South London Weekly - February 6th 2026

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The DLR extension will take seven years and cost £1.62 billion

By Kumail Jaffer Local Democracy Reporter

THE DLR extension to Thamesmead is expected to cost £1.62billion to construct and take seven years to complete, Transport for London (TfL) has revealed.

The transport authority put out a tender on Monday (February 2) confirming the scope and timeline of the light railway line project, which was given the green light in November by the government after years of lobbying.

The work, which will see the current end point at Gallion’s Reach extended to two new stations – Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead – is seen as a crucial step to unlocking more housing in London, including the proposed Thamesmead waterfront New Town.

TfL’s tender says work on the project should start in 2028 and be completed by 2033. A TfL source said they would begin “early enabling works” in 2027 before main works start in 2028.

Bidders must be prepared to build two new stations, a 1.5km cross-river tunnel

and a “new turnback siding to the west of the extension to facilitate a future uplift in services” on the route, according to documents released on Monday.

The successful contractor will carry out the work between March 1 next year and December 31, 2033. It is understood that previously, TfL had hoped to start the work by 2027 and finish as early as 2032.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) and TfL will borrow the vast majority of the money needed for the extension, with government financial support for the scheme still unknown.

The latest revelations have prompted some concern from the Mayor of London’s opponents on the London Assembly, who have taken aim at what they see as a lack of value for money.

Fay Hammond, the GLA’s Chief Finance Officer, told the London Assembly last month that the project will be far higher than the initial construction figure, due to borrowing costs becoming “significant over 30 years”

“The Government’s lack of confidence in Sadiq Khan is costing Londoners millions more,” Thomas Turrell, the City Hall

Conservatives’ transport spokesperson, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

“Instead of the government borrowing the money like they usually would for these important projects, they are making Sadiq Khan add it to TfL’s credit card, meaning it is Londoners who pay.

“Other Mayors have been able to secure government funding for big projects, but Sadiq Khan has failed to secure a penny for any of his transport priorities.

“If we are going to spend billions on a new rail line then we should also expect more than two stations.

“It is more cost effective and efficient to do a full extension now. We should be more ambitious and bring the line all the way to Belvedere. This benefits even more of Thamesmead, unlocks even more housing and will bring new jobs and opportunities to South East London.”

Tory colleague Neil Garratt added: “Any new transport project is welcome in a city still relying on Victorian infrastructure.

Sadly, where Britain once led the world, we’ve forgotten how to deliver. Our costs are double the European average, so the

Mayor must grip spending and timelines from day one.

“Thamesmead deserves better than another decade of delays and another billion in overruns. Failure means the next project gets cancelled before it starts.”

The Mayor was also urged to continue lobbying for other major transport projects that London needs, including the Bakerloo Line extension and the new West London Orbital line.

Hina Bokhari, the Liberal Democrat group leader on the London Assembly, told the LDRS: “While it’s exciting to see the DLR extension finally get underway, the 2033 timeline is a sobering reminder of just how long major transport projects like this take.

“That’s why it’s a matter of urgency that the government stops dithering and delaying and gives the Bakerloo Line extension and West London Orbital the go ahead too. This government claims growth is its number one priority –so why isn’t it backing the London infrastructure that would unlock it?”

*Additional reporting by Ben Lynch.

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By Evie Flynn

LONDON LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR AT WOOLWICH WORKS

See in the Year of the Horse with a weekend of food, dance and community at this event celebrating many of the diverse cultures of East Asia.

Try your hand at calligraphy and origami, witness glowing lanterns, and savour festive snacks while reflecting on new beginnings.

Date: Saturday 7 February - Sunday 8

February

Time: 12:00 - 15:00, then 15:00 - 17:30

Price: £1.50, free for children under 12

Location: Woolwich Works, The Fireworks Factory, 11 No. 1 Street, London, SE18 6HD

https://tinyurl.com/mvahvs5b

GREAT FIRE OF LONDON FAMILY WALK

Do you want to learn more about the Great Fire of 1666?

This informative, fun and family-friendly guided walk will take you around the key sites of the blaze. The walk, organised by the London Museum, lasts 60 minutes and it’s suitable for children of primary school age and their families. The full walk will take place outside, so dress for the British weather.

Date: Tickets remaining for Saturday 14 February, Thursday 19 February and Saturday 28 February. Time: 10:30 - 11:30

Price: £8 per person

Location: Exact meeting point will be confirmed on your ticket.

https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/ whats-on/great-fire-of-london-familywalk/

BRAVE BETTIE AT STANLEY HALL, NORWOOD

Brave Bettie is a magical woodland adventure told through poetry, songs, live music and stories that explore Zimbabwe.

The story follows Bettie, who needs to find the courage to fight for the forest she loves after the council threatens to cut down her favourite tree. Part of Stanley Hall’s ‘Family Sundays’, check out the craft workshop and flea market after the show. Suitable for ages 3 - 8.

Date: Sunday 22 February

Time: 11:00 - 12:00 then 14:00 - 15:00

Price: £10 per ticket or £38 for a family of four

Location: Stanley Hall, 12 South Norwood Hill, SE25 6AB

https://stanleyarts.org/event/bravebettie/2026-02-22/1/

FAMILY WILD LIFE DRAWING AT DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY

Rabbits, guinea pigs, and all things fluffy, will be joining children and their families in the Linbury Room for life drawing sessions. The class will start with an introduction from Jenny, who will share the breeds and personalities of the small animals. All animals are friendly and the class is open to anyone, regardless of artistic experience. Children aged 5 and above are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult also taking part. All supplies will be provided.

Date: Saturday 21 February

Time: 14:00

Price: £55 for a family ticket for one child and one adult

Location: Dulwich Picture Gallery, SE21 7AD https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/ whats-on

OUR PICK OF FAMILY EVENTS

THE PLAY TABLE AT PECKHAM LEVELS

Every Sunday in February, kids are invited to a pop-up children’s corner for 3 to 10 year olds. Parents can enjoy some ‘me’ time dining at Multi Story whilst the kids play with crafts and art supplies.

Multi Story offers a co-working space, coffee, Sunday Roasts and lunch. The experienced team will look after and guide the children through an immersive play session. The session is free to attend and is on a first-come, first-served basis to customers dining at Multi Story.

Dates: Every Sunday in February Time: 12:00 - 16:00

Price: Free

Location: Multi Story (Level 6), Peckham Levels, 95a Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST https://peckhamlevels.org/events/kidstable-autumn

RUBY’S WORRY AT BLACKHEATH HALLS

Suitable for ages 3 - 7 years, follow Ruby as she tries to get rid of her worry, which grows bigger and bigger. Eventually she meets a boy who has a worry too.

Together they discover that everyone has worries, and that if you talk about them, they never hang around for long. Told through live music, puppetry and physical theatre, it’s based on the book Ruby’s Worry, written and illustrated by Tom Percival.

Date: Sunday 1 March

Time: 14:30

Price: £17, £15 concessions

Location: Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, Blackheath, London SE3 9RQ https://www.blackheathhalls.com/whats-on

NORMAN OSLAND visited 73 traditional pie and mash shops in eighteen months as part of his goal to visit every one - in a challenge he coined ‘Norman’s Conquest’.

The 61-year-old completed his conquest between March 2024 and September 2025 and has selfpublished a book about the experience.

Born and bred in Bermondsey, Norman returned to M.Manze Pie and Mash on Tower Bridge Road, where he shared his pie and mash opinions and de-briefed his ‘conquest’.

The challenge started after Norman found a pie and mash Facebook group, where fans of the dish would post pictures and reviews of each new shop they tried. He shortlisted twenty shops that caught his eye but after visiting half, he decided to attempt them all.

Norman created his own criteria for what constituted a ‘traditional pie and mash’ shop and used a directory maintained by The Pie and Mash Club for a list of the shops that are still open and which ones have now closed. From here, he decided to only visit shops that sell pie and mash all the time, not only on weekends. “It can sell other things too”, he explains. “But pie and mash always needs to be on offer.”

The title ‘Norman’s Conquest’ was thought up after he completed the 50th shop on the list, M.Manze in Peckham, when the friend who accompanied wrote a poem for him with the same name.

Having opened in 1891, M.Manze on Tower Bridge Road is the oldest eel and pie shop still in business today. The first recorded pie and mash shop was Henry Blanchard’s “Eel Pie House” at 101 Union Street in Southwark in 1844.

Originating during the Victorian era, pie and mash was popular with the working class because it was cheap, hearty and easy to transport.

Norman first started going to Manze’s as a child and just had mash and liquor, but as he got older his love for pies developed. He said: “I used to have just one pie, but I slowly moved onto two and sometimes I have even three or even four.”

Growing up just round the corner in Bermondsey, Norman says he is proud of where he comes from, describing it as a ‘nice place to grow up’, due to its

central location and community feel.

Norman now lives in Hertfordshire and works as an IT Asset manager, but his love for pie and mash has never left him. He said: “I was born and bred in Bermondsey and I’m proud of where I come from. It’s still a nice place to be.

“Yes, it’s changed and some of the older people think it’s changed for the worse, but has it really?”

Norman speculates that he spent a total of £2,500 on the challenge, but says it is “money well spent - it’s something I enjoy and I don’t have a massive amount of hobbies.”

During the challenge, Norman would visit two shops in one day or three in a week to get them ticked off the list.

His book, titled Norman’s Conquest, includes an entry for every shop he went to, with a photo of the outside, a photo of the plate of food and the

BERMONDSEY MAN FINISHES THE ULTIMATE PIE AND MASH CONQUEST

empty plate afterwards.

When visiting shops that were further afield, Norman waited until there was a family holiday. He headed to Arthur’s Pie and Mash in Great Yarmouth last summer and sixteen members of his family went along with him.

The last shop on the conquest was Flo’s in Folkestone and he had organised for the admin of the Facebook group, Mark, to join him to make a day out of it.

“I tried to make the conquest as enjoyable as I could,” he explains.

“Otherwise I am just eating pie and mash. I tried to have someone with me most of the time and now it feels weird eating it on my own - it seems to be like more of a social occasion.”

Norman has his preferences for the way he eats the dish. He always

opts for a fork and spoon, lashings of vinegar and the greener the liquor, the better. “Mash is mash,” he says. “I like it the traditional way, a little bit lumpy”.

When asked about the future of pie and mash, Norman said: “I think the vloggers are really helping. It’s great because it’s getting younger people involved. Pie and mash still can survive and if younger people grasp it, I think it has a future.”

Norman’s favourite shop is G Kelly on the Roman Road in Bow, East London. However, he says that he has more overall favourites in South London, including M.Manze on Tower Bridge Road, Arment’s just off Walworth Road and The Old Cockney in Bromley.

We asked him what the highlights of his conquest had been. He said: “It’s got to be the people I have met

and the fun I’ve had doing it. I work from home, so it’s been great getting to know shop staff and fellow pie and mash lovers. I walk into a shop now and the staff know who I am.”

His steadfast group of pie and mash friends whom he met along the journey are even heading to Benidorm this year to try out the pie and mash shop.

During the six days between Christmas and New Year, Norman said he had pie and mash six times. But, he promises to slow down in 2026 and avoid “double headers”- visiting two shops in one day.

His book is titled ‘Norman’s Conquest: One Man’s “invasion” of all London & SE England’s traditional pie, mash & liquor shops’ and is available for £20 on Amazon.

New prison grub

By Tom Appleby

CLINK Restaurant at HMP

Brixton has just announced their new winter menus.

The specially designed menus feature an array of classic winter dishes, ranging from casual winter lunches to gourmet dinners to hearty Sunday roasts.

The Winter Lunch Menu is the most relaxed of the three options. It includes a warming Soup of the day, braised ox cheek with polenta crisp as well as poached pear and ginger pudding.

Starters start at only £5.50, while mains are priced at around £24.80.

The Winter Gourmet Menu is the most akin to a fine dining experience. Dishes include Roasted Jerusalem artichoke, Szechuan duck breast and seasonal desserts and sorbets, starting at £48.50.

The Winter Sunday Lunch Menu, priced around £43.50, features modern

British classics such as Venison tartare, roast striploin of beef with Yorkshire pudding and apple and blackberry crumble.

The Clink is unique in being the only prison restaurant in the UK that is open to the public. Its aim is to give inmates specialised training so that they can become chefs or front-of-house staff.

This, in turn, will help them acquire skills to aid their rehabilitation and reduce their future risk of re-offending.

