

Watch the video

Please help! All we want for Christmas is a minibus!

nline

southwarknews.co.uk

Staff and carers’ desperate plea after day centre was saved

Flooding nightmare as tenants wait all night for repair team amid ‘leaking’ roof saga

Exclusive

By Isabel Ramirez isabel@southwarknews.co.uk

By Herbie Russell

Residents of a Dulwich estate, who say they have been complaining to the council for years about their leaking roof, suffered a downpour last week - with one man having to throw away his bed and carpet.

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Disabled adults at a Bermondsey day centre face Christmas heartache if they don’t raise enough money to buy a minibus.

The Cherry Garden Day Centre on Jamaica Road is a sanctuary for people with downssyndrome, autism and other disabilities but it’s “on the brink” of closure, just weeks after it opened.

Staff say a minibus, costing roughly £15,000, is the key to the centre’s survival.

Day Centre Manager Gemma Cooper said: “I don’t know what we’ll do if we can’t find the money. Our agreement with Southwark Council means we only get paid if our clients arrive on their scheduled days. But most of them aren’t independent enough to come on their own, so rely on family to drive them or being put in a taxi.”

So every day, clients are left stranded at home because they have no way of getting there.

“When I look at the finances my heart just sinks. If my clients don’t come, how can I pay my staff? I’m at a complete loss,” Gemma said.

Formerly known as Riverside, the day centre narrowly survived after the charity The Camden Society, run by Thera Trust, announced it was closing the building last year.

The charity said it would instead offer “support in the community” and close the building described as a “lifeline” by parents and carers.

So Gemma, whose brother Lee used the centre, persuaded Southwark Council to give her the keys, and re-opened its doors earlier

this month.

“The people need it. I saw how it had helped every client in here so to see them lose it - I just couldn’t stand by. Bringing it back has been amazing,” she said.

Adults with conditions including autism and downs-syndrome are taught independence skills in a safe, loving environment.

They are shown how to use money, public transport, and given guidance on how develop relationships, cook and pay their bills.

David Page, 32, is one of the clients. He enjoys drawing and seeing his friends and, as a trustee, helped design the centre’s logo.

Steven, 67, is cared for by his 90-year-old father. He used to spend all day at home but can now enjoy films and a Christmas lunch with mates.

Lee, 39, says it’s “like a family” at the centre and that learning independence is important: “I’d find living on my own challenging.

“I’m not used to dealing with money and I don’t really cook because my mum prefers me not to cook with hot stuff. I’m more a baker than a cooker!”

Gemma says when she was given control of the centre, Southwark Council promised to give her a minibus but have since reneged on their promise.

The News understands that similar centres, like the Bede Centre on Southwark Park Road, have transport costs covered by the council.

Staff are also frustrated that despite having capacity for 100 clients, Southwark has only given them fourteen, which also hurts their finances.

The council has also failed to repair their broken lift, they claim, meaning wheelchair users can’t get upstairs where most activities are held.

The council was approached for comment about the centre’s claims.

Southwark Council isn’t the only local authority struggling to fund adult social care. A recent survey by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) survey found that 94 per cent of councils’ adult social care directors said they don’t have enough money to fund social care in the coming months, as local authorities struggle with severe funding cutbacks from central government.

But for Gemma her aim this winter is simple - to raise money to buy a minibus: “This isn’t going to be cheap but we just want to offer them what they deserve.”

Donate to their fundraiser at: gofundme. com/f/adults-with-disabilities-access

Friday, December 16.

Two men, aged 42 and 39, suffered stab injuries. The pair were treated for chest wounds at hospital before being arrested and released on bail.

Police say the two men who suffered the injuries did not attack each other, so detectives are still seeking other suspects in relation to the incident.

The 42-year-old was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, while the

39-year-old was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and grievous bodily harm.

A crime scene was established and later closed.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 5683/16Dec. To remain 100 per cent anonymous, people can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Two men stabbed in ‘fight’ by Surrey Quays

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Two men stabbed in a ‘fight’ by the Wetherspoons on Lower Road in Surrey Quays were arrested, as police continue to appeal for information on more suspects.

Police say a fight between four people erupted in the pub’s beer garden before spilling onto the street around 6.45pm on

James Gillespie, resident of Champion Hill estate in Dulwich said he was woken up at 2am to the sound of water and discovered his ceiling was leaking.

“I called the council repair team at 2:08am and was told someone would be out to fix it - but no-one came.”

At 3:37am, he said he called again and they said a contractor had been sent out but ‘couldn’t get in.’

“They said the contractor had been to the third floor and when he couldn’t get access he cancelled the job.”

James claims he was awake all night, and no contractor came and knocked: “I would have heard it if he did,” he said.

“You feel helpless. I was up all night - why didn’t they come?”

James lives on the second floor and the flooding was bad - but on the fourth floor, which is directly under the roof in question, he said it was “awful.”

He added that he’s been sending in videos of the roof overflow of water “for months.”

James said that this incident is another “perfect example of no communication or accountability from the council.”

Another resident, Karen Fox, said she was woken up by her neighbour about the leak, which “ruined his bed and carpets.”

“My neighbour got me out of bed at 1.30am regarding a leak coming through his ceiling,” she said.

“He has a bed sit and suffers with mental health issues.

“I called the council out of hours and they said someone would come out in two hours. No-one came so we called them again at 5am and they told us to call the fire brigade. What’s the point of having an out-of-hours number if no-one comes out of hours?”

“At 9am, I called them for him when the council opened and they sent someone out to empty the tank.

“Friday was below freezing and my neighbour had water p*ssing from the ceiling for six hours, which ruined his bed and carpets.”

“It was all soaked. It was like Niagara Falls!”

She said the neighbour has been put into temporary accommodation and the housing officer has said they are ordering him a new bed and mattress, “as well as a dehumidifier to dry out his carpet - which is in the skip,” she added.

“Why do we need to go to these extremes just to get a repair?”

Karen, who has lived on the estate on-and-off for 17 years, said that they’d known about this problem with the roof ‘for years.’

Both said at 9:58am, a contractor from the council’s ‘Leaks from above’ team arrived and found out where the leak was coming from: a tank on the roof. They said they were told the tank was drained.

“We could have avoided six hours of flooding and water damage,” James added.

“I want the council to admit there’s a problem with this roof and there has been for years. It leads to leakages and damp in nearly every property,” Karen said.

Champion Hill residents have been plagued with mould for years - the News reported on the “severe mould” in James’ flat last December, which he claims still hasn’t been sorted out.

They believe it to be linked to the problem with the roof.

A council spokesperson said: “The works were found to be a leaking tank due to a faulty ball valve, and then the overflow, which had been frozen. This was carried out and works repaired on the 16 December. All affected properties have appointments for the 6 January to assess the damage and to collate a report for the decorating works. Regarding Mr Gillespie’s flat and the damp issues, this is being picked up and escalated to our specialist team which manages damp and mould cases. Any related work would be prioritised.”

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

NEWS 7

Cancer-stricken man says he was left in temporary accommodation without heating for three months

By Herbie Russell

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk A 66-year-old man suffering from cancer says he was placed in temporary accommodation without heating for three months.

John Cole, (pictured) who still lives in Bew Court, Dulwich, doesn’t have a working kitchen, and the bath and sink are often full of yellow liquid due to blocked pipes.

There is also extensive mould growth on windows and inside cupboards. A doctor said: “It is clear that his housing situation has a detrimental impact on his well-being.”

John was put in temporary accommodation in May after his mental health deteriorated following the death of his partner of 35 years, Bernard.

Having battled cancer for a decade, John had hoped for a clean, comfortable home, but he said: “In this weather, the flat is just freezing cold. They just throw us in there and forget about us.

“The sheets are so damp and most of the time when I get dressed in the morning my clothes are damp as anything.

“I think I’m quite a strong person but it makes me want to break down sometimes.”

John says that, in October, his heating stopped working and despite repeatedly calling Property Placebook, nobody fixed it.

Furious, John’s sister and niece went

to Property Placebook’s Peckham office on Friday, December 16, only to find it was closed.

The family says they eventually got in touch with the company which finally sent two men to fix the heating. John’s family say Property Placebook forgot to top up the gas metre.

Property Placebook did not respond to requests for comment.

Astonishingly, John is being charged £190.38 per week to live in the flat and is in £5,000 rent arrears, according to an email from Southwark Council.

He claims nobody ever explained to him how he should pay rent.

Southwark Council has said the arrears will be “partially addressed” when he submits some documents to receive housing benefit.

Despite the flat’s alleged issues, Southwark Council claims inspectors checked the property on October 21 and again last week, finding “no sign of mould or anything of that nature”.

A council spokesperson said: “Temporary accommodation in London – not just Southwark, is very hard to come by at the moment and this is going to become an increasing pressure.

“We’re seeing a lack of availability, high costs and standards that are not acceptable to us. We do what we can to ensure the accommodation is suitable and we ask tenants to confirm conditions at the outset.”

Between April 2021 and March 2022,

UK local authorities spent £1.6bn on temporary accommodation.

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “When successive governments cut funding for social housing, they fired the starting gun on the housing emergency we see today.

“Had the supply of social homes not dried up, fewer people would be homeless and we would not be wasting over a billion pounds a year on temporary accommodation.”

Earlier this month, it was reported that tenants at temporary accommodation on Walworth Road were plagued by rats, bedbugs and leaks.

Southwark Council said: “We’ve seen inspections of the property from

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“We won’t be using this property for much longer anyway as the owner is ending its use as temporary accommodation.

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Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

Southwark Council accused of neglecting Peckham Lido project

£500k boost for Southwark cladding sufferers ‘way off’ what is needed, say experts

A computer generated image of what the lido would look like

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Southwark Council has refused to answer claims that the Peckham Lido restoration has ground to a halt because of its own inaction.

thousands, and Deputy Council Leader Jasmine Ali attended one of the community events.

At the time, cabinet member Cllr Mark Williams described it as an “exciting project” and said the council would “do all we can to offer advice and support”.

The development site is on Common Land, which is offered stringent legal protections against unsuitable development.

However, under Common Land regulations, the council may provide certain “facilities for public recreation”, including bathing places, gymnasia, indoor facilities for recreation.

Studio Octopi says Southwark Council just needs to apply for Commons Consent for the project to get rolling. But Southwark Council has allegedly ignored all their correspondence.

In 2016, something called a community interest company (CIC) was set up to oversee the project. These are private companies that use their profits and assets for the public good.

But since 2016, the CIC has been taken over by new individuals. The CIC did not respond to the News’ requests for comment.

There is speculation that Southwark Council is reluctant to back the project because of the huge costs associated with the development - estimated to be four to five million pounds.

But this paper understands that neither the CIC nor Studio Octopi has asked the council to contribute additional funds.

Southwark Council did not respond to requests for comment.

See comment - page 21

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Southwark leaseholders endangered by unsafe cladding have received a £500,000 boost from central government - but experts say it’s “way off” what is needed.

Exclusive

In 2016, the campaign to reopen the open-air pool in Peckham Rye Park raised £63,000, including £10,000 from the council. Because the lido is on Common Land, architectural firm Studio Octopi needs the council to write to central government asking for ‘commons consent’ before the project can progress.

But remarkably, sources close to the project claim they’ve been “fobbed off” by the council for the last two years.

Chris Romer-Lee, director at Studio Octopi, said: “We are frustrated that there has been no response after all the hard work that has been put in up to this stage.

“This is a massive opportunity for Peckham, Southwark and London to build a state-of-the-art lido… which provides huge amounts of health and well-being benefits to the community in a post-pandemic scenario.”

The Peckham Lido was one of many that were abandoned in the 1980s as part of Margaret Thatcher’s wrecking-ball approach to London’s outdoor facilities.

In 2016, hundreds of locals turned out for picnics to crowdfund the lido’s refurbishment, with local councillors often showing their support.

The Mayor of London’s office donated £7,500, enthusiastic locals contributed

By Herbie Russell

On December 9, the housing department announced £8 million is being given to local authorities to help crack down on freeholders who refuse to pay for repairs.

Southwark’s £512,897 share will help it to bring remediation contribution orders (RCOs) against reluctant developers - legal mechanisms that force them to cough up.

But Giles Grover from the campaign group End Our Cladding Scandal said it’s not enough and RCOs are untested.

He said: “£8 million is a start but we don’t know how far it’s going to go because there are still too many building owners across the country avoiding their responsibilities.

“Yes, it’s good that local authorities are being given some funding to bring action, but these powers are new and have not yet been fully tested in the courts with the associated costs and time still uncertain.”

Passed in April, RCOs were brought in as part of the Building Safety Act 2022. The first action using this mechanism was launched against developer Grey GR in October but a final decision has not been made yet.

If developers fight these actions in the courts, costs could escalate,

dwarfing the £500,000 offered to Southwark Council.

Mr Grover added: “It’s a step in the right direction but we’re still some way off an end to the building safety crisis.”

The government has already set aside £5.1n for fire safety repairs, with two to three billion to be paid for by developers through tax over ten years.

But not all developers have pledged to fund life-saving repair works, leaving some local authorities to pursue legal action such as this.

Last June, the London Fire Brigade announced that a staggering 98 Southwark blocks required waking watches and interim fire safety measures due to defects.

