DO YOU HAVE A STORY for our news team? Call 0207 231 5258 You can WhatsApp us on 07494 070 863.
Several Acorn members disrupted a full meeting of Lambeth Council on Wednesday evening (January 21) as they demanded an end to the local authority’s use of bailiffs.
Editor: Kevin Quinn
Sports Editor: John Kelly
Sports reporter: Will Scott
By Ruby Gregory Local Democracy Reporter
SEVERAL PROTESTERS disrupted a meeting of Lambeth Council last week as they demanded an end to the local authority’s use of bailiffs to collect council tax from people who have fallen behind on payments.
Members of the campaign group and community organisation Acorn interrupted the meeting within the first hour as they stood up in the public gallery and demanded “a fairer and more humane approach to council tax”.
It is identical the dramatic scenes that unfolded at Southwark Council’s full meeting last November after the leader of the council Sarah King had to be escorted out following a disruption by same organisation. She was whisked out of the room amid their chants of ‘Rent free Southwark’ and ‘Shame on you Sarah King’ while the livestream was paused and the meeting put on hold.
Claire Holland, Leader of Lambeth Council, had just finished presenting the Cabinet Statement when the meeting was interrupted by protesters, which saw the council’s webcast paused and the meeting suspended for almost 30 minutes on Wednesday evening January 21.
Acorn’s Lambeth branch said it had tried
Reporters: Issy Clarke, Evie Flynn
Arts Correspondent: Michael Holland
Advertising: Clarry Frewin
to contact the council leader twice over the past month, but did not receive a reply. The group went on to state that its members had also tried to write to Claire Holland, but did not receive a response.
A Lambeth Council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “The council is already writing to Acorn in response to their letter, received just before Christmas, setting out the work Lambeth does in supporting people to pay their council tax.”
They went on to say the council’s use of Enforcement Agents are not used to take control of goods to recoup a debt, but as “a last resort to support people in debt to repay”, adding that they are used as an alternative method to engage with residents in recipe of council tax support in order to begin a dialogue with them.
Footage seen by the LDRS shows the group addressing the council chamber as they listed their demands which included more time for residents to address their arrears before the council takes debt collection action, as well an end to imprisonment for the non-payment of council tax debt.
Acorn member Paul Adams told the chamber: “We also want councillors to support Acorn’s call for the Government to explore alternatives to council tax.
“As I’ve said, we’ve made several attempts to contact Claire Holland – she’s ignored
Digital Transformation Editor: Katherine Johnston
Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips
Design: Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen
Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758
Subscriptions/Announcements: Katie Boyd
Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany
weekly at:
LAMBETH COUNCIL MEETING DISRUPTED BY PROTESTORS AGAINST THE USE OF BAILIFFS
us. So we’ve come to the meeting so our members and those people that are being hounded by bailiffs can be heard.”
Chants of “bailiff-free Britain” and “if you hate bailiffs stand up” could be heard as the group demanded a meeting with the council leader and a response from the council while security attempted to escort protesters out of the room.
Acorn later told the LDRS that during their statement, the council leader along with several Cabinet Members allegedly walked out of the council chamber while they were speaking.
A Lambeth Council spokesperson later told the LDRS: “The protest on Wednesday was an unauthorised demonstration which disrupted the Full Council meeting which the Chair then suspended.
“Any groups or individuals are welcome to raise issues of concern at council meetings through established channels and by prior arrangement – for example, through speaking at committees or pre-arranged delegations on the floor of the council chamber at Full Council meetings.”
According to Acorn, 24,108 cases were referred to debt collectors in Lambeth last year. A total of £30million of debt was referred to them, while £4.7million of this was actually collected.
One Lambeth resident called James who was present during Wednesday’s meeting
Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn
Matters Media Ltd, 1 Bermondsey Square, London SE1 3UN News and Sport: 020 7231 5258
by Iliffe Print. Tel: 01223 656500 www.iliffeprint.co.uk
said bailiffs had turned up to his home without prior warning, later allegedly threatening to remove him from his property after he fell behind on council tax payments.
James said he had tried to contact the council over the payments, but said they were almost “impossible to contact” and allegedly weren’t interested in discussing a resolution with him. He said he received threatening letters which caused him to have mental health issues that he struggled to get support for.
Wednesday’s protest is part of Acorn’s Bailiff-Free Britain campaign, which has seen several council meetings disrupted across England and Wales since last month.
A Lambeth Council spokesperson said: “Council tax is a vital source of revenue which helps fund a wide range of front-line services that our residents – particularly the most vulnerable – rely upon. Lambeth, like all local authorities, has a legal obligation to maximise collection of council tax to fund essential services.
“We have worked with vulnerable people to encourage them to pay and to provide debt advice, support and discretionary payments for those who can’t pay. Some of that contact work is carried out by an external company who contact people by phone or letter if the council has been unable to get in touch with them directly.”
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.
By Maya Sgaravato-Grant and Evie Flynn
TAPESTRY WEAVING FOR BEGINNERS, BELL HOUSE, DULWICH
Fancy picking up a new hobby this year? Bell House in Dulwich is hosting a tapestry weaving class this February, led by an award-winning tapestry weaver.
Learn how to do a plain weave, then experiment with blending colours and making simple shapes. By the end of the session, you will even have your own tapestry to take home.
Date: Saturday 7 February
Time: 10:00 - 13:00
Price: £60
Location: Bell House Dulwich, 27 College Rd, SE21 7BG www.bellhouse.co.uk
SECRETS OF THE THAMES AT LONDON MUSEUM DOCKLANDS
Discover objects revealing stories from London’s past at London Museum Docklands.
Over 350 artefacts salvaged from the Thames - ranging from the historically significant to the more personal - will be on display until 1 March, in the UK’s first major exhibition dedicated to mudlarking. End your experience with a moment of reflection on the mysteries of the moon and tides, which make the discovery of these treasures possible.
Date: Ends Sunday 1 March
Time: 10:00 - 17:00 daily
Price: £16 adult, free for children under 12
Location: London Museum Docklands, No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AL www.londonmuseum.org.uk
“ALL ABOUT LOVE” HARMONY SINGING WORKSHOP AT STATION HALL, HERNE HILL
Spend your Valentine’s Day singing about love.
Janna Goodwillie will take you through a selection of uplifting repertoire, with no previous musical training required - just a passion for song.
A special discount is available to couples celebrating the occasion!
Date: Saturday 14 February
Time: 11:00 - 14.00
Price: £22 for a standard individual ticket, £40 for a standard couples ticket; concessions available
Location: Station Hall, Railton Road, SE24 0JW www.stationhallhernehill.org
KIMCHI FERMENTATION WORKSHOP IN PENGE
Not feeling in the mood for a traditional Valentine’s Day event this mid-February?
Learn to make Kimchi instead! South London Ferments will be hosting a hands-on fermentation workshop in Penge, where you will get to prepare the iconic spicy Korean condiment made from fermented cabbage. No
need to bring anything along - all ingredients will be provided.
Head down to Old York Theatre for the London debut of Jorvik, an interactive, immersive Viking play, set in the aftermath of the conquest of Eoforwic (York). Filled with celebration, song, and fighting, the play touches on the heart of the human condition.
Date: Until 9 February
Time: 19:00 - 20:00 daily; also at 14:00 - 15:00 on Saturdays
Price: Tickets from £10
Location: The Glitch, 134 Lower Marsh, SE1 7AE https://tinyurl.com/4exfdwu5
CATASTROPHE CABARET AT THE HALF MOON, HERNE HILL
Watch celebrated screenwriter, actress and comedian Alison Spittle perform at Catastrophe Cabaret - a monthly live comedy and music night - this January. With award-winning supporting acts, the event promises an evening of laughs to ward off the January blues.
MINDFULNESS IN NATURE, BROCKWELL PARK COMMUNITY GREENHOUSES
Learn to be present in nature with a Mindfulness in Nature workshop. Trained yoga and mindfulness teacher Deepti will guide you through the process of meditation in the green and lush gardens of the Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses - just remember to bring warm layers!
Date: Sunday 1 March
Time: 12:30 - 15:30
Price: Pay what you can
(recommended price £35)
Location: Brockwell Park
Community Greenhouses, Brockwell Park, London SE24 9BN https://tinyurl.com/nhhhwnym
MIKE URBAN’S MEGA POP PARTY AT EFFRA SOCIAL
Dance the night away in Brixton at Mike Urban’s Mega Pop Party. Expect Fleetwood Mac, Abba, A-ha, Cyndi, Dolly, Shania, Blondie, and good vibes.
SOUTHWARK COUNCIL has said it will oppose any changes to a travel pass which lets older people use public transport in London for free, after suggestions the scheme could be scaled back.
The Freedom Pass, used by 1.2 million Londoners, allows those aged over 66 to use the bus, tube, tram, DLR and National Rail services for free during off peak hours.
On 5 January it was reported that London Councils, the body which manages the scheme on behalf of the 32 London boroughs, would be reviewing the pass, the cost of which is set to reach £372m from April 2026.
Cllr Ian Manders, one of the Liberal Democrat representatives on the committee responsible for overseeing the administration of the scheme, described it as an “expensive burden”.
One idea allegedly floated was to restrict free travel to the bus only, which it was suggested could save councils £100 million a year.
However on Wednesday (14 January) Labour councils in London issued a joint statement warning they would oppose any move to restrict the eligibility criteria or the transport services it can be used on.
Cllr Claire Holland, Labour leader in Lambeth and the Leader of London Councils, offered assurances that there would be no move to restrict eligibility or the modes of transport the pass applies to. She said: “The previous Conservative government slashed funding for the Freedom Pass scheme, leaving councils to foot the bill.
“It’s clear that we need to ensure the Freedom Pass is funded sustainably, but this cannot be done at the expense of older Londoners.
“We know the Freedom Pass is a vital lifeline for our older residents and we must defend it. Labour councils will oppose any changes that would see restrictions placed on who can use it and which modes of transport it applies to.”
Sarah King, the leader of Southwark Council, welcomed the news that the pass would be ‘protected’: “Keeping
costs down for our residents is our top priority, which is why we were very clear that the freedom pass should be protected and it is fantastic news that we have managed to save it.
“With Lib Dems refusing to rule out cutting the pass, it’s clear only Labour is focused on helping local people with
21-YEAR-OLD
rising prices and ensuring our over 65s have full access to public transport in Southwark.”
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also threw his weight behind calls to retain the pass in its current form, although he has no responsibility over it.
He said: “The Freedom Pass is crucial
SOUTHWARK OPPOSES ANY CHANGES TO FREEDOM PASS
for older Londoners, enabling them to travel around the city and stay connected to friends and family.
“While I have no control over the 66+ pass, Labour councils have my full support in committing to keep it.
“As Mayor, I am ensuring hundreds of thousands of older Londoners are also able to enjoy free travel by continuing to provide the 60+ Oyster card alongside other concessions for Londoners.
“The previous Tory government wanted to get rid of the 60+ Oyster card. It’s clear that only Labour can be trusted to protect concessionary travel for Londoners.”
MAN ‘INVOLVED IN A MAJOR PEOPLE SMUGGLING
RING’ EXTRADITED TO BELGIUM AFTER HIS ARREST IN BERMONDSEY
By Issy Clarke
A 21-YEAR-OLD man ‘involved in a major people smuggling ring’ has been extradited to Belgium more than a year after he was arrested in Bermondsey.
Zeeshan Banghis, an Afhgan national, was apprehended at an address on the New Kent Road by officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) on 18 December 2024 after a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Belgian courts.
Another man, 24-year-old Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai, was apprehended at an address in Hemel Hempstead a few days later on 30 December.
the gang suspected of transporting thousands of people this way.
They added that the group also committed serious sexual offences against male migrant minors, including rape which they would video and use footage to blackmail the victims into criminality and further sexual abuse.
NCA investigators supported the Belgian investigation for around two years, supplying intelligence and evidence to the Belgian Federal Police around suspected members of the network.
colleagues from Border Force and Immigration Enforcement to identify migrants and victims of the network who had been transported to the UK, conducting safeguarding checks.
Andy Kelly, head of the NCA’s National Extradition Unit, said:
“This gang operated across the globe and piled misery on migrants they transported, all for the sake of making a profit.
“Many of these people would have been extremely vulnerable, which makes it all the more shocking that disgraceful sexual offences were committed against some of them.
In November 2024 both men were tried by a court in Antwerp in their absence. Ahmedzai was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, while Banghis was sentenced to three years in jail. Both were also fined 3,000 Euros. Ahmedzai was extradited to Belgium in June last year. Banghis was extradited to Belgium on 15 January 2026 and both will serve the remainder of their sentence in a Belgian jail.
people smuggling gang involved in organising the transport of migrants from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey and the Balkans into western Europe, mainly France and Belgium.
Belgian prosecutors believed both to have been part of a major
The NCA said many would eventually be put on small boats from northern France to the UK, with
In November 2024 a court in Antwerp convicted and sentenced the pair and 21 other members of the gang to a total of 170 years’ imprisonment, with sentences ranging from two to 18 years.
Eleven members were tried in their absence, including the two men arrested in the UK.
Officers also worked with
“Our joint investigation with Belgian law enforcement is another example of international action succeeding against a global threat.
“These extraditions display a very strong message that work to disrupt and dismantle the gangs behind this horrendous trade will never slow down.”
Zeeshan Banghis and Saifur Rahman Ahmedzai
TRANSPORT FOR LONDON ADMITS BUS LANES AND LTNS ARE SLOWING DOWN TRAFFIC IN SOME PARTS OF THE CAPITAL
By Kumail Jaffer
Local Democracy Reporter
EXTRA BUS lanes and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) have increased congestion for private cars on some of London’s streets, Transport for London (TfL) officials have admitted.
The transport body has been shifting policy away from accommodating private vehicle use as part of an overall aim to ensure 80 per cent of journeys made in the capital by 2041 are by walking, cycling or public transport.
This has involved carving off some road space for extra bus lanes and implementing around 100 LTNs across London.
Measures such as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) levy and the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) are also part of City Hall’s drive to reduce reliance on cars within the capital.
The Mayor’s pathway to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030 relies on a 27 per cent reduction in kilometres travelled by car.
Officials say that increased use of buses, trains and cycle lanes are far more efficient than private cars and will, overall, lead to less congestion and more importantly, faster journeys for those who rely on a private vehicle for business or accessibility reasons.
However, with bus speeds falling and London today topping the list of the world’s slowest driving capitals,
the effectiveness of the measures have been questioned.
Earlier today (Wednesday 21 January) TfL officials admitted to the London Assembly Transport
Carl Eddleston, Director of Streets and Network Operations, TfL
Committee that the implementation of LTNs has increased congestions in some areas.
Carl Eddleston, Director of Streets and Network Operations, said: “There
are around 100 LTNs, mostly installed during the Covid period.
“They provide significant safety and active travel benefits. Most of them are on borough roads, so they’re not a TfL decision.
“In some locations they have added congestion to the local area, but nearly all of them have been huge successes.
“We do need to continue to actively review them – there’s been a huge amount of listening to communities and tweaks to LTNs.”
He also suggested that some instances where cycleways have been installed have ended up reducing bus speeds, however, forcing TfL to “claw that back” through imposing further bus priority lanes elsewhere.
