South London Weekly - July 10th 2026

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By Ruby Gregory Local Democracy Reporters

LEWISHAM COUNCIL has moved one step closer to launching a new borough-wide advice service that will support residents facing a range of issues including housing insecurity and debt.

The council is aiming to launch the new expanded service, similar to Citizens Advice, from April 2027 and will help residents who are struggling to access the benefits system as well as offering advice on immigration and other issues relating to the cost of living.

It’s set to be run by an external provider or providers but funded by the council.

Residents will be able to access the service by telephone as well as at in-person venues such as libraries, community centres and food banks.

The Mayor of Lewisham Liam Shrivastava and his Cabinet agreed to move forward with a council report outlining the proposals and funding arrangements during a meeting on Wednesday, July 1.

Existing borough-wide advice services are funded through the council’s Main Grants programme however, it was agreed in 2025 by the previous Labour administration that advice services should be commissioned separately.

During the meeting, Cllr Hau-Yu Tam, Cabinet Member for Communities, Sanctuary and Healing, said demand for these services has risen in recent years due to the cost of living crisis and austerity hitting Lewisham households hard.

Cllr Tam went on to say: “It’s seeking to build on what already works well while strengthening the service for the future. And the facets of it include retaining the high volume telephone advice line, while also improving digital access, expanding targeted outreach and increasing the focus on early intervention and prevention.

“It will also enable closer integration with the council’s wider support offer, including referral pathways linked to the crisis resilience fund and Lightning Reach, which is a one-stop shop for processing referrals.”

The council, she added, plans to expand community outreach to target “anyone who might face barriers in accessing support”. The council will also help smaller community organisations intervene and offer help to prevent a crisis.

HOW WILL IT WORK?

Once the procurement process is completed, the council aims to appoint a successful provider which could either be a single organisation or a partnership of

BOROUGH-WIDE ADVICE SERVICE IN LEWISHAM

organisations with a lead partner.

Cllr Tam explained that council officers have already carried out engagement and planning work which includes discussions with advice providers, service analysis and oversight through the Cost of Living Board.

The existing information service is

The

council is aiming to launch the new expanded service, similar to Citizens Advice, from April 2027

provided by a partnership of local voluntary groups funded by Lewisham Council.

A team of qualified staff and certified volunteers run a freephone advice line on 0800 2315453. They will try to resolve people’s issues with them or signpost them to others.

While the exact details of the new service are yet to be determined, it’s expected the new-look advice service will operate in a similar way but with more opportunities to get help to people who need it, including in person via libraries and food banks. Currently the service only does face-to-face advice by appointment.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST THE COUNCIL?

The proposed contract has a maximum annual value of £950,000, consisting of an existing £600,000 budget and an additional £350,000 agreed through the Cost of Living Programme Board.

The contract will run initially for two years from April next year, with an option to extend for another three years – subject to performance and future funding availability.

Mayor Shrivastava said: “I think it’s good to be going towards this commissioning model, and obviously tapping into things like the Crisis Resilience Fund when so many residents are struggling.

“A big part of this work is about, as well as providing advice, it’s also about ensuring things like income maximisation, ensuring that our residents are getting all of the benefits and different things that they’re entitled to, so it’s really important that we have a strong, robust service.”

Towards the end of the discussion, Mayor Shrivastava and Cabinet Members proceeded to agree the recommendations set out in the report, meaning the new expanded advice service is well on the way to becoming a reality from next year.

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LONDON COMMUNITY FEST RETURNS TO KENNINGTON PARK THIS SUNDAY, JULY 12

By Gabriel Stewart

‘A CELEBRATION of London’s people’ - London Community Fest is returning to Kennington Park this Sunday with the family-focused festival promising a day full of music, sport and community fun.

There will be an array of international food and live performances on offer for the over 2,000 attendees expected to attend. The festival hopes it will offer

a welcoming space for all of the community with football competitions and youth workshops on the agenda.

The event is organised by the South Indian Community UK.

Where? Kennington Park, Kennington Park Road, London, SE11 4BE, United Kingdom

When? 10am to 6pm, Sunday 12 July 2026

Cost? £3 for adults, children under ten go FREE.

CAMBERWELL’S NEW QUEER-OWNED COFFEE ROASTER

By Evie Flynn

BLACKFINGER COFFEE opened last month as a queer-owned coffee roaster built and owned by the community.

Trading out of one of the arches on Camberwell Station Road, it sources, roasts and supplies all of its coffee in house.

Founded by James Dash, Blackfinger was created from the ground up as a welcoming community space for local people. Its name is inspired by The Black Finger, a washed Colombian coffee sourced from the Antioquia and Huila regions.

Blackfinger are accepting wholesale enquiries from independent cafes, local businesses, small restaurants and other queer spaces across South London.

The team have said that queerness is foundational in the ‘ownership, structure, space and values of the brand.’

It has peak and off-peak laptop hours so there are dedicated times for work and social connection.

Pricing has been set to remain accessible for local people.

Location: 345 Camberwell Station Road, SE5 9JN https://blackfingercoffee.co.uk

By Alex Orr

WHILE KANE and Bellingham make the headlines, England’s South London contingent should not be underestimated.

England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico in the early hours of Tuesday 6 July was made south of the river, with Kingston local Declan Rice and Lewisham boy Marc Guehi leading the national team to an historic victory.

When they face Norway in the World Cup quarter-final match on Saturday 11 July, the likes of Rice and Guehi, as well as Greenwich native Eberechi Eze and Gipsy Hill local Trevoh Chalobah, will have to play pivotal roles again if England are to win.

With the Norway match just days away, read on for the South London boys representing England at this year’s World Cup.

MARC GUEHI - GROVE PARK

Manchester City centre-back Marc Guehi was born in the Ivory Coast but moved with his family to Grove Park, Lewisham when he was one year old.

He attended Marvels Lane Primary School and Nursery on Riddons Road and joined the youth team at Cray Wanderers, a semi-professional football team based in Chislehurst, Bromley.

Speaking about his upbringing in 2023, Guehi said: “Grove Park might not be considered the nicest neighbourhood but it helped me grow up a lot quicker and it helped me be a lot more aware of my surroundings which was good for me.

“There were loads of cars going around so we would play football anywhere we could really, against the wall, in the street or in the park.”

Guehi started playing for Cray Wanderers aged five and moved to Chelsea under-8s three years later.

After spells at Chelsea and Swansea, he returned to South London in 2021 and spent five years with Crystal Palace, where he became club captain and won the FA Cup in 2025, the team’s first ever major trophy.

The England defender, who now plays for Manchester City, credited his father, who is a church minister at a local church in Lewisham, with much of his early career success.

He added he still returns to South London to play the drums in the his father’s church and visit Cray Wanderers, who currently play in the Isthmian League Premier Division, the 7th tier of English football.

Guehi has started four of England’s five games so far at the 2026 World Cup, keeping two clean sheets against Ghana and Panama.

He played the full 90 minutes in the Round of 16 game against Mexico in the early hours of Monday 6 July and is likely to start in the quarter-final against Norway.

EBERECHI EZE

- GREENWICH

Arsenal winger Eberechi Eze grew up on a council estate in Greenwich, near the old Greenwich District Hospital in Maze Hill.

Aged seven, Eze started playing football at ProStars Football School, located next to Shortlands railway station in Bromley, and moved to Bruin JFC in Shooter’s Hill shortly after.

Speaking about his upbringing in a column earlier this year, Eze said: “A lot of those places where we used to play football have changed or are no longer there - even some of the cages aren’t there anymore - which is sad because they have sentimental value

RICE, GUEHI, EZE AND CHALOBAH: THE ENGLAND PLAYERS FROM SOUTH LONDON AT WORLD CUP

to you but the love I have for that area is still there.”

He signed for Arsenal at the age of nine but was released four years later, eventually joining Millwall after spells at Fulham and Reading.

After leaving Millwall for Queen’s Park Rangers in 2016, Eze returned to South London for five years with Crystal Palace from 2020-25.

Like Guehi, Eze was pivotal in Palace’s first FA Cup win, scoring the only goal in the final against Manchester City.

Now playing for Arsenal, Eze had his first taste of Premier League glory this year, beating fellow South Londoner Guehi and his Manchester City team to the league title.

He has been a bit-part player for England thus far in the World Cup, making three appearances as a substitute and playing a total of 55

minutes for the Three Lions.

DECLAN RICE - KINGSTON UPON THAMES

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was born in Kingston Upon Thames and began playing football at Dickerage Lane Adventure Playground, near Norbiton railway station.

Rice has called the playground, and its adjoining youth centre, a “second home”.

In an interview in 2019, he said: “It means everything. Growing up as a Kingston boy, being born in Kingston, my whole family being from Kingston, I’m grateful that I can come back to places like this now as a superstar and give back to the kids that want to be where I am.”

Rice joined the Chelsea academy aged seven, later moving to West Ham

United after being released by the West London club.

As captain, he won the Europa Conference League in his final game for West Ham, lifting the team’s first major European trophy since 1965. Since joining Arsenal in 2023, Rice has won the Premier League alongside Eberechi Eze and made it to the Champions League final.

He has been central to England’s World Cup campaign thus far, starting four of five games and registering an assist for Harry Kane in the opening game against Croatia.

TREVOH CHALOBAH - GIPSY HILL

Born in Sierra Leone, Chelsea defender Chalobah moved to Gipsy Hill, near Crystal Palace park, aged two.

Speaking about his local area in

2022, Chalobah said: “Football was very big. There was a cage where we would go; my older brother and the older boys would set up the match and play a big tournament.

“No matter what age, the whole community would come together.”

Chalobah joined Chelsea at the age of eight, signing his first professional contract for the team 11 years later in 2018.

Still contracted to Chelsea, the defender has had a number of loan spells at different clubs, finally returning to South London with Crystal Palace for a year in 2024.

Initially not included in the England squad, Chalobah was called up by manager Thomas Tuchel to replace the injured Tino Livramento just one day before the first game.

He is yet to make an appearance.

SOUTH LONDON STATION RENAMED ‘JUDE BELLINGHAM’ TO KEEP NEW NAME FOR LONGER PERIOD

Thameslink have extended the move after the star midfielder’s man-of-the-match performance

By Alex Orr

A STATION in Catford temporarily renamed ‘Jude Bellingham’ will keep its new name for longer, after England’s win against Mexico.

Signage at Bellingham railway station, which is located in the borough of Lewisham and served by the Thameslink, was changed on 5th July in a show of support for England’s star midfielder before the World Cup Round of 16 match against Mexico.

England’s stars”, and it was originally intended as a temporary measure for one day only.

Thameslink called the move “a salute from South London to one of

But a spokesperson for Thameslink said today: “Given yesterday’s result and Jude’s star performance, we are now looking to extend the duration that the signs stay up for.”

They said approval had been

granted for the signs to stay in place until Sunday, meaning they will be on display during England’s quarterfinal match against Norway on Saturday 11 July at 10pm. News of the extension will delight users on X, who asked for the signage to be kept in place after Bellingham’s key role in this

Although

HOW KIRBY, THE WORLD CUP ESTATE, HAS BEEN CELEBRATING ENGLAND’S VICTORIES

On 20 June, the estate was awarded the Liberty of of Bermondsey

By Evie Flynn

SINCE WE visited the Kirby in Bermondsey last month, the football-themed estate has attracted swathes of national media, drawn tourists from across the country and even received one of Southwark’s highest civic honours in recognition of its contribution to the borough.