To dine at The Clink, guests must book in advance at theclinkcharity.org/book

THE OPENING HOURS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

TUESDAY–THURSDAY

Lunch: 12:00 and 12:30 sittings

THURSDAY

Gourmet Dinner: 18:00 and 18:30 sittings

SUNDAY

Lunch: 12:00, 12:30 and 13:00 sittings

By Issy Clarke

THE GREAT-GREAT-GREAT

grandson of Charles Dickens will unveil a golden sculpture of a dog licking from a bowl outside Southwark tube station to mark the author’s birthday.

In the 19th century, Charles Dickens used to pass a sign of dog licking from a golden pot above an ironmongers at the corner of Blackfriars Road and Union Street each day, as he walked to central London from his lodgings on Lant Street.

Aged just 12 at the time, his father had recently been imprisoned for debt at Marshalsea Prison and the sign became a symbol of his endurance and ambition to succeed in life.

A replica of the ‘Dog and Pot’ sculpture will be formally unveiled by Ollie Dickens

CHARLES DICKENS’ GREATGREAT-GREAT GRANDSON TO UNVEIL GOLDEN DOG AND POT SCULPTURE

next Saturday, 7 February, to mark both the author’s 214th birthday and the 60th anniversary of the creation of the modern borough of Southwark in 1965.

The sculpture, designed by artist Jason Brooks, will replace a nearly identical elmwood version unveiled in 2013 by Ollie’s father Mark, which will be transferred to the Southwark Heritage Centre on Walworth Road for display later this year.

The 23.5-carat gilded version will be better able to resist the elements, as goldleaf offers a natural weather-resistant shield.

It also invokes the original sign, which survives today although it was badly damaged in the 2013 Walworth Town Hall fire.

The decision to gild the sculpture was taken after recent conservation analysis discovered traces of gold on the original

sign, which dates to the 1720s, confirming Dickens’ recollection of a ‘dog licking from a golden pot’.

EVENT DETAILS:

Date: 7 February 2026 Time: 2:00 pm (Speeches begin) | 2:20 pm (Ribboncutting)

Location: Corner of Union Street and Blackfriars Road (Opposite Southwark Tube)

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS:

Ollie Dickens (Great-great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens)

Cllr Ellie Cumbo (Cabinet Member for Parks, Streets and Clean Air)

Cllr David Watson (Local Ward Councillor)

Judy Aitken (Curator, Libraries and Heritage Team, Southwark Council)

SWIMMING CLUB LOSING MEMBERS AND £500 A MONTH SINCE POOL CLOSURE

The new Canada Water Leisure Centre’s pool closed on October 13

By Ruby Gregory Local Democracy Reporter

A NOT-FOR-PROFIT swimming club based in Rotherhithe says it’s losing roughly £500 a month after a brand new council pool closed just six weeks after opening.

Southwark Aquatics Swimming Club (SASC) has recorded the lowest turnout for some championship competitions in over a decade and has been forced to train its members elsewhere due to the ongoing closure.

The club can offer just over half of its usual swimming programme per week after Canada Water Leisure Centre’s pool closed on October 13 due to a maintenance issue.

The eight-lane 25-metre pool is located inside the brand new leisure centre which opened on September 1, 2025 following months of delays. A learner pool with a moveable floor which is located next door is still open as normal.

A statement on the council-run leisure centre’s website reads: “During installation of replacement parts for the Air Handling Unit in December, contractors identified an additional, related issue that must be resolved

before the pool can safely reopen.

“We are currently waiting confirmation from our engineers on when this additional work can be completed. As soon as we receive this from our contractors we will share an update.”

This week the council told the News it has offered members of the Leisure Centre the opportunity to freeze their memberships so they are not charged while the pool is under repair.

SASC is run by volunteers and parents who provide high-level training for competitive swimmers of all abilities who are mostly aged between 8 and 15. Members have gone on to successfully compete at county, regional and national levels. However since the closure, Andy Moore, Chairman of SASC, said the club has lost around 10per cent of its members, while some are also struggling to travel to alternative venues which are located up to seven miles away.

Andy told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “[The closure] is a massive step down because competitive swimming and the athletes that compete are recognised as being some of the fittest and healthiest elite athletes in the country.

“We as a club for many years have competed against other clubs locally. We’ve also competed at county, regional, and national levels. And this year we have the least [amount of] entrants in the county championships that we’ve had for probably over a decade.”

He added: “That’s largely because training is only 50per cent of what you normally do, then obviously the technique isn’t as good as it might be because you don’t have as much time to hone it and stamina isn’t as good because you’ve not been training as intensively. And so those extra sessions that our swimmers need to find, they just haven’t been able to this time.”

Andy estimates the club’s revenue is down by £500 per month, due to some members leaving and existing members paying only half of the usual fees as the club can only offer just over half of its usual programme.

Andy added: “In the way that we’ve structured that, in some instances, we’re actually having to pay more for the pool space that we’ve got because we’re expecting our coaches to travel further. So to compensate them, we’re still paying them for two hours, [even if] they’re working one hour.”

Before moving into the Canada Water Leisure Centre, the club was based at the Seven Islands Leisure Centre for many years. Seven Islands had been in the area since 1965 but it closed to make way for Canada Water Leisure Centre and the boarded up building is now covered in graffiti.

Andy said: “We were hugely appreciative of the fact Southwark Council allowed us to continue to be the principle pool users [at Canada Water Leisure Centre] and as the [main] competitive swimming club that would use these facilities.

“We were really pleased, and the first six weeks went really well. It was good for us as a club because it was attracting new swimmers to the club, but clearly when the pool closed, we had the opposite effect.

“So, we have lost some swimmers. The number of inquiries, although we are still getting some inquiries, is lower. We’re not able to as readily bring in new swimmers. And obviously, as a club, the swimmers are our revenue line to enable us to to pay for the pool space that we use.”

The new centre is part of the multi-billion-pound Canada Water Masterplan from British Land

and AustralianSuper which is in partnership with Southwark Council and spans a 53-acre site.

The new leisure centre also features a four-court sports hall, a ‘world-class’ gym with a dedicated functional fitness area and three group exercise studios, which are all still open.

Cllr Richard Leeming, Deputy Cabinet Member for Leisure and Sports at Southwark Council, said: “The closure of the pool at Canada Water Leisure Centre has been a setback for our members and for us. The issue has arisen because when the contractor was carrying out the initial repair work they found a related fault that must be resolved before the pool can safely reopen.

“We understand disappointment surrounding this however, the health and safety of our residents is our priority.”

He added: “While we are working hard to get the pool open again for public use as soon as possible, we have offered members of the Leisure Centre the option to freeze their membership to ensure that they are not charged while the pool is under repair.

“We would like to thank members for their continued patience.”

By Evie Flynn

THE QUEEN’S House in Greenwich will be transformed into a space of queer creativity and celebration this February as Fierce Queens: Unframed, Unstitched… Unapologetic! returns for LGBTQ+ History Month.

On 27 February, the evening will bring together performers and historians for a night of ‘queer liberation’, blending cabaret, storytelling and activism.

Held annually at the Queen’s House, this year’s theme, Unframed, Unstitched… Unapologetic!, centres on authentic identities that have often been overlooked or constrained by history.

It will be hosted by resident drag king and queen Adam All and Apple Derrieres, who will lead a full cabaret programme.

Tickets are priced at £18 for adults and £16 for members, with advance booking required.

Highlights include a gallery takeover by the Bold Mellon Collective and sessions from Queer History Club.

In the lead-up to the main event, Royal Museums Greenwich is also offering a free queer costuming workshop, where participants can get their costume ready for the big night.

The hands-on workshop explores how design tells a story, through

QUEER CABARET CELEBRATION RETURNS TO THE QUEEN’S HOUSE IN GREENWICH THECHANGINGSEASONS!

colour, texture and character. Drawing inspiration from the Royal Museums Greenwich collection, attendees will rework discarded fabrics and plastics

into bold costume pieces inspired by maritime and queer histories.

Accessibility is central to the event, with BSL interpretation and audio description

Monday 16 – Friday 20 February 2026

Art Classes inspired by:

• Chinese New Year

• Winter Landscapes

• The Arrival of Spring

• Julia Donaldson

• Narnia

• Polar Express, amongst more! Learn new skills in:

• Painting

• Drawing

• 3D Art

• Set Design

• Sculpture

• Resin and Plaster Casting

• Papercraft Instrumental Days:

• Strings

• Piano

• Brass

• Percussion

• Guitar

• Flute

• Ukulele

available throughout the evening.

Date: 27 February 2026

Time: 19.00 – 23.00

Price: £18 standard and £16 for members

Location: Queen’s House, Romney Rd, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/ queens-house/

WILL THIS EXPERT-LED GROUP SUCCEED IN MAKING LONDON A THRIVING 24-HOUR CITY?

By Kumail Jaffer

Local Democracy Reporter

LONDON’S NEW Nightlife Commission is an “evolution” of City Hall’s plan to ensure the capital thrives as a 24-hour city rather than an admission that the former controversial ‘Night Czar’ failed in the role, the Deputy Mayor for Culture has insisted.

Justine Simons told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the new, independent group would instead bring together a “whole range of voices” to help support London’s struggling night-time economy.

This week London’s Nightlife Taskforce recommended the creation of the Commission as part of 23 recommendations in a comprehensive, long-term strategy aimed at reviving the city “after dark”.

Amy Lamé, who was responsible for “championing London’s nightlife” between 2016 and 2024, oversaw the closure of 3,011 night economy businesses in London.

City Hall did not appoint a successor for the role, for which Ms Lame was paid an annual salary of £132,846.

Instead, the new Nightlife Commission, “made up of experts from across the city’s nightlife sector”, will work with the GLA, councils and the Met Police to inform City Hall’s decision making.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Ms Simons told the LDRS: ” We’ve got the Mayor’s Task Force who have come together, they spent a whole year talking to 3,000 Londoners, talking to councils,

They replace the Mayor’s

talking to the Mayor, to come together and think what is it that we can do to really support and promote and grow our nightlife.

“So there are challenges – and that’s why today is really important.

“It’s about coming together a range of different voices across nightlife, with the Mayor and all parts of the system really to advance the recommendations and boost our nightlife.”

Asked about the performance of the previous Night Czar, she added: “This is an evolution. The journey around nightlife in the big cities is an evolution and what I think has been really fantastic is that the independent task force has brought together a whole range of voices.

“It’s not one story. It’s a whole different diverse set of stories and experiences.

And that breadth is really pulled together in this task force and will continue with the Commission. And that’s what is important really, it’s building those diverse set of resources together to support our nightly.

“No one person can do it alone, no one organisation can do it alone and that is the philosophy really, which is bringing together voices from across the [sector].

“Everyone cares about the success of London’s light and life and what we’ve announced today really builds on that, it brings everyone together.”

Cameron Leslie, the manager of the London nightclub Fabric, added: “The representation of this group is going to have a much stronger foundation than perhaps a solo voice that, before, has been very hard to be able to channel that through.”

He admitted that the measures were “not a silver bullet” but instead represented a long-term strategy that “can take root straight away”.

“It’s something that has to evolve over time,” he told the LDRS.

“This is not a long-term plan, it’s a long term strategy.”

The report, which was unveiled at the Colour Factory in Hackney Wick, East London, also recommended the GLA look at boosting night-time transport and policing to ensure people can safely travel to and from venues.

Almost a third of Londoners told the Taskforce that transport was a trop priority – especially a lack of coverage in South and South East London, which the night Tube largely doesn’t serve.

Meanwhile, owners and operators remain most concerned about theft and drug-related issues around venues, with the Taskforce suggesting police resources be deployed to areas with higher footfall.

The report also recommends loosening rules around noise at nighttime venues, and require at least 10 unrelated household complaints before Environmental Health investigations into licensed spaces are triggered.

Asked about the potential cost of these measures, Ms Simons said: “What we’re going to do next is work with the new independent commission and all the parts of London government to look at each of those recommendations individually and work out how we can best take it forward.”

This year, the Mayor is set to receive new licensing powers from the Government

that will allow him to ‘call in’ powers to decide licensing applications of strategic importance, such as for key nightlife venues and supporting more al fresco dining.

He says the government is giving him £322M towards a City Hall Development Investment Fund to unlock stalled sites

By Kumail Jaffer Local Democracy Reporter

THE MAYOR of London has defended his housebuilding record and said Londoners should expect an “acceleration” in new homes in the capital in the coming years.