However, officials insisted that various policy decisions taken to shift the balance towards active travel and public transport would, in the long term, reduce congestion.
Christina Calderato, Director of Transport Strategy and Policy at TfL, acknowledged that one in every five trips made in London will still need to be made in a car, van or lorry, and that the network was working to ensure those journeys remained as efficient as possible.
“Everything we’re doing in shifting people towards more sustainable modes is aimed at traffic reduction,” she told Assembly Members.
“We need a functioning and effective road network for freights, taxis, private
car trips – but we need to make sure that most of the time for most people, there is an attractive alternative.”
Ms Calderato also said London’s growing population meant that every bit of road space, especially towards the centre of the capital, needed to be used efficiently.
“We have seen car use and traffic continuing to decrease, but a change in the types vehicles used on the network. In a growing city, to accommodate more people and move them efficiently, we need to consider how best we use that road space.
“Some of that means reallocating that space towards more space-efficient modes such as buses. That does reduce the amount of space for general traffic in some locations where appropriate.
“You are still managing to move many more people through that corridor in the same amount of time.
“If it means we can accommodate greater people moving through the area, we’re for more people having a smoother, more reliable journey.”
She referred to TfL reallocating road space so that the maximum number of “switchable trips” that could be taken by car or public transport are done via the latter mode.
“There are trips that weren’t switchable before but there are now – our job is to keep doing that, if we create a new bus service, put a new Superloop in, we can reach that 80 per cent target,” she added.
ALLEGED RAPE IN BRIXTON
By Issy Clark
POLICE ARE appealing for witnesses and information after a woman was allegedly raped in Brixton earlier this month.
A woman alleged to police that she had been raped at an address in Pulross Road in the early hours of Thursday, 8 January, and an immediate investigation was launched.
Detectives identified a suspect shortly after the incident. He has since been charged with two counts of rape and drug supply offences.
Police believe that the woman spoke to two members of the public at around 11:00hrs that same day in Pulross Road, and the investigation team are keen to trace them.
Detective Constable Oliver Colville, who is leading the investigation, said:
“It is important that we speak with any key witness who may have information about this incident. We are committed to tackling violence against women and girls, and we need to understand the full picture around what happened that day.
“If you were in the Pulross Road area at around 11am on Thursday, 8 January, and you spoke with a woman in distress, then please come forward to police.”
The woman has received specialist support from officers since the allegation was made.
Please call police on 101 stating CAD2961/8Jan. You can also provide information to police anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
By Issy Clarke
ANTI-SHOPLIFTING
FACIAL
recognition technology is being installed at Elephant and Castle Sainsbury’s.
It comes after a pilot using the cameras in two stores, located in Bath and Sydenham, led to a significant drop in retail crime. Theft, anti-social behaviour, harm and aggression towards staff fell by 46 per cent, while 92 per cent of offenders did not return to the stores.
The cameras will be expanded to five London stores in total: Camden, Whitechapel, Ladbroke Grove, Dalston and Elephant and Castle. Claire Pickthall, retailer and digital
Help shape a fairer, healthier future in
director at Sainsbury’s, told a national paper that the impact of the cameras had been “seismic” and “that’s been hugely encouraging. It’s not marginal.”
The facial recognition technology has been developed in partnership with Facewatch. It works by using artificial intelligence to match faces with a list of repeated offenders shared between stores. When someone on the system walks in, the manager of the store is alerted who can then double-check the accuracy of the match.
Retail crime has significantly increased in recent years. According to the British Retail Consortium there were 20 million incidents of theft in 2024, up from 16 million in 2023.
Abuse against
also
cent between 2020 and
from 455 incidents to more than 20,000.
Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury’s, said that the store “had a duty to act” to keep staff safe.
“We also know that a safe environment for colleagues is essential to keeping customers safe too,” he added.
“No one should feel at risk simply going about their day. Protecting everyone who walks through our doors is fundamental to earning and keeping the public’s trust.
“The technology is designed to only identify people who are violent, aggressive or who steal in the store. If the system does not recognise a face, the record is deleted instantly and the data is not stored.”
At Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation, we’re an independent charity working to help everyone live longer, healthier lives. We know many health issues start with challenges like money worries, discrimination, poor air quality and poor housing. If you’ve experienced these, your voice matters. Join us as a voluntary Board Observer and share your lived experience with our Trustees. Together, we can tackle the root causes of ill-health and create lasting change in our communities.
staff
rose by 340 per
2024,
SOUTHWARK SAYS IT HAS ‘SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS’ ABOUT PLANS TO REDUCE AFFORDABLE HOUSING QUOTAS
By Issy Clarke
SOUTHWARK COUNCIL has called on the government to “rethink” plans to cut the amount of affordable housing developers are required to build in London.
Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark’s Cabinet Member for New Homes, said the council had “significant concerns over plans to allow developers to build fewer affordable homes in London, and to cut developer contributions to local communities” and urged the government to “rethink.”
Last year, the Housing Secretary Steve Reed and the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced plans to cut the affordable housing threshold that developers need to meet for fast-tracked planning approval from 35 to 20 per cent.
Affordable housing includes properties set at social rent – 50 per cent of market value – and intermediate rent, between social and market rent.
The government also proposed halving the payments developers must make to local authorities when they receive planning permission - money that is used to fund local infrastructure, like new playgrounds and GP services.
The government said the move would kickstart housebuilding in London, which has ground to a halt in recent times.
Last year, there were only 2,158 new home starts in the six months to June in the capital – a long way off London’s target of 88,000 new homes each year.
target in practice could be fairly limited.
In recent months, we have already seen developers opting to bypass Southwark Council’s planning processes to appeal to the Mayor for a decision, after slashing their affordable housing offering.
However, in its full response to the government’s consultation on the proposals, which ended on January 22, Southwark said it did “not agree that affordable housing reduction is the right approach to addressing the issue of affordable housing provision.”
“Delivering genuinely affordable housing, and social rent homes in particular, alongside much-needed investment in infrastructure, must be the priority and the council believes that other methods should be explored before going down this proposed route.”
The council continued: “We are concerned that a reduction to 20% affordable housing requirements through the new ‘time-limited route’ will risk consented schemes returning as new proposals. It risks impacting land prices
ADVERTORIAL
and establishing a ‘new norm’.”
The local authority added that rather than slashing affordability requirements, the government should “focus on grant funding and regulatory reform to speed up housing delivery.”
Southwark’s own planning guidance states that developers must ensure that a minimum 35 per cent of their schemes are affordable.
Another of the government’s proposed reforms is to equip the Mayor of London with the power to override local planning decisions, including the ability to ‘callin’ housing schemes which have been rejected by boroughs.
This suggests that even if the council stands firm by its 35 per cent requirement, as housing campaigners have been calling for, Southwark’s ability to enforce the
REMEMBERING SAM KING
Without Sam King, there would not be a Windrush Day and the Empire Windrush could have disappeared into the mists of time. Sam was among the hundreds of passengers on board the ship that steamed up the River ames to Tilbury Docks in June 1948, but he was the only one to have taken the contact details of friends and acquaintances, with a view to keeping in touch with as many of them as possible.
With his help in June 1968, the story of the voyage was recorded for the rst time in print, after he had rounded up several other passengers to be interviewed for e Sunday Times magazine in a piece marking the 20th anniversary of Windrush Day. In 1988, it was Sam who organised the rst national Windrush commemoration in Lambeth, London. He managed the unveiling of a plaque on a wall at Lambeth Town Hall in memory of the Caribbean men and women who arrived on Empire Windrush on 22 June 1948. Sam King and Arthur Torrington established Windrush Foundation, a heritage organisation, in 1995.
e organisation publicises African and Caribbean contributions to World Wars I and II, also to the arts, public services, commerce, and other areas of socio-economic and cultural life in Britain and the Commonwealth. It preserves the history and heritage of the
Windrush generation who helped to rebuild Britain just after WWII. Opportunities are provided for the public to engage in local community-based projects and high-pro le national learning and participation activities for diverse audiences.
But it was the ship’s 50th anniversary in 1998 that created the biggest impact, featuring a series of nationwide events, and a reception at St James’s Palace hosted by the then Prince Charles (now King Charles IIII). Sam and other WWII service personnel were featured at the Imperial War Museum’s ‘From War to Windrush Exhibition’ which celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Empire Windrush’s arrival at Tilbury Docks. Sam’s passing on 17 June 2016 ended decades of excellent service to Britain. Join us as he is celebrated in poetry, song, speeches, and music at Lambeth Town Hall, Assembly Hall, Brixton on 7 February 2026.
British Land, the developer behind the Canada Water Masterplan, appealed to the Mayor in December for a decision on the planning application, months after admitting that the proportion of affordable homes it was feasible to build on the site could be as little as 10 per cent.
It has since further lowered that estimate to just 3 per cent.
Berkeley Homes similarly appealed to the planning inspectorate after slashing the proportion of affordable homes in its proposed redevelopment of the Aylesham Centre from 35 to 12 per cent.
The 35% Campaign, a local group advocating for more ambitious affordable housing targets, said it feared the “increase in the housing supply will be at the expense of affordable housing”.
Commenting on the government consultation, they stated: “The central question must be whether new developments actually meet London’s needs – these proposals, building higher proportions of private market housing to lower proportions of affordable housing, do not do so.”
They claim that if the 20 per cent threshold is approved, just one in five homes in private developments will be within reach of 93 per cent of households
in Southwark who qualify for affordable housing.
The leader of the Southwark Liberal Democrats, Cllr Victor Chamberlain, said:
“This is too little too late from a Labour council that has rolled over too many times for developers – from the Canada Water Masterplan and Borough Triangle to Aylesham, this council makes even Sadiq Khan’s capitulation to developers look good; and the result is families being priced out and closing schools.”
The government has said the reforms will “ramp up housebuilding, unlock stalled sites and ensure more affordable homes are being built across the capital.”
The Mayor argued that housebuilding in London was facing a “perfect storm” of factors, including “high interest rates, the rising cost of construction materials, the impact of the pandemic and ongoing consequences of Brexit”, meaning reform was needed.
Renters protesting for end to no-fault evictions in 2023
RENTER’S RIGHTS ACT WILL BE ‘SIGNIFICANT’ FOR MILLIONS OF LONDONERS – BUT ONLY IF LOCAL COUNCILS ENFORCE IT PROPERLY
In last three years, only one landlord in London was prosecuted for an illegal eviction
By Kumail Jaffer Local Democracy Reporter
LONDON’S 2.7MILLION private renters will only benefit from new legislation boosting their rights if councils properly enforce the law, the London Assembly has been told.
From May 1, new laws contained within the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) will come into force, including ending Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions and fixed term contracts and only allowing one rent rise per year.
In future years, the Government will extend Awaab’s Law to private rentals – forcing landlords to act fast when homes are unsafe – as well as imposing a Decent Homes Standard to ensure landlords keep properties safe, warm and in good repair.
The changes, which will impact 11 million renters in England – including 2.7million in London – have been cautiously welcomed by organisations representing both tenants and landlords, though many have warned about the challenges regarding its implementation.
Niamh Evans, Policy Officer at the Renters’ Reform Coalition, told the
London Assembly Housing Committee that the legislation represented “the most significant improvement to renter protections in more than a generation”.
“It will empower renters through lessening the fear that they may be evicted after asking for a repair, that they might be evicted as a retaliation, for example,” she added.
Ms Evans said renters in London will particularly benefit from increased protections, seeing as the capital’s boroughs accounted for seven of the 10 local authorities with the highest rate of private landlord claims.
The RRA also bans ‘bidding wars’ between potential tenants – currently, one in four London renters have to participate in such a process for the right to rent a property.
‘ONLY EFFECTIVE IF IT’S ENFORCED’
However, the London Assembly heard how the benefits of the RRA will only be realised if local authorities have the resources, knowledge and will to enforce it against wayward landlords.
“The act will only be as effective as how it is enforced, and that is
our primary concern,” Ms Evans continued.
“In the three-year period to 2024, over a third of councils didn’t prosecute a single landlord. In the last three years, only one landlord in London was prosecuted for an illegal eviction.
“We have our work cut out in boosting capacity – that is our primary concern – and we would like councils to look at various opportunities to boost their enforcement by expanding selective licensing, which would allow them to look at the whole private rented sector instead of just HMOs.
“Selective licensing will remain a really important tool for councils, because it adds a stable source of funding and powers to inspect properties.”
Paul Williams, a national organiser at the ACORN union, which advocates for tenants, said current enforcement was “slacking”.
He added: “There are huge problems with how enforcement is currently carried out across the city – unless there is a strategy from City Hall and increased funding for local authorities, the concern will continue.
“Local authorities seem completely
unprepared on how to deal with illegal evictions or enforcing the law as it stands at all. There’s a huge discrepancy [within London] – some local authorities do not use enforcement powers at all.
“There needs to be a strategy from City Hall on how boroughs can use these powers.”
Alva Gotby from the London Renters Union added: “If local authorities don’t have the means or will to enforce the Act, we could see a two tier system where the most vulnerable residents –students, disabled people, those who don’t speak English as a first language – are pushed into unregulated parts of the private rented sector.
“We need to make sure local authority officers have the correct training to implement the law.”
COUNCIL SAY IT IS A FUNDING ISSUES
During the hearing, council representatives from Tower Hamlets, Ealing, and Kensington & Chelsea all raised issues around a shortfall of funding and staffing when it came to implementing the changes.
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords
Association (NRLA), suggested increased funding for the courts – who will likely need to deal with a deluge of cases around evictions as well as other disputes between landlords and tenants – will be needed.
“Some 60 per cent of landlords have some knowledge of what is going on –there will be landlords out there who do need reaching out to, to ensure they comply to this seismic shift,” he told the London Assembly.
“Landlords have got to get a grip to make sure these reforms are a success. The reforms will hopefully bring security for renters and certainty for landlords. But we need greater investment in the courts system, which is on its knees.”
The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, also faced calls to take the lead in ensuring both tenants and landlords are well informed about the changes.
“The Mayor plays a vital role in creating the accountability for boroughs to implement and spread awareness of the RRA,” Ms Evans said, while Mr Beadle called on City Hall to commit to an annual report to analyse whether the reforms are proving successful in the capital.
‘Does someone need to die before the council does anything about it?’
By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter
RESIDENTS OF a South London cul-de-sac say they are afraid to leave their own road, which they claim has become a hotspot for dangerous driving and repeated traffic collisions.
Following a recent collision at the junction that left one resident with a broken arm, they claim Merton Council has ignored safety concerns for years. However Merton has now agreed to look at potential safety upgrades but there is no clear timetable for when it will happen, and what precisely will be done.
Mike Circelli, who has campaigned alongside neighbours for years, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “My family were involved in a serious accident — they could have been killed. Does someone need to die before the council does anything about it?”
Residents of The Path, a cul-desac of 11 properties near South Wimbledon station, say the danger stems from the poor design of the junction at the end of their road, which opens directly onto the busy four-lane Morden Road. Residents told the LDRS that the inside lane towards South Wimbledon has limited visibility of vehicles emerging from The Path and the neighbouring Nelson Trading Estate, which share the same access point.
They say this encourages drivers to accelerate through the box junction to reach the traffic lights on the other side, often without seeing vehicles attempting to join the road.