The council estate, just off Jamaica Road, is renowned for its sea of St George’s flags and buntings. Interest surged once again after our video of the estate on 11 June racked up more than 760,000 views on Instagram and over 380,000 views on TikTok.

One of the first people to like our video was none other than the England captain’s wife, Kate Kane.

The estate now boasts more than 400 St George’s flags and two striking murals to English football heroes Eberechi Eze and Fran Kirby.

The display has become a sacred tradition on the estate. It began in 2012, when Chris Dowse and a handful of neighbours draped homes with hundreds of bargain flags bought from the pound shop.

On 20 June, the estate was awarded the Liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Bermondsey, described by Southwark Council as “one of Southwark’s top civic honours”.

Kirby resident Chris said: “It feels kind of surreal being recognised like this for what we do on here, as we’ve done it for years, but it does feel really special knowing that what we

do on here is being noticed.”

They were chosen from 180 nominees and earned a special visit from the recently appointed Mayor of Southwark, Cllr Claire Sheppard.

The nomination read: “The Kirby Estate is truly one of a kind, a football-mad estate having featured in more photos and videos than most people have had hot dinners.

“The Kirby Estate is known for strong community activism, but also a warm and friendly nature… in an era often marked by division, the Kirby Estate stands out as an example of how to build community and welcome people from all backgrounds.”

That sense of inclusivity extends to the display, as residents are

encouraged to fly the flags of their own countries. Scottish, Colombian, Spanish and Brazilian flags sit proudly on balconies alongside the sea of St George’s Crosses.

Chris, along with his neighbour and son Ralph, was also featured live on the BBC from his front room during England’s match against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, 1 July. His reaction to Harry Kane’s 75th-minute equaliser was shown on television.

In the early days, Chris and the team would put the flags up under the cover of darkness, earning themselves the nickname “the Ninjas”.

Today, they livestream every England match from the estate’s

shared courtyard, with residents gathering to celebrate together long into the night. Following England’s victory over Mexico, celebrations continued into the early hours of Monday morning.

Chris says the screenings are kept primarily for residents and their friends, and the community plans to watch every remaining England match together.

The Kirby has also welcomed by other national outlets, including Sky News, ITV London and The Sun in recent weeks, who have included the world cup estate in their coverage.

Last week, the Kirby made headlines once again when a Dalek draped in an England flag made an appearance,

belting out the beloved 1996 anthem Three Lions in its unmistakable robotic voice.

It’s not just news outlets who are interested. The estate has also captured the widespread attention of musicians, with singers and bands flocking to the estate to record music videos, speak to Chris or use some of the Kirby charm in their new releases.

Among them was Sonny Green, one of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent Golden Buzzer recipients, who filmed the music video for his 2026 England World Cup Song on the estate. The public speaker and actor was also featured live on Sky Sports during his visit.

Singer-songwriter Maddox Jones also stopped by, to perform an acoustic version of his World Cupthemed track This Time We’ll Be Winning.

Then, The Half Timers Band, whose latest single Englishman features former England striker Carlton Cole, gave the Kirby a shout-out on Instagram after football influencer Ry’s Football Paradise arrived at the estate at 6.30am to interview Chris. But, the Kirby’s spirit of celebration was not always about football.

The nature of celebrating on the Kirby actually dates back as far as 1945, where local children are captured throwing a VE Day street party to celebrate the end of the war.

As England’s World Cup campaign continues with England set to face Norway on Saturday night, residents remain convinced that, this time, “it’s coming home.”

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By Gabriel Stewart

A NEW documentary by Brixtonborn BAFTA winner Andy MundyCastle was released this week about the ‘powerful’ work of photographer Misan Harriman.

Shoot the People is an intimate portrait of the Oscar-nominated documentarian Misan Harriman as he captures protests from across the world.

Through historical context, interviews with activists, and explorations of digital activism, Mundy-Castle’s ninety minute documentary reveals how Harriman’s lens brings the world’s activism to light, it hopes to inspire viewers to recognise their own power in shaping a more just society.

Renowned for his wide-ranging work including powerful breatkthrough images from the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and capturing the Palestinian liberation movement on film, Harriman also made history as the first Black man to photograph a British Vogue cover.

His 2023 short fiilm The After was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.

The film’s director, Mundy-Castle, grew up on council estate in Brixton and has previously won a BAFTA for directing the critically-acclaimed film White Nanny, Black Child. Harriman himself has not been short of controversy. He recently announced he would be stepping down as chair of the Southbank Centre after accusations of sharing a conspiracy theory about the antisemitic Golders Green attack in April.

BRIXTON-BORN BAFTA-WINNER DIRECTOR’S ‘POWERFUL’

NEW DOCUMENTARY

In May, the Telegraph accused him of sharing a social media post that questioned the amount of coverage given to the muslim victim, Ishmail Hussein. Critics said this minimised the

antisemitic nature of the attack. Greta Thunberg, Tracey Emin and Gary Lineker were among those to sign an open letter in support of Harriman, after what they said was a “dishonest

smear campaign” by media outlets. Harriman confirmed in a social media post that he would not continue as chair beyond autumn, stating he had decided to do so ‘way before this madness’.

was released in UK and Irish cinemas this week and there will also be a special Q&A screening at Ritzy Brixton on Tuesday 14th July.

Lambeth wins medals for Netball and Indoor Rowing at Youth Games

By Gabriel Stewart

have brought

The Lambeth netball team competed amongst 24 London boroughs to make it onto the podium last month.

The youth team came joint third with Wandsworth after losing out to

Redbridge and Hammersmith & Fulham, who won silver and gold respectively.

Sharron Lewis-Burke, Lambeth Netball Team Manager, said: “I’m really proud. This whole competition is so good for our girls because it brings about friendships, resilience and learning.

“It’s just been amazing. To bring state schools and private schools together in our team and get the chance to play at a high level means a lot to us. To get another medal for the second year in a

row is so good for our borough.”

Team Lambeth also came in third, behind Hackney and Harringey, in the Indoor Rowing competition on the same day. They competed amongst 165 youngsters representing 11 different London boroughs in individual and relay races on rowing machines.

Competitors at the London Youth Games (LYG) range from 7 to 18 years old and have included sporting legends like Sir Mo Farah, Dina Asher-

Smith, Alex Yee, Christine Ohuruogu MBE, David Weir CBE, Chloe Kelly, and Raheem Sterling MBE.

Founded in 1977 in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, LYG has been creating life-changing opportunities through sport for all young Londoners for 49 years.

The Games have grown into the largest youth multi-sport event in Europe with more than two million young people having taken part.

The London Youth Games Foundation (LYGF) supports more than 10,000 young people across London each year, delivering opportunities across 37 sports for all 32 boroughs & the City of London.

The LYGF will be celebrating their 50th anniversary next year and members of the public can support them here: www.zeffy.com/en-GB/donation-form/ countdown-to-50-years-of-london-youthgames-foundation

By Kumail Jaffer

Local Democracy Reporter

THE MAYOR of London Sadiq Khan has announced bus and tram fares in the capital will be frozen for another four months until 1 November - and his new Weekend Hopper will allow Londoners to pay just £1.75 for a whole day of travel this summer.

The Mayor’s extension to the freeze is the seventh freeze of bus and tram fares in the last ten years, with single fares staying at £1.75 since March 2023.

The freeze is aimed at easing the cost-of-living crisis after Tube, DLR, Elizabeth Line and Overground fares were increased earlier this year because of an agreement with the government London’s buses are the most used form of public transport in the city, with more than five million bus journeys made on a typical day.

The freeze coincides with the Mayor’s Weekend Hopper offer which will cap weekend fares at just £1.75 for a whole day’s travel, from 25 July to 31 August.

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: ‘I’m pleased to extend the freeze on bus and tram fares for another four months, and will continue doing everything in my power to keep TfL services as affordable as possible, as I know the cost-of-living crisis is still hitting many Londoners hard.

“My Hopper fare has enabled millions of people to save money on bus and tram travel over the past decade, and now the exciting new Weekend Hopper will make it even cheaper and easier for Londoners and visitors to enjoy all that

BUS FARES FROZEN

our great city has to offer this summer.

“I know that buses and trams are a real lifeline for many Londoners, and I’m determined to keep them the most accessible and affordable modes of transport in the capital as we continue building a greener, fairer, better London for everyone.’

But single bus and tram fares are

expected to rise by 10p to £1.85, or 5p for eligible concession card holders, from November 1st. The price of the daily bus and tram would increase 30p to £5.55.

TFL have said that had bus fares increased in line with inflation since the Mayor came into power in 2016 they would be £2.35 today.

Khan may need to keep the prices down to keep attracting users as recent data on the London Data Store showed a 20 per cent fall in bus passenger numbers last year when compared to pre-pandemic levels.

In the year to October 2019, there were 2,195 billion bus journeys in London, according to City Hall data. Whilst

there were 1,794m bus journeys in the 12 months to last October, equating to 401m fewer journeys.

This also comes after the recent reduction in frequency of the 484 bus route between Denmark Hill and Lewisham from every 10-12 minutes to every 15 minutes. A decision widely criticised by local politicians.

A BILL OF RIGHTS FOR BUS DRIVERS CAUGHT IN THE HEATWAVE

‘Temperatures soared up to 50C in some drivers’ cabs’

By Kumail Jaffer and Luke Donnelly Local Democracy Reporter

CITY HALL has unanimously backed a motion to introduce a ‘Bill of Rights’ for bus drivers following a sweltering London heatwave.

Temperatures have soared up to 50C in some drivers’ cabs while many worked in buses with faulty air-conditioning or air-cooling systems.

Unite the Union claims Transport for London and Sir Sadiq Khan are not doing enough to protect drivers and continue to put their safety at risk. On Thursday Reform UK Assembly Member Keith Prince laid down a motion proposing a ‘Bill of Rights’ which includes a dozen key principles.

It calls for bus drivers to have a safe work schedule without forced overtime or loss of pay, along with an acceptable rest break during the workday. The bill also insists on access to a toilet on all bus routes, the right to report safety concerns without fear of retribution from TfL or employers, and that all buses have working air-cooling and heating systems.

Keith Prince AM said: “We have seen drivers having to drive with their shirts off, drivers that don’t have anywhere to go to the loo. Something needs to be done because while it’s important we are able to get to work and buses run on time, it’s equally important we are not driving these bus drivers to such levels of fatigue that they make human errors.

“They deserve a better deal – we must

recognise the importance of having drivers who are not fatigued.”

All 21 assembly members in attendance unanimously backed the motion, which calls on the Mayor of London and TfL to formally recognise and support the bus drivers’ ‘Bill of Rights’.

Green AM Caroline Russell said:

“In Paris last week, a bus driver was overcome by heat and crashed into a tree. That single moment says a lot about what happens when conditions become unbearable. Drivers have been working in sweltering heat [in recent weeks].

“In extreme weather, drivers are expected to carry their responsibility, which is pushing them to their limits.

In February 2025, I submitted the Bus Drivers Bill of Rights petition – their demands were reasonable, including protection for workers raising safety concerns. They are basic rights for the dignity and well-being of the people who keep London’s transport moving.”

Labour’s Elly Baker added: “Safe working hours, protection from fatigue, working conditions that aren’t too hot or cold – these should be a given. Many of these points are covered in existing legislation, but it is right that where we fall short is implementation. It is absolutely right we are asking the Mayor and TfL to be more proactive in holding bus operators to account [on this].”

Some 1,900 bus drivers in North and East London across 10 depots are being balloted over a potential strike due to “unbearable” heatwave conditions.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham

accused operator Arriva of “putting profits before people” and failing to invest in better cooling systems.

