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Foster carers praise ‘invaluable’ support network as it turns 10 in Greenwich
An award-winning foster care programme that helps children, young people and carers thrive is celebrating 10 years in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
The Mockingbird Family Hub Model connects foster families through a network led by an experienced hub carer, creating a supportive community where carers can share advice, children build lasting friendships, and no family feels alone.
Greenwich was one of the first London boroughs to introduce the model in 2016. Today, five hubs support dozens of foster families through regular activities, sleepovers and peer support, helping reduce isolation and strengthen stable, loving homes.
Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Post-16 Futures, said: “They say it takes a village to raise a child, and the Mockingbird programme really embraces this. It reminds us that fostering is never done alone –it takes a community.
“Over the last 10 years, the Mockingbird Family Hub Model has had a huge impact, from supporting carer retention to creating a network where children and carers feel connected and supported. I look forward to seeing the programme continue to thrive and make a lasting change for fostering families over the next 10 years.”
Across Greenwich, five hubs support 10 to 12 families each, reaching up to 18 children per hub. Through regular meetups, shared activities, and sleepovers, children and carers build trusted relationships that reduce isolation, strengthen placement stability, and create a sense of belonging.
Watch the video to find out more about the Mockingbird Family Hub Model.
For one of our Friends and Family foster carers, Mockingbird has been a deeply meaningful part of her family’s journey. As her young person approaches adulthood and her family prepares to move on, she said: “For me, I was grateful to be somewhere where I didn’t have to explain B’s behaviour where people were always kind to him.”
“Our Mockingbird family gave B a friend who has grown into a proper friendship - thank you for helping their relationship to flourish. Jennifer [her Hub Carer] was always available to answer questions, share information and offer support. I am in awe of everyone's warmth, generosity, patience and tenacity. I wish young people didn’t need foster carers, but I am so grateful that you are there.”
Are you interested in fostering?
To foster you need to:
• Be over 18
• Have space in your house
• Have time to dedicate to caring for a child
Could you? Contact us on 0800 052 1499 or email fostering-recruitment@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or find out more: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/fostering
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Issue: GLW471
Pick of the Week
by Evie Flynn
‘WOOLWICH WOOFS’ DOG SHOW IS BACK NEXT MONTH
Woolwich Works are set to host Woolwich Woofs dog show again on Saturday 11th July after a successful first event last summer. All dogs and owners are invited to join for an afternoon of dog-themed fun in the courtyard of Woolwich Works. A panel of judges will judge pups across the following categories: opening pageant, beautiful bitch, dandy dog, waggiest tail, Fetch-it Fido, doggie track and field, My Dog’s Got Talent and best in show. Owners are invited to hang out in the sunny courtyard outside the Fireworks Factory whilst the competitions are taking place. The outside bar will be open and hot dogs are available to buy.
When: Saturday 11th July, 1pm – 5pm
Where: Woolwich Works (The Courtyard), The Fireworks Factory, 11 No.1 Street, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, London, SE18 6HD
Tickets: £5 per dog for competition entry. No fee or ticket is needed to enter the event
THE FIRST EVER ALCHEMY FESTIVAL
Live music will be showcased at Goldsmith University on 11 July at the first-ever Alchemy Festival. The event on will celebrate the talent and achievements of the Alchemy Academy and bring together students, artists, schools and teachers in a live music performance. Throughout the day, there will be film screenings at Goldsmith’s cinema, an exhibition in the Kingsway Corridor, and food and refreshments on offer. The Alchemy
EVENING STREET FOOD EVENT IN SHOOTER’S HILL
Head to Severndroog Castle in Shooter’s Hill after work on Friday 10th July to enjoy local street food in the evening sun. The popular street food evening event will be returning to the historic Grade II-listed gothic tower this year with even more food vendors. Guests can choose from vegan Caribbean dishes, stone-baked pizzas, smash burgers, tacos, Lebanese cuisine and more. The Severndroog Bar will also serving a range of alcohol and non-alchoholic beverages –
with all proceeds towards supporting the castle.
If you can’t make it, there is another event on Friday 7th August.
When: Friday July 10th, 5pm – 9pm Where: Severndroog Castle, Castlewood Dr, Shooters Hill, London SE18 3RT Tickets: No fee or ticket needed to enter the event but credit cards accepted at the stalls.
Academy offers free weekly sessions for young artists to develop their musical practice and skills. While Alchemy artists have performed at many events over the years, this is the first-ever Alchemy Festival.
When: Saturday July 11th, 1pm – 9pm
Where: Goldsmiths, University of London, 8 Lewisham Way, London SE14 6NW
Tickets: Free, book your ticket on EventBrite (organiser – Alchemy Goldsmiths)
Corbett Community Library near Catford are hosting their fifth family festival to showcase local businesses, artists and bakers. The theme for Corbfest 2026 is ‘shopping local’ and will run over four venues across three days. There will be free family games, arts and crafts, a bouncy castle, hot food, drinks, films screenings, live music and more.
Proceeds from the event will help raise funds for local community venues and organisations. Food and drinks stalls will be located outside Torridon Road stores.
To book at stall at the library: email rachel@corbettcommunity.org.uk
When: Friday July 10th – Saturday July 11th, 11am – 5pm
Where: Corbett Community Library, 103 Torridon Rd, London SE6 1RQ Tickets: Free, no ticket required
CORBFEST
How TfL and City Hall are using cable cars to fight loneliness
In 2022, the Reconceptualising Loneliness in London report, commissioned by the Greater London Authority, found that 700,000 Londoners are affected by severe loneliness and feel lonely “most” or “all of the time”. This disproportionately affects young, low-income, LGBTQ+, single parents, deaf or disabled, or ethnic minority Londoners, according to the research.
In response, City Hall and Transport for London (TfL) have launched a number of schemes designed to help people in the city “build meaningful and lasting relationships” with each other – especially amid divisive and false rhetoric spread about the capital on social media.
Last week TfL launched their third ‘Chatty Cabins’ initiative following two successful runs in February and June of last year. The scheme, which involves a free 20-minute round trip on the cable car, pairs individuals and groups up inside specially branded cabin with a simple instruction – get to know each other.
To get the full ‘Chatty Cabins’ experience, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) hopped on board the cable car at the Royal Docks Terminal alongside TfL’s Head of London Cable Car, Fiona Jones, and Dr Debbie WeekesBernard, the Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice.
“This has been the best year of the scheme so far,” Ms Jones said, with TfL confirming that all 300 tickets listed were snapped up by Londoners and visitors.
