SouthLondonWeekly. Community matters
DAVID BOWIE’S CHILDHOOD HOME TO BE RESTORED
Issue 136 ∙ 50p ∙ January 16 2026 ∙ www.southlondon.co.uk
See sport
See page 3
‘TEENAGE POSES HELP PROVE GUILT’ Police release images of girls after they are convicted of manslaughter
See page 4
DONS BOSS TARGETS WEMBLEY See page 16
Reform’s mayoral candidate announced early - but who is she?
2 NEWS Contents NEWS NEWS Pages 2-19 Pages 2-15 REVIEW OF THE YEAR OPINION Pages 8-15 Page 16-17 CLASSIFIED Page 17 ARTS ARTS Pages 18-19 Pages 18-19 EVENTS CLASSIFIED Page 20 Page 21 HISTORY Page 21 NOTICES PUBLIC Pages 22-25 PUBLIC NOTICES Pages 25-27
VOTES: PLANS TO SCRAP MOST JURY TRIALS
By Issy Clarke
ALL FIVE of Southwark’s MPs failed to vote against the government’s plans to scrap most jury trials after the Conservatives forced a vote on the proposal.
The government’s justice secretary David Lammy unveiled plans in December to abolish jury trials for crimes carrying a sentence of less than three years. Serious crimes, including murder, robbery and rape, will still be tried before a jury. Lammy said the reforms were necessary to clear the court backlog which is nearly at 80,000 – but the Conservatives and Greens have described the plans as an ‘attack on the rule of law’. The Conservatives used an opposition day debate in Parliament yesterday (Wednesday, 7 Jan) to force a motion calling on the government to reverse the proposals. MPs Neil Coyle (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) and Ellie Reeves (Lewisham
SPORT SPORT Pages Pages 29-32 29-32
West and East Dulwich) voted against the motion. Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Norwood), Miatta Fahnbulleh (Peckham) and Florence Eshalomi (Vauxhall and Camberwell Green) abstained from voting. The motion was defeated by 287 votes to 181. Just one Labour MP, Karl Turner for
Kingston upon Hull East, went against the government to back the motion. Commenting on yesterday’s vote, Andy Hidgson, the Secretary of the Southwark Green Party said: “All five local Labour MPs voted to scrap jury trials – another assault on our rights from an increasingly authoritarian government.
“This will dismantle an 800-year cornerstone of our justice system. For David Lammy to claim trial by jury is “not a right” is a disgrace. “Instead of cutting rights, the Government must properly fund justice. I am proud that the Green Party MPs have opposed these proposals every step of the way.”
was supported by Chancellor Rachel Reeves at November’s Budget and looks set to unlock up to 30,000 new homes between Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead. “We also need a Bakerloo Line extension, the West London Orbital. We need a huge amount of infrastructure and a huge amount of funding
in order to be able to get to that 88,000 figure.” Independent analysis from consulting firm Hatch suggests that 107,000 new homes could be unlocked along the Bakerloo Line if it is eventually extended to Hayes in the south-east. Transport for London (TfL) say the extension would support over 50,000 new homes along the proposed route in southeast London, with 20,400 of these homes dependent on the scheme coming forward. The West London Orbital, which would run from Hendon and West Hampstead to Hounslow, could help deliver up to 15,800 new homes, meanwhile. Despite both projects being backed by the Mayor of London, there was no mention of either in the Autumn Budget last year. It is understood that while conversations are ongoing between City Hall and Whitehall, there are no plans to approve either in the coming years. Mr Copley also reiterated that the figure cannot be reached without building on green belt land, though he could not give an estimate for the proportion of new homes that would need to be constructed on the protected land.
‘Can’t hit housing target without Bakerloo Line extension’ By Kumail Jaffer Local Democracy Reporter
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LONDON WILL struggle to build its target figure of 88,000 new homes every year for the next decade unless two major rail projects are given the green light, the Deputy Mayor for Housing has said.
Tom Copley said the next London Plan will factor in the government’s request – part of a wider target for 1.5million new homes in the UK by 2029 – but may fall short if enough infrastructure isn’t built. He told the London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee that a “huge amount of infrastructure and funding” are needed to reach the 88,000 figure. However, he called on ministers to back the fabled Bakerloo Line extension from Elephant & Castle into South London and the proposed West London Orbital connecting North and West London. He said: “We’re going to be planning for 880,000 homes over the next 10 years. But to be clear, the London plan is not a delivery plan.
SouthLondonWeekly. Community matters
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It’s a spatial development strategy. So we’re gonna be planning the homes that we need. “But we’re also very, very clear that in order to actually get to that target, a lot of things have to happen. The DLR extension, which I mentioned, is very, very important. This includes the DLR extension – which
SouthLondonWeekly. Community matters
PRINCE OF PECKHAM TO GET MBE
Issue 135 ∙ 50p ∙ January 9 2026 ∙ www.southlondon.co.uk
ZIP CAR OFFERED FREE PARKING TO STAY
THE CHANGING FACE OF SOUTH LONDON See pages 7
See page 5
PALACE FALL TO SET-PIECES See sport
Find out what developments are coming to your borough See pages 8-17
Even Prince William is developing here
The South London Weekly is an independent newspaper covering all of south London and beyond Community Matters Media has been running independent newspapers since 1987, and now boasts the weeklies: South London Weekly, Southwark News and Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender, as well as the lifestyle magazines The South Londoner and Bermondsey Biscuit & Rotherhithe Docker. You can view all our content on www.southlondon.co.uk and sign up to newsletters to stay informed about news, lifestyle & events, people, sport and history. We believe in community and in balanced, independent and responsible journalism. As a south London business, we also work to support fellow local businesses. A dedicated team of staff work tirelessly to cover as much of what is going on as possible and strive to ensure that community-led, independent newspapers can survive and excel in a market dominated by national and multinational media groups.
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NEWS 3 By Evie Flynn A TERRACED house in Bromley is being transformed into an immersive 1960s experience, allowing visitors to walk through David Bowie’s childhood home – including the bedroom where he wrote Space Oddity.
David Robert Jones, later known as David Bowie, lived in the railway workers’ cottage at 4 Plaistow Grove when he was aged 8 to 20 (1955-1967). The property was recently acquired by Heritage of London Trust and is set to be complete for public visits in late 2027. With the help of donations, the Trust wants to restore the “two up, two down” cottage to its 1960s appearance with the help of Geoffrey Marsh, who is the co-curator of the V&A’s David Bowie Is exhibition. The interior will be the same as it was when Bowie’s father commuted to work at charity Dr Barnardo’s and his mother worked as a waitress, using a “never seen before” archive of material. His bedroom will be the centre of the immersive experience, with the 9ft x 10ft box room witnessing the start of his musical journey in the ‘60s. The announcement of the acquisition came last Thursday, on what would have been Bowie’s 79th birthday. The next day 10 January, was the 10-year anniversary of his death. Bowie’s lifelong friend, George Underwood, said: “We spent so much time together, listening to and playing music. I’ve heard a lot of people say David’s music saved them or changed their life. “It’s amazing that he could do that and even more amazing that it all started here, from such small beginnings, in this house. We were dreamers, and look what he became.” The house is near the Edwardian ‘Bowie bandstand’ – where the young musician performed in 1969 and was restored by Bromley Council and Heritage of London Trust in 2024. To help the restoration, City law firm Jones Day have awarded a £500,000 grant as part of the Jones Day Foundation, which is funded by attorneys and staff. Dr Nicola Stacey, Director of Heritage of London Trust, said: “David Bowie was a proud Londoner. Even though his career took him all over the world, he always remembered where he came from and
DAVID BOWIE’S CHILDHOOD HOME SET TO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Striped bodysuit 1973 Photograph by Masayoshi Sukita ©The David Bowie Archive 2012
The site plan
the community that supported him as he grew up. “It’s wonderful to have this opportunity to tell his story and inspire a new generation of young people and it’s really
Geoffrey Marsh, George Underwood and Nicola Stacey outside 4 Plaistow Grove
important for the heritage of London to preserve this site.” Heritage of London Trust are welcoming donations to help restoration efforts on their website www.bowieshouse.org
Peckham to host a weekend farmers’ market in a school
By Frankie Hills
PECKHAM’S BELLENDEN road is to host a new weekly farmers’ market, turning The Belham Primary School into a vibrant one-stop shop for organic and fresh produce.
Running every Saturday between 9:30am to 3pm from January 24th, the market will offer over 25+ traders providing the freshest possible produce available, all whilst accompanied to the backdrop of live music, street food, artisan coffee and wine. The market will aim to provide a wide range of nutritional products, including grass-fed meats, day-boat
fish and vegetables grown with no chemical input. Alongside farmers’ produce, a carefully curated selection of European traders will also be present, offering a selection of cheeses, charcuterie and antipasti. A selection of pastries, homemade bread, pies and tarts should also be expected for any would be attendees. A wide selection of wines will also be present, both to enjoy at the site of the market and to also take home.
A LIST OF TRADERS IN ATTENDANCE INCLUDES:
Wild Country Organics – Awardwinning growers known for going far beyond the supermarket standard, with
an extraordinary range of produce, all harvested specifically for market day. The French Comté – A standout selection of French cheeses and charcuterie, including Morbier, four ages of Comté and magret de canard. Pick’s Organic Farm – Certified organic, grass-fed and slowly reared meats with a strong nose-to-tail ethos, offering beef, lamb, pork, chicken and game. Danefold Farm – Leaders in regenerative farming, producing exceptional meat alongside their own handmade charcuterie. Astons Bakehouse – Handmade certified organic breads using heritage grains, including their cult-favourite rye loaf.
4 NEWS By Issy Clarke A TEENAGE girl from Tuse Hill is among three teenagers sentenced to a total of 23 years in prison following the killing of a 51-year-old man who was viciously beaten to death in what police described as a county lines attack.
The court heard how 51-year-old Anthony Marks was attacked with a car bumper before being chased down the street stamped on and beaten with a gin bottle in a vicious county lines retribution attack. He was found by the Met Police with serious injuries to his head and arms at King’s Cross Station at around 05:25am on Saturday, 10 August 2024. He died from his injuries in hospital just over a month later on Saturday, 14 September 2024. Photos released by police from the night show the teenagers – who can now be named as they are aged over 18 – posing for selfies both before and after they carried out the brutal killing. Met detectives secured the convictions after tracking the assailants across CCTV footage, identifying suspects from across London and tracing the drug gang through forensic analysis of mobile phones to piece together the events of the night. Jaidee Bingham, aged 16 at the time of the attack and known as ‘Ghost’, Eymaiyah Lee Bradshaw-McKoy, then aged 16, and Mia Campos-Jorge, then aged 17, were convicted at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 30 October 2025. Jaidee Bingham, 18 from Dagenham, was found guilty of murder. He was sentenced to a minimum of 16 years on Monday, 5 January. Eymaiyah Lee Bradshaw-McKoy, 18 from Tulse Hill was found guilty of manslaughter. She was sentenced to three years and 11 months on Monday, 5 January. Mia Campos-Jorge, 19 from Tottenham, was found guilty of manslaughter. She was sentenced to three years and six months on Monday, 5 January. Detective Inspector Jim Barry, of the Met’s Specialist Crime North, who led this investigation, said: “This is a particularly callous murder that gives an insight into the ruthless brutality of county lines gangs. “The ages of Bingham, BradshawMcKoy and Campos-Jorge are particularly shocking. But the fact that they were teenagers does not excuse their violent actions as part of a drug line that has brought fear and intimidation to London’s streets. “They believed they had escaped justice, even posing for selfies together and
TEENAGE GIRL FROM SOUTH LONDON AMONG THREE JAILED AFTER ‘CALLOUS’ KILLING OF 51-YEAR-OLD
Anthony Marks
Left to Right - Mia CamposJorge, Jaidee Bingham, Anthony Marks, Eymaiyah Lee Bradshaw-McKoy, from Tusle Hill, Screenshot of snapchat from Bradshaw-McKoy
laughing about what they had done. There is a sense of justice that officers were able to use these to place them at the scene of the crime. “This verdict shows how the Met is taking the fight to criminal gangs and committed to getting justice for their victims.” The court heard that Bingham, BradshawMcKoy and Campos-Jorge started their work for the county-lines drug gang on the evening of Friday, 9 August. After one of the girls was robbed, and police said Bingham was tasked with finding out who had taken the drugs.
They believed Mr Marks knew what had happened and confronted him at 05.00hrs on Saturday, 10 August. After an altercation, he was chased from Argyle Street to Whidbourne Street by Bingham and Bradshaw-McKoy, with CCTV footage showing Bradshaw-McKoy wielding a long object, believed to be a car bumper. In a brutal attack, Mr Marks was repeatedly kicked and hit over the head with a glass bottle. The court head they only left when a member of the public chased them off, armed with a cricket bat.
Police found Mr Marks covered in blood in King’s Cross Station later that morning, after he stumbled into the transport hub for help. Met officers were able to interview Mr Marks and use CCTV to create a detailed picture of the night when he was attacked. Police located the teenage suspects at their homes across south, north and east London, and seized their mobile devices. Images and video footage placed them together at an apartment streets from the scene, with messages between them appearing to reference the incident.
Officers were then able to secure footage that tracked them from the crime back to the apartment, building the case that led to their conviction. Bingham was arrested on Friday, 4 October 2024 and was charged with murder on Sunday, 6 October. Bradshaw-McKoy was arrested on Thursday, 28 November 2024 and was charged with murder on Monday, 29 November. Campos-Jorge was arrested on Monday, 9 December 2024 and was charged with murder on the same day.
By Issy Clarke
at home with her during the incident however thankfully he was unharmed. Initial enquiries suggest that between 10:30pm – 11:00pm two suspects, both men, approached the front door of the property. Moments later the victim was shot, with bullets being fired through the front door. In total, seven shots are believed to have been fired into the address. Following the shooting, the two suspects fled the scene and headed on foot in the direction of Commercial Way. Both were dressed in dark clothing: one was wearing a grey hooded top and is believed to have been carrying the firearm; the second was wearing a dark coloured hooded top. Detective Inspector Jordan Gardner, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a shocking act of violence, carried out at a family home where a
young child was present. It is vital we identify those responsible and ensure justice for the victim. “We know there will be people who saw or heard something that could help us. Even if the information seems minor, please come forward. “We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of Cronin Street, Commercial Way or Moody Road between 21:45 and 23:45hrs on the evening of Wednesday, 24 December.” Officers are urging anyone who may have seen two men acting suspiciously, who witnessed them leaving the scene, or who has doorbell, CCTV or dash?cam footage from the surrounding area to contact police. Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting CAD 6674/24DEC25. You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police appeal for information after Peckham mum shot on Christmas Eve POLICE HAVE appealed to the public for information following a shooting on Christmas Eve which has left a Peckham mum of a oneyear-old son in hospital fighting for her life.
Police were called at 22:50hrs on Tuesday, 24 December to reports of shots fired at a residential address on Cronin Street, Peckham, off Commercial Way. Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and found a woman in her 20s with multiple gunshot injuries. She was taken to hospital in a potentially life-threatening condition, where she remained in a critical care unit over Christmas and she is still in on a ward receiving treatment. The woman’s one-year-old son was
NEWS 5
Leaseholders claim victory in court over ‘unfair service charges’
By Flora Bigham
LEASEHOLDERS LIVING in Beck House in Elephant and Castle have won a ‘major tribunal case’ against large property developer Lendlease after they claimed they were overcharged more than £2,500 per household in service charges.