Drivers from Barking, Clapton, Dartford, Edmonton, Enfield, Grays, Palmers Green, Stamford Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green are being balloted about joining the strike action. This ballot opened on July 1 and continue until July 29. Unite has warned that any strike action will lead to severe delays and cancellations.

Last week Sir Sadiq Khan promised drivers more support to help them cope with the extreme hot weather. He said that any driver working in a bus where air-cooling systems are not working can stop driving and contact their controller with no risk of penalties.

“What we’ve done is make sure that the bus companies that run our buses have been instructed by TFL to make sure that no bus leaves the garage unless the air conditioning and the air cooling is

working,” he told the LDRS.

“Any bus driver that feels their bus is too hot, that is oppressive – they shouldn’t be driving their buses and they will not be penalised for doing so.

“We’ve also said to the private bus companies that when it comes to the bus performance contracts, they’ve been suspended [in these cases] – so you won’t be penalised if your bus is delayed because the bus driver needs to take action to keep their bus safe, their passengers safe as well.

“We’ve also stopped using the dodgy buses brought by the previous Mayor, where the windows couldn’t open and the air conditioning didn’t work. In every bus in both decks, there should be air coolants that are working.

If they’re not, those buses shouldn’t be used.”

Free fun by the water

Get set for six weeks of summer magic – no tickets required

Summer is well and truly here, and Canada Water is hotting up. Round The Dock at Canada Water sees the neighbourhood’s unique open spaces come alive. Set around the water and shaped by South London’s creative spirit with six weeks of live music, markets, food pop-ups, workshops and more – it’s a chance to discover something new and support small businesses.

Research shows that most Londoners feel more relaxed when spending time near water, yet there are few places in the city where people can truly unwind, enjoy culture and make the most of time outdoors by the waterside. With many feeling that London should make better use of its rivers, docks and waterways for free cultural events and activities, Round The Dock aims to show what’s possible when we harness the creativity of the capital.

Kicking off on Thursday 23 July and running until the end of August, the packed schedule of free events for the whole community takes in everything from skateboarding with Skate Haven CIC and water exploration sessions at the Discovery Pond to jazz, dance and spoken word on a floating stage in Canada Dock and outdoor films on the floating screen.

Norman Jay MBE spins the sounds of summer Front and centre of the music programme is legendary DJ Norman Jay MBE (for a one-off performance on 16 August). Steam Down presents Sounds of Diaspora – the globally acclaimed South London Afro-Punk collective known for their immersive live performances blending jazz, afrobeat, hip-hop, funk and electronic music – will take over the floating stage every Friday. The programme continues on Saturdays and Sundays with the Jazz and Soul line-up showcasing celebrated names from across the scene including Mark Kavuma, Sophie Faith and Soul Sanctuary Gospel supported by Sofar Sounds

Eat, browse, discover

At the weekends, stalls will be packed with standout flea, vintage and vinyl finds. Whether it’s discovering emerging designers at Craft & Flea, hunting for one-of-a-kind vintage pieces with Bottle Factory Flea, tucking into KERB’s street food line-up alongside the East Asian makers of Urban Garden Fair, or browsing handmade goods from SoLo Craft Fair, each weekend offers a different slice of London’s vibrant market scene. Black Eats Takeover will shine a spotlight on Black-owned businesses, while Independent Label Market joins forces with N4 Makers Market for a closing weekend celebrating independent music, art and design.

Fun for all the family

Families looking to flex their creative muscles can drop in to the Dockside Den, where the line-up is designed to keep kids moving – from African drumming workshops to theatrical live science experiments to live bee encounters.

Meanwhile, our community partners are ramping up with more Thrive Markets, Rod Kitson’s Art of Isolation Gallery events, plus the return of Rotherhithe Festival and Bermondsey Carnival.

All summer – there’s always something happening. Come and unwind by the water.

THE VICTORIA PUB TO HOST FUNDRAISER AND LIVE MUSIC It will raise money for British Heart Foundation in memory of late owner

By Evie Flynn

THE VICTORIA pub in Bermondsey is putting on a fundraiser this Saturday to raise money for British Heart Foundation.

The Victoria is a hidden gem tucked away on a Bermondsey backstreet between Grange Road and the Old Kent Road on Pages Walk. This old school pub has kept much of it interior from the 1980s and has been used for numerous TV dramas over the years including The Sweeney.

Starting at 12pm this Saturday July 11, the event will feature live music throughout the day, with donations collected in support of the charity.

The cause is particularly close to the heart of Pat McKenna, who has run the pub for 42 years alongside his brother Mike, who sadly passed away after a heart attack in August 2024.

Spizz, from Spizzenergi, the band formed in the late 1970s who reached the top of the UK indie chart in 1980 with their single “Where’s Captain Kirk?”, will perform two sets on the day at 4.30pm and 7pm.

Spizz lives locally in Bermondsey and Pat said he was ‘more than happy’ to be involved and show support for the British Heart Foundation.

Staff members will be collecting donations with fundraising buckets and any contribution to the charity, big or small, is encouraged.

Pat said. “We hope it’s going to be a lovely day with warm weather.”

They will be showing the England versus Norway match after the music, which kicks off at 10pm.

“Everyone who wants to come along and support a great cause is very welcome,”

Pat said they chose British Heart Foundation because out of every £1, 85p goes as a charitable donation and the remaining 15p is admin.

Date: Saturday 11 July

Time: Starts at 12pm, followed by the England match at 10pm

Address: 68-70 Page’s Walk, SE1 4HL

Tickets: Drop-in, donations are encouraged

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Immersive Peaky Blinders experience coming to London Bridge

By Gabriel Stewart

THE SHADOWY underworld of Tommy Shelby is coming to London Bridge this August, so get ready to don your caps for a brand new Peaky Blinders immersive experience.

Peaky Blinders Underworld will transport guests into the world of the infamous Brummie gang ahead of an upcoming spin-off TV series.

Set within the historical railway arches close to London Bridge, fans will begin their journey at The Garrison Tavern, a faithfully recreated post-WWI pub designed immediately to immerse visitors in the atmosphere of Shelby family’s watering hole.

Behind the Garrison Tavern, the Peaky Blinders Underworld awaits in hidden speakeasy rooms with a mix of interactive

gameplay and actor-led encounters bringing the British crime series to life.

The immersive event is based on Steven Knight’s award-winning series that follows Tommy as he leads a notorious gang to carve out an empire for himself and his family in 1919 Birmingham.

Steven Knight said: “Peaky Blinders Underworld is not just a recreation of the Shelby family’s world, but a much wider destination.

“This venue gives fans the opportunity to socially engage with their beloved series through a completely new prism, while those less familiar with the show will find plenty to love about it too.”

Ticketholders will be able to get their baker boy caps out to explore recreated versions of Garrison Lane, The Bookies, Chinatown and The Small Heath Fairground.

Guests will even have the chance to join

MOMO is coming home!

By Gabriel Stewart

KOMBUCHA BRAND MOMO is coming home after taking over the former Brixton Brewery site just around the corner from where it all began.

The Great Taste Award winning kombucha will now be made at the new Herne Hill site after brewing in New Covent Garden Market for seven years.

The South London business said the new location and equipment will allow the team to use custom fermentation vessels that will help increase production from 60,000 bottles per week to 300,000 bottles per week.

Founders Josh and Lisa Puddle founded the company in 2018 in their kitchen, just minutes away from the Brixton Brewery site.

Josh Puddle, co-founder of Momo, said: “Lisa and I started Momo with a clear aim to produce the UK’s best-tasting and highest-quality kombucha. That has been the number one pillar of our strategy and always will be.

“I believe the kombucha category in the UK is where craft beer was 20 years ago, and it feels fitting to be giving this former beer brewery a healthy facelift.

“The move also brings Momo back

to its south east London roots, just a couple of minutes from where Lisa and I started the business from our home.

“It gives us the space to continue innovating, grow sustainably and introduce more people to the potential of great kombucha.”

The new 16,000 square foot brewery will give the business more space to brew, innovate and expand with a new fermenting space, dedicated lab and kitchen.

And don’t worry, the kombucha won’t run dry! The team worked flat out to increase production output by 70% over the past few weeks to make sure there is enough of the guthelping drink to last the transition.

A mighty task that has involved 1,400 kilograms of tea leaves, 10.5 tonnes of sugar, 200,000L of kombucha, and over half a million bottles.

Kombucha is fermented tea and has been around for thousands of years, is it low in sugar and naturally contains probiotics and healthy organic acids. MOMO’s range are priced at £4.50 per 330ml glass bottle and include the zesty flavours of Ginger-Lemon Kombucha and Turmeric Kombucha.

You can follow the move live on MOMO’s Instagram: www.instagram. com/momokombucha/

the Peaky Blinders gang but first, they’ll have to prove they’ve got it in them to succeed in Shelby’s ranks.

Produced by KMJ Entertainment in partnership with Banijay Rights, the experience is set to launch in August with The Garrison Tavern free and open for all to enter but the Underworld attraction behind it ticketed.

The Tavern will also host a programme of special late-night performances, live music and themed events that will bring Shelby’s after-dark world to life.

Two new six-episode seasons of the series, led by the next generation of the gang in Jamie Bell and Charlie Heaton, are expected in 2027 and 2028 and will be available to watch on the BBC.

BOROUGH HAD HIGHEST NUMBER OF E-BIKE AND E-SCOOTER FIRES IN RESIDENTIAL HOMES

By Ruby Gregory Local Democracy Reporter

A SOUTH London borough had the highest number of e-scooter and e-bike battery fires within residential properties in the capital in 2025, a London Fire Brigade (LFB) Station Commander has revealed.

St Cdr Mike Watts, who is based at Forest Hill Fire Station, said 20 incidents were “positively identified” as e-scooter and e-bike fires starting in homes in Lewisham last year.

He told Lewisham Council’s Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee on Thursday, July 2: “Since late 2024, there have been at least five high-profile incidents with multiple serious injuries, and unfortunately including a fatality of a 12-year-old boy within the borough.

“We are looking to raise awareness within the borough around the safe charging, safe storage, and safe use of e-scooter and e-bikes.”

It’s understood the incident Stn Cdr Watts was referring to is Fabian Henry, 12, who died after a fire broke out at his home in Orchard Gardens in Lewisham shortly before midnight on July 8, 2025.

St Cdr Watts went on to some say

e-scooters and e-bikes in high-rise properties are being charged in communal areas because residents can use the power points for free and won’t be charged on their individual meters. Adapted vehicles and the use of the wrong chargers have led to fires, with hot jets of flames shooting of out scooters and bikes in some cases.

St Cdr Watts said LFB will launch a two-month campaign which is being supported by the council and will begin on July 20, which aims to raise awareness over e-scooter and e-bike

fires and reduce deaths and serious injuries within the borough.

The campaign will pop up in educational settings, across social media and the council’s website as well as events which will be held at Lewisham, Deptford and Catford markets.

LFB is also looking at hosting informative ‘drop-in days’ for residents at fire stations across Lewisham and within the council’s Town Hall.

Later on in the meeting, Cllr Kim Powell asked whether the LFB had

identified any hotspots in the borough for the fires.

St Cdr Watts said fires involving e-scooters and e-bikes were spread out across the borough in 2025, but he did say data shows incidents occurring more in high-rise residential premises and social housing.

Towards the end of the discussion,

St Cdr Watts issued some safety and storage advice for owners of e-scooters and e-bikes.

He said: “Only buy and use e-bikes and e-scooters from recognised sellers,

make sure they’re e-marked [and they have] appropriate chargers for the batteries on the bike or the scooter that you’re using.