“We love giving back, and we
COMBATING LONELINESS
London may be a consistently busy and vibrant city, with crowds everywhere you go – but the hustle and bustle of our capital doesn’t reach everyone, writes Kumail Jaffer, Local Democracy Reporters...
thought about how to create a safe environment to get people chatting and connecting.
“From feedback we’ve heard, there’s people who [met here that] are still in touch now. They might never have crossed paths in their day-to-day life. This is bigger and better than ever.”
Dr Weekes-Bernard, who has helped roll out the Mayor’s Loved and Wanted initiative, added: “It’s all about giving Londoners the opportunity to connect with each other, strike up a conversation, in a safe space.
“Even though London is an incredibly vibrant, busy city, there are those who experience levels of loneliness.
“This, alongside a couple of other initiatives that we’ve been developing, is just one way of just trying to allow people who are experiencing difficulties with connecting with each other, an opportunity to find a space,
which we’ve curated for them, where they can strike up a conversation and make a connection that they might not have ordinarily have made.
“The basic premise is that just the smallest interaction can make an enormous difference. For some people, having a conversation and having [an encounter] like this in a cable car might be the only conversation they would have had that day, or even that week.”
London’s Loved and Wanted community spaces are spread across the city and give people the opportunity to come together and feel accepted, whatever their background. An interactive map shows the locations with the scheme funded by £1.8 million from the Mayor of London and the National Lottery Community Fund.
Dr Weekes-Bernard added: “London is a city for everyone. We’ve funded Loved and Wanted community
spaces, which are about enabling people to find a space that’s local to them, where they can meet people, regardless of their background, strike up a conversation, get to know another person, but also, perhaps just learn something new about a culture that they’ve never come across or don’t know that much about.
“That’s as much about trying to tackle loneliness as it is around recognising that we’re living in some challenging times.”
Last week Sir Sadiq Khan announced £7million would be spent on combatting disinformation about London on social media.
He said the city had been subjected to a “relentless and unprecedented attack of lies and hatred”, with a GLA report earlier this year finding a nearly 200% per cent increase in posts over the past two years portraying the capital as dangerous or in decline.
Dr Weekes-Bernard suggested that this may have contributed to an atmosphere of fear around the city, potentially compelling individuals to become more reclusive.
“We know that social media can be a place which can both connect people and people find their communities online, but also it can be quite a divisive place,” she said. “Some of what people see can contribute to them feeling isolated, or feeling harassed or targeted.
“Our whole campaign is about trying to provide those occasions for people to come together, perhaps learn a new skill or take part in a particular initiative or a service that they might not have ordinarily come across.
“We know that we have to kind of be quite intentional about this. We can’t really leave people to just try to make these connections themselves, because we’re living in a time when there is a lot of fear around.
“So if we can do anything to provide spaces and opportunities for people to make those connections, then we’d really like to have to do that.
“We want to remind people that there are more individuals out there who are kind, who care about each other, who look out for their neighbours, than there are people who are intentionally quite divisive. If you spend a lot of time online and you’re from a particular minority community, you would think that this is an unsafe society for you.
“All of that work together, hopefully, goes some way towards enabling people to feel a little safer in our city, and to be able to counter some of the disinformation online.”
Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London’s Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice
A to B is New Cross to a Cambridge First
A to B is a new play written by award-winning playwright Tia-Renee Mullings. The author, who is from South East London, spoke to her favourite local newspaper to talk about the process and how she came to make her voice heard, writes Michael Holland...
Being from South East London is important to this young woman: ‘I’ve lived in New Cross, Hither Green, Catford, Blackheath, and Greenwich. I think New Cross shaped me the most, though!’
Tia-Renee grew up in a house where education was paramount: ‘I was taken to libraries, museums, and galleries from a young age,’ she recalls, ‘so learning was never just something that happened at school. It was part of everyday life; my family always encouraged my curiosity.’
That upbringing led to a History & Politics degree. I asked how. ‘I’ve always been a bit of a history nerd. My mum has collected historical objects for as long as I can remember, so I grew up around things that made history feel tangible and alive. Black history was also really emphasised at home, and I carried that interest with me all through school. Then I started doing youth advocacy work, which really informed my love for politics.’
As is often the case, there was ‘an amazing teacher – Shout out Mr Choudhury - who taught History and Politics and really encouraged me. Those ended up being my two best subjects, so studying them at university felt like a natural next step.’
But it was not an ordinary step because Tia-Renee went to Cambridge and came away with a First! ‘Cambridge was intense! It was a massive culture shock in a lot of ways, and there were definitely moments where I felt very far from home. At the same time, it was also one of the best and most formative times of my life. I met some of my best friends, learnt so much about myself and my subjects… Cambridge stretched me, challenged me, and sometimes overwhelmed me, but it also gave me so so much. I miss it, and I’m really grateful for it, but I’m also very happy to be back in my ends, with my peopledem.’
I wanted to know if she took the South London girl to Cambridge: ‘I definitely tried! I think wherever I go, South London comes with me in how I speak, how I see the world, what I find funny, and the communities I feel accountable to. Cambridge was such a different environment, culturally
as well as geographically, so this was a way of staying grounded and reminding myself that I didn’t have to leave parts of myself behind in order to belong there.’
Being awarded a First is an achievement on many levels for anyone. For Ms Mullings it was not just the culmination of three years of really hard work: ‘There was something deeply satisfying about reaching that goal and knowing the work had paid off. It also meant a lot to my family. As a Black Caribbean person from a working-class background, even being in that space felt significant, so leaving with a First was hugely symbolic. It gave me a sense of, “I did it, and no one can take that away from me.”.’
So how did a First in History & Politics turn into writing plays?
‘I’ve always gravitated towards writing in some form, whether that was novels, short stories, poems, or scripts. As a child, I was always presenting a new play, TV show, or musical I’d made up to my parents. The problem then was that I never finished them, but the love was always there.
‘After my A Levels, I suddenly found it really difficult to digest thick novels, so I started reading plays instead. It was partly just to keep my brain engaged, but I ended up absolutely falling in love with them. I think this also coincided with me going to the theatre more on my own terms and discovering it beyond the West End. I also had a passion for spoken word, but I didn’t fully understand how closely poetry and theatre could speak to each other until then.
‘When I got to university, I decided to try writing my first full-length spoken word play - Little Angela Davis. More than anything, I challenged myself to actually finish something. That same year, I submitted it to the Alfred Fagon Award and the Mustapha Matura Award, not really expecting anything, but wanting to push myself. I was really surprised to win the latter, and I think that opened so many doors, but also my mind.’