The tribunal case has been highlighted by the Social Housing Action Campaign (SHAC), a network that organises tenants, residents, and housing workers to challenge injustice in the housing sector. The SHAC said the tribunal showed costs facing leaseholders included a 150% overcharge for building management costs, £3,000 in late electricity fees and a 100% overcharge for security. Leaseholders, they said, were also charged for services such as leisure facilities which they were in fact not able to access. Beck House forms part of the H4 building, itself part of a £2.5 billion housing redevelopment in Elephant Park, Elephant and Castle. Known as a mixed-use development property, the building contains shared ownership homes, affordable rent units alongside build-to-rent apartments. They are all part of Lendlease’s Living by Lendlease brand. Beck House consists of shared ownership homes which are designated
as affordable housing and therefore must comply with strict criteria set by Southwark Council. SHAC pointed out that this criteria includes establishing and maintaining that mortgage, rent and service charges are at 40% of household income. However they said, according to the tribunal, monthly service charges at Beck House rose by 149% from 2021 to 2024. According to SHAC the lack of transparency from Lendlease was also criticised in the tribunal, as Lendlease refused to disclose adequate financial details, breaching lease requirements. The tribunal further condemned Lendlease as they placed the burden of costs on Beck House residents in order to fund profitable build-to-rent (BTR) properties.
In a press release from SHAC it highlighted a written decision in the 38-page tribunal report stating: “Absent any adequate explanation, we consider it more likely than not that the reduced liability on the BTR properties resulting from transferring service charge costs was the reason or main reason for transferring items of expenditure.” Representative for Beck House, Pete Wilks, said the tribunal highlighted “the imbalance of power between large developers and individual leaseholders”. Wilks also criticised the costly, complicated nature of the tribunal, noting he is “still worse off than if the overcharging had never happened”. It is believed an estimated £260,000 is due to be refunded to Beck House residents. Once applied to neighbouring
housing developments, known as H5 and H11, total refunds are predicted to be over £500,000. The outcomes of the tribunal include the replacement of Lendlease with Savills, who have introduced direct billing for residents, increasing transparency with future charges. Service charges have also now significantly fallen, down to £335 per month from £586 per month at their peak. Southwark News approached Lendlease for a comment. A spokesperson said: “We understand how important trust and clarity are when it comes to service charges and, following the tribunal’s outcome and our own review, we’ve already taken steps to strengthen our processes and ensure
they’re fair and transparent. “These include appointing a new managing agent, which brings an additional layer of independent review, we’ve improved our communication with residents; and enhanced internal governance procedures to ensure full consistency and accountability. “We regret the impact this matter has had on residents and will complete actions recommended by the tribunal as quickly as possible.” Lendlease further said they are correcting areas which the tribunal found needed adjustment, are proactively engaging with residents’ representatives and are providing revised accounts and service charges for any affected properties.
6 NEWS EXCLUSIVE By Issy Clarke and Frankie Hills THE “SKY is the limit” at the next council elections, says Southwark’s Green Party, revealing membership numbers have quadrupled since the start of 2025, but its leaders remain tight-lipped about the previously unthinkable prospect of the party taking control of the council.
In Southwark alone the party now has more than 2,000 members compared to 500 in January 2025, and it is gearing up to contest all 63 seats in the borough when residents go to the polls in May. “Four years ago, we would have been delighted to win three to five seats,” said Claire Sheppard, the Green parliamentary candidate for Peckham who contested the seat in 2019 and 2024. “Now that seems like an incredibly modest ambition.” In the space of just two months the local party went from having zero representation in Southwark to gaining three councillors, including Kath Whittam and Sam Foster, both ex-Labour figures disappointed with the direction of the local council administration and government. And just last week (Tuesday, January 6) the party welcomed its third councillor in Southwark from Labour in the space of two months: Reginald Popoola, previously the Deputy Cabinet Member for Landlord Services and a councillor for Nunhead and Queen’s Road ward. It is a pattern which is being replicated all over London, with dozens of disillusioned Labour councillors transferring loyalties to the Greens. Since 2024, 22 Labour councillors in London have defected, including a recent mass defection of five
WILL GREEN WAVE SEE LABOUR LOSE COUNCIL CONTROL IN SOUTHWARK? Sarah Jane Baker, taken on Zoom
Sam Foster
Three councillors have now defected to Greens Labour councillors in Brent in December. In Southwark the added context is that all three of the new Green councillors were
unhappy with how the party’s summer leadership election was handled, when left winger James McAsh was initially
voted in as the new leader of Southwark Labour but swiftly deposed under the orders of the regional Labour Party, who
Reginald Popoola
An earlier photo of Sarah with her dog
Claire Sheppard
Kath Whittam ordered a re-run on procedural grounds. A second internal ballot of the local group was held online, unlike the first round of voting which was carried out in person, and yielded a different result. Sarah King was elected leader of Southwark Labour by a narrow margin, and subsequently confirmed by the full council two days later. After the re-run was ordered, Whittam, the party chair, resigned to sit as an independent, claiming she could not stomach the interference of the regional party with Southwark Labour’s processes. Meanwhile Foster voted against King’s installation and was subsequently suspended from the party for six months until he ultimately chose to resign completely in October. On December 5 he announced he had joined the Greens. He is now the party’s leader in Southwark Council. Sheppard refuted the suggestion that the growth of the Greens had primarily been driven by Labour disaffection, which she dismissed as a “very easy narrative that Labour would like to be the case, but it isn’t. “A lot of our members have never been members of a political party before. There are a lot of people who have heard Zack speak on the national stage and thought: thank goodness, there is someone out there who represents the wider values I hold.” She adds there was a “Zack bounce” in membership after London Assembly member Zack Polanski was elected leader of the national Green party, with around 1,000 new sign-ups locally in October. Since emerging as a single-issue movement in the 1970s with a niche focus on the environment, the party has become a mainstream political force in England and Wales over the last 20 years. A breakthrough came in 2010 when the party won its first parliamentary seat with the election of Caroline Lucas to represent Brighton Pavilion. In 2015 the Green Party experienced a major surge, doubling its share of the vote in the 2015 general election under the leadership of Natalie Bennett, who successfully
positioned the Greens as a left-wing alternative to Ed Miliband’s Labour. After Sian Berry and Jonathan Bartley took over as joint leaders in 2019, the party doubled its councillors in the local elections. In the 2024 general election, the Green Party experienced its best performance in a general election yet, securing 7.2 per cent of the vote and returning four MPs to represent Bristol, Waveney The party’s national membership has now almost trebled since the charismatic Polanski became leader, from 70,000 to almost 200,000 and the party now has more members than the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. “There are lots of young people who weren’t even thinking about politics when Jeremy Corbyn was the leader of the Labour Party. There is a whole new generation and they are bringing lots of energy and enthusiasm,” said Claire Sheppard. On the doorstep, the main issue she has encountered while door knocking is Gaza: “The Gaza genocide has been a big driver to the Green Party because we have always been very clear in our communications about that.” Other issues include the pollution of the rivers, railway nationalisation and the state of the NHS. Locally, Sheppard mentioned major works bills, the “sale of thousands of council homes”, and the “revolving door between councillors and developers”. “There is a level of disappointment with the Labour Party as well, that under Keir Starmer’s leadership people were promised change and since last year, it is the same thing in a different colour tie. I think people have had enough of that, and that is why you see the swing to Reform as well.” In London the Greens are catching up with Labour in the opinion polls, with one recent poll published by YouGov putting support for the Greens at 21 per cent, just five points behind Labour. It represents a rapid narrowing compared to this time a year ago, when the Greens were polling at 13 per cent, 22 points behind Labour.
Among voters aged 18-24 the gap widens significantly, with the Greens polling 38 per cent, 20 points ahead of Labour at 18 per cent. Asked whether she was concerned about reconciling the array of international and domestic political priorities of the party’s new intake with its traditional environmental focus, Sheppard denied there was any tension between the two: “People think we’re just about the environment. Of course we’re about the environment. Everything at the fundamental level is about the environment, but as Zack always says, we’re not going to get climate justice without social justice and economic justice. “Everyone wants breathable air, everyone wants their rubbish taken out, everyone wants kids to get adequate care, they want kids to have adequate SEN funding if they need it. These are basic things that we all care about.” The party has almost finished selecting candidates to contest the next election, with Sheppard adding that they have faced “more competition than ever for seats”, although she would not divulge any names beyond confirming that both Whittam and Foster will be running for re election. “We’ve obviously massively upped our ambition from what it was based on recent polling. We got a lot of second place results in 2022 without even campaigning,” said Kelly Shields, the chair of the Southwark Greens. In the 2022 local elections the party didn’t manage to win any seats in Southwark but came second in 12 out of 23 wards. “We are going to bring in a Green wave of councillors that can hopefully hold Labour accountable and really push for more progressive policies in the council,” she added. Pushed on whether in effect that was an admission that the Greens’ aim is to form a strong opposition rather than a council administration, Sheppard said: “I don’t think it’s a done deal that Labour will win
the next election. “If you look at 2024’s general election results, even in the north of the borough, which the Lib Dems would describe as their patch, we were coming second.” The Greens’ real advantage, she claimed, isn’t just the number of members they have acquired but the commitment of its rank-and-file: “It doesn’t matter if so many new members join. You need those members to be engaged and to want to do the work, and our meetings have gone from being in very small rooms to very large rooms in a very short space of time. “If I know anything, and I’ve run a lot of election campaigns in the last few years, it is that you need a lot of people behind you to win those seats, and that is the thing we’ve got that Labour and the Lib Dems don’t have.” But Sheppard and Shields would not be drawn on the specific number of seats they were aiming to win or on whether they had calculated a numerical path towards removing Labour’s majority. The party currently holds 47 seats, while there are 11 Lib Dems, three independents and three Greens. “We kind of have a sense of what that could be, but it is hard to tell at this stage and what we’re really focused on is building so we have the capacity to try and win as many seats as possible,” said Sheppard. She would not rule out going into a coalition with the Lib Dems: “The Green way of working has always been collegiate. Our focus isn’t winning for the sake of winning, it is to improve the lives of residents and we will work with other parties to do that.” She suggested that the Labour Party “probably wouldn’t allow a coalition with us”. “Quite honestly, I don’t think the national party would allow it. I think they’re frightened of us. You look at last year. If their focus was on getting rid of the Tories, why were they spending so much energy on going to Bristol and Brighton, where they thought that we would have a better chance of winning? “The problem that you have with the Tories in the areas that they’re strong, and with Labour, is that they have the idea that it’s their ball and they don’t want to let anyone else play with it.” Shields added “it wasn’t for us to rule out” a potential coalition arrangement. “The Green Party is democratic, so any decision like that would be taken by the Southwark Green Party membership.” When we put Sheppard’s comments to the London Labour Party, a spokesperson hit back that Labour “was not in the business of doing deals” and that the party’s “focus in Southwark is standing on our record, winning on that record, and continuing to deliver for residents. “ Referring to the spate of recent defections from Southwark Labour to the Greens, the spokesperson said: “Southwark Greens’ local growth appears largely driven by taking on former councillors who fell below the standards the Labour Party sets for its representatives. That is not the same as building support through delivery.” Labour previously suggested that the defection of Reginald Popoola coincided with the launch of a disciplinary investigation after he was accused of allegedly ‘abandoning’ his Cabinet responsibilities. Labour also previously accused Sam Foster of alleged ‘multiple breaches of standing orders’ after he defected to the Greens in November. The Labour spokesperson continued: “It is also notable that the Southwark Greens are open to doing deals with the Liberal Democrats. They will need to explain to residents who still suffer from the impact of Liberal Democrat-supported austerity why they are prepared to align with a
NEWS 7 party that willingly went into coalition with the Conservatives and helped usher in 14 years of national decline, during which essential public services were pushed to the brink.” The Southwark Lib Dems responded that it was “striking that Labour are now conceding that the local elections are going to be catastrophic for them”. Seeming to downplay the likelihood of a strong Green presence within the next council, they said after the May elections Southwark would be led “either the Labour Party or the Liberal Democrats.” “We are laser focused on winning as many Liberal Democrat councillors as possible, and the conversations we’re having on the doorstep are very promising.” Commenting on Labour’s remarks, Sheppard added: “The Councillors who have moved from Labour to the Green Party are hard-working and were trusted with important roles but felt deeply let down by the party, and Labour is simply firing cheap shots as it has nothing else to say.” Asked about specific policy areas where they would look to do things differently from Labour, the Greens refused to give much away. Speaking to the News just before Christmas, Shields said: “We’re still working on our manifesto which will be published early in the new year so we can’t give specifics just yet.” However she admitted “housing is definitely going to be a big theme. We’re going to be pushing for more social and council housing.” Referring to the recent lowering of affordable housing minimum requirements on developers set by the Mayor and government, she added: “We’re really disappointed that the national picture went down from 35 per cent to 20 per cent.” It is undeniably a critical turning point for politics at the local level and nationally – is Southwark is on the brink of a drastic political realignment after more than 15 years of Labour rule?
2024 GREEN PARTY KEY MANIFESTO PLEDGES
l 150,000 new social rent homes every year l An end to right to buy l Rent controls allowing local authorities to control rents if the rental market is unaffordable for many local people l £2.5bn a year on new cycleways and footpaths, built using sustainable materials l 1% wealth tax on assests above £10 million and of 2% on assets above £1bn l Introduction of a universal basic income - a government flat cash payment to all citizens regardless of income
WHAT ARE THE GREENS CALLING FOR IN LAMBETH?
l They would publish a People’s Housing Plan to explore alternatives to demolition, such as infill on existing estates, supporting community land trusts and investing to bring empty properties back into use. l Compulsory purchase of empty properties starting with those that have sat empty the longest. l Retrofitting and insulating all homes by 2030, with targets to retrofit 20,000 homes a year l Lobby for the extension of the ULEZ to the whole of Lambeth and beyond. l Introducing a four-day working week for council employees l Apply a ‘Polluter Pays’ principle to all new developments, with developers responsible for the social and environmental impact of carbon emissions they produce
8 NEWS
Station reopens with new steel platforms to make them less ‘bouncy’ By Izzy Clarke
DOG DIES IN ICY DULWICH PARK POND DESPITE FIREFIGHTERS RACING TO THE RESCUE
SOUTH BERMONDSEY Station has reopened after it was closed over Christmas so repair work could be carried out to make the platforms less ‘bouncy’.