“Don’t charge these in your hallways, always make sure there is one door separation between where you are and your escape route should there be a fire. Make sure you’ve got heat alarms rather than just smoke alarms in the room where the bikes are being charged and don’t charge them overnight when you’re asleep or when you’re not in the property.”

Italian and Portuguese wine bar and deli opens in Deptford

By Evie Flynn

CANTINA BOCCONE has just opened its doors beneath the railway arches in Deptford Yard, bringing together Portuguese wine and Italian meats and cheeses.

Described as an “Italian and Portuguese affair”, the new venue is the creation of founders Fabio Forin, from Rome, and Gonçalo Albuquerque, from Lisbon.

The menu is designed to be enjoyed alongside a glass of wine rather than as a standalone meal. Its staple offering is the ‘Boccone Board’, featuring cured meats, cheeses and bread.

It also has a selection of small plates on offer, including chouriço assado, bacalhau à Brás, buffalo mozzarella with grilled aubergines, handmade wild boar tortelloni and Portuguese sardines.

The wine list features house wine served by the glass and carafe, alongside bottles from ‘lesser-seen’ Portuguese and Italian regions.

“We wanted the wine to feel generous

and personal, not intimidating,” said Gonçalo. “Portuguese wine is still underrepresented in London, especially beyond the obvious regions, and we wanted to show bottles that feel exciting without turning the whole thing into a lecture.

“The point is to drink well, eat well, and stay longer than you planned.”

The pair, who are ‘partners in life as well as business’, moved to the area in 2023 and have spent the past five years dreaming up the idea of Cantina Boccone.

In the next couple months, there will be a small programme of events with further details to be announced soon. ww.instagram.com/cantina.boccone Arch 8, Deptford Market Yard

Opening hours: Wednesday-Thursday: 5-10pm Friday: 1-11pm

Saturday: 12-11pm Sunday: 12-5pm

Al fresco dining will be coming to these South London streets this summer

By Evie Flynn

LOWER MARSH in Waterloo and Beresford Square in Woolwich town centre will introduce outdoor dining, World Cup screenings, markets and other free activities from July to September.

Under the Mayor’s Summer Streets scheme, two South London locations have both received a grant of ‘up to £100,000’ to introduce al fresco dining.

Lower Marsh in Waterloo will be closed to traffic every Saturday from 9am to 9pm

with outdoor seating, extended business trading and events including National Theatre live screenings.

Beresford Square, General Gordon Square and Powis Street in Woolwich will also be getting investment and will host al fresco dining and events including World Cup and Wimbledon screenings, markets, performances and late opening as part of Woolwich Carnival.

The other two large projects are in Barking and Dagenham and Brent and form part of the Mayor’s wider scheme to boost the capitals economy and nightlife.

Marina Ahmad, London Assembly member for Lambeth and Southwark, said: “Waterloo has always had so much to offer, and this funding will help bring more people to our area.

By investing in local areas, the Mayor is giving residents in Lower Marsh more reasons to get out and take pride in their neighbourhood, going a long way in supporting struggling businesses in the area.”

Councillor Asli Mohammed, Greenwich Cabinet member for economy, town centres and co-operatives said: “Summer

New weekly night market will be coming to Sydenham for summer

run every Friday from 17 July to 18 September from 5pm to 10pm

Streets will give a real boost to Woolwich’s economy, with increased footfall, extended opening hours and more outdoor seating.

“We will soon be decking out the town centre in Summer Streets style and it’s great to see so many local businesses getting behind this campaign. From world cuisine to Woolwich Carnival, it’s going to be a summer to remember.”

Eleven smaller ‘pocket’ schemes have been chosen to receive up to £10,000 each. This includes Sydenham Night Market in Lewisham - see article below.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

“I’m delighted that we’re working with boroughs and local businesses to bring al fresco dining, live music, events and later opening hours to streets across our capital.

“From Woolwich to Willesden Green, Finsbury Park to Feltham, and right in the heart of the capital in Waterloo, this investment will create new outdoor spaces, support local businesses and give Londoners and visitors even more reasons to get out and enjoy our city.”

The scheme will be running every Saturday from July to September.

By Gabriel Stewart

A BRAND new weekly night market is coming to Sydenham this month, with local street food and great outdoor summer vibes promised.

Lewisham Council has announced that Sydenham Night Market will run every Friday from 17 July to 18 September from 5pm to 10pm at Sydenham Station Approach.

The market is free to attend and is part of the Mayor of London’s ambition to see the biggest ever summer for al fresco dining in the capital’s history.

Lewisham is one of 13 boroughs

to secure funding from the Mayor’s £500,000 fund and the market is part of the Greater London Authority’s Summer Streets Programme to encourage outdoor dining and events.

Cllr Shireen Asaw, Lewisham Council Cabinet Member for Business, Workers and Skills said: “Lewisham is known for our incredible food and drink scene, and this brand new night market is a great way to showcase local businesses and traders, attract visitors to the area and create an evening destination for the warmer months.

“We are committed to helping our high streets thrive and strengthening the

local economy, and this project is part of our work to encourage more people to discover everything the south of the borough has to offer.”

The Sydenham Night Market will be operated by the Food Market Company, organisers of markets in Catford, Lewisham and Beckenham Place Park.

To enable the market to take place safely, Sydenham Station Approach will be closed to traffic between 3pm and 11pm every Friday from 17 July to 18 September.

Anyone with specific access requirements can contact business@lewisham.gov.uk.

By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter

A LEGENDARY South London gym is fighting to survive as Transport for London’s property firm looks to raise its rent.

Physical Culture, which sits under railway arches in Putney, has already seen its rent rise steeply since the Covid-19 pandemic and it is now facing another hike from landlord Places for London.

The much-loved venue is one of the oldest powerlifting gyms in the country, and Putney’s oldest gym, having been set up in 1928. Olympians, Commonwealth Games medallists and other champion athletes – including the legendary George Hackenschmidt, recognised as the first World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion –have trained and supported members at the gym for nearly a century.

Chris Quinn, who has run the gym since the late 1980s, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the venue is facing its biggest challenge yet, having already struggled to survive the major impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic – including being forced to shut for prolonged periods.

As Physical Culture emerged from the pandemic, Places for London revealed it planned to raise its annual rent from £26,500 to £45,000.

Chris said the gym had to spend vital funds on hiring a chartered surveyor to negotiate the figure down to a stepped rent rising to £41,500 over three years, which is still far too expensive. Places for London now wants to raise the rent again from November by inflation plus one per cent.

Chris said: “The problem for us is that everything was fine up to the pandemic, and since the pandemic we’ve just been in survival mode.”

Places for London told the LDRS it is working closely with Physical Culture and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to make sure the gym can continue to run for many years to come.

The gym secured Asset of Community Value status from Wandsworth Council this year, which means the community would have six months to submit its own bid to buy the venue if Places for London decided to sell.

Although the victory highlighted the importance of the venue and its strong community backing, it is still battling the proposed rent increase.

Chris said the base rent on which the

LEGENDARY GYM BATTLES RENT HIKE

Set

up in 1928, it is

one of the oldest powerlifting gyms in the country

increase would be applied is already too expensive and any further increase is unaffordable for independent businesses like his, where he is already working around the clock to make ends meet.

He said that while Places for London suggested applying for grants, any applications may not be successful and would not sustain the gym in the long run.

When the LDRS visited the gym, Chris and its members stressed its irreplaceable role in providing local strength training, bringing the community together and helping people to age well.

People of all ages and abilities –and from across London – train and socialise at the gym, which helps to tackle loneliness.

Chris said: “You’re all the same when you’re in the gym. Obviously some people are stronger, but you’re

all basically doing the same thing and you’re working together and because you’re all meeting each other, people talk to each other in between sets, so it forces people into communities. They get camaraderie, but it’s a natural way to do it.”

He said the gym is a rare surviving site of British physical culture and must be protected as such.

The gym’s website adds: “Unlike transient or chain-operated facilities, Physical Culture has remained deeply rooted in its local area, passing from one generation of members to the next. Many current members have family connections to the gym stretching back decades.

“Preserving this space means preserving a living piece of local heritage, not as a museum, but as a working, active community asset that continues to serve the public.”

A Places for London spokesperson

Lime calls for more e-bike choice after being officially kicked out of Richmond

By Charlotte Lillywhite

Local Democracy Reporter

LIME HAS called for multiple e-bike operators to be allowed in London boroughs for a “seamless approach to transport”, after it was kicked out of Richmond.

The changeover of e-bike operators in Richmond from Lime to Forest has now been completed. It means Lime bikes can no longer be parked or hired in the South West London borough, although they can still be ridden through it.

Alice Pleasant, Lime UK’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, said Richmond Council’s decision removed choice from residents and risked discouraging people from

cycling.

She said Lime had over 1.5 million trips in Richmond in 2025, which was a 50 per cent increase on the year before.

Ms Pleasant told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) Lime wanted to grow cycling across London by making it as easy as possible to use e-bikes.

She said: “Riders don’t know the boundaries between each individual borough… when they pick up a bike in City of London to go to Richmond’s green parks or river, they’re not thinking about the invisible lines of the borough – so when their councils choose just a single operator and remove that choice, what it means is that residents suffer the most.

“It creates more friction, it fragments

transport and generally it can hurt cycling, and that’s something that we’re concerned about.”

The council said its decision was about supporting and growing e-bike use in the borough by securing a service that offered residents better value, greater availability and stronger management.

It said the move would bring residents lower prices and better connectivity as Forest already operated in neighbouring boroughs Kingston and Hounslow.

The council’s Transport Committee approved plans in March to switch e-bike providers from Lime to Forest, in a major change as Lime had been the borough’s sole e-bike operator since 2021.

The council invited bids for a new

said: “We hugely value the contribution made by small and medium size businesses on our estate. They are an important part of London’s stations, streets and more and our tenants, such as Physical Culture, make a positive difference to our customers and their communities

“We recognise Physical Culture’s history and contributions, and are working closely with them and the GLA to ensure it continues to be financially viable and ensure the gym can continue to run for many years to come.

“Our aim is to make sure we provide high-quality spaces for businesses at a reasonable market rate. We have proposed a rent increase of only RPI+1 per cent for Physical Culture. We know that there many challenges facing small and medium businesses across London, and we have met with the team at Physical Culture and offered to find ways to support them and their businesses.”

Anyone wishing to donate money to help support the gym can do so on its website physicalculture.co.uk/donate

contract to provide e-bikes in Richmond until 2029, which it received from Lime, Forest and Voi. The authority considered having one operator with a fleet cap of 1,500 e-bikes, or two operators with a fleet cap of 750 e-bikes each.

COPD INJECTION GIVEN TO PATIENTS FOR FIRST TIME

PATIENTS AT Guy’s and St Thomas’ were the first in the country to receive a revolutionary new treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive, long-term lung condition that makes it hard to breathe.

The new injection, developed by King’s College London, is called dupilumab. It can be self-administered like an insulin pen and provides additional therapy to prevent flare ups of COPD.

Every day in the UK 85 people with COPD will tragically die. The condition has a major impact on quality of life and mortality. COPD costs the NHS around £2 billion a year and is the 2nd leading cause of hospital admissions.

Current treatments, including medicines that open up the airways known as brochodilators, improve breathing but do not target the inflammation driving COPD symptoms. Other therapies, like steroid inhalers, broadly reduce inflammation but do not offer a targeted approach, so work inconsistently across patients.