Housebuilding starts in general fell by 84 per cent between 2016 – the year Sir Sadiq Khan took office – and 2025, while City Hall also looks likely to fall short of its affordable housing targets.

The Mayor has been quick to blame a lack of investment from the previous Conservative government as well as external factors including rising interest rates and construction costs creating a difficult environment for developers to build in.

Sir Sadiq has also taken aim at the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) for making it “harder and costlier” to build homes. But the Mayor of London appeared optimistic as he celebrated the 1,000th council home being built in Haringey.

City Hall has supported the North London borough’s housebuilding programme, including £43.5million of funding for the 272-home Wingspan Walk scheme, as it looks to solve the housing supply crisis across the capital.

In an exclusive interview with the LDRS at the site, the Mayor said:

“Since I’ve been Mayor, we’ve broken records. The most council homes have been built since the 1970s, the most homes completed since the 1930s. On average, there’s been 10,000 more homes completed when I’ve been Mayor compared to the previous Mayor.

“But across the country you’re seeing the consequences of the perfect storm. The previous government’s policies, interest rates went through the roof because of Liz Truss’ mini-budget, consequences of Brexit, but also we’ve had concrete inflation north of 50 per cent.

“Most of our homes are flats. We now need a second staircase for buildings above 18 metres because of Grenfell –the building safety regulations brought in by the previous government have slowed things down.

“So all that’s led to a slowdown of new homes being started or completed. But I’m determined to ensure we kickstart recovery. That’s why we’ve now secured a deal with the government.

“They’re going to give us £322million towards a City Hall Development Investment Fund to unlock those stalled sites; £11.7billion for affordable and social housing over the next 10 years.

“There’s also an emergency package of measures to kick-start housebuilding in London, and I think you’ll see in 2026 and over the next two, three years in this federal term, real acceleration in homes being started and completed.”

One upcoming measure of success

MAYOR DEFENDS HIS RECORD AFTER HOUSEBUILDING STARTS

will be City Hall’s ability to meet its target for the 2021-2026 Affordable Homes Programme (AHP). The Mayor of London met his target of 116,000 starts under the 2016-2023 AHP, but has fallen short in recent years.

The original target for the 20212026 AHP was 35,000 starts by March 2026, though this has been revised twice down to a minimum of 17,800.

However, just 6,370 affordable homes were started by September 2025, leaving a major shortfall ahead of the looming deadline.

Sir Sadiq insisted that they were “on course” to meet the March target but admitted “across the country, we simply aren’t building enough homes, and that includes London”.

“Every target we’ve been set by the government we’ve met – the first target was 116,000, we smashed that,” he told the LDRS. “People thought we couldn’t do it because of Brexit, because of the pandemic, Ukraine and so forth.

“We’ve got a new target with the government and we are determined to meet that target, we’re on course to meet that target.

“I’m determined to make sure those homes, as far as they can be, are genuinely affordable. Social rents,

council homes – we’re working on 6,000 London Living Rent homes, really important to have rent control in those homes.”

Sir Sadiq admitted that solving the housing supply crisis in London would still require thinking “outside the box”, even with having already imposing planning reforms including slashing affordability quotas for developers from 35 to 20 per cent.

He added: “Business as usual won’t work when it comes to a housing crisis. Look, people want to come to London, London is the greatest city in the world, it’s not unreasonable people want to move here. There’s nothing wrong per se with growth, we’ve got to plan for that.

“We’re going to make sure we build good quality high density homes on brownfield sites, but also we’re going to recognise a lot of the green belt is poor quality, badly maintained, inaccessible to public transport.

“If we can improve accessibility to public transportation, we should be building with the right conditions on poorly maintained, poor quality green belt. You know we should build on small sites, and so we’re determined in the new London Plan to have not just a policy that helps housing but a policy

helps growth as well and economic growth.

“By the time of the next election, we’ll have made even more progress. As it is, we’re fixing the housing crisis, but by 2028, the next mayoral election, you’ll see even more homes complete that we’ve started, and you’ll see all those homes that were stalled because of the perfect storm have been unlocked.

“You’ll also see, by the way, by the next election, 6,000 more rent control homes off the ground.”

Speaking at the Wingspan Walk site last week, Haringey Council Leader Peray Ahmet told the LDRS that City Hall’s help has been “absolutely huge” in unlocking council homes in the borough.

“We couldn’t have done this alone,” she said. “This is a collaboration between ourselves and the GLA (Greater London Authority), so huge thanks to the Mayor of London and the team because with their support we’ve been able to do this.”

PECKHAM RYE STATION GIVEN £5 MILLION FOR IMPROVEMENTS –BUT STILL NO PLANS FOR LIFTS

By Issy Clarke

PECKHAM RYE Station

has been given £5 million from the government and Southwark Council to address overcrowding concerns – but it still won’t be getting lifts.

It comes after residents told the News last summer that the lack of step-free access in the station was leading to elderly and disabled residents being forced to slide down the stairs on their bottoms.

Peckham Rye had been due to get a £40 million upgrade which would have given it lifts for the first time.

However Network Rail shelved the plans last summer, saying it needed to “prioritise funding on the schemes that will make the greatest difference for passengers and economic growth as soon as possible.”

Labour’s Rye Lane ward councillors have also been piling pressure on the government to invest in the accessibility improvements, launching a petition calling for the upgrade to be brought forward.

The £5 million boost, of which £1 million is contributed by Southwark Council, will go towards building two more entrance doors leading into the station, additional ticket gates and widening platforms 3 and 4 to make them safer for passengers during rush hour.

Crucially, however, it is not enough to pay for new lifts, which is the main improvement campaigners

have been calling for.

Eileen Conn, a long-time Peckham resident and the founder of the Peckham Vision campaign group, said it was “good news that there will be some easing of the crush at the station which is quite desperate now at times.”

However, she said the funding would do “nothing to improve the accessibility at the station for anyone who has difficulty in walking or carrying luggage. They are excluded altogether from the station.

“The Government must be told by all our elected representatives and the public that these improvements do not solve the problems of overcrowding and inaccessibility.

The current plans are that nothing will be done to get lifts at the station, and deal adequately with the serious overcrowding leaving and entering the station until 2033 at the earliest and even later. “

Cllr David Parton, a Labour councillor for Rye Lane who has been calling for the station to be given step-free access, said:

“We’re pleased that our local Labour campaign has secured this significant investment for the muchneeded upgrade to Peckham Rye Station.

“Combined with the construction of Peckham Station Square, due to begin soon, this will help transform the heart of Rye Lane and ease overcrowding in and around the station.

Courtroom-style sketches from Peckham planning inquiry created by campaigners

“While we are disappointed that the full funding for the new station entrance and lift access has not been provided, we will keep on campaigning for a fully accessible, safe Peckham Rye Station for all.”

In addition to the safety upgrades, the booking hall will also be getting a revamp to restore it to its 1930s heritage look with fresh paint, improved lighting and clearer signage. The upgrades will be carried out over the next few years, with the ticket hall improvements and platform widening expected to be completed by summer 2027.

There is also a long-delayed project to revamp the space outside of the station, with the 1930s arcade set to come down this year to make way for a new public square. But it doesn’t look like the station will be getting its much-needed lifts any time soon.

By Issy Clarke

A SERIES of courtroom-style

sketches from a planning inquiry into a contentious Peckham housing scheme have been commissioned by campaigners as they await news of the outcome.

The graphics depict key scenes and witnesses speaking on behalf of Aylesham Community Action from a planning inquiry held last November over whether the redevelopment of the Aylesham Centre should be allowed to proceed.

Campaigners have released the images while they await the judgement of the planning inquiry.

The graphics are accompanied by quotes from each witness, capturing their objections to the scheme and its potential impact on Peckham.

Among those depicted are Hashi Mohamed, the barrister representing the campaigners during the inquiry, local trader James Rose, owner of Bola Bola Bola bubble tea shop in the Aylesham Centre, and Jed Holloway, a solicitor and planning expert from the Southwark Law Centre.

The ten-day inquiry, which started on 28 October, was triggered after developer Berkeley Homes bypassed Southwark Council’s planning committee and appealed straight to the government’s Planning Inspectorate for determination.

Southwark Council symbolically blocked the scheme in July anyway, arguing that the development failed to provide enough affordable homes to justify the damage to the appearance of Peckham’s town centre and skyline.

The most controversial element of the proposal is the low number of affordable

homes on offer: just 12 per cent of the 900 homes would be set at social (50 per cent of market rent) or intermediate rent.

Campaginers also objected to the loss of the independent traders who currently work in the Aylesham and the potentially ‘damaging’ effect of the design of the development on Peckham’s skyline, although the lawyer for Berkeley Homes argued that 12 per cent affordability was all they could afford to include and the alternative would be no homes on the site at all.

Local councillors have also objected to the redevelopment, with Rye Lane ward councillor David Parton describing the plans as “insulting” and “warranting a clear rejection”.

He said in October: “At the opening of the Planning Inspectorate’s appeal on the Aylesham scheme, Rye Lane’s Labour councillors spoke up for our community and reiterated our firm opposition to the proposed development.

“Only providing 12% affordable housing on this site when 4,000 people in Peckham are on the affordable housing waiting list is insulting.”

On the opening day of the hearing, Berkeley Homes’ lawyer Russell Harris KC argued that the redevelopment of the brownfield site was an essential step towards tackling London’s housing crisis and claimed the alternative was ‘no homes at all’.

He said: “Nobody can be in any doubt that London is in the midst of a housing crisis, the like of which has not been seen since the 1930s. This crisis needs to be dealt with urgently by ensuring that the capital begins producing the tens of thousands of homes that are needed now.”

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By Ruby Gregory

Local Democracy Reporter

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL has welcomed the very first selfcontained modular homes in Bermondsey to help people who are homeless or are sleeping rough get their lives back on track.

The eight SoloHaus homes will be a stepping stone for people who are ready to move into their own private place where they can learn how to manage a tenancy effectively and independently.

The modular homes are the first of their kind in Southwark and were built on vacant council land by housebuilder The Hill Group, which has successfully built several similar schemes across the country. The homes are located on a site in Leroy Street, off Tower Bridge Road, which was once home to garages.

The Hill Group gifted the single-bedroom homes to Southwark Council, who will be supporting the residents during their time there and will help them to find a permanent home.

Each SoloHaus home takes around eight to ten weeks to build and comes fully furnished with a living space, a fitted kitchen, a modern bathroom and a single bedroom.

The homes have been carefully designed with homelessness charities and organisations, and also come with low energy white goods as well as integrated cabling for broadband and TV connection.

Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development at Southwark Council, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “These homes are designed to help people who have got experience of homelessness. They might be in our hostels for example, but they might now be ready to move and be able to have their own place and

The council have got six more coming to another site and are exploring other areas in the borough for the homes

manage a tenancy.

“It’s the first step that enables people to move out of that kind of shared living situation and have a place of their own so they can get their lives back on track really and be able to sustain a tenancy before then moving on to more permanent accommodation further down the line.”

Cllr Dennis added: “We’ve got one other site where we are planning to bring some of these homes forward and another six units, and at the moment we’re also

exploring other parts of the borough and where it might be appropriate to bring forward more modular homes like this as well.”

Southwark Council says the eight modular homes are an expansion of the council’s Housing First programme, which aims to end homelessness through housing support and provision.

The programme launched in 2017 and has supported 70 residents to secure longer-term homes and support. The

programme has been praised for its effective and well-evidenced way to help rough sleepers, and there are calls for it to be expanded across England.

The programme has been developed using funding from the Single Homeless Accommodation Programme, with the Mayor of London providing £224,889 in capital grant funding. This money is alongside £960,000 in funding for the support of residents at the Bermondsey site and two other locations.

Andy Hill OBE Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, said: “The delivery of these homes has been made possible through the collaboration of many dedicated partners, and I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for their invaluable support.

“The homes at Leroy Street demonstrate the power of partnerships, and I hope they offer the residents a safe and supportive environment in which to rebuild their lives and move forward with confidence.”

TWINS FROM DULWICH SCHOOL RUNNING AGAINST EACH OTHER TO BECOME THE NEXT YOUNG MAYOR OF LEWISHAM BERMONDSEY WELCOMES SOUTHWARK’S FIRST MODULAR HOMES FOR ROUGH SLEEPERS

By Issy Clarke

SIBLING RIVALRIES occasionally spill over into politics, from the Miliband brothers who fought one another for the Labour leadership in 2010 to Jo Johnson’s resignation from his brother Boris’s cabinet in 2020 over his unease at the direction of the government.