Mike’s wife, Anna Circelli, broke her arm and suffered whiplash in a collision at the junction earlier this month. While she said she and her elderly mother were fortunate to avoid more serious injury, she now faces a long period away from her work as a hairdresser.
Mike said: “It’s the outside lane — you can’t see them coming, and they can’t see you trying to get out. They just zoom down to get to that one space. That’s how these accidents are happening.”
During a visit, the LDRS saw debris from a previous collision still scattered across the centre of the junction and witnessed several cars and vans appearing to speed through above the 20mph limit. At one point, our reporter had to step back to avoid an HGV that had mounted the kerb while attempting a three-point turn — another regular occurrence, residents say.
Fellow resident Eda Saliholu, who is learning to drive, said leaving her own road to reach the Morden test centre is often the most difficult part of her lessons. She said: “Every time my instructor picks me up, I have to turn right, and this junction is the most dangerous part of the whole lesson.
“When we get there, my instructor has to take over because I can’t get out of my own street. I start on a bad foot — it’s daunting.”
Regular commercial traffic entering the trading estate throughout the day only adds to the intimidation of the junction, she
SOUTH WIMBLEDON ROAD ENCOURAGES DANGEROUS DRIVING, SAY RESIDENTS
said. “For any learner like me, it’s the worst place to start, especially with lorries coming through that can’t see a small car.”
Derek Manning has lived on The Path since the 1990s, when Morden Road was just a two-lane highway.
Having witnessed the changes over the years, he now believes it is no longer safe for the road users it serves.
“London has got busier, we all know that. But if traffic increases, you have to put measures in place to keep it as safe as it was before,” he said.
The box junction is supposed to keep road users safe, and encourage free flowing traffic. However, residents say it is frequently ignored, with drivers sitting in the
yellow box when their exit is not clear, leaving them unable to join the road for long periods.
Despite raising their concerns with Merton Council, which is responsible for the junction, residents say little has been done to improve safety. “The council have known about the safety risks for many, many years,” Mike told the LDRS.
“It’s so dangerous every single day, and they have just ignored it.”
Local Liberal Democrat Councillor John Braithwaite has also called on the council to act, proposing a number of short-term solutions, including extending the box junction and repainting the cycle crossing to prevent cars covering it. However, he says the council has
been slow to respond, insisting that a traffic officer must first assess the road — a measure residents themselves have requested.
Mike added: “If John can’t get through to them, then they are just not listening to us.”
Wimbledon’s Lib Dem MP Paul Kohler has also pressed the council to take action. Following calls for Merton to investigate collisions at the junction, he said the council has now confirmed plans for urgent changes.
“I have written to Merton to ensure there is no further delay and a clear timetable for delivery,” he told the LDRS.
The changes are expected to take place this year, after the council secured TfL funding to review
traffic and safety at the junction of The Path and Morden Road. They told the LDRS that once the review is complete, they will work with TfL to implement the recommended improvements.
However, the LDRS understands that the council has ruled out extending the yellow box markings, saying this would conflict with traffic signal design standards and the operation of the stop line.
A spokesperson for Merton Council said: “Road safety is a top priority for Merton Council, and we take any situation where pedestrians and other road users could be put at risk very seriously. When residents or road users raise safety concerns, we always investigate and make safety improvements where possible.”
Mike Circelli said Merton Council have known about the safety risks on The Path “for many, many years”
Local Liberal Democrat councillor John Braithwaite said the Labour council has repeatedly ignored residents’ calls for change
Resident Anna Circelli was injured in a collision at the junction outside The Path earlier this month, sustaining a broken arm and whiplash
By Cameron Blackshaw
Local Democracy Reporter
PLANS TO build London’s largest theatre on the Greenwich Peninsula have been approved.
Greenwich Council gave the green light to the borough’s very own ‘National Theatre’ at a meeting of its Planning Board on January 20.
The new 3,000 capacity theatre, split across two 1,500-seat auditoriums, will be built on a patch of land on the east side of the peninsula, adjacent to the cable car station.
It will become the capital’s biggest theatre by capacity, besting the 2,359seat London Coliseum in the West End which currently holds the title.
The plans were put forward by Troubadour Theatres which currently owns and operates two London venues, one in Wembley Park and the other in Canary Wharf.
The Canary Wharf site opened last October and is home to the first-ever theatrical adaptation of the book and film series The Hunger Games, while Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express is currently playing in Wembley.
The approval of the plans was welcomed by Troubadour. The theatre company’s joint founders and CEOs Oliver Royds and Tristan Baker said: “At Troubadour, we are driven by a belief in creating extraordinary spaces that inspire artists, audiences, and the stories they come together to share.
“Securing planning permission for the new Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula Theatre marks a major milestone for us, and an exciting new chapter in our commitment to bold, large-scale live performance.
LONDON’S LARGEST THEATRE APPROVED
“Following the success of our Canary Wharf Theatre and the world’s first stage adaptation of The Hunger Games , the opening of Greenwich Peninsula Theatre will further expand London’s cultural landscape. We are proud to be investing in the future of theatre – creating versatile, ambitious spaces designed to host landmark productions and deliver unforgettable experiences for audiences for years to come.”
Planning permission for the new Troubadour Theatre has only been granted for a temporary period of 10 years, after which the land will eventually
be used to build residential tower blocks as per the Greenwich Peninsula Masterplan.
At the January 20 meeting, Sylvia Williams spoke in support of the theatre plans on behalf of the Greenwich Millennium Village Residents Association. She said the new venue would be a “welcome addition… to the cultural life of the Greenwich Peninsula” and called upon the council to add a condition that would allow the theatre to be used by local schools.
Ms Williams concluded: “A theatre could be a valuable and positive addition to
the peninsula if it is delivered with clear commitments to education, community access and responsible traffic planning. With the right conditions, it can become a cultural asset that genuinely serves the local community and local people.”
When asked about the possibility of allowing the theatre to be used by the community, Troubadour’s Chief Operating Officer Rowley Gregg said it was a “key desire” of Troubadour to support Greenwich residents. He spoke of the Troubadour Trust which uses 50p of every ticket sold at a Troubadour venue to support locals via workshops,
ticket schemes for schools and charities.
Mr Gregg also said the theatre would likely take nine months to complete once construction begins in June.
Cllr David Gardner described the theatre proposal as “excellent” in terms of what it offered culturally to Greenwich, although he did have some misgivings about what he considered to be the “boxy” design of the building itself. Cllr Tamasin Rhymes was more fond of the look. She said: “I quite like the idea of our own National Theatre. I quite like the design. I very much welcome the cultural benefits, the jobs and the training.”
Self-storage, right round the corner
Because weekends weren’t made for storage runs — book in minutes and access anytime with Pocket.
Drummond Rd, Biscuit Factory, SE16 4DG
• Flexible booking, no long-term tie-ins
• Access any time, day or night
• 5 mins from Bermondsey tube
What Troubadour Greenwich Peninsula could look like
Troubadour
By Ruby Gregory Local Democracy Reporter
A CHILDREN’S home in Southwark which opened only a few years ago has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
The Council-run children’s home provides care for five children with social and emotional difficulties, and was inspected by Ofsted on December 9 and 10 of last year.
In a report that was published earlier this month, inspectors said children living in the home are “flourishing” and are thriving in all aspects of their lives.
Inspectors said: “Staff genuinely care for and love the children. This is evident in their words, actions and the way they support every child. One child said, ‘If they didn’t care, it wouldn’t be like this, would it?’
“This reflects how children recognise and feel the care and affection in the home. This warmth and genuine concern strengthens strong, trusting relationships and creates a culture where children feel safe, valued and truly at home.”
They went on to praise staff for having a very good understanding of children’s risks, vulnerabilities and triggers for behaviour and if any incidents occur, they are managed safely and in line with children’s safety plans.
Inspectors added: “Children’s engagement with education improves significantly because of the care they receive. All children are making good progress.
“Some children, who have been out of education for several years, are now successfully attending school. Others are supported to engage in ways that meet their individual needs.”
They added: “To strengthen children’s educational outcomes further, the home has recently formed a closer partnership with the local authority’s virtual school. As part of this work, a teacher works full time in the home, liaising with schools and working directly with children and supporting them to attend school.
“Although this initiative is new and its impact is still emerging, it sends a message to children that they matter and that staff and professionals have high aspirations for their future.”
The children’s home was rated
‘OUTSTANDING’
Southwark Council’s newest children’s home is a huge success story according to Ofsted
‘Outstanding’ in three key areas; the overall experiences and progress of children and young people, how well children and young people are helped and protected and the effectiveness of leaders and managers.
The children’s home opened in 2024 and was jointly funded by the council and a government grant.
Nearly £3 million was spent on
transforming the previously vacant property into a modern children’s home that helped children stay closer to their families, schools and communities, which has helped to improve stability and outcomes.
Cllr Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader of Southwark Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Refugees, said: “This outstanding
Ofsted judgement is a huge testament to the dedication of our staff and wider support teams.
“This is fantastic news and I hear that the children told inspectors that they ‘loved’ living there. Which is so wonderful to hear and what we want for all of our children in care.”
Cllr Ali added: “At a time when many councils are being forced to place
children far from home due to a lack of quality provision, Southwark is proud to be investing in local, council-run care that puts children first.”
Southwark Council are also committed to recruiting local foster carers for Southwark children. To find out more about becoming a foster carer go to the council website.
Plans go in for more student accommodation off the Old Kent Road – this time on a car wash
By Issy Clarke
MORE STUDENT accommodation could soon be coming to the Old Kent Road, after a developer applied for permission to redevelop a car wash into over 200 student flats over nineteen floors.
Developer Student Urban Living Ilderton has applied to Southwark Council for permission to build a 19-storey tower containing 241 student flats on Ilderton Road at the junction with Hornshay Street.
The developer previously obtained
permission in February last year for a 15-storey tower with 168 student flats on the same site, 301–303 Ilderton Road, which is currently a car wash.
However they said they had been forced to re-submit proposals for a larger scheme because the former development was “no longer considered viable in its approved form.”
The majority of the student flats –183 – will be studios, while 29 will be two-bed.
The student flats will be spread between the second and seventeenth
floors. On the ground floor there will be a flexible working space and a cafe open to the public.
None of the flats will be affordable, with the developer to provide ‘payments in lieu’ to the council to build affordable homes elsewhere in Southwark.
The scheme also includes more than 3,500 sq ft of internal student amenity space, including a lounge, games room, study room and gym and a roof terrace which to developer said would ‘foster a sense of community and enhance the student living experience’.
L-R: Luke Norbury, Children’s Residential Manager, Clare Pitchford, Senior Service Development Officer, Cllr Jasmine Ali and Claire Boadu, Project Manager
Lewisham and Southwark topped the list followed by Tower Hamlets, Lambeth and Westminster
By Kumail Jaffer
Local Democracy Reporter
A RECORD 206 e-bike and e-scooter fires were recorded in London in 2025, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) can reveal.
Two Londoners lost their lives in tragic blazes, taking the total number of fatalities linked to the vehicles to five since 2023.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB), which collated the figures, said the number of fires have largely been driven by faulty or poorly built vehicles, which are often bought online or secondhand. The accidents are mostly down to lithiumion battery, conversion kits and chargers failing.
Senior figures from the organisation have now called on ministers to speed up regulation to improve product safety where they are purchased.
New laws introduced last year gave the Government the power to hold online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon accountable, but the LFB are calling for urgent secondary legislation to establish strict standards on batteries and regulate conversion kits.
Deputy Commissioner Spencer Sutcliff said: “Firefighters are currently attending an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day, on average. Already in 2026, we have seen several fires involving lithium-ion batteries. These fires can be explosive and have devastating consequences.
“We’ve been calling for regulation to improve product safety and are thankful for the work already done by the Government to help tackle this issue. We look forward to working with the Government on its consultation for secondary legislation, when it is introduced, to help tackle this issue headon.
“We hope this is done as soon as possible to reduce the number of customers being exposed to dangerous products available for purchase online, and ultimately drive down the number of fires. We understand the importance of green and sustainable modes of transport and recognise the positive impact of e-bikes and e-scooters.
“However, poorly built, non-compliant or damaged lithium batteries in these products, as well as the use of mismatched batteries and chargers, present unique fire safety challenges.”
Last year firefighters were called out to an average of 17 incidents per month, with a total of 171 e-bike and 35 e-scooter related blazes.
Lewisham and Southwark topped the list of boroughs with the most accidents, with 16 each, followed by Tower Hamlets with 15, Lambeth with 12 and Westminster with 11.
‘IT
WAS LIKE A GRENADE’
One such case in Hither Green, Lewisham, came in March 2025, when occupants heard a bang and the partition wall into a bedroom collapsed, while the ensuing fire blocked an escape route.
Jahmell Campbell, his father and his grandmother had to leave by jumping from their first-floor flat, while fire officials put the accident down to a lithium-ion battery in an e-scooter failing.
Mr Campbell said: “It was like a grenade had been thrown into the flat. I jumped out of the front first-floor flat window to escape. My dad didn’t know where I was and could not hear me shouting to him. I tried to go back into the building and go
NEW FIGURES SHOW RECORD NUMBER OF FIRES LINKED TO E-BIKES AND E-SCOOTERS
up the stairs but I knew if I opened the door to the flat, the fire would come out –the door handle was so hot.
“My grandma jumped and my dad was injured too. My grandma was in hospital for a week. I am not sure how we all made it out of the house alive but thankfully everyone is fine now.”
Zack Polanski, Chair of the London Assembly Fire Committee, told the LDRS:
“The London Assembly Fire Committee raised serious concerns with the Government and urged better regulation of e-bikes and e-scooters in 2023, with key areas of concern including unregulated products, predominantly bought online, and unsafe charging in multi-occupancy or multi-storey residential buildings, meaning others can be put at risk.
“Despite several people already losing their lives in London, and dozens being injured due to failures of e-bike lithium-
ion batteries, it is evident that the issue is persistent and rising, which is a serious concern. The Fire Committee will continue to investigate these issues to keep Londoners safe from fire risk.”
Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, added: “London’s record number of e-bike and e-scooter fires in 2025 is a stark warning that the current regulatory system is failing to keep people safe. Whilst reputable manufacturers of these devices produce high quality and safe products, this is continuously undermined by sub-standard versions flooding the market, often sold via poorly regulated online marketplaces who are currently not legally responsible for the safety of goods sold via their platforms.
“E-bike and e-scooter fires can happen for many reasons, which is why we recommend a range of measures to reduce the fire risk.
“This includes the introduction of mandatory third-party certification for e-bike batteries, stronger standards for conversion kits, new laws to ensure online marketplaces are legally responsible for the safety of goods sold on their sites, and further work on raising awareness with the public about the risks of modifications and risky charging practices.
“These are all proposals we hope the Government will include within its upcoming consultation on this issue. Until new rules are introduced and enforced, people across the country will continue to be at risk.”
A spokesperson for E-Bike Positive, an initiative run by the trade associations for UK e-bike suppliers and retailers, told the LDRS: “Our deepest sympathies to anyone affected by these tragic fires. Urgent Government action is required on three fronts to stop these incidents.