In this milestone in the treatment for COPD, patients received their first injection of dupilumab at St Thomas’ Hospital. Following the first injection, they will receive their medication every two weeks and will be taught to self-inject from the second dose, similar to how people with diabetes administer insulin.

Patients will be monitored for the following year to review their symptoms. If there has been an improvement the medication will be

Shape children’s cancer services

DO YOU want to help design future children’s cancer services at Evelina London? The hospital has been chosen as the future site for specialist children’s cancer services for south London and much of south east England.

Evelina London wants to hear about the experiences and needs of children, young people and families to help it understand what matters most. There are lots of ways to take part, including sharing ideas, joining a workshop or advisory group, or getting creative with designs and artwork.

To get involved and sign up for updates, visit: evelinalondon.nhs.uk/ shapecancerservices or email gstt.ChildrensCancer@nhs.net.

Guy’s Hospital receives Freedom of Southwark

GUY’S HOSPITAL has been awarded the Freedom of the London borough of Southwark. The Freedom is the highest award a borough council can present an individual or organisation for contributions to the local community. It comes as Guy’s marks its 300th anniversary.

Professor Stephen Challacombe

accepted the Freedom from the new Mayor of Southwark in a ceremony at Southwark Cathedral. Other recipients included the London Fire Brigade and Millwall FC. Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “It is a privilege to have cared for the people of the borough and beyond over these centuries.”

continued in the longer term.

Patrick Regan was the first patient to receive the new COPD medication. Patrick, 67, was diagnosed with COPD around 15 years ago. He said: “I was happy to have it, anything to make me feel a bit better and breathing better. COPD affects me a lot and stops me doing things I want to do like walking and going out with my kids and grandkids. That’s one of the most important reasons to get this new medication so I can do more things with the kids.”

Brian Dodsworth, 70, from Southwark, who also received the injection, said: “I have been feeling worse than usual recently and I’m hoping it will help me get a decent night’s sleep. I only get around 4 hours of sleep at night and then I end up falling asleep in the day, it takes my life away.”

Dr Amy Dewar, a consultant in integrated respiratory medicine and lead for COPD at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “This is very much a new avenue of treatment for COPD and will make a truly meaningful impact on patients to reduce admissions and flare ups of their condition.”

Healthcare teams will decide if this treatment is appropriate for patients having care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals. For people being treated elsewhere, Guy’s and St Thomas’ is not currently taking referrals for the new treatment. Integrated Care Boards are working to make it available to eligible patients across the country as soon as possible.

New solar panels at Guy’s and St Thomas’ community sites

GUY’S AND St Thomas’ will save money and produce clean energy, thanks to newly-installed solar panels at 5 community health centres across Lambeth and Southwark.

The Trust received £667,000 from Great British Energy to install the panels and now expects to save around £57,000 a year that can be reinvested into frontline services. The panels will also help Guy’s and St Thomas’ reduce about 50 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. The solar panels were installed at Bermondsey Health Centre, Wooden Spoon House, Bowley Close Rehabilitation Centre, Lambeth Community Care Centre, and Minnie Kidd House.

what’s on

‘THAT WAS THE BEST PLAY I HAVE EVER SEEN!’

THE MAN next to me is in tears, and the audience is on their feet and whooping the vast cast of actors that have just revived an old friend, writes Ed and Woody Gray... Joey the War Horse has triumphantly returned home to the National Theatre after bolting off on tour for a few years, and the Olivier Theatre barn door is well and truly shut behind him, at least until 30th July when this run is due to

end.

Accompanying me on this equine escapade is Southwark News cub reviewer Woody Gray, who has maintained his position on the edge of his seat for the duration of this two hours and twentyminute performance. Woody was not even born when War Horse first cantered onto the stage at the Olivier in 2007 , but he has read Michael Morpurgo’s novel, which was sparked by a conversation

with an old soldier. Morpurgo discovered that one million horses left England for the fields of France in the First World War, whilst only 65,000 returned home. His novel War Horse picked up pace through play and film, and it is safe to say it is now a phenomenon.

The War Horse phenomenon has been boosted by the incredible puppetry by Handspring Theatre, which has to be seen to be believed. Joey first

YOU BELIEVE YOU WILL FALL INTO OBLIVION

ANISH KAPOOR doesn’t do small. Even when the Vantablack circle painted on the floor is only the size of a dustbin lid, it’s the size of the meaning that should be measured, writes Michael Holland...

And this is what he said at the welcoming speech: ‘Scale isn’t about size, it’s about meaning’, so his exhibition is a combination of small pieces and huge installations that sit, squashed into various places on different levels; backed into corners and ready to burst into action. Literally, because these are ginormous inflatables, taut at the seams and fit to explode.

But there is a sense of danger elsewhere too. Entrails that could have come from sacrificed animals that ooze dark red liquid turn sections of the Hayward into an abattoir. An upside mountain resembles a stalactite in a cave,

but relates to God demanding Abraham kill his own son. That, too, seemingly about to drip blood on all and sundry beneath.

But it is the Vantablack works that intrigue the most - a substance created with nanotechnology that absorbs up to 99% of the light that hits it, making it impossible to detect depth, texture or contour. You have to go to the side to see if the object is concave, only to find it is a flat painted surface. Having your brain tested in this way induces strange feelings within. So when you see the black circle on the floor you will not step on it because you believe you will fall into oblivion. Similar sensations of oddness come from his mirror sculptures. Some turn you upside down, others have you walking left while you are walking towards the right! Truly mind-blowing. And then there are those that you just cannot work out

how the artist ever thought of doing it, never mind the actual creating of it!

And that is exactly what Kapoor wants you to feel, discombobulation and imagining what lies beyond the black void.

The exhibition is interactive without actually touching the pieces

- If there wasn’t a No Touch policy I would have tried to put my hand into the core of the internal organs, only to find it was a flat surface instead of a dark hole. Both the Vantablack and mirror illusions will appeal to all age groups.

Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX until October 18th. Booking and full details: https://www.southbankcentre. co.uk/whats-on/anish-kapoor/

contrast to the savagely bestial capacity for humans to inflict senseless violence on everything around them.

The violence in War Horse is realistically portrayed. The story follows young Albert as he joins up aged sixteen in pursuit of his beloved horse Joey, auctioned to the military by his drunken father. Random killings of soldiers and horses, and horse whipping, are portrayed at times, but never gratuitously. A vast torn fragment of a sketchbook page hangs over the minimal stage set, a backdrop for projections of stunning illustrations by Rae Smith throughout, from Devon village to gritty blasted scenes of no man’s land and expressionistic battles. Suddenly, the fragment becomes a giant blood-soaked bandage which drips into poppies above a Guernica-like scene of the aftermath of a battle.

Amidst this chaos and destruction, there are moments of levity and humour in the ranks, but actors speaking in German and French accents undermine the message that soldiers on all sides lost their humanity through the actions of Kaisers and Kings. Over a hundred years have passed since young Woody’s great-grandparents lost friends on the field of France, and men and women are still fighting in trenches. The obsession with our past conflicts is more relevant than ever, which makes this production of War Horse even more timely.

appears as a foal, and from the moment the audience sees him and horse pal Topthorn, it is truly mesmerising. The puppeteers breathe so much life into these mechanised cane horse structures that you find yourself watching their individual movements amidst the drama onstage. A turn of an ear, a dive into a nosebag, a muscle twitch, galloping - are all artfully recreated. The effect is one of striking humanity and innocence in

‘That was the best play I have ever seen! I flinched, I laughed, and I cried,’ enthused my son as we headed for Waterloo Station, before adding, ‘That’s not something you want to see after a production of War Horse.’ I looked up to watch a London bus speeding by with the words, ‘British Army Recruiting Now’ emblazoned across it.

Olivier Theatre until 30th July Booking and full details: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/ productions/war-horse/

Hayward_Descent into Limbo 1992

Mixed media, pigment

Photograph_ Filipe

Braga Anish Kapoor. All rights reserved, DACS, 2026

A Safe, Fun, and Nourishing Summer in Lambeth

Looking for ways to keep your children active, and engaged this summer?

Lambeth’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is back, offering free activities for 4–16 year olds who live or go to school in Lambeth and receive benefits-related free school meals. The programme runs from 20 July to 28 August.

Children can enjoy a range of activities including sports, arts, music, drama and outdoor play, with a free healthy meal provided at every session.

HAF supports children to build confidence, develop skills, make friends, and enjoy their holidays in a safe, inclusive environment.

Dedicated places and specialist provision are available for children with SEND.

Activities take place across Lambeth in local schools, community centres, adventure playgrounds and parks, so there will be something happening near you all summer.

What to expect

• Fun, high-quality activities led by trusted local providers

• Free, nutritious meals

• Safe and inclusive settings

• Specialist provision and support for children with SEND

• Opportunities to build skills, friendships, and confidence

What to do next

• Check activities in your area

• Book early – spaces fill up quickly

• Plan your summer with ease

To find out more and book visit our website or scan the QR code below.

www.lambeth.gov.uk/haf

Let’s make this a happy, healthy summer for children and young people in Lambeth.

GRACIE MAY JONES

To our Beautiful Gracie May Jones, wishing you the most wonderful 9th Birthday.

Love you to the moon and back, from your brother Tommy, Nanny Kath and families. Your Dad loves you very much. we love you always and forever xx

LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ORDER

The Lewisham (Prescribed Routes) (No.*) Order 202* Garthorne Road, SE23

1. The Council of the London Borough of Lewisham propose to make the above mentioned Order under Section 6 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 “the Act” (as amended), the effect of which will be to:- (a) prohibit motor vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Garthorne Road, SE23 at its junction with Grierson Road southwards to a point 3m south of the party wall of Nos.6 and 8; (b) revoke “The Lewisham (Prescribed Route) (No. 6) Traffic Order 1988 which imposes a prohibition of motor vehicles in Garthorne Road above, in its entirety.

2. Exemptions apply (a) for pedal cycles; (b) to anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform; (c) to any person who causes any vehicle to proceed in accordance with any restriction or requirement indicated by traffic signs placed pursuant to Section 66 or 67 of the Act.

3. Copies of the draft Order, plans 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-1061’.

4. Comments on the proposals for or against, together with the reasons for which they are made should be sent in writing to Lewisham Transport Policy & Development, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU, quoting reference ‘PTO-1061’ to arrive by 7 August 2026.

5. All written representations received concerning Traffic Regulation Orders are public documents that may be inspected by any person on demand.

Dated 10th July 2026.

Zahur Khan, Director of Public Realm, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.

LICENSING ACT 2003

APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE

Danny Watson has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth for the grant of a premises licence, in respect of the following premises: Riverside Walkway (Riverside Central and Riverside West), Wooden Cabin by Oxo Tower Wharf London SE11 9PP which would authorise the following licensable activities:

Supply of Alcohol: Monday – Wednesday (12:00 –21:00pm)

Supply of Alcohol: Thursday – Sunday (12:00 –22:00pm)

Recorded Music: Monday – Sunday (12:00 –21:00pm)

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 30 July 2026

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

LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM

The Lewisham (Prescribed Routes) (Various Roads) (No. 2) Traffic Order 2026

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, on 9 July 2026, the Council of the London Borough of Lewisham (“The Council”) made 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, the effect of which will be to:-

(a) prohibit all vehicles:-

(i) proceeding in a north-easterly direction on RANDLESDOWN ROAD from turning left into FRANTHORNE WAY; and

(ii) proceeding in a south-easterly direction on PERRY RISE from turning left into PERRY HILL;

(b) prohibit all vehicles, except buses, proceeding in a north-westerly direction on HITHER GREEN LANE from turning right into DUNCRIEVIE ROAD;

(c) prohibit all vehicles proceeding in a westerly direction on MORENA STREET from proceeding into BROOKDALE ROAD in any direction other than left;

(d) revoke “The Lewisham (Prescribed Routes) (No.4) Traffic Order 2025” in its entirety.