Winning the award gave Tia-Renee a
Interview with awardwinning playwright Tia-Renee Mullings
different feeling than the degree. She says, ‘It wasn’t so much the end of something as the beginning of something else. It was an open door, and a vote of confidence at a point when I was just starting out as a playwright. To have that kind of recognition so early really encouraged me, and still does… The First affirmed the work I had already put in, and the Mustapha Matura Award gave me confidence in the work I was yet to do.’
Cambridge also offered Tia-Renee the opportunity to make proper theatre: ‘Cambridge theatre is kind of its own entity, and being part of it gave me a real respect for the form. I got to experience what it meant to be on a production team, to collaborate seriously, and to make work that people actually paid to come and watch.’
Do the degree and the playwriting go hand-in-hand together? ‘I definitely believe so! History is, in so many ways, about storytelling: whose stories get told, whose are left out. Studying it made me think
a lot about narrative, power, memory, and perspective, which are all things I’m drawn to as a writer. It also made me interested in the gaps: the people, communities, and experiences that don’t always make it into the official record.
‘Politics is just as central to my writing. I believe all art is political, even when it doesn’t announce itself as such, because every story makes choices about who matters, what is visible, and what kind of world we are being asked to imagine. My passion for politics underpins not only what I create, but why I create.
‘Both have also been avenues for exploring my love of Caribbean people, culture, and community, and for feeling more connected to that history and inheritance.’
What inspired A to B?
‘I knew I wanted to write a Black-British love story. Rye Lane had come out the year before, and as one of the many loves of my own life, South London naturally
became the setting for my play.
‘At the same time, I was in the thick of my friends telling me endless stories about dates gone terribly wrong, so I was thinking a lot about modern dating, vulnerability, embarrassment, and the strange comedy of trying to connect with someone. I wanted to write something hopeful, rooted in young Black British lives, and unapologetically British-Jamaican.
‘Unapologetically, because I was (and still am) most inspired by the richness and vibrancy of the Caribbean community I grew up around.’
Any last words? ‘I’d just add that I feel really grateful to be telling a story like this right now. My hope is that it can offer a bit of hope in times that can sometimes feel a bit hopeless, romantically or otherwise. I hope audiences have as much fun watching it as I did writing it.’
A to B is on at Soho Theatre until July 3rd. Booking and full details: sohotheatre.com
Royal Greenwich 2040: Local Plan moves to next stage
Updated Plan aims to deliver 50,000 new homes, create new jobs and improve infrastructure, writes Tom Appleby...
The updated Plan aims to deliver 50,000 new homes, create new jobs and improve infrastructure following extensive feedback from residents, businesses and stakeholders.
Alongside this, it will protect green spaces, introduce stricter rules for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and aim to create a stronger local economy.
The Plan will lift the threshold for conversions to 130sqm internal space to protect family homes and avoid the saturation of HMOs across the borough.
It will also address issues such as income and health inequalities by targeting sustainable short and long-term growth.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “At its heart, this Local Plan is about creating a borough where people feel safe, proud and optimistic about the future. We want Royal Greenwich to remain a place where families can put down roots, where
communities feel connected, and where residents can see the benefits of growth in their everyday lives.
“This is our vision for Royal Greenwich to 2040 and beyond: a borough that is ambitious and inclusive, where opportunity is shared, inequalities are reduced and people are proud to call Royal Greenwich home.”
The Plan will also introduce more robust environmental protections and clearer expectations for developers, with three new site allocations for regeneration - two in Woolwich and one in Greenwich.
Councillor Tom Creswell, Cabinet Member for Planning and Development, said: “Whether you’re a young person looking for your first home, a family putting down roots or an older resident looking to stay connected to your community, this Plan is about making Royal Greenwich a great place at every stage of life.
“By strengthening protections for family-sized homes, supporting genuinely affordable housing and
planning for sustainable growth, we are creating communities where children can grow up safely, families can flourish and people can enjoy
a
of life
to jobs, services and green spaces.”
will be subject to approval at Full Council on Wednesday, July 22, and then to a statutory consultation for six weeks from Monday July, 27.
Elephant & Castle brewer to lead Lewisham Model Market revival
The operator and first trader at the new Lewisham Model Market has been confirmed as Elephant and Castle’s German Kraft Brewery, writes Alex Orr...
The popular food court, which was forced to closed in 2019, is being brought back into use as part of the redevelopment of Lewisham Shopping Centre and will be located at 196 Lewisham High Street.
German Kraft Brewery, founded in 2017 at Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant & Castle, will operate the site, which will open late this summer.
Mercato Metropolitano, the food
court that opened on the site of a disused paper factory, will be closing its doors in autumn this year after ten years in Elephant and Castle.
The craft beer brand will now choose the street food vendors in Lewisham, who will be announced in due course, and also sell beer from a taproom on site.
Developer Landsec, which owns the Model Market site and is also overseeing the redevelopment of
the shopping centre, has vowed to bring back the market as a hub for independent businesses and creative spaces.
The market is set to take inspiration from its original 1950s market style, featuring retro shopfronts and string lights.
Preliminary designs for the market have been released, showing a range of food stalls and two tiers of open-air seating.
A Model Market spokesperson said in January: “With a nostalgic design inspired by mid-century shopfronts and a commitment to modern, sustainable values, the new Model Market will feel both timeless and completely new, a reimagined street market for a new generation.”
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Pending Cabinet, the revised plan
Housing development with 100% affordable homes coming to Lewisham
The development, Ladywell Park Gardens, is on Lewisham High Street, where the Ladywell Leisure Centre used to be based writes Cristina Lia Trujillo
Higgins Partnership has started work on a 100 per cent affordable housing development on Lewisham High Street.
The developer and contractor began work in May and is expected to finish by summer 2028.
The development, Ladywell Park Gardens, is on Lewisham High Street, where the Ladywell Leisure Centre used to be.
PLACE/Ladywell, a temporary housing scheme for 24 homeless families, operates at the front of the site and will continue with an extended lease until March 2027.
There will be 102 affordable homes in Ladywell Park Gardens, with 47 social homes for families on the
waiting list, 55 for shared ownership and 11 wheelchair accessible.
Ladywell Park Gardens will have new landscaping, a public garden and a children’s play area, along with environmental measures like living roofs and sustainable urban drainage systems to reduce flood risk.
There will also be cycle storage.
While constructing the site, Higgins Partnership is offering six apprenticeships and 36 work experience placements.
