South London Weekly - June 12th 2026

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MET POLICE NUMBERS STAGNATING IS DUE TO ‘DECADE OF UNDERFUNDING’, CITY HALL INSISTS

By Kumail Jaffer

Local Democracy Reporter

CITY HALL has been criticised for blaming the previous Conservative government’s funding of policing in London for the current shortfall of officers.

The Met has recently announced that it needs 38,000 officers and 19,000 staff based on London’s population and a comparison to other police forces internationally.

However – despite record investment from City Hall – Met Police officer numbers have fallen from 34,523 in April 2023 to 31,181 in March 2026 – around 400 less than when Sir Sadiq took office a decade ago.

Over the same period, police staff have increased from 10,359 to 11,558 and the number of Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) have increased from 1,208 to 1,389 – though this is still far short of the Met’s ambitions.

Despite the fall, Mayor has continued to insist he will hit his 2024 manifesto pledge to put 1,300 extra police officers, community support officers and special constables on the streets of London by the next election in 2028.

TOUGH CHOICES

Earlier this week Deputy Mayor for Policing Kaya Comer-Schwartz blamed the reduction in police officers on a “decade of underfunding” from the previous Tory government.

The Met has been forced to make a number of cost-saving measures in recent months, including reducing the number of 24/7 front counters across London and redeploying specialist officers to neighbourhood roles.

In addition, Ms Comer-Schwartz pointed to recent spikes in inflation and cost pressures on all public services for the Met’s struggles with officer numbers, adding: “We are marginally ahead of the previous Mayor’s position, we have worked really hard to stabilise the workforce. Headcount is really important –we know Londoners prioritise the visibility of policing, but that needs to be enabled by the right equipment, data services, infrastructure, vehicles.

The Deputy Mayor also claimed that the previous Conservative Mayor, Boris Johnson, made “different choices” to Sir Sadiq, including selling off police stations to help balance the Met’s budget.

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38,000 OFFICER GOAL

She confirmed the 38,000 officer goal set by the Mayor and Met Police was still active, and claimed Sir Sadiq should be “proud” of his record on policing.

“Given the 14 years of underfunding, the Mayor should be proud of stepping up, taking tough decisions, funding the Met through the Mayoral precept and the work around making sure public protection is prioritised,” she told the London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee (BPC).

“Police officers are down, but working alongside the Commissioner in reforming and resetting the Met in terms of culture and performance, there are reasons to be proud as well.”

Amana Humayun, Chief Finance Officer for MOPAC, said the Met has been relying on its extensive reserves for some years to meet demands.

“That is one-off funding, it’s not replenished – we now have limited reserves and a minimum level of reserves we are required to maintain,” she told Assembly Members.

Adrian Wight, Interim Chief Financial Officer at the Met, said the force needs to recruit 2,000 officers a year “just to stand

still” due to an average staff turnover rate of around seven per cent.

In a written answer to BPC chair Neil Garratt last week, the Mayor said: “The figure of 38,000 officers reflects an assessment of the level of policing London would ideally have to meet demand given the scale and complexity of crime in a global city of over nine million people — particularly given the unique national and capital city functions the Met performs.

“However, the reality is that policing in London continues to operate within significant financial constraints, and I have always been clear that we must set a budget that is deliverable and sustainable.

“Whilst 38,000 officers remains a benchmark of what London ideally requires, the current position reflects the financial realities we face.

“Overall officer numbers are expected to remain broadly stable this year around 31,250. However, the Met need to balance the budget this year and, if priority measures – pursuing more funding and driving efficiency through technology – do not materialise to the extent required, then the Met may need to explore delivering savings by reducing workforce.”

GOVERNMENT AND CITY HALL ACCUSED OF FAILING TO PRIORITISE FRONTLINE POLICING

However, the BPC also heard from experts who suggested that central government funding for policing was entirely “insufficient” for boosting frontline officers.

Ian Wiggett, Associate Director at the World Policing Advisory, said: “Money is being taken out of the general pot for policing and given back to forces on the condition it will be spent on extra neighbourhood officers – but the overall pot is shrinking.”

The Met is predominantly funded by central government – in the current financial year it will receive £2.7 billion in general funding, accounting for 54.4 per cent of its total budget. A further £933 million (19 per cent) comes from specific government grants, while local funding raised through the GLA council tax precept and business rates makes up a quarter of the MPS 2025-26 budget, up from 19.6 per cent a decade ago.

The Mayor has raised the police council tax precept by the maximum permitted amount every year since he was elected.

However, Sir Sadiq was accused of failing to direct the funding effectively.

Reform UK Assembly Member Alex Wilson, who sits on the BPC, told the LDRS: “Sadiq Khan is hiding behind his excuse of central Government funding despite the fact that the MPS budget is a shambles that could easily be rectified. Of the entire Met Police budget, only 47 per cent goes into actual frontline policing –this is not an appropriate use of funds.

“The Mayor’s ideological pursuit of ‘decarbonisation of the police estate’ comes at a great cost to London at a time when our city has seldom felt more unsafe.”

Mr Garratt added: “The Budget and Performance Committee set out to understand why the number of Met officers is declining.

“We heard how the Met needs to balance local policing against central London protests, with new technology potentially making remaining officers more efficient in the face of competing budgetary demands.

“Increasing costs including rising wages and new technologies, are also influencing the Met’s resourcing. It is vital that the Met works closely with the Mayor and government to ensure it has the appropriate levels of funding required to make London as safe as possible for Londoners and visitors alike.”

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FRENCH FANCY: AFTERNOON TEA GETS A MAKEOVER

Meet the owner of Champagne + Fromage’s newest bistro

By Flora Bigham

CHAMPAGNE + Fromage has launched a French take on the famous British afternoon tea, featuring brioche rolls filled with four artisanal cheeses, a cheese scone, and fresh pastries and gateaus.

It’s the latest offering on the bistro’s menu, and is available at their newest venue in the heart of Crystal Palace, at number one Westow Street.

Known for their champagnes from independent vineyards - including classics, vintages, blanc de noirs, rose and blanc de blancs, and high quality cheeses and charcuterie boards, Champagne + Fromage first opened its doors back in 2011 in Covent Garden, later expanding south to Greenwich.

The new Crystal Palace franchise is owned and managed by Elise Noble. She explained the independent vineyards produce small quantities of highquality champagne, known as “grower champagnes”.

Each champagne is then matched with cheeses imported weekly from France by Une Normande à Londres, which also runs a popular Borough Market stall.

Elise took us through one pairing. She firstly picked out the delicate blanc de blanc champagne Colin Castille, which she described as “floral with hints of butter and brioche”.