Copies of the made Order, which will commence on 13 July 2026, plans and Statement of the Council’s Reasons for making the Order may be obtained by emailing a request to trafficorders@ lewisham.gov.uk quoting reference ‘PTO 1107’.

If you wish to question the validity of the Order or any provision contained in it, on the grounds that it is not within the powers conferred by the Act, or on the grounds that any requirement of the Act or any instrument made under it, has not been complied with in relation to the Order, you may, within six weeks of the making of the Order apply to the High Court for this purpose.

Dated 10th July 2026. Zahur Khan, Director of Public Realm, Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.

Notice of application for a Premises Licence.

Notice is hereby given that KAPTAAN TOOTING LTD has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at for Kaptaan’s Tooting, 45 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7TR for Late-Night Refreshment – Both Indoor & Outdoor Monday to Sunday – 23:00 hrs to 02:00 Hrs.

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 29th July 2026 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority,

Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk

The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m.

Information on all new and variation applications received by the Licensing Authority can be viewed on the Council’s website www.wandsworth.gov.uk

It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application, punishable upon conviction by an unlimited fine.

LICENSING ACT 2003

APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF PREMISES LICENCE

Take notice that A&R Retailer Ltd have made an application to Lewisham Council acting as the Licensing Authority, for a Full Variation of Premises Licence in respect of One Stop Forest Hill, 20-22 Dartmouth Road, SE23 3XU

The details of the application are as follows: This application includes proposals to:

• Supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises

• Removal of the following condition from Annex 2 - "No super strength beer, lagers, ciders or spirit mixtures of 5.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) or above shall be sold on the premises."

Proposed Operating Hours: 24hrs Monday to Sunday

Currently Licensed:

• Supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises 06:00 – 23:30 Monday - 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

The last date by which responsible authorities or other persons may make representations to the Licensing Authority in relation to this application is 03rd August 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.

Rooftop Sixtyfour Ltd has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth to vary a Premises Licence, in respect of the following premises: Mimosa (formerly Rodizio Brazil), 62 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7UL. The nature of the variation is as follows:

1. Changes to the plans for the premises showing a new layout.

2. No increase in licensable activities or operating hours.

3. Addition of conditions agreed with police and EHO. 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 30/07/2026.

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).

LICENSING ACT 2003 APPLICATION FOR VARIATION OF PREMISES LICENCE

Rooftop Sixtyfour Ltd has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth to vary a Premises Licence, in respect of the following premises: Mimosa (formerly 64th & Social), 64 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7UL. The nature of the variation is as follows:

1. Changes to the plans for the premises showing a new layout.

2. No increase in licensable activities or operating hours.

3. Addition of conditions agreed with police and EHO.

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 30/07/2026.

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).

ETHELBERT JOSEPH

BARRETT-BAPTISTE

Deceased

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925

anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 11 Davenport Road, London, SE6 2AY, who died on 04/04/2022, must send written details to the address below by 11/09/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified.

Co-operative Legal Services Limited, 650 Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4SD. Ref: LN/6819130P/Munro-Baptiste

NATHALIE FRANCOISE JOUY

Deceased

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925

anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of 8 Kendoa Road, London, SW4 7NB, who died on 27/12/2024, must send written details to the address below by 11/09/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified.

DMH Stallard, 1st Floor, Wonersh House, The Guildway, Old Portsmouth Road, Guildford, GU3 1LR. Ref: B95/411629-1

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A20 GLA ROAD (SIDCUP BY-PASS AND SIDCUP ROAD, LONDON BOROUGHS OF BEXLEY AND BROMLEY AND ROYAL BOROUGH OF GREENWICH) PRESCRIBED ROUTES TRAFFIC ORDER 2026

1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that on 3rd July 2026 it made the above named Order, under section 6 and 7 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The Order will come into force on 11th July 2026.

2. The general nature and effect of the Order, when traffic signs are indicating and for reasons of (amongst other things) maintenance or, repair works, road traffic accidents, vehicle breakdowns or spillages on the roads, would be to prohibit any vehicle from:

(1) entering, exiting or proceeding on Sidcup By-pass between the administrative boundary of the London Borough of Bromley with Kent County Council and its junction with Sidcup Road;

(2) entering, exiting, proceeding or stopping on Sidcup Road between its junctions with Sidcup By-pass and Westhorne Avenue;

(3) entering or proceeding on the unnamed on and off-slip roads between the roundabout at the junctions with Perry Street and Chislehurst Road hereafter referred to as Frognal Corner Roundabout, and Sidcup By-pass;

(4) entering or proceeding on the unnamed on and off-slip roads between the roundabout at the junctions with Sevenoaks Way and Cray Road hereafter referred to as Crittall’s Corner Roundabout, and Sidcup Bypass.

Works may be phased as such that not all restrictions may apply at any one time.

3. The road which would be affected by the Order are A20 Sidcup By-pass and A20 Sidcup Road.

4. The prohibitions referred to in article 2 above would not apply to:

(a) any vehicle being used for police, fire brigade or ambulance purposes or any pedestrian engaged in such purposes; or

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

(c) any vehicle or pedestrian engaged in works for the cleansing, maintenance, repair, improvement or reconstruction of the roads;

(d) any vehicle engaged in the removal of any obstruction to traffic in the roads.

5. A copy of the Order, a map indicating the location and effect of the Order and copies of any Order revoked, suspended or varied by the Order 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/RC/TRO/GLA/2026/0453:

•Transport for London Streets Traffic Order Team (NMR/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.

6. Any person wishing to question the validity of the Order 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 Order is made, make application for the purpose to the High Court.

7. At such times as the prohibitions are in force alternative routes will be indicated by traffic signs via M25, Dartford By-Pass, East Rochester Way, Rochester Way Relief Road and Westhorne Avenue or reverse a to normal route of travel. Traffic at intermediate junctions will be diverted along the remaining open direction of travel to join diversion route.

Dated this 10th day of July 2026

Gary Oliver Area Manager South – Asset Operations

Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

LICENSING ACT 2003

APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE

Take notice that I/We Park Café SE13 Ltd have made an application to Lewisham Council acting as the Licensing Authority, for a New Premises Licence in respect of Fields Café, Ladywell Fields, London, SE13 7XA

The details of the application are as follows: Sale of alcohol for consumption on & off the premises Monday – Friday 12:00 – 18:00, Saturday & Sunday 12:00 – 20:00

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

The last date by which responsible authorities or other persons may make representations to the Licensing Authority in relation to this application is 3rd August 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.

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

Notice Under The Town and Country Planning Acts

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

LB - LISTED BUILDING

Written representations should be made within three weeks of the date of this advertisement to the Director of Planning, PO Box 80771, London, SW2 9QQ. 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.

378 Wandsworth Road London SW8 4TE Replacement of the external cladding system on the front and rear core volumes of the building. 26/01434/FUL

253 Kennington Road London SE11 6BY Application for Listed Building Consent for the replacement of existing windows with double glazed timber sash windows; replacement of existing rooflight; external doors and rear garden stairs. Replacement of existing timber fence with metal fence and installation of a new metal gate; replacement of existing slate roof tiles; lead dormer surrounds and making good of existing chimney and installation of new lead covering to rear bay parapet and new waterproofing (Full Planning Permission ref: 26/01857/FUL application received).

26/01858/LB

496 - 498 Brixton Road London SW9 8EQ Installation of new extract system with associated ducting within brick effect cladding to be erected on the rear flank elevation, together with alterations to the shopfront. 26/01768/FUL Naylor House Albion Avenue London SW8 2AJ Replacement of single-glazed timber sliding sash windows with vacuum-glazed timber sliding sash windows. (Flat 6).

(Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 26/01681/LB but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 26/01680/FUL). 26/01681/LB

20 - 22 Gipsy Hill London SE19 1NL Erection of an additional storey to the existing three-storey building to create two additional selfcontained residential dwellings (Use Class C3), together with associated facade alterations including replacement windows, revised fenestration arrangements and external material changes. 26/01719/FUL

8 Lansdowne Gardens London SW8 2EG Erection of a two-storey rear extension to lower ground and upper ground floor levels, erection of a second-floor extension to the closet wing. Alterations to fenestration. Landscaping works to the front and rear. Replacement of front boundary with railings, reinstatement of cornice to front elevation, replacement of external steps to rear ground floor level and installation of solar panels, replacement rooflight at main roof level and other associated alterations. 26/01783/FUL

17 Whittlesey Street London SE1 8SZ Replacement of a first floor rear non-original bathroom window with ultra slim double glazing timber sash window, and installation of internal timber panelled window shutters. (Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 26/01824/LB but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 26/01823/FUL). 26/01824/LB

Dated this Friday 10th July 2026

Rob Bristow Director - Planning, Transport & Sustainability Climate and Inclusive Growth Directorate

LICENSING ACT 2003

APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE

Take notice that I/we: Satishkumar Thiagarajan have made an application to Lewisham Council acting as the Licensing Authority, for a New Premises Licence in respect of Biryani Tree, Room 4, Unit 3 Aston Heights, Creekside, SE8 4EY

The details of the application are as follows: Provision of Late-Night Refreshment 23:00 –00:00 Monday - 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

The last date by which responsible authorities or other persons may make representations to the Licensing Authority in relation to this application is 04th August 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.

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION

1.

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – WEAVER WALK

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable a crane operation, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an Order, the effect of which would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Weaver Walk between its junction with Chapel Road and 44.5 metres north of that junction.

2. The Order would come into force on 28 July 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 1 month, 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 4 days to complete.

Dated 10 July 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager (The officer appointed for this purpose)

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS –COLDHARBOUR PLACE

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to facilitate telecommunications repair and maintenance works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an Order, the effect of which would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Coldharbour Place between its junction with Coldharbour Lane and 15 metres east of that junction.

2. The Order would come into force on 31 July 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 1 month, 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 1 day to complete.

Dated 10 July 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager (The officer appointed for this purpose)

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS –SHAKESPEARE ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable works vehicle access to a building development, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from parking or waiting, including for the purpose of loading or unloading, on the southeastern side of that length of Shakespeare Road which lies between the common boundary of Nos. 105 and 107 Shakespeare Road, and a point 12 metres north-east of that common boundary.

2. The Order will come into force on 20 July 2026 and continue for a maximum duration of 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the sooner.

Dated 10 July 2026

Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS –GLASSHOUSE WALK

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable water mains replacement works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order, the effect of which will be to:

(a) Phase 1 - temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding and waiting, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle or parking in those lengths of Glasshouse Walk between its junction with Vauxhall Walk and outside No. 7 Glasshouse Walk; (b) Phases 2A and 2B: (i) temporarily introduce a north-west to south-east oneway traffic system in Glasshouse Walk, between its junctions with Vauxhall Walk and Tyers Street; (ii) Temporarily prohibit vehicles from waiting, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle or parking in those lengths of Glasshouse Walk between its junctions with Vauxhall Walk and Tyers Street.

(c) Phase 2A - temporarily prohibit vehicles from turning right from Worgan Street into Glasshouse Walk (d) Phase 2B - temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering Glasshouse Walk from Worgan Street.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles and pedestrians for the measures outlined in 1(b), 1(c) and 1(d) will be available via Tyers Street, Jonathan Street and Vauxhall Walk.