“First, stop online marketplaces selling unsafe e-bikes, batteries and conversion kits. Second, reform the gig economy delivery sector to make the app operators responsible for riders using only safe and road legal e-bikes. Third, close the legal loophole which means dangerous non road legal e-bikes and conversion kits –often also of high fire risk – can be sold legally, even though using them except on private land is illegal.
“While we continue to lobby Government for decisive action on these fronts, the responsible e-bike industry, which supplies fully road legal e-bikes
and batteries tested to demanding international safety standards, is developing a safety assurance scheme to help customers choose only rigorously safety-audited, fully road legal e-bike brands, purchased and maintained by responsible e-bike retailers.”
The LFB themselves launched a #ChargeSafe campaign in 2023 to spread awareness of the risks associated with poorly built batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters. However, industry figures say there is far more to be done, especially with educating gig economy riders, such as fast food delivery riders, using modified e-bikes for work.
The Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Regeneration and Fire, Jules Pipe, told the LDRS: “The Mayor and I are concerned about the rising number of fires linked to e-bikes and e-scooters, which are often due to faulty or unsafe batteries and chargers, especially those purchased online. We continue to urge Londoners to only buy batteries and conversion kits from reputable sellers and to follow the London Fire Brigade’s e-bike and e-scooter guidance.
“The Mayor, Transport for London and the LFB continue to work with Government to deliver clear national legislation and tougher product standards to ensure all e-bikes and e-scooters on our streets are safe and that those selling poorquality products are held accountable.”
The Department for Transport was contacted for comment.
E Bike Fire Shepherds Bush
E Bike Fire Hanwell July 2025
Converted E Bike Fire Harefield August 2025
THE NEW TOWN THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS SET TO BUILD
By Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter
THAMESMEAD WATERFRONT must be approved as one of the Government’s ambitious ‘New Towns’ to help solve London’s housing crisis, ministers have been told.
Up to 15,000 homes could be built on the 100-hectare site in South East London which was shortlisted by the Government as one of 12 possible ‘New Towns’ across the country.
The project, which is being run by housing association Peabody, received a boost late last year when the Chancellor announced Central Government backing for a DLR extension to Thamesmead, with the station set to sit near the site.
However, it is still subject to final Government approval, with a decision set to be made in spring following a Strategic Environmental Assessment.
On Thursday (January 22) the London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee visited the site as part of an investigation into how ‘New Towns’ would work in practice in London, with the Local Democracy Reporting Service joining the visit.
James Small-Edwards, the Labour Assembly Member who chairs the committee, said it was an “complete nobrainer” for the scheme to go forward in Thamesmead.
“You’ve got Peabody ready to go, you’ve go the DLR extension now approved by the Government – it’s a really exciting site, I think it’d be great
now unused.
Alongside Thamesmead, the other one of the 12 proposed schemes that sits within London is an expanded development bringing together Chase Park and Crews Hill in Enfield.
Mr Small-Edwards said the idea of New Towns is a “great way to meet the really ambitious housing targets” set by ministers and City Hall.
London is currently required to deliver 88,000 homes a year for the next decade to meet the capital’s needs.
for London,” he told the LDRS.
“It’s really important to bring down the number of people on housing waiting lists as well – I hope that we’ll get a stamp of approval in the spring.”
The capital is facing a substantial housing shortage, with more than 336,000 people currently on social housing waiting lists.
Meanwhile, the number of private homes being started by developers fell by 84 per cent between 2015 and 2025, something the Mayor of London has blamed on a “perfect storm” of factors making it more difficult to build.
However, Peabody say they are ready to start work at the Thamesmead site as soon as they receive Government approval, with their aim being to construct 15,000 homes in land that is
He said the DLR extension announcement “shows how important transport infrastructure is” when it comes to delivering new homes in London, and suggested a similar proposal to extend the Bakerloo Line will have the same effect.
“That extension has been transformative and allowed them to bring forward a lot of homes, which are going to be really beneficial for Londoners,” he said.
“The main thing [with this project] is speed – this needs to start delivering homes. The ambition for this Government is for it to start doing so by the end of this Parliament.
“If we can get the approval, get the deliver model in, we can just let them build these houses and Londoners can start living in them.”
Thamesmead infamously underwent a botched development plan in the 1960s.
Intended to offer a new vision of
London Assembly Members JamesSmall Edwards, Elly Baker and Thomas Turrell examine plans for the Thamesmead Waterfront development
urban living, including vast green spaces and elevated walkways, it ultimately failed due to a lack of infrastructure, including abandoned plans for a Jubilee Line extension to the area.
John Lewis, Executive Director at Peabody, said the context of developing the area was vastly different this time around, primarily down to the DLR extension announcement.
“Whilst the land’s always been there and has had the opportunity for development, it’s always had to be at a much lower scale because there wasn’t the the transport infrastructure in place,” he told the LDRS.
“We’re very committed to the fact that you have to have infrastructure before you start development, and of course that’s what that site needs. It hasn’t had the commitment before, so that’s the big difference this time. With the certainty of transport, it means we can start to be very confident in the delivery of the new town itself.
“We’ve been very clear for some years now that without decent public transport, accessing London and bringing people from London into Thamesmead is absolutely vital to bring a really good quality sustainable development on the waterfront.”
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has been contacted for comment.
The proposed area for the Thamesmead Waterfront project. Credit: Peabody and Lendlease.
F A ALBIN & SONS
what’s on
The Battle of Waterloo
THIS WAS the first time I had travelled across borough borders to this fairly recently new theatre venue, The Glitch. Head down, hood up, bent at the waist, shoulders folded in, I pushed through the wind, sleet and rain while counting the bodies scattered around Lower Marsh; were they friend or foe? Some were dead to the world, some groaned, others pleaded silently with an outstretched hand. I could see the glow of a bar and quickened my pace until I reached safety. My name was on the list and I was ready to do battle at Jorvik, writes Michael Holland. We marched in to music that would carry us along fjords and across seas, Drums like thunder powered up our hearts. Tribal chants prepared us to fight.
Sudan: A Visual Art Narrative
THIS EXHIBITION, curated by Dr Fathi Osman and Yafil Mubarak, is the fourth in Almas Art Foundation’s ongoing series dedicated to Sudan. Together, these exhibitions aim to present a nuanced and human image of Sudan—one grounded in artistic excellence, cultural richness, and enduring values. This mission is particularly vital amid the ongoing conflict that has devastated much of the country’s material culture. By highlighting the long-standing contributions of Sudanese artists to modern African and global art, this series continues Almas Art Foundation’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Sudan’s artistic legacy for future generations.
Sudan: A Visual Art Narrative – Second Generation Exhibition showcases the works of the second generation of Sudan’s modern art movement, offering a comprehensive overview of their
Jorvik is an interactive and completely immersive play by Charlie Blanshard that tells the tale of Viking conquerors overcoming the Saxons and creating their own capital city (York) in England, a tale that would have been told around a campfire while mead was drunk in great quantities. Blanshard and Oliver Strong summon up that scenario with words to concoct images and sounds and the smell of blood in our minds. In a basement in Waterloo.
Between this pair of intrepid warriors they magic up fights to the death, heads being lopped off, ghosts from the past and visions of the future. This deadly duo - along with as many of the audience that they tempt into their world of war - begin with a slow and arduous row across the treacherous North Sea in a longboat I wouldn’t want
artistic contributions. Building upon the foundations laid by the pioneering first generation, these artists took Sudan’s modern art movement to new heights, exploring diverse styles, themes, and artistic approaches.
The selection of works reflects the challenging historical and social circumstances in which these artists practised, particularly during periods of instability and conflict that deeply affected Sudan and its people. Together, their works demonstrate resilience, innovation, and a continued commitment to cultural expression.
Almas Art Foundation, Arch 28, Old Union Yard Arches, 229 Union Street, London SE1 0LR until March 8, 2026. Admission Free. Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm.
Full details: https://www.almasartfoundation.org/
to take out on a boating lake; someone is assigned as the Mead Carrier, as the Queen of Sweden, as a high up from Denmark; we all become Saxons losing the battle and then Vikings conquering all. As one we sang, we toasted heroes, we chanted and stamped our feet and became ghosts when instructed.
For an hour we became warriors. For sixty minutes we picked up our swords and laid down our lives for Ragnar and his sons. We saw heroes die and legends being made. We all wanted to reach Valhalla and feast with Odin. And then it ended as suddenly as it began and, dreamlike, we marched single-file back up the stairs and returned to the 21st century.
The Glitch, 134 Lower Marsh, SE1 7AE until 9th February. Booking and full details: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ vaultcreativearts/1935007
The inspirational story of Walter Tull
OUR LITTLE Hour - the critically acclaimed musical based on the life of the late, great Walter Tull will open at The Greenwich Theatre before touring theatres across England as part of a national campaign to address a century-old injustice that has denied Britain’s first “Black British” Army Officer the award of the Military Cross for which he was recommended during the First World War.
Our Little Hour tells the inspirational story of Walter Tull - who became the first black footballer to play at the highest level of the domestic game in the UK before achieving another historic breakthrough as the first man of his heritage to be commissioned as an officer in the British Army. His appointment in 1917 came despite an official ruling made just three years before that all British Army officers should be of “pure European descent”.
Leon Newman who plays Walter Tull in this critically acclaimed new musical believes that, “While Our Little Hour is an artistic celebration of Walter Tull’s life, it is also part of an active mission to persuade the British Government to honour the award of the Military Cross for which Walter was recommended following his courage and leadership during a mission which took place on January 1st 1918 when he led a party of 26 men as part of a raid across the Piave River in Northern Italy.”
This job of Walter Tull’s party was to shield the rest of the battalion
involved in the raid and provide cover as they crossed multiple streams and advanced on enemy lines. The raid was a complete success and Walter returned with all 26 of his men safe and unharmed. As a consequence he received a citation for “gallantry and coolness” under fire from MajorGeneral Sydney Lawford, Commander of the 41st Division of the British Army. For some inexplicable reason the award has never been made and playwright Dougie Blaxland who has placed Tull’s role in the raid across the Piave River at the very centre of the drama argues that “the failure to honour Walter Tull with the award he so clearly deserved is made all the more disgraceful by the fact that he was killed just three months later fighting in Northern France.” Director, Amanda Horlock, described Our Little Hour as “a celebration of the
life of an extraordinary man whose pioneering spirit continues to inspire the campaign for justice and equality. This production honours the memory of one of the most significant figures in British sporting and military history.”
Combining a power packed drama with hauntingly original music, Paul Kearns, Director of Operations at Show Racism the Red Card, believes that the production “tells a really important story which will help to reinforce the work that we are doing to combat racism by engaging new audiences in a celebration of Walter Tull’s pioneering contribution to British society.”
To date more than 3000 people have signed up in support of the campaign, but in the words of Dougie Blaxland “we have still have a long way to go to reach the 10,000 signatures needed for a formal response from the Government but we hope audiences will be moved to support us when they have heard the great man’s extraordinary story”.
More details of the campaign to honour Walter Tull can be found via the following link:
Booking and full details: https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/ events/ourlittlehour/
History 20 EVENTS Events
EXPERIENCE A CLASSICAL COLDPLAY CONCERT BY CANDLELIGHT
Experience Coldplay’s greatest hits - from Yellow to Fix You - performed by candlelight in the historic surroundings of St Alfege Church, Greenwich. Presented by Lumos, renowned for creating atmospheric concerts in some of the UK’s most beautiful architectural spaces, this intimate performance pays tribute to one of the world’s most celebrated bands. The evening will feature a live String Trio, bringing a rich, classical interpretation to Coldplay’s iconic catalogue- all in the surroundings of a candle-lit 18th century church. Suitable for those aged 8 and above.
Date: Friday 6 February
Time: First sitting 19:00 - 20:00, second sitting 21:00 - 22:00
Location: St Alfege Church, Greenwich Church St, SE10 8NA
Tickets: From £20 each. Book at https://www.lumos-experiences.com/
MAKING: CREATE A ‘GALENTINE’S’ DAY TRINKET DISH
The Pottery Studio LDN are hosting a creative pottery workshop in a handbuilding session, inviting participants to design and make a pair of ceramic trinket dishes. The session will last 2 hours and will be led by experienced ceramicists but is suitable for complete beginners, as well as those with some pottery experience. Participants will discover the pinching technique, where a ball of clay is shaped into a pot by repeatedly pinching and turning the clay between fingers and thumbs. Facilitators will guide you through shaping, decorating and finishing your pieces, with all tools and materials provided. All trinket dishes will be glazed and fired after the session, ready for collection at a later date.
Date: Friday 13 February
Time: 18:00 - 20:00
Location: Pottery Studio LDN, 10 Monro Way, SE10 0EJ
Price: £50 per ticket. Book here https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/ whats-on/pottery-studio-ldn-galentines-day-trinket-dish-workshop
TAKE PART IN A MINDFUL ‘PAY WHAT YOU CAN’ CRAFTING SESSION IN
GREENWICH PENINSULA
Facilitator Pragya Kumar will be heading to Firepit Art Gallery for a welcoming evening exploring art as a tool for wellbeing. The session will include a gentle grounding exercise to centre the mind and a handson exploration of visual art techniques. Simply come as you are, choose materials that speak to you and let your creativity guide you. All materials will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own colouring tools, papers or personal materials. The workshop is open to all but hold a specific focus on LGBTQIA+, Global Majority and Neurodiverse communities.
Date: Saturday 31 January
Time: 13:00 -15:00
Location: Firepit Art Gallery and Studios CIC, 10 Cutter Lane, SE10 0XX
Tickets: Pay what you can, book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/firepit-feels-creative-connectionsmeditation-sustainable-crafting-tickets-1869997285219
A FULL DAY OF FREE MUSIC WORKSHOPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN BLACKHEATH
Young Musicians’ Day at Blackheath Halls on Saturday 7 February welcomes budding musicians aged 8 - 18 years to a series of workshops, with no experience needed. Young people are invited to experiment with the music they love or discover something new, whether you’re writing your own songs, performing in an opera, feeling the rhythm of samba drums or singing your heart out in a gospel choir.
Workshops available to book include:
• 10am-11.30am Musical Theatre (dance and vocals)
• 10am-12pm FULLY BOOKED Songwriting (turning ideas into songs)
• 12.30pm-1.30pm Choir (experience the power of voices coming together)
• 1pm-1.45pm & 2pm-2.45pm Samba Band with Lewisham Music (get loud, get rhythmic, feel the energy of percussion)
• 1.45pm-2.45pm Gospel (soul-stirring harmonies and uplifting vibes)
• 3.30pm-4.30pm Opera (discover the drama and technique)
Date: Saturday 7 February
Time: Various workshops from 10:00 - 17:30
Location: Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, London SE3 9RQ
Tickets: Free, book here: https://www.blackheathhalls.com/whats-on/young-musicians-day-2026/
Story behind Southwark Park’s old water fountain
HOW MANY times have you walked past that old drinking fountain in Southwark Park? Sadly it is currently not working, yet it tells a remarkable story of an ordinary working man and his courageous efforts to improve the lives of Bermondsey people. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Jabez West, writes Debra Gosling....
It is a sunny June day in 1810 that our story begins. Newborn Jabez opened his eyes in his family home in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, the son of Ann and blacksmith William West.