Southwark community safety chief Cllr Dora Dixon-Fyle said: “We’ve been taking enforcement action against private residential building owners who haven’t completed necessary cladding work for some years now. This is part of our thorough fire safety measures that look to keep people safe.

“However, we have far more highrise buildings than many other London boroughs, meaning that this funding will support a much-needed expansion of our work.”

D-day for Rotherhithe hero facing deportation

By Herbie Russell

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk A Rotherhithe “hero” who was honoured by the Queen for his community service faces his deportation hearing on Friday, January 13.

Vimal Pandya, 42, who used to work at Halai General Stores off Rotherhithe Street, is appealing a government decision to send him back to India after more than eleven years in London.

He is backed by a mega-petition of 148,065 signatures, the Rotherhithe community, MP Neil Coyle, and Southwark Council.

Vimal said: “If I am sent back to India, it would be a disaster. The amount of support I have received has been incredible. It shows how much I’ve been cared for by the community. It’s impossible to know how I would live without these people.”

For Vimal, who arrived in the UK in 2011 as a student, the ordeal began in 2015, when he returned to the UK after briefly leaving to take an ill family friend back to India.

On returning to British soil, UK border staff said his college had lost its right to sponsor students and he’d have to find a new sponsor.

But they stripped him of his passport and biometric residence card, making

it impossible for him to secure a new student visa.

In the intervening period, he has technically lived in the UK without permission, but has become a “pillar of the local community”.

During the pandemic, Vimal realised he had to help people, supporting 55 families with free deliveries and emotional support over the phone.

I’m feeling really positive and confident that, with all the help and support I have, I’m gonna win this

Word spread of his efforts and, on February 12 last year, he got a letter from Sir Kenneth Olisa, the Queen’s personal representative in Greater London.

The letter read: “It has come to my attention that you are one of those people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help others during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I am therefore writing to personally thank you for all of your efforts and to encourage you to continue making a positive difference to Londoners.”

Lawyers at prestigious firm Mishcon de Reya LLP were so inspired by Vimal’s story that they’re representing him without charge.

But there were additional legal fees that had to be covered so Southwark residents raised £16,000.

MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark Neil Coyle will set aside constituency duties on January 13 to speak at the tribunal. He said: “Vimal has recognition from her late majesty, Queen Elizabeth, for his amazing and valiant efforts during Covid.

“He voluntarily delivered prescriptions and shopping across Rotherhithe where he is both loved and respected.

“The community knows his positive contribution and has welcomed him to their hearts… I look forward to fighting his corner.”

The Home Office could make its decision on the day of the tribunal or adjourn its judgement which would

mean a three to four-week wait.

Vimal would have the option of appealing that decision but says he won’t: “I don’t have the energy because it would cost £20,000 again… it’s not fair to put that burden on the community who have supported me so much.

“But I’m feeling really positive and confident that, with all the help and support I have, I’m gonna win this.”

Vimal Pandya and the many plaques used to support his right to stay in the UK

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Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

christmas ruined by strikes says borough restaurant Exclusive

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Christmas is ruined for a familyowned Borough restaurant which has seen hundreds of booking cancellations due to the train strikes.

Giuseppe’s Place on Borough High Street is losing thousands of pounds every week because diners can’t get there.

Restaurant-running father-anddaughter duo Giuseppe Rossi and Lisa Cormack (pictured) said the impact had been “soul-destroying”.

Lisa, whose trade is a fifth of what it should be this time of year, said: “We’re losing thousands and thousands of pounds and now we’re struggling to

keep going. Lots of people commute into London for work so when the strikes happen, companies are canceling their Christmas dos.

“I take a lot of the bookings so coming in and seeing all the cancellations has been absolutely soul-destroying!”

Giuseppe’s, which is still reeling from the impact of successive Covid lockdowns, has served Italian food to diners for over thirty years.

They survived Covid-19, but the railway strikes, which started in June, have thrown another spanner in the works, with no government support to help this time.

The area around Borough is served by Southeastern, Thameslink and London Overground - all hit by the latest wave of industrial action.

Workers at these companies are striking from December 24 to 27. Rail companies are advising customers not to travel on these dates.

Industry body UKHospitality, says the hit to revenues could total £1.5bn, with around 30 per cent of Christmas bookings cancelled on strike days. For a central London business like Giuseppe’s, that number is even greater.

Lisa said: “We agree that all staff should be treated fairly and paid well but even with this ongoing strike action, they’re no closer to resolving it.

“It seems like it’s not been an effective way of resolving the situation and it’s hurting businesses who are struggling to carry on.”

Unions RMT and TSSA were approached for comment.

amazing Victorian souvenirs from Thames underwater shopping arcade

Victorian drawing of the Thames Tunnel

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk The Brunel Museum has secured grants to research and preserve two ‘kerchiefs’ sold at a mysterious, subaquatic Victorian shopping arcade.

The two silken squares of cloth, displayed at the Rotherhithe museum, date back to the 1840s, when Londoners could walk through the Thames Tunnel.

Designed by engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the tunnel was a convenient pedestrian thoroughfare

for working people, but also a source of intrigue thanks to its reputation for criminality and vice.

With grants from the Costume Society and the Association of Dress Historians, researchers will uncover the secrets of the two ‘kerchiefs’ once sold from its

shops.

Textile historian Katie Anderson said: “I am so excited to be working with the Brunel Museum again on this research project, having volunteered with them previously.

“I look forward to seeing what I can uncover about these surviving souvenir textiles of the Thames Tunnel. Thank you so much to the wonderful team at the museum and the generous internship

busiest in the country, with more than 61,000 blood tests carried out each year. Since 2015, patients have already been tested for HIV when they have a blood test, unless they opt out. This has resulted in more than 2,300 positive results.

So now, they will test for hepatitis B and C as well. The hospital hope this combined blood borne virus testing will lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment for people who may be unaware that they have one of the viruses.

According to the Office for Health

Improvement and Disparities, Southwark has the second highest rate of HIV infection in England with 11.23 per 1,000 adults aged between 15 and 59 diagnosed with the virus (behind Lambeth at 12.67 per 1,000.)

Dr Bo Wang, a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “Testing is needed because infection often does not have any symptoms, so people wouldn’t necessarily know unless they have a specific blood test.

“Chronic hepatitis B and C infection are major causes of liver cirrhosis and

liver cancer, but with early diagnosis and management, these complications can be prevented.”

Dr Laura Hunter, a consultant in emergency medicine and clinical toxicology at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “By normalising testing we have helped to reduce stigma associated with HIV. “Testing in our emergency department has been hugely effective in allowing patients, who may not have been aware of their infection, to access successful and safe HIV treatments.

“This is allowing them to live long

The ‘kerchief’

grant from the Association of Dress Historians.”

In 1865, the tunnel was purchased by the East London Railway Company who wanted to link passengers and goods between Liverpool Street and the South London Line.

Nowadays, those taking the overground train from Wapping to Rotherhithe are actually passing through the Thames Tunnel.

and healthy lives. A patient who is successfully on treatment for HIV, with an undetectable viral load, cannot transmit the virus to other people.”

This is because the levels of HIV are so low that the virus cannot be passed on.

All patients who have a blood test in the emergency department will be given an information leaflet to explain why routine testing for HIV and hepatitis B and C has been introduced.

Those who are newly diagnosed with a virus will be contacted and asked to attend the hospital to confirm their initial diagnosis and to plan treatment.

A&E patients to be tested for hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV unless they opt out

By Isabel Ramirez

isabel@southwarknews.co.uk St Thomas’ hospital will now test A&E patients for hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV, unless they opt out, to curb the high blood infection rates in Southwark and Lambeth.

Patients aged sixteen and over who receive routine blood tests when they attend the emergency department (A&E) at St Thomas’ Hospital will be tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C, unless they choose to opt out.

A&E at St Thomas’ is one of the

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

NEWS 11

Exclusive

By Isabel Ramirez isabel@southwarknews.co.uk A marching band of povertystricken kids from El Salvador, who were at risk of not making it over to the UK due to high costs, will get to perform in the New Year’s Day parade, after reaching their target, with the help of a Southwark charity.

Peckham-based charity, Carnaval del Pueblo, the official Latin American partner of the London New Year’s Day parade, were heart-broken when they heard the band were not going to make it over.

Boinas Verdes Marching band, from San Juan Opico in El Salvador, asked Carnaval del Pueblo back in January if they could perform, after seeing last year’s parade on social media.

But the band - made up of children in poverty - faced higher costs than they orginally thought to come over including hiked visa charges.

Carnaval del Pueblo initially set up a fundraiser - but Director Nuala RiddellMorales said she realised early on it would be difficult to do alone.

“The only way to do it was to collaborate and get lots of people on board. I met the British ambassador, David Lelliott, here in London and we talked about working together - as I realised early on, it would be difficult to do it just with the online fundraiser.”

Last month, she made the decision to go out to El Salvador and work on raising the funds over there.

She said going really motivated the kids, who “were all waiting” for her as she arrived. “The impact of the pandemic means they only have three mornings a week of school - which

El Salvador kids will make it for New Year’s Day Parade means the rest of the time they practise, compete and try to raise money to come to England.”

Whilst she was there, she joined them as they travelled all over the country to competitions.

Despite being the ‘most disadvantaged kids in the competitions’ they were successful. “I was only there two weeks and they won two whilst I was there.”

For every competition win, they got about $300. “At the competitions, the kids were making crafts and selling

them, and all their parents were taking on extra jobs in a bid to help the kids achieve their dream.

“They were so determined to come to London,” Nuala told the News.

In terms of the visas, which were imposed in May by the UK government, Nuala helped to get them - “I wrote 39 letters to apply for a visa for each child.

It wasn’t just the cost; it’s a very complex process. Some of the kids didn’t have passports either.”

She said that got the ball rolling and

then the bigger donations started coming through, including plane tickets from airline Avianca and tech firm Dataplex, and money from Gabriela de Bukele, the First Lady of El Salvador.

Parents and children from The British School in El Salvador - “which is full of wealthy families” - also made some notable donations. “All those doors were opened by going around and raising awareness in the country,” Nuala said.

Band-member, Alexia Méndez, 17, said: “We’re so happy to be able to able

to represent our country so people can see that Salvadorans are fighters.”

The group will be staying at a hostel in Elephant and Castle and they arrive on Christmas Day. Nuala said all they need now is a flatbed truck to make a float for the parade on New Year’s Day. She said in return, whoever donates it could have their logo advertised - “half a million people will be there and it’s televised!”

Anyone who can help can email Nuala: nualacdp@gmail.com

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12 NEWS

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Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

Boxed in: Restaurant owners host fundraiser ‘to stay afloat’ as telecom boxes continue to destroy business

By Isabel Ramirez

isabel@southwarknews.co.uk Owners of Herne Hill-based restaurant, which is facing closure due to five massive telecom boxes that were installed right outside, hosted a fundraising event this week as a plea for authorities to take action.

Ten years ago, five telecom boxes were erected on the street directly outside Guyanese restaurant, Umana Yana, on Croxted Road in Herne Hill.

Restaurant owner, Debbie Monfries said the boxes, which were installed by media giants Virgin Media, O2 and Vodafone, completely obstruct the view of the restaurant from the street.

So despite being dubbed as ‘South London’s best roti place’, since 2012, their business has been “massively affected.”

“We get lots of regulars but these boxes mean we are not seen very well by new people walking by who don’t know we’re there,” Debbie explained.

“It’s been horrible – it’s massively affected my business.”

Recently, the campaign to get them removed was revived by local customers wanting to help. As well as relaunching an online petition and starting to raise money - in October, the group behind the ‘Save Umana Yana’ campaign staged a 10th birthday party to mark ten years of disrupted business.

At street level - the massive telecom boxes obscure the restaurant to passing trade

Partners Debbie and Junior have battled for ten years to get massive telecom boxes removed from outside their restaurant

A few weeks ago, Umana Yana owners - Debbie and Junior - had a meeting to question councillors on getting the issue resolved, which Labour councillors, Cllr Margy Newens and Cllr Richard Leeming

attended.

Cllr Leeming said: “Councillor Newens and I understand that the telecom infrastructure greatly obstruct the view of Umana Yana, and we are asking the

council’s digital team to liaise with the telecom companies to see if the boxes can be moved.”

Despite their consistent efforts, no action has been taken to remove the boxes.

This week, they hosted another fundraiser, to continue to raise awareness to this issue - as owners are becoming “desperate.”

Last Monday, December 19, people were invited to join Umana Yana owners at Jumbi, in Peckham for a night of Guyanese food and music from local DJs. Guests were asked to provide a small donation for entry which will go towards supporting the restaurant in their fight.

“The event is not only to raise awareness, but to ease the financial struggles that we’ve had since the boxes were erected,” Debbie said.

“I’ve sent invitations to all councillors

- to show them what I’m having to do to stay afloat. I can’t afford to wait on having no footfall because of these boxes - we are desperate,” she added.

Mathew Mawema has been a regular customer of Debbie’s for years. He said: “I think it’s a disgraceful act of sabotage on an independent local business that is an integral part of the community.

“It’s an example of a big corporation having no respect for anyone, and at the same time, the local councils allowing this to happen. To be honest, I’m not sure which is worse.”