The cheese pairing typically features a cow’s, sheep’s and goat’s cheese. “For this pairing, we would go with the hard comté eighteen-month matured cheese, which is milky and slightly fruity” Elise said.

For the sheep’s cheese, she chose Tomme de Brebis. Lighter than the comté, it is “very tangy, so goes really well with the zestiness of the champagne”.

For the final cheese pairing, Elise chose Pyramide which is a soft goat’s cheese, “very oozy, it is sweet and rich, which complements the freshness of the champagne”, she added.

Customers can also opt for a charcuterie board pairing. Elise paired the Colin Castille with a garlic saucisson, smoked ham and a rosette, which is a large kind of French salami, the champagne perfectly cutting through the richness of the meat.

The restaurant also serves hot food, including raclette, fondue and montbéliard sausage.

Non-alcoholic drinks are also on the menu, such as the tart and floral “Highland” mocktail, featuring Everleaf Mountain, cranberry juice and elderflower tonic.

The restaurant includes a deli, so customers can take home the cheeses they have just tasted and a bottle of their favourite champagne.

Elise said the new restaurant had been well-received by the Crystal Palace community, “there is nothing else around us that is similar, so we do stand out and we have had lots of lovely feedback”.

Elise also enjoys forming a community within the restaurant, “we have created a lovely team here and have started to build up real regular customers.”

While Elise now commands an in-depth knowledge of all things French food and drink, her background is not in the hospitality sector.

Before opening the restaurant in December 2025, she spent over twentyfive years working in finance.

“I just decided I had had enough. I was always into food and drink and the opportunity for a franchise popped up on my Instagram. I decided to have a conversation and see where it went. By February 2025 I was searching for a venue and within a few months we found the perfect place”.

The restaurant also includes an upstairs space which can be hired out for private events and is used to host tastings and events organised by Champagne + Fromage.

In July one of the restaurant’s champagne producers will be leading a guided tasting of their main cuvées and a women’s networking event in collaboration with First Glass is happening this August.

The restaurant has also been involved in local fundraising, “it’s really nice to be able to give back to the community,” Elise explained. They have donated prizes to schools for raffles and summer fairs, such as vouchers or two for one on afternoon tea.

“I was just a tiny cog in this massive corporate environment, now I feel I am really making a positive difference,” she said. “It’s a bit of a dream come true.

“It has completely changed my life. It was a bit risky and scary, but it’s the best thing I have ever done”.

Average price per customer is £35

Opening times:

Tuesday - à la carte: 5pm to 10pm

Wednesday - lunch: 12pm to 2pm, afternoon tea: 2pm to 4pm, à la carte: 12pm to 10pm

Thursday to Saturday - lunch: 12pm to 2pm, afternoon tea: 2pm to 4pm, à la carte: 12pm to 11pm

Sunday - afternoon tea: 2pm to 4pm, à la carte: 12pm to 8pm 1 Westow St, London SE19 3RY champagneplusfromage.co.uk

Martin Grover at the Royal Academy

Greenwich Dog Show to return at Old Royal Naval College

By Myfanwy Fleming-Jones

THE GREENWICH Dog Show will return to the Old Royal Naval College this June as part of a packed programme of live music, theatre and family events at the historic riverside venue.

Taking place this Sunday, June 13, the popular event will once again welcome dog owners and animal lovers to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greenwich.

This year’s celebrity judges include Bridgerton actress Gracie McGonigal, alongside TV presenter Jodie McCallum.

The dog show forms part of the Old Royal Naval College’s wider 2026 events programme, which also celebrates the 300th anniversary of the Painted Hall.

Across the year, visitors will be able

to enjoy concerts, talks, tours, outdoor theatre and interactive family events across the historic site.

New monthly Family Days, taking place on the third Sunday of each month, will offer creative activities inspired by the college’s history and heritage.

From April onwards, weekend visitors can also take part in interactive theatrical events, gin tastings and guided tours.

The Old Royal Naval College recently relaunched its popular Secret Dome tours, offering visitors a closer look at Greenwich’s famous domes designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

These tours run alongside the venue’s regular 600 Years of History and Painted Hall tours.

More information, go to the Old Royal Naval College website

By Gabriel Stewart

FRESH-CUT GRASS, popcorn scented mist, pyrotechnics and cheerleaders are set to take over a major South London music venue for the World Cup this summer.

The World Cup can already be an overwhelming emotional experience for many, whether it is penalty heartbreak or nail-biting VAR delays, but now Londoners can have all of their senses overwhelmed too.

Freight Brixton will be hosting some of the capital’s first 4D World Cup screenings in partnership with Fanzone4D, with all of England’s group games screened for free at the venue.

The 1,000 capacity venue will be transformed by ‘cutting-edge’ scent diffusion technology misting the aroma of freshly-cut grass and popcorn across the crowds.

A Fanzone4D spokesperson said: “You’ll be transported from London to the heart

of a sun-drenched US stadium before a ball has even been kicked.

“When combined with the seriously high spec sound systems, next-level lighting rigs and stunning screens that London’s foremost music venues have to offer, the result is the closest thing to being there without the hassle of a longhaul flight.”

The free screenings will also include DJs playing a mix of 90s dance, britpop classics and sing-a-long ballads.

Fanzone4D are also hosting screenings at three other major London music venues: Electric Ballroom Camden, The Steelyard in the City and Riverside East, Hackney.

There will be exclusive drinks packages across each of the venues and giant screens so that you won’t miss a minute, or a smell, of the action.

This event is expected to reach capacity so they will be operating one-in, one-out, arrive early with last entry at 8pm. Tables available £5 per person.

PROFESSIONAL PUB CRAWLING

SE15 Nights is a

weekly meet-up for pubgoers in Peckham

By Myfanwy Fleming-Jones

PECKHAM’S GROWING nightlife scene is being spotlighted through a new weekly pub crawl designed to bring more visitors into the area’s bars and clubs.

Local resident Chloe Lessore, who has lived in Peckham for nearly 30 years, has launched SE15 Nights - a guided experience aimed at boosting footfall on typically quieter weekday evenings.

Running every Tuesday and Thursday, the organised nights take participants through four or five venues across Peckham.

“We want more of Peckham to be seen,” said the 37-year-old entrepreneur. “We want people to experience these places and see how good a night out here can be. The area deserves its moment.”

For £15, ticket holders receive a welcome drink at each stop, along with discounted drinks throughout the evening.

Lessore, who attended St. Francis Primary School before moving to St Joseph’s, said the idea grew out of a conversation with her close friendship group who grew up in the area together.