As he grew to school age Jabez attended a “Dame school”, run by an older lady who kept a small shop. A Dame School was a small primary school, often run by women in their own home and teaching basic education. Jabez was to remark later that she “thought more about teaching the children to suck lollipops than she did of teaching them the ABC.”
A bit harsh but he was that kind of man!
He later went to work, labouring on the land until 1824, when he was apprenticed and then employed as a
fellmonger to a Mr. Hughes in Leighton Buzzard. And so began his link to Bermondsey. By 1884 he had settled in Southwark, married twice and had seven children. Phew!
He was prominent in the Teetotallers of Southwark and helped establish headquarters at various addresses in the area, including Fair Street, Horsleydown; Arnold’s Place, Dockhead and Station Road, Bermondsey. Alcohol has always had a link to violence, especially the domestic kind - did he witness this during his early years?
In Victorian times most working class people drank - it was still a time where drinking water was a gamble so even children supped ale! But of course this led to all sorts of health problems.
In 1838 Jabez engaged in open-air speaking, with the corner of Shad Thames and Millpond Bridge among his favourite pitches. But you must remember Bermondsey at that time was full of heavy industry and docks - after work going to the pub for a few pints was the norm. He must have had an awful lot of courage attempting to dissuade pub
regulars to go home and drink tea.
In 1861 the landlord of The Queen Charlotte public house took legal action to have him removed as a public nuisance, but at his trial – at the Old Bailey no less – he was discharged and encouraged by the judge to persist with his temperance work, albeit in a different location. He organised petitions to Parliament calling for the closure of pubs on Sundays. I bet that went down well with the locals... His dedication to the temperance cause was immense. He often delivered three speeches an hour long on Sundays, and once five! Although he was a working man in the Bermondsey tanneries, he travelled all over the Home Counties to different organisations such as mothers’ meetings, Band of Hope children’s meetings, church parades and demonstrations. He often walked to and from his assignments and received no payment or expenses.
But working in the tanneries took its toll on Jabez. In 1872 he suffered from a poisoned face, which nearly killed him. This was time when such unpleasantries as anthrax lurked in the nooks and
crannies from imported animal skins.
He maintained that the lack of alcohol in his system had saved him. A result of his illness was the loss of all his teeth, so in 1879 a testimonial raised money for a false set. A surplus of £76 saw him through the lean employment of his later years. His final work place was at Mr Walker’s yard in St. James’ Road.
In 1884 Jabez West died, aged 73, from natural causes. He was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery. A large procession departed from his home at 51, Frean Street and a vast crowd, over half a mile in length, wended its way through Bermondsey, Old Kent Road and Peckham, before reaching the cemetery.
Later the Metropolitan Board of Works approved an application from George Oliver and others to honour the memory of Jabez West through a drinking fountain in Southwark Park. The Southwark Recorder commented: “It has been urged that our public parks ought not to be made receptacles for every deceased person’s monument whose friends may be able to pay to erect one. We quite admit the force of the argument
as applied to “private” individuals, but Mr. West was, in the strictest sense of the word, a “public” man, and the case before us is altogether exceptional - singular in almost every respect. We doubt if a more remarkable career than this can be found in the social history of London during the present century. It is exceptional in respect of his being a “bona fide” working man, who toiled at the bench till the day of his death; and we doubt if it is possible to find another who has devoted more hours to the elevation of his class.”
On 3rd April 1885 the Jabez West drinking fountain was formally unveiled at a large temperance demonstration. Benjamin Whitworth, M.P., performed the ceremony of unveiling, and drank a draught of water from the fountain. In 1915 the London County Council regilded the drinking fountain inscription after a request from the Southwark Band of Hope Union.
In 2002 Jabez’s fountain was refurbished with Heritage Lottery Fund funding. But after nearly 25 years it needs some TLC!
Tell us about your experience of bus journey’s on Acre Lane and Norwood Road
Engagement open 19 January to 15 February
We're working with Transport for London to make bus journeys faster, safer, and more reliable on Acre Lane (A2217) and Norwood Road (A215). They’re two of eight bus priority corridors across Lambeth.
Scan for Acre Lane
Scan for Norwood Road
Southwark Pensioners’ Centre
Supporting older people in Southwark for over 35 years.
Offering advice, support, activities, rooms for
and a voice for older people
Contact us on 020 7708 4556 or info@southwarkpensioners.org.uk
Or pop into 305 -307 Camberwell rd, Camberwell Green, SE5 0HQ
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
Notice Under The Local Government Act 1972 s.123 (2A) (as amended)
Notice of intention to dispose of Open Space
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 123 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 (the Act) that the Mayor and Burgesses of The London Borough of Lambeth (hereinafter called the Council) intends to grant a lease for a term of up to ten years of the Brockwell Park Café, Brockwell Hall, Brockwell Park, London, SE27 0PA. The site will used as a café.
A plan showing the location of the area of the land to be leased in line with the above proposal may be viewed at Lambeth Town Hall, 1 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RW
Any objections to this proposal must be made in writing by 10th February 2026 to the Assistant Director of Valuation & Strategic Assets, Regeneration, Property & Assets, London Borough of Lambeth, P.O. Box 80771, London, SW2 9QQ or via email to VASA@lambeth.gov.uk
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
Notice Under The Local Government Act 1972 s.123 (2A) (as amended)
Notice of intention to dispose of Open Space
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 123 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 (the Act) that the Mayor and Burgesses of The London Borough of Lambeth (hereinafter called the Council) intends to grant a lease for a term of up to fifteen years of the Larkhall Park Café, Larkhall Park, Courland Grove, SW8. The site will used as a café.
PUBLIC NOTICE
LICENSING ACT 2003
I, Aylin-Su Hunter do hereby give notice that I have applied to the Licensing Authority at The London Borough of Bromley for a new Premises Licence at: 9 High Street, West Wickham, BR4 0LP and known as: MIA IV DELI
The application is to allow the following licensable activities to take place: The sale of alcohol (on and off the premises): Monday to Sunday 08:00 to 23:00 hours
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 07:00 to 23:00 hours
Non-Standard Times: Valentine’s Day (14 February), Christmas Eve (24 December) and New Year’s Eve (31 December): The premises may remain open and the supply of alcohol may take place until 00:30 hours.
Any person wishing to make representations to this application may do so by writing, stating the grounds of objection to: Public Protection, Bromley Civic Centre, Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley, BR1 1AS.
LICENSING ACT 2003
APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE
Take notice that I/we: Sour Melon Project Ltd have made an application to Lewisham Council acting as the Licensing Authority, for a New Premises Licence Application in respect of Althaus Restaurant, 322B Brockley Road, SE4 2BT
The details of the application are as follows: Sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises. 17:00 – 22:00 Wednesday & Thursday, 13:00 – 23:00 Friday & Saturday, 13:00 – 19:00 Sunday
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
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE LICENSING ACT 2003 Licensing Team, 1st Floor, Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, London SE18 6HQ. Tel: 020 8921 8018; Fax: 020 8921 8380; Email: licensing@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
Notice is given that: SALTSHACKDINING
Notice of application for a Premises Licence. Notice is hereby given that TWICKENHAM GRILL & DESSERTS LIMITED has applied to Richmond Council for a new premises licence at Twickenham Grill & Desserts, 8 Whitton Road, Twickenham, TW1 1BJ
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
Notice Under The Local Government Act 1972 s.123 (2A) (as amended)
Notice of intention to dispose of Open Space
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 123 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 (the Act) that the Mayor and Burgesses of The London Borough of Lambeth (hereinafter called the Council) intends to grant a lease for a term of up to fifteen years of the Clapham Common Bandstand Café, Clapham Common, Windmill Drive, SW4 9DE. The site will used as a café.
A plan showing the location of the area of the land to be leased in line with the above proposal may be viewed at Lambeth Town Hall, 1 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RW
Any objections to this proposal must be made in writing by 10th February 2026 to the Assistant Director of Valuation & Strategic Assets, Regeneration, Property & Assets, London Borough of Lambeth, P.O. Box 80771, London, SW2 9QQ or via email to VASA@lambeth.gov.uk
GORDON TURNER
LAMBSDALE Deceased
Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of Time Court Care Home, Woodland Terrace, London, SE7 8EX, who died on 06/07/2025, must send written details to the address below by 31/03/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified. Surinder Manak c/o Manak Lawyers Limited, 265 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0NW. Ref: 238838
Licensing act 2003 Notice of Application for a Premises Licence
Representations may also be sent via email to licensing@bromley.gov.uk not later than: 18 February 2026
Representations received after this date cannot be considered. All representations MUST BE IN WRITING. A copy of the application can be viewed at the Licensing Authority’s address during normal office hours by appointment; or on the Council’s website: www.bromley.gov.uk (search applications).
It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application, the maximum fine on summary of conviction is currently unlimited.
Signed: Esi Licensing & Legal Consultancy Ltd. on behalf of the applicant
Dated: 21/01/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
LICENSING ACT 2003 – APPLICATION TO VARY A NEW PREMISES LICENCE
PHILIP SHREEVE Deceased Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of Flat 8, Beaumont Court, 5 Streatham Place, London, SW2 4PY, who died on 28/02/2025, must send written details to the address below by 31/03/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified. Knights Professional Services Ltd, The Brampton, NewcastleUnder-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0QW. Ref: SHR955/6
Name of applicant: Miss Ashmita Singh Premises Details: Kingston Tech & Vape 31 Richmond Road, Kingston Upon Thames, KT2 5BW. Application Details: The retail sale of alcohol (Off Sales) Monday – Sunday 08:00 – 23:00. Full details of the application can be inspected on the licensing register, online at www.kingston.gov. uk or in person at the address given below. Deadline for representations: 13/02/2026. Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Authority by post: Licensing Team, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Guildhall 2, High Street, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1EU or by email: licensing@kingston.gov.uk. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum penalty on conviction of such an offence is an unlimited fine.
A plan showing the location of the area of the land to be leased in line with the above proposal may be viewed at Lambeth Town Hall, 1 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RW Any objections to this proposal must be made in writing by 10th February 2026 to the Assistant Director of Valuation & Strategic Assets, Regeneration, Property & Assets, London Borough of Lambeth, P.O. Box 80771, London, SW2 9QQ or via email to VASA@lambeth.gov.uk Licensing Act 2003 Notice
An application has been made by: Mr Leonard Truni to vary the premises licence for the premises Greek Meze 2, 299 Main Road, Sidcup, DA14 6QL On the date of: 20/01/2026
Summary of the proposed changes to licensable activities or conditions etc:
To remove the condition 6 of Annex 4 attached to the premises licence which was imposed by the Licensing Sub Committee on 11 February 2025.
Any person wishing to view details of an application may contact the Licensing Partnership on 01732 227004 or email them at: licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk or visit http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing
Any person wishing to make representation about the application should make them in writing on or before the: 18th February 2026
To: Licensing Partnership, Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG Email: licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk
It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The offence is punishable on summary conviction by a fine of any amount.
IAN ROBERT FELL-PALMER
in connection with an application and is
Late of Bristol, died there on 23 November 2024
The kin of the above named are requested to apply to the Treasury Solicitor (BV), HMRC Croydon Regional Centre, 1 Ruskin Square,Croydon, CR0 2WF, United Kingdom or at www.gov.uk/ bonavacantia, failing which the Treasury Solicitor may take steps to administer the estate.
LICENSING ACT 2003 APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE AA PLUS LONDON LTD has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth for the grant of a premises licence, in respect of the following premises: AA PLUS Food & Wine, 98 - 100 Knights Hill, West Norwood, SE27 0JL which would authorise thle following licensable activities: Sale of Alcohol [Off Sales] Monday to Sunday - 06:00 to 01:00 hours. The record of this application may be inspected during normal office hours by an appointment at the Licensing Section, London Borough of Lambeth, 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1EG or via the licensing authority’s website, at www.lambeth.gov.uk/licensing. A responsible authority or any other person may make representation to the licensing authority in respect of this application. Representations must be made in writing, either by post to the above address, or by email to licensing@lambeth.gov.uk and must be received no later than 18/02/2026. 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).
The last date by which responsible authorities or other persons may make representations to the Licensing Authority in relation to this application is: 23rd 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.
PUBLIC NOTICE
LICENSING ACT 2003 – APPLICATION TO VARY A NEW PREMISES LICENCE
An application has been made by: Traditional Hub Pub Company Limited to vary the premises licence for the premises Alma, 10 Alma Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 4EA On the date of: 22/01/2026
Summary of the proposed changes to licensable activities or conditions etc: To remove/amend some of the conditions attaced to the licence and include outdoor licensable activities. Also to extend the hours by having earlier start times and extend the hours on various days of the week for various licensable activities.
Any person wishing to view details of an application may contact the Licensing Partnership on 01732 227004 or email them at: licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk or visit http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing
Any person wishing to make representation about the application should make them in writing on or before the: 19th February 2026
To: Licensing Partnership, Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG Email: licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk
It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The offence is punishable on summary conviction by a fine of any amount.
LICENSING ACT 2003
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE
Name of applicant: Connect Foods UK Ltd
Postal address of premises: Foodland, 702 London Road, North Cheam, SM3 9BY
Application details: Sale of alcohol (off the premises) Monday to Sunday 08:00 to 23:00 hours
Full details of the application can be inspected on the licensing register online at www.sutton.gov.uk, or in person at the address given below.
Deadline for representations: 24/02/2026
Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Authority by post: Licensing Team, London Borough of Sutton, Civic Offices, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, SM1 1EA or by email: licensing@sutton.gov.uk
It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum penalty on conviction for such an offence is an unlimited fine.
Late Night Refreshment – Indoors and Outdoors –Sunday to Wednesday – 23:00 hrs to 02:00hrs Thursday to Saturday – 23:00hrs to 03:00hrs - The provision of late-night refreshment between 02:00 hrs and 03:00 hrs shall be via online 3rd party delivery companies only with the premises closed to walk-in trade.
Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 23rd February 2026 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Richmond 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 Richmond 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.richmond.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.
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984, SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS, PALACE ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out water mains replacement 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, parking or waiting, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle in Palace Road between its junction with Hillside Road and No. 54B Palace Road.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Hillside Road, Christchurch Road and Roupell Road and vice versa. While the works are being carried out and the diversion is in place, the prohibition on motor vehicles in Palace Road will be suspended.
3. The Order will come into force on 2 February 2026 and continue for a maxim duration of 3 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take 4 weeks 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 3 months.
Dated 30 January 2026 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS –HITHERFIELD ROAD
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 has made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in Hitherfield Road between its junction with Leigham Vale and No. 2 Hitherfield Road.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Leigham Vale, Stockfield Road, Mount Nod Road and Hitherfield Road and vice versa.
3. The Order will 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 will 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
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 Planning Permission
P3MA – Prior Approval
LB – Listed Building Consent
Written representations should be made within three weeks of the date of this advertisement to the Director of Planning, PO Box 734, Winchester SO23 5DG. Any comments made are open to inspection by the public and in the event of an appeal may be referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. Confidential comments cannot be taken into account in determining an application.
Application plans can be viewed online at www.lambeth.gov.uk/searchplanningapps – search using the reference number at the end of each application listing.