“I see the positive impact they have on the local community, as well as how difficult the boxes have made running their business. We need to make a big noise about this... remove the boxes!”

He was one of the DJs who did a set on Monday, along with others including Umana Yana owner, Junior.

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

Peckham fashionista strives to inspire locals despite the ever-changing area

By Isabel Ramirez

isabel@southwarknews.co.uk A Peckham-based BritishJamaican woman, who works at Elim House by day and champions women by night, hosted a free taster session for her dancehall classes which offer a safe space for women of any age to express themselves.

Natalie Worgs, a stylist, blogger and university lecturer, has lived in Peckham ‘for a long time’ and has always been passionate about where she lives.

But she said the ever-changing area has led her to want to celebrate cultures that risk getting ‘pushed out.’

In 2018, she started Girls about Peckham - a photography project that celebrates fashionable women in her neighbourhood. It was also a response to the changes she was seeing in the area.

“Girls about Peckham celebrates the then-and-now element of girls in Peckham,” Natalie said.

“It’s always been a diverse community - but it’s easy for others to be pushed out.

“So it’s important to keep our cultures alive.

She said in most of her images you can recognise something that has now closed or is due to change into something else.

“I don’t want the original girls of Peckham to be forgotten.”

Along with her creative projects, she

NEWS 13

Natalie Worgs said she was always curious about the culture of dancehall as a child.

started dancehall classes in October something that encompasses her views and culture all in one.

Dancehall is a type of dance and music that branched off of reggae in 1970s Jamaica.

“It’s a very male-driven industry – so I was always inspired by the dancehall queens who are able to express themselves and own it.”

She said this is why she makes it a female-only space.

“Jamaican culture gets hyped up a lot but it also has a stigma around it in the UK, especially dancehall.

“People say its over-sexualised, because of how some of the women who do it dress. But at the end of the day most music is like that.

“And not all of them are provocative,” she added.

Natalie said growing up, her mum and aunt would import the dancehall videos from Jamaica - sometimes waiting for weeks for them to arrive.

“It was a way for them to stay connected to what was going on in Jamaica whilst being here in the UK. “The music, the fashion, the dance.

“When the videos arrived everyone would congregate and watch them together.”

This week she held a free taster session to mark the end of the year.

From January, the classes will be just £5: “It’s a community class - and I know

right now no-one has much extra money, so I want all women to be able to come along.”

She’s very passionate about offering a service of substance - “not just hype.” So in a bid to do just that, the classes involve an open discussion for women to share their experiences.

“I’ve incorporated female wellbeing into it. We have open chats and in the new year we’ll be getting guests in too, to empower the people at the class.”

Natalie also works at Peckham daycare centre, Elim House - which offers facilities, advice, support and more to Southwark’s elderly community.

As an outreach worker, she said there’s a lot of crossover in the work she does.

“Elim House is the only daycare centre in Southwark that specifically caters towards minority ethnic groups especially Caribbean, by making sure to keep up the traditions they are used to.”

She said she wouldn’t rule out adapting

the dancehall classes for members at the centre. “I feel I could bring it to Elim House older community for sure.

“They would recognise some of the music as what we listen to now started from our elders.”

The dance classes are for girls aged 18+ For updates on classes in the new year, visit their website: www.girlsaboutpeckham.co.uk. Or follow them on Twitter @girlsaboutpeck1.

celebratory,” he added.

At ten metres tall, it is displayed on the side of TBC.London, an office building next to Tower Bridge that is currently being transformed by developers into ‘one of the UK’s most sustainable and healthy workspaces.’

Developers claim that TBC.London will be 100 percent electric and net zero carbon in operation, with no fossil fuels used to power the property.

The developers, FORE Partnership, have announced a commitment to achieve zero carbon by 2025 – five years ahead of the wider industry target set by the World Green Building Council and well in advance of the UK’s 2050 goal.

Basil Demeroutis, Managing Partner of FORE, said: “We believe that real estate can and must be a force for good. So we’re turning TBC. London into one of London’s first zero carbon workplaces; a building that actively enhances and improves its environment and enriches its community.

“Mark Titchner’s uplifting message aligns perfectly with our ambitions and it is a joy to partner with Team London Bridge to bring it to the

neighbourhood.”

A key part of the strategy for TBC. London is to create space where community groups can come together

with tenants to build stronger relationships within the local area.

The ground floor will incorporate a 3,000 sq ft multi-use space that will be

available for community uses.

Construction started on the project in September 2022 and is scheduled for completion in 2024.

New artwork unveiled on Tower Bridge ‘net zero’ office development

By Isabel Ramirez

isabel@southwarknews.co.uk A new piece of art has been unveiled on a new office development next to Tower Bridge that promises to be ‘100 percent electric’ and use no fossil fuels to power the property.

‘Dream the World Anew’ is the final work in a series of public artworks by Turner Prize-nominated artist, Mark Titchner, and is displayed on various sites around the area.

The works have been commissioned

by Team London Bridge, and started in 2020 as a response to the question of how public spaces would be used after the pandemic.

Artist Mark Titchner said: “The original concept was to offer a nurturing, reassuring presence as we ease back into our un/familiar streets.

“But as I developed the texts for the works, I also felt a sense that this moment – despite all the difficulty – presents an immense opportunity; the opportunity to build a better version of what we had before.

“As such the style of the works shifted towards something bold and

14 NEWS

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

Bermondsey woman told she can’t get her dog back after Council rehoused it with a new family

By Herbie Russell

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk A Bermondsey woman will never get her dog back after Southwark Council rehoused it with a new family.

Southwark Council has told Terri Wiltshire, 44, that there is no way they can return her family’s sixteen-year-old Pomeranian, Nigel.

Southwark housing boss Cllr Darren Merrill said: “In regards to Ms Wiltshire’s dog, this is a desperately sad situation… the dog has been rehomed and is now settled with a new family – we cannot undo that process unfortunately.”

As the News reported last month, the tragic tale began in June when Southwark Council moved the mumof-three into a crumbling home in Alma Grove, Bermondsey Hoping for a “home for life”, the family

Terri Wiltshire and Nigel

found a property with no radiators or warm running water, a decrepit kitchen and a collapsing kitchen ceiling.

They rejected offers of temporary accommodation in Guildford, and a Peckham flat that “smelled of cat wee”,

Man charged with his murder of Abraham Kallon

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Police have charged a man with murder after they found a male suffering fatal stab injuries outside King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill.

Justice Beckford, 22 (8/07/00), of Lambeth, was charged with murder on Sunday, December 18.

Victim Abraham Kallon, was discovered

and were left sofa-surfing at friends’ and family’s homes.

To make things worse, their elderly dog was so confused by the constant moving that it kept running away.

While staying at a friend’s home Terri

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Two men have been shot in Tulse Hill within three days of each other.

Victim Abraham Kallon

by officers dealing with a separate matter at 4.55am on Saturday, October 10.

Despite administering first aid and arranging medical help, he died in hospital a short time later.

A post-mortem held on Sunday, December 11 at Greenwich Mortuary said Abraham died from his stab injuries.

His family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.

Beckford appeared in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on

Monday, December 19.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police incident room on 020 8785 8099 or 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 1230/10Dec. they can also share information directly with the investigation team here.

Alternatively, to provide information 100 per cent anonymously people can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org. They never ask for details and do not trace devices.

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk

permanently cancelled due to costs estimated to be £7.9 billion - but this latest contract indicates TfL still thinks it’s viable.

A TfL spokesperson reportedly said: “We remain committed to delivering the scheme when the time is right but are dependent on securing additional government funding to do this.

“We recently awarded a contract to Dr Sauer & Partners to confirm elements of the tunnel design, which will enable us to further develop the proposed scheme and to have constructive discussions with potential developers along the route.”

Dr Sauer & Partners will now assess the possibility of tunnelling at Lambeth North, Elephant & Castle, Lewisham

station and Lewisham Way shaft.

They will also consider the route-wide construction of cross passages between the two running tunnels.

However, TfL must navigate serious stumbling blocks before the project gets started. Firstly, the government’s £3.6 billion investment deal with TfL falls well short of £7.9 billion needed for the extension.

TfL doesn’t need to fund the entire project. Some money would come from local authorities like Southwark, and developers would pay through a community infrastructure levy (CIL).

Southwark Council has previously estimated it could get £350 million in CIL money from developers.

Transport for London (TfL) is consulting engineers on future tunnelling works and said it “remains committed to delivering” the Bakerloo line extension.

Engineering practice Dr Sauer & Partners will undertake feasibility studies for five sets of tunnelling works at four locations along the proposed route, which assess the practicality of the projects.

The scheme, which would extend the line down Old Kent Road to Lewisham, has been delayed since Covid-19 hit.

Many feared the project would be

I am very sorry she’s had to deal with the repairs issues to her home, the confusion around her benefits and rent level and of course the matter of her dog. I understand that she will soon be able to move in to her home, with most major repairs now completed and more to come to finish the job. Her rent level is indeed £117.98 a week, and this has been adjusted – any arrears will be recovered from direct payments from her Universal Credit payments.

“In regards to Ms Wiltshire’s dog, this is a desperately sad situation and I am so sorry that she felt she wasn’t being heard when she tried to get the dog back after our team picked it up. The dog has been rehomed and is now settled with a new family – we cannot undo that process unfortunately. We have spoken to Ms Wiltshire about the matter, we’re here to answer any further questions she has.”

Two shootings in just three days

By Herbie Russell

TfL awards Bakerloo line extension contract

By Herbie Russell

broke her ribs and, when paramedics arrived, anxious Nigel bolted outside.

Southwark Dog Wardens found him and told Terri she needed to pay £200 in kennel fees. But Terri couldn’t afford it and tragically, Nigel has now been rehoused with new owners.

Terri says the reason she couldn’t afford the fees is that Southwark Council made a mistake on her housing - telling Universal Credit that she lived in a four rather than three-bed.

As a result, she was being charged £51 more than she should have been every week - plunging her into rent arrears.

Southwark Council has since accepted its mistake and corrected her rent charges but, with Nigel gone for good, the damage has been done.

Councillor Darren Merrill, cabinet member for council homes and homelessness, said: “This has been a very difficult time for Ms Wiltshire and

On Friday, December 16, a man in his 20s was shot in Tulse Hill at 9.40pm and taken to hospital for treatment. Two days later, on Sunday, December 18, a 25-year-old was injured following a shooting in Tulse Hill just before 11pm.

No arrests have been made over the incidents and police are still appealing for witnesses.

After the Friday shooting, police tweeted: “Police were called at around 9.40pm to a man in his 20s shot in Tulse

Hill. The man has been taken to hospital for treatment. We await an update as to his condition.

“Any witnesses pls call police on 101 ref 6918/16dec or contact @ CrimestoppersUK.” After the Sunday shooting, police tweeted: “We’re investigating a shooting on Tulse Hill just before 2300hrs on Sunday, 18 December. “A 25-year-old man is in a serious condition in hospital.

No arrest yet and cordons in place.

Witnesses are asked to call 101, ref CAD 6357/18DEC or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers.”

In September, a man was arrested after a shooting on Brailsford Road near Tulse Hill.

Man drowns by London Bridge

By Herbie Russell

herbie@southwarknews.co.uk A man has drowned in the Thames near London Bridge despite passersby trying to save him with a life ring.

Officers were called to the scene at 5.33pm on Monday, December 12, after concerns were raised about a man seen “entering” the Thames.

Bystanders reportedly tried to save the man, in his twenties, by throwing

Timeframes are also a problem. Former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said money from central government to TfL would be for projects that would “take

him a life ring, but couldn’t get it close enough to the victim.

Officers attended and carried out a search with support from the Met’s Marine Policing Unit, City of London Police and the RNLI but the man could not be found.

At 9.25pm, the body of a man was recovered from the water near London Bridge. His next of kin have been informed although formal identification is yet to take place. The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Bakerloo Line Extension proposed route

place by 2024”.

Even before Covid-19 struck, the Bakerloo Line Extension was intended to open in 2029, five years after that.

16 NEWS

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

Elderly and disabled left ‘isolated’ by the LTN Village Junction write letter to council leader Exclusive

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Blue badge holders, who say their lives have been ‘turned upside down’ by the Dulwich Village low traffic neighbourhood (LTN), have begged the council leader to “look after the disabled”.

Over 600 people signed a petition which asked Southwark Council to “honour its commitment” to ensuring the Dulwich Village junction provides access to disabled road users.

Currently, pedestrians, cyclists and emergency service vehicles can pass through the junction but blue badge holders cannot.

In a letter sent by local campaign group One Dulwich, who backed a second, similar petition, disabled road users wrote: “We are blue badge holders who wish to have our voices heard and our disability needs met by being allowed to drive through the Dulwich Village junction.

“Some of us live on roads to the east of the junction, some on roads to the west but, for all of us, the closure of the junction causes us huge difficulties, frequent distress and a reduction in our quality of life.

“The reasonable needs of disabled

drivers are being deliberately ignored.

We call on Southwark Council to meet its Public Sector Equality Duty to look after the needs of people with disabilities and allow Blue Badge holders to drive through the Dulwich Village junction via Court Lane, Calton Avenue and Turney Road.”

In April 2021, Southwark Council announced that blue badge holders would be exempt from blue badge restrictions following a public outcry.