The group, who work at Peckham Oasis gallery, consists of her partner Jamie Nguyen, his brother Chris Nguyen, and Tony Nteh. They jokingly call themselves “the Four Horsemen” and hope SE15 Nights will

encourage more people to explore Peckham midweek and support local businesses.

Each night offers a slightly different experience. Tuesdays focus on a lively, fast-paced route, beginning on Rye Lane and moving towards Peckham High Street, with shorter stops at more venues. Thursdays take a slower “hidden gems” approach, highlighting lesser-known spots and encouraging a more relaxed atmosphere.

The crawl typically starts between 6pm and 7pm and runs until midnight. Whilst the busier Tuesday events attract between 20 and 40 people, the smaller Thursdays take around 10 to 15.

Participating venues include The Red Bull, The Copper Tap, The Nag’s Head, The Angel Oak and Shorty’s Bar.

“It’s a win-win,” Lessore added. “The venues get more people through the door on quieter nights, and visitors get to discover what Peckham has to offer.”

Reflecting on the area’s changing reputation, she said: “When my siblings and I were younger, people looked down on Peckham. Now it’s seen as somewhere cool. The changes happening here show its value.”

SE15 Nights launched in May and runs weekly. Tickets are available via Eventbrite and through the Instagram page.

“Bring your friends along,” Lessore said. “You’re going to have a good time.” Follow @SE15Nights on Instagram

SOUTHWARK BOOZER THAT SURVIVED TWO WW2 BOMBING RAIDS SHUTS ITS DOORS

By Gabriel Stewart

A POPULAR Southwark drinking hole has permanently shut its doors after serving drinks to South London regulars since 1856.

The Spit and Sawdust announced yesterday that it will be permanently closing until further notice despite only being taken over by new owners ten years ago.

The pub, located on Bartholomew Street near the Bricklayers Arms roundabout in Bermondsey, off the New Kent Road towards Elephant and Castle, said on Instagram: “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to every customer, regular, friend and supporter who has walked through our doors over the last ten years.

“Your loyalty, laughter and support have helped make this pub so much more than just a business - it has been a community and a home.”

Previously The Beehive, the boozer survived two bombing raids during WW2.

It was taken over and renovated by Matthew Smyth, 36, and Andrew McGuigan, 37, in 2016, who once

boasted of having the biggest beer selection in all of Elephant and Castle. The closure comes after it was revealed approximately two British pubs had closed a day in the first quarter of 2026, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

Around

save locals, vital to communities throughout the UK’.

99-101 Newington Causeway

Arada London is holding a second public consultation on updated proposals to redevelop 99-101 Newington Causeway.

The proposals seek to deliver a high-quality co-living development, a new hotel, new flexible commercial space, improvements to the public realm, and new employment opportunities.

The public exhibition sessions will take place at:

St. Matthew’s Church Meadow Row Elephant and Castle SE1 6RG on:

Thursday 25th June 2026

From 3pm to 7pm & Saturday 27th June 2026 From 10am to 1pm

Consultation materials will be made available on the project website following the exhibitions: newingtoncauseway.co.uk

PRINCE IN PECKHAM

By Romilly Schulte

A LOCAL charity and foodbank had a royal visit from the Prince of Wales on Wednesday, where he learned about the volunteers’ lifechanging work and spoke about the dangers of doom-scrolling.

During a trip to South London to celebrate Peckham pub culture, Prince William paid a visit to Pecan, a longstanding poverty-tackling charity that helps with food insecurity and isolation in the community.

Two years ago, the Prince and Princess of Wales donated £3,500 to Southwark Foodbank, which is operated by Pecan, after a warehouse raid where thieves stole food, hygiene products and a laptop.

We broke the story after volunteers found their office emptied, with video footage showing thieves escaping with stock reserved for those in need.

Gbemisola Oguntuyo-Oloyede, Employment Opportunity Manager said:

“It was wonderful to meet The Prince of Wales and to talk about the work we do at Pecan, particularly in employment support.

“From our coaching, training and CV support to just listening to people – all which helps them on their journey to employment.

“At Pecan our services are connected, so some clients at times may need to access our foodbank or women’s service and always our community hub. The Prince was generous with his time and listened to our clients, volunteers and staff and was amazed. I think he saw our passion for the work we do.”

Ever since its birth in 1989 as a collaboration between six churches, Pecan supports thousands of local

people via their services and distributed

4,895 food parcels in 2025, which fed nearly ten thousand adults and children.

Talking about Pecan’s work in the Southwark area, Prince William said:

“This feels like a very happy family. But that family point and that caring is so important at the moment - it’s the magic ingredient of a really good charity. It’s a hard dynamic to get that right, but when you do get it right it’s gold dust.”

After a reportedly lively scrabble session with members at Pecan’s community hub, the Prince addressed rising levels of depression and loneliness facing today’s society, which he attributed to addictive and isolating mobile phone algorithms and news cycles.

“Unfortunately most of the time we hear bad stuff, so you can reinforce someone into the bad place and depression.

“You reinforce innocently [just] looking at your phone and the news, so I can see that it’s overwhelming when you feel like it’s just negativity all the time,”

BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS FOR NINE YEARS

Bermondsey man was caught on CCTV stamping on his own bulldog’s head

The Bermondsey resident was caught repeatedly stamping on the animal’s head

By Gabriel Stewart

A BERMONDSEY man has been fined £200 and banned from keeping animals for nine years after being caught repeatedly stamping on his own bulldog’s head.

Leslie Hill was caught on CCTV violently attacking his dog Darcy at their home in September last year.

Doorcam footage shows Hill chasing down the helpless dog as he enters his house before stamping on Darcy as it whimpers under the pressure of his shoe.

In a separate clip from a separate occasion, Darcy is seen wincing in a corner as the dog watches the 61-year-old approach from down the corridor.

The Bermondsey resident proceeds to stamp on the bulldog’s head twice as it harrowingly squeals each time. The abusive owner then attempts to open the door as the dog shrinks away from him, with its nose crushed into the door’s corner.

MASSIVE FIRE AT RECYCLING CENTRE

said the Prince.

He met the volunteers who pack and distribute food packages before putting together a parcel himself alongside volunteer Evelyn, all while learning about the role Pecan’s people play in giving dignified and kind care to those going hungry.

This came just before he headed to the aptly-named Prince of Peckham to pour pints and celebrate pub culture with owner Clement Ogbonnaya, who was made MBE in the last new year honors.

“I love pubs. I do want to do as much as I can to support them because I love the community. We need to protect our pubs,” said the Prince.

After pouring a pint of Red Stripe, William and Ogbonnaya spoke about The Prince of Peckham’s Chatty Patty community project, which gets locals together over a cup of tea in a fight against loneliness.