The concrete surface of the station’s platforms, which were rebuilt in the 1970s, had begun decaying over the years meaning they slightly ‘bounced’ in places and needed replacing. The station reopened on Tuesday, 6 January, a day later than planned, after it was shut for two weeks from December 27. The platforms have been fully rebuilt with new steel frames, a nonslip surface, improved drainage and lighting. In addition to the repairs at South Bermondsey, Network Rail also completed refurbishments at busy switches and crossings points at Ashford, Gatwick, Three Bridges, Elephant and Castle, Wadhurst and Lee. Switches and crossings, or points, where trains switch paths, are some of the most complicated and heavily used sections of the railway. Between Cannon Street and London Bridge, wooden sleepers were replaced and track was re-aligned on bridges and viaducts. With hundreds of passenger and freight trains, weighing up to a thousand tonnes, travelling over them each day, regular maintenance and replacement of components is needed to ensure reliability for Southeastern, Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express passengers Power supply upgrades were also completed at London Bridge and Cannon Street and in the Loughborough Junction area. With longer and heavier trains running on the network today, Network Rail has invested heavily in upgrading power supplies. Over the next few years, some 150km of electric conductor rail will be replaced, as well as 92 km of high voltage cable. These upgrades will stop power drops that lead to stalled trains, failed signals and disrupted journeys. David Davidson, Chief Operating Officer for the South Eastern Railway said: “Thank you to passengers for managing journey changes over the festive period, and thanks also to all colleagues who worked over the Christmas and the New Year period. “We know there is never a good time to close the railway – with passenger numbers lowest at this time of year, fewer peoples’ journeys were disrupted.”
Man dies after a road incident involving police car on Borough High Street
By Izzy Clarke FIREFIGHTERS WERE called to rescue a dog from an icy pond in Dulwich Park – but despite their efforts the dog sadly died.
According to one eyewitness, there were at least five fire engines present in Dulwich Park last Thursday morning, January 8, at around 10:30 am. Five firefighters were pictured launching a dinghy into the pond. Despite the rescue attempt, the dog sadly did not make it out alive. The Fire Brigade have issued a warning about the dangers posed by icy waters, after receiving dozens of calls in the last week as temperatures in London have plummeted. Their warning comes after two children had to be rescued from a frozen pond near Whipps Cross Road in Leytonstone last week. Crews were called to two children who were stuck on an island in the middle of
By Izzy Clarke A MAN in his 30s has died following a road incident involving a police car on Borough High Street last week.
The incident took place just after midnight at 12:34 am on Wednesday, 7 January, when the Met said a marked police vehicle on an emergency call
put themselves in danger by attempting to rescue pets that have become stranded or trapped, and then they also need to be rescued by the brigade. Dog owners should keep them on a lead and keep a close eye on them. “Firefighters are trained and have specialist equipment to rescue those who do get stuck on, or in, an icy lake or pond, so if you see a person or an animal in difficulty don’t put yourself at risk by going in after them. “Call 999, keep your eye on them and stay off the ice.”
an icy pond, unable to make it back to the edge due to melting ice, who were rescued in an inflatable boat. In just three days last week, firefighters were called to rescue dogs trapped on frozen ponds in Southgate and Romford, as well as two incidents of children stuck on frozen lakes in Enfield and Ham. Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne has urged the public to “please take extra care and stay off the ice” in the cold temperatures. “Walking out on to frozen ponds or lakes is extremely dangerous. Never assume that the ice is thick enough to support you. It may look sturdy enough to stand on, but it often isn’t and can be of variable thickness, especially as you move away from the edge where the ice is often thinner. “If you fall into icy water, the risk of hypothermia is very high and can prove fatal. “We also see a number of people who
Keep calm and shout for help Spread your arms across the surface of the ice in front of you If you cannot climb out, keep as still as possible with your head clear of the water and wait for help to arrive If the ice is strong enough kick your legs to slide onto the ice
‘collided’ with a pedestrian. The pedestrian, a man in his 30s, was given emergency first aid by officers before being treated by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service. A police spokesperson said that despite their best efforts, the man sadly died at the scene. His next-of-kin have been informed
and are being supported by specialist officers. As is standard practice, the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards was informed about the incident, as has the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC has begun an independent investigation and officers will continue to support them and their enquiries.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FALL THROUGH ICE
Lie flat and pull yourself towards the bank. Once out of the water roll away to prevent further cracks i.e. flat and pull yourself towards the bank Seek medical attention immediately
WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE ELSE FALLS THROUGH THE ICE
Wait for the emergency services to arrive Don’t go onto the ice or into the frozen water if you see a person or animal getting into difficulty Stay on the bank, shout for help and phone 999 Shout to the person to keep still, hold their head above water. Offer reassurance to keep them calm If the person is too far away, do not attempt to rescue them. Try to keep your eyes on the person at all times, especially in moving water Try to find something that will float to throw or push out to them
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10 NEWS SOUTHBANK ADVERTORIAL The Princess and the Pea. Image credit: Foteini Christofilopoulou
Family fun this half-term
Imagine festival is back this half-term at the Southbank Centre! Running from Wed 11 – Sat 21 Feb catch thrilling theatre and dance, music, comedy, talks and activities for those aged 0 – 11 and their grown ups!
Andy and The Odd Socks. Image credit: Image courtesy of the artist
The Sleepover Club: Illustration by Rachael Dean
Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels
REPLAY. Image credit: Pete Woodhead
an adventure in poetry, science and music celebrating protectors of our planet. Catch all the free events at Imagine with creative workshops, performances, live music and much more. ‘Pick up a piece of chalk and get drawing at Giant Chalkboard (Fri 13 – Sat 21 Feb), get ready to dance at Bollyqueer’s Big Boogie (Sun 15 Feb), have a giggle at Big Laughs for Little Bellies (Wed 18 Feb) and have an otter-ly amazing time with a fantastic day of facts, games and fashion at A Day at the Zoo (Wed 18 Feb).’
CBeebies Wildlife Jamboree. Image credit: CBeebies
Don’t miss The Princess and the Pea (Sat 14 – Fri 20 Feb) as it takes centre stage remixing the classic fairytale with acrobatics and clowning. A funny and tender dance performance The Show for Young Men (Fri 13 – Sun 15 Feb) considers how ideas of masculinity affect both boys and men. Plus Quentin Blake’s Mrs Armitage on Wheels (Wed 18 – Sat 21 Feb) sees puppets and live music celebrate the power of imagination and the importance of community. In the mood for music? Join the CBeebies Wildlife Jamboree (Fri 20 Feb) to spot creatures with Bluey and earn Wildlife badges with Duggee. Catch your favourite songs and actors from the BAFTA Award-winning CBBC TV series live (and dead!) on stage in Horrible Histories: The Concert (Tue 17 Feb). Rock out with Andy and The Odd
Socks (Sun 15 Feb) for mayhem and bags of fun. For all the movers out there, Imagine is full of events to get your wiggles out! Twirl, whirl and play at evim [my home] (Tue 17 - Thu 19 Feb) as the performers take you on a spellbinding journey to find a place called home. Join us to get down and dance at interactive performance and guided dance Mini SPIN (Fri 13 - Sun 15 Feb). Leap, climb and vault your way into a world of movement at Pop-up Parkour with Ascension (Tue 17 - Thu 19 Feb). Learn new moves and watch amazing performances at ZooNation’s Hip-Hop Half Term (Fri 20 Feb).
Be part of the fun as your favourite writers share insight into their series’. Spend An Evening with Jacqueline Wilson (Sun 15 Feb) and take part in a live draw-along. Explore the coolest corners of our building after dark in our brand new festival experience, The Sleepover Club (Sun 15 Feb) and uncover new stories before camping out in the Royal Festival Hall overnight. Buckle up for George Webster: A Magical Celebration of Difference (Wed 18 Feb), a book event packed with fun, adventure and dragon-fuelled mayhem. Hot Poets & Tongue Fu for Kids: WonderPoems (Sat 21 Feb) is
The very popular REPLAY: A Limitless Recycled Playground (Wed 14 Jan – Sun 12 Apr) is also back, perfect for little ones and their grown-ups to enter an endless world of play and invention. Imagine is a Relaxed festival, meaning that all performances have a relaxed approach to noise and movement in the space. Discover more at www.southbankcentre. co.uk/imagine
NEWS 11 © Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon
Mayor of London urged to overhaul cold weather shelter rules By Kumail Jaffer Local Democracy Reporter THE MAYOR of London is facing calls to reform the emergency coldweather support system in place in the capital as homeless Londoners continue to brave terrible conditions this winter.
Rough sleepers are able to access additional emergency accommodation in London when the Greater London Authority (GLA) and London Councils activate Severe Emergency Weather Protocol – known as SWEP – when temperatures drop to below freezing. This triggers an obligation for local authorities across the capital to shelter those sleeping outside. However, the strategy has been criticised for failing to take into account the impact of harsh weather, such as strong rain or winds, on rough sleepers, when the temperature is barely above freezing. Last week on Tuesday January 6 the GLA and London Councils sent out a notice saying SWEP would be deactivated as “Met Office forecasts expect temperatures above 0°C across London” that night, despite conditions remaining wintry. Charities have now called on Sir Sadiq Khan to change the rules so SWEP can be activated and maintained more easily during the winter months. Paul Brocklehurst, Centrepoint’s Senior Helpline Manager, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “No one should have to spend the night on the streets during extreme weather and initiatives like the SWEP should ensure that everyone who is sleeping rough is brought inside and is safe. “It’s really disappointing to see SWEP turned on and off again within the space of a week. The temperatures have rarely been above freezing and the weather has generally been awful – cold snaps put lives at risk but it goes without saying that most people don’t want people left with no option but to be out on the streets in these conditions. “There are too many inconsistencies
WHAT’S THE BITING POINT FOR ROUGH SLEEPERS? around how and when SWEP is activated. The winter months pose a serious threat to those sleeping on the streets and more need be done to ensure that survival isn’t dependent on your postcode. “Ultimately, safer accommodation and support should be made available throughout the year and, in recent months the Mayor of London and the government have taken steps in the right direction – but it’s clear we’re still in an acute crisis and too many people are unable to access shelter, even in appalling conditions.” Francesca Albanese, Executive Director
of Policy and Social Change at Crisis, told the LDRS: “Rough sleeping is dangerous at all times of the year. People forced to sleep rough have to contend with freezing conditions and extreme heat. From our own research we know that nine in 10 people sleeping on the streets have experienced violence or abuse. “We need to move to a system where there is a minimum of emergency accommodation available for everyone who needs it all year round. This would reduce the harm and risk of people sleeping rough for long periods of time,
and would increase the chances of people accessing the support that they might need to move to a life beyond homelessness.” Speaking at a homeless hotel in East London this week, the Mayor of London told the LDRS that he wants there “to be a provision all year round, not just when the weather is bad”. “When I became Mayor, we changed the rules. Before, it would have to be zero degrees for three nights in a row before SWEP provision kicked in. We changed that. It’s ridiculous.
“So when it’s zero degrees or approaching zero degrees, councils are working incredibly hard to support us providing this emergency provision. “We know it’s going to be cold over the weekend. Whether it gets to zero or not, I’m determined to make sure stuff’s available, so we’re talking to councils today.” Having already braved Storm Goretti, London is expected to continue to face more rain and misery in the coming weeks, though temperatures should gradually rise towards the end of January.
The extension hotel, which usually only provides support over the festive period until the new year, will give guests a private room, three meals a day and expert advice from staff and volunteers until January 21. “Over the last nine and a half years, we’ve supported 20,000 rough sleepers,” he told the LDRS in an exclusive interview. “Three quarters of those have stayed off our streets, so that’s good. “The problem is there are more and more new people coming to our capital city [and so] more and more people are ending up on our streets. That’s why I’m determined to prevent, at source, somebody becoming a rough sleeper in the first place.” He said that London, as a capital city, attracted people from across the country to sleep rough in, with charities noting that homeless individuals may see themselves as having a better chance to access vital services in the capital. Sir Sadiq also noted that London still had a better record overall than the UK, where rough sleeping is estimated to have spiked by 111 per cent since 2016 when it came to tackling homelessness.
“Never before in an eight-year period have so many rough sleepers been taken off of our streets,” he said. “Never before have so many been kept off our street. “It’s the issue of more and more people coming onto our streets and that’s why we’ve published a plan of action to end rough sleeping for good by 2030. That includes things like ‘Ending Homelessness hubs’. “We’ve also invested in additional homes through ‘Homes Off The Street’, clearing homes for people to go to once they’ve spent some time in a hospital and so forth. We’re also trying to change the rules in relation to verification. At the moment, the rules are perverse. You must be on the streets, bedded in before you’re entitled to support. “That can’t be right. There’s almost an incentive to be rough sleeping because you don’t get support without being a rough sleeper. So we’re trying to change the verification rules as well. So with the plans in place, I’m confident we can turn the tide of rough sleeping. “We’ve done it before. During my mayoral seat, during the pandemic, we did it. But also during the 2000s with the
last Labour government, we did it. I’m comfortable we can do it again.” However, Crisis’ Director of Policy, Francesca Albanese, suggested that one of the major barriers faced when it comes to rehousing rough sleepers was a lack of affordable housing in London. The Mayor has been criticised for
failing to keep up with targets agreed with ministers – even after they were slashed last year – with data from the Greater London Authority (GLA) showing that developers made just 1,239 starts on affordable homes from April to September 2025, compared to 3,991 in the the previous financial year.
THE MAYOR of London has vowed to ‘turn the tide’ on rising levels of homelessness in the capital as figures show rough sleeping has increased by 63 per cent since he took office.
Sir Sadiq Khan said he was determined to prevent people being forced to sleep on the streets “at source” with a strategy that focuses on prevention and early intervention. The number of people sleeping rough has increased from 8,096 in 2015/16 to 13,231 – a 63 per cent increase, according to the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN). However, the Mayor said he was “confident” of bringing numbers down, and doubled down on his manifesto pledge to end rough sleeping entirely by 2030. Sir Sadiq spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) during a visit to a homeless hotel in East London, where charities Crisis and St Mungo’s are providing up to 180 rough sleepers with accommodation and other support due to £200,000 of funding from City Hall.
© Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon
63 per cent more people sleeping rough than there were 10 years ago
12 NEWS
WINTER REFUGE FOR OLDER RESIDENTS
By Matt Hasdell FALLING TEMPERATURES, financial constraints and less opportunity to socialise can mean winter is a difficult time for some people, but one charity is stepping up to help.
Southwark is the fifth highest in England for older people living in income deprived households
@ Link Age Southwark
Around the side of Dulwich Grove Church on a Friday, you will find one of Link Age Southwark’s ‘Warm Spaces’ underway, offering refuge from the cold outside. Kitchen staff serve tea, soup and cake free of charge to the over-60s who gather here each week. Over tables in the hall, groups play games and share stories with one another. “It helps them not just to survive, but to live and cherish life,” said Fitsum Dubale, a group assistant. Nearly one million people over 65 across England often feel lonely, with loneliness linked to acceleration of frailty and increased risk of physical and mental illness, according to Age UK. Southwark is the fifth highest Local Authority in England for older people living in income deprived households, at 41% of over-60’s, according to government data. These numbers stress the importance of the work Link Age Southwark does in the community. For 30 years the charity has supported older residents and adults living with dementia by providing support via groups like exercise sessions and creative classes, as well as IT assistance and care advice. One of Link Age’s main services is ‘befriending’, where 180 volunteers help people who find it difficult to leave their home without support. Chief Executive Ceri Sheppard said: “We match the volunteer and the individuals who would like a visitor really carefully according to their interests and what they have told us about themselves. “They tend to last a long time, people can forge really deep friendships and potentially with people from really different backgrounds.” She said Link Age’s volunteers across their services range between ages 18 to 90, adding she is proud of the work they are doing and how the Southwark community has come together. She said: “I find it fascinating that last year, in terms of our new volunteers, nearly half were in their 30’s which says to me that we are really meeting a need there in terms of inter-generational connection. “We find that local people are incredibly generous with their time and kindness.” Over-60s find out about the charity through word of mouth or via friends, family or doctors, who can refer people that are isolated and need support. Members like former teacher Roger have been involved with Link Age for a longer period of time, and the ‘Warm Spaces’ group on Fridays represents a staple of his week from October through the winter. He said: “There used to be a mobile phone drop in here for if you had any problems. That’s why I came, and I liked the soup so I kept coming!” Sarah lives alone and has been part of the group since before the Covid pandemic, after hearing about it through others who had benefitted. She keeps coming back, tempted not only by the “wonderful” soup prepared by cook Garcia, but for comfort in the colder months. “I come here because my place isn’t that warm, and some of the people here are really nice,” said Sarah.