Cllr Daniel Dream, Lewisham council cabinet member for inclusive
regeneration, planning and housing delivery, said: “It’s excellent to see work underway on these urgently needed affordable homes, which will give 102 families the security of a long-term place to call home.
“Delivering affordable homes for local people is my top priority, and while
there are challenges, we are using new ideas and different approaches to keep things moving at pace.
“Just as importantly, this development will benefit the wider community too, creating opportunities for 40 local people to learn new skills through apprenticeships and placements.”
Greenwich Council publishes consultation on Public Space Protection Orders
The consultation is running until July 22
The Royal Borough of Greenwich has requested feedback on the renewal of its Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), writes TomAppleby
Residents, businesses and visitors are being consulted over the scope of the current PSPOs and whether they would like to amend them.
The council would also like responders to share their experiences of anti-social behaviour and ideas on how the council could counteract it more efficiently.
PSPOs grant the council and police extra powers if an individual’s actions are problematic for the general public.
They cover foul and abusive language, threatening or intimidating behaviour, drug use, riding scooters on the pavement, aggressive or persistent begging and making sexual or gender-based comments.
Their powers include an immediate £100
fine, Community Protection Warnings, Community Protection Notices and targeted patrols in known areas.
The current PSPOs expire on October 31 this year, and the consultation will be available until July 22.
Councillor Joshua Ayodele, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Integrated Enforcement, said: “Our PSPO element is a fundamental element of our work to make Greenwich a safe and secure environment for all residents.
“We issued more than 2,800 Fixed Penalty Notices to individuals breaching our PSPOs between January 2023 and December 2025, demonstrating how effective these measures are.
“We now want to understand whether this remains the case and what more can be done. That starts with engaging with the very people that frequently interact with these public spaces.
We need to hear from residents, businesses and visitors about their lived experiences so that we can shape our PSPOs to continue to address local concerns, help manage anti-social behaviour in public spaces and continue keeping our communities safe.”
Cllr Dream, David Martin (Higgins), Mayor Shrivastava, Cllr Asaw at Ladywell Park Gardens (Credit: Lewisham Council)
The old electricity junction boxes... and the hunt
for one that got lost in the
post
Some weeks ago The Greenwich Wire blogger described himself walking in Hillreach in Woolwich, where he took a photograph of what most of us would describe as an ‘electricity junction box’ which is rotting away on the corner of Pellipar Road.
I think he wanted to make a point about the neglect of the public realm – how our streets and the ‘street furniture’ in them are not always cared for and kept clean and fresh looking. I can’t be sure exactly what he said because the page has gone from his website and I can’t find a way of getting into it now - so I’m sorry if I am misinterpreting anything.
When I saw his post I followed it up with a note on the Greenwich Industrial
History Facebook page, because I knew that there were people who were interested in the history of street furniture and had done some research on some local junction boxes. Some of their findings had been published in the Greenwich Industrial History newsletter in, I think, 2006 and again, more recently been picked up in 2020. Several people ‘liked’ the Facebook page entry and some added comments and some put notes about older boxes still standing in the
area. I’ve followed all of them up and if they don’t feature here it’s because there’s not enough space for everything.
The old boxes which people noted were almost exclusively at sites in Woolwich and Plumstead. The power supply in those areas was originally supplied by a Woolwich Council power station until nationalisation in 1947 and some boxes date from then. These old boxes have a raised design on the front with the three guns of the Woolwich heraldic insignia. One of these, in Burrage Place, Woolwich is on the Council’s local heritage ‘list’ as ‘Electricity Box. Embossed Woolwich Borough Coat of Arms on both sides: three upright cannon barrels festooned with lions heads and the motto ‘Clamant Nostra Tela in Regis Querela’ – ‘Our weapons clash in the King’s quarrel’. Arms granted 9th August 1934’. Nothing there about its use or its ownership.
I’m extremely unsure about such structures in the Greenwich part of the Borough. The only box I know about is long gone. It was from the Blackwall Point power station and it was on the traffic island on Blackheath and so very difficult to see. It was removed
by Transport for London when they were ‘tidying up’ for the Olympics.
One thing that’s important to remember is that they are not really called ‘junction boxes’ but ‘feeder pillars’. This name seems to be the one used for them in planning documents and anyone intending to raise issues about them with the Council needs to know that. To my mind this is confusing and a ‘pillar’ is something I would see as taller and slimmer than these little street cupboards. However the term ‘junction box’ covers a myriad of small devices and so is also confusing.
I think in most areas there is a consensus that street furniture like this needs to be kept in good order - looking fresh and clean and up to date. There’s nothing wrong with keeping old stuff as museum pieces in the streets too - but they also need to be kept in good order. Most people who want to complain about them will automatically assume that the local council is responsible for them and must be chased until they are cleaned and repaired. However they are nothing do with the Council but are, like much street furniture, owned by the
organisation which supplies the service to the public. Hence they are owned by the supplier of electricity – EDFElectricite de France, in case you didn’t know that, as a result of privatisation, our electricity supply is owned by the French nationalised industry.
I don’t know how good, or otherwise, EDF are in responding to complaints about their equipment and doing something about it. But I think there is a good chance that that Greenwich Council officer that you’ve been moaning about and saying how lazy and ineffective they are has actually made many, many calls and written many, many letters to the owners about it. I think the Council is able to take legal action against some of these outfits, but I know that it seen a bit as the last resort.
Gradually these old cupboard-like boxes are being replaced by featureless white cubes, but those that remain have been the subject of intermittent attention.
The first article which GIHS published on some of the local boxes pointed out one thing which I’ve seen nowhere else. That is about their manufacture
Mary Mills
Henley’s head office Northfleet
MY BOOKS – CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
By Dr Mary Mills
and the companies involved. Interestingly both are local to South East London and to Woolwich.
One of these manufacturers, almost inevitably, is Siemens, who made so much of electrical and telecommunications equipment which we take for granted today. They left Woolwich in 1968 but their presence still resonates. They had been set up in London in early 1860s with links to the German future multinational. They were based in a complex of buildings which are now largely inland of the Thames Barrier and some of which are in use as craft workshops and the like. The site has recently been the subject of proposals for regeneration, none of which seemed to have come to fruition.
In his article for GIHS Richard Buchanan pointed to examples of junction boxes made by Siemens apparently still in use – in Ashridge Crescent and in Kinlet Road on Shooters Hill and another in Timbercroft Lane in Plumstead. These boxes are described as having a door opening and facing the pavement with a key operated lock. On the base is “SIEMENS” along with a plaque giving the registration number and patent.