Talking about his private lunch of jerk chicken and plantain, the Prince said: “I’m hoping Deliveroo can deliver this to Windsor!”

By Alex Orr

FIFTEEN FIRE engines and around 100 firefighters were called to a fire at a recycling centre on Landmann Way in Bermondsey on Monday evening.

Firefighters took all night to extinguish the blaze, with one man treated on scene and a van and car destroyed.

The cause of the blaze is now under investigation.

At its height, the fire involved a large amount of refuse and the roof of a warehouse, believed to be Lewisham Reuse and Recycling Centre.

A Hose Layer Unit, which lays large capacity hose lines over long distances to supply water to the fire ground, was deployed to fight the blaze.

The Drone Team was also in attendance and provided the Incident Commander with an aerial view of the fire.

The LFB initially reported the

Private prosecution was brought against Hill by the RSPCA to formally remove Darcy from his ownership after they received the footage of the abuse.

Hill pleaded guilty to failing to fulfil his duties as a person responsible for an animal, namely subjecting Darcy to physical abuse, under the Animal Welfare Act at Croydon Magistrates’ Court, on May 21 this year.

He was banned from keeping animals for nine years, and fined £200, plus a victim surcharge of £114 and prosecution costs of £85. Hill was additionally ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities.

RSCPA Inspector Jade Guthrie added: “Animals feel pain and distress just like we do and always deserve to be shown kindness and compassion.

“Darcy, who is now in the care of the RSPCA, was sadly denied this, but we hope this result serves as a warning that such behaviour will not be tolerated.”

incident at the Lewisham Reuse and Recycling Centre on X at 5:58pm on Monday, asking people to avoid the area near Millwall’s stadium, The Den.

Control Officers had taken the first of multiple calls at 5:32pm and mobilised crews from Deptford, Old Kent Road and Greenwich.

Local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to a significant amount of smoke in the area.

The smoke could be seen from across London, and fire engines and ambulances were spotted heading toward the blaze.

Southeastern Railway said they received reports of a fire near the railway earlier at 5:44pm, and trains were diverted to and from London Victoria as a result.

There were severe delays on large sections of the Windrush line and all lines were blocked on the Thameslink between London Bridge and Dartford throughout the evening.

By Alex Orr

HARRY STYLES has curated the 31st edition of the Southbank Centre’s Meltdown Festival, the world’s longest-running artistcurated music festival.

This year’s programme, supported by American Express, includes a variety of different events, ranging from live music, dance groups, art exhibitions and debates.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the Southbank Centre has already hosted a number of commemorative events, such as ‘You Are Here’ on 3rd and 4th May which marked the exact date of its 1951 opening.

Meltdown will begin on Thursday 11th June with a post-punk performance by deep tan and VIIZERO7 on the Riverside Terrace, and while some of the events do require paid-for tickets, many do not. Read on for the free highlights at this year’s festival.

LONDON PARKS: AN EXHIBITION (12 JUNE-1ST JULY)

Riverside Terrace

The London Parks photo exhibition, which will be located on the Riverside Terrace, will display photos of the capital’s parks taken by young refugees and asylum seekers. The young photographers received training from professional photographers Laura Jane Coulson and Federico Rivas, who have arranged the exhibition in partnership with Kazzum Arts.

DON’T KEEP HUSH (12TH JUNE: 6PM-10:30PM)

Riverside Terrace

Visitors to the Riverside Terrace on

THE SEVEN FREE HIGHLIGHTS AT HARRY STYLES’ SOUTHBANK FESTIVAL THIS JUNE

Friday 12th June will be treated to more than four hours of underground dance music, organised by music platform

Keep Hush. The event is part of the platform’s wider mental health project, Don’t Keep Hush, which is dedicated to discussing mental health through music. The full DJ line-up will be announced soon.

DAD DANCING (13TH JUNE: 11AM12:30PM AND 1:30PM-2:45PM)

Clore Ballroom

A week before father’s day, artist Eoin McKenzie will be opening up the Clore Ballroom’s dancefloor to dads and their children, who will get the chance to play

games, sing songs and dance together. Later in the afternoon, families can take their dancing out to the Riverside Terrace for an outdoor ‘Riverside Boogie’.

STEAM DOWN: SOUNDS OF THE DIASPORA (14TH JUNE: 3PM-8PM)

Riverside Terrace

Afro-punk collective Steam Down are bringing a five-hour listening experience to the Southbank Centre on 14th June, featuring live improvisation and a blend of genres. The London-based band, who play a weekly gig at Peckham Levels, have promised to take visitors on a ‘sonic journey’.

AMEX UNSIGNED (17TH JUNE: 6:30PM-10PM)

Riverside Terrace

On Wednesday 17th June, visitors to the Southbank Centre will get the chance to see music’s future stars for free as part of the Unsigned initiative. Funded by American Express, Unsigned is a programme that supports emerging and grassroots musicians across the UK, promoting them at London’s biggest festivals such as All Points East and BST Hyde Park.

FOUNDATION.FM: MOVEMENT (20TH JUNE: 2PM-10:30PM)

Riverside Terrace

progressive radio station which seeks to platform female, queer and non-binary DJs. In the middle of Pride Month and on Meltdown’s penultimate night, they will be bringing more than eight hours of dance music to the Riverside Terrace, and there’s no need to buy a ticket.

DANCE WITH KINDNESS (21ST JUNE: 4:30PM-5:30PM AND 6PM-7PM)

Clore Ballroom

Bringing this year’s Meltdown to an end, choreographer Paul Roberts, who has worked with One Direction, Katy Perry and Harry Styles himself, will be hosting two beginner-friendly dance workshops. In the first, visitors will learn the routine to ‘Spice Up Your Life’ by the Spice Girls and in the second, with a nod to the festival’s curator, they will be taught the choreography to Styles’ ‘Treat People with Kindness’.

Find the full programme for this year’s Meltdown Festival at the Southbank Centre - see their website

TRANSPORT FOR LONDON LAUNCHES

DLR EXTENSION CONSULTATION

By Cameron Blackshaw Local Democracy Reporter

TRANSPORT FOR London has revealed new details on its proposed DLR extension across the River Thames to Thamesmead.

London’s public transport operator has launched a consultation and is asking the capital’s residents to give feedback on its DLR extension proposals.

The consultation opened on June 5 and closes on July 16. Below are the key details from TfL’s plans.

WHAT WILL THE EXTENSION LOOK LIKE?