Befriending scheme by Link Age Southwark shows us the value of connection
“When the wind goes and you’re waiting for a bus for half an hour, I do feel the cold,” she added. The benefits of the group extend to beyond the older people. Mrs Dubale has been with the charity for four years, and has lived locally since moving from Ethiopia in 2008. She helped start the ‘Warm Spaces’ group, and smiled as she remembered getting the weekly meeting up and running. “On the first day we made the soup and nobody came. Then the next day there were two, then seven, then everybody came,” she said. The idea started after she heard stories of older people in the area struggling to deal with the cold. “Sometimes they would go to McDonald’s and sit there all day, some people would go on the bus because their house is too cold.”
Ms Dubale recognises the isolation that winter can bring for many who don’t have immediate family on hand to help, and said these people depend on Link Age. “Because of the weather they might not go anywhere else. They might not even go out for a walk. “They can come here during winter and they socialise, play a game and also get warm food.” Ms Sheppard stressed the importance of the work the charity does during the winter with the cost of living rising. “I think there is a prevailing narrative at the moment about pensioners being quite well off, and without doubt there are some who are, however we work in some of the most deprived wards in Southwark and we know that there are many older people who are really struggling with their finances. “People can worry about spending
too much on heating with utility bills continuing to rise. That’s a real challenge for some people.” She said the biggest obstacle they face as an organisation is with funding. Link Age is supported by a combination of council grants and efforts from their own community fundraisers. With forecasts from Southwark Council predicting one in six in the borough to be over 65 by 2040, longevity is the priority for Link Age as this could mean more in need of services such as those provided by the charity. Ms Sheppard said: “We are really managing our costs to make sure we are here for the long term. “Every charity is finding the charitable trust and foundation landscape really challenging at the moment, a lot have been pausing their grant giving and
the others have been completely overwhelmed.” High on the long-term planning priority list is ensuring there are enough people to help out at sessions like the one at Dulwich Grove Church. Link Age encourages new people to get involved with the charity, whether it is by volunteering with the organisation or connecting them with local businesses who may be in a position to support. Among the tea, Scrabble and chatter in the church, it is impossible not to be absorbed by the positive mood, and Mrs Dubale emphasised the value for staff and volunteers, as well as the older people. She said: “It’s not only them benefiting, we, the next generation, benefit so much because these people have so much wisdom and are so full of history.”
NEWS 13
Donate your unwanted Christmas gifts to Woolwich’s Age UK
Group members Rosemary and Margaret enjoying tea at ‘Warm Spaces’.
THE AGE UK charity shop in Woolwich is asking for any unwanted Christmas gifts and other donations to help lonely older people this winter.
The shop has launched an urgent stock appeal, coined The great Big Winter Bag Drop, where they welcome any clothing, toys, books, games and household items.
By Flora Bigham
LIBRARIES AND leisure centres around London are taking part in the ‘Warm Spaces’ scheme which offers a place for locals to keep warm and socialise with others over the cold winter months.
With temperatures decreasing and energy costs rising, such places are a welcome community space for people to come together. First launched in 2022, the scheme includes complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits courtesy of Brakes or Selecta, access to a variety of online newspapers and magazines and free access to virtual fitness classes via the Better UK app.
A visitor at the Warm Spaces scheme running in selected libraries and leisure centres in London this winter
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Any unwanted Christmas gifts will be sold on and be loved again to fund the charity’s vital work. Age UK run much-needed services for those who have no-one else to turn to. These include their Telephone Friendship service and their advice line. Each bag of donations typically raises around £15, which is enough to fund a weekly telephone friendship call. Their services are particularly important during the winter where older people are more lonely and isolated. Lyn, Manager at the Age UK shop in Woolwich, said: “It can be difficult to know what to do with gifts that will never be used, or that you don’t want. However, loneliness and social isolation are year-round problems for older people, and winter can be particularly tough.” People can also support the Age UK Woolwich shop by signing up as a volunteer. Visit www.ageuk.org.uk/appeal to �ind out more about their appeal and how you can volunteer. Drop any donations to Age UK Woolwich, 112 Powis Street, London, SE18 6LU.
‘Warm spaces’ scheme relaunched to help locals keep the cold out this winter The opportunity to charge your device and connect to Wi-Fi is also available. Selected leisure centres will offer hot showers. Visitors can find the scheme in all ‘Better’ libraries in Bromley, Greenwich and Wandsworth until March next year. Southwark Council also runs its warm hubs in public buildings and a handful of pubs. Specific sports centres will also participate, offering the service for a designated number of hours. The centres involved include: Ashburton Hall and Park and Waddon Leisure Centre in Croydon. Storkway Children’s Centre, Vista Field Children’s Centre and Waterways Children’s Centre in Greenwich. Forest Hill Pools in Lewisham. The ‘warm spaces’ scheme is part of a year-round range of activities offered by libraries such as ‘knit and natter’ sessions, reading groups and crafting clubs. The campaign aims to bring people together in a warm, comfortable space, creating a community hub for those feeling alone and struggling with the temperature decrease and cost of living. The selected leisure centres and libraries are run by charitable social enterprise GLL, which has teamed up with local authorities to offer the service.
14 NEWS
NEWS 13 ADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIAL
GOLD phone buddy scheme saves lives
GETTING PATIENTS HOME SOONER
A communty occupational therapist and a patient
A COMMUNITY-LED phone buddy scheme at Guy’s Hospital, known as ‘GOLD’, is supporting Black patients on dialysis to break down stigmas and have conversations with loved ones about living kidney donation.
Last year, Tamara Deacon’s life changed profoundly when her clinician referred her to the GOLD scheme, where she could talk with Black peer volunteers who have experience of living donation. GOLD gave Tamara the confidence she needed to talk to family and friends, and she has now received a kidney transplant from a living donor. She said: “The GOLD phone buddy scheme supported me to have conversations, breaking down the barriers and fears, until I found a living donor. Now I am free from dialysis, my life is transformed, I can spend time with family, plan for the future and truly live again.” Visit www.giftoflivingdonation.org.uk for more information about GOLD.
GUY’S AND St Thomas’ announced new plans to help get patients home as soon as it’s safe for them to leave hospital, to improve physical and mental wellbeing and help free up vital hospital beds this winter.
The Trust said staying in hospital longer than needed doesn’t help patients recover. Research also shows that too much time in bed can lead to muscle weakness and a
decline in independence, making it harder to manage at home. Chief Nurse Avey Bhatia said: “Helping our patients leave hospital as soon as their treatment is complete is really important. It’s not only better for patients’ recovery, it also means we can use the bed to care for other people who urgently need our services. At any one time we have more than a hundred patients who are medically fit to leave hospital
but are still in our beds. This affects our ability to admit people from our emergency department or after planned procedures.” Hospital staff are asking patients and their families to help by thinking about the support they may need when they leave. This includes thinking as early as possible about who will pick them up from hospital and whether there is someone who can help them at home as they recover. Doing so
helps to prevent delays in the patient’s discharge and ensures that they have the right support in place. The initiative is part of a wider programme to improve patient care and ensure that hospital resources are used in the best way possible to support all those who need hospital care. Find out more at: www. guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/lets-getyou-home
Tamara Deacon
GUY’S AND St Thomas’ staff have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours 2026.
Amanda Pritchard, the Trust’s Chief Executive, was made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in recognition of her service to the NHS since starting her career in 1997, including her service as Chief Executive of NHS England. Amanda Pritchard was the first woman to be Chief Executive of the NHS. She was appointed to the position in August 2021 and led the health service through challenging times both during the Covid pandemic and as the NHS recovered. She stepped down in March 2025 and took up the role of Chief Executive of Guy’s and St Thomas’ in September. Amanda had previously served as Chief Executive of Guy’s and St Thomas’, leaving in 2019 for the post of Chief Executive of NHS Improvement and Chief Operating Officer of NHS England. Amanda Pritchard said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, which reflects the extraordinary achievements of so many people across the NHS past and present. The health service cares for over 1.7m people every day, with dedicated staff going above and beyond, time and again, for patients and their families.”
Amanda Pritchard
Lorenzo Garagnani, consultant orthopaedic hand and wrist surgeon, was made Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his service to children with hand and upper limb differences. Major Neeraj Shah, consultant in the Lane Fox Unit at St Thomas’ Hospital,
New Year Honours 2026 for Guy’s and St Thomas’ staff has been awarded the King’s Volunteer Reserve Medal. Simon Friend, a NonExecutive Director on the Trust Board, has also been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his years of service to charity.
Free health webinar GUY’S AND St Thomas’ offer free events for its members, with an opportunity to meet the experts and learn more about its work improving health and wellbeing in the community. The next webinar in the series is: Getting a good night’s sleep Thursday 5 February, 5:30pm to 7pm DrAlanna Hare, consultant in sleep medicine at Royal Brompton Hospital, and Dr Johan Meurling, consultant in sleep medicine, will discuss: • common sleep problems from the perspective of a national sleep referral centre • the relationship between sleep, health and wellbeing, and how to improve sleep • how sleep disorders are recognised, diagnosed and treated • national work to improve sleep services and access to sleep medicine Membership is free and everyone can join by completing an online application at secure.membra.co.uk/Join/ GuysAndStThomas or email: gstt.members@nhs.net
NEWS 15
Sections of Brockwell Park has been sealed off in the past for the festivals
By Ruby Gregory Local Democracy Reporter A PLANNING application to host a series of festival events in Brockwell Park this summer has attracted more than 300 public comments online.
Last month Summer Events Ltd, the company which runs the Brockwell Live festival series that features events such as Mighty Hoopla and Field Day submitted its first ever planning application, for its 2026 programme. Residents had until December 31 to respond to the proposals for the park, though public comments are still being submitted onto Lambeth Council’s planning portal. At the time of writing the plans had received 335 public comments consisting of 217 objections and 113 supporting comments. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) also counted five neutral comments. A spokesperson for Brockwell Live said: “The routine planning process currently underway helps ensure events like Brockwell Live can take place responsibly and with consideration for Brockwell Park and its neighbours. “We’re pleased to see Lambeth residents engaging with the consultation process, sharing both feedback and support for our plans for the 2026 event, which will feature four festivals across two weekends.” One person said they were objecting to the plans because the park is a “vital space for ensuring the welfare, mental health of myself and my family,
including my 18-month-old daughter”. They added: “A large portion of the park out will be out of access and arguably the entire environment and feel of the park being impacted and ruined by the construction work, music noise and increase of people in the area. “For these weeks we have been denied access to the jewel of South London and the lungs of a busy city, and at a time when children are out for half term.” Another objector said: “Even though part of the park is still accessible, I cannot stress enough how much of a mental health impact the festivals have. Living in a city like London has a dis-regulating impact on our nervous system, putting us often into fight or flight and leading to heightened stress and a greater risk of mental health issues. “We all need spaces where we can get away from this and for me, my family and for many of the people I work with, Brockwell Park is the place where we find this.” However the plans have also generated a number of supporting comments from residents who praised the “diverse range of events” on offer each summer and said the festivals bring more people to the area and help to support the local economy. One supporter said: “As a local resident I have enjoyed attending these events. I am a regular user of Brockwell Park, I walk my dog there everyday and I find the event preparation and running a minor inconvenience. The park is large enough to enjoy both things at once. The events are well managed and safe and
One of many festival held in the park the staff on site are always helpful and accommodating.” Another person in support of the plans said: “I’ve lived in Lambeth close to the park for four years now, and I’ve never found the festivals to be overly noisy or disruptive. “The diverse range of events held here is part of what makes the area so special… they are so vibrant and inclusive. It’s genuinely different from many other parts of London and a huge reason I chose to live here. “Of course, any large event brings some level of disruption, but that’s something people choosing to move to this area would reasonably expect.”
WHAT ARE THE PROPOSALS?
Summer Events has applied for temporary planning permission so it can use just over a quarter of the park for a maximum of 32 days across 2026. According to a planning document, the proposed event days would take place between May 9, 2026 and June 9, 2026
and include days for event set ups, show days, event de-rig and “wet weather buffer days”. It is the first time a planning application has been submitted for Brockwell Live, which previously operated under permitted development rights and is different to obtaining full planning permission, which involves the consultation and views of local residents. Last year, a judge ruled in favour of a group of campaigners who argued Lambeth Council did not have the correct planning permission for the festivals and found that parts of the park were being used beyond the permitted 28 days. After the council decided not to appeal that ruling it entered into a “new strategy” with Brockwell Live. The planning application followed, and allows locals to comment on whether the events should take place. In a controversial move, the council also announced that the Lambeth
Country Show, a popular and free event which has taken place in Brockwell Park since 1974, will not be taking place next year due to a rise in running costs. A number of stakeholders, including The Brixton Society and Protect Brockwell Park, the campaign group which took the council to court over the use of the park for festivals, have responded to the plans. Paragon Planning, which has objected to the plans on behalf of Protect Brockwell Park, said the plans present an “unacceptable” risk of adverse effects on biodiversity and sensitive habitats/ woodland. The objection stated: “The proposals constitute inappropriate development on Metropolitan Open Land, causing harm to openness and the essential parkland character, and very special circumstances have not been demonstrated to clearly outweigh that harm.” The next stage of the planning application involves a planning officer working for the council who will check the proposals against local policies and other considerations. During this stage, a planning officer may undertake a site visit to Brockwell Park and will also check the views of local residents and other stakeholders who have been consulted. Given the history of the site, the application being of a larger-scale and it being the first time ever a planning application has been submitted by Summer Events, it is likely the proposals will be heard by the council’s Planning Applications Committee at a later date.
@ Robert Firth
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH FESTIVALS IN BROCKWELL PARK THIS YEAR?
16 NEWS Local Democracy Reporter NIGEL FARAGE’S Reform UK Party became the first challenger to announce their candidate to become Mayor of London, almost 27 months ahead of the election.
Speaking to a room full of journalists in a glitzy venue in London Bridge, Mr Farage confirmed long-held rumours that Westminster Councillor Laila Cunningham, who has been fronting the party’s campaign in London for months, will stand against Sir Sadiq Khan in two years’ time. During a lengthy press conference, here’s what we learned about the former local Conservative official turned Reform UK Mayoral hopeful.