Now Lewisham has its own sibling political rivalry: twins Isaac and Laila Motalib-Haque, Year 11 students at Kingsdale in Dulwich, are running against one another to become the next Young Mayor of Lewisham.

Although Isaac and Laila are standing against each other their rivalry is a friendly

one and they are encouraging young people across the borough to use their two votes to support both of the twins when they go to the polls next week (Wednesday, February 4.).

Young people aged 11 to 17 who attend school or college in Lewisham can vote for Isaac and Laila next Wednesday using ballot boxes at all secondary schools and colleges.

Isaac said he was inspired to put himself forward because he loves politics and wants to use the platform to give a voice to young people and raise awareness around men’s mental health.

He said: “I believe this is our future and we deserve a say. I want to make it normal for boys and young men to speak up, ask

for help and support each other when life feels overwhelming.”

One of his ideas is to create a small grant scheme called Change What I Can, which would allow young people to apply for funding to pursue their ambitions.

His manifesto includes plans for a youthled publication to celebrate Lewisham’s young people, amplify unheard voices and share success stories from local role models.

His sister Laila was inspired to stand after she met Lewisham Mayor Brenda Dacres at a book fair. Her ideas include introducing a Because We Can initiative, which would provide talks, mentoring and workshops for underrepresented young people, including

young women, refugees, young carers and those with special educational needs.

She also plans to campaign for safe hubs and self-defence workshops in schools and youth groups so girls can pursue their passions safely. Laila hopes to give £1,000 to 25 local clubs or organisations through her 25 grants for 25 youth groups initiative.

“I’ve really enjoyed campaigning with my brother,” Laila said. “I hope voters will support both of us – not just for our manifesto but for the sake of peace at home!”

Steve Morrison, Executive Headteacher of Kingsdale Foundation School, praised the twins’ leadership: “Kingsdale Foundation School is delighted that

Laila and Isaac Motalib-Haque have put themselves forward as candidates. They have been outstanding ambassadors for the school.

“Their commitment to inclusivity and helping young people pursue their dreams aligns with the Kingsdale ethos, British Values, and a strong democracy. Both are fantastic role models who would represent Lewisham youth with integrity, empathy, and energy – and handle any sibling rivalry more honourably than elected politicians!”

The new young mayor will be announced on 4th February and the election will decide who becomes the next voice for young people in Lewisham and whether voters choose one of the twins - or both.

His comments come amid growing concern over the future of several bus routes across Sutton and neighbouring boroughs

By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter

A SOUTH London MP has named two key routes he wants to see benefit from Bakerloop-style bus services to better connect residents in the far south of the capital to the Tube network.

Sutton has some of the lowest levels of TfL transport provision in London and relies heavily on bus routes that many residents describe as slow and infrequent. His comments come amid growing concern over the future of several bus routes across Sutton and neighbouring boroughs, after operator Go-Ahead announced plans to re-tender services due to rising costs.

Luke Taylor, the Liberal Democrat MP for Sutton and Cheam, believes “radial” Bakerloop-style services would benefit the borough. The Bakerloop express route, introduced in September last year, links Waterloo and Lewisham stations seven days a week, providing residents in South East London with a stopgap connection while they await the longanticipated Bakerloo line extension.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) last week, Mr Taylor said: “What I am really interested in is the Bakerloop. While the Superloop is the arterial route, what we want to see is the radial routes.”

He identified the A217 between North Cheam and Morden, and Rose Hill between Sutton and St Helier, as routes that would benefit from express bus services. He told the LDRS: “These are really good examples of where having a Bakerloop-style express route would be a quick and inexpensive solution to provide the capacity needed to link us to the Underground network.”

The SL7 Superloop route, which runs between Croydon and Heathrow via Carshalton, Sutton and Cheam, is currently the only express bus service in the borough. While there is strong demand for faster routes, recent efforts have focused on retaining smaller local services that residents rely on.

GO-AHEAD ROUTES

Last month, South London residents were alarmed by reports in The Times suggesting several routes were set to be “withdrawn” by Go-Ahead. The routes named were the 80, 93, 151, 154, 155, 163, 164 and 470 from Sutton, Merton, Ellis Road and Stockwell garages.

TfL and Go-Ahead later insisted the routes were not at risk of withdrawal and were instead being re-tendered due to rising operational costs. A Go-Ahead spokesperson told the LDRS at the time: “Unfortunately, external rising costs have made a handful of routes commercially unviable under the current terms.”

While TfL sets routes, fares and service standards, operators such as Go-Ahead provide vehicles and staff. Go-Ahead has said it “fully intends” to re-bid for the routes but would need to do so under a new contract with increased funding.

SUTTON MP NAMES ROUTES WHERE HE’D LIKE TO SEE BAKERLOOP STYLE BUSES

Mr Taylor recently met Andy Edwards, Managing Director of Go-Ahead London. The MP told the LDRS: “The reality is that it is a normal process. When operators see their costs increase, they have a clause in the contract that allows them to re-tender before the full term. That is very normal.”

However, Mr Taylor said he remained concerned about TfL’s ability to fund the re-tendered routes. He told the LDRS:

“Re-tendering means going back to TfL and saying it will cost around 20 per cent more to run the same service and frequency again.

“The challenge is whether TfL can put up that extra cash. If they don’t, we could see cuts to frequencies and routes in Sutton.

“What is really frustrating is people suggesting there is nothing to worry about. TfL is struggling financially, we have seen bus cuts elsewhere, and the real risk is further reductions to services that are already not good enough.”

The LDRS recently highlighted frequency cuts made by operator Metrobus on the S4 route between Waddon and Sutton, a key connection to the London Cancer Hub.

In a council meeting last week, Sutton’s

Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee Chair, Christopher Woolmer, said the decision to re-tender was due to the national insurance “hike” introduced by the Labour government.

However, unlike fellow Liberal Democrat Mr Taylor, he told the meeting: “There is no threat to these buses being cut.”

The claim prompted a brief response from Conservative councillor and London Assembly Member Neil Garratt, who said: “We will see.”

TRAMS AND OVERGROUND EXTENSION?

Mr Taylor was clear that he saw buses as the primary solution for Sutton to plug gaps in its transport network. However, there has also been a long-running effort to secure a Tramlink extension into Sutton from Croydon.

Sutton currently has a single tram

station in Beddington, in the far north of the borough. Back in 2014, Sutton and Merton councils called for a Tramlink extension from the existing Morden Road tram stop, via Morden Hall Road and St Helier Avenue, up to Rose Hill and onward to Sutton town centre.

Despite the council’s assurance of ‘regular conversations’ with TfL, Mr Taylor believes that, even after more than ten years, an extension remains unlikely.

“There is no business case for it,” he told the LDRS.

He added: “I would like to see a tram, but it was said it would cost £500m five years ago, which will inevitably be billions of pounds now. It is just not going to happen, so we have to look at what we can get in next year.”

The LDRS also asked about the possibility of an Overground extension to Sutton station from its current terminus at West Croydon. Again, he was doubtful, saying Sutton should prioritise fast commuter routes.

He told the LDRS: “Overground is a metro service, which is more frequent and uses shorter trains. I think we need to be a little careful about losing that connectivity and replacing it with more frequent but slower services elsewhere. I am a little nervous about that.”

A TfL spokesperson said: “As is always the case when a bus operator opts to end their contract early, we will carry out an open tender to ensure that the routes can

continue to serve our customers.

“We know buses are an important lifeline for millions of Londoners. Reliable bus services with attractive journey times are essential to a successful transport network and we are working hard to ensure our bus network offers both to our millions of daily users. This includes our work to transform the way we manage London’s road network, developing new software to enable us to respond to incidents on the roads much more quickly, alongside a London-wide programme of traffic signal timing reviews to make sure each signal is working as safely and efficiently as possible.

“We’re regularly introducing new bus routes, including the SL11 this week, and the evidence is clear that passenger numbers are up, higher than expected on these new routes. We’re also working closely with boroughs and utility companies to reduce unnecessary disruption caused by roadworks and we continue to make significant improvements to the bus network –including greening the fleet, launching new Superloop services, boosting services in outer London and investing in more bus priority and even better realtime information for customers.

“We constantly monitor our network to ensure we keep London moving safely and effectively, and we work closely with bus operators to provide one of the best bus networks anywhere in the world.”

LEGAL CHALLENGE IN BID TO STOP THAMESMEAD ESTATE DEMOLITION

By Cameron Blackshaw Local Democracy Reporter

A RESIDENT of an iconic brutalist estate in South East London has launched legal proceedings in the hope of halting his home’s demolition.

Lesnes Estate in Thamesmead— famous for featuring in the 1971 film A Clockwork Orange —is set to be knocked down to make way for new homes.

Bexley Council rubber stamped the plans in December, and this will allow housing association Peabody to demolish the 1960s estate and build up to 1,950 new homes. However, Lesnes resident Adam Turk has lodged a claim for a judicial review of the decision.

Mr Turk is a social tenant who has lived on the estate since 2009. He has instructed the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) to lodge a claim against Bexley Council on his behalf, challenging the approval made by the council on December 23, 2025.

Mr Turk said: “It’s always the case that whenever we get these gentrification or regeneration schemes and programmes, it’s never for the benefit of the local people who are already there. We’re shoved out.”

Many Lesnes residents have already vacated the estate ahead of the demolition, but some have remained as they don’t want to leave the place they have called home for decades. Mr Turk said he and the other remaining Lesnes residents were “very hopeful and excited” about the proposition of the decision being overturned.

He said: “It doesn’t matter if we’re homeowners, leaseholders or social tenants. We’re all residents and we all

just want to stay here.”

The claim hinges on the environmental impact the estate demolition will have, and how the planning documents accompanying the plans supposedly downplay the harmful effects of the demolition’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The environmental statement provided by Peabody recognises that the effects of the emissions arising from the new development will be “significant”, although they are also described as “minor adverse”.

The statement is assessed against Peabody’s illustrative masterplan, but the legal challenge argues this is unlawful as it should have been assessed against “the reasonable worst-case scenario of this outline permission”, a legal principle known as the ‘Rochdale envelope’ approach.

The environmental statement says the illustrative masterplan was used rather than the maximum scheme parameters because “it is not expected that the future form of the development will fully extend to the maximum building height and development zone footprint parameters” and thus, using the maximum parameters would “likely result in a substantial overestimation of the effects of the scheme on greenhouse gas emissions”.

Despite this, Mr Turk and PILC argue that by not employing the Rochdale envelope approach and basing the greenhouse gas emission assessment on the illustrative masterplan, the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations have been breached and Bexley’s planners were misled. The claim for the judicial review of the demolition approval decision was issued at the High Court on January 30. Mr Turk is awaiting a decision from a judge on whether to

accept the review.

Centre said: “Across London, approximately 137 housing estates are marked for demolition. These projects generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions, calling into question our stated commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050.

“At a minimum, estate residents and the wider public are entitled to assurance that these emissions are accurately assessed, transparently documented, and lawfully disclosed to the decisionmakers charged with determining whether demolition should proceed.

“This case exemplifies the point at which the displacement of established communities coincides with irreversible environmental harm and is therefore a matter of substantial public interest and

concern, while directly challenging the assumption that demolition and rebuild is an appropriate or sustainable course of action to deliver housing.”

In response to the legal challenge, a Peabody spokesperson said: “We’re investing in communities in and around South Thamesmead, supporting people, improving public areas and providing much-needed new homes.

“The planned redevelopment of the Lesnes Estate will help us expand this work and create an even better place for local people to live. We’ll respond to legal enquiries around the planning application, and will continue to support residents during this period of transition.”

Bexley Council has said it cannot comment while legal proceedings are ongoing.

Festival in Tooting coming back

By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter

A TWO-DAY music festival is returning to a Tooting Common this summer, after the plans were approved.

Country in the Common will be held in over the weekend of July 5 and 6.

The family-friendly festival launched last year as London’s “first outdoor celebration of country, roots and blues music”. It will host live music, line dancing, rodeo bull riding, axe throwing and lasso lessons when it returns to the park on a larger scale this summer.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy barbecue food, craft beer, whiskey and a silent disco. Tickets are yet to go on sale.

Wandsworth Council granted contractor Enable Leisure and Culture a two-day licence to repeat the event this year, after a hearing on January 23. The maximum capacity of the festival will be 7,500 people a day, up from the 6,000 attendees who were allowed each day last year.