TfL’s proposed DLR extension would branch off from the existing DLR line after Gallions Reach, travelling through the Beckton Riverside area on a viaduct before descending to a new ground-level station in Beckton Riverside to the south of Armada Way.

From here the track would descend underground into a tunnel to cross under the River Thames to continue the journey towards Thamesmead.

The track would come out of the tunnel at Thamesmead onto a viaduct to pass over the Twin Tumps and Thamesmere before terminating at an elevated station in Thamesmead town centre on the current site of Cannon Retail Park.

WHY DOES TFL WANT TO BUILD THE DLR EXTENSION?

TfL says that both Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead lack direct rail services. It said this lack of direct public transport has “limited local access to jobs, education, and services for decades”.

As both areas are being targeted to deliver thousands of new homes over the coming years, better transport links will be vital in connecting these new hubs to the rest of London. TfL hopes the DLR extension will support the construction of up to 30,000 new homes and create up to 10,000 jobs.

The extension will also cut journey times. Travelling to the City would drop from about an hour to 35–40 minutes, with trains initially running every 8–10 minutes.

It would also strengthen East London’s cross-river links which are sorely lacking, as well as supporting a modal shift from cars to a more sustainable transport mode.

HOW WOULD THE EXTENSION BE BUILT?

TfL has said it would take five years to build the DLR extension, with work taking place in Beckton Riverside, Thamesmead and beneath the River Thames.

In Beckton, the Beckton Riverside station would be built alongside a new junction with the existing DLR and new viaducts. This is also where the tunnel boring machine would be launched from.

Two 1.5km tunnels would be excavated beneath the Thames which would provide the river-crossing for the new railway. South of the river in Thamesmead, a shaft will be built where the tunnel boring machine will arrive alongside new viaduct structures and the new Thamesmead station.

Once the machine makes its way south of the river, it will be turned around and sent back below the Thames to make the

second of the two tunnels.

TfL would need four worksites in Beckton Riverside to facilitate all of the works, all of which would be located between the former Beckton Gas Works and the Beckton DLR depot and Armada Way. There would also be a sizable site between Armada Way and the river.

In Thamesmead there will be two worksites, one in Gallions Reach Park and another on land currently taken up by Cannon Retail Park. The retail park would be demolished to make way for the Thamesmead DLR station.

WHAT IMPACT WILL THE WORK HAVE ON EXISTING DLR SERVICES?

Throughout most of construction, TfL predicts the DLR network would not be affected as most of the work needed takes place away from the current Beckton branch.

When the DLR will be affected is when the newly built railway is connected to the existing network. TfL said this can only be safely completed when no trains are running, so there would be limited closures over a series of weekends or during a longer planned period to facilitate this.

HOW MUCH WILL THE WORK COST?

TfL has estimated that the entire project could cost around £1.5billion. As the plans are yet to be finalised, this total could vary subject to further design work, surveys and investigations and confirming how the extension could be built.

As part of the Autumn Budget in November 2025, the Government announced their commitment to the

scheme, including financial support to help TfL deliver it. This includes a mechanism that enables the Mayor of London to raise funds through borrowing to pay for the extension’s construction. This borrowing will be repaid over time using direct funding from the Government and new funding unlocked by the scheme, such as the fares revenue from ridership on the extended portion of the DLR route.

According to TfL, this funding model builds on the approach successfully implemented on previous projects such as Crossrail (Elizabeth line) and the Northern line extension.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?

Once TfL concludes its consultation, it will start to finalise its proposals and then get ready to submit a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application to the Secretary of State for Transport to make a decision on the scheme.

A TWAO can authorise the construction, operation and maintenance of new transport infrastructure. It can also provide compulsory purchase powers for acquiring property interests and rights.

The land and property needed for the extension would be acquired either voluntarily or by compulsory purchase powers granted through a TWAO. TfL is seeking to reach an agreement with landowners to acquire land needed for the scheme in advance of the TWAO application.

TfL is not planning on demolishing any homes to build the extension.

A TWAO application could also be accompanied by a request to the Secretary

of State for Transport to give a direction for deemed planning permission for the works to be authorised by a TWAO, meaning that planning permission could be granted by the Government rather than the local planning authority, in this case Greenwich and Newham councils. Subject to a funding agreement with the Government and the necessary TWAO approval, construction on the DLR extension could begin by 2029 with the extension and new stations at Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead potentially opening in the early 2030s

WHAT WILL THE FUTURE OF THE DLR LOOK LIKE?

When the extension opens, TfL initially expects to run trains every 8–10 minutes to and from Thamesmead (via Beckton Riverside) and trains every 8–10 minutes to and from Beckton. Together, this would mean a train every 4–5 minutes between Canning Town and Gallions Reach. TfL will need more trains to deliver this level of service. The destination of trains from Thamesmead and Beckton Riverside beyond Canning Town will be confirmed closer to the extension opening and TfL said it will be informed by wider network and customer needs. TfL said it is currently focused on extending the DLR to just Thamesmead, and any further extension, for example into Bexley, would need more detailed development on the best route and destination and be subject to a new funding agreement.

To read more about TfL’s DLR extension proposal and to contribute to the consultation visit the consultation website.

LEGAL CHALLENGE FAILS TO STOP THE PARTY

Revellers descend on Brockwell Park for music festivals

By Gabriel Stewart

A LEGAL challenge failed to stop Brockwell Park from hosting four major festivals over the past two weeks, while it is hoped that a change of administration at the town hall could mean Lambeth Country Show is reinstated.

Local residents recently failed in their legal bids to prevent the Brockwell Live festivals going ahead in the park, which spans Herne Hill, Brixton and Clapham.

Artists including Little Simz, the Scissor Sisters and Lily Allen dazzled crowds in Lambeth across consecutive weekends (23 – 31 May), with organiser Brockwell Live describing it as ‘a celebration of music, culture and diversity’.

Local campaigning group Protect Brockwell Park (PBP) said that, despite minor operational improvements this year, locals had worse access than ever with more intrusive infrastructure outside of the festival walls, including ‘huge’ masts and extra toilets.

PBP spokesperson Lucy Akrill said: “Whilst planning permission has helped a little, the big issue is not about how well these events are managed or about making slight improvements around the edges.

“It is about whether a much-needed public park should be hired out for commercial festival activity on this

scale and frequency. These events are industrial in scale and the negative impacts are intrinsic to the model.”

Brockwell Live said: “Last year, we entered the planning process, working closely with experts in ecology, biodiversity, and planning, to enable local residents, stakeholders, and councillors to provide feedback on the event plans.

“This is in addition to regular community meetings, dedicated community liaison managers during the events, and a resident hotline to ensure swift action where required.”