But these exemptions only applied to ANPR cameras around Dulwich Village.

Blue badge holders were, and still are, banned from passing through the junction itself.

Some elderly residents claim they’ve had difficulty reaching hospital appointments, and been isolated from family and friends.

Southwark Council has persistently said its designs for the Dulwich Village junction have been the product of extensive consultation.

The 600-signature petition was presented by former Conservative candidates for Dulwich Village ward, Clive Rates and Tristan Honeyborne at the council cabinet meeting on December 6.

Cllr Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks, Streets and Clean Air, accused Mr Rates of “mansplaining”.

Council Leader Kieron Williams said

the pair “ran on a mandate to completely reopen the junction” in the 2022 local elections, and lost to Labour.

“Residents didn’t vote for that and… there was an increase in the majority for the two Labour candidates who were advocating for this [LTN] scheme,” he said.

Southwark Council told the News it would respond to the complaints lodged by blue badge holders, along with other complaints from One Dulwich, at the end of the week, which would be this Friday, December 23.

PCNs issued around Dulwich Village between January 3 and October 30 2022 Burbage Road/Junction Gallery Road junction north-westbound - 2,205 Burbage Road/Turney Road junction north-westbound - 2,809 Dulwich Village toward Pickwick Road northbound - 11,642 Townley Road/Calton Avenue junction northbound - 8,250 Turney Road/Burbage Road junction northbound - 1,653 Grand total: 26,559 Total paid: £1,580,359.24

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

‘Nothing super about this store!’

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Campaigners have applied to get Peckham Library Grade II listed to protect it from getting “intrusive” heat pumps on its roof.

By Herbie Russell herbie@southwarknews.co.uk Example of small air source heat pumps

Bid to get Peckham Library Grade-II listed to save it from ‘intrusive’ changes The building is an inverted capital letter ‘L’ clad in pre-patinated copper, its overhang offering a shaded space on Peckham Square.

When asked why he’d chosen the unusual shape, Alsop reportedly replied “why not?”.

It’s also been widely reported that when he received the Stirling prize for the building, he mouthed “f*ck the past” at the cameras.

But some people say the heat pumps are a necessary change. One Twitter user wrote: “Unfortunately we live in the 21st century and we realise that

switching to renewable heating (with ‘rooftop plant’) is a necessity!”

Air source heat pumps are sources of renewable energy that blow outside air through a compressor to create heat energy.

Cllr Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks, Streets & Clean Air, said: “We are extremely proud of the iconic, bold and playful design of Peckham Library. We are working to make sure that the building is maintained and cared for, so that future generations of library goers can benefit from all it has to offer, both functionally

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and aesthetically.

“To which end, we are replacing existing gas fire boilers with heat pumps and refitting the heating and cooling systems within the library. This switch will make the library more energy efficient. It will also help to maintain more consistent temperatures across the site, resolving ongoing problems with faulty ventilation that saw some areas overheating during summer months and others without heating in the winter.

“The heat pumps are being purposely placed in the farthest position, away from the edge of the roof. Their casings will be painted to blend in with the surroundings. Alternative locations would make the pumps more visible from the ground and the south side of the roof already houses a fair amount of vital equipment that can’t be moved.

“We have carefully considered the visual impact of the heat pumps and photographed the projected changes from a number of locations. This work shows us that the pumps are not out of character for any building and will only be visible from a handful of locations, some distance away from the library.”

•

Connecting families, partners and spouses, ICS Legal breaks it down Family life is an integral part of our lives and where we have partners and spouses from differing backgrounds, joining together can be quite overwhelming especially when needing to apply for a visa to the United Kingdom.

The most common visa routes: • • • •

Shoppers have been left fuming by empty shelves at a Kennington Tesco - even with Christmas approaching.

Fiancé Visa.

Unmarried Partner.

Civil Partners.

Spouse/Marriage Routes.

Before July 2012, there had been some simplicity of partners and spouses joining the UK with their Settled or British Partner or Spouse.

Now from 2012, the Home Office introduced the salary threshold needing

Freezers and fridges at the Tesco on Kennington Lane broke down last weekend and still haven’t been fixed, prompting an apology from a Tesco spokesperson.

Furious shopper Bobby Green said: “I think us living in Kennington deserve something better than this. Absolutely nothing in Tesco at the moment.

“No fruit, veg, milk and all the fridges are still broken… and they have the cheek to call it a superstore! Nothing super about this store and there never has been!”

Another person wrote on Facebook: “I’ve tried for two days to get an elderly gentleman his shopping!”

A Tesco spokesperson: “We’re really sorry for the unusual problems we’re having in Kennington Superstore with our chilled and frozen products.

“We appreciate that this is not helpful ahead of Christmas and are working really hard to fix the problem. We still have a wide range of non-chilled products available in store.”

When one applies from outside the UK, your visa is issued for up to 33 months, where in-country decisions are made allowing 30 months of leave.

On average a visa application takes a period of 4 to 6 months in being processed, from booking the visa appointment, attending and providing evidences accordingly.

Before you apply:

to be met at £18,600 per annum. This is normally met with either employment or self-employment earnings.

This has been difficult for many families especially with the current crises in the United Kingdom, with the pandemic and cost of living. At ICS Legal, we deal with these matters continuously throughout the course of the year. We come across devastating scenarios of families not being able to live together with these particular criteria not being met.

Following a number of legal challenges including one’s we have been involved, there has been some changes to permit third party financial support. However, with all immigration policies, there are stringent criteria’s to be met as we will discuss this later on here.

As part of the financial requirement, the requirement can be met via employment income over time, self-employment, savings or through a non-employment income.

Other requirements are as follows, 1. Proof of where you and the family plan to stay in the UK. 2. Evidence of your contact with each other.

3. The individual applying to join needs to possibly complete an English language course.

Visa terms: •

Note a Fiancé Visa is normally issued for a period of 6 months, where once you have married, you would then apply for further leave to remain.

Prior making a visa application, at ICS Legal our Immigration Lawyers recommend you obtain advice on ensuring you meet the requirements before applying for a visa. Over the years we have seen many applications being refused where basic details are missed or incorrect information or evidence have been lodged.

We do not see the Home Office relaxing requirements any time soon, however, since August 2020, there have been allowed Third Party Support as well as consideration based on Exceptional Circumstances, •

•

This means where one has a family member with a surplus income each month could potentially be used to support and meet the financial criteria.

Other circumstances can include aspects covering medical or family grounds.

This does provide some breathing space potentially for some matters to being considered, however the circumstance will be considered by the Home Office Case Worker before serving a decision.

Photo by Bobby Green

The Twentieth Century Society (C20), which campaigns to protect architecture built after 1914, says the heat pumps would obscure the building’s “artistic features”.

Southwark Council wants to replace the gas-fired boilers to reduce carbon emissions and solve the building’s overheating issues during the summer months.

If the building gets Grade II status, it could make it harder for the council to make the alterations due to its architectural significance.

The C20 Society said steps to improve the building’s energy efficiency were “welcomed” but should not “negatively impact on the significance of the library”, and that the heat pumps should be put elsewhere.

Peckham Library, designed by famous architect William Allen Alsop, opened in 2000 and won a Stirling prize for architecture the same year.

C20 Director Catherine Croft said: “Peckham Library radically redefined what a library was. Putting accessibility and nurturing a community at the heart of its mission, with innovative and playful architecture that makes it a distinctive, much-loved landmark.

“Recently listed La Frégate is Alsop at his most frivolous, and while Peckham may look similarly light-hearted, it’s an intensely serious building with bold social ambition, deliberately turning its back on the past.”

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what’s on

noticed and lured him away from his friends and community with promises of wealth and money while he cooked the books for Marley’s businesses.

At the time his friends were selling

Hex tries again

Moonshine in Marley’s shop under the guise of maple syrup, when liquor was prohibited in the county.

It was a nice little earner for the boys and the shop’s accounts always looked healthy. But once he had been

tempted into the clutches of Marley, the first thing Ebenezer did was have them arrested for fraud and selling alcohol, thereby losing the respect of those who knew and loved him.

He swaps happiness for riches. His

This is the second attempt at running this show, the first, hexed you might say, by sickness.

The basic plot is a retelling of the story of Sleeping Beauty which admirably turns the rather passive princess, whose only traditional purpose is to be asleep awaiting rescue, into a much more interesting, powerful woman, who gets to star in the second half fully awake.

Her mother-in -law really takes that stereotype to dark depths. An ogre played to perfection by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, she actually tries to eat her own grandchildren in a scene of quite laboured horror which felt misjudged in a musical attended by small children.

And here lies the problem. If Hex is really aimed at a family audience then

I would have gone a bit lighter on the cannibalism. If it is leaning into the Grimm brothers tradition of darkness then maybe the marketing should change. Although there is plenty to delight smaller folk, perhaps this works best for teenagers who might sniff at more traditional family shows.

My 14-year-old companion enjoyed it.

Sets and costumes are a feast for the eyes. The musical opens with the spellbinding descent of the three High Fairies from the roof, dresses billowing and good use is made throughout of the power of flight. A fabulous floating castle doubles as a bed for the sleeping princess and is truly enchanting.

The acting of the whole cast is strong. Michael Elcock plays Prince Bert with subtlety and great emotional range. The choreography is tight, humorous, and energetic. Star of the night was Lisa Lambe as the Low Fairy.

Born without wings and therefore an outcast from her world, she bumbles

Beautiful but baffling is how I would describe the National Theatre’s seasonal offering, writes Katie Kelly...

ARTS 19

in Southwark

Dolly Parton’s Humdinger Hoedown

The magic of Dickens and Dolly comes together on the south bank in a version of Christmas Carol with music and lyrics by the inimitable Dolly Parton herself, and adapted by three men who write and produced musicals for the theme park she owns in Tennessee, writes Michael Holland...

As the lights went down in the Queen Elizabeth Hall we heard the great lady’s voice asking us not to use our cameras. Alas, that was the last of Dolly’s participation in this production but it got our senses alive and buzzing.

Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol is set in 1930s Tennessee where Marley owns the mines, the shops and the houses, so has control over every cent the locals earn and spend. When Scrooge - who has been mentored

by Marley to focus purely on filling his own pockets - takes over the business he is as hard and mean has his late partner. He moans about Bob Cratchit using three pieces of coal to warm the office in the middle of winter: “I wanna sell it, not burn it,” he growls.

Scrooge is so mean he threatens anyone he talks to with the sack, knowing he has their lives in his money-grabbing hands.

As the Ghost of Christmas Past appears and takes him back to look at his life we see that Scrooge was once a likeable, personable young man who became embittered by a father he could never seem to please.

He tried to change that by being ‘good at numbers’, a skill that Marley

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girlfriend does not like the change in her beau and she too leaves; Scrooge slowly becomes friendless and alone.

Further looks at his life are not promising but Scrooge has become used to the ghosts and says he is too old to change and that they should leave him alone.

No chance. They make him watch his own funeral where they have a humdinger of a hoedown to celebrate his passing. While he is still warm and turning in his grave they auction off his belongings, which is all too much for the old miser. It is when he sees his nephew saying nice things about him and watching the Cratchits toasting him at their dinner table that he realises there is love in the world and that he can be a part of that.

Some liberties have been taken with Dickens’ script, and Tiny Tim is given more importance in this hillbilly version, but this is an excellent adaptation. Because the writers have been writing for Dollywood for years you can hear Dolly Parton’s voice in every line. And then there are the songs that she has written which are pure Dolly.

The whole ensemble make this a joy, though con’t expect to be frightened as the ghosts are far too nice. Come for Dolly and bluegrass music played on fiddles, banjos, spoons and washboards.

Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX until January 8th. Times: 2.30pm, 3pm, 7.30pm. Admission: £18.50 - £120 Booking: www.southbankcentre.co.uk through life trying to atone for her existence by fixing everything around her. Fairy gets in over her head when invited to the palace to bless a baby princess with sleep. Treated poorly by the sleep-deprived royals, she utters a curse instead of a blessing and in the process loses her magic. Despite her very best efforts to undo her damage, the princess succumbs to the thorns who for years poison a comic chorus of hapless princes.

Who will get past them to awaken the princess? No plot spoilers here.

Lisa’s voice is beautiful and carries us through the weaker moments, despite occasionally banal lyrics.

With some good editing and a clearer sense of who Hex is aimed at, then maybe this could make a ‘third time lucky’ return?

National Theatre, South Bank, SE1 until 14th January.

Booking: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

20 OPINION

www.southwarknews.co.uk/letters

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

Comment ‘Sadly 2022 was a tumultuous year which saw the government collapse’

from

Westminster

NEIL COYLE

MP for Bermondsey & Old Southwark

2

022 is drawing to a close and I wish everyone a merry Christmas. After the devastation of covid we needed this year to be peaceful.

Sadly, it has been tumultuous and seen our own Government collapse in chaos with four Chancellors, three Prime Ministers, and a catastrophic min-Budget which will cost us all in Government debt and higher bills for years to come.

Even now, as we face a tough winter with soaring bills and shopping prices, Ministers are irresponsibly sowing division and refusing to negotiate with workers.

2022 saw the first barristers strike and recently the first ever national nurses’ strike. This week even ambulance

paramedics went on the picketlines.