REFORM’S LONDON CAMPAIGNING WILL FOCUS ON THE MAYOR’S RECORD ON CRIME
Reform Assembly Members have sought to portray the capital city as “lawless”, despite City Hall’s insistence that violent crime is falling and compares favourably to other major capital cities. It was no surprise that Ms Cunningham, who has previously been branded as a “vigilante mum” after trying to track down muggers who had targeted her children, said “safety” would be her main priority if elected. “That means visible policing and real consequences [for criminals],” she said. “There’ll be a new sheriff in town, and I’ll be declaring all out war on crime. I will set clear high level priorities for the Met [Police] to focus on tackling knife crime, drugs, robberies, shoplifting, and rape. And I will task the Met with targeting, hunting, and prosecuting rape gangs in London. There will be nowhere for them to hide.” Taking aim at the current Mayor, she added: “Londoners need to know that the state of law and order in our city is his fault. “He is the London’s Police and Crime Commissioner. He appoints the Met Commissioner. He sets the priorities, he signs off on the budget. He is in charge.” While the speech was light on policy, Ms Cunningham pledged to restructure the Met Police to “restore visible policing”. She added: “We have 32,000 officers. I don’t know where the hell they are, why they’re not on our streets.”
REFORM UK WILL ALSO ACCUSE THE MAYOR OF BEING ANTI-MOTORIST
One of Sir Sadiq’s most significant moves since being elected in 2016 include the introduction and expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which charges drivers of non-compliant cars who travel into and through the capital. Many of the Mayor’s critics have consistently held this policy, as well as City Hall’s encouragement of active and public transport, as evidence that Sir Sadiq is penalising London’s motorists. Ms Cunningham, who vowed to scrap ULEZ entirely, said: “Every part of life in London is getting more expensive, and still he keeps punishing people for driving to work. “Working people have been fined, trapped and taxed simply, as have people for taking their children to store, for caring for elderly relatives. “Carers, tradesmen, small business owners have been treated with like the problem, while violent offenders own the streets.” She said a decision has not been made on whether to get rid of the Congestion Charge Zone.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT REFORM UK’S MAYORAL CANDIDATE
© Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon
By Kumail Jaffer
“Most Londoners have given up on the Tories, they’re not even a part of the conversation. This Mayoral election will be a binary choice. Khan vs Cunningham.”
Laila Cunningham, Reform UK’s candidate for Mayor of London
REFORM UK THINKS IT WILL BE A TWO-HORSE RACE IN 2028
Mr Farage’s party may have only got 3.2 per cent of the vote in 2024 when Howard Cox tried his luck at City Hall. But with Reform UK now flying high in the national polls and surveying well in some areas of London, they are confident that they have a realistic shot at controlling the capital. Mr Farage said May 7, when all Londoners will have the chance to vote in the local elections, will reflect this enthusiasm for his party. Both him and Ms Cunningham said that they will provide the alternative to Sir Sadiq in 2028, as opposed to the LabourTory dichotomy that has defined City Hall since its inception. “Most Londoners have given up on the Tories, they’re not even a part of the conversation,” the candidate said. “This Mayoral election will be a binary choice. Khan vs Cunningham.” Ms Cunningham claimed Sir Sadiq is aware of her after she publicly confronted him over knife crime last year. “He tried to ignore me once, but my message to him is that he can’t ignore me now,” she added. “The choice of Khan vs Cunningham is a choice that you will make, that will
decide the future of London, the future of the best city in the world.” Mr Farage said that a better candidate could have beaten Sir Sadiq in 2021 and 2024, but blamed the Tories for not providing support to Shaun Bailey and Susan Hall.
REFORM’S CANDIDATE IS KEEN TO “AUTOMATE” LONDON’S TRANSPORT TO AVOID FUTURE TUBE STRIKES
The Mayor of London has often been caught in tense negotiations with transport staff, who have carried out around 140 days of industrial action – and subsequent misery for Londoners trying to commute around the city – during his decade in City Hall. “I’m sick and tired of London being run by TfL unions”, Ms Cunningham said, presumably referring to the RMT, ASLEF, TSSA and Unite that represent many transport staff. “They take us for granted, and that’s because it’s a Labour-run city and Labour are in the pockets of the unions. “I would love to automate the Tube, because every time there’s a strike in London, that’s hundreds of millions of pounds [lost], and you can’t even drive in because you’ve got ULEZ and you’ve got
Congestion Charge.” There are currently no plans to automate the Tube due to the high cost of modernising every remaining Tube line and rebuilding entire platforms to accommodate the full arrival of driverless trains. An RMT spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “Upgrading just 3 lines on London Underground would cost in the region of £20bn. TfL does not believe it is economically viable and it would not be safe. “Drivers on the Tube perform a skilled and an essential safety critical role everyday. Along with station staff, and other grades, they are vital in emergencies such as the 7/7 terrorist attacks where members of our union performed heroically, assisting emergency services in saving lives. “Any attempt to move towards driverless trains in the future, will be met with mass industrial action over a sustained period of time.”
HOW HAVE OTHER PARTIES RESPONDED?
Sir Sadiq chose to talk up his own record after being the prime target of criticism during the press conference.
A source close to the Mayor said: “Sadiq is getting on with the job of delivering a fairer, safer, greener city for every Londoner. He has delivered over 100 million free school meals for state primary school children, helping families with the cost of living. “Homicides are at a record low, a record number of council homes have been built, and his policies have cut harmful air pollution in London by 27 per cent. “In 2028, Londoners face a clear choice: leadership with Labour that believes in London and delivers, or a Reform candidate fronting a party that talks the city down, opposes our values and cannot even get the basics right.” Luke Taylor MP, the Liberal Democrat spokesman for London, said: “From its history to its culture to its people, London is the greatest city in the world but all Reform seem to do is talk it down. “Cunningham and Farage care more about sowing division than they do about solving the actual problems that Londoners face. “The Liberal Democrats will stand up for the millions of Londoners who love this city and its values and ensure London is a better place for everyone.”uses.”
NEWS 17
CENTRAL BOROUGHS WANT HALF THE REVENUE FROM A TOURIST TAX
By Kumail Jaffer
Local Democracy Reporter A TOURIST tax on overnight visitors to London could raise more than £350million per year for the capital – but central boroughs are keen to retain their fare share of the revenue.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan last year finally received the powers to levy a tax on overnight visitors to the capital after years of lobbying ministers. New modelling from Central London Forward (CLF), which represents 12 Central London local authorities, shows a three per cent levy on the cost of a room – whether that be a hotel or short-term let – could see £352m in extra income for the Mayor every year. This is significantly higher than previous forecasts, which suggested such powers could raise up to £240million annually. CLF say a percentage-based levy, also seen in Berlin, Edinburgh and New York, would represent a fairer system over a flat per night tax, which would see higher end and budget travellers paying the same fee. A flat rate would also require regular uprating to keep pace with inflation. The analysis, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), shows that the 12 CLF boroughs alone would raise £275m from a three per cent levy on hotels and short term lets, with the remaining authorities yielding an estimated £77m. This has sparked calls from the central boroughs to retain half of the additional income in order to mitigate the increased cost pressures of tourism. These authorities host the majority of the capital’s visitor accommodation, including 71 per cent of hotel rooms and 67 per cent of short-term lets. Westminster could raise over £95m by itself, according to visitor estimates, with Camden, Kensington and Chelsea, and Tower Hamlets all forecast to bring in more than £20m annually. Southwark could bring in between £15 and £25 million. It has not yet been decided how any money raised from a tourist tax in London would be split between City Hall and local authorities. Cllr Adam Hug, Chair of Central London Forward and Leader of Westminster City Council, said: “Central London boroughs play a crucial role in ensuring the visitor economy grows and thrives. “We work to keep the streets clean, well maintained and safe, we invest in new public realm projects from the transformation of Regent Street to upgraded public loos in my own borough and we work with businesses to give them the support they need to grow. Many of these services for visitors are currently funded by our local residents which is not right. “The Government should legislate to
It has not yet been decided how any money raised would be split between City Hall and local authorities
A map showing the expected income for Central London boroughs from a tourist tax
Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council,
A map of London showing where planned hotels would be situated
ensure that at least 50 per cent of the revenue raised by an overnight stay levy is kept by London boroughs, so we can continue providing the services London needs.” Though income will fluctuate depending on room price changes and the number of visitors in a given year, there is also evidence to suggest that the amount of money raised from a tourist tax in London could increase further in future years. There are currently 196 hotels across in London either in planning, under construction or undergoing
renovation. Together, these have the potential to deliver another 29,500 hotel rooms. This is in addition to an average two per cent increase in AirBnB listings in the capital every year, which suggests another 1,249 short-term lets going on the market in the next five years. As a whole, this increase could raise another £13.1m London-wide, including £7.2m in the CLF boroughs alone. A spokesperson for the Mayor of London told the LDRS: “The Mayor welcomes the Government providing
London with new powers to charge a tourist levy. This extra funding will directly support the capital’s economy and help cement our reputation as a global tourism and business destination. “The Government are currently consulting on the design of the levy. Once they have responded, we will outline our plans for developing the levy in London, including how we will engage with London’s local authorities and hospitality and tourism sectors, to ensure it delivers the maximum benefits for London.
“London is the gateway to the UK – accounting for over half of all international visits. Providing London with the powers to collect and retain a tourist levy would generate sustainable revenue to reinvest back into London’s economy, driving growth, creating new jobs and boosting the UK’s global standing and competitiveness.” The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has been contacted for comment.
18 ARTS
what’s on Review: Museum of Austerity at Young Vic.
An MP Must-See WALKING IN to the museum you are confronted with immediate austerity: bare walls, a couple of chairs and two or three dais seemingly doing nothing except be trip hazards. People stand around like Zombies, staring strangely into bare corners and empty spaces. And then you put the headset on and the museum comes alive with the living dead, writes Michael Holland.
Straightaway you see what the others are seeing, life-size, 3D holograms that you can walk around and put your hand through. They do not look well. They are lying in squalid beds, or on the streets, in hospital, on benches, trying to fill in complex forms that their heads can’t process. These are the people who need care and attention. They need help. These are the victims of the Tory Party’s Austerity Measures. This exhibition tells of when David Cameron sought votes from the selfish and greedy - who care not about those at the bottom - by promising to cut benefits. He got their votes and he formed a coalition government that made it very difficult to be unwell in Britain. As you stared in wonder at these disturbing holograms, you listened to heart-wrenching stories of how they had been left behind by society, been caught in a web of bureaucratic formfilling and appointments, of being sanctioned and benefits cut because of not replying to a letter, being left in absolute dire straits - often through an
admin error on the DWP’s side. One woman had completed several forms, each time saying she wanted to die. When asked why she missed an appointment, she told them that, ‘I was busy trying to commit suicide’. She never got flagged up. This was only revealed when there was an inquiry after she did, sadly, kill herself. The tales of woe came from survivors or the families of victims, and they were from all walks of life. There is no ‘type’ for these situations and problems, they can happen to anyone, because many people are just one payday away from destitution, just like they were in Victorian Britain. I recently read that the world last year spent $3 trillion on defence and arms, and that the world’s top ten richest people could easily rid planet earth of famine and poverty. And yet here we are in the UK with many agencies, that are supposed to be the safety net for the vulnerable, not hearing the cries for help. When will they ever learn? We still have our leaders being held back by those not willing to provide aid for the needy while cutting taxes for billionaires as they cut benefits. Each new cut brings an increase in suicides. Every MP should go and see this exhibition, for it is they and their ilk that lets the problem continue. Directed by Sacha Wares. Booking and full details: https://www.youngvic.org/
GREAT VIKING ARMY AT WATERLOO
OLD YORK Theatre presents Jorvik, written by Charlie Blanshard; an immersive and interactive Viking play set at the fall of York.
Fun, fierce and with a lot of heart, this piece of new writing explores the modern day through the Viking lens. We aren’t as different from our ancestors as we think. Our desires - while modern at a glance - are deeply rooted in the same human condition: the obsession with glory, fate, and the need to be remembered. Jorvik examines the idea of legacy, loss, glory and family. Jorvik serves as a reminder that we need to enjoy life whilst we are still around to do so, and to cherish those we hold dear. First performed in the heart of York – at the historic Viking Festival, Jorvik now makes its London debut. Charlie Blanshard, the writer and performer, says, ‘I am so excited for Jorvik’s
run at The Glitch. Despite its name, the show is not just about York, it is about being human, being connected and this strange thing we call life. Our style of storytelling is unique, and I can’t wait to see how that resonates with audiences in London. Our shows are active, for us and the audience – The Great Viking Army. It’s not a show to hide at the back with some popcorn, YOU are a part of this saga. See you in the great hall.’ Expect celebration, song, combat, larger than life characters and plenty of toasting! The saga lives on. The Glitch, 134 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AE from January 21st - February 9th. Booking and full details; https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ vaultcreativearts/1935007
ARTS 19
History Arts Review: Orphans at Jermyn Street Theatre:
SET IN 1983 Northern Philadelphia, Lyle Kessler’s Orphans centres on twentyeight-year old Phillip and his older brother Treat, whose insular world is disrupted when an unassuming stranger with a hidden agenda enters their lives. Directed by Al Miller, the action takes place in the down-trodden row house the brothers live in, writes Evie Flynn.
With no parental figures, Phillip’s world has always been run by Treat (Chris Walley). Phillip (Fred Woodley Evans) has not left the house in years due to an irrational fear of having a deadly allergic reaction to the outside air. Yet, to Treat’s horror, he’s been secretly educating himself with the aid of the Philadelphia Inquirer and classic novels. Nevertheless, Phillip has been infantilised by Treat, but loves him in a weird, Stockholm Syndrome-type of way because, even though Treat is certainly cruel and temperamental, he
also has a soft side. To keep a roof over their heads, Treat is involved in petty crime, which you can sense is not going to end well. The brothers’ world eventually crashes when Harold, himself an orphan, enters their lives after Treat attempts to kidnap him for ransom money. Harold (Forbes Masson) becomes the perfect mix of irritating and charming. He evolves as a surrogate father figure to the brothers, but maybe he does more harm than good to their unimaginative way of living. It was, though, difficult to place the decade as there were few onstage clues alluding to the 1980s. Had I not known the setting from the programme notes I would not have guessed the era. This is not a flaw, instead it reinforces the idea that the outside world has little impact on the brothers’ self-contained environment. The actors had near-perfect Philly accents and the physicality of the acting really stood out, perfectly portrayed through multiple incidents
©Charlie Flint
A complicated and darkly funny portrayal of brotherly bonds
Jermyn Fred Woodley Evans (Phillip), Chris Walley (Treat), and Forbes Masson (Harold) where all three actors are lunging at each other. The scene fades and the clever use of music and sound effects create the sense that we are witnessing the passing of time. Plus, with only a 70seat capacity, the intimate Jermyn
A sharp, accessible comedy
Donmar Sophie Thompson, Siobhan Finneran and Samantha Spiro
© Johan Persson
PICTURE THIS: It’s the early 1900s and alongside two other couples, you’ve been married for a whopping 25 years. You gather together in celebration, and even the local paper has been called to mark the big day. But all is not as it seems. Turns out the minister who sealed the triple wedding was in fact not registered, rendering all three marriages null and void. Yikes! writes Evie Flynn.