The company said that 150,000 revellers had descended on the south London park over the two weekends and that, in between festivals, they had organised a free community programme for the neighbourhood.

‘Brockwell Together’ featured a popup cinema, three days of themed kids’ entertainment, commmunity running clubs and a day full of workshops. This was alongside the Brockwell Live Community Fund, which has contributed more than £212,000 to local projects to date.

Mighty Hoopla, Field Day, Cross the Tracks and City Splash went ahead after the High Court rejected a legal bid on May 6th challenging Lambeth Council over its decision to give organiser Brockwell Live planning permission to use parts of the park.

Resident Juliet Chambers had claimed

the council misinterpreted the word “recreation” and Richard Harwood KC, acting on behalf of Chambers, said in written submissions that the granting of planning permission was “unlawful”.

However, Mr Justice Jay dismissed the bid, saying recreation was a “pastime which is pursued for the pleasure or interest it provides... It is clear in my view that this musical festival is a cultural activity.”

The decision came before the new Green and Liberal Democrat administration was confirmed to run Lambeth Council on the 23rd May, following local elections on the 8th May.

The Greens have previously stated they oppose the current model, which sees large sections of the park closed off for commercial events for at least 28 days to help boost dwindling council budgets. The party which is now has a very small majority took the Herne Hill and Loughborough Junction by-election from Labour in May last year on this very platform. Their coalition partners, the Lib Dems, have always stated that they want ‘some festivals’ in the park to help subsidise the cancelled Lambeth Country Show. Both parties had committed to reinstate the Lambeth Country Show, if elected. The free annual two-day event held in Brockwell Park was cancelled by the previous Labour-run

council this year due to rising running costs.

Lambeth Council stated, at the time that delivering the free event, which had run since 1974 and attracted 120,000 people in recent years, would cost it around £1m.

All of this came after a High Court judge ruled in May 2025 that Lambeth Council had acted ‘unlawfully’ by allowing large sections of the park to be walled off for weeks each summer for commercial events, without obtaining planning permission.

The crux of the legal challenge concerned the number of days each summer the festival is walled off for.

Planning rules allow for the temporary use of land or buildings for up to 28 days in a calendar year without the need to make an application. PBP argued that time spent assembling and dismantling festival infrastructure pushed the total well beyond that threshold.

Despite the group’s legal victory last May, Mighty Hoopla, Field Day, Cross The Tracks, Wide Awake and City Splash festivals still went ahead after a public consultation.

The council previously said the festivals used just 26 per cent of the park’s space. However, campaigners argue that this figure was actually 45 per cent as they considered remaining accessible parkland.

Lambeth Council also cited the ‘cultural, social and economic’ benefits

of the events and that this outweighed any ‘heritage harm’.

The PBP have now stated that the current model ‘remains fundamentally unsustainable’ but they are looking forward to future talks and are working on a date to meet the new administration.

Akrill said: “The hope now is that future discussions can move beyond annual arguments over tweaks and mitigation and towards a more serious conversation about the long-term role, protection and future of Brockwell Park.”

Brockwell Live added: “We continue to engage regularly with local residents and the wider community. This feedback is invaluable as we work to enhance the event experience while minimising the impact on those living around Brockwell Park.

“We are already looking ahead to the next edition of Brockwell Live and building on the successes of this year.”

PBP have launched a fundraising campaign to challenge the council’s decision that has so far raised almost £9,000 of its £20,000 target.

Lambeth Council did not respond to a request for comment regarding the future use of the park for Brockwell Live and Lambeth Country Show.

Donate to the crowdfunder at crowdjustice.com/case/challengebrockwell-live-2026

By Flora Bigham

‘BARKMONDSEY SQUARE’ will celebrate its inaugural ‘Pride and Paws’ event on Saturday, June 13, from 11am to 4pm at Bermondsey Square.

Run by Lisa Gold, known as “Lisa the Pet Sitter”, alongside The Arzner Cinema and Bermondsey Square, the day aims to “to bring the community together”.

“We’ve been supported massively by local vendors and a lot of the pride communities within the area,” Gold said.

Prizes are on offer for winners in the “Pride & Paws Pup Show”, alongside a goody bag for every entrant.

Categories include “the ‘sashay away’ spirit”, “the junior ‘puppy power’ pride play OTT” and the “LGBTQ ‘lookalike gorgeous besties twinning queenly’”.

Visitors can enjoy pop-up market stalls offering a range of local products and delicious food. Food stands will boast everything from cakes to cocktails to pet-friendly food. Local cult favourite Yard Sale Pizza will also be making an appearance. Vegetarian, vegan and plant-based options will be available.

A “Don’t Hide the Pride” community raffle offers winnings donated by local businesses including doggy gift hampers, tea for two and massages. The proceeds from the raffle will go to two charities: one as yet unannounced of the Arzner Cinema’s choice and Broken Biscuits, Gold’s choice. Broken Biscuits assists disabled dogs. “They’re such a great small charity to get behind who need as much support as possible”, Gold said. There will also be talks led by vets, groomers and trainers. Intended to empower pet owners, they will offer the latest advice on pet health and training.

“It is important to build a community of pet parents, especially dog parents” Gold explained. “I still have a lot of dogs which were purchased during lockdown and are not as socialised as they should be”.

On the day music will be provided by Hoxton Radio DJs, or visitors can

escape into the ‘zen den’ for some calm.

The event welcomes those of all ages, with a colouring-in corner and face-painting for children.

“We’re all about inclusion” Gold added. “All kinds, all breeds, all welcome”.

Gold also runs dog-friendly cinema

BARKMONDSEY SQUARE BRINGS NEW ‘PRIDE AND PAWS’ SHOW FOR DOGS AND THEIR FAMILIES

‘All kinds, all breeds, all welcome’ King’s is one of the first in the country to adopt the technology

screenings throughout the year.

Recent screenings included The Devil Wears Prada 2 and The Bride! The next screening will be Pride-themed, showing the film Madfabulous from 1pm to 3pm on June 7.

“It’s ridiculous how well the screenings have been received, we had one at the weekend and it sold

out immediately”. Every screening welcomes dogs, with offers of treats, care and even a red carpet. There is also the option to request a seat for your pooch.

For more information about Barkmondsey Square, visit barkmondseysquare.com

NEW AI TECHNOLOGY FOR HEART PATIENTS

By Romilly Schulte

KING’S COLLEGE Hospital is leading the way with a revolutionary artificial intelligence-assisted tool which will be used to help blood clot procedures.