It is never an easy decision to strike and forfeit earnings, but our frontline has been ravaged by Tory ‘austerity’ policies for twelve years which meant we were hit by covid with 5,000 fewer nurses in London than necessary.

No wonder we had the worst death toll, whilst the unlawful partying occurred in Downing Street – with Number 10 the most fined building in the country. Sunak was fined as Chancellor but signed off £4 billion in loans that are now written off as fraud in a Government that looks inept at the best of times but decrepit in crises.

2023 needs to be different, but the Prime Minister still faces multiple challenges.

All Ministers should be bringing

people together, not stoking hatred and division. The Government needs to focus on the economy and invest in London – with transport and housing requiring urgent attention. The benefits are long-term as well as in jobs and revenue for the Treasury but, so far, all Tory talk of ‘levelling-up’ means hacking away at our capital. This must change to benefit the whole country.

Ukraine will still need UK support and yet the Prime Minister’s family still makes money in Moscow and we now know that the Tory ‘golden visa’ scheme which allowed foreign billionaires into the UK more easily let in ten Russians who are now sanctioned and 6,000 others under investigation as a security threat. The shabby mess that is the Home Office needs a drastic overhaul.

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Crime and antisocial behaviour needs a better focus from police and Ministers as I have been raising locally; I hope everyone is keeping an eye out for the cruel conmen who target vulnerable people on their own doorsteps at this time of year, often pretending to be council workers. Please report anything suspicious and don’t be shy!

I’ve spoken about stopping drinking alcohol this year; it’ll be 300 days at Christmas. I feel great for it and recommend everyone does ‘dry January’ but also monitors unit intake through the ‘Drink Aware’ app for phones.

I also hope anyone who needs extra help and support this Christmas gets it.

Some in our community are struggling.

My ‘Cost of Living’ guide to some of the help available is online, or email

me: Neil.Coyle.MP@parliament.uk or drop into my Jamaica Road office to collect a copy when I reopen on Friday 6th January. Happy Christmas and all the best for 2023!

Alternatively it can be viewed online at: www.tinyurl.com/NC-COLC or by scanning the barcode to below in this article on your smartphone..

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Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk/letters

OPINION 21

Can you help keep this vital centre open?

M

any of us will have a friend or family member who has a learning disability, so our story this week will resonate with lots of us.

The Cherry Garden Day Centre provides an incredible service to its clients. People who are normally stuck at home with parents and carers, often themselves elderly, get the chance to spend time with friends and learn important independence skills.

Sadly, centres like these are becoming a rarity. In Southwark alone, recent decades have seen the closure of centres in Surrey Quays, Braganza Street, Tower Bridge Road and, most recently, Queen’s Road Peckham.

And now Cherry Garden could shut.

It’s easy to point the finger at the council. Indeed, you have to ask why it gave manager Gemma the goahead to run the centre if it wasn’t willing to give her the minibus needed to stay afloat.

But really, there is a deeper malaise at the heart of this - that adult social care has been neglected for decades and now we’re paying the price.

The 1.5 million UK citizens with learning disabilities are often described as “politically invisible”. They are underrepresented in the media and public life so, when it comes to policy, they are often forgotten about. We know the government is set on making “tough choices” over the coming months and it seems increasingly likely these decisions will be at the expense of our most vulnerable citizens - yet again.

Silence over Peckham Lido makes no sense

T

he situation surrounding the Peckham Lido is bizarre. Six years ago it was backed by the Mayor of London, the council and hundreds of locals to the tune of £60,000. Now it appears to have ground to a quiet, unceremonial halt.

Southwark Council’s refusal to comment on it is equally mind-boggling. They say that the project has nothing to do with them and have tried to deflect the problem back onto the CIC. This is a strange claim, given that it donated £10,000 to the project. Then there is the CIC, the community-focused entity which has led crowd-funding campaigns. They too ignored all our requests for comment.

When people are freezing in their own homes and using food banks, an outdoor swimming pool might not seem like a priority. But that’s a one-dimensional attitude to public health. The pandemic proved that outdoor leisure, fitness and community spirit are indivisible from physical well-being.

The only thing stopping this project progressing right now appears to be Southwark Council. Nobody is asking for them to put in more money, just for them to write a letter.

We wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas - see you in 2023

cryptic Puzzle Clues Across 1 Avoid the leakage (6) 7 The suitability of a good physical condition (7) 8 Piece of land or the machine to use on it (7) 9 A girl to go astray (5) 10 The Spanish have a tale men put about as basic (9) 12 Either way she’s in seclusion (3) 13 The waters of the mysterious East (4) 15 Sound pleased it’s back as a foothold (7) 17 Join up the top of the dress (4) 19 Not a gross trap (3) 21 It’s an idea that could hit the signal on the head (9) 22 Send a message that one road needs replanning (5) 23 Does she lure men to death through her knowledge or her welcoming garland? (7) 24 Gyrated and came to grief (7) 25 Some of mine are reported to be closer (6)

Clues Down 1 Aren’t yet turning to prayer (8) 2 Cowardly number to crow after (6) 3 Forbearing to breathe hard around the bond (7) 4 Take an illicit amount of metal, it’s said (5) 5 Give a description of the French penalty (6) 6 Enquires whether the fool has taken the last of the drink (4) 7 But is it in a brotherly tradition to really rant about after the head of the family? (11) 11 Think about Australian birds (4) 13 Throw out what we, as an afterthought, put up? (4) 14 See with pride how it gets faster (8) 16 Take away the confidence of 12 across, ever upset (7) 18 Abduct the youngster with a pile (6) 20 A real lieutenant could get higher (6) 21 Drilled without enthusiasm (5) 22 The procedure was said to be correct (4)

Quick Puzzle Clues Across 1 Steps (6) 7 Quiver (7) 8 Accept (7) 9 Attain (5) 10 Gave (9) 12 Managed (3) 13 Jewels (4) 15 Falter in speaking (7) 17 Hurry (4) 19 Untruth (3) 21 Agreed (9) 22 Soil (5) 23 Confounded (7) 24 Optimistic (7) 25 One of the Channel Islands (6)

Clues Down 1 Peeled (8) 2 Bowman (6) 3 Clothing (7) 4 Defy (5) 5 In flames (6) 6 Network (4) 7 Reference (11) 11 Belt (4) 13 Smile (4) 14 In a squalid manner (8) 16 Raise (7) 18 Lash (6) 20 Engraves (6) 21 Rub (5) 22 Resound (4)

Solutions to last week’s crossword Cryptic Across: 1 4 Stroke 8 Musters 9 Unveil 10 Borrowers 11 Tang 13 Tribe 14 Hearsay 16 Epitaph 18 Eject 19 Shoe 21 Incarnate 22 Aliens 23 Advance 24 Seesaw Down: 1 Autograph 2 Attribute 3 Frown 5 Tons 6 Operas 7 Eulogy 9 Urges 11 Trojan war 12 Narcotics 15 Spins 16 Essays 17 Iodine 20 Maids 21 Inca

Quick PUZZLE Across: 4 Impair 8 Anxious 9 Snares 10 Federated 11 Aver 13 Smite 14 0vereat 16 Enforce 18 Fully 19 Seen 21 Frittered 22 Occurs 23 Parties 24 Turret Down: 1 Undermine 2 Digestion 3 Sugar 5 Mend. 6 Arrive 7 Resort 9 Serve 11 Arguments 12 Eagleeyed 15 Scars 16 Escort 17 Fencer 20 Stray 21 Free

22 NEWS

www.southwarknews.co.uk/news

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

ADVERTORIAL

STAY WELL THIS With winter just around the corner, taking good care of yourself is even more important. Darker days and a drop in temperature can affect our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. There is lots you can do to help yourself. Eating nutritious food, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, getting plenty of good quality sleep and doing activities that make you happy can all help. Getting your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations can reduce your chances of becoming unwell and needing hospital treatment.

PROTECT YOURSELF TODAY

CCG

Dr Nancy Küchemann, GP and Co-Chair Partnership Southwark says, “Unfortunately, COVID-19 has not disappeared; cases are likely to increase as we spend more time together indoors during the cold winter months. The flu vaccine also helps protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu. Both COVID-19 and flu vaccines give high levels of protection, but immunity naturally reduces over time, so it is vital, if you are eligible, to have your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccines to top up your defences and protect yourself and your family this winter.”

Flu isn’t just a heavy cold Flu is a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on quickly. The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within two to seven days, but for some flu can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.

Flu vaccination provides the best protection. If you are aged 50 and over or have a long-term health condition, get your flu jab before flu starts circulating. Those who are eligible for a free flu vaccine can book an appointment through their GP surgery or local pharmacy. See https://bit.ly/3NwBhRu-fluvaccine for further information and check if you’re eligible.

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.”

COVID-19 booster?

There are 2 booster doses of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine you may be able to get:

If you’ve not had a 1st booster dose yet, you’re still eligible and can book anytime. If you’re eligible for both, you only need 1 booster during the autumn.

• 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.

meet again. Scott xx

Flyer_A5.pdf 1 12/10/2021 22:35 Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

To my beautiful Daughter, the strongest, bravest girl I know. The day you left and gained your wings my heart broke in two. I wish I could tell you one last time how much I love you. I am lost without you and not sure what I will do with my time now you have gone.

It brings me comfort knowing that Nanny is taking good care of you up there. Miss you my darling Angel.

Mum and Dad xx

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Memorial

In loving memory of Zoe Alison Green looking to startwho college?

To the best Auntie,16-18 I knowand you are sadly passed away from Cystic Fibrosis, on Come over and me see what Bosco can offer you. 10th December 2019. now in heaven watching Places available start in:never giving up and Thinking you at Christmas and if god had a best angel I know for an Sheimmediate was a true soldier, even ofthrough the hardest To a dear Husband you will be it! I miss you so much Business times she still had a smile on her face.

Auntie Zo Zo. Love you always I think The the funeral will be held onof you in silence Child Care and forever Jake xx Friday 3rd January at 1:45pm I always speak your name, IT and Digital Media at Honor Oak Crematorium Brockley London, All IWay, have are memories SE4 2LW And your picture in a frame Sport

Memorial

Your loving wife Barb

09/05/31 - 13/09/03

281 Jamaica Road, SE16 4RS 0207 232 0440 Sidney Henry William Parsons

info@bosco.ac.uk

25.12.77 We have our memories to ease Classified It’s been 16 years since you the pain were taken away, But what we would give to have there are no words that you back again. i can say.

Missing you on your birthday and Love and miss you Christmas. at Christmas and always.

Always and forever.

Your Loving wife Love Jim and family Babs xxxx ROCK, POP, PUNK, x

HAPPY In loving memoryBIRTHDAY of a truly brave, 29TH inspirationalON woman, who we are so proud to say was our cousin, you’ll never be more than a thought away sleep tight, all our love always Joanne, Nick, Teddy and Tilly-May xxxx

To our friend Zoe, We miss you dearly & will cherish the memories we shared, you can now rest in peace,Loads of luv George, Steve, Tommy & Daniel. xxx

ANOTHER YEAR WITHOUT YOU

xxxx

John Millward

May East

Christmas is around the corner, and we know on Christmas Day we will be thinking of the old days before you went away.

Nobody can take your place - if only you were there.

The table will look lovely but there’ll be empty chairs.

Thinking of you this Christmas Georgina Parsons time, our hearts broken in two, wishing God had spared you, 21.9.01 so we could spend this time with you.

Your loving children James, Heather, Robert, Mary, Christine, Grandchildren, Great grandchildren x x x

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out of pain brings us some comfort, but the truth is as long www.southwarknews.co.uk/jobs RECRUITMENT / CLASSIFIED / FAMILY as we areANNOUNCEMENTS without you the pain in 23 our hearts will be forever and real. I hope you know I always looked up to you and will always be proud to call you my big sister and my bestfriend. I love you Zoe, John Victor Millward always and forever.

GARY Lisa and DORAN Nick xx 09-05-1931 – 13-09-2003

To place a funeral announcement, birthday, death notice, birth, anniversary or memorial in the paper, please email katie@southwarknews.co.uk and she will price it up for you Announcements must be placed by 4pm on the Tuesday before Thursday’s publication

24 PUBLIC NOTICES

www.southwarknews.co.uk

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

(UNDERHILL ROAD, RYE HILL PARK, STONES END STREET, CORBETTS LANE, WOODFARRS) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC)

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (UNDERHILL ROAD, BASSANO STREET, WINCHESTER WALK)

1.

2.

1.

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:

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

2.

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

(a) Underhill Road, outside No’s 329, located between Landells Road and Hindmans Road b) Rye Hill Park, between Peckham Rye and No’s 243 (c) Stones End Street, between Great Suffolk Street and Borough Road (d) Corbetts Lane, at it’s junction with Silwood Street and it’s blocked end (e) Corbetts Lane, at it’s junction with Silwood Street and it’s blocked end ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions will be introduced on the north and south side (f) Woodfarrs, south side of carriageway at its junction with Basingdon Way and Dylways 3.

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC)

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.

The alternative route for affected traffic (2a) Landells Road, Silvester Road, Barry Road.