This dilemma unfolds in J.B. Priestley’s brilliantly written and effortlessly comic play, When We Were Married, adapted here by the Donmar’s artistic director Tim Sheader. The story follows three Yorkshire couples as they are thrust into a frantic spiral of social damage control to keep their status in their small town. The star-studded cast features leading ladies Siobhan Finneran as Maria Helliwell, Samantha Spiro as Clara
Street Theatre makes it feel like we are in the room with the unlikely trio. Orphans is a thought-provoking exploration of urban mundanity, the lure of anger and justice and how strangers we meet along the way can change everything.
Soppitt and Sophie Thompson as Annie Parker, the unfortunately newly “Single Ladies”, a status cheekily confirmed by a blast of Beyoncé’s anthem at a pivotal moment. Their insufferable husbands (or
perhaps boyfriends now?) were taken on by John Hodgkinson as Joseph Helliwell, Jim Howick as Herbert Soppitt and Marc Wootton as Albert Parker. Wootton excels as the unbearably brash, rude and misogynistic Albert,
embodying the role so completely that I found myself rolling my eyes and groaning every time he reappeared, surely the mark of a performance well done. The production is brilliantly chaotic.
Jermyn Street Theatre until 24th January. Tickets £25 each. Booking and full details: https://www.jermynstreettheatre. co.uk/show/orphans/
Set in one room, it never seemed stagnant. With no scene changes, the action enters and exits through a single door, keeping the audience in constant anticipation of who might burst through next - usually bearing yet more unwelcome news for the couples to swallow. Secrets, lies and mindboggling revelations are delivered for our tittilation while Mrs Northrop, the meddlesome housekeeper, took great joy in the misfortune of her supposed superiors, delighting in the fall of their social snobbery. In fact, all the supporting roles brought humour and pace to the scenes. Ron Cook’s portrayal of an inebriated local newspaper photographer Henry Ormonroyd was hilarious, enriching the role with a woozy physicality and slurred speech. Transforming a script written in 1934, and set in Edwardian Yorkshire, into such a sharp, accessible comedy is no small feat, yet at no point do the major plot turns or verbal gags feel forced. The whole production was a joy to behold. Donmar Warehouse, 41 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LX until 7th February 2026. Booking: https://www. donmarwarehouse.com/whats-on/ when-we-are-married-rg17
CLASSIFIED / FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS 21
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22 PUBLIC NOTICES
Friday, January 16th 2026
Notice of application for a Premises Licence. Notice is hereby given that Cattitude Cafe Ltd has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Cat-titude Cat Cafe, 134 St John’s Hill, London, SW11 1SL for the sale of alcohol (for consumption on and off the premises) Monday to Sunday 13:00–23:00; and films (occasional film screenings) Monday to Sunday 13:00–22:00. This application relates to extending the existing cat café lounge experience to include a small ancillary alcohol offer for customers, operated in a calm, seated environment.” Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 13th February 2026 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden,Surrey, SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Information on all new and variation applications received by the Licensing Authority can be viewed on the Council’s website www.wandsworth.gov.uk It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application, punishable upon conviction by an unlimited fine.
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LEO ANTHONY MARTIN Deceased Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 127 Trundleys Road, London, SE8 5JQ, who died on 24/12/2024, must send written details to the address below by 17/03/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified. Ms Tatiana Zenina c/o Grant Saw Solicitors LLP, Grant Saw House, 8 Tranquil Passage, Blackheath Village, SE3 0BJ. Ref: TZ/M2614/2/MARTIN
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Transport for London Public Notice ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 THE A214 AND A306 GLA ROADS AND GLA SIDE ROADS (LONDON BOROUGHS OF WANDSWORTH AND LAMBETH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) ORDER 2026 1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it intends to make the above named Trafc Order under section 14(1) of the Road Trafc Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specied in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3. 2. The purpose of the Order is to enable highway lining and signage works to take place on the A214 Trinity Road/ Tooting Bec Road and the A306 Roehampton Lane. 3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from: (1) stopping on the A214 Tooting Bec Road/ Trinity Road between its junctions with Windmill Road and Garrad’s Road; (2) stopping on the A306 Roehampton Lane between its junctions with Upper Richmond Road and Kingston Road; (3) entering or proceeding on the A214 southbound on-slip road connecting North Side Wandsworth Common and Trinity Road southbound; (4) turning right from Trinity Road northbound into Windmill Road; The Order will also permit: (5) all vehicles to use the northbound and southbound bus lanes on the A214 Tooting Bec Road/ Trinity Road between its junctions with Windmill Road and Garrad’s Road; (6) all vehicles to use the northbound and southbound bus lanes on the A306 Roehampton Lane between its junctions with Upper Richmond Road and Kingston Road. Works will be phased such that some restrictions will apply only at certain times. The Order will be effective at certain times from 12:01 AM on 26th January 2026 until 5:00 AM on 26th September 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 trafc signs. 4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of: (1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for re 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. 5. At such times as the prohibitions are in force alternative routes will be indicated by trafc signs. For Windmill Road via Trinity Road northbound, Wandsworth Roundabout and Trinity Road southbound to normal route of travel. For slip closure via North Side Wandsworth Common, Huguenot Place, East Hill eastbound, A214 northbound on-slip road, Trinity Road, Wandsworth Roundabout and Trinity Road to normal route of travel. Dated this 16th day of January 2026 Matt Standell Performance & Planning Manager Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1972 SECTION 123(2A) NOTICE OF PROPOSED DISPOSAL OF SCHOOL PLAYING FIELDS AT WHITEFOOT LANE, DOWNHAM, BR1 5SQ TO ST BENEDICT CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with Section 123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 that London Borough of Lewisham (the “Council”) intends to dispose of Education Land known as Whitefoot Lane School Playing Fields to Bonus Pastor School (part of St Benedict’s Catholic Academy Trust) via a long-term lease. A 125-year lease of the site will be granted to the school, to enable them to continue to deliver their PE curriculum and manage community use on behalf of the Local Authority. Copies of the plans showing the approximate position of the affected land may be inspected by making an email request to fiona.gavin@lewisham.gov.uk Requirements for the disposal of open space land by local authorities are contained in Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972. Sub section 2A of that Act requires notice of any proposal to dispose of land consisting of an open space to be published in a local newspaper for two consecutive weeks so that any person wishing to raise an objection to the disposal may do so. Any objection or representations regarding the proposed disposal should be made in writing to Fiona Gavin, Lewisham Council, 2nd Floor Laurence House, Catford, SE6 4RU or by email to fiona.gavin@lewisham.gov.uk by no later than midday on 23nd of January 2026. You should quote the reference Whitefoot School PF 2025. The Council will consider any objections to the proposed disposal as may be made to it. Dated the 9th of January 2026. London Borough of Lewisham, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, SE6 4RU.
LICENSING ACT 2003 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE Take notice that I/we: Theatre of Wine
LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF PREMISES LICENCE Take notice that I, Kenny Gabriel have made an application to Lewisham Council acting as the Licensing Authority, for a Variation of a Premises Licence in respect of Gateway Supermarket, 269 New Cross Road, SE14 6AR The details of the application are as follows: Supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises 03:00 – 05:00 Thursday 03:00 - 05:00 Friday 03:00 - 05:00 Saturday Seasonal Variation Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve until 05:00 hours The application and the Licensing Authority’s public register can be inspected at: Lewisham Council, Safer Communities Service, Licensing Authority, 4th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, SE6 4RU by appointment between 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. The last date by which responsible authorities or other persons may make representations to the Licensing Authority in relation to this application is: 05th February 2026 Any representations must be made in writing to the above address or by emailing licensing@lewisham.gov.uk
have made an application to Lewisham Council acting as the Licensing Authority, for a New Premises Licence in respect of 28 Blackheath Village, London, SE3 9SY
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.
The details of the application are as follows: Supply of alcohol (on and off the premises) 09:00 - 23:00 Monday - Saturday and 10:00 - 20:00 Sunday
Notice of Application for a Premises Licence made under the Licensing Act 2003
The application and the Licensing Authority’s public register can be inspected at: Lewisham Council, Safer Communities Service, 9 Holbeach Road, London, SE6 4TW by appointment between 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. The last date by which responsible authorities or other persons may make representations to the Licensing Authority in relation to this application is: 6th February 2026 Any representations must be made in writing to the above address or by emailing licensing@lewisham.gov.uk 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. LICENSING ACT 2003 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE Boulebar UK Ltd has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth for the grant of a Premises Licence, in respect of the following premises: Boulebar, 101 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PP which would authorise the following licensable activities: Retail Sale of Alcohol Monday to Sunday from 11:00 - 23:30 and Recorded Music Monday to Sunday from 11:00 - 23:30 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 29th January 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).
Please take note that I / We Liki’s Cafe Ltd has applied to Merton Council for a premises licence at: Arome Cafe, 287 Mitcham Road, Tooting, London, SW17 9JQ to provide the following licensable activities: Recorded Music, Supply of Alcohol Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing to: Merton Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email to: licensing@merton.gov.uk By 04th February, 2026 The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of The Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm. Information on all new and variation applications received by the Licensing Authority can be viewed on the Council’s website www.merton.gov.uk It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application, punishable upon conviction by an unlimited fine.
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PUBLIC NOTICES 23
Friday, January 16th 2026
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
PROPOSAL TO MAKE AMENDMENTS TO PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE ZONES AND VARIOUS PARKING, WAITING AND LOADING RESTRICTIONS IN KENNINGTON OVAL
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – JUXON STREET
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – NORWOOD ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Network Rail to carry out bridge investigation 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 Juxon Street which lies between its junction with Ingram Close and the rear boundary of No. 12 Pratt Walk.
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out zonal metering works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order, the effect of which will be to temporarily: a. prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in the slip road between Norwood Road and Dulwich Road; b. suspend the prohibited left turn from Norwood Road into Dulwich Road.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Lambeth Road and Lambeth Walk. 3. The Order would come into force on 5 February 2026 and continue for a maximum duration of 1 month or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works would be carried out overnight on 5-6 February 2026. If the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time, then the Order may have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 1 month. Dated 19 January 2026
Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – KNIGHT’S HILL 1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out mains cover 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 Knight’s Hill adjacent No. 24. 2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available: (a) via Wolfington Road, Thurlestone Road, Canterbury Grove, Chartham Grove, Royal Circus, York Hill, Norwood Road, Norwood High Street and Ernest Avenue. (b) for HGV’s via: a. Crown Lane, Leigham Court Road, Drewstead Road, Railway Bridge, Sternhold Avenue, A23 Streatham Hill, Christchurch Road, Hardel Rise, Thurlow Park Road, Norwood Road; or b. Crown Dale, Central Hill, Westow Hill, Crystal Palace Parade, Dulwich Wood Park, South Croxted Road, Thurlow Park Road, Lancaster Avenue and Norwood Road. 3. The Order would come into force on 26 January 2026 and continue for a maximum duration of 1 month or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works would take 2 days to complete. If the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time, then the Order may have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 1 month. Dated 19 January 2026
Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Norwood Road and Dulwich Road. 3. The Order will come into force on 28 January 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 2 days or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take place overnight. If the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time, then the Order may have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 2 days. Dated 16 January 2026
Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – PALACE ROAD 1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable the installation of a traffic filter, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in Palace Road at it’s junction with Leigham Vale for a distance of 30 metres. 2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Probyn Road, Christchurch Road, Hardel Rise, Tulse Hill, Norwood Road and Leigham Vale, or Norwood Road, Christchurch Road and Probyn Road . 3. The Order will come into force on 19 January 2026 and would continue for a maximum duration of 1 month or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take 1 day to complete. If the works cannot be carried out or completed during this time, then the Order may have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 1 month. Dated 16 January 2026
Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS, LANSDOWNE HILL
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – HITHERFIELD ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Southern Gas Network to carry out repair and maintenance works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in Lansdowne Hill between its junction with Canterbury Grove and No. 4 Lansdowne Hill.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Leigham Vale, Stockfield Road, Mount Nod Road and Hitherfield Road and vice versa. 3. The Order would come into force on 3 February 2026 and continue for a maximum duration of 1 month or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works would be carried out overnight on 3 and 4 February 2026. If the works cannot be carried out or completed during that time, then the Order may have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 1 month.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Norwood Road and York Hill or Lansdowne Hill, Royal Circus, York Hill and Norwood Road. 3. The Order will come into force on 19 January 2026 and will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take 1 day to complete. If the works cannot be carried out or completed during this time, then the Order may have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 1 month. Dated 16 January 2026
Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
Dated 16 January 2026
Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – WATERLOO ROAD
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable gas mains replacement works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit: (a) vehicles from entering or proceeding in Waterloo Road in a southbound direction from its junction with Stamford Street and York Road to its junction with Baylis Road and The Cut; (b) cyclists travelling in a south eastern direction in Waterloo Road from proceeding past the junction of Exton Street; (c) vehicles travelling on Holmes Terrace, Mepham Street, Pear Place Station Approach or Tenison Way from turning right into Waterloo Road; (d) vehicles from entering or proceeding in Exton Street in a direction other than from west to east; (e) vehicles entering Exton Street at its junction with Cornwall Road; (f) vehicles from entering or proceeding in Alaska Street from its junction with Waterloo Road, north eastward for a distance of 50 metres.