The world-famous hospital in Denmark Hill, Camberwell, is expected to improve the health of over 500 patients annually. The software is called Ultrean 3.0 and was developed by Abbott, a US producer of healthcare technology, to help cardiologists make quick and accurate decisions while performing coronary angioplasties. This is a procedure where doctors widen the main blood vessels to the heart, which become blocked or narrowed in people with coronary heart disease and can cause lifethreatening blood clots.

The new AI kit will provide

detailed images from inside a patient’s blood vessel, so cardiologists can clearly see where plaque is building up, risking a blood clot, as well as checking how blood is flowing through the vessel.

Dr Nilesh Pareek, consultant interventional cardiologist at King’s, said: “Over recent years, we have seen huge strides in the development of AI technology, helping transform cardiac care for patients and improve efficiency, and we’re extremely proud to be leading the way in this field.”

Dr Nilesh Pareek and his team will lead the training across the UK for how to use this software, he said: “By supporting the training of other sites across the U.K. in this new technology, we hope to help make sure as many patients as possible can benefit from this latest AI tool,” he added.

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CELEBRATING THE WINDRUSH GENERATION

By Romilly Schulte

JUNE 22 marks the legacy of Caribbean migrants and their contribution to Britain’s post war workforce and cultural fabric. Here’s our round-up of all the best events celebrating this year’s Windrush Day.

Lambeth

The Windrush generation is at the heart of Brixton cultural make up today. Many of the passengers on HMT Empire Windrush worked and settled in Brixton, as the Coldharbour Lane Labour Exchange was the nearest employment centre to the Clapham South temporary accommodation where some had initially been housed. The annual Big Caribbean Lunch for Windrush Elders will take place on Sunday, June 28, in Brixton’s Windrush Square, commemoratively named after the ship’s arrival. Follow them on instagram @bigcaribbeanlunch

In addition, Brixton Library, at Brixton Oval, is hosting two special events. On Thursday, June 18, Beulah ‘Guess’ Smith-Coombs will be discussing her memoir They Call Me Guess with Suzanne Scafe, associate professor of literature at London South Bank University.

In her recently-published book, Beulah, born in Jamaica before moving to Manchester aged eight, narrates her Windrush-era upbringing, and her experience being one of Britain’s few Black teachers in the 1970s. Admission is free. Book online at tinyurl. com/2kveabsc

Also coming to the Brixton library is the “My Mother in-Law’s Dresses” workshop on Monday, June 22. Hosted with Sonia Winifred, this workshop will reminisce on Windrush pioneer Girleyvine’s life through her dresses and photographs. Visitors are invited to share stories by bringing photographs and best dresses, too. Also free to

attend, you can reserve a place via tinyurl.com/34trfrsj.

There will be a free Windrush festival in Myatt’s Fields Park on Cormont Road, for all on Sunday, June 21, 126pm, where visitors can dance to live DJs, enjoy food from local stalls and browse all kinds of artisanal products. Reserve a space via tinyurl.com/ ykztytdx

As a powerful end to the festivities, on Friday, June 26 The Brixton Chamber Orchestra and Pegasus Opera Company are honoring the Windrush legacy with ‘Windrush Migrations’.

This celebratory evening of opera will feature Will Todd’s Migrations and Windrush Opera by Des Oliver and Edson Burton, bringing to life the voices of migration through music and storytelling at Lambeth Town Hall. Tickets via pegasusoperacompany. org, range from £15 - £20.

Greenwich

With its strong nautical legacy, the borough is home to the National Windrush Museum and the National Maritime Museum, which, on Saturday, June 20, will hold free talks and workshops delving into the over-800 Caribbean passengers who made voyages on the HMT Empire Windrush. For the full line-up, visit rmg.co.uk.

The National Windrush Museum is currently showcasing ‘Windrush Food Culture’, an exhibition tracing how dishes like jerk chicken and patties became a staple on Britain’s national menu. It will explore how the first generation of British Caribbeans brought over the flavours and memories of their upbringing and adapted them to the new environment of post-war Britain.

The free exhibition runs Tuesdays to Saturdays until July 30, visit rmg. co.uk. for more information.

Lewisham

For a free, all-ages event in the

borough, take a look at “Windrush Voices: Then, Now and Next”, hosted at Grove Street’s Riverside Youth Club on June 17. With performers, poetry reading and DJs, this intergenerational community event will celebrate the Windrush generation’s ongoing legacy in Lewisham.

Catford’s Broadway Theatre is presenting The Windrush Concert on Sunday, 21 June, a night of retro BritishCaribbean culture and dancing. Hosted by Vibes FM presenter Daddy Ernie and comedian Felicity Ethnic, the show will summon the iconic “Windrush Front Room” atmosphere.

Capturing the music played out of Bluespot radios, a staple in 1950s and 1960s British-Caribbean households, it will showcase the musical influence that the Windrush Generation had on British arts. Expect all the big hits by favourites like Althea & Donna, Dawn Penn and Bob Marley. Tickets range from £24.45-£35.45.

Visit broadwaytheatre.org.uk to book.

On Monday, June 22, Deptford’s Barawak - a community organisation supporting African and Caribbean groups based in Kingfisher Square - is holding a screening of ‘MilestoneStreets Paved with Gold’. Milestone is a 60-minute film following the journey of a Windrush passenger’s new life in England.

Adapted from Victor Richard’s acclaimed one-man play, this is a poignant film about determination and triumph. Richards himself will join audiences for a live Q&A after the screening, and guests also get a Caribbean meal with their ticket.

Tickets are currently on sale at £18.04 for adults, £9.38 for under18s and free for under-10s. Book via tinyurl.com/ysjby53w

Southwark

For the cinephiles, Peckham Road’s

South London Gallery is screening three short films on Monday, June 22 in celebration of Windrush day, which have been curated by director and producer Lauren Gee. Holly Graham, Mia Harvey and Dion Hesson will show their non-fiction works documenting intimate conversations with loved ones while exploring both the fragility and strength of memories.

Tickets are free, but booking is required.

And for the parents and kids, South London Gallery is also hosting the free Windrush Family Day on Saturday, June 27, from 11am-3pm. This community day will offer arts and crafts and storytelling for children to celebrate and learn about the history of London’s Caribbean community. There will be food and dancing on offer, too. Booking required.

For more information about both events, visit southlondongallery.org

LIFE FOR MURDERING MAN IN VAUXHALL AFTER ARGUMENT OVER DEBTS

By Alex Orr

A MAN was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum jailtime of 17 years, for murdering a man in Vauxhall after a dispute over a debt he owed.

Fawaz Abdulkareem, 36, fatally stabbed Daniel Manuel, 32, at Abdulkareem’s flat in Bondway, Vauxhall following the argument.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment on Friday 5th June after being unanimously convicted of murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday 21st May.