It would be interesting to know more and if these boxes were actually
made in Woolwich. When Greenwich Industrial History Society was first set up we had a lot of access to Siemens history. Ex workers from the factory had a long term organisation which had among other things collected a huge amount of archived material. This was all donated to the Heritage Centre when it was still open. Gradually the members all eventually died and we know of no one to talk to about the history of this amazing company.
The other firm Richard mentions as a manufacturer of these boxes is Henleys. William Henley had known early cable makers like Glass Elliott and eventually set up his own manufacturing unit in North Woolwich. I suppose technically in those days that was Woolwich since North Woolwich was then part of the Borough of Woolwich – but it’s now in Newham. They also expanded to a site at Northfleet taking over part of the old Rosherville Gardens site. My father worked in the print works which was adjacent to the Henley’s site and we all knew numerous men who worked there.
Henley’s boxes also have a door on the side facing the pavement. The door has two key holes top and bottom. The roadside face has a removable panel held on by eight studs and on the base, below the panel, is cast “HENLEY”.
n THE EARLY EAST LONDON GAS INDUSTRY: HOW IT BEGAN AND HOW IT HELPED LONDON INDUSTRIES TO GROW. The gas industry in early 19th century London - all the incompetence and all the scandals. Also explores how gas industry waste products were taken up and used by other industries. £15
n GEORGE LIVESEY - A BIOGRAPHY. The life of South London’s maverick 19th century gas works manager, who forced the privately owned industry to work in partnership with the public and with its workforce. There is nothing in the industry he didn’t change. This is about a man who wanted to change society – but in 1889 got it very wrong. £10. Illustrated. £15
n SHIPBUILDING IN GREENWICH – A shortish run through those who built ships in our borough and what they built on. It covers two Royal Dockyards, to those who built single sailing barges, and those who built into the 1990s. £10
n THE GREENWICH RIVERSIDE – UPPER WATERGATE TO ANGERSTEIN. A siteby-site description of the Greenwich Riverside between Deptford to Charlton. This is not yet another description of Royal Greenwich but looks at riverside communities, industries and river workers – as well less known site histories. £15
n THE INDUSTRIES OF DEPTFORD CREEK. A siteby-site description of this amazingly busy Creekside between its mouth with the Thames and the Lewisham border. It includes industries of national importance, from the medieval to electronics pioneers - and the downright quirky. £15
n GREENWICH PENINSULA - GREENWICH MARSH. A HISTORY OF AN INDUSTRIAL HEARTLAND. This is a rewrite of my all-time bestseller Greenwich Marsh, to include the Dome. It describes the history of the Marsh and the industries which grew up there in the 19th century, including Enderby Wharf and the telecommunications revolution, as well as the amazing gas works and much else. £10
via Amazon Contact marymillsmmmmm@gmail.com for further information on sales
So, back to that lamentable looking specimen in Hillreach. One of the comments on my Facebook came from the Charlton Society and mentioned their efforts to get it preserved along with the (very, very sadly no longer with us) Councillor Jim Gillman. Jim wanted to get it ‘archived’ with the Greenwich Heritage Centre – then still a going concern. But the owners said that it was still in use and therefore couldn’t be moved. Perhaps we should find out if that is still true.
Anyway – sometimes things sort of work out - on Shooters Hill was a ‘roadside
electricity distribution box’ with the Arms of the Borough of Woolwich on it.
On Monday 25th September 2006, Dr Barry Gray phoned GIHS’s then Chair Susan Bullivant to say that it had been knocked by a car, and was leaning across the pavement at a dangerous angle.
Susan phoned the Greenwich Highways Department who gave her the phone number of EdF, the electricity supply company, whose office is in Ipswich. The staff there were sympathetic and concerned - that the box should be saved - that the electricity supply was safe’ . Chris Foord then in charge at
Greenwich Heritage Centre confirmed that they would like to acquire the box. On Tuesday 26th, Dr Barry Gray said that men were removing the junction box, and had said ‘they had to be careful with it as a lady has phoned up about it’. Susan went to talk to them and was told it would go in their big EdF van to their depot in Bexleyheath Broadway. She told Chris, who made the arrangements and on the following Tuesday, 3rd October. EdF duly delivered it.
So, you see, it can be done. But of course the next question is... where is it now...?
Listed Junction box Burrage Place woolwich
Junction for Blackpool Point power station A 2 roundabout 2008. Since demolished and removed
Aerial view of Siemens Woolwich
Self-storage, right round the corner
Because
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Befriending
Kellogg’s Football Camps delivered by CACT taking place in July & August
Kellogg’s Football Camps delivered by Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) are taking place during the upcoming sixweek summer school holidays.
CACT provide children who are enthusiastic about football with an opportunity to develop their skills over the summer break, with a variety of Kellogg’s Football Camps taking place between Wednesday, July 22nd and Friday, August 28th.
Football Camps for young people aged 4 to 15 will run at four locations across south-east London and Kent during the six-week break:
• Charlton Athletic’s Training Ground, New Eltham
• Sporting Club Thamesmead
• John Wallis Academy, Ashford
• Bexley Park, Dartford
In New Eltham, CACT will also be running girls-only and goalkeeperspecific sessions across the six-week holiday. Advanced sessions targeted at 11 to 15 year-olds competing
at JPL, Kent Youth League, or equivalent levels will also return in New Eltham across July and August.
All sessions are delivered by FA-qualified CACT coaches. Additionally, first-team players from both Charlton’s men’s and
women’s teams visit sessions in New Eltham, which gives aspiring players the chance to meet and learn from the professionals.
CACT are pleased to be delivering Kellogg’s Football Camps this summer as part of a nationwide
initiative that is giving away 30,000 free places. To claim a free place, simply purchase a promotional pack and redeem the code by visiting: bit.ly/cact-kelloggs
Scan the QR code to see CACT’s summer offering in full.
ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) ELTHAM GREEN ROAD AREA PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)
1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich intends to make this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Southern Gas Networks who need to carry out mains replacement.
2. The Order will come into operation on 20th July 2026 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 6 weeks. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.
3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, exiting, proceeding or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading in Eltham Green Road from the junctions of Eltham Green, Dowding Drive, Kenward Road, Shawbrooke Road, Freeman Walk, Meadowside, Messent Road to Jeken Road and to remove parking in the parking area opposite Boyd Way.
4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will be diverted via the placing of the appropriate signage. Prohibitions remain in force, pedestrians are not affected and vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible.
5. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to vehicles being used in connection with the works.
6. The restrictions described above will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by traffic signs as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.