Hindmans Road, Upland Road, Darrell Road (2b) Peckham Rye, Rye Hill Park (2c) Borough Road, Borough High Street, Southwark Bridge Road. (2d) & (2e) not applicable (2f) Woodfarrs Phase 1 - Crossthwaite Avenue, Dylways, Blanchedowne, Basingdon Way, Woodfarrs. Woodfarrs Phase 2 - Dylways, Crossthwaite Avenue, Woodfarrs

(a) Underhill Road, north bound lane of carriageway at it’s junction with Lordship Lane (b) Bassano Street, between No’s 21/22 and No’s 123 (c) Winchester Walk, that lies between Cathedral Street for 20m west 3.

The alternative route for affected traffic (2a). Overhill Road, Belvoir Road (2b) Blackwater Street, Lordship Lane. (2c) Cathedral Street, Winchester Square.

4.

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

5.

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

6.

The works will be in operation for (2a) 8th January 2023 at 19:00hrs - 9th January 2023 at 05:00hrs (2b) 9th – 13th January 2023 (2c) 29th December 2022 – 8th January 2023 Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network Management at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk

4.

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

5.

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

7.

6.

The works will be in operation for (2a) 16th – 19th January (2b) 16th – 17th January (2c) 16th January – 3rd February (2d) & (2e) 17th January (2f) 9th January – 17th July

Dated this 22nd December 2022

7.

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

Dated this 22nd 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) 31622662 (2b) NMSI012521 (2c) P101705TBCR3 (2d) & (2e) 00169571-00000002 (2f) 5159-01

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) 6349/LBSCR12750-shift (2b) 6184/31577802/Thames-re-ad-jan2023 (2c) 6392/6373/00194994-00000017-cappaghS14/1 OWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (AS AMENDED), SECTION 61A TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE) (ENGLAND) ORDER 2015, SECTION 38 NOTICE OF CONSULTATION FOR:

LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS

LOCAL DEVELOPMENT ORDER – DISTRICT HEATING NETWORK (2022)

LICENCES FOR SPECIAL TREATMENT NEWSPAPER PUBLIC NOTICE

Southwark Council is consulting on the draft Local Development Order – District Heating Network 2022 from December 15 2022 to February 9 2023.

SPECIAL TREATMENT LICENCES Notice is given that Mercury Design & Tattoo Ltd has applied to the London Borough of Tower Hamlet for tattooing. Licence(s) for the premises: Mercury Design & Tattoo Ltd on the Bellerive house, 3 Muirfield Cresent London E14 9SZ Anyone wishing to oppose the application must give notice in writing to David Tolley, Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards, Environmental Health and Trading Standards, Place Directorate, 2nd Floor, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London, E14 2BG WITHIN THREE WEEKS specifying the grounds of opposition. Persons objecting to the grant of a licence must be prepared to attend in person at a hearing before a Committee of the Council.

The Local Development Order (LDO) will grant permitted development rights for the construction of an underground network of insulated pipes to carry steam for heating and hot water from the SELCHP facility to properties in Southwark. This will be an extension of the existing network which currently provides heating and hot water for 2,500 properties in the Bermondsey area. The adoption of the LDO which will facilitate the extension of the DHN is a key part of Southwark Council’s strategy to tackle climate change. If built, the extension will connect 3000 additional properties to a low-carbon, renewable energy source. The use of the LDO will enable the Council to manage the impacts of construction and ensure that there are no unacceptable outcomes through the use of planning conditions. These will ensure that heritage, archaeology, trees, and ecology are protected. It also means that impacts on neighbouring amenity from the construction will be minimised through the implementation of Construction Environmental Management Plan.

Where to view the documents

Notice of Application for a Premises Licence made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003

The documents can be viewed on the council website: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/planning-andbuilding-control/planning-policy-and-transport-policy/development-plan/evidence-base/environmentand-sustainability?chapter=2

Please take notice that I / we Muhammad Baloch / Peckham Food and Wine have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of 176 Peckham High Street, London, SE15 5EG

Hard copies of the documents can be viewed at:

The relevant licensable activities and proposed times to be carried on, or on from the premises are Days

Start time

Finish time

The supply of alcohol:

Monday to Sunday

23:00

09:00

Opening hours:

Monday to Sunday (24hours)

24:00

24:00

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 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.

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.

Date of application: 8th December 2022

• Council offices, 160 Tooley Street, SE1 2HZ Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays) • East Street Library, 168-170 Old Kent Road, SE1 5TY Monday, Tuesday and Friday 2pm to 7pm; Thursday 10am to 3pm; Saturday 10am to 5pm • The Blue Anchor Library, Market Place, SE16 3UQ Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9am to 7pm; Friday 10am to 6pm; Saturday 9am to 5pm • Peckham Temporary Library, 17-23 Bournemouth Road, SE15 4UJ Monday to Thursday 10am to 7pm; Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday 12pm to 4pm How to comment: Visiting our consultation hub and filling in our online questionnaire: https://consultations.southwark.gov.uk/corporate-strategy/local-development-order-district-heatingnetwork E-mail to info@oldkentroad.org.uk Post your response to: LDO Consultation Old Kent Road Team Southwark Council FREEPOST SE1919/14 London SE1P 5EX All comments must be received by 23:59 on Thursday 9 February 2023.

Register for a MySouthwark account and opt-in to our email updates on your profile at https://www.southwark.gov.uk/mysouthwark

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk

PUBLIC NOTICES 25

Notice of Application for a Premises Licence made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 Please take notice that I / we COLAB Charitable Foundation have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of COLAB Bankside, Red Lion Court, 46 - 48 Park Street, London, SE1 9EQ 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

12:00 12:00

00:00 00:30

The provision of regulated entertainment:

Sunday to Thursday Friday & Saturday

12:00 12:00

00:00 00:30

Opening hours:

Sunday to Thursday Friday & Saturday

09:00 09:00

00:00 01:00

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 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.

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.

Date of application: 12th December 2022

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;

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (UPPER GROUND, PARK STREET, FARQUHAR ROAD, POCOCK STREET, GAZA STREET, WEAVERS LANE, LOMAN STREET,PENARTH STREET, RYE LANE, GREAT SUFFOLK 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) Upper Ground, between Barge House Street and No’s 69/71 and No’s 32 (b) Park Street, between No’s 62 – No’s 76 (c) Farquhar Road, between, Bowley Close and Dulwich wood Avenue (d) Farquhar Road, between No’s 11 and Crystal Palace Parade (e) Pocock Street, between Great Suffolk Street and Glasshill Street (f) Gaza Street, at it’s junction with Braganza Street (g) Weavers Lane, at it’s junction with Tooley Street (h) Loman Street, between Great Suffolk Street and Sawyer Street (i) Penarth Street, between Hatcham Road and Ilderton Road (j) Rye Lane, between No’s 176 and No’s 178 (k) Great Suffolk Street,(north) at it’s junction with Union Street, by the side of No’s 200 skyline House, (the existing LTN will be removed to allow for Thames Water works)

3.

The alternative route for affected traffic (2a) Upper Ground, Hatfields, Stamford Street, Cornwall Road. (2c) Emerson Street, Sumner Street, Southwark Bridge Road, Southwark Street, Sumner street (2d) Dulwich Wood Avenue, Dulwich Wood Park, Gypsy Hill, Westow Hill, Crystal Palace Parade. Church Road, Westow Hill, Gypsy Hill, Dulwich Wood Avenue.

Crystal Palace Parade, College Road, Dulwich Wood Park. Farquhar Road, Dulwich Wood Park, College Road, Crystal Palace Parade (2e) Crystal Palace Parade, College Road, Dulwich Wood Park, Farquhar Road, Jasper Road, Westow Hill. (2f) as indicated by the signs displayed (2g) not applicable (2h) not applicable (2i) Loman Street, Sawyer Street, Pocock Street, Great Suffolk Street (2j) Ilderton Road, Manor Grove, Hatcham, Road (2k) Copeland Road, Clayton Road. Clayton Road, Consort Road, Heaton Road (2l) not applicable

4.

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

5.

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

6.

The works will be in operation for (2a) 7th January with back up dates of the 14 January (2c) 9th – 13th January (2d) 9th – 12th January (2e) 16th January – 10th February (2f) 10th – 11th January (2g) 11th – 13th January (2h) 11th January (2i) 14th – 15th December (2j) 14th – 15th January, with back up dates of the 28th – 29th January (2k) 15th January (2l) 16th – 20th January

7.

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

Dated this 22nd 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) LBSCR12625-1 (2b) TTO/CRANE (2c) SEC50/PARKSTJAN23 (2d) 61407385 (2e) 17079230 (2f) HHH-00-78-230622 (2g) 000811918590045-002 (2h) LBSCR12799 (2i) LBSCR12739/1 (2j) LBSCR12651 (2k) 00161630-00000004 (2l) DM04466-02

176 BLACKFRIARS ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 8ER (Ref: 22/AP/4107) Refurbishment of the Grade II listed building for offices and showrooms and ancillary cafe, meeting and exhibition spaces (Class E). Extension to the building at the rear (three storeys above ground) and minor landscaping improvements to the public realm.

(Associated Listed Building Application 22/AP/4108) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Zoe Brown 07849 702 088) 176 BLACKFRIARS ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 8ER (Ref: 22/AP/4108) Refurbishment of the Grade II listed building for offices and showrooms and ancillary cafe, meeting and exhibition spaces for the occupation of the building by a design brand (Class E). Extension to the building at the rear (three storeys above ground) and minor landscaping improvements to the public realm.

Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Tracy Chapman 020 7525 1948)

- Measures support Southwark's policy - to achieve net zero carbon - Removal of Condition 8 (Biodiversity roof), Condition 12 (Community Use Scheme) and Condition 13 (Obscure Glazing) Amendment of Condition 14 (Roof Use) as terraces are proposed Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Kerri Simpson 020 7525 3487)

Dated: 20 Dec 2022 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date.

STEPHEN PLATTS - Director of Planning and Growth

SMALL LODGE CAMBERWELL NEW CEMETERY BRENCHLEY GARDENS LONDON SOUTHWARK SE23 3RD (Ref: 22/AP/4150) The proposal is to use a piled raft to underpin the building to stabilise the structure before reinstating a new floor.

In order to undertake these works, internal partition walls must be removed.

Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Tracy Chapman 020 7525 1948) FORMER BELLENDEN PRIMARY SCHOOL BELLENDEN PRIMARY SCHOOL REEDHAM STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 4PF (Ref: 22/AP/4161) Minor material amendment to planning permission 18/AP/1788 dated 29/08/2018 for 'Demolition of the existing school buildings and redevelopment of the site involving the erection of a new partsingle, part-two storey SEN Primary School (special education needs) with associated single-storey community use changing room, MUGA, landscaping, mini-bus parking and vehicle drop off area with access from Costa Street and exit onto Reedham Street' for the following changes: - Amendment of Condition 1 (Approved Plans) to alter the footprint, layout, design and materials of the development introduce roof terraces (increasing pupil numbers from 48 to 56)

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

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

www.southwarknews.co.uk

SPORT 27

Former Fisher and Dulwich Hamlet footballers team up for charity

Francis Duku playing for Dulwich Hamlet

‘It’s a tough time for the whole country at the moment’

By John Kelly

Photo by Duncan Palmer Photography

johnk@southwarknews.co.uk TWO FORMER footballers who shared a career playing for Fisher Athletic, as well as separate spells at Dulwich Hamlet, have joined forces again this Christmas in a bid to deliver some much-needed seasonal cheer to those in need.

Francis Duku and Damien Scannell are raising funds for a charity hamper collection, with the aim of providing 75 hampers to people in need in the south London community.

Francis’ promising career never reached its expected heights after he broke his ankle in a pre-season fixture for Gravesend & Northfleet (now called Ebbsfleet United) and he is now on a

mission to help players and clubs alike through a unique membership services platform called Our Game Football.

The platform’s community scheme provides health and wellbeing services for individuals and supports members to enhance their communities through a range of opt-in services and rewards for all those who wish to engage.

Damian is the founder of SuperDads, a health and wellbeing service targeted at supporting dads, and encouraging all men to take their health seriously.

Over the last three years, they have raised over £20,000 for underprivileged children.

With both former players now focused on community support, they hope that local businesses, particularly those who support Fisher and Dulwich Hamlet, will come forward

Hamlet hand out treats at King’s College hospital

By John Kelly johnk@southwarknews.co.uk DULWICH HAMLET player Omari Hibbert said it was “humbling” to see the challenges facing young kids in hospital at Christmas, as he praised the “inspirational” families for their “strength and courage”.

Hibbert was one of six Dulwich representatives to visit the children’s ward at King’s College Hospital on Monday to hand out some Hamlet treats.

Men’s manager Paul Barnes was joined by Sanchez Ming, Omari Hibbert and Frankie Raymond, as well as Madi Parsonson from the women’s team and the club’s community lead Rob Hyneman.

They handed out Hamlet merchandise

to the kids and families, who will be in the ward over Christmas.

“At a time when we are all thinking about our Christmas plans it was humbling to see such young children facing a Christmas on the ward,” Hibbert said. “It was inspirational to see the strength and courage on show by all the families that we met.”

The Hamlet added: “On behalf of everyone at Dulwich Hamlet Football Club, we wish all the staff, patients and their families at King’s a very merry Christmas. Thank you for everything that you do.”