The plans received three written objections from residents, who raised concerns they would be disturbed by noise from the festival, but no objectors attended the meeting.

One couple wrote they did not want the common “used for such events as the noise carries into our home”.

Aisling Galligan, senior events producer at Enable, said the firm wanted to repeat the event as it was well-run, safe and successful last year. She said there would be robust noise and security measures in place to make sure residents were not disturbed. The council’s licensing committee approved the plans in a new report, which said extensive conditions and management plans put forward by Enable had addressed any concerns.

The festival will be held from 1pm to 10.30pm on July 5, and from 1pm to 10pm on July 6. More details will be revealed in due course, including performers.

By Cristina Trujillo

SIX YEARS after a man was jailed for beating to death his teenage girlfriend, an inquest has just opened looking into whether the ‘20 agencies’ she was known to, could have protected her better.

During a trial in 2019, the court heard that Natasha Hill suffered more than 50 injuries at the hands of her 34-year-old boyfriend Scott Clifford.

He killed the 18-year-old at his grandfather’s home in Thamesmead in 2018 after what the court heard was a “coercive and controlling” relationship, in which he had carried out at least two previous attacks on her.

Lawyers said Natasha had been in hospital several times after being assaulted by Clifford, but the abuse was not picked up or acted upon.

After Clifford was jailed for 18 years, Natasha’s family asked for a full inquest on the grounds that authorities should have better protected her. They said “20 different agencies,” knew of Natashawho grew up in care.

Evidence gathered by multiple agencies

including Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police and Essex County Council, who were responsible for her care, are now being considered by the London Inner South Coroner’s Court in Bermondsey.

A jury is set to deliver its conclusions this week after the inquest started on January 12 this year.

The inquest has taken over six years to open, which is believed to be in line with the significant delays all UK inquests have been facing over the last few years.

A complex case, because of the sheer number of agencies involved, it is hoped that the inquest will establish lessons to be learned from ‘domestic homicide’, including how local organisations work individually and together to safeguard victims better.

Last week Detective Inspector Best from Essex and Detective Inspector Minningham from the Met both testified on the police’s conduct throughout various cases involving Natasha Hill.

DI Best gave evidence on an investigation into a domestic abuse reported from Hill on Clifford in 2018, not long before he murdered her. The

corner noted that DI Best expressed some ‘concerns about the failure to safeguard Natasha adequately as a result of that allegation’

DI Minningham pointed to flaws in the care system that led to multiple failures to acknowledge Natasha’s risk level.

He stated: “There was no overriding author agency that had the foot on the ball with this incident, and too many things were being treated as individual isolated incidents.”

Among various other concerns about Natasha’s cases, DI Minningham said, “reporting of Natasha as missing was relied on as a means of safeguarding intervention, when in reality, a more comprehensive response was required.”

He stated, “The process of identifying the relevant [risk] grading could have taken into consideration additional factors.” In some cases, “[Hill] was set at medium risk because she was 18 and already an adult.”

In a reference to one of these incidents, he said, “This missing incident was to be the thirteenth and final missing incident reported to the MPS concerning Natasha, who recently turned 18 years old and, in

the eyes of the law, was an adult.”

“This incident was conducted within MPS’s expected policy. However, the missing investigation commenced owing to the circumstances and the risk posed to her by Clifford, with whom she was believed to be with.”

Scott Clifford, inflicted more than 50 injuries and fatal head trauma on Natasha when he attacked her in 2018,

and the court was told that it was he who called paramedics claiming that she had fallen down the stairs. However, he was spotted attempting to wash his clothes as the paramedics tried to save her life. While he continues his 18-year sentence the inquest continues into what more could have been done to save Natasha Hill and other victims like her.

what’s on

BIG LAUGHS, BIGGER COSTUMESTHE BEST PANTO I HAVE EVER SEEN

FROM THE opening moments, it was clear this was going to be one hell of a show. We are introduced to Jack Pallister’s Spirit of the Beans character, whose powers increase with each drink, “Gin makes me randy, brandy makes me… disappointed.” His lime-green costume, complete with peas in the lapels, sets the tone for the fantastic costumes that fill the stage throughout this riotous two-hour production, writes Luigia Minichiello.

Written and directed by Lucy Hayes, Jack and His Giant Stalk blends sharp contemporary humour with unapologetically cheeky innuendo - a Brick Lane Music Hall trade mark.

Set in the delightfully named town of Loosebottom, the story follows Jack Trott (Josh Benson) and Dame Fanny(Andrew Robley) as they face eviction at the hands of the scheming Poison Ivy and the Giant’s Wife, who have their sights firmly set on an all-inclusive holiday to Magaluf.

The plot gallops along at a cracking pace, layered with knowing jokes and fuelled by Dame Fanny’s increasingly outrageous costumes — 18 in total, I was told afterwards, with two tireless backstage dressers keeping everything moving seamlessly. At times, I found

myself wishing we had more time simply to admire these creations: designs so structurally bold and outrageously inventive they had the audience laughing, gasping, and drawing breath in equal measure.

There’s something genuinely heartwarming about the strong sense of heritage running through the show. Vincent Hayes MBE, founder and resident compère of BLMH receives a rousing cheer when he appears as Willy Trott. His fearless interjections, “I went to bed and

mistook a bottle of Tippex for Viagra and woke up with a correction”, are a reminder that this isn’t just pantomime, but living, breathing music hall. Singalongs, audience banter and the glorious response of “Groan on all you like, we’ve got your money now!” keep the spirit alive.

Each performer gets their moment to shine. Charlotte Fage impresses as Poison Ivy with stunning vocals; Samantha McNeil delivers athletic splits as Jill; and Lucy Reed’s Daisy the Cow, complete with karaoke antics, delights with infectious

dance routines. When the full cast come together, the energy goes stratospheric.

The “If I Was Not in Pantomime” sketch is a standout, fast, clever slapstick that fully deserved its standing ovation.

The show does not put a foot — or hoof — wrong. The writing, performances and sensational costumes are outstanding, and the ornate church setting only adds to the magic. The audience was a joyful mix of ages and familiar faces, including British comedy icon Su Pollard, who treated the crowd to a special “Hi-de-Hi!”,

alongside Carry On star Anita Harris and Emmerdale’s Lorraine Chase, all laughing, singing and thoroughly enjoying the mayhem.

That warmth extends beyond the stage. Vincent Hayes MBE took time to thank the dedicated staff who kept the evening running smoothly, as well as acknowledging Brick Lane Music Hall’s wider commitment to community outreach and accessibility, work that deserves recognition and applause in its own right.

There may be one or two Viagra jokes too many, and if you’re easily triggered this may not be the night for you. But if you have a cheeky sense of humour and enjoy a modern take on traditional music hall entertainment, this is absolutely the place to be.

Magnificent from start to finish, the best pantomime I’ve seen in years, and I will most definitely be back.

Plus, I almost forgot with all the fun and excitement I was having, it comes with a delightful 3-course meal.

Brick Lane Music Hall, 443 North Woolwich Road, London, E16 2DA until March 7th Booking and Full details: https://www.bricklanemusichall.co.uk/

IT WAS an era after a World War when there was much optimism for the future, when trains and planes and automobiles became sleeker and faster, new materials such as stainless steel and plastic were introduced, and when Art Deco came into its own, writes Michael Holland.

The 1920s became the decade when Art Deco flourished, influencing clothes, skyscrapers, cinemas, cars, radios, jewellery and advertising.

Charles Holden designed many Underground stations with Art Deco adornments around this time, which still remain amongst the most eyecatching of stations. Several are now listed buildings. As the Underground network grew so did the advertising industry that informed travellers about days out they could make by tube train, cheap fare offers and the best times to travel.

And now, a hundred years after those posters adorned our bus and train stations, the London Transport Museum has an exhibition of some of the finest work by those graphic designers.

There is a segment that pays homage to France where the ‘Arts décoratifs’ style first became fashionable, but

that soon gives way to the tremendous amount of output in London for its Underground system.

West End shops, the river at Richmond, the gardens at Kew, and the annual Boat Race. Bold primary colours would have grabbed the attention of

the busiest commuter in those postwar days. As they still do now. There is also a section that shows how those early Modernists have

impacted on contemporary artists. A print by Paul Catherall, currently one of Transport for London’s most popular poster artists, shows that some trends never fade. Other artists used in recent years provide evidence that Art Deco is almost synonymous with London Transport. Its former headquarters at 55, Broadway, above St James’s Park station earned Charles Holden the RIBA London Architecture Medal in 1931.

For younger visitors the exhibition is a new and joyous look at an art movement that will never go out of style. For another generation it is a chance to look back at, and be reminded of, ticket prices in old money, times when a day on the beach at Southend was a train ride away and dog racing was deemed to be a good night out.

Factor everything in with the amazing collection of buses, train carriages and a multitude of other brilliant artefacts on display in the Museum, then this fantastic feast for the eyes has everything you need for a touch of the new and much for the nostalgic.

Full details: https://www. ltmuseum.co.uk/

QUEER HISTORY NIGHT, GREENWICH:

Join the Queer History Club for a FREE evening celebrating LGBTQ+ History at the National Maritime Museum. The club is an informal, community-centred research group who meet monthly to discuss queer maritime history. There are a range of speakers each session, with some of the upcoming topics including hidden queer icons, Victorian gender presentation and the Dutch East India Company’s ‘sodomites’. No historical expertise is required, but passions and special interests are encouraged.

Date: Thursday 12 February

Time: 18:00 - 21:30

Location: National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF

Tickets: Free

A VALENTINE’S DAY READING AT THE FAN MUSEUM

The Fan Museum in Greenwich will be hosting a rehearsed reading of A Gift of Love, a new play about Jane Austen and her great-grandnephew, Blackheath resident, E. C. Lefroy. Writer Wayne Adrian Drew, discovered that Lefroy was formerly a resident of his home on Shooter’s Hill Road. Through further research he discovered Lefroy’s impressive poetry, prose, and complex life story. A tale comparable to that of his great-grand-aunt, Jane Austen’s, own thwarted love affair, A Gift of Love throws new light on a poignant hidden history. The museum marked the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death in December 2025 with an exhibition called ‘Fans in the Age of Jane Austen’. The door will open for the evening from 18:45, with time for pre-show refreshments and an out-of-hours look around the exhibition before the reading. The performance will begin promptly in the Orangery at 7:30pm.

Date: Saturday 14 February

Time: 18:45 - 20:45

Location: The Fan Museum, 12 Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ER

Tickets: £20

www.thefanmuseum.org.uk/events/a-gift-of-love-a-valentines-dayreading-2026

A MUSIC CONCERT IN COMPLETE DARKNESS:

In the Dark at the Cutty Sark is a unique and romantic Valentine’s performance, featuring 30 world-class musicians, in the depths of the ship’s hull. The hour-long performance of live music is held in total darkness, with no phones and no distractions. Attendees will be seated throughout the performance and given a sleep mask at the start for full immersion. The music is not confined to a stage, instead performers will roam around the audience and surround listeners in different ways throughout the experience. The night is described by organisers as “intimate” and “three-dimensional”, with some music you may recognise and some you won’t. The theme for the night is ‘life and love’ and is happening one night only.

Date: Friday 13 February

Time: Performances at 19:15 - 20:15 and 21:15 - 22:15

Location: Cutty Sark, King William Walk, Greenwich, London, SE10 9HT

Tickets: Starting from £35 per ticket https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark/in-the-dark

THE VERY BUSY BUMBLEBEE AT WOOLWICH WORKS

Head to Woolwich Works to see The Very Busy Bumblebee this February, a family ballet performance about friendship and looking after our planet. The Let’s All Dance Ballet Company will bring the story of to life with a mixture of movement and laughter. It follows Mr Grumpy the Gardener, who is a litter bug, and is taught how to look after the planet by the Very Busy Bumblebee. The show is suitable for all ages, especially for children aged 0 to 8.

Date: Saturday 14 February

Time: Three performances at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00. Each performance lasts 35 minutes.

Location: Woolwich Works (Ropekeepers Studio), 11 No.1 Street, Woolwich, London, SE18 6HD

Price: £11.50 per ticket or £28 for a family ticket (two adults and two children) https://www.woolwich.works/events/the-very-busybumblebee

We’re speeding up bus journeys in Lambeth

Tell us about your experience of bus journey’s on Acre Lane and Norwood Road

Engagement open 19 January to 15 February

We're working with Transport for London to make bus journeys faster, safer, and more reliable on Acre Lane (A2217) and Norwood Road (A215). They’re two of eight bus priority corridors across Lambeth.