7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich Directorate of Communities and Environment and Central via email to street.works@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Assistant Director, Strategic Transportation
The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ INTERNAL REF - EM/ LA496788, 497288, 496394, 504321, 497289, 504313 /LIC No 76744/ 12/06/2026 11:30
ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH
Introduction of Banned Turns, Bus and Cycle Lanes, One Ways and No Entry – Fixed Camera Enforcement [T6(26)]
The Greenwich (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (Amendment No. 155) Order 2026
The Greenwich (Charged For-Parking Places) (Amendment No. 164) Order 2026
The Greenwich (Bus Lanes) Traffic Order 2001 (Amendment No. 26) Order 2026
The Greenwich (One-way, Prohibited Entry and Prohibited Turns) Order 2026
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Royal Borough of Greenwich (hereinafter referred to as “the Council”), on 22nd June 2026, made the above-mentioned Orders under sections 6, 45, 46, 49, 124 and Part IV of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (RTRA 1984), as amended.
2. The general effect of the Orders will be to:
a) Amend the existing ‘No Stopping Mon-Fri 8am-5pm on entrance markings’ on Plum Lane, west side, to a point 2.4 metres (m) north of its junction with Nithdale Road for 31.36m in a northerly direction (no change on street).
b) Introduce a one way with a contra-flow cycle lane at the following locations:
i. Anglesea Road, in a south-easterly direction, from its junction with Woolwich New Road to its junction with Brookhill Road.
ii. Hawthorne Crescent, in a clockwise direction, from its northern junction with Vanbrugh Hill to its southern junction with Vanbrugh Hill.
iii. Egerton Drive, in a north-westerly direction, from its junction with Ashburnham Place to its junction with Greenwich High Road.
c) Introduce a one way at the following locations:
i. Castlie Road, in a north-easterly direction, from its junction with John Wilson Street to its junction with Monk Street.
ii. Rochester Way, in a north-westerly direction, from its junction with Westbrook Road to its junction with Rochester Way Relief Road.
d) Introduce a Bus and Cycle Lane at all times on Kidbrooke Park Road at the following locations:
i. South-west side, from a point 13.8m north-west of the common boundary of Nos. 145 and 145a Kidbrooke Park Road for 46.7m in a northwesterly direction.
ii. North-east side, from the eastern kerbline of the junction of Susan Road for 25.59m in a south-easterly direction.
e) Introduce a banned left turn and mandatory right turn from Westbrook Road into Rochester Way.
f) Introduce a banned right turn from Woolwich Road into Halstow Road.
g) Introduce a no entry except cycles in a northerly direction on Halstow Road adjacent to the southern property boundary of No. 74 Woolwich Road.
3. Copies of the Orders, which will come into operation on 1st July 2026, and all other relevant documents can be inspected until the expiration period of 6 weeks from that date, either by writing to Parking Design Team, Floor 3, The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ or traffic-orders@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or visiting the Woolwich Centre Library, The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ during normal office hours on Monday to Fridays inclusive, quoting reference ‘T6(26) Fixed Camera Enforcement’.
4. Any person desiring to question the validity of the Order or of any provision contained therein on the grounds that it is not within the relevant powers of the RTRA 1984, or that any of the relevant requirements thereof or of any relevant regulation made thereunder has not been complied with in relation to the Order may, within six weeks of the making of the Order, make application for the purpose to the High Court.
Director of Communities, Environment and Central The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ
Dated 1st July 2026
ROYAL BOROUGH of GREENWICH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 – SECTION 14(1) WOODVILLE CLOSE PLANNED ROAD CLOSURE (ORDER)
1. The Royal Borough of Greenwich makes this Order in exercise of powers under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This is to facilitate works by Erith Connect LTD who need to install new service connections.
2. The Order will come into operation on 6th July 2026 and would continue to be valid for 18 months. However, the works are expected to take 3 weeks. The duration of the Order can be extended with the approval of the Secretary of State for Transport.
3. The effect of the Order would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering, proceeding, or waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading or unloading), in Woodville Close outside 37 Hervey Road.
4. Whilst the Order is in operation traffic will not need to be diverted as this is a no through road. Prohibitions remain in force; pedestrians are not affected, and vehicle access will be maintained when required.
5. Nothing in this Notice will apply to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or traffic warden, to emergency service vehicles, or to vehicles being used in connection with the works.
6. The restrictions described above will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by traffic signs as prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016.
7. Queries concerning these works should be directed to the Royal Borough of Greenwich Directorate of Communities, Environment and Central via email to street.works@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
Ryan Nibbs Assistant Director, Transport. The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
NTERNAL REF - EM/ LA504560 FN7 /LIC No 76557 / 20/05/2026 11:15
Royal Borough of Greenwich
Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (AS AMENDED)
Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (AS AMENDED)
Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 (AS AMENDED)
Town & Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2007 (AS AMENDED)
Notice is hereby given that application(s) have been made to The Royal Borough of Greenwich in respect of the under mentioned premises/sites. You can see the submissions and any plans at http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/planning.
If development proposals affect Conservation Areas and/or Statutorily Listed Buildings under the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Area) Act 1990 (As Amended) this will be shown within the item below.
Anyone who wishes to comment on these applications should be made in writing to Development Planning within 21 days of the date of this notice.
Please quote the appropriate reference number.
Date: 1/07/2026
Gilian MacInnes
Interim Assistant Director- Planning and Building Control
List of Press Advertisements - 1/07/2026
Publicity for Planning Applications
Applicant: Natallia Raisanen 26/1500/F
Site Address: FLAT 8, RINGWOOD COURT, 24 KIDBROOKE GROVE, KIDBROOKE, LONDON, SE3 0LF
Development: The conservation-appropriate retrofit of the existing Victorian timber sash windows, and all associated works.
Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH
Applicant: Ms Hong Law 26/1529/HD
Site Address: 11 LIZBAN STREET, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 8SS
Development: Replacement of windows and front door to double glazed timber.
Conservation Area: RECTORY FIELD
Applicant: Mr Balendran 26/1572/F
Site Address: 2A BARNARD CLOSE, LONDON, SE18 6JQ
Development: Erection of a ground floor and first floor rear extension and internal alterations to allow for the partial change of use on first floor from Office (Use Class E(g)(i)) to residential (Use Class C3) to accommodate 2x1 bed studio flats and all other associated alterations
Conservation Area: WOOLWICH CONSERVATION AREA
Applicant: Mikhail Grinberg 26/1574/F
Site Address: FLAT 2, LENNOX HOUSE, 96 MANOR WAY, BLACKHEATH, LONDON, SE3 9AP
Development: Replacement of the existing single glazed timber sashes, retention and repair of the existing timber box framed, and the installation of new timber sliding sashes incorporating heritage slimline double glazing to the side and rear elevation of the first-floor flat contained within Lennox House.