78 Bromfelde Road London Lambeth SW4 6PR Excavation of the basement to the rear including walk on glass door and ventilation shaft above. 25/03992/FUL
33-35 Arches 245 To 248 And 824 To 826 Padfield Road London Lambeth SE5 9AA Erection of a purpose-built substation enclosure, designed to accommodate electrical switchgear, transformers, and associated equipment. 26/00128/FUL
256 Brixton Hill London Lambeth SW2 1HF Prior Approval for the change of use of the ground floor from an employment placement agency (Use Class E) to 2 self-contained residential units (Use Class C3). 26/00152/P3MA
58 Clapham Manor Street London SW4 6DZ Erection of a replacement lower ground floor extension, first floor extension over rear closet wing, external changes to some existing window openings, the addition of ASHP and solar panels. 25/03613/FUL
170 Rosendale Road London Lambeth SE21 8LG Erection of a ground floor rear extension and roof extension to the garage structure with a side window and two front roof lights to provide a twobed residential unit. 25/03944/FUL
274 - 280 Brixton Road London SW9 6AG Demolition of an existing buildings and the erection of a part 6 part 7-storey building with a basement to provide 95 co-living accommodation (Sui Generis), including publicly accessible commercial and community amenities at ground floor, the provision of cycle and refuse storage, plant equipment and other associated works. 25/03975/FUL
132 Brixton Road London Lambeth SW9 6BA Replacement of all windows and doors to timber vertical sliding sash double glazed windows, a double glazed like-for-like timber front and rear door. 26/00136/FUL
3 Victoria Rise London Lambeth SW4 0PB Demolition and rebuilding of a section of a garden/boundary wall to the same specifications as the existing (Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 26/00086/LB but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 26/00085/FUL)
26/00086/LB
3 The Pavement London SW4 0HY Installation of 1no set non illuminated fascia lettering and 1no non illuminated projecting sign 26/00126/ADV
90 Park Hill London SW4 9PB Erection of a single storey ground floor rear and side infill extension. Erection of 2 x box dormer roof extensions to existing roof. 26/00204/FUL
39 The Chase London SW4 0NP Replacement of existing first floor bay window with a box frame window and installation of metal balustrade and associated alterations to the rear fenestration - Flat 2. 26/00187/FUL
Rear Of 436 And 438 Streatham High Road London SW16 3PX Demolition of the single storey retail building and erection of three storey Mews building to provide 5 self contained units (2 X 1-Bed and 3 X 2-Bed) with the provision of cycle parking, refuse/recycling storage, private amenity space and landscaping. 25/04007/FUL
59 Amesbury Avenue London SW2 3AE Erection of a single storey rear side infill extension and replacement of entrance door. 26/00108/FUL
19 Harleyford Road London SE11 5AX Application for Listed Building Consent in relation to alterations to the existing ground floor rear extension, comprising removal of the suspended ceiling, creation of a vaulted ceiling and insertion of 1 roof light. 25/03988/LB
46 Guildford Road London SW8 2BU Energy Saving Measures including installation of loft insulation, installation of vacuum glazing, replacement of modern radiators, installation of air source heat pump and cycle storage.
(Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 26/00140/LB but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 26/00139/FUL) 26/00140/LB
34 The Chase London SW4 0NH Erection of first floor rear extension together with the narrowing of rear basement lightwell and staircase and replacement of side passage roof. 25/04014/FUL Dated this Friday 30th January 2026
to find out who’s applying for what and where in your community.
The Public Notice Portal is a free to use, online service that will tell you who is applying for what and where. Plus, if you register, we’ll tell you about any plans for your community, helping you to stay informed.
publicnoticeportal.uk
Transport for London Public Notice
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
THE GLA ROADS AND GLA SIDE ROADS (BANNED MOVEMENTS) TRAFFIC ORDER 2024 A2 (BLACKHEATH HILL, ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH) VARIATION ORDER 2026
THE GLA ROADS AND GLA SIDE ROADS (GREENWICH) RED ROUTE CONSOLIDATION TRAFFIC ORDER 2007 A2 GLA ROAD (BLACKHEATH ROAD) VARIATION ORDER 2026
1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that on 23rd January 2026 it made the above named Orders, under section 6 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The Orders will come into force on 2nd February 2026.
2. The general nature and effect of the Orders will be to: (1) prohibit any vehicle from turning right into Blackheath Hill from Lewisham Road;
(2) Replace the Single Red Lines (No Stopping Mon-Sat, 7am-7pm) with Double Red Lines (‘No Stopping At Any Time’) outside Nos. 75-77a, 7983 and 91- 107 Blackheath Road.
3. The roads which would be affected by the Orders are the GLA Roads, A2 Blackheath Hill and A2 Blackheath Road in the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
4. A copy of the Orders, a statement of Transport for London’s reasons for the proposals, a map indicating the location and effect of the Orders and copies of any Order revoked, suspended or varied by the Orders can be inspected by visiting our website at https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/tro and selecting the relevant borough and reference the Traffic Order relates to or by appointment during normal office hours at our office at the address below. To arrange an appointment please email trafficordersection@tfl.gov.uk Copies of the documents may be requested via email at trafficordersection@tfl.gov.uk, or by post at the following address quoting reference SNO/REGULATION/STOT/DW/TRO, GLA/2026/0193 and 0194
• Transport for London Streets Traffic Order Team (SNO/REGULATION/STOT)
Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road London, SE1 8NJ
Please note due to hybrid working access to post is restricted and requests for documents may be delayed.
5. Any person wishing to question the validity of the Orders or of any of its provisions on the grounds that they are not within the relevant powers conferred by the Act or that any requirement of the Act has not been complied with, that person may, within six weeks from the date on which the Orders are made, make application for the purpose to the High Court.
Dated this 30th day of January 2026
Matt Standell
Performance and Planning Manager
Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – ARLINGFORD ROAD AND BRAILSFORD ROAD
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out water mains 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, waiting, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle or parking in those lengths of Arlington Road and Brailsford Road:
(a) Phase one: Arlingford Road between its junction with Brixton Water Lane and No. 3A Arlingford Road.
LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM FORMALISATION OF CERTAIN BUS LANES AND MOVING TRAFFIC REQUIREMENTS AND PROHIBITIONS
THE LEWISHAM (PRESCRIBED ROUTES) (VARIOUS ROADS) (NO. *) TRAFFIC ORDER 202* THE LEWISHAM (BUS PRIORITY) (NO. *) TRAFFIC ORDER 202*
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the London Borough of Lewisham (“The Council”) proposes to make the above mentioned Orders under the powers of sections 6 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (“the Act”), as amended.
2. The general effect of the Orders would be to formalise certain bus lanes and moving traffic requirements and prohibitions on roads in the London Borough of Lewisham as detailed below:(a) prohibit all vehicles except pedal cycles from proceeding in COFFEY STREET, between its junction with Deptford Church Street and 95 metres west of that junction, in any other direction other than an eastbound direction, and prohibit entry into COFFEY STREET from DEPTFORD CHURCH STREET, against the flow of one-way traffic;
(b) prohibit all vehicles from proceeding in LAWN TERRACE, between its junction with Lee Road and a point 10 metres east of the eastern boundary of No. 19 Lawn Terrace in any direction other than a westbound direction, and prohibit entry into that length of LAWN TERRACE at the western end of that length, against the flow of one-way traffic;
(c) prohibit all vehicles from proceeding in CHURCH VALE in any direction other than a north-eastbound direction, and prohibit entry into CHURCH VALE from WESTBOURNE DRIVE, against the flow of one-way traffic;
(d) prohibit all vehicles from proceeding in DARTMOUTH PLACE in any direction other than an eastbound direction, and prohibit entry into DARTMOUTH PLACE from CLYDE TERRACE, against the flow of one-way traffic;
(e) prohibit all vehicles from proceeding in HALES STREET, between Deptford High Street and New Butt Lane North, in any direction other than an eastbound direction, and prohibit entry into that length of HALES STREET, at the eastern end of that length, against the flow of one-way traffic;
(f) prohibit all vehicles from proceeding in VANGUARD STREET, between Harton Street and Tanner’s Hill, in any direction other than a north-westbound direction, and prohibit entry into VANGUARD STREET from TANNER’S HILL, against the flow of one-way traffic;
(g) prohibit all vehicles except pedal cycles from proceeding in REGINALD ROAD, between Reginald Square and Deptford High Street, in any direction other than a westbound direction, and prohibit entry into REGINALD ROAD from DEPTFORD HIGH STREET, against the flow of one-way traffic
(h) prohibit all vehicles from entering GROVE STREET at its southernmost junction with GOLDEN HIND PLACE (the carriageway fronting Nos. 1 to 4 Golden Hind Place and Nos. 199 to 202 Grove Street);
(i) prohibit all motor vehicles from entering or exiting that part of GRIERSON ROAD that lies north of its junction with Honor Oak Park, at its junction with HONOR OAK PARK; (j) prohibit all motor vehicles from entering COMET STREET (the arm extending between Comet Place and Deptford High Street) at its junction with COMET PLACE on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 6am and 7pm and on Wednesdays between 4.30pm and 7pm;
(k) prohibit all vehicles using the left-turn filter lane in ALAN PEGG PLACE, at its junction with BELL GREEN, from proceeding in any direction other than left into BELL GREEN; (l) prohibit all vehicles, except buses, coaches, dial-a-ride buses, taxis and pedal cycles from being in the bus lanes specified in the Schedule to this Notice on the days and times specified in the said Schedule; (m) omit Schedule items within ‘The Lewisham (Local Road) (Bus Priority) Traffic Order 2008’ that relate to the lengths of bus lane referred to in the Schedule to this Notice.
LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ORDER
Join over 150,000 USERS To
(b) Phase two: Arlingford Road between No. 3A Arlingford Road and its junction with the northernmost southwest to north-east arm of Brailsford Road; and Brailsford Road, between side of No. 18 Arlingford Road and No. 3 Brailsford Road.
(c) Phase three: Arlingford Road, between No. 27 Arlingford Road and No. 35A Arlingford Road.
The Lewisham (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (Consolidation) (Amendment No *) Order 202*
The Lewisham (Charged for Parking Places) (Consolidation) (Amendment No *) Order 202* The Lewisham (Off Street) (Restricted Street) (No.*) Order 202* Campshill Place, SE13 and Canada Gardens, SE13 PTO 1101
On 9 January 2026 the Council of the London Borough of Lewisham published a Notice of Proposal to make the above mentioned Orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) in the London Gazette and South London Weekly Community Matters, with the consultation period ending 30 January 2026. The effect of the proposal is to:- (a) prohibit waiting by vehicles at any time in that length of Campshill Place which extends between the northern property boundary line of No.62 Campshill Road southwards to the southern property boundary line of No.38 Campshill Road (only insofar as it relates to entire length of the public highway). The existing single yellow line restriction on the same length of road will be revoked; and (b) prohibit the waiting by vehicles at any time in the entire length of Canada Gardens, SE13. Exemptions apply to vehicles parked within designated parking bays within the above length of road. The Council now gives further notice that the consultation period has been extended to 20 February 2026. Copies of the draft Order and Statement of the Council’s Reasons for proposing to make the Order may be obtained by emailing a request to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk quoting reference ‘PTO-1101’. Comments on the proposals for or against, together with the reasons for which they are made should be sent in writing to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk or Lewisham Transport Policy & Development, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU, quoting reference ‘PTO-1101’ to arrive by 20 February 2026. All written representations received concerning Traffic Regulation Orders are public documents that may be inspected by any person on demand.
Dated 30th January 2026. Zahur Khan, Director Public Realm, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.
(d) Phase four: Arlingford Road, between No. 27 Arlingford Road and its northernmost junction with Brailsford Road.
(e) Phase five: Arlingford Road, between No. 66 Arlingford Road and No. 44 Arlingford Road.
(f) Phase six: Arlingford Road, between its southernmost junction with Brailsford Road, and No.66 Arlingford Road.
(g) Phase seven: Brailsford Road, between No.77 Brailsford Road and its southernmost junction with Arlingford Road.
(h) Phase eight: Brailsford Road, between No.61 Brailsford Road and No. 77 Brailsford Road.
(i) Phase nine: Brailsford Road, between No.37 Brailsford Road and No. 61 Brailsford Road.
(j) Phase ten: Brailsford Road, between No. 29 Brailsford Road and No. 35 Brailsford Road and the side of No.37 Brailsford Road.
(k) Phase eleven: Brailsford Road, between the side of No. 37 Arlingford Road and its junction with Tulse Hill (opposite No. 26 Tulse Hill).
(l) Phase twelve: Brailsford Road, between No.3 Brailsford Road and No. 29 Brailsford Road.
2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via:
(a) Phases one and two: Brixton Water Lane, Crownstone Road, Effra Road, Tulse Hill and Brailsford Road.
(b) Phases three, four, five, six and twelve: Brailsford Road and Tulse Hill, and vice versa.
(c) Phases seven, eight and nine: Arlingford Road and Brailsford Road, and vice versa.
(d) Phase ten: Arlingford Road, Brailsford Road and Tulse Hill, and vice versa.
(e) Phase eleven: Tulse Hill and Brailsford Road, and vice versa.
3. The Order would come into force on 16 February 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 6 months, to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works would take 14 weeks to complete.
Dated 30 January 2026
Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager
3. Copies of the draft Orders, plans and Statement of the Council’s Reasons for proposing to make the Orders may be obtained by emailing a request to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk quoting reference ‘PTO1104’ or can be inspected during normal office hours on Mondays to Fridays at the office of Lewisham Transport Policy & Development, 5th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.
4. Comments on the proposals for or against, together with the reasons for which they are made should be sent in writing to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk or Lewisham Transport Policy & Development, 5th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU, quoting reference ‘PTO1104’ to arrive not later than 21 days from the date of publication of this notice.
5. All written representations received concerning Traffic Management Orders are public documents that may be inspected by any person on demand.
SCHEDULE
1. BURNT ASH HILL, the north-east side, from a point 30 metres south-east of the south-eastern kerb-line of Woodstock Court, south-eastwards for a distance of 71.5 metres (south-eastbound with-flow lane), operating 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm on Mondays to Fridays inclusive.
2. DOWNHAM WAY, the west, north-west and north-east side, from a point 29 metres south-west of the common boundary of Nos. 463 and 465 Downham Way to a point 9 metres east of the of the common boundary of Nos. 573 and 575 Downham Way (north, north-east and eastbound with-flow lane), operating 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm on Mondays to Fridays inclusive.
Dated 30th January 2026.
Zahur Khan, Director of Public Realm, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.
3pm
and Inclusive Growth Directorate
Notice of application for a Premises Licence.
Notice is hereby given that the Elleray Community Association has applied to Richmond Council for a new premises licence at The Elleray Centre, 23 North Lane, Teddington, TW11 0HJ, for the Supply of Alcohol during events between 12 noon & 10pm Monday to Saturdays, and 12 noon & 3.30pm on Sundays.
Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 19th February 2026 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Richmond 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 Richmond 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.richmond.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.
3. The cashless charges for the use of off-street car parks will be as follows:
Local media reaches you in huge numbers.
Local news brands now reach 40 million people every single month, which is 73% of the total GB population.