Scan for Acre Lane

Scan for Norwood Road

To place a funeral announcement,

Announcements must be placed by 4pm on the Tuesday before that week’s publication

MICHAEL CLIFFORD

Deceased

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925

anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of Flat 40, Vanbrugh Court, Wincott Street, London, SE11 4NS, who died on 04/03/2025, must send written details to the address below by 07/04/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified.

Lucy Haslam c/o Farnfields Solicitors, Church Lane, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JT. Ref: SL/91255-0001

Notice Of Application For A New Premises Licence Notice is hereby given that an application has been made by Amazon UK Services Limited to London Borough of Lewisham Council for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of premises located at Unit 16, Chiltonian

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A214 GLA SIDE ROAD (TOOTING BEC GARDENS, LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF STOPPING) ORDER 2026

1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it has made the above named Traffic Order under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specified in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable new water connection works to take place on the A214 Tooting Bec Gardens.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from stopping in the Parking and Disabled Persons Vehicles Bay outside of Nos. 25 to 33 Tooting Bec Gardens.

The Order will be effective at certain times between 7:00 AM on 9th February 2026 and 7:00 PM on 12th February 2026, or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibitions will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by traffic signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes;

(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.

Dated this 6th day of February 2026

Andrew Ulph

Co-ordination Manager Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A24 GLA ROAD (BALHAM HIGH ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF WANDSWORTH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF STOPPING) ORDER 2026

You’d want to know if someone was applying for an ALCOHOL LICENCE near you, right?

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1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it has made the above named Traffic Order under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specified in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to allow telecom repair works to take place on A24 Balham High Road.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from stopping in the Loading/Unloading and Disabled Persons Vehicle Bay outside No. 211 Balham High Road.

The Order will be effective between 9th February 2026 and 18th February 2026 every night from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM or when the works have been completed. The prohibitions will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by traffic signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes;

(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.

Dated this 6th day of February 2026

Andrew Ulph Co-ordination Manager Transport for London

I, Ligkor Kirio do hereby give notice that I have applied to the Licensing Authority at The London Borough of Bromley for a new Premises Licence at: 47 Station Approach, Hayes, Bromley, BR2 7EB and known as: Santorini Café

The application is to allow the following licensable activities to take place: The sale of alcohol (on and off the premises): Monday to Sunday: 11:00 – 23:00 Opening Hours of the Premises: Monday to Sunday: 06:00 – 23:00

Non-Standard Times

Supply of Alcohol & Opening Hours: On Christmas Eve (24 December) and New Year’s Eve (31 December) only: The premises may remain open and the supply of alcohol may take place from 11:00 to 00:30 hours.

Regulated Entertainment (Indoors Only) Live Music & Recorded Music

Non-Standard Times Only: On Christmas Eve (24 December) and New Year’s Eve (31 December), live and recorded music may take place indoors only from 11:00 to 00:30 hours.

Any person wishing to make representations to this application may do so by writing, stating the grounds of objection to: Licensing, London Borough of Bromley, Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley BR1 1AS

Representations may also be sent via email to licensing@bromley.gov.uk not later than: 25 February 2026

Representations received after this date cannot be considered. All representations MUST BE IN WRITING. A copy of the application can be viewed at the Licensing Authority’s address during normal office hours by appointment; or on the Council’s website: www.bromley.gov.uk (search applications).

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application, the maximum fine on summary of conviction is currently unlimited.

Signed: Esi Licensing & Legal Consultancy Ltd. on behalf of the applicant

Dated: 29/01/2026

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – TREMADOC ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable telecommunications repair and maintenance works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intends to make an Order, the effect of which would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding, waiting, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle or parking in that length of Tremadoc Road which lies between its junction with Clapham High Street and opposite the south-eastern boundary wall of No. 51 Clapham High Street.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Tremadoc Road, Kenwyn Road, St Luke’s Avenue and Clapham High Street, or via Clapham High Street, Cato Road, Kendoa Road and Tremadoc Road.

3. The Order would come into force on 25 February 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of one month, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take 3 days to complete.

Dated 6 February 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – POMFRET ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out telecommunications repair and maintenance works replacement works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intends to make an Order, the effect of which would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Pomfret Road which lies between its junction with Coldharbour Lane and outside the north-western boundary wall of No. 184 Coldharbour Lane.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Coldharbour Lane, Luxor Street and Flaxman Road, and vice versa.

3. The Order would come into force on 25 February 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of one month, to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take 2 nights (21:00 to 06:00) to complete.

Dated 6 February 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – VARIOUS ROADS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL BAFTA AWARDS EVENT

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, due to the likelihood of danger to the public caused by an increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic and parked vehicles due to the BAFTA Awards event taking place at the Royal Festival Hall, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intends to make an Order, the effect of which would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding, waiting, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle or parking in:-

(a) Belvedere Road, between Chicheley Street and Waterloo Bridge Road.

(b) Chicheley Street; the whole length.

(c) Upper Ground, between Belvedere Road and the southwestern kerb-line of Cornwall Road.

(d) The slip road connecting Waterloo Road to Belvedere Road, in a north-westerly direction (the down ramp); the whole length

2. The restrictions specified in paragraph 1 would only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs. Access for residents and businesses would be maintained, as directed by marshals positioned at each closure point.

3. The alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via York Road, Waterloo Road, Stamford Street, Cornwall Road and Upper Ground, or via Cornwall Road, Stamford Street, Waterloo Road and York Road.

4. The Order would come into force on 22 February 2026 and would continue in force for a maximum duration of 2 days.

Dated 6 February 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LICENSING ACT 2003

APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE

James Omolola Balogun has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth for the grant of a Premises Licence, in respect of the following premises: Sips & Spirits, Arch 571 Brixton Station Road, London SW9 8JB which would authorise the following licensable activities: Sale of Alcohol (off)Monday - Sunday 09:00 - 23:00

The record of this application may be inspected during normal office hours by an appointment at the Licensing Section, London Borough of Lambeth Town Hall, Basement Room B08 & B09, 1 Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1RW, or via the licensing authority’s website, at www.lambeth.gov.uk/licensing

A responsible authority or any other person may make representation to the licensing authority in respect of this application.

Representations must be made in writing, either by post to the above address, or by email to licensing@lambeth.gov.uk and must be received no later than 26th February 2026

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with a licensing application, and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for that offence shall not exceed level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000).

1.

4.

Notice of Application to apply for a Premises Licence made under the Licensing Act 2003

Please take notice that Slice Guyss Limited have made application to the London Borough of Merton to apply for a New Premises Licence in respect of: Slice Guys, 114 Merton High Street, London, SW19 1BD

The application is as follows: Late Night Refreshment – Both on and off the premises Sunday to Wednesday – 23:00hrs to 02:00hrs Thursday to Saturday – 23:00hrs to 04:00hrs –The provision of late-night refreshment after between 02:00hrs and 04:00hrs shall be via online 3rd party delivery companies only with the premises closed to walk-in trade.

A register of all applications made with the London Borough of Merton is maintained by: LICENSING SECTION, LONDON BOROUGH OF MERTON, 2ND FLOOR, CIVIC CENTRE, LONDON ROAD, MORDEN, SURREY, SM4 5DX

A record of this application may be inspected by appointment at Merton Civic Centre. Please email licensing@merton.gov.uk or telephone 020 8545 3969.

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 Section at the office or email address above and be received by the Merton’s Licensing Section within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below.

Note: It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of such offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine.

Date application given to the Council: 29/01/2026

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

Notice Under The Town and Country Planning Acts

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council is considering applications as set out below under the following categories; FUL – PLANNING PERMSSION

ADV – ADVERTISEMENT CONSENT

Written representations should be made within three weeks of the date of this advertisement to the Director of Planning, PO Box 734, Winchester SO23 5DG. Any comments made are open to inspection by the public and in the event of an appeal may be referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. Confidential comments cannot be taken into account in determining an application.

Application plans can be viewed online at www.lambeth.gov.uk/searchplanningapps – search using the reference number at the end of each application listing.

81 Gipsy Hill London SE19 1QL Erection of a single storey retail unit fronting Gipsy Hill and a ground plus two storey building to the rear fronting Sainsbury Road to accommodate three flats, following demolition of the existing single storey building. 26/00024/FUL

22 Lydon Road London SW4 0HW Erection of a single storey ground floor rear extension including new first floor heritage rooflight and sash window replacement. 26/00041/FUL

1 - 3 Whittlesey Street London SE1 8SZ Erection of a single-storey glazed ground floor side/rear infill extension, and the replacement of the front garage door with three timber panels. 26/00244/FUL

165 Gleneldon Mews London Lambeth SW16 2AZ Refurbishment of the ground floor unit (Use Class E) with partial conversion into a residential unit, including a loft conversion and extension to form a two-bedroom residential unit (Use Class C3) with rear balcony, and the provision of refuse and cycle store. 26/00247/FUL

Outside 55 Atlantic Road London SW9 8PU Two digital 75-inch LCD display screens, one on each side of the Street Hub unit.

(Please note: The reference number for this Advertisement Consent application is 26/00262/ADV but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 26/00261/FUL) 26/00262/ADV

King Of Sardinia Public House 19 - 21 Somers Road London SW2 2AE The proposal is to replace the windows and entrance doors with double-glazed timber windows, like-for-like, with the same configuration (transoms and mullions) as existing. 26/00221/FUL

with

new slatted timber and metal facade to service wall, the replacement of doors to the side of the elevation with glazed bi-folding doors , and the relocation of the entrance doors, plus the creation of an outdoor seating area with associated public realm works. 25/04001/FUL 761 Wandsworth

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Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A205 GLA ROAD (UPPER RICHMOND ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF WANDSWORTH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF STOPPING) ORDER 2026

1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Traffic Order under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specified in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable street lighting replacement works to take place on the A205 Upper Richmond Road.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from stopping in the:

(1) Parking and Disabled Persons’ Vehicle Bay outside Nos. 188 – 196 Upper Richmond Road;

(2) Loading and unloading only bay opposite Nos. 210 - 212 Upper Richmond Road;

(3) Licensed Taxi Bay outside Nos. 147 – 151 Upper Richmond Road;

(4) Loading/Unloading and Disabled Persons’ Vehicle Bay outside No. 176 Putney High Street;

(5) Loading/Unloading and Disabled Persons’ Vehicle Bay opposite Nos. 178 – 182 Upper Richmond Road

The Order will be effective at certain times between 23rd February 2026 and 11th March 2026, every night from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibitions will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by traffic signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes;

(2) anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform or a person authorised by Transport for London.

Dated this 6th day of February 2026

Andrew Ulph

Co-ordination Manager, Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING PLACES IN COLDHARBOUR LANE, KENNINGS WAY AND SOMERLEYTON ROAD

[NOTE: This Notice is about proposals to introduce new electric vehicle charging places in various locations as specified in paragraph 2 to this Notice. If there is any existing parking space at the locations specified, this will be removed to accommodate the new electric vehicle charging places. Objections or other comments may be made– see paragraph 6].

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth, proposes to make the Lambeth (Charged-For Parking Places) (Amendment No. **) Order 202* and the Lambeth (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (Amendment No. **) Order 202* under sections 6, 45, 46, 49 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended).

2. The general effect of the Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions Order would be to introduce 2 x 6.0 metre electric vehicle charging places that would operate at any time and would be available for use by any electrically propelled vehicle whilst actively charging, for a maximum stay period of one hour, with no return back to that place within two hours in:(a) Coldharbour Lane, the south-east side, outside Caldecot Court; (b) Kennings Way, the north-east side, outside Carrick Court, Kennington Park Road; (c) Somerleyton Road, the north-east side, opposite Brixton House, Coldharbour Lane.

3. The general effect of the Charged-For Parking Places Order would be to reduce in length by 12.00 metres:(a) the shared use, permit and charged for parking places, adjacent the lengths of Coldharbour Lane and Somerleyton Road specified in Article 2 (a) and 2 (c) of this Notice; (b) the permit parking place adjacent the length of Kennings Way specified in Article 2 (b) of this Notice.

4. The Orders are necessary to provide electric vehicle charging places adjacent to new rapid electric vehicle chargepoints, to meet demand and aid the transition to electric vehicles. Electric vehicles contribute to improvements in air quality, specifically nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and so the Council wishes to encourage their use by providing more charging places with the aim to give potential users more confidence that they will be able to access charging facilities when necessary.