Conservation Area: BLACKHEATH PARK
Applicant: Devinder Gainda 26/1596/F
Site Address: 34 HARDY ROAD, LONDON, SE3 7NN
Development: Change of use of existing residential dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to use as a Children's Home (Use Class C2), refurbishment of the property and construction of a rear extension, and all associated works.
Conservation Area: WESTCOMBE PARK
Applicant: University of Greenwich 26/1747/SD
Site Address: DEVONPORT HOUSE AND COOPER BUILDING, 66-68 KING WILLIAM WALK, GREENWICH SE10 9JW
Development: Submission of details pursuant to discharge of Condition 11 (Fire Safety Strategy) in relation to Planning Permission 24/3427/L dated 22/10/2025.
Conservation Area: GREENWICH PARK
Applicant: Mr Guszpit Wates 26/1787/HD
Site Address: 47 PELTON ROAD, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9AH Development: Replacement of existing windows and doors with new like-for-like replacements.
Conservation Area: EAST GREENWICH
Applicant: Mr Guszpit Wates 26/1788/HD
Site Address: 31 WHITWORTH STREET, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9EL
Development: The replacement of the existing windows with new like-for-like replacements.
Conservation Area: EAST GREENWICH
Applicant: Mr Jon Boulton 26/1804/HD
Site Address: 37 MAUDSLAY ROAD, ELTHAM, LONDON, SE9 1LH Development: Construction of single storey rear extension and associated works.
Conservation Area: PROGRESS ESTATE
Applicant: Wlodarski 26/1816/HD
Site Address: 22 MEREWORTH DRIVE, PLUMSTEAD, LONDON, SE18 3EE Development: Erection of a single-storey wrap-around extension following the demolition of the existing rear conservatory, extension and conversion of the existing side garage into habitable living space, and all other associated alterations.
Conservation Area: SHREWSBURY PARK ESTATE
Publicity for Listed Building Consent.
Applicant: Hugh Backhouse 26/1677/L
Site Address: 35 FAIRFIELD GROVE, CHARLTON, LONDON, SE7 8UA Development: Replacement of two non-original rear windows with heritage sensitive design, profile and windows.
Conservation Area: CHARLTON VILLAGE Listed Building: Grade 2
Publicity For Advertisements.
Applicant: Screwfix Direct Limited 26/1655/A
Site Address: NATWEST BANK PLC, 2 GREENWICH CHURCH STREET, GREENWICH, LONDON, SE10 9BQ
PUBLIC NOTICES
ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH
Waiting and Loading Restrictions and Changes to Parking Places – Minor Works Batch 1 (26/27) [T7(26)]
The Greenwich (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (Amendment No. *) Order 202* The Greenwich (Charged For-Parking Places) (Amendment No. *) Order 202*
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Royal Borough of Greenwich (hereinafter referred to as “the Council”) proposes to make the above mentioned Orders under sections 6, 45, 46, 49, 124 and Part IV of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (RTRA 1984), as amended.
2. The general effect of the Orders would be to:
i. introduce ‘No Waiting at any time’ restrictions (AAT) for a length of 10 metres (m), unless stated otherwise, in:
a. Birdbrook Road (eastern kerb line) – on either side of its junction with (j/w) Tilbrook Road;
b. Tilbrook Road (western end, both sides) – at its j/w Birdbrook Road;
c. Glenesk Road (southwestern kerb line) – on either side of its j/w Greenvale Road;
d. Greenvale Road (eastern end, both sides) - at its j/w Glenesk Road;
e. Garrick Drive (western and southwestern kerb lines) – extending existing AAT on either side of its j/w Apollo Way;
f. Meerbrook Road (southeastern end, both sides) – at its j/w Ridgebrook Road;
g. Ridgebrook Road (northwestern kerb line) – on either side of its j/w Meerbrook Road;
h. Footscray Road (western and southwestern kerb-lines) –
(i) from a point opposite No. 103, extending southwards;
(ii) for 12.5m opposite Nos. 109-113 (between the northern access way to No. 140 and the bus stop);
(iii) opposite Nos. 123/125 (between the bus stop to No. 140 and the southern access way);
(iv) outside No.144, extending southwards from a point immediately south of the southern access way to No. 140;
i. Congo Road (northwestern and southeastern ends, both side) – at its junctions with (i) Ancona Road and (ii) Piedmont Road;
j. Piedmont Road (western kerb line) – on either side of its j/w Congo Road;
k. Ancona Road –
(i) (southeastern kerb-line) on either side of its j/w Congo Road;
(ii) (northwestern kerb-line) extending north-eastwards from the northern kerb-line of Gossage Road; (iii) (western kerb-line) extending southwards for 33m from the southern kerb-line of Gossage Road;
l. Gossage Road (eastern end, both sides) – at its j/w Ancona Road;
m. Farjeon Road (southeastern kerb-line) – on either side of its j/w the access way to Nos. 9 to 39, and extending southeastwardly into the access way for 3m;
n. Halfway Street (southwestern kerb-line) – on either side of its j/w Overmead;
o. Overmead (northeastern end, both sides) – at its j/w Halfway Street;
p. Felixstowe Road (southwest-northeast arm, both sides): outside Nos. 25 to 29, extending existing restrictions;
q. Newmarket Green (northeast to southwest arm of crescent, both sides) – at its j/w Middle Park Avenue;
r. Isla Road (northwestern and southeastern ends, both sides) – at its junctions with (i) Vernham Road, and (ii) Kirk Lane;
s. Kirk Lane (northwestern kerb-line) – on either side of its j/w Isla Road;
t. Vernham Road (eastern kerb-line) - on either side of its j/w Isla Road;
ii. in Foreland Street:
a. (northwestern kerb-line) from a point opposite the rear wall of No. 136 Plumstead Road, introduce AAT and no loading ‘at any time’ restrictions southwestwardly up to its southern extremity;
b. southern kerb-line – introduce AAT for its entire length.