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Barnes’ side will hope the weather relents to allow their next fixture to take place. Dulwich are scheduled to host Dover Athletic at Champion Hill on Boxing Day. Kick-off is at 3pm.

to back their campaign.

They are being offered the chance to sponsor the charity effort – Damian will be running a half marathon on Christmas Eve – with the proceeds going to those in their local community.

In addition, the Our Game community scheme will use its unique positioning and services to raise the profile and visibility within the nonleague football community of all businesses who take part, as a thank you for any support given.

“We appreciate any help that can be provided to help us reach our target of raising money to give away a hamper to at least 75 families who are in need of support this Christmas,” Damian said. “It’s a tough time for the whole country at the moment so it is definitely an ambitious target, but being able to help as many of those

as possible who are in need is even more important if we can.

“Our community of SuperDads has hit all our fundraising targets in the past, and we would love your help to so we can do so again now.”

Francis added: “We are delighted to be able to work with Damian and his community of SuperDads to try and make Christmas a bit better for the families we are able to reach with these hampers.

“The non-league football community is very wide-ranging and reaches into a lot of areas, and having first-hand experience of the support of Fisher and Dulwich Hamlet fans and the role the clubs play in their local communities, both Damian and myself are hopeful of reaching and exceeding our target and being able to help as many families as possible.”

Fish confirm backlog dates

By John Kelly

The Fish’s latest postponement was their scheduled fixture against Phoenix Sports last weekend, the

St Paul’s pitch falling foul of the freezing weather. Fisher went through four rounds of the FA Cup this season, playing eight games as each tie went to a replay. It means that they have played four games fewer than some teams in the SCEFL Premier Division.

It also means the Fish Army will have a feast of football to look forward to in the spring.

Fisher vs. Phoenix Sports Tuesday, February 7 (7:45pm)

Fisher vs. Sutton Athletic Tuesday, March 7 (7:45pm)

Punjab United vs. Fisher Tuesday, March 21 (7:45pm)

Tunbridge Wells vs. Fisher Saturday, February 25 (3pm)

Fisher vs. Deal Town Tuesday, March 14 (7:45pm)

Fisher vs. Kennington Saturday, April 1 (3pm)

johnk@southwarknews.co.uk FISHER HAVE announced new dates for six fixtures that were postponed due to their extended FA Cup run and the recent bad weather.

The rescheduled fixture list is:

28 MILLWALL

www.newsatden.co.uk/

Championship preview

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

Watford

VS

Millwall

Vicarage Road. Monday, December 26th. Kick-off: 12pm

Lions get ready to rumble!

Millwall determined to halt Watford’s plan for Boxing Day revenge

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk MILLWALL WILL hope that their postponed trip to Luton Town will set them up for their clash against Watford on Boxing Day.

The Lions will spend Christmas outside of the top six after their game at Kenilworth Road was called off due to the adverse weather forecast for Luton, allowing the chasing pack to overtake them over the weekend.

As a result, Gary Rowett’s side dropped from seventh to ninth in the table, although they boast a game in hand on all of the teams above them, including upcoming opponents Watford.

The Hornets will undoubtedly be out for revenge. Their last match against Millwall was a disaster for manager Slaven Bilić, who took his side into the half-time break 3-0 down thanks to Tom Bradshaw’s hat-trick. It came just weeks after they shockingly decided to sack Rob Edwards after just eleven league games, and the thrashing added even more animosity from the fans towards the board.

Things have improved slightly since then. While Watford are certainly not playing at their best, they are still sat in fourth place heading into Boxing Day, five points ahead of the Lions.

Add to the fact that they will be out to avenge the result in the reverse fixture, Millwall will be in for a much tougher game on Monday afternoon.

Rowett undoubtedly agrees with this, admitting that he saw the previous

Bradshaw’s first-half hat-trick helped Millwall secure a 3-0 win in their last match against Watford meeting between the two teams as a slight anomaly that played into his side’s favour.

“That was a unique game where we started very well,” he told the News.

“We put them under a lot of pressure and sometimes in these games things fall for you that might not fall for the opposition.

“That doesn’t mean to say that you

can go to the away game, do exactly the same and get the same result.

“We know Watford are a very, very good team. Slaven will have had a lot more time to work with them and we’re away from home, which of course gives us some different types of challenges to our performance.

“We’ll look forward to the game, we know it’ll be a tough one, but it’s like

Vogi needs to gamble

any away game against the recently relegated Premier League teams.”

Millwall will almost certainly be without Callum Styles as he continues to recover from his calf injury, while Benik Afobe [knee] and Ryan Leonard [hamstring] are edging closer to returning to the first-team squad and could be involved against Watford if everything goes to plan.

matCh details Possible Millwall XI: 4-2-3-1: Long; McNamara, Hutchinson, Cooper, Malone; Mitchell, Saville; Voglsammer, Flemming, Bennett; Bradshaw Match odds: Watford EVS Draw 9/5 Millwall 11/4 Last meeting: Championship (October 19th, 2022): Millwall 3-0 Watford (Bradshaw 8’, 26’, 33’)

Gary Rowett calls on German forward to take more risks in the final third EXCLUSIVE

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk ANDREAS VOGLSAMMER’S time at Millwall has been the definition of a mixed bag.

The German has shown immense quality both on and off the ball, and as a result, he’s been one of the first names on Gary Rowett’s team sheet since moving to South London from Union Berlin back in August.

However, he is yet to score his first goal for the Lions, having contributed with just one assist in eighteen Championship games. He has been used in his natural position, a central striker, just once, and is usually deployed on the right side of Millwall’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

Fans believe that, much like Zian Flemming, Voglsammer needs just one

goal for his confidence to finally arrive at The Den, and Rowett claims that he needs to take more risks in order for that to happen.

“I think he needs a bit of fortune and to keep getting in the right areas,” he told the News.

“I spoke to him a little bit about, when the ball is on the left-hand side, maybe just gambling and becoming more of a striker in the box because it’s a position he’s played quite a lot.

“It’s always a challenge, that right-side position, because a lot of his best work has been his work for the team, holding his shape, his pressing, he’s competing out there.

“Some of his deliveries have been excellent, he’s contributed to four or five goals in the last ten games, but obviously that goal has been a little bit elusive for him.

“I think it’s probably something that he would feel much better for ticking off, I think there would be a lot more confidence from his performances off the back of that.

“It’s one of those things. He’s working hard, he’s doing really, really well for the team and, at times, you can see the quality he’s got in that right foot.

“When you’re watching him every day in training, you see him scoring goals, you see him sticking it in the top corner, either side, bottom corner.

“He really is an excellent finisher and he’s excellent around the edge of the box, he just hasn’t had a lot of those opportunities.

“It’s something we’ll keep working on, it’s something we’ll try not to dwell too much on. For me, it’s more about getting in those areas and, like the one he had in the last game [vs. Wigan Athletic], those opportunities will come if he keeps gambling and making the right runs.”

Andreas Voglsammer is still searching for his first goal in a Millwall shirt

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

www.newsatden.co.uk

Aidomo announced

MILLWALL 29 Aidomo Emakhu has trained with the Lions ahead of officially completing his move on New Year’s Day

Teenage sensation joins Millwall from Irish champions in first January deal EXCLUSIVE

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk AIDOMO EMAKHU will become Millwall’s first signing of the January transfer window after Millwall announced that they had agreed a deal with Shamrock Rovers.

Emakhu, 19, moved to the Irish champions from Shelbourne in 2020, working his way through their youth set-up in a matter of months to feature in the league and European competitions for the first team.

The forward helped Rovers secure their 20th league title last season, playing an important part in their UEFA Europa Conference League campaign as well. As a result, he has earned himself a place in the Republic of Ireland’s under-19 squad, and he will be hoping to have the same impact at The Den after moving to South London last week.

Manager Gary Rowett certainly believes that Emakhu can play a big part in the Lions’ future success, but is keen

to alleviate some of the pressure on him ahead of his move to Bermondsey being officially completed next month.

“Aidomo is a player that our recruitment team have done a lot of work on,” he told the News.

“Myself and a lot of the coaching staff have all watched quite a bit of him. We felt he was a very, very good long-term project for us to bring in, try to work with, develop and build on his already quite big experience for a young age in senior European football at different levels.

“He’s quite a flexible player. He can play in the forward area, he can play wider coming inside. I think he spoke about playing out wide where he can get at defenders and use his speed and skill.

“He’s one we don’t want to promise too much from. It’s going to take a bit of time, he’s a young player, but it might not take him a month to settle in, it might take him eighteen months to settle in, we don’t know.

“What we do know is that he can be a very, very good player. We’re happy to have signed him and add him to some very good, talented, young, promising

players coming through that are eighteen or nineteen.

“That’ll be the bedrock of our team for years to come, I’m sure.”

To start with, Emakhu will join up with Kevin Nugent’s under-23’s side, giving him the chance to play alongside other young talents such as Abdul Abdulmalik, Romain Esse and Seb Drozd.

However, Rowett refused to rule out changing his development plan by either promoting him to the first team or moving him out on loan after he has settled into life in SE16.

“He’ll train with us, the first team, and he’ll experience what we would do on a daily and weekly basis. Then we’ll assess that as we go along,” the Millwall boss explained.

“He’ll be just like any young player we’ve got - how do we get them into our first team and be in a position to potentially improve the team, or at least not make the team any less capable of winning games?

“When that time is is hard to tell.

We’ll have the same plan as we do with all of the young players, he’ll have an opportunity to settle in quickly also.”

Always look on the bright side

Lions boss sees positives from postponed trip to Luton

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk GARY ROWETT is focusing on the positives of his side’s postponed match against Luton Town.

Millwall could welcome back two players for their game at Watford on Boxing Day

The Lions were due to travel to Kenilworth Road on December 18th for an 11:30am kick-off, but the match was called off two days earlier after the Met Office issued a yellow warning for ice in the Bedfordshire town.

Rowett was, of course, frustrated that his side were unable to play the match, meaning that Millwall would head into Christmas outside of the top six. Despite that, it gave them extra time to work on what went wrong against

Sunderland and Wigan Athletic.

The manager didn’t see that as a major positive however, instead highlighting the fact that it gives his injured players more time to recover ahead of their next game.

“The first part, having more time to think about previous games, it probably doesn’t help because you want to play and crack on,” he told the News.

“We’ve done the work and we want to play to see if what we’ve worked on can come to fruition.

“Certainly in terms of getting some of the injured players back helps.

We’ve had a couple of players feeling things that would’ve been touchand-go for the game [vs. Luton], so a little bit more time certainly helps that.”

Callum Styles [calf] is likely going to be ruled out until the start of 2023, while Benik Afobe [knee] and Ryan Leonard [hamstring] are still waiting to return to match fitness after picking up significant injuries earlier in the campaign.

Rowett explained how he was approaching their rehabilitation process, adding that other members of his first-team squad also picked up knocks in the build-up to their postponed trip to LU4.

“They’re sort of day-to-day really,” he said of his injured trio.

“If they progress as they are then we sort of know when they’ll be back, but we’ll be taking that with a kid-gloves approach because they’ve obviously been out for a while, it hasn’t been plane sailing.

“Other than that, it gives them another week to be another week closer, whether that’s ready for the game or a week nearer to playing.

It’ll be a good thing either way.

“We’ve had three or four calf issues because we’ve had to train on the pitch [at The Den] all week.

“The pitch is quite a lot firmer than the training pitches so you get a few complications with that. Quite a few tight calves, but hopefully nothing too untoward, nothing too sinister.

“If the game went ahead on Sunday, we would have had a call on one or two players, but hopefully they’ll be fine.

“It’s just a few complications when you can’t get on your normal training pitches. It just adds a little bit of an issue.”

30 MILLWALL

www.newsatden.co.uk/

Bradders backs Millwall to invest

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

Tom Bradshaw expects Millwall to sign another striker in the January transfer window

Striker braced for January arrivals as Lions push for top-six finish

EXCLUSIVE

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk

MILLWALL’S POSTPONED game against Luton Town hit everyone hard.

Not only were fans left disappointed by the news that the game would not go ahead, but the players themselves were frustrated that they weren’t able to bounce back from their 1-1 draw against Wigan Athletic the previous weekend.

One of those players is Tom Bradshaw, who admitted he was keen to get the Lions back into the play-off places for Christmas this year.

“Obviously we wanted to get back to winning ways after a loss and a draw,” he told the News.

“It’s times where, if there’s going to be a long spell between games, you want to be on the back of a win.

“It’s disappointing for us to have the game called off because we really want to get back to climbing up the table.”

On a personal level, the striker is frustrated.

He hasn’t scored since his stunning firsthalf hat-trick against Millwall’s Boxing Day opponents, Watford, meaning that his total remains just four goals in seventeen Championship games.

His assist for Zian Flemming’s strike against Wigan added to his tally of goal contributions, but it crucially highlighted that he is still getting into the right positions in the final third.

“There was the goal that was disallowed

against Hull when they were down to ten men, I think that’s happened a couple of times this season,” Bradshaw explained.

“I can’t remember many times in my career where goals have been called off for being offside, apart from Coventry last year, but that’s happened twice this year now, which is frustrating.

“It’s about getting in the right areas and, if I can’t score myself, I want to help others around me to score like I did against Wigan.