5. If you have any enquiries about this matter, please send them by email to: cpzconsultation@lambeth.gov.uk.

6. A copy of each of the Orders and other documents giving detailed particulars about them are available for inspection online at: https://consultation.appyway.com/lambeth or www.lambeth.gov.uk/traffic-management-orders and at the offices of Lambeth Council’s Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking, Network Management & Fleet), 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1EG, between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm on Mondays to Fridays inclusive (except on bank/public holidays), until the Orders cease to have effect. To arrange an inspection please email: Trafficorders@lambeth.gov.uk.

7. All objections and other representations relating to the proposed Orders must be made in writing and all objections must specify the grounds on which they are made (quoting reference EV Bays – Rapid EVCP ref:175), and can be made using our consultation portal at https://consultation.appyway.com/lambeth or sent by post to Lambeth Council Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking, Network Management & Fleet), PO Box 80771, London SW2 9QQ or by email TMOReps@lambeth.gov.uk within 21 days from the date on which this Notice is published. Any objection may be communicated to, or be seen by, other persons who may have an interest in this matter.

Dated 6 February 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

Public Notice

Licensing Application – Licensing Act 2003

An application has been made by FIRKIN BREWERY LTD to Lewisham Council, as the Licensing Authority, for the grant of a: New Premises Licence

At: FIRKIN BREWERY TAP ROOM, 308-310 LEWISHAM HIGH STREET, LONDON, SE13 6JZ

This application includes proposals to carry out the following activities:

● PROVISION OF RECORDED MUSIC –23:00 TO 01:30 Monday-Sunday

● LATE NIGHT REFRESHMENT23:00 TO 02:00 Monday-Sunday

● SALE OF ALCOHOL –10:00 – 02:00 Monday-Sunday

● HOURS THE PREMISES ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – 10:00 – 02:00 Monday-Sunday

The application may be viewed at Lewisham Council, Safer Communities Service, 4th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, SE6 4RU by appointment Monday to Friday (except on public holidays) and between the hours of 9.00 am to 4.00 pm; or at www.lewisham.gov.uk

Responsible Authorities or any other person may make representations regarding the application to the licensing authority by emailing licensing@lewisham.gov.uk

Representations must be received on or before 24th FEBRUARY 2026

Representations must be made in writing.

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

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY WAITING AND LOADING RESTRICTIONS –NATAL ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable access for articulated vehicles which would be used in association with maintenance works taking place at Streatham Leisure Centre, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intends to make an Order, the effect of which would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from waiting, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle or parking at all times, in those lengths of Natal Road (both sides) which lies between the south-western boundary of No. 394 Streatham High Road and its junction with Ellora Road.

2. The Order would come into force on 23 February 2026 and will continue in force for a maximum duration of three months to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take 6 days to complete.

Dated 6 February 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

Gerald Vanderpuye has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth to vary a Premises Licence, in respect of the following premises: Impact Brixton, 17a Electric Lane, London, SW9 8LA The nature of the variation is as follows: To extend the opening & closing times of the space: Thursday to Sunday, 17:00 - 01:30 To extend the hours in which we can sell alcohol for consumption on site: Thursday to Sunday, 17:00 - 01:30

The record of this application may be inspected during normal office hours by an appointment at the Licensing Section, London Borough of Lambeth, 3 rd Floor Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1EG, or via the licensing authority’s website, at www.lambeth.gov.uk/licensing

A responsible authority or any other person may make representation to the licensing authority in respect of this application. Representations must be made in writing, either by post to the above address, or by email to licensing@lambeth.gov.uk and must be received no later than 01 March 2026

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with a licensing application, and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for that offence shall not exceed level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000).

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY PARKING, STOPPING, WAITING AND LOADING RESTRICTIONS BROXHOLM ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable UK Power Networks to carry out installation works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an order the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit any vehicle from waiting (including waiting for the purposes of loading and unloading a vehicle) at any time, in that length of Broxholm Road which lies between No. 3 and No.

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Ciara Watling with her teammates and commemorative jersey after her landmark appearance

WAT A RESULT!

By John Kelly

CIARA WATLING scored on her 100th appearance and Liva Helt struck in stoppage-time as Millwall Lionesses twice came from behind to beat Dorking Wanderers 3-2 at

Pro

By Sports Reporter

FISHER YOUTH successfully hosted its first-ever tournament at St Paul’s in Rotherhithe with over 60 teams across six age groups from London and Kent competing in the Fisher Youth Christmas Cup.

The tournament showcased a high standard of football from both boys and girls, with several standout performances leading to invitations for trials at professional clubs.

“It was a pleasure to see Fisher Youth host such a well-organised and enjoyable event, which was attended by hundreds of young aspiring footballers,” Youth chairman Tommy McCloud said. “We look forward to building on this success and hosting many more

Meadowbank Football Stadium to reach the semi-finals of the L&SERWFL Trophy.

Maisie Joyce levelled in first-half stoppage-time after the hosts had taken a 29th-minute lead.

Watling ran through to fire home a low

shot in the corner in the 64th minute, ten minutes after Dorking had gone back in front.

Ted Jones’s side won it in the 95th minute when Helt turned in the box before curling into the far corner.

The Lionesses will travel to

tournaments in the future.

“Thank you to Millwall Community Trust for their support in facilitating the event.”

Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub to face Hammersmith in their semi-final on March 1.

Millwall are back in Premier Division action this Sunday when they host Sport London E Benfica at St Paul’s in Rotherhithe (1.30pm).

Monkman hits Hamlet winner at Millwall Meadow

By Sports Reporter

DULWICH HAMLET Women came from behind to beat Chesham United 2-1 at Mill Meadow in the FAWNL South East Division One last weekend.

The hosts took the lead in the 61st minute before Jordyn Galway hit back and Lucy Monkman scored the winner.

Dulwich are eighth in the twelveteam division with fourteen points

from fourteen games. They host Cambridge United in the league at Champion Hill this Sunday (2pm).

The men’s side weren’t in action last weekend and their scheduled game against Whitehawk at Champion Hill on Tuesday was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Mark Dacey’s Hamlet go to Parkside to face Aveley in the Isthmian League Premier Division on Saturday (3pm).

Surrey sign Aussie star for Vitality Blast

By Sports Reporter

AUSTRALIAN BATTER Laura Harris has joined Surrey for the 2026 Vitality Blast.

Harris will link up with the squad in May and will remain in south London until the competition’s end when the top four sides meet at the Kia Oval for the Vitality Blast Women’s Finals Day on Friday, July 17.

The Queenslander is renowned for her attacking playing style and creative approach that allows her to access all areas of the ground.

Harris has been a pioneer of women’s professional cricket and played in both the inaugural seasons of the WBBL and the WPL.

Harris now plays for the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL but enjoyed nine successful seasons with the Brisbane Heat. She has struck at 160.76 and scored over 1,300 runs in her ten seasons of the competition.

In 2025, Harris played for the Warwickshire Bears in the Vitality Blast. She finished the competition with a strike rate of 207.79, which included a blistering sixteen-ball half-century against Durham and a career-best 77 from 34 balls against Somerset.

Emma Calvert, director of women’s cricket at Surrey, said: “We are really excited for Laura to join the three feathers for the T20 Blast. Her aggressive approach suits our style of cricket and we know she will add value both on and off the pitch.

“With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the summer, Laura will strengthen our squad with her experience and innovative playing style while others are away representing England.”

“I’m really looking forward to spending the summer at Surrey,” Harris said. “The group had a great season last year and I want to contribute to another.

“I’ve played with and against a lot of the squad in various competitions and have spent time with members of the staff, so I’m really looking forward to joining a professional, exciting and competitive environment at the Kia Oval.”

Tired Fish overwhelmed as Oystermen net haul

By John Kelly

A TIRED Fisher were beaten 5-1 by Whitstable Town in the quarter-finals of the Kent Senior Trophy - the Rotherhithe side’s fourth successive knockout game.

The hosts included Ronald Sithole, who had just joined from Step 2 side FC United of Manchester, and he delivered a man-of-the-match performance.

Ajay Ashanike’s visitors took the

lead against the run of play in the fourteenth minute. After Festos Kamara was fouled on the right, Tom Jones curled in a free-kick and Michael Sarpong volleyed home from the edge of the six-yard box.

From then on the hosts laid siege to the Fish’s goal and it took some solid defending and saves from Isaac Ogunseri to keep the Oystermen out.

Fisher’s resistance was finally broken on 30 minutes when Javaun Splatt hooked the ball back across

goal for Sithole to finish from close range.

Whitstable went in front two minutes before the break when Splatt met a cross at the back post to head across Ogunseri into the far corner.

Tyron Mbuenimo ripped a rightfooted shot from 25 yards that goalkeeper Daniel Colmer batted away as Fisher started the second half positively.

But Fisher couldn’t sustain that attacking momentum and the home

side went 3-1 up through Bradley Schafer following a counter-attack that overwhelmed the away defence.

Fisher’s Esteban Salgado sent a ball into the box but after Rafael Garcia went down the referee waved away appeals for a penalty.

Whitstable’s appeals at the other end had a different result after Nas Crespo had taken down an opponent, and Schafer scored from the spot.

Schafer completed his hat-trick when he headed home Sithole’s cross.

Fisher’s difficult afternoon was summed up when they were left with ten men after using all their substitutes before Stephan Richard Kingson was forced off after a collision with Colmer.

After going through in the FA Vase and London Senior Cup in their two previous games, this was a step too far. The Fish have a fifth knockout game in a row this Saturday when they travel to Punjab United in the FA Vase fifth round (3pm).

30 SPORT

By John Kelly

OLIVER GLASNER was left with “mixed feelings” after Crystal Palace came from a goal down against Nottingham Forest but couldn’t turn their numerical advantage on the pitch in the second half into three points at the City Ground.

Sean Dyche’s side took the lead in the fifth minute when Morgan GibbsWhite chested the ball down in a congested area before finishing past Dean Henderson.

The Eagles levelled after Forest defender Neco Williams was given a straight red card for stopping Jefferson Lerma's goal-bound header with his hand. Ismailia Sarr beat goalkeeper Matz Sels from the penalty spot two minutes into first-half added-time.

Despite being a man down, the Tricky Trees pressed for a winner and had chances through Gibbs-White and Ola Aina.

Palace, meanwhile, couldn’t test Angus Gunn, who had replaced the injured Sels at half-time.

The result halted Palace's run of three consecutive defeats but they still haven’t won in games games in all competitions.

"I have mixed feelings," Glasner said. "Even before the goal we created two big chances, so credit to the players because we played really well in the first half.

"We deserved the equaliser. Everyone wanted to take responsibility in the second half but we took wrong decisions. But I don't want to blame anybody, the reason for this is our psychological situation.

"How I have seen us playing, particularly in the first half, gives me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.

"I love this group because they deal with the situation. They never lost their focus.

"We wanted it, but perhaps we wanted it too much, and we lost a little bit of structure.

"We did create, we had three or four great crosses, but no one was on the end of them."

Palace got a boost after a difficult month when they sold captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City and speculation over Jean-Philippe Mateta - who saw a proposed deadline-day move to AC Milan called off - as Chadi Riad made his first league start since August 2024 after recovering from an ACL injury.

"He's such a fantastic guy,” Glasner

EAGLES EARN TRICKY POINT

said. “It's not just one year, but almost one-and-a-half years without him. He was always positive and so hardworking.

"I ruptured my ACL as well and it usually takes you as long as you are injured to be in the same shape again, but I'm sure Chadi will be there sooner.

"He did well in a few situations. It's

good to have him back."

Goalkeeper Henderson said all the off-pitch difficulties - including Glasner confirming he would leave at the end of this season - had not affected the squad’s morale.

"We had a great first half,” Henderson said. “We were the better team and created some good situations.

“The sending-off gives you great

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson says “dressing room keep showing up for badge”

momentum but it was disappointing that we couldn't find a way through.

"We had it a couple of times last season when [the opposition] sit and it's attack versus defence. Sit in and don't give [anything] away, they did that well.

"I thought the lads did really well. They pushed to the last and it's important we have the lads in the

Addicks recover from Lions mauling with Foxes win Palace recover but can’t break down ten-man Forest

By John Kelly

HARRY CLARKE said Charlton Athletic wanted to “set it straight” as they bounced back from their derby defeat at Millwall with a 2-0 victory against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

After their 4-0 trouncing by the Lions, the Addicks scored twice in the first half in Foxes interim boss Andy King’s first game in charge.