iii. in Whitworth Road (southern end, all sides) between the southwestern boundaries of No.86 and No.77, introduce AAT and no loading ‘at any time’ restriction;
iv. Clevely Close (at the junction of both its arms) –
a. northwest-south arm (northeastern and eastern sides): introduce AAT for 21.5m between a point 4.4m south of its southeastern kerb-line and the northwest facing wall of No.1 Lancey Close;
b. southwest-northeast arm (both sides): introduce AAT between its j/w its northwest-south arm and the southwest wall of No.1 Lancey Close, joining existing restrictions with proposed restrictions set out in 2.iv.a. above;
v. in Middle Park Avenue – introduce AAT:
a. for the entire length of the kerb-line of the traffic island outside Nos.156 to 188, with the exception of the location where the bus stop exists;
b. outside Nos. 152 to 158, for 20m from a point outside the northwest wall of Nos. 152/154;
c. outside Nos. 186 to 192, for a total length of 10m, from a point opposite the common boundary of Nos. 17/19 Newmarket Green;
vi. in Wythfield Road – opposite No. 2 King’s Orchard (outside The Bob Hope Theatre), replace the shared use parking place and 1m of AAT with a ‘Disabled badge holders only’ parking place;
vii. in Plum Lane:
a. (northwest side) adjust 7.5m of the AAT, from a point 15m southwest of the southern kerb-line of Nithdale Road, to align with the revised kerb layout (footway buildout);
b. (southeast side) introduce AAT for 27.5m southwestwardly, from a point 20m southwest of the southwestern kerb-line of Rowton Road;
c. (northwestern kerb-line) at its j/w Genesta Road, introduce AAT and no loading ‘at any time’ restrictions from a point 8.35m southwest of the revised southwestern kerb-line of Genesta Road for 18.5m northeastwardly (replacing existing AAT);
d. (southeastern kerb-line) at its j/w Hinstock Road, introduce AAT and no loading ‘at any time’ restrictions, from a point 10.6m southwest of the revised southwestern kerb-line of Hinstock Road for 21.5m northeastwardly;
viii. in Nithdale Road (eastern end, both sides) at its j/w Plum Lane, adjust AAT to align with the revised kerb layout (footway buildout);
ix. in Genesta Road (eastern end) – at its j/s with Plum Lane:
a. (northeastern kerb-line) introduce AAT and no loading ‘at any time’ restrictions for 10.15m northwestwardly from said junction;
b. (southwestern kerb-line) adjust AAT to align with the revised kerb layout (footway buildout) and introduce no loading ‘at any time’ restriction for 6.85m from said junction;
x. in Hinstock Road (northwestern end, both sides) – introduce AAT and no loading ‘at any time’ restrictions between its j/w with Plum Lane and point 8.5m southeastwardly from said junction;
xi. in Green Lane (between its junction with Broad Lawn and the northern boundary of No. 136) –
a. (west side) outside Nos. 150/152 and Nos. 154/156, remove existing parking places (x2 bays);
b. (west side) introduce AAT between a point i) outside No. 136 and No. 166, and ii) outside the southern wall of No. 168 and its junction with Broad Lawn, replacing single yellow line waiting restrictions (SYL);
c. (east side) between its junction with Blanmerle Road and Parkview Road replace SYL with AAT;
d. (both sides) between the southern boundary of No. 168 and the northern boundary of No. 170 introduce no loading ‘at any time’ restrictions; xii. in Broad Lawn (northeastern kerb-line) adjacent to No. 180 Green Lane, replace SYL with AAT.
3. FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council under the same RTRA 1984 sections mentioned in item 1 propose to make minor corrections to the traffic order map schedules (no physical changes will be made) relating to waiting and loading arrangements existing in Passey Place (west side): opposite Nos. 39 to 41, remove 12m of AAT and provide a ‘Loading Only’ bay operating “at any time”.
4. Copies of the proposed Orders and other relevant documents can be inspected during normal office hours on Mondays to Fridays inclusive at the Woolwich Centre Library, The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ.
5. Any person who wishes to object to the proposals or make other representations should send a statement in writing by 22nd July 2026 to: Parking Design Team, 3rd Floor, The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ or traffic-orders@royalgreenwich.gov.uk quoting reference T7(26) Minor Works Batch 1 (26/27). Please note all objections or comments must specify the grounds on which they are made. For more information, please write to traffic-orders@royalgreenwich.gov.uk quoting reference T7(26) Minor Works Batch 1 (26/27).
Dated 1st July 2026
Director of Communities, Environment and Central The Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ
SGN works and how they’ll affect roads in Greenwich this summer
SGN is upgrading ageing gas mains across Shooters Hill this summer. The new pipes will be safer, more reliable and less likely to leak or require future repairs.
The council has worked with SGN to reduce disruption. TfL bus services will continue to operate as normal, and the planned works at the Well Hall Road/Academy Road junction have been reduced from six weeks to four. Thames Water has also confirmed its planned works will not overlap, avoiding repeat disruption.
Roadworks schedule
• Until 6 July: Junction of Severndroog Castle and Shooters Hill – multi-way traffic lights.
• Following this: Shooters Hill towards the A205 – lane closures.
• 22 July (4 weeks): S hooters Hill to Well Hall Road/Academy Road – traffic lights. Timed to coincide with school holidays.
• From 17 August (3 weeks): Shooters Hill to Red Lion Place –lane closures and traffic signals.
Access
Pedestrian, property and emergency service access will be maintained throughout the works. Deliveries to homes and businesses will continue as normal.
For the latest information, visit SGN: sgn.co.uk/contact-us Or call 0800 912 1700.
A new home for children in Greenwich
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is creating a new residential children’s home in Blackheath, providing a safe, stable and nurturing home for young people who cannot live with their families.
Around 400 children are in the council’s care at any one time. While most live with foster families, some have more complex needs and are best supported in a children’s home.
With a shortage of children’s homes across London, many young people are placed far from their families, schools and support networks. The new home will help keep children closer to the people and services that matter most, while reducing reliance on costly private placements.
Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Post-16 Futures, said: “Children in care face significant challenges and obstacles from a young age, so we must do everything we can to support them to reach their potential. This new children’s home is
an investment in the future of some of our most vulnerable young people. The facility addresses the shortage of local care placements, allowing children to remain close to their support systems, including their friends and family, teachers, social workers, youth workers, counsellors and other trusted adults.
“We believe creating the right type of accommodation in our own borough, as well as recruiting more foster carers, is the right thing for our children’s welfare. This home will offer a welcoming space where young people can feel safe and supported, and I know it will make a lasting, positive difference in the community for generations to come.”
The council-owned property will be transformed into a home for five children aged 10 to 17, with accommodation for two specially trained live-in staff. It will join the borough’s two existing children’s homes, helping more young people receive high-quality care closer to home.
Read more: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/blackheathchildrenshome