Popes
Waylett
LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH
CONTINUATION OF THE LAMBETH SCHOOL STREETS PHASE 5A EXPERIMENTAL SCHEME
DALKEITH ROAD, ROSENDALE ROAD AND TURNEY ROAD
(NOTE: This Notice is about continuing in force permanently prohibitions initially introduced on an experimental basis in Dalkeith Road, Rosendale Road and Turney Road.)
1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth on 26 January 2026 made the Lambeth (Moving Traffic) (Amendment No. 11) Traffic Order 2026 under sections 6, and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) so as to continue in force indefinitely the provisions of the Lambeth (Moving Traffic) (Amendment No. 04) Experimental Traffic Order 2024.
2. The general effect of the Order will be to prohibit motor vehicles, except “LS40” permit holders, from entering the roads or lengths of roads specified in the Schedule to this Notice between the hours of 8.15am to 9.15am and 2.45pm to 3.45pm Monday to Friday.
3. A copy of the Order which will come into force on 2 February 2026, of a map of the relevant area and of the Lambeth (Moving Traffic Restrictions) Order 2024 are available for inspection online at: www.lambeth.gov.uk/traffic-management-orders or from 9.30 am until 4.30 pm on Mondays to Fridays inclusive (except bank/public holidays) until the last day of a period of six weeks beginning with the date on which the Orders are made, at the offices of Lambeth Council’s Highways Team, 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1EG. To arrange inspection please email: trafficorders@lambeth.gov.uk
4. Any person desiring to question the validity of any of the Orders or of any provision contained therein on the grounds that it is not within the relevant powers of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 or that any of the relevant requirements thereof or of any relevant regulations made thereunder have not been complied with in relation to any of the Orders may, within 6 weeks of the date on which the Orders were made, make application for the purpose to the High Court.
Dated 30 January 2026
Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager SCHEDULE 1
Dalkeith Road; Rosendale Road, between its junctions with Hawarden Grove and Lovelace Road; Turney Road, from its junction with Rosendale Road to Nos. 44 to 46 Turney Road.
LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM
The Lewisham (Prescribed Routes) (No.*) Traffic Order 202* PTO 1105
1. The Council of the London Borough of Lewisham propose to make under Section 6 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) the above-mentioned Order.
2. The general effect of the Order will be to:- (a) prohibit motor vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Bishopsthorpe Road which extends from its junction with Silverdale eastwards for a distance of 5m; (b) prohibit motor vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Silverdale which extends from its junction with Grace Path northwards for a distance of 3m; and (c) carry out legal drafting amendments to “The Lewisham (Prescribed Routes) (Silverdale/Bishopsthorpe Road) Traffic Order 2023” so as to amend Schedule 1.
3. Copies of the draft Order, plans and Statement of the Council’s Reasons for proposing to make the Orders may be obtained by emailing a request to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk quoting reference ‘PTO 1105’ or can be inspected during normal office hours on Mondays to Fridays at the office of Lewisham Transport Policy & Development, 5th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.
4. Comments on the proposals for or against, together with the reasons for which they are made should be sent in writing to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk or Lewisham Transport Policy & Development, 5th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU, quoting reference ‘PTO 1105’ to arrive not later than 21 days from the date of publication of this notice.
5. All written representations received concerning Traffic Management Orders are public documents that may be inspected by any person on demand.
Dated 30th January 2026.
Zahur Khan – Director of Public Realm, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.
LICENSING ACT 2003
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE
Name of applicant: Flight Bars Ltd
Postal address of premises: Unit 7, The Griffin Centre, Market Place, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JT
Application Details:
The application seeks the grant of a new premises licence to authorise the performance of live music, Monday to Saturday 08:00 - 23:00 hours, Sunday 10:00 - 22:00 hours. Playing of recorded music, Monday to Thursday 08:0023:00 hours, Friday & Saturday 08:00 - 00:00 hours, Sunday 10:00 - 22:00 hours. Provision of late night refreshment, Friday & Saturday 23:00 - 00:00 hours. Sale by retail of alcohol (for consumption on and off the premises), Monday to Thursday 11:00 - 23:00 hours, Friday & Saturday 11:00 - 00:00 hours, Sunday 11:0022:00 hours.
Full details of the application can be inspected on the licensing register, online at www.kingston.gov.uk or in person at the address given below.
Deadline for representations: 18 February 2026
Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Authority by post: Licensing Team, Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Guildhall 2, High Street, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1EU or by email: licensing@kingston.gov.uk
It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum penalty on conviction of such an offence is an unlimited fine.
LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM
The Lewisham (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (Consolidation) (Amendment No *) Order 202*
The Lewisham (Charged for Parking Places) (Consolidation) (Amendment No *) Order 202*
The Council of the London Borough of Lewisham proposes to make the above Traffic Regulation Orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended). PTO 1103
1. The effect of these proposals will be to:-
(a) Provide dockless electric scooter and pedal cycle parking places in the lengths of roads specified in Schedule 1 to this Notice, to facilitate dockless cycle hire scheme, for the leaving of electric scooters and pedal cycles hired through authorised operators. Each dockless parking bay will be 5m in length and 2m in width, unless otherwise specified.
(b) Provide a cycle hangar (secure cycle parking facilities for hire) on the carriageway in the length of road specified in Schedule 2.
The cycle hangar will be 2.55 metres in length and approximately 2.03 metres in width and aligned parallel to the kerb.
(c) Prohibit the waiting by vehicles at any time (double yellow lines) in the lengths of roads specified in Schedule 3 to this Notice.
(d) Provide an electric scooter and pedal cycle parking bay within Catford Station (off Adenmore Road) (N.B. this will not form part of the order but as a note only).
2. Where a new restriction has been proposed in the same length of road, the existing restrictions will be replaced by those proposed restrictions, unless otherwise specified.
3. Copies of the draft Order, plans and Statement of the Council’s Reasons for proposing to make the Order may be viewed either though the lewisham.traffweb.app website or obtained by emailing a request to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk quoting reference ‘PTO-1103’.
4. Comments on the proposals for or against, together with the reasons for which they are made should be sent through the lewisham.traffweb.app website or in writing to Lewisham Transport Policy & Development, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU, quoting reference ‘PTO-1103’ to arrive by 27 February 2026 from the date of publication of this notice.
5. All written representations received concerning Traffic Regulation Orders are public documents that may be inspected by any person on demand.
Schedule 1 (Dockless E-Scooter and Cycle Hire Bays) (1) George Lane – (i) north side, at the side No.232 Hither Green Lane; (ii) south side, opposite No.179; (2) Albyn Road – south side, 7.1m east of the junction with St John’s Vale; (3) Ardgowan Road – west side, 7m south of the southern property boundary of No.34; (4) Avon Road – north side, 7.1m west of the junction with Tyrwhitt Road; (5) Brightside Road – east side, at the side of No.271 Hither Green Lane; (6) Brookdale Road – east side, at the side of No.72 Bradgate Road; (7) Carswell Road – south side, at the side of No.79 Laleham Road; (8) Cliff Terrace – south side, 3.2m of the eastern property boundary line of No.1; (9) Creeland Grove – east side, 19.28m south of Catford Hill; (10) Cudham Street – east side, at the side of No.59 Ringstead Road; (11) Darling Road – south side, 7.1m east of the junction with Tressillian Road; (12) Dermody Road – south side, outside No.42; (13) Doggett Road – (i) east side, at the side of No.127 Bradgate Road; (ii) Doggett Road – west side, opposite the side of No.141 Silvermere Road (at the boundary of Doggett Road and Silvermere Road); (14) Exbury Road – east side, 10.39m south of Riverview Park; (15) Farley Road – west side, outside No.133; (16) Glensdale Road – north side, 6.9m west of the junction with Breakspears Road; (17) Holbeach Road – north side, opposite No.57; (18) Inchmery Road – north side, 10m east of the junction with Thornsbeach Road; (19) Leahurst Road – west side, at the side of No.89 Ennersdale Road; (20) Malyons Road – east side, opposite No.282-284; (21) Manor Park – east side, 21.6m south of Northbrook Road; (22) Mona Road – north side, 5m east of the junction with Lausanne Road; (23) Nightingale Grove – east side, 17.6m north of Ennersdale Road; (24) Penerley Road – (i) east side, 6.3m south of the junction with Bargery Road; (ii) west side, 5m south of the junction with Arran Road; (25) Springbank Road – west side, outside No.64 Springbank Road; (26) Stainton Road – (i) west side, opposite the northern extent of No.1 to 6, 64 Stainton Road; (ii) west side, opposite the northern extent of No.1 to 64, 106 Stainton Road; (27) Whitburn Road – north side, 15m east of the junction with Wearside Road; (28) Wickham Road – west side, opposite No.89, 4m south of the property boundary line of No.87/89. Schedule 2 (Cycle Hangars) Crescent Way – south side, 6.53m east of Tressillian Road. Schedule 3 (Waiting Restrictions at Any Time) (1) Wearside Road – east side, from the northern kerb-line of Whitburn Road to a point 11.7m northwards; (2) Whitburn Road
– north side, from the eastern kerb-line of Wearside Road to a point 15m eastwards.
Dated 30th January 2026. Zahur Khan, Director Public Realm, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.
STAY INFORMED ABOUT LICENSING PLANS FOR YOUR COMMUNITY.
The Public Notice Portal is a free to use, online service that will tell you who is applying for what and where. Plus, if you register, we’ll tell you about any plans for your community before it’s too late.
SMITH UNLOCKS BRENTWOOD
Hamlet continue positive start to year
By John Kelly
DAVID SMITH’S brace gave Dulwich Hamlet a 2-0 win at Brentwood Town in the Isthmian League Premier Division last weekend.
Smith scored the opener in the 55th minute and doubled his side’s advantage in the 71st minute.
Smith, a January signing from Carshalton, scored on his debut in Dulwich’s league win against Potters Bar Town as he enjoys a positive start
to Hamlet career.
It has been a positive start to the year over all for Mark Dacey’s side, who have three wins in four games.
Their victory at Brentwood followed a 1-0 win at Cockfosters in the third round of the London Senior Cup.
The game was played in pelting rain, with Danny Mills scoring the only goal in the 45th minute, and Dacey revealed his players enjoyed it.
“Fair play to both teams, it was an absolute ping-pong game from start to finish,” a drenched Dacey said.
First-ever Hundred auction dates confirmed
By Sports Reporter
THE HUNDRED’S first-ever player auction will take place in London on March 11 and 12.
The auction replaces the draft system that was in operation for the first five years of the competition.
MI London, formerly Oval Invincibles, and the other franchises were allowed to retain or sign four players. Players not retained or signed will have their
team and pay set by auction.
The women’s auction will take place on March 11 with the men’s auction the following day.
Meanwhile, the opening men’s and women’s double-header will take place on July 21 at The Oval between MI London and Sunrisers Leeds,
The final round of group fixtures will be on August 12. The Eliminator will be two days later and the final on Sunday, August 16.
“Definitely one of the most difficult pitches I’ve managed a game on.
“I think there was an element of them enjoying it because it was like oldschool Sunday football, vets football.
“You’re not going to necessarily gain momentum in games like this, it was just get ourselves into the next round. You play this fixture at Champion Hill and I think it’s a difficult kettle of fish, but the chance that matters is the one that separates the two teams. I can’t remember them having too many efforts on goal, crosses came into the
box but [goalkeeper] Tony [Bull] has never really had to make a save.
“Midway through the second half we could have killed the game off but it was never really in jeopardy. You can see why they’re on a good run, they’ve got a good side here.
“For us it was about getting ourselves into the quarter-finals and we know we’ve still got silverware to play for.”
Dulwich are next in action in the league on February 3 when Whitehawk visit Champion Hill (7.45pm).
Fisher bag the Win
By John Kelly
Lionesses through - as Joyce honoured
By John Kelly
MILLWALL LIONESSES defeated Richmond & Kew 4-1 in the
League Cup second round at St Paul’s last Sunday.
Mia Lockett, Liva Helt, Kanita Throp and Kayda Townsend were all on target
to help Ted Jones’ side go through. Meanwhile, Maisie Joyce was honoured after making her 100th appearance for the club in the Capital Women’s Cup against Dulwich Hamlet the previous weekend. Joyce has scored 33 goals as she became the first Lioness to hit that appearance milestone since the reform.
Lionesses boss Jones and assistant Jack Wisson presented Joyce with a commemorative shirt. Jones said Joyce was “the perfect professional in terms of her attitude and performances”.
The Lionesses face Dorking Wanderers in the League Cup quarterfinals at Meadowbank this Sunday (3.30pm).
Dubois wants to be undisputed - and eyes US legend
By John Kelly
CAROLINE DUBOIS wants to become an undisputed champion this year as she also eyes a showdown with Alycia Baumgardner.
Greenwich’s Dubois, 25, is the WBC lightweight champion and undefeated in thirteen fights.
Dubois also wants a unified bout. The other belt-holders at 135 pounds are British rival Terri Harper (WBO), Elif Nur Turhan (IBF) and Stephanie Han
(WBA).
Dubois said: ”All those three, they’ve all got belts which is great and I feel like this year is all about unifying and becoming undisputed. When you’ve got a list of girls who can make it happen and exciting names, it’s so good.”
Nur Turhan fights Taylah Gentzen in Newcastle this weekend.
“She’s very unproven,” Dubois said when asked about Nur Turhan. “Clearly got power, clearly dangerous and exciting which is what we love to see. But
definitely hasn’t been proven at staying consistent and we’re going to see.
“Can she box? Can she jab? Can someone outbox her? Which I think they can. And If they outbox her for five, six, seven rounds, has she got the ability to stay disciplined and get them later on? We’re going to see.”
Dubois isn’t putting any limits on her ambition.
She said: “I think that’s the goal every fighter should have, to see how far they can push, how much they can achieve.
Luckily the best fighters in my weight all have belts.”
“I will definitely go undisputed and I will chase the Alycia Baumgardner fight. I will chase that fight at 135lbs but if she’s not playing ball and she’s not interested I’ll move up to 140lbs. I’ll do the same there, try to aim for as many belts as I can and go up again to maybe 147lbs, see what I can do there. And then think about whether I want to go to 154lbs.
“The Alycia Baumgardner fight, that’s
a huge name. I’d be fighting her in her prime.
“She likes to be in control of things. She likes to feel like she can dominate. She’s got that mentality.
“You’ve got me, a young kid coming through who’s not going to allow her to do that, allow her to speak to me in any type of way or dictate to me. I believe I’m better than her so this is not going to happen.
“I think you’re going to get that clash that always happens with personalities.”
Dulwich celebrate David Smith’s goal
FISHER ADVANCED in the London Senior Cup after a 3-1 win against Wingate & Finchley in the third round at St Paul’s on Tuesday night.
Tom Jones and Don Macaulay scored in the first half before former Millwall midfielder Sha’mar Lawson added the third in the 96th minute.
The Fish knocked Windsor & Eton out of the FA Vase fourth round on Saturday, winning 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Ajay Ashanike’s side will aim to make it three wins from four cup games in a row when they play in the Kent Senior Trophy third round against Whitstable Town at The Belmont Stadium (ICT5 4LN) on Saturday at 3pm.
Tom Jones opened the scoring
Maisie Joyce with team-mates and staff
Rosenior: Blues can be even better
By John Kelly
LIAM ROSENIOR feels Chelsea can get better after their 3-1 win against Crystal Palace, their fourth win in five games since the Blues boss replaced Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea’s only loss under Rosenior was 3-2 to Arsenal in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final clash.