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS, FERNDALE ROAD 1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Centurion Traffic Management to carry out bridge investigation works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in Ferndale Road between Nos. 179 and 232. 2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Pulross Road, Bellefields Road, Stockwell Road, Stockwell Green, Landor Road and Bedford Road. 3. The Order will come into force on 21 January 2026 and will continue for a maximum duration of 1 month or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take 1 day to complete. If the works cannot be carried out or completed during this time, then the Order may have effect on subsequent dates within the maximum period of 1 month. Dated 16 January 2026
Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
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1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth proposes to make The Lambeth (Moving Traffic Restrictions) (Amendment No. **) Order 202*, The Lambeth (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (Amendment No. *) Order 202* and The Lambeth (Charged-For Parking Places) (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 Moving Traffic Restrictions Order would be to revoke, relocate and re-impose the prohibition of motor vehicles: (a) “At Any Time” in Kennington Oval from the north-eastern kerb-line of Harleyford Road to the vehicular access to St. Mary’s School; (b) between the hours of 8:15a.m. and 9.15a.m. and 2.45p.m. and 3.45p.m. Monday to Friday in Kennington Oval, from the vehicular access to St. Mary’s School to the western kerb-line of Vauxhall Street. Access will be maintained for drivers holding a “LS32” permit. 3. The general effect of the Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions Order would be to: (a) revoke, relocate and re-impose Disabled Persons Parking Places in Kennington Oval; a. the north-east side, from a point 8.80 metres south-east of the common boundary of Nos. 15 and 16 Kennington Oval south eastward for a distance of 6.60 metres; b. the south-west side, from a point 6.10 metres south-east of the north-western kerb-line of Clayton Street south-eastward for a distance of 6.60 metres and reduce in length existing “At Any Time” Waiting Restrictions following the creation of this Disabled Persons Parking Place. (b) prohibit waiting, including for the purpose of loading or unloading “At Any Time” except for taxis on the north-eastern side of Kennington Oval from a point 15.40 metres south-east of the common boundary of Nos. 15 and 16 Kennington Oval south eastward for a distance of 16.60 metres. (c) prohibit waiting, including for the purpose of loading or unloading “At Any Time” in Kennington Oval: a. the south-western side from a point 3.60 metres south east of the north western kerb-line of Clayton Street north westward for a distance of 41.90 metres; b. the south-eastern side from a point opposite the south western flank wall of Grace House, north eastward for a distance of 1.00 metre. (d) designate a free loading place on the north-western side of Kennington Oval from a point 1.40 metres south-west of the western flank wall of Grace House northward for a distance of 10 metres to operate between 8.30a.m. and 6.30p.m. Monday to Friday with a maximum stay of 40 minutes; 4. The general effect of the Charged-For Parking Places Order would be to amend Parking Places so as to:(a) reduce in length existing Permit Parking Places in Kennington Oval following the creation of new Disabled Persons Parking Places, Taxi Parking Places and Loading Places; (b) revoke Permit Parking Places in Kennington Oval: a. the south-west side, between a point 3.60 metres south-east of the north western kerb-line of Clayton Street and a point 3.00 metres north-west of that kerb-line; b. the south-west side, between a point 17.60 metres north-west of the north-western kerb-line of Clayton Street and a point 38.30 metres north-west of that kerb-line. 5. If you have any enquiries, please contact Lambeth Council’s Transport Strategy Team at https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/form/ transport-strategy-project. 6. A copy of each of the proposed Orders and other documents giving detailed particulars about them are available for inspection online at: https://streets.appyway.com/lambeth or www.lambeth.gov.uk/traffic-management-orders and at the offices of Lambeth Council’s Highways Team, 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1EG, between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm on Mondays to Fridays, except on bank or public holidays. To arrange 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 Kennington Oval 173), and can be made using our consultation portal at https:// streets.appyway.com/lambeth or sent by post to Transport Strategy (Community Services), London Borough of Lambeth, 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 seen by, other persons who may have an interest in this matter. Dated 16 January 2026
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out Sahara survey zonal metering 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 Hitherfield Road between its junction with Leigham Vale and No. 2 Hitherfield Road.
(This notice is about proposals to make amendments to the extents of current pedestrian and cycle zones and to introduce Loading Places and Taxi Parking Places in Kennington Oval. This would involve amendments to the locations of Permit Parking Places and Disabled Persons Parking Places to accommodate these proposals.)
2. Alternative routes for vehicles affected by the prohibitions in (a) 1(a) will be via York Road, Addington Road and Westminster Bridge; (b) 1(b) will be via Exton Street, Cornwall Road and The Cut; (c) 1(c) will be Waterloo Road, York Road, Addington Street and Westminster Bridge Road; (d) 1(d) will be via Cornwall Road, Stamford Street and Waterloo Road Roundabout; (e) 1 (f) will be via Waterloo Road, Exton Street and Cornwall Road, or Cornwall Road, Stamford Street and Waterloo Road Roundabout. 3. The Order will come into force on 19 January 2026 and continue for a maximum duration of 3 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 be complete by 15 February 2026 but if the works cannot be completed during that time then the Order may have effect at subsequent times within the maximum period of 3 months. Dated 16 January 2026
Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
24 PUBLIC NOTICES
Friday, January 16th 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 – Full Applications ADV – Advertisement VOC - Variation of Condition RG3 - Approval under Reg 3 Councils own dev 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. Plot Adjacent 29 Sternhold Avenue London Variation of Conditions: 2 (approved plans) and 7 (cycle parking) of planning permission 18/04036/FUL (Erection of a 4 storeys mixed use building to provide 2 retail units (Use Class A1) to the ground floor and 8 self contained flats (Use Class C3) to the upper floors, together with provision of waste storage and cycle storage plus communal roof garden terrace.) Granted on 12/09/2023. Amendment sought: Condition 2 - Proposed Plans Condition 7 - Cycle parking 25/03996/VOC 86 Fentiman Road London SW8 1LA Demolition of an existing garage with the erection of a single storey outbuilding to the rear garden, Flat A. 25/03742/FUL Pavement O/s 74 Clapham Park Road London SW4 7BX Removal of two BT kiosks and installation/display of one internally illuminated double sided digital screen (75-inch) LCD Street Hub. (Please note: The reference number for this Advertisement Consent application is 25/03870/ADV but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 25/03869/FUL). 25/03870/ADV Pavement O/s 4-8 The Quadrant London SW9 9JF Removal of one BT kiosks and installation/display of one internally illuminated double sided digital screen (75-inch) LCD Street Hub. (Please note: The reference number for this Advertisement Consent application is 25/03868/ADV but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 25/03867/FUL). 25/03868/ADV Pavement O/s Brixton House, 385 Coldharbour Lane London SW9 8GL Installation of a new Street Hub unit, including the display of two internally illuminated digital LCD screens (associated planning application: 25/03879/FUL). 25/03880/ADV Pavement O/s 156-158 Loughborough Road London SW9 7LL Installation/display of one internally illuminated double sided digital screen (75-inch) LCD panel BT Street Hub unit. (Please note: The reference number for this Advertisement Consent application is 25/03866/ADV but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 25/03865/FUL). 25/03866/ADV 70 Ferndale Road London SW4 7SE Creation of a roof terrace to the rear outrigger, including a glazed balustrade, a walk on roof light and the replacement of the rear window with a glazed door and fanlight, plus extension of the parapet and alteration to the chimney. (Flat B). 25/03779/FUL Outside Mursell Estate Opposite 157 Clapham Road London Display of 2x digital 75-inch LCD display screens, 1 on each side of new Street Hub unit. (Please note: The reference number for this Advertisement Consent application is 25/03854/ADV but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 25/03853/FUL). 25/03854/ADV Pavement O/s 189 Clapham Road London SW9 0QE Display of 2x digital 75-inch LCD display screens, 1 on each side of new Street Hub unit. (Please note: The reference number for this Advertisement Consent application is 25/03862/ADV but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 25/03861/FUL) 25/03862/ADV 1 Lanscombe Walk London SW8 2TW Erection of an additional storey to create a first floor extension with alterations to existing front and rear fenestration. 26/00066/FUL Pavement O/s 166 Clapham Road London SW9 0LA Installation of a new Street Hub unit, including the display of two internally illuminated digital LCD screens (associated planning application: 25/03871/FUL) 25/03872/ADV 11 Offerton Road London SW4 0DH Retrospective application for alterations to pre-existing external staircase and front lightwell to Flat 1 (Previously refused REF: 24/03984/FUL) 25/03589/FUL 35 Dulwich Road London Lambeth SE24 0NJ Replacement of single glazed timber sash windows with like-for-like double glazed timber windows (works to flat A, B and C). 25/03407/RG3 53 Dulwich Road London Lambeth SE24 0NJ Replacement of single glazed timber sash windows with like-for-like double glazed timber windows (works to flat A, B and C). 25/03406/RG3 74 Fitzalan Street London SE11 6QU Erection of two linked dormer windows to the rear roof slope and installation of two roof lights to the front roof slope. (To Flat 2) 26/00012/FUL 99 Upper Ground London Lambeth SE1 9PP Erection of a temporary marquee and use of the site as a temporary events venue from 1 June 2026 to 24 July 2026 25/04024/FUL 38 Durand Gardens London Lambeth SW9 0PP Replacement of the existing timber windows and doors with new double glazed timber windows and doors. 25/03994/FUL Picture House 7 Streatham High Road London SW16 1EH Application for Listed Building Consent for the repair and restoration of the front facade, including the removal of redundant signage on the canopy and above entrance; installation of panel cladding to the front fascia of the canopy and above entrance; new soffit; new projecting signage, uplighting; and associated masonry repairs. (Associated full planning and advertisement consent with reference numbers 25/03615/FUL and 26/00071/ADV received). 25/03616/LB Dated this Friday 16.01.2026
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SPORT 29 By John Kelly MI LONDON say they have made “a real statement of intent” by retaining Sam Curran and Will Jacks for this year’s men’s Hundred and by signing England batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge for the women’s competition.
Surrey’s Curran, Jacks and Wyatt-Hodge join the new franchise
game.” MI London’s new look combines the mint green of the Invincibles and the blue and gold of the Mumbai Indians and MI’s other global franchise teams. Slipper said: “I am also excited for supporters to be introduced to the new look and feel of our Hundred
team. We have developed a brand that combines the history, heritage and prestige of the MI family but also brings the youthful vibrancy of the Oval Invincibles that made it one of the most recognisable sides in the competition.” Akash Ambani, the team owner of
Former Brentford and Wycombe player Sam Wood fired a volley wide from outside the box. Sarpong moved into midfield in the second half as Ashanike switched to a back four. Ogunseri kept out Wood’s header and then tipped a free-kick around the post. Kozak, now playing further forward, cut in on his left to test goalkeeper Nathan Boamahwho who batted away his attempt. Kozak went close again but fired over from eighteen yards. Fisher came under mounting pressure defending against a slope in the pitch.
Man of the match Ogunseri produced two one-on-one saves to deny former Fish Manny Shoderu and and Bethel Gboda. Fisher withstood the pressure and could have nicked it when Jones cut inside and curled a shot beyond Boamah only to see the ball come back off the inside of the post before it was scrambled away. Fish substitute Ekow Amaquandoh had the last chance but his shot on the turn was blocked on the goal-line. Fisher now play four knockout games in ten days, starting with a trip to Windsor & Eton (SL4 3DR) in the fourth round of the FA Vase this Saturday (3pm).
Fish stopper Isaac unbeatable
By John Kelly
ISAAC OGUNSERI produced a brilliant display as Fisher drew 0-0 away to Snodland Town in the SCEFL Premier Division last weekend.
Fish boss Ajay Ashanike changed to a back three with Michael Sarpong dropping in and Jack Gibbons and Alex Kozak playing as wing-backs. Former England international Teddy Sheringham’s son Charlie sent an early effort wide. Tom Jones had two chances for Fisher before visiting stopper Ogunseri saved Nathaniel Olawole’s fifteen-yard header.
Photo by Nathan Stirk - ECB via Getty Images
Curran, who is Surrey’s T20 captain, will also skipper the franchise. MI London were known as Oval Invincibles until the sale of 49 per cent of the franchise to Indian multinational Reliance Industries Limited in December. Surrey CCC retained the 51 per cent share. Curran and Jacks are in England’s T20 squad for the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month. Wyatt-Hodge, who joins from Southern Brave, helped Surrey win the inaugural Vitality Blast title last year and rounded off 2025 as part of the Hobart Hurricanes squad that won their first WBBL trophy. Jacks played for the Invincibles in every year of the Hundred and is the fifth highest run-scorer in the competition’s history. “This is a real statement of intent from our playing teams,” MI London chairman Oli Slipper said. “In Sam and Will we have signed two of the best English white-ball cricketers there are. They know what it means to step out in front of home fans at the Kia Oval and win trophies for their supporters. “Danni is a fan favourite in South London with her performances for Surrey and England and has already tasted success at the Kia Oval. She’s been prolific in The Hundred and is one of the most exciting players in the
MI LONDON MAKE ‘STATEMENT’ SIGNINGS
Sam Curran in action in The Hundred
MI London, added: “MI London marks an exciting new chapter in taking the Mumbai Indians brand global and our journey in The Hundred. With world-class talent across the men’s and women’s teams – including Sam Curran, Will Jacks and Danni WyattHodge – and a strong connection to
Curran demolishes Strikers Down Under
By Sports Reporter TOM CURRAN took careerbest figures of 4-9 to help Melbourne Stars hammer Adelaide Strikers by six wickets in the Big Bash League.
The Strikers were bowled out for just 83 as Surrey’s Curran helped Stars seal their post-season place. Curran had Alex Carey caught for three in the second over. He then removed Chris Lynn and
New signing off mark as Hamlet start with bang
By John Kelly
NEW SIGNING David Smith scored on his debut as Dulwich Hamlet started the year with a 3-1 Isthmian League Premier Division victory at Potters Bar Town.
more chances. To score right at the start of the second half meant we had something to hold on to. “There was a little bit of panic in the last ten minutes. They changed shape, they threw the kitchen sink at us. It’s been a while since in we were in that winning position. But we defended really well. Toby [Bull] made exceptional saves, he took a lot of pressure off by dealing with crosses and the boys were heading it away. “Lonit’s finish is top. 3-1, another good away performance and away win. “[Smith’s] a huge signing for us he gave us, he gave us a different dimension as people could see. I was delighted he scored his goal, he scored
the offside one as well. “He takes a bit of strain off Millsy [Danny Mills] as well who’s done incredibly well as the lone striker for half a season. “We’re getting everybody back now. If we can put a run of games together where we’re picking up maximum points everybody will play a massive part. “But Dave is a proven goalscorer and I have to go on record and thank [manager] Pete [Adeniyi] and Carshalton for making that move really smooth. “If he can understand a little bit more of what we do he’s going to be a massive boost for us.”
Jason Sangha before having Liam Scott caught behind for eighteen. After Curran’s demolition job, Mitchell Swepson dismissed Jamie Overton and Hassan Ali with consecutive deliveries in the following over. Stars went above Perth Scorchers into second, one point behind leaders Hobart Hurricanes, with one match to play in the group stage.
David Smith
Photo by Rob Avis
Mark Dacey’s Hamlet had to come from behind after Dylan Adjei-Hersey had given the hosts the lead in the 34th minute. Dulwich’s fortunes swung around within minutes either side of the break as Smith levelled in first-half injury time and then Luke Wanadio scored a minute into the second half. Dulwich protected their lead deep into added-time before Lonit Talla
added the insurance third. Smith joined from Carshalton Athletic where he showed his prolific ability. He previously played for Cray Wanderers and Folkestone Invicta and will be hoping to make his debut at Champion Hill this Saturday against Cheshunt. Dacey felt Smith should have had a brace only to see one effort controversially ruled out for offside. “We were in control but the counter is something we have to stop earlier at source,” Dacey said about conceding first. “It knocked the stuffing out of us a little bit because we had control. “But we’ve got resilience. We created
Surrey, MI London brings together elite cricket, local identity and MI’s winning culture. The ethos of excellence, consistency and success that defines the Mumbai Indians will continue to shape how we play and entertain fans in the UK and around the world.”
30 SPORT
R’s boss ‘proud’ despite Hammer blow By John Kelly JULIEN STEPHAN was left with a sense of pride after his Queens Park Rangers side took West Ham United to extra-time before losing 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup at London Stadium on Sunday.
New boss praises youngsters after defender nets first goal
By John Kelly
© Keith Gillard
January signing from Lazio, Valentin Castellanos, scored his first goal for the Hammers with a 108th-minute winner. Crysencio Summerville gave Nuno Espirito Santo’s side the lead in firsthalf added-time before when Richard Kone headed in Karamoko Dembele's cross in the 65th minute, to the delight of the 9,000 away support. "I am very proud of the players,” Stephan said. “I think they gave everything on the pitch. “There was very strong organisation, great energy, great mentality, fantastic mindset. It was amazing defensively and we had some good chances in the second half to equalise and we did that. “But they scored a fantastic [second] goal. I think the second goal is a great move from Summerville and a great cross and a good finish. So no regrets we gave everything on the pitch. “It was difficult physically and the players, they ran a lot,. Of course, I am a little bit disappointed at the end because it's a competition and when you are a competitor, you want to win.” Stephan revealed his half-time message. “Just to stick to the plan and trust in the fact that we will have some opportunity to score a goal because it was difficult mentally for the players to concede the goal like this after the first half because we didn't concede a lot,” he said. “Just to give them enough strength in order to restart and trust and believe, it was very important. “And they did well. I think the first 20, 25 minutes was very good. Very aggressive and we were able to score. It was more difficult the last, probably, five or ten minutes, but it was good organisation.” Stephan added: “I am very proud of the fans, very proud of the support. And I think there is a very good relationship between the players and the fans since the start of the season.”