Leicester defender Caleb Okoli was sent off in the fifteenth minute for pulling back Miles Leaburn. Clarke had a header controversially ruled out for an apparent foul by Leaburn before the away side took control.

Sonny Carey put Nathan Jones’s side ahead in the 36th minute before January signing Lyndon Dykes added the second four minutes into first-half added-time, both goals assisted by two more winter recruits, Clarke and Luke Chambers, respectively.

Leicester wasted a chance to get back into it in the second half after Abdul Fatawu was pulled back by Amari'i Bell, only for Jordan Ayew to hit the post with his penalty "Last week was nowhere near good enough and we wanted to set it straight this week, for the fans and for ourselves and it feels great," Clarke said.

"It wasn't a great mood after the

Millwall game, and it shouldn't have been, it was nowhere near good enough.

"We have a lot of games between now and the end of the season, and hopefully we can kick on from this and carry on."

"The supporters have been brilliant, they are the twelfth man. We knew coming here it was going to be a tough game, even when they were down to ten men they still had spells, but [the fans] kept us going through it. Those last ten minutes, my legs were gone, but they still kept shouting."

Charlton moved six points clear of the relegation zone ahead of their London derby against Queens Park Rangers at The Valley this Friday.

"I am very pleased, especially with the

first half. We picked an aggressive side, we were really front-footed against them, and we were excellent. We really took the game to them," Jones said.

"We scored two very good goals. I was really pleased with how we saw the game out. They had a ten-to-fifteenminute period in the second half where they got on top. We changed, we flipped it, and we really got a grip of the game back."

"We got after them aggressively early on, and that led to a red card. We scored three good goals, because there is nothing wrong with the goal from the corner, I am baffled with that. The win was everything today, we had a little bit of luck with the penalty, but I am

dressing room that keep showing up for the badge.

“It [off-pitch distractions] comes with professional football.

“We've got a lot of experience and we have to deal with it. We can build on this point.”

Palace face Brighton & Hove Albion at the American Express Stadium on Sunday (3pm).

pleased with the manner of the goals."

"There was quality in both goals and I am really pleased with that because we are demonstrating that we have that."

Over 2,000 Addicks fans made the trip.

Jones added: "I want to thank the fans. It would be so easy to panic and get carried away. Last week was emotional for everyone.

"I wanted to give the fans something this week, to show that we care about this club. The fans were absolutely magnificent today, and I want to thank them personally.

"I saw a team today that wanted to win a game, that wanted to defend the box and wanted three points and that is all I can ask for."

BLUES OUT AS GUNNERS HAVE IT

By John Kelly

LIAM ROSENIOR said Chelsea’s 4-2 aggregate defeat to Arsenal in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup was “painful” after former Blue Kai Havertz scored a stoppagetime winner at the Emirates on Tuesday night.

Trailing 3-2 from the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s aim was to keep it tight before trying to find a goal to level the tie.

Rosenior started with a back five before sending on Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian after an hour and switching to a back four. Another attacker, Alejandro Garnacho, was introduced fifteen minutes from time but it was Gunners substitute Havertz who had the final say when he rounded goalkeeper Roberto Sanchez and rolled into the empty net to send Mikel Arteta’s side into the Wembley final in style.

Rosenior was disappointed but is pleased with how his side are developing.

"We dominated the areas we wanted to in the second half, but we didn't find that quality moment,” Rosenior said.

"When you're pushing as we were, we put both defenders in the box and in the last few minutes of injury time that (conceding) can always happen.

"Arsenal know they were in for a game today, over both ties. I think there are clear improvements from the first leg to the second. Yes, it's painful to lose - you want to go through. We just need to keep making improvements - which I'm seeing.

"In the first leg, I'm not making excuses, but we had an illness go through the camp on the day of the game - we had four players missingand I'd been in charge for three days. I cannot fault the application, intensity or the fight of the players.

"What we need to do is remember this is the start and I'm really, really happy with a lot of things I'm seeing.

“You want to get the results, but we need to make sure we rest and recover and we keep improving as we go."

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice gave Chelsea their dues.

He said: “Credit to Chelsea to be fair. Since their new manager has come in they've been really, really good.

"They changed the formation tonight

Ex-Chelsea forward seals Arsenal’s final spot

Dons strike late at Vale

and gave us problems. On another night they could have scored but credit where it is due, our defence was incredible.

"We have a group who really want it. Whatever team comes at us, we're ready for it. When you play a team like

Thommo treble in Ravens

By John Kelly

BROMLEY BOSS Andy

Woodman hailed a Ravens

“masterclass” after midfielder Ben Thompson scored his first career league hat-trick in their 4-1 win against Gillingham at Priestfield last weekend.

Thompson scored twice before Corey Whitely added a third for the League Two leaders.

Bradley Deck pulled one back a minute before half-time, but it only took Thompson two minutes after the break to score his third.

“It was a masterclass,” Woodman

said. “We did a job on Gillingham.

“Everyone tells me we only score from set-plays and we’re onedimensional - well the quality of the finishing was brilliant.

“It’s not just one-sided, 4-1 job done, we still had to defend and when those moments came the guys put their bodies on the line and Grant (Smith) made some big saves when needed.

“Ben Thompson was phenomenal today. The third one was some goal.

By John Kelly

JOHNNIE JACKSON said AFC Wimbledon’s fans made the difference as substitute Callum Maycock scored the only goal two minutes from time to beat Port Vale at Vale Park and earn the Dons just their second League One win in their last fifteen games.

Maycock scored his first league goal of the season with the Dons’ only effort on target in the match to leave Vale ten points from safety.

Jackson had January signings James Tilley and Zack Nelson in his side and went over to thank the 121 travelling fans after the final whistle.

“I thought it was important I go over and just let everyone know how thankful that we are that they came and supported us tonight. In decent numbers as well, by the way. And I know the lads appreciated it,” Jackson said.

“It's always nice to go and get the goal there in front of them. And they had to wait a while for it. So I thought it was important.

“We always go over and show our appreciation and clap. But I just wanted to go and just say a personal thank you for the guys who travelled up here tonight to come and support us. They made the difference.”

Meanwhile, the third winter recruit, former Liverpool and Preston striker Layton Stewart who was joined on loan from Swiss top-flight side Thun, was set to arrive on Wednesday ahead of the league game against Reading at Plough Lane on Saturday.

Jackson said: “I spoke to him early part of the week and he put across a bundle of enthusiasm.

Chelsea they throw so many things at you physically and mentally.

"You've got to have that resilience to stay strong and keep going.

"We deserve it. The last three or four years we've been at the top of the Premier League competing and

‘masterclass’

“They are a good group. I’m delighted with what they’re about. They just need to keep ploughing through.

“I keep reminding everybody that we haven’t achieve anything yet. It’s another result and another result closer to where we want to get to.

“I’m going to keep demanding from this group. It’s quiet in that dressing room because we haven’t achieved anything yet.

“We don’t bang on the walls, there’s no music blaring, we’re a respectful group. When we get to where we want to get to then we’ll have that party.” Bromley travel to Fleetwood Town on Saturday (3.01pm).

got really close but haven't been good enough.

"That's why this season we have that extra desire and fire in our bellies to go one step further in every competition. There's a long way to go but to be a cup final with this club is amazing."

“He was really keen to join us and get back to England. I think we have a point to prove. He wants to come in and help us. It was infectious speaking to him.”

Eagles in spin on deadline day

By John Kelly

CRYSTAL PALACE completed the club-record £48million signing of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a day of deadline drama at Selhurst Park.

Strand Larsen, 25, signed a four-anda-half-year deal and was expected to replace AC Milan-bound Jean-Philippe Mateta.

But Milan pulled out of the £30million move over concerns about a knee issue after medical examinations.

Strand Larsen scored fifteen goals in 44 Premier League starts for Wolves and is set to head to the World Cup with Norway this summer.

"I'm really excited to come to Crystal

Palace,: Strand Larsen said. "It's been something I've wanted to do for a long time now.

"I'm here to bring energy and goals, and to try to do my best for the club."

The drama didn’t end there before Monday’s 7pm deadline. The Eagles were expected to complete a loan-to-buy swoop for Dwight McNeil from Everton only for Palace to fail to complete the paperwork. Later, on Instagram, McNeil’s girlfriend Megan Sharpley said her partner had been “dragged along on an emotional rollercoaster, and to be toyed with until the final minute”.

She added: "People only see one side on the media, you don't see the tears, the emotion and the distress I've seen tonight."

Sport INSIDE

Eagles earn Tricky point

LIONS KNOCK BACK RECORD BID

Boss:

‘Keeping

Femi

strengthens our hand’

By Will Scott

ALEX NEIL Hopes that fending off a record bid for Femi Azeez from Ipswich Town will “pay dividends” as Millwall push for a top-six finish - and credited chairman James Berylson for “sticking to his guns”.

The Tractor Boys tested the Lions’ resolve with several bids for their talisman in the final days of the transfer window, one of which would have been a record sale for the club.

Azeez has scored seven goals and registered three assists this season, with three of those strikes the difference between a draw and a win.

“What it shows is we recognise how important Femi’s been to our team,” Lions boss Neil told our paper the day after Monday’s 7pm deadline. “Ipswich are one point ahead of us currently. So it’s not as if we’re sitting in twelfth, and we need to cash in.

“We’ve had a great season so far, and we’re continuing to have a great season, and I think keeping Femi certainly strengthens our hand.

“Jimmy deserves huge amounts of credit for sticking to his guns and allowing Femi to stay with us to the end of the season. We’re hoping that that’s going to pay dividends for him, for us, for everybody between now and the end.”

Millwall’s record sale remains Romain Esse, who moved to Crystal Palace just over a year ago in a £14.5million deal.

At the time, the Lions were thirteenth in the table and had won just one of their previous eleven league games.

Millwall are now in the thick of the play-off fight in fifth, having lost just once in their past eight games.

“I think the biggest difference now is probably that we’ve got numerous assets right across the team,” Neil said. “I’m sure there were other players that would have had the opportunity to go elsewhere. There was certainly interest in other players we’ve got.

“But we spoke about it at length.

Femi Azeez, right, has scored seven goals this season

There are times where it’s right to sell for the club, it’s right to sell for the player, and there are times where we need to focus on what we are trying to do at this moment in time, and whether we feel it’s better for the next short period of time to the summer.

“We feel we’ve got a great opportunity where we can go and do something quite special, and we want to try and give ourselves the best chance. It doesn’t mean that because we’ve done that, it’s going to happen, but it certainly helps.

“It gives us better options in terms of more depth, more strength, and hopefully keeping our best players for the remainder of this season.”

Magnificent seven boost Addicks

By John Kelly

CHARLTON ATHLETIC boss Nathan Jones said he was “thrilled” with the Addicks’ seventh and final signing of the January transfer window, Kenyan international Collins Sichenje.

The 22-year-old defender signed on a long-term deal from Serbian SuperLiga side FK Vojvodina for an undisclosed fee.

Charlton were one of the busiest EFL sides in the winter window, also signing Harry Clarke, Lyndon Dykes, Luke Chambers, Tiernan Brooks, Jayden Fevrier and Conor Coady.

Dykes scored in Charlton’s 2-0 win at Leicester City last weekend, with Clarke and Chambers getting assists.

"We’re thrilled to add Collins, who is a defender that we’ve been tracking for a long, long time,” Jones said. “He’s an aggressive, front-footed centre-back who is only 22 years of age, so he’s one that can grow with us and one that we’re excited to be welcoming to the football club."

Sichenje said: ”It feels amazing to be here. It’s a good club with a good project and I’m ready to start working. It’s a big step for my career. It’s a good opportunity to keep working, developing and help the team, so I just need to be humble and keep workingthat’s the goal."

There was a total turnover of fourteen senior players in SE7 last month. Goalkeeper Ashley MaynardBrewer left for Dundee United in a permanent deal, while Rob Apter (Bolton Wanderers), Tanto Olaofe (Stockport County) and Karoy Anderson (Blackpool) went out on loan. Jerome Roussillon and Onel Hernández both left the club after the expiration of their contracts and James Bree returned to parent club Southampton after his loan spell.

Charlton managing director James Rodwell said: "We’ve brought in seven players and allowed a number to move on either permanently, or for their development. We’re pleased with the additions we’ve made to help balance the squad, add further quality and Championship experience. We’re now looking forward to the final 17 games, starting with Friday’s home game against Queens Park Rangers." That game kicks off at 8.01pm.