“I think it’s one of those things where it’s not really important as long as there’s someone scoring and we’re getting the wins!

But from a personal perspective, I’ll keep getting myself into those positions to score goals and help the team out.”

Bradshaw isn’t the only striker who has been frustrated this season. Benik Afobe, a close friend of his, has been sidelined for a number of weeks with a knee injury, although he has remained close with the rest of the squad despite not taking part in training sessions.

“That’s another part of football which is the frustrating side, really,” the former Welsh international explained.

“I see Benik a lot. Our training ground isn’t separated, we see a lot of the lads who are injured and from that perspective it doesn’t really change.

“Obviously he’s not out on the training pitch at the moment but that’s just part and parcel of football, sometimes you get injuries. He’s an experienced player as well, I’ve had injuries before, he’s had injuries before, we both know the script really.

“He’s working hard to get back fit and I’m sure he’s excited to get back onto the training

pitch and get back playing.”

Afobe’s absence also leaves a significant void on the bench in terms of Millwall’s attacking options.

Mason Bennett was the only forward named amongst the substitutes against Sunderland while Tyler Burey was the lone attacker on the bench against Wigan last weekend - neither are natural centre forwards like Afobe, however.

Bradshaw admitted that the Lions do miss his impact off the bench, and that they will be a much stronger side when he returns to full fitness in the coming weeks.

“Any squad at full strength is more of a threat and stronger overall.

“Then again, it’s very rare to have your full squad fit and all your firepower available, it’s just part of the game.

“Obviously we’d be a much stronger outfit with Benik in the squad, but it’s just something that everyone accepts and everyone is willing him to get back fit.”

Nonetheless, Millwall’s attacking crisis highlights the need for another striker. manager Gary Rowett has often brought up his lack of attacking options off the bench while fans are keen for them to bring in a tall, target man forward in the January transfer window.

Bradshaw expects this addition to be made ahead of the second half of the season, and admits that he is relishing the chance to compete with another striker for a place in the starting lineup.

“It’s somewhere where we’re probably quite light since Benik has been injured.

“We’ve got some great attackers but there aren’t many out-and-out strikers, especially

with Benik being injured, so it’s something that I probably expect the club to do in January.

“Most clubs will try to reinforce in January, especially if they’ve had a good start to the season, just to try and kick on, that’s just to try and bring fresh faces into the team to try and boost morale and all that.

“Millwall as a club are bringing in the right people as well as the right players. As long as they fit the ethos of the club, I’m sure it’ll have a positive effect if it does happen.”

Managers often dislike the January transfer window. Millwall will play at least five matches next month depending on potential progression in the FA Cup and the rescheduled date for their trip to Luton, and Rowett will be desperate for his squad to remain focused on the games ahead.

It can be difficult when players are coming and leaving the club, or when they read rumours about their future online, but Bradshaw believes that his teammates have what it takes to solely look at their performances on the pitch and their upcoming matches.

“We’ve got a lot of experienced players in this squad, players who have been playing at this level for six, seven, eight years, and people who have been professional footballers for ten plus years.

“Everyone knows the script, everyone knows that January will have a couple of new faces, and obviously there’s a lot of games. I think that’s something that players have got used to with Covid where there were a lot of games in a short space of time, and that’s always the case in the Championship.

“Players that have played in League One as

well, players like myself who cut their teeth with the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, early rounds of the League Cup, the league, stuff like that.

“In terms of a lot of games, it’s something that’s pretty normal in football these days and the lads have grown accustomed to that.”

“From the distraction point of view, I’d say probably not, but it’s something where you’ve got to stay focused and concentrate on the next game.”

On the other end of that spectrum of experience comes Millwall’s younger players, including recent arrival Aidomo Emakhu. Bradshaw explained that the Irish forward “looks flairy, he cuts inside, has great feet and a great strike as well,” adding that “he’s got huge potential and I think it’s a brilliant signing for the club.”

As a forward himself, Bradshaw is helping to shoulder the responsibility of guiding Emakhu’s progression, but he believes that his teammates work incredibly hard to integrate young players and help them reach the very top of professional football.

“That’s quite a unique thing about our group because everyone tries to help everyone in a lot of ways.

“Obviously we’ve got a lot of experience in our team and I’d like to think it’s great for the younger lads to pick up that experience.

“There’s a lot of games and a lot of experience in this team, lads who have been playing in the Championship for years “It’s stuff that we can hopefully help the younger lads with and help them kick on to achieve a lot of personal goals in their careers.”

Southwark News, Thursday December 22 2022

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk MILLWALL’S RETURN to Championship action has been fairly disappointing, and George Saville refuses to shy away from that.

Nonetheless, he explained to the News that he isn’t focused on previous results.

Their 3-0 defeat at Sunderland and 1-1 draw at home to Wigan Athletic are both things of the past, and the midfielder has his eyes set on an exciting Boxing Day clash with pre-season promotion favourites Watford.

“We obviously lost at Sunderland, which was disappointing, and we drew against Wigan,” Saville recalled.

“You know what it’s like in this division, you start winning and it changes the league table and how everything looks.

“Hopefully we can start to get some wins again because three points in this division makes a big difference.”

Of course, the league can change incredibly quickly. A five-match winless run can knock a team out of the top six altogether, but just two wins could place them firmly back in contention for a place in next season’s Premier League.

Millwall have certainly done enough so far this season to be in with a shout, but Saville is keen to take each game as it comes in order to stay in the chasing pack for the entire campaign.

“We’ve put ourselves in a good position, so in a weird way we’ve been able to drop points in the last couple of games and still be okay.

“Obviously, there’s only so long you can be doing that, and conversely when we’re winning we won’t get too ahead of ourselves, when we’re losing we won’t get too low.

“Obviously with the Sunderland game, we didn’t deserve to win because we lost 3-0, but it wasn’t a 3-0 game.

“We started well, we played well in the first half and had better chances. Goals change football matches, we all know that.

“For us, it’s about getting in front and building on that. We’re not too worried about that.

“The games are now closer together, we’ve always been better when the fixtures have been like that, hopefully next week we can change it.”

On a personal level, Saville has shone so far this season, forming an exceptional partnership in midfield with Millwall academy graduate Billy Mitchell. The pair have had to sit deep behind an attacking

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MILLWALL 31

Sav sets his sight on the play-offs Lions midfielder desperate to see team improve after underwhelming return to Championship action

George Saville has thrived in a deeper role in Millwall’s new formation quartet in the Lions’ 4-2-3-1 formation, meaning that the Northern Ireland international has needed to adapt to a new role.

So far, he’s done that incredibly well, boasting the most tackles out of any midfielder in Rowett’s squad so far this season while ranking top of the entire EFL for defensive actions per 90 minutes.

“Obviously it was before the Rotherham game that something had to change,” Saville admitted.

“The manager changed the formation and a little bit of the personnel, and we built off of that. I’m playing in a slightly different role but I’m enjoying it and I think I’m playing well.

“If the team needs me to play a bit deeper

and win the ball back, things like that, then I’ve got no problem with that.

“I think it happened in that way because we wanted to build off something solid and we needed to rebuild our foundations again, which we did.

“Once we started doing the things that we’ve become traditionally good at, in terms of being solid and hard to beat, it

gives Zian [Flemming] and those boys the licence to win us the games.

“I still want to try and improve my attacking but it’s obviously a bit more difficult when I’m playing in a slightly deeper role.

“It’s obviously better for the team so I’ll keep doing that, and if I can chip in with a goal or two I’ll try to do that too.”

Zian Flemming targets league top scorer award

Millwall boss delighted as Dutch talisman challenges for Championship Golden Boot EXCLUSIVE

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk GARY ROWETT has praised Zian Flemming for his incredible performances as the forward looks to challenge for the Championship Golden Boot.

Flemming, 24, has nine goals in nineteen league games, putting him in tied second place with eight other players behind Coventry City’s Viktor Gyökeres.

The Dutchman has scored 0.55 goals per 90 minutes, meaning that he boasts a goal every 164 minutes on average.

These have come from 46 shots, giving him a goal conversion rate of 20 percent and a shot accuracy rate of 50 percent.

Rowett is delighted that his talisman is shining amongst the best players in the second tier, but has called for Flemming’s teammates to help him out if the Lions are to secure a place in the top six this season.

“It’s something we’ve been crying out for for a while,” he told the News.

“It’s something the team needs. We’ve spoken about it for a while, for the team to be successful it needs two or three players to do that.

“Obviously with Benik [Afobe] out injured it takes one of those possibilities

out at the moment, which is a blow for us, but that’s where it is.

“We need players to contribute to the goals. I think most of our players are contributing in a lot of positive ways, but it’s something that, as a club, we’ve always found difficult.

“When’s the last time we’ve had two strikers with fifteen plus goals? It’s hard to find, it’s not easy to get.

“We spoke about lots of our players contributing close to double figures and I think that can certainly help, but we need to step that up a little bit and start to add those numbers.

“Otherwise it’ll be very difficult to get to where we want to be.”

Gary Rowett is adamant that Zian Flemming will remain at The Den for the foreseeable future

The Lions will be looking to make one or two additions in the January transfer window

EX Fisher and Hamlet players team up for charity

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Sport Southwark

Millwall PONDER international additions Gary Rowett open to adding from abroad after successful summer signings

EXCLUSIVE

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk GARY ROWETT has refused to rule out bringing in players from abroad in the upcoming January transfer window.

Millwall are not known for recruiting from foreign leagues despite bringing in Zian Flemming and Andreas Voglsammer from the Netherlands and Germany respectively.

Flemming has undoubtedly become the Lions’ talisman since arriving from Fortuna Sittard back in June, while fans are starting to see the best from Voglsammer after his move from Union Berlin back in August.

As a result of their success, Rowett is keen to explore the international market further, adding that his side could look to use it once the window reopens next month.

“I think every window is tricky because you’ve got to do a lot of work and a lot of

diligence to get to a point where you want to sign any player, let alone players from abroad where it’s not quite as easy to go and see them on a regular basis,” he told the News.

“You want a balance. I think Zian and Vogi have brought us a really nice balance along with the other players that we’ve signed, the likes of George Honeyman, Stylesy [Styles], Shacks [Shackleton] and Cressy [Cresswell].

“We’ve had a lot of different players come in that have given us a lot of different attributes, but I think some of the players like Zian and Vogi have been brought up in a different way tactically. They’re slightly different technically, they have a different approach to training and I think that’s good.

“We’ve seen how that works with the two players and I think it’s encouraged us to look further. I’ve always said that a club like Millwall can never be in a position where we say we only want to sign British players, we want to sign the best type of player for our

style of play and our philosophy.

“For us, that net has to be cast as wide as we can.”

Despite this, Rowett is adamant that Millwall will only sign players that fit what the club want to achieve, regardless of whether they arrive from another English club or from abroad.

The Lions have already been linked with moves for FC Groningen’s Cyril Ngonge, Hibernian’s Ryan Porteous and Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi [on loan at Charlton Athletic] after agreeing a deal for Aidomo Emakhu to move to The Den from Shamrock Rovers.

“I think the biggest thing for me is that we want players that can play with the same hunger, drive and determination that our fans want and that would be synonymous with the best Millwall players of the past,” the Rowett added.

“There have also been a lot of top Millwall players that have that technical quality as

well, and I think it’s always hard for us to find that balance.

“At a club like Millwall, there’s usually a trade off somewhere because we’re not going to be able to go out and spend sums to get that ready-made player. There’s always a trade off.

“Certainly with the two players we’ve bought in, that trade off is less, and that gives you better options within the game.

But for every Flem and Vogi, you need two other different types of players to balance the team.

“There’s no one way to say ‘that’s the best’ because with a team of those players you might not be as effective, but if you had a team of a certain type of player you might also not be effective.

“It’s just finding that balance and those little nuances of what makes a good team and a good fit. You just try to keep putting that jigsaw together and add little bits every window.”

Page 27

Lions plan out festive fixture fiasco

Millwall will travel to Watford late on Christmas Day

By Alex Jones alexj@southwarknews.co.uk MILLWALL MANAGER Gary Rowett has set out his schedule for the first-team players as they prepare to face Watford on Boxing Day.

The Lions were due to travel to Kenilworth Road on December 18th but the game was called off with two days’ notice because of the adverse weather forecast. As a result, they played a training match at Calmont Road on Saturday afternoon to replicate the postponed fixture.

Millwall’s senior squad will train as normal up until Christmas Day, when their preparations will be slightly altered ahead of their trip to Vicarage Road for a midday kick-off the next day.

“We’ll meet up and travel in the evening rather than in the morning,” Rowett told the News.

“That’s probably the only difference, the only thing that would change. We’d usually do a little bit of light work and then head to Watford.

“It’s not massively different, it just means we’ll try to give them Christmas morning with their kids and families.

“As we know, unfortunately, we’re not like the rest of the world, we don’t have a festive period. It’s more business for us and more games, it’s quite a busy period.

“I think players get used to it and staff get used to it, so it’s not massively different.”

The Lions will face three games in just six days next week as they host Bristol City and Rotherham United on December 29th and January 1st respectively.

The Lions are keen to open the site in autumn 2024 The recycled paper content of UK newspapers in 2014 was 83.5%

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