HATO’S OFF TO BLUES BOYS
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior
Chelsea defeated Charlton Athletic 5-1 in the third round of the FA Cup at a charged Valley. Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca after Chelsea and the Italian parted company despite Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs last season. "This is a team that won the Club World Cup,” Rosenior said. “That was five months ago. This is a team that
won the Conference League last year. We're a good team. "We are a good team. They've been well-coached. I've made no secret of that." Rosenior was appointed from sister club Strasbourg last week. The last Chelsea boss to win by four goals in his first game was Luiz Felipe Scolari, 4-0 against Portsmouth in August 2008. Chelsea went two goals in front through Jorrel Hato and Tosin Adarabioyo either side of the break. Miles Leaburn halved the deficit in the 57th minute before Marc Guiu scored the third in the 62nd minute. Substitutes Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez added two more in stoppage-time.
“I think the biggest thing I challenged the players on was our reactions to setbacks, our intensity. I was very happy with the togetherness and the spirit of the group today," Rosenior said. "I was very happy with the intensity that they ran at – winning duels, winning headers, all of the basics. And that's where you get your joy from. "We need to improve in that aspect as well – long throws, wide free-kicks, corners going into our box. They are the basics that I talk about in football.” Rosenior had the luxury of bringing on Liam Delap, Neto, Fernandez and Estevao Willian against Nathan Jones’ Championship side. "I have to say I was delighted with
the starting XI. I was delighted with the front three. I felt Ale [Garnacho] kept going in his one-v-ones,” Rosenior said. "Marc Guiu was magnificent, deserved his goal. Jamie [Gittens] looked like he was going at the defenders. He looked like he could create in a lot of moments. So a lot of real positives and a good start." It was nineteen-year-old full-back Hato’s first goal on his eighth start since his £37million move from Ajax last summer. "I saw him play at Fulham,” Rosenior said. "I was so impressed with him then. He's taken that form on to another level today. Not just in terms of his goal, I felt his defensive attributes were top."
as Marc Guiu restored the two-goal advantage in the 62nd minute and substitutes Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez scored two more in stoppagetime. “It was special occasion, the fans and the atmosphere was great and to get myself a goal, I am happy with that,” Leaburn said. “The goal from Chelsea at the end of the first half was unfortunate, and a couple of goals towards the end with tired legs, it was unfortunate that it got away from us.” There was a season-high 26,475 attendance at The Valley. Leaburn added: “In the game we needed as much momentum as we could
get, and the fans provided that for us. “For me, because I didn’t get to experience the [League One play-pff] semi-final atmosphere on the pitch in May, it really was quite special. I was speechless, looking around thinking this what football is, this is what makes it special. “The gaffer always talks about us making The Valley a fortress and that is what we need to do and build upon our performances.” Addicks boss Nathan Jones admitted his side only had themselves to blame for the second and third goals. "For long periods we were good,” Jones said. “The game plan worked, we
nullified them to certain things. The goal before half-time was a killer, but it was a good strike. "The second and third goal killed us, and it was poor defending from the set-play. We can’t allow him to run in front of us like that, and that is why they scored. "We then got ourselves back into it, and then the third goal is the one I have sleepless nights over. It is stuff we have conceded from before. To concede from that, it was a non-learning and that for me is the biggest disappointment from tonight. "The second and third goals was the real turning point, and we have to do better from them."
Jones added: "Off the ball we were excellent. We defended in the middle of the park really well, against world-class players. "The way they moved the ball and worked, you can admire, but we aren’t at Premier League level yet. We are not in that position yet, and we have to understand that. There are lessons we need to take from that today. They are a great group, and structurally we were good. "We started well, e had all the moments early on. The noise [from the home fans] was phenomenal, and I took it in. "It is my job to make sure that we learn, and we that we don’t make mistakes."
LIAM ROSENIOR insisted he wouldn’t rip up a winning formula after beginning his Chelsea reign with the Blues' biggest winning margin in their first match under a new boss since 2008.
Charlton not million Miles away - but Chelsea quality prevails By John Kelly MILES LEABURN savoured the Valley atmosphere as his goal briefly gave Charlton Athletic hope before new Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior’s side powered away to win their FA Cup third-round clash 5-1.
Charlton held out until the fourth minute of first-half added-time before Jorrel Hato gave the Blues the lead. Tosin Adarabioyo scored Chelsea’s second in the 50th minute before Leaburn raised the roof off the Covered End when he made it 2-1 seven minutes later. But home hopes were short-lived
By John Kelly
JOHNNIE JACKSON is targeting more Wembley gory after AFC Wimbledon reached the last eight of the EFL Trophy after their 4-2 win against West Ham United under-21s at Plough Lane on Monday.
“I thought we did that really well. Got him [Nkeng] on the ball a lot, and he was a threat to them. We got Nathan on the ball a lot, we got a lot of crosses into the box tonight - not just them, Ogs [Isaac Ogundere] from behind, [Steve] Seddon on his left foot. “And I think if you keep asking questions of the opposition in their
By John Kelly MICHAEL CHEEK scored twice as Bromley stretched their lead at the top of League Two to five points after their seventh successive victory, this time 2-0 at Tranmere Rovers.
Cheek scored in the second and 57th minutes to help the Ravens to an eleventh win in their last twelve league games. Tranmere’s Nathan Smith almost equalised but his effort hit the post. “I thought it was a real tough game for us and it was a real battle throughout the entire 93 minutes,” Bromley boss Andy Woodman said. “Fair play to Tranmere, they gave us a real tough game, but we expect that from everyone in this league. “We stood up to the battle and I thought we had some good moments of quality on a difficult day. “Two goals away from home and a clean sheet - I can’t ask any more than that from my team. “Fair play to my guys, they really did all the dogged stuff that was needed of them to win that football match. “The early goal makes you happier, but they had a good little period after that and we were struggling to get to grips with the game. “As a team and to a man, I thought we were excellent all over the pitch.” Bromley travel to seventhplace Chesterfield this Saturday for an earlier 12.30pm kick-off.
AFC Wimbledon chief Johnnie Jackson provide the width,” Jackson said. “They’re two different types of players. Junior is obviously more of a dribbler, he wants to get at people one-on-one. Nathan's more of a shift, deliver or come back to set it for someone to deliver. So it's picking and choosing the right moments when to cross and getting bodies in the box.
Cheek double sends Ravens five clear
own penalty box, then you can see the results. Whether you score off the first one or create a little bit of chaos or mistakes, whatever that may be, you have to put the opposition under pressure.” Wimbledon are back in league action this Saturday when they face Doncaster Rovers at Plough Lane (3pm).
© Keith Gillard
The Dons were 3-0 up against Greg Lincoln’s youngsters by the 47th minute after goals from Alistair Smith, Callum Maycock and Marcus Browne. Josh Ajala and Lewis Orford gave the only under-21 side left in the competition hope and caused some nerves in the home support with goals in the 66th and 84th minutes. But Wimbledon rubber-stamped their progress when Myles Hippolyte scored the fourth in the 97th minute after Finlay Herrick saved Antwoine Hackford's chipped effort. Jackson led the Dons to Wembley victory last May when Hippolyte scored the only goal in the League Two play-off final against Walsall. The competition is still split into northern and southern sections at the quarter-final stage. Wimbledon could draw Swindon Town, Plymouth Argyle, Northampton Town or Walsall. The latter were involved in a last-sixteen tie in midweek. “We're here now, we're in the last eight and we want to win it,” Jackson said. “I want to win in every competition that we’re in. We know what Wembley means to this club and the history behind it. What an opportunity we have to go and write another chapter in that.” “I think West Ham gave a brilliant account of themselves. Obviously, they've got a lot of talented players and we didn't take them lightly at all. And I think for the majority of the game, we were really, really good. “Some excellent goals, some good play, really professional. But obviously, they come up with a couple of moments towards the end and then it just makes it a little bit more uncertain. “But that's what can happen. Goals just can change the complexion of the game, give them a bit of confidence. So it wasn't straightforward when it looked like it might be, but we came here to try and get into the last eight and we've done it.” Jackson was impressed with the performances of right wing-back Nathan Asiimwe and left-sided attacker Junior Nkeng as he explained their roles. “We wanted Junior and Nathan to
EFL Trophy last eight spot secured with Hammers win
© Keith Gillard
DONS BOSS TARGETS WEMBLEY
SPORT 31
Michael Cheek
Fulham sub trio help break Boro's resistance By John Kelly FULHAM WILL travel to Stoke City in the fourth round of the FA Cup after their 3-1 comeback victory against Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage last weekend.
The Cottagers trailed until an hour in after Hayden Hackney’s 30th-minute goal, before Harry Wilson levelled and Emile Smith
Rowe put Marco Silva’s side in front in the 77th minute. Kevin added the third three minutes into addedtime. “First half, we didn't play at our best level, definitely,” Silva said. “It was slow. Off the ball, we were too open in some moments, not compact and narrow enough. On the ball, we did not have the normal dynamic that we have to be able to
create much more chances. I told the players at half-time what we should have done differently. Of course, we changed for the second half and we won the game and I think we deserved it.” Silva brought on Wilson, Raul Jimenez and Tom Cairney early in the second half. He added: “The changes made a big impact. Players that are playing
with top confidence like Raul, like Harry Wilson, Tom Cairney. The energy from Antonee Robinson helped the team. It's very difficult. [It is] the fourth game in ten days we have played. Some of the guys like Emile Smith Rowe, for example, I knew that the dynamic is not going to be the same. He made a massive effort to be there and to be decisive again.
"It's always tricky to go from Chelsea and Liverpool to play against a very good side from the Championship. Part of our preparation was in that direction. To not underestimate them, to not allow them to think it's guaranteed for us to be in the next round, because I know how this competition is if you're not at your best level.”
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RARING
Josh Coburn in action against Burnley
TO GO
Josh Coburn keen to kick on after injury spell — and off the mark on return EXCLUSIVE By Will Scott
© Millwall FC
JOSH COBURN is ready to start firing again after a three-month injury absence and wasted little time on his return.
Coburn, 23, was in the squad that travelled up to Burnley for Millwall’s FA Cup Third Round tie last weekend, and came off the bench to score a last-minute goal. While that only served as a consolation, with the Clarets already up 5-0, Coburn hopes to use it as a springboard for further success. “I was really, really happy,” Coburn told this paper. “It’s a good marker for me to get back into things and get my confidence up straight away. Obviously, it wasn’t a good result, but hopefully we can now concentrate on the league and score a few goals there as well. “I feel good now. I feel fit and ready, and hopefully now I can really start to kick on. “We’ve got a few lads back from
injury as well, and I think the squad’s looking really strong. So hopefully we can just go and kick on and try and get as far up the table as possible.” The goal was a worthy reward for the lengthy spell on the sidelines Coburn, and many of his teammates, have endured this season. The striker started eight of the first nine league games of the season, his first campaign since Millwall made his loan spell permanent for a club-record fee last summer, before picking up a quad injury in the October international break. “It was quite a big injury, so it was slow to start with, but I tried to work on myself a lot,” Coburn said. “In the gym, putting on a bit of size on my upper body and trying to not get injured again. I worked with [sports scientist] Ayo [Awosika] to build my strength up everywhere I can really.” While Coburn recovered, Millwall continued to climb the table despite an ever-worsening injury crisis and now find themselves in fifth.
“You’re not going to lie and say you like being injured,” Coburn said. “It’s a difficult time, and when the lads are winning, you do want to be involved, you do want to play games. I think it is difficult at times when you’re watching on, and the lads are doing so well. “We’re there to support them, and we’re there to try and help them as much as we can without being on the pitch. I think that’s what this group’s got. Everyone’s so supportive, and it really, really benefits us.” Coburn is now starting to reap the benefits of his patience. He was pencilled in to make his return against the Clarets and successfully completed 30 minutes, the most important step towards getting him back into the starting line-up. “It does take a little bit of time to get used to it again,” Coburn said. “It’s not like I’ve been out for a week or two. It’s quite a long period of time. You need to get your bearings with everything. The team has changed a little bit
PAGE 29
as well, so you need to know how the team are playing and things like that.” He had clearly adjusted by the time the goalscoring chance came his way. With added-time trickling away, Rafiq Lamptey stole the ball off Hannibal Mejbri high up the pitch, and Coburn pounced. He took a touch past Maxime Esteve, then dinked it over the onrushing Max Weiss in the Burnley net. How instinctive was the finish? “It depends on what chance you get,” Coburn said. “This one was a bit more where you’ve got quite a bit of time to think about it. My second touch made it quite obvious what I was going to do because keepers closed it down, came out really quick, and then he’s gone down low, so I’ve had to lift it over him. It helped me in a way to not overthink what I was going to do, really. “I was confident. I know I’m a good finisher, and I know I can finish, so I was confident in doing it, and it came off.”
Pep’s Blues want Guehi By John Kelly
MANCHESTER CITY are being linked with a January swoop for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
Guehi, 25, decided earlier this season that he would not sign a new contract with the FA Cup winners. His current deal runs out in the summer. A number of clubs in the Premier League and abroad have expressed interest in signing the England international. Guehi can speak to overseas sides this month and agree a summer move. Reports from Germany have claimed that Bayern Munich want to convince him to join them at the end of the season. If that move happened he would link up with England skipper Harry Kane and former Palace attacker Michael Olise. The Eagles could decide to cash in on Guehi this month rather than lose him for nothing. Guehi was valued at more than £70million in the summer of 2024, when Newcastle United had bids in that region rejected. A £35million move to Liverpool last summer was blocked late on by Palace chairman Steve Parish. Pep Guardiola’s City have recently lost centre-backs Ruben Dias for six weeks and Josko Gvardiol possibly for the rest of the season with a leg fracture. Meanwhile, Guehi offered his congratulations to Macclesfield after they produced the biggest giant-killing act in FA Cup history by knocking out the holders 2-1 at Moss Rose last weekend. National League North Macclesfield, who are managed by Wayne Rooney’s brother John, were 117 places below Palace in the league pyramid, the biggest-ever gap for a winning nonleague team in the competition’s history. “Credit to Macclesfield, credit to their club, and to their players for how well they played, their level of intensity – congratulations to them,” Guehi said. “I'm just going to give absolute praise to Macclesfield – for their fans, and for the way they played. It’s obviously an incredible story for them. “We won it last year, and again, if we're being honest, miracles can happen, and another miracle happened today. "It's the FA Cup. It's kind of what the competition's about, I guess.” THE RECYCLED PAPER CONTENT OF UK NEWSPAPERS IN 2014 WAS 83.5%