3. The Order will come into force on 13 July 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 will take 5 weeks to complete.

Dated 10 July 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 16A

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES FOR SPECIAL EVENTS –PLAY STREET DAYS – CHALFORD ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that to enable local residents/communities to hold special events (Play Street Days), the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicles from entering Chalford Road, between its northernmost junction with Clive Road and its southernmost junction with Clive Road, on: (a) Sunday 12 July 2026 between 1:00pm and 4:00pm; and (b) Sunday 13 September 2026 between 1:00pm and 4:00pm.

2. The prohibitions will only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs on the dates and times specified above.

Dated 10 July 2026

Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – ST AGNES PLACE

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to facilitate water utility repair and maintenance works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an Order, the effect of which would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of St Agnes Place between outside No. 20 St Agnes Place and outside Nos. 1 to 18 Rose Apartments, St Agnes Place.

2. The alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Kennington Park Place, Kennington Park Road, Brixton Road, Camberwell New Road and Bolton Crescent, and via Bolton Crescent, Foxley Road, Cranmer Road, Brixton Road, Kennington Park Road and Kennington Park Place.

3. The Order would come into force on 28 July 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 1 month, 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 4 days to complete.

Dated 10 July 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager (The officer appointed for this purpose)

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – KLEA AVENUE

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to facilitate water mains repair works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intend to make an Order, the effect of which would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Klea Avenue between its junction with Cavendish Road and 9.5 metres north-east of that junction.

2. The alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Cavendish Road, Clapham Common South Side and Lynette Avenue and vice versa, and via Klea Avenue Shandon Road, Abbeville Road and Cavendish Road, and vice versa.

3. The Order would come into force on 27 July 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 1 month, 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 2 weeks to complete.

Dated 10 July 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager (The officer appointed for this purpose)

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS –GRAFTON SQUARE

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable new electrical connection 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 that length of Grafton Square that lies between No. 4 Braidwood Court, Grafton Square and a point 8 metres south-west of the south-western flank wall of No. 8a Grafton Square.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Grafton Square, Liston Road, Fitzwilliam Road, Rectory Grove, and Old Town, and vice versa.

3. The Order will come into force on 28 July 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of one month, to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take 4 days to complete.

Dated 10 July 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager (The officer appointed for this purpose)

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS –BOWLING GREEN STREET

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable guttering works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order, the effect of which will be to temporarily introduce a northeast to south-west one-way traffic system in Bowling Green Street, between its junction with Kennington Road and a point 41 metres south-west of that junction.

2. The alternative route for affected vehicles will be available via Magee Street, Kennington Park Road and Kennington Road.

3. The Order will come into force on 14 July 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 1 month, to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take 2 days to complete.

Dated 10 July 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager (The officer appointed for this purpose)

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS –TINWORTH STREET

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable carriageway maintenance works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order, the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Tinworth Street,

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Ex-Premier League midfielder signs for signs for

By John Kelly

Dulwich Hamlet

FORMER IRELAND

under-21 international and Aston Villa midfielder

Samir Carruthers was the headline signing as Dulwich Hamlet confirmed a trio of new recruits over the weekend.

Carruthers, 33, has joined from Isthmian League Premier Division rivals Dartford.

Islington-born Carruthers started his career at Aston Villa where he made three Premier League appearances.

He has played in the Championship, League One and League Two for MK Dons, Sheffield United, Oxford United and Cambridge United.

Carruthers, who won ten caps for Ireland under-21s, has made 391 career appearances and scored 35 goals.

The Hamlet have added to their defence with the signing of left-back Ibrahim Bangura, who started last season at Hayes & Yeading before moving to Raynes Park Vale in the Isthmian South Central.

Versatile defender Kyron McKay has joined from Wingate & Finchley. He helped the side win the Velocity Cup against Ramsgate in April.

McKay come through Millwall’s academy and lives a stones throw from Champion Hill.

He can play as a centre-back or right-back.

ELLA RETURNS TO LIONESSES

By John Kelly

MILLWALL LIONESSES have resigned Ella Rutherford ahead of the 2026-27 L&SERWFL Premier Division season.

Surrey despatched in Short order

By ECB Reporters Network

SURREY WERE beaten in a onesided inter-group match as D’Arcy Short hammered an unbeaten 92 to help Gloucestershire record a comprehensive 57-run T20 Blast victory at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol.

The 2024 champions posted 191-5 after losing the toss, with opener Short facing 56 balls and striking eight fours and four sixes.

Jack Taylor contributed 40 to a fourthwicket stand of 84 with the 35-year-old Australian as Surrey’s bowlers struggled to bowl with any consistency.

In reply, Surrey were skittled for 134, 25-year-old seamer James Hayes marking his Blast debut on loan from Nottinghamshire with 3-23 as only Dan Lawrence, who made 38, and Chris Jordan

(27) offered much resistance.

Gloucestershire were able to build on a prolific initial six-over powerplay, in which they posted 67-1. Dawid Malan impressed with 28 off nineteen balls in an opening stand of 46 in 4.4 overs with Short, who took seventeen off the sixth over, sent down by Jordan, including two sixes.

Miles Hammond and Liam Scott fell cheaply to Dan Lawrence and Tom Lawes respectively, but Taylor hit his first ball, from Lawes, for four and added a six and two more boundaries in facing 26 balls.

Short went to a 33-ball half-century, taking advantage of some inconsistent Surrey bowling on a pitch with more pace than the usual Bristol surfaces.

The visitors were forced to bring an extra fielder into the ring in the nineteenth over having failed to meet the cut-off time. Kamran Dharilwal had just been caught

off a Sean Abbott no-ball and sent the resulting free hit straight for six.

It proved his only scoring shot, but Short, who had offered one difficult caught and bowled chance to Jordan on 49, otherwise maintained concentration to the end of the innings to ensure his side of a competitive total.

Surrey’s reply got off to a bad start when Laurie Evans was caught behind off Scott in the second over attempting a ramp shot. Jason Roy quickly responded with a straight six off Matt Taylor, but fell to the next delivery, miscuing a shot to deep square to leave his team 14-2.

Hayes went for sixteen off his first over, but Marchant de Lange quickly removed Josh Phillippe and at the end of the powerplay, Surrey were 48-3.

The unflappable Hayes was visibly thrilled to take his first wicket for his new

“Being back in a Millwall kit is so special,” Rutherford said. “I came here as a kid, it’s where I started my football career so wearing this right now just feels so surreal.

“I feel right back at home and I just can’t wait to get started.”

county, the prize one of Ollie Pope, who had made 20 when top-edging an attempted leg-side hit to be caught at cover and Surrey were in deep trouble at 53-4 in the eighth over.

Tom Curran was yorked by left-arm spinner Graeme van Buuren before Hayes struck again, Lawes caught and bowled off another top-edge to make it 59-6.

Abbott was stumped to the bowling of Van Buuren and at 62-7 the home side had a complete stranglehold. Despite some belligerent blows from Lawrence and Jordan, they never looked like recovering and when Lawrence fell to Scott with the total on 110 any doubt about the outcome was erased.

Hayes claimed his third wicket in the final over and Gloucestershire could reflect on a superb team performance.

The result leaves both sides second in their respective groups.

Surrey face Kent Spitfires in Canterbury this Friday (6.30pm).

Silver for Southwark at London Youth Games at 2026 London

By Sports Reporter

SOUTHWARK TOOK home silver from the 2026 London Youth Games girls football under-15 competition at the Jack Carter Pavillion at Redbridge Sports Centre last month.

Eighteen boroughs competed in round-robin matches throughout the day before moving into the knockout

stages. Southwark were beaten in the final by Croydon.

Fabian Jones, Southwark team manager, said: “It’s been really good tournament and the girls did amazingly well. The first game they lost and didn’t think that they were going to go through to the quarterfinals, but they did and then managed to make it to the final. It’s been great to take home the silverware.”

Champs Blaze to the top

By ECB Reporters Network

AUSTRALIAN OFF-SPINNING all-rounder Charli Knott took a career-best 6-25 for the The Blaze but it was not enough to deny Surrey in the Vitality Blast women’s competition at Trent Bridge.

Surrey’s off-spinner Kalea Moore was the match-winner with a career-best 5-22 to put her side top of the points table.

The defending champions made 155-9 after opting to bat first, the substance of their innings coming in an 82-run fifth-wicket partnership between Phoebe Franklin (46 off 30 balls) and Alice Monaghan (35 off 27).

Tammy Beaumont (37 off 36), Kathryn Bryce (31 off 21) and Knott (28 off 23) gave the home side every chance of overhauling

Surrey’s score to go top of the points table but from 98 for two,

The Blaze finished on 121 all out for a 34-run defeat.

YES WE KHAN Fulham

By John Kelly

ALVARO ARBELOA said it was “a real honour” and promised “an incredible journey” after Fulham appointed the former Liverpool defender as their new head coach to replace Marco Silva.

Arbeloa, 43, has signed a deal until the summer of 2029.

Arbeloa started his coaching career with Real Madrid’s under-14s in September 2020. He progressed through the coaching ranks and was named boss of the club’s reserve side, Castilla, in May 2025, taking over from

legend Raul.

Arbeloa said. “I feel a great sense of responsibility and I'm deeply grateful to [owner] Mr Khan and [vicechairman] Tony Khan for the trust they have placed in me with Fulham in the Premier League.

“I am really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Craven Cottage with Fulham fans and beginning pre-season with the players next week. I am sure we are going to enjoy an incredible journey together.”

Cottagers owner Shahid Khan described the recruitment process.

bosses back ‘very ambitious’ new head coach to deliver success

The 56-cap Spain international replaced the sacked Xabi Alonso as first-team boss last January and led the side to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and second in La Liga behind Barcelona.

He won eighteen and lost eight of his

28 matches in charge of Los Blancos. Silva left Fulham after five seasons in charge to take over at Benfica to replace Jose Mourinho, who was reappointed Real boss this summer.

“It is a real honour for me to be embarking on this new stage at Fulham FC, the oldest club in London,”

Don heads East after new deal Sal’s a keeper

By Manuel Salazar

TEENAGE MIDFIELD prospect

Harry Sidwell signed a new deal at AFC Wimbledon before heading out on a season-long loan to National League Eastleigh.

Sidwell has signed a one-year contract with the option of another twelve months.

Sidwell, 19, came through the club’s academy before loan spells at Enfield Town, Dagenham & Redbridge and Dorking Wanderers.

Sidwell played eighteen games and scored three times at Dorking last season, including a goal in the National League South play-off quarter-final against Maidenhead before they lost to Torquay United in the semi-final.

He has made one senior appearance for Johnnie Jackson’s side.

“It’s a great feeling to extend my stay at Wimbledon,” Sidwell said. “I’m looking

forward to what’s ahead and hopefully getting more opportunities at this great club.”

Dons director of football Craig Cope added: “We’re really pleased that Harry is extending his stay at the club. He had a successful season last year with lots of appearances across two loans.

“We’re pleased to get a loan sorted early with Eastleigh in the National League.”

Meanwhile, Patrick Bauer has left the Dons after the expiration of his contract and joined League One new boys Cambridge United.

The 33-year-old former Charlton Athletic and Preston North End centreback joined last summer and made 30 appearances in all competitions last season.

Cope said: "In Pat’s season with us he made a crucial contribution to the Club.

We thank him for his time at Wimbledon and wish him all the best."

By Patrick Fanning

QUEENS PARK Rangers

goalkeeper Matteo Salamon has signed a new deal at Loftus Road as he targets a first-team debut.

Salamon, 22, joined the Hoops when he was eleven and signed his first professional contract in 2022.