"Very pleased. This is always a very difficult place to come. Crystal Palace are a very good team. What the players have given is outstanding,” Rosenior said.
"It's frustrating to not have a clean sheet in the last few minutes. I wanted three in a row and we should've got one, we were 3-0 up against ten men.
"But there's so much good. I thought we defended from the front, we were organised and were very clinical. All credit to the lads. We can be better on the ball, especially in the first half but in terms of what I want to see from a team performance, it was a very good one."
Chelsea’s third goal from Enzo Fernandez’ penalty came after a long VAR review for handball against Jaydee Canvot.
Joao Pedro felt it was the right decision.
"As soon as I controlled the ball I took a shot as quickly as possible,” he said. “I saw his arm away from his body, that's was why I asked for handball, the ref gave it and we scored."
REFFING JOKE
Eagles boss felt three key decisions went against struggling side
By John Kelly
OLIVER GLASNER felt the officials got a number of decisions wrong in Crystal Palace’s 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday - but refused to blame them as he said only the Eagles can turn around their current form.
Estevao Willian in the first half and Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez in the second gave Liam Rosenior’s side a 3-0 lead at Selhurst Park.
Chris Richards headed a consolation two minutes from time.
Palace midfielder Adam Wharton was sent off in the 72nd minute after picking up two yellow cards in six minutes.
Glasner felt Moises Caicedo committed two similar four but was only booked once and that Pedro Neto got away with a stamp on Ismaila Sarr.
There was a long VAR review after the ball hit Eagles defender Jaydee Canvot on the leg before bouncing off his arm.
Fernandez scored the resulting penalty. It was an eighth Premier League game
without a win, six of them defeats.
“I could now easily blame the referee for a few decisions,” Glasner said. ”I think, yes, Caicedo had two fouls in the first half, he just conceded one yellow, Adam had two fouls, he conceded two.
“I've watched back the penalty, it was first on Jaydee’s hip. We were briefed before the season, if the ball touches the body first and then goes to the hand, it's no handball. I've seen that Pedro Neto stamped on Ismaila Sarr. It should have been a red card.
“But, to be honest, for me, it feels wrong to blame the referee for our defeat because the referee won't help us in the future and it's good that he's neutral. The only [ones] who can help us is us. That's why I think it's important to talk about this.
“It's now to support [Canvot] and lift him, and that's what we will do.”
Glasner feels Palace are making too many mistakes and not taking their chances in front of goal. But he was pleased with how his side reacted to
being 3-0 and a man down.
“I think we played a really good first half,” Glasner said. “It's just right now, [we’re missing] the most important part in football: to be ruthless and take your chances and, on the other side, don't make mistakes and give the opposition easy chances.
“That's what we are doing right now. Then we are one goal down and we make the second mistake, or just one or two or three mistakes in a row, and after 49 minutes, you are 2-0 down, when you feel you’ve played good football and you are in the game.
“Then you can see that the nerves are not really strong right now. It's completely normal, but on the other side what I was really pleased with, and what gives me a lot of confidence for the next weeks, is the reaction after being 3-0 down and conceding a red card. It can easily happen that you lose 5 or 6-0. I think all of us have seen this in football.
“But the players really were in the game, made pressure, created chances, scored
a goal. Everybody had the feeling, when the 90th minute came, if we score now another one, it could be a draw.
“This reaction from the players gives me a lot of confidence, because I have seen many good things, but it's pretty clear we have to reduce the mistakes that lead to goals and yes, we have to be more ruthless in taking our chances.”
Palace haven’t won in eleven games in all competitions, their worst run since March 2023.
Glasner said: "Confidence is what you get from results. It is my job, my responsibility, with my staff, my group, to get this confidence back. I saw a lot of positives but when you are losing 3-1 and have not won for eleven games then it's completely right to say, 'where are the results?'
"That's what we have to get. It is up to us to find these puzzle pieces. There's no magician. I always believe in this group, these players, that we will turn it around." Palace travel to the City Ground to play Nottingham Forest on Sunday (3pm).
Harry shows Will to win with late stunner Red card Wrex Hoops hopes
By John Kelly
MARCO SILVA said it was “an incredible moment” after Harry Wilson scored a 92nd-minute free-kick to give Fulham a 2-1 win against Brighton & Hove Albion at Craven Cottage last weekend.
Wilson fired his 25-yard shot past Bart Verbruggen after Charalampos Kostoulas had fouled Josh King.
Yasin Ayari had given Fabian Hurzeler’s side the lead in the 28th minute before substitute Samuel Chukwueze bevelled eighteen minutes from time.
Wilson then stepped up to score his fourth goal in his last five games.
"It's an incredible moment,” Silva said.
“When you are confident it is a perfect example and you show your qualities in many ways.
“He has been with us for a long time, we all know he is a great taker of free-kicks, but I think that's the first he has scored direct officially."
Brighton created a number of good chances and Seagulls striker Danny Welbeck had a goal ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee.
Silva said: “We knew we were playing against a very good side and we started the game very well with two chances.
"The moment after their goal we should
not fall so much. A goal cannot take everything good from ourselves but it did in the first half and we did suffer - and they played well.
"In the second half we dug in and in terms of performance, not that great, but we believe always, we changed from the bench and when we equalised we were pushing much more. We were here to take risks and we scored a great free-kick.
"Probably a draw was a fair result but we got the reward for our belief and the way we pushed. We got the three points in a really difficult game so what a win for us."
Fulham travel to Manchester United on Sunday (2pm).
By John Kelly
QUEENS PARK Rangers boss Julien Stephan said a late red card helped Wrexham earn a stunning addedtime 3-2 win at Loftus Road last weekend.
Josh Windass scored in the 93rd minute before Will Rathbone struck two minutes later to send Phil Parkinson’s side into the top six in the Championship.
Harvey Vale had given QPR the lead in the sixth minute before Steve Cook restored the hosts’ advantage ten minutes from time after Callum Doyle’s 54th-minute equaliser.
The Hoops had Amadou Mbengue sent off after a second booking in the 90th minute.
“To finish with only ten players on the pitch changed completely the end of the game,” Stephan said.
“It was very difficult for us, because they have a lot of physicality and put a lot of balls into the penalty area.
“We did a very, very good first half, very good collectively, very, very good.
“We created a lot of good movements. Normally, a game like this at half-time, it's minimum 2-0 for us.
“We need to be more efficient to punish the opponent when we are so dominant like this.”
QPR hosts leaders Coventry City on Saturday (3pm).
MILLWALL BOSS Alex Neil thought his side could have beaten Charlton Athletic by an even wider margin than the 4-0 thumping they dished out to their neighbours at The Den last weekend.
The Lions dominated their South London rivals and had a well-deserved lead at half-time after Kayne Ramsay deflected the ball into his own net, although Millwall could and should have been two or three up.
Neil’s side then “turned the screw” in the second half, and after 35 minutes of sustained pressure, Caleb Taylor nodded in Alfie Doughty’s corner to double their lead.
Late goals from Luke Cundle and Aidomo Emakhu added gloss to the result against Nathan Jones’s side.
Millwall are now unbeaten in fourteen games against the Addicks going back to March 1996.
“I thought the result was a fair reflection,” Neil said. “Could’ve been even better for us, if I’m honest. My biggest frustration going into half-time was the clear-cut chances we had in the first half, that the score-line wasn’t more in our favour.
“What we spoke about at half-time was basically get the next goal. We need to go and put the game to bed. We need to be more dominant. We need to add a little bit more aggression in the press.
“First half, I didn’t want us to be too aggressive, because I know they just want to turn [the ball over], so we don’t want to surrender too many men [forward], and then you leave yourself light at the back. It’s important we get that balance without them dictating play. I thought them having the ball a little bit, which is not something I normally do, was beneficial for us. It panned out that way in the first half.
“Then in the second half, we really turned the screw, got locked onto them a little bit more, got more combinations down the right side, got better combinations down the left side, and got in really good positions. To see the clinical nature at the end was pleasing for me, because I think that’s the bit right now that we need to be better at if we want to really push on.”
By John Kelly
NATHAN JONES said he was “embarrassed” after the 4-0 hammering suffered by his Charlton Athletic side at Millwall.
Jones apologised to Addicks fans for a performance that could have resulted in an even worse beating as Lions striker Josh Coburn missed a sitter and winger Femi Azeez had a goal ruled out after a tight offside call.
"I am embarrassed,” Jones said. “I feel for the fans. We have let the fans down and we let the club down.
"I am not one to apologise normally because I know most of the time my team gives me everything. But what we put out today was embarrassing. We were second best, we got bullied, we were out-fought in every level and
Millwall demolish neighbours to continue 30-year unbeaten run
The Lions had 23 attempts on goal, one of them a sitter that Josh Coburn missed in the first half.
Neil added: “We felt our performance in the first half was okay. We could certainly play better, but the second half I thought that was the best of what we are, which is, really dangerous in transition, really good at passing the ball. When it lands, I think our combination play was really good. Some of the lads on the ball were
really composed. As I said, I thought 4-0 certainly didn’t flatter us.”
Thierno Ballo, who started on the left in the previous three league games, missed the match through illness, meaning Camiel Neghli, who typically plays in a more central role, moved out wide. Neghli missed a late penalty but from the rebound he set up Cundle for the third.
Neil explained Neghli’s role in the side.
“What we did was we bumped Alfie
from left-back and rolled Camiel in,” Neil said. “So the first goal, Camiel comes around the front, lands on it, puts it out to Femi [Azeez], and then the cross comes in, and we score at the back post. It was mainly about rolling in off that left side with Camiel.
“Then when Aidomo came on, they went 4-4-2, so we wanted to pin the two full-backs in, and then we could drop to the front and link with Macca
[Langstaff]. The game panned out as I thought it would have panned out. But it’s like anything else, if they go and score and transition all the way and our left-back’s high, then it’s that sort of cat and mouse between having enough aggression to try and win without overexposing yourself. But I thought the lads did it brilliantly.”
Millwall host Sheffield United at The Den this Saturday (3pm).
everything we did today.
"Normally we are front-footed, we are aggressive, we out-work teams - but we were a mile off. We didn't do the basics well, we didn't compete, we looked disjointed, we looked weak, most individuals lost their individual battles and that is the minimum you have to do."
Charlton are just three points above the Championship relegation zone ahead of a trip to manager-less Leicester City on Saturday. Jones added: "We have to rectify it. It's a big week in the [transfer] window, we need to strengthen, we need to pick them up and get them going to achieve the standards that we had last year and this year. Today was as bad as we have ever been.
"I apologise to the fans, and today I have to because of the nature of defeat - we were so far off."
By Will Scott
BARRY BANNAN completed his medical with Millwall on Tuesday ahead of his move from Sheffield Wednesday. Bannan, 36, was set to be unveiled by the club on Wednesday, after our paper went to press.
The midfielder is the Lions’ first signing of the January window.
The former Scottish international left the Owls after spending over ten years at Hillsborough, making 434 league appearances. Born in Airdrie, Bannan came through Celtic and then Aston Villa’s academy, before making his first-team debut for the Villans in a UEFA Cup game in December 2008.
After loan stints at Derby County, Blackpool and Leeds United, he joined Crystal Palace permanently in 2013, where he made 22 Premier League appearances across two seasons. Bannan could make his Lions debut against Sheffield United on Saturday.
Caleb Taylor, centre, celebrates with Macaulay Langstaff and his team-mates
Ravens boss wants ‘realism’
By John Kelly
ANDY WOODMAN pleaded for “realism” after League Two leaders Bromley were held to a 2-2 draw against Crewe Alexandra at Hayes Lane on Tuesday night.
The Ravens were leading 2-1 until the 94th minute when Mickey Demetriou rescued a point for the visitors.
Bromley are six points clears of both Milton Keynes in second and Cambridge United in third.
"I thought they were good, to be fair, and made it very difficult for us,” Woodman said. “And I think we made it difficult for ourselves.
"We got a little bit nervous towards the end, couldn't really get the ball, sat back and weren't putting enough pressure on the ball. Very un-Bromley like, really.
"Maybe that was to be expected. We've had a tricky night where we just tried to defend our box and hang on. But credit to Crewe, they kept the ball well and moved it well.
Lions defender nets third of season in Addicks rout TAYLOR CLOSES IN ON TARGET
By Will Scott
CALEB TAYLOR is already closing in on his scoring target this season - after adding a derby goal in Millwall's 4-0 win against Charlton Athletic last Saturday.
The game was still finely poised at 1-0 as it ticked into the last ten minutes, but Taylor assuaged any remaining nerves at The Den when he rose up and nodded home Alfie Doughty’s corner from a well-designed set-piece.
“We work on this stuff,” Taylor said. “Alfie’s got signals, and we know what’s going to happen.
Coops [Jake Cooper] did really well – it comes down to him blocking my man and making it so I’m free, and then Macca [Macaulay Langstaff] also blocked someone else.
“It’s not just me getting on the end of it. The delivery has got to be perfect, everyone else has got to do their jobs, and it allows me to get free and head the ball, and then it’s up to me to score, which I was really happy to.”
The header was Taylor’s third goal of the season, all of which have come at key moments.
His first was a long-range rocket that put the Lions back ahead
2-1 against Southampton, a game they would win 3-2 after two more lead changes. His second, earlier this month, was an addedtime winner against Swansea City that ensured the result matched the dominant performance.
The 23-year-old has now scored the joint-third most goals in the squad, a stat that surprised even him.
“I didn’t expect it, but I just think with my height and my desire to head the ball, I should be getting chances, especially with the deliveries we’ve got with Alfie,” Taylor said.
“I should definitely be getting
goals from corners and stuff. I’m just going to keep working on it and hope to score a few more.”
Taylor’s recent form in front of goal has him just one off his target, with three and a half months of the season left to go.
“Every season I look to score four goals,” Taylor said. “I think that’s a good amount to get.
“Sometimes you don’t get one, or sometimes you might get more, but for me, with the amount of chances we create and the amount of set pieces we have, I think four is a good target. I’m just going to try and score as many as I can, really.”
"I think we've got to keep some realism around the place. If we think we're going to win every single game at home, I think we're kidding ourselves a little bit.
"We haven't been beaten, so that's a plus. It's another point and we're still six points clear at the top, so there's a lot to be thankful for. We could have lost that game on another night.
"It feels a bit like a missed opportunity because we were so close to winning 2-1, but these things happen sometimes."
Bromley had won seven league games in a row but have drawn two of their last three, either side of a 2-1 victory against promotion rivals Swindon Town at the weekend.
Woodman made four substitutions early in the second half against Crewe, including bringing on Ben Thompson who made it 2-1 with 20 minutes left.
Woodman said: ”You could argue a little bit that Saturday played a part. It's hard when you have such a big game on Saturday and then you come into another tough one on the Tuesday. It’s really hard, particularly for a high-tempo, high-energy team like us. And if you start a little bit slow, it's very hard to pick it up - but I certainly wouldn't criticise my boys for effort."
Bromley are away to Gillingham this weekend.
Woodman added: ”I think the momentum's still there for us. We dust ourselves down now and go again on Saturday."