He has made one senior competitive appearance, on loan at Hampton & Richmond in 202223.

“I feel ecstatic,” Salamon said. “I love this club, the people around it and just everything about it.

“I've seen it grow from where it was before - it's beautiful. There have been a lot of positive changes.”

Salamon is a valued member of the goalkeeping department, training under first-team coach Andrew Sparkes.

“It's helped me so much, so, so much,” he said. “Just being around

the group, I feel like I see the game a lot better now. Hopefully I can keep getting myself into that firstteam environment.”

“Being a role model or a mentor for those young boys is really important to me.

“It doesn't just help them in feeling settled into training, it also helps me and shows that I've got those qualities to do it. It allows me to work on those attributes.

“I consider myself really lucky with the goalies that I've come across at QPR.

“Every goalie's been unreal, even the younger boys like Murph [Cooper] and Joe [Walsh], I've never felt out of place with them.

“They've always taken me in, they see me as an equal and one of them, which means so much to me.

“Sparkesy’s coaching style was something I had to get used to. He's a modern goalkeeper coach, and I really enjoy his outlook on the game.”

“Alvaro was an original candidate who built an exceptional case through our meetings in June to become our next head coach, and it quickly became quite clear that he was – and is – the right choice,” Khan said. “I am delighted that Alvaro has accepted the challenge to push Fulham forward, and I have no doubt that our squad, staff and fans will resonate with what his appointment means for the present and future of our club.

“Alvaro is, by his own admission, very ambitious. He has spent quality time around the best players, clubs and methods in the game, experiences which will serve him well here at Fulham.

“Alvaro also has great interest in our academy set-up and believes in giving young players a chance. I loved hearing that from Alvaro, as well as his intent on playing attacking football.

“All of this and a lot more makes Alvaro Arbeloa an ideal fit to lead Fulham Football Club into the upcoming Premier League season and beyond.”

As a player, Arbeloa won La Liga, the Spanish Cup, the Champions League and the Club World Cup with Real, and the World Cup and European Championships with Spain.

Tony Khan added: “I’m thrilled to welcome Alvaro Arbeloa as Fulham's Head Coach. Alvaro is highly intelligent with a profound knowledge of the sport, a very strong work ethic, and he is determined to succeed at Fulham.

“I’m excited and looking forward to a bright future for the club under Alvaro’s tremendous leadership.”

Ravens midfielder signs for Crawley

By John Kelly

Jude Arthurs has joined League Two Crawley Town on a free transfer.

The Greenwich-born 24-year-old has agreed a two-year deal, with the option of a further twelve months, and said manager Colin Kazim-Richards was a big influence in his decision to drop back down into the fourth tier from the League Two champions.

Arthurs made more than 250 appearances for Bromley, helping them win promotion from the National League and League Two.

“Once I spoke to the gaffer, he set out the ambitions of the club and it matched with myself,” Arthurs said.

“I met him personally and then obviously speaking to him over the phone, yeah it was a big pull in getting me here. So I’m excited to get to work with him now.”

Kazim-Richards said: "I think this is a top signing and shows exactly where the club wants to go, and where the club's current standards are.

"The energy and standards that he brings at this level are the highest, and he has even more levels to reach."

CHARLTON BOSS MAKES PROMISE

By John Kelly

NATHAN JONES has promised Charlton Athletic will have a better squad than last season when they face Derby County in their Championship opener at The Valley next month.

The Addicks finished nineteenth last season, six points above the relegation zone.

Charlton have so far signed defender Ivan Mesik and Billy Koumetio but Jones does not expect “big numbers” to be recruited ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Jones believes the league will be stronger next season.

“We have to keep the club moving forward,” Jones said. “Realistically we’ll have a better squad, with the greatest respect to everyone, from the Watford game last year to the Derby game this year - we’ll have a better squad. We’ll be in a better place squad wise.

“The league is stronger. Let’s not underestimate the fact of who's come down, who remained in the league, it’s added considerable strength but that's the challenge, so we want to keep moving forward.

“We have to improve the squad significantly. It's not big numbers this time, it's probably anything from five to seven depending on how things progress. But they have to provide something different or better than what we have.

“We've had a good start in terms of Ivan Mesík. With Josh Edwards we have two in that area that can be relentless and give you real versatility.

“We brought in Billy Koumetio because he is similar to Amari’i Bell in terms of athleticism. He's not as good at some things, but he has other attributes. For example, he's 6ft5ins, so he adds size and strength.

“And then we have to add quality in the final third because we want to score more goals.

“We want to create more goals and we want to create different goals and different chances, but we understand that we're going to have to be patient on that.

“That's why this window is probably

Addicks aiming to improve after 202526 relegation battle

slightly slower than last year. There's not signing after signing after signing, but that's because we have to get quality this window and not just quantity.”

Jones took over Charlton in 2024 when they were in danger of relegation to League Two. He steered them to safety that season and then to League One play-off final victory in 2024-25, after an absence of five campaigns from the second tier.

“I think to establish yourself as a Championship club again, I think that was a big achievement, even though I always look for more,” Jones.

“I set targets for the football club and did so when I came in that I felt were achievable if we were able to have incremental investment. And they [the ownership] have done that. They've backed us. What we've had to do is try and take the football club forward as well.

“We wanted to unite the fans and get the fans on board. We think we've done that. It's showed in the numbers at The Valley, the season ticket sales, how the fans are, the patience they gave me and the team when we were going through tough times.

“It's an ongoing thing, but I think

we've built something good here, a rapport.”

Jones gave an insight into what he is looking for from the side in their preseason friendlies.

“We want to win every single game. But it's about the evolution process now, we'll be slightly different this pre-season than we were last year because we have to evolve,” he said.

“We want to evolve into a different kind of Championship side without losing the core principles that have made us as successful as we have been.”

Meanwhile, former Norwich City

and Southampton winger Nathan Redmond played for Charlton in their 1-0 win against Dartford at Princes Park at the weekend. Redmond, who won one England cap, is a free agent after leaving Blackburn Rovers at the end of last season.

Miles Leaburn had a penalty saved by former Millwall goalkeeper Ryan Sandford before Alan Mwamba set up Rob Apter for the only goal in the 31st minute in front of a 3,058 attendance. Jones played a different line-up in each half, with Koumetio playing the first and Mesik coming on for the second.

New Lion in ‘top physical condition’

By John Kelly

MILLWALL’S NEWS Belgian

signing Mathis Servais is in “top physical condition” and the move to the Championship for the 21-year-old is not too early, according to KV Mechelen head coach Fred Vanderbiest.

The Lions made Servais their third signing of the summer after he moved from the Belgian Pro League side on a long-term deal for an undisclosed fee.

Vanderbiest had the versatile Servais for just one season after after the midfielder joined from top-flight

rivals SK Beveren last summer.

Servais scoured two goals and registered four assists in 34 games last season to help the side finish sixth.

The Belgium under-21 international can play anywhere on the left side and in central midfield.

Millwall have also signed midfielder Jenson Metcalfe from Bradford City and forward Tairyk Arconte from Rodez.

“He is in top physical condition and passed one of the best tests we have,” Vanderbiest told the Belgian media outlet Nieuwsblad. “I don’t see what the difference will be there. Is

it perhaps too early? I don’t think so. Mathis has shown that he can play both centrally and as a wing-back. That will certainly have helped.”

Technical director Tom Caluwe added: “When all parties involved can agree on a deal, we should not stand in the way of such a move. Mathis showed last season that he possesses a lot of qualities and played an important role in the strong season.

That has now earned him a great transfer. This transfer shows that KV Mechelen is an excellent springboard for talented players.”

Mechelen played their first friendly of pre-season against Rupel Boom at the weekend. Servais was absent as he was in London completing his Lions medical.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been given over the past year,” Servais said. “KV Mechelen has given me so much in a short time, both as a footballer and as a person. Although I only played here for one season, I am proud to have been part of a historic year for the club. I want to thank the supporters, the staff, and my teammates for everything. What everyone says is really true: Malinwa is a warm family club. I am happy to have been a part of it.”

Sport INSIDE

REECE READY TO BOOST ENGLAND

Chelsea

captain could return to solve rightback problem in Norway showdown

By John Kelly

THOMAS TUCHEL could have Reece James back for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway to ease England’s right-back problems.

Chelsea captain James played the opening two games of the tournament against Croatia and Ghana before picking up a hamstring injury.

Bayer Leverkusen centreback Jarrell Quansah started at right-back in the thrilling 3-2 win against hosts Mexico at the Azteca stadium in the last-16 but was sent off and is suspended against Norway.

Ella returns to Lionesses

Tuchel started Djed Spence at right-back in the 2-1 win over DR Congo in the round of 32, and also has the option of playing Ezri Konsa there if James is deemed not ready.

Six players - James, Spence, Konsa, Quansah, John Stones and midfielder Declan Rice - have played in the position so far in the tournament. Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento was injured in the build-up to the World Cup after Tuchel caused surprise by leaving out Trent AlexanderArnold. Tuchel then called up Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah rather than the Real Madrid defender to replace Livramento. Meanwhile, Tuchel has slammed

the standard of refereeing as England were weighing up an appeal against Quansah’s straight red card for his tackle on Jesus Gallardo.

The tournament has been dogged by controversy. United States forward Folarin Balogun was allowed play in the last-16 against Belgium despite a red card in the previous game against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Then Egypt cried foul this week after they were denied a goal which would have seen them go 2-0 up against reigning champions Argentina following a review by the video assistant referee. Argentina’s stoppagetime winning goal came after

Egypt felt Mohamed Salah had been fouled and should have been given a penalty.

England had a penalty for a foul by Harry Kane and the Quansah decision given against them after VAR reviews.

“It’s not good enough,” Tuchel said. “He [the referee] can send any team out in any moment. It’s just not good enough. It’s just erratic, it’s just unreliable in matches. Now we have two fourth officials who just scream at you if you put one foot out of a coaching zone. It’s just not good enough.”

England’s game against Norway kicks off in Miami on Saturday at 10pm (BST).

’Never say never’ over Lions midfielder

By Will Scott

ALEX NEIL said “never say never” over Billy Mitchell’s Millwall future, but admitted other positions are now the club’s priority.

Mitchell’s future is currently up in the air after his contract expired at the end of last month.

Our paper understands Millwall have tabled three contract offers to Mitchell, all of which have been rejected by his representatives.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who is a Lions fan and came through their academy, made 30 appearances in all competitions last season.

With Mitchell’s future unresolved, Millwall have signed two midfielders, Jenson Metcalfe and Mathis Servais, since the transfer window opened last month.

“The difficulty we’ve had with Bill was that there was a contract on the table for Bill for quite a while,” Neil told our paper. “I spoke to Billy at length about the fact that the contract’s there. We wanted Billy to sign it.

“But in the meantime, we need to make sure that we can secure midfield players if we haven’t got people signed up. So, Servais has now come into the building, and I think where we sit as a club at the moment is that we’ve now got other positions that we need to prioritise. Right now, there are other areas that need our attention. We’re quite well-stocked in the midfield area at the moment, so we’ll see how that develops.”

Mitchell has made 196 appearances in all competitions since his first-team debut on May 5, 2019, scoring once and providing five assists, and has often served as first-choice midfielder when fit. Neil was asked if there was still a possibility that Mitchell could return to Millwall.

“I always think you never say never,” Neil said. “At the moment, Billy’s contract’s running down. Once you get to the end of June, then July kicks in for any player who’s out of contract unless they’ve signed somewhere else. It’s a fluid situation.”