Detective Inspector Luke Hampton, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Daniel [Manuel] was murdered in a moment of extreme violence by a man he thought was his friend.

“Abdulkareem tried to deceive police, recklessly throwing the murder weapon from the window of the 14th floor of a tower block and cruelly claiming it was Daniel who had attacked him.”

Daniel was found with three stab wounds in the lobby of the apartment building where Abdulkareem lived on Saturday 5th July 2025.

Police were called at 5:38am and officers arrived within six minutes but, despite their best efforts and the work of doctors and paramedics, Daniel died at the scene.

The police said the two men had spent the evening at a nightclub and returned with a group of friends to Abdulkareem’s flat in the early hours of the morning.

After an argument about money, Daniel was stabbed three times with a kitchen knife.

According to the Met, Abdulkareem then left the flat with the knife still in the waistband of his trousers, and he took his T-shirt off to disguise the weapon whilst reporting Daniel’s injuries to staff in the communal lobby.

When he realised emergency services were on their way, Abdulkareem tried to dispose of the blade out of the window but one of the responding officers noticed blood on his clothing and arrested him at the scene.

Hampton said the Met detectives saw through Adbulkareem’s claims of selfdefence, which were also dismissed by the jury when evidence suggested Daniel’s injuries were most likely caused by being stabbed while his back was turned.

He added: “Our thoughts remain with Daniel’s family and hope this sentence gives them a degree of peace.”

Daniel’s wife, Zulal, said: “Daniel was not just my husband, he was my partner, my home, my emotional safety and the person I built my entire life around. Losing him in such a violent and sudden way has completely shattered my world.

“This loss has affected every part of my life, emotionally, physically, financially and I am still trying to survive the aftermath of it.”

The Met said this case was

evidence of their work to drive down homicide in London and get violent offenders off the streets of the capital, citing an 11% reduction in homicides in 2025 compared to 2024.

Two charged with Taiwo’s murder

By Evie Flynn

TWO MEN have now been charged with murder after 41-year-old Taiwo Ekerin died after a ‘serious head injury’ on Lewisham High Street in the early hours of Sunday 24 May.

The police said they were called at around 4:40am on Sunday 24th May to Lewisham High Street following reports of an ‘altercation.’

Officers attended the scene and discovered 41-year-old Taiwo with a ‘serious head injury’.

He was treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service and taken to hospital, where he sadly died six days later on Saturday 30 May.

Maxwell Oguanaya, 32, of Eastfield Road, Enfield was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday 4th June and charged a day later. Oguanaya appeared at Ealing Magistrates’ Court, was remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey today (Tuesday 9 June).

A second man, named as Chibueze Chukwurah, 34, of Royston Road, Glasgow, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday 5 June and charged on Sunday 7 June.

Chukwurah appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court was remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 10 June.

New Special Educational Needs unit for children with severe learning difficulties to open in Deptford

By Ruby Gregory Local Democracy Reporter

A NEW special educational needs (SEN) unit for children with severe learning difficulties (SLD) is opening up at a Deptford primary school.

The 40-place SEN unit at Deptford Park Primary School in Lewisham is welcoming pupils in two phases, with the first 12 children joining the school after the May 2026 half term, which ended on Monday, June 1.

The second cohort of pupils will join in September 2026.

The Mayor of Lewisham, Liam Shrivastava, and his Cabinet are expected to hear updates on the new SEN provision at a meeting on Wednesday (June 10). Council officers will provide Mayor Shrivastava and his Cabinet updates on the outcome of a consultation which was carried out earlier this year as well the implementation of the new SEN unit.

Part of Deptford Park Primary School has been adapted and refurbished to make way for the new SEN unit, which will cater for up to 40 pupils across four to five classrooms. The school has

placement at the new unit said: “This is amazing news, you have saved my child’s education and I am so happy, we all are.”

A parent of a child in Reception who is attending an independent specialist school, said: “This is the long-term security, with consistent, knowledgeable staff that my daughter needs.”

According to the Cabinet report, the borough has seen an increase in young learners with significant needs joining mainstream schools. They often have significant needs relating to cognition and learning, communication and interaction.

The report stated: “Our schools are of course supporting these children in their community but cannot always meet needs in a busy mainstream environment.

“Creating an SLD Unit within a mainstream school in the north west of the borough ensures that these young learners can still attend a mainstream school, whilst having access to a highly specialised learning environment, catering for their specific needs. It would also provide parents/carers with more choice and control.”

By Cameron Blackshaw

Local Democracy Reporter

TWO SOUTH London councils have voiced their disappointment at cuts to Thameslink services passing through their boroughs this summer.

Councillors from both Greenwich and Bexley have written to the Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander and the Chief Executive of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to urge them to reconsider the timetable changes.

GTR said it was making the temporary cuts to reflect a fall of up to 20 per cent in summer holiday demand on its services. This comes just days after the Government brought the UK’s largest railway operator into public ownership on June 1.

Between July 18 and August 29, services between Rainham and Luton have been slashed from every 30 minutes to once an hour on Saturdays and during the middle of the day throughout the week. Trains will still run every half hour during peak times.

The route, which begins in Kent at one end, passes through Greenwich and Bexley and stops at major transport hubs in both boroughs, such as Abbey Wood and Woolwich Arsenal.

Bexley Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Cameron Smith, said the lack of communication between GTR and his council before the cuts were announced was “especially unacceptable” given that the trains were now only running once an hour.

Cllr Smith raised concerns that the cuts would result in Bexley residents facing longer train journeys, congestion and illegal parking increasing in the borough – especially around Abbey Wood station – and that the move would negatively impact retail, leisure and hospitality businesses across Greater London.

Writing to Ms Alexander, he said: “Bexley residents will be disappointed that the first act following the Government’s decision to nationalise Govia Thameslink Railway will be to slash services serving our borough. Residents had hoped that the Thameslink service might be brought to additional local stations, such as Belvedere and Erith.”

Cllr Smith also communicated fears that this temporary timetable change could lead to a more permanent rail service cut in the future. He asked for assurances that this would not be the case.

Across the aisle in Bexley, Deputy Labour Leader of the Opposition, Cllr Jeremy Fosten, also voiced his disappointment in a similar letter to the Transport Secretary and GTR. He feared that the timetable changes would not be temporary and would be a “cut by stealth”.

Cllr Fosten said: “Cuts during the

COUNCILS DISAPPOINTED WITH SUMMER THAMESLINK CUTS

summer holidays will have a huge impact, as rail usage increases to allow families to go on holiday, be that abroad or within the UK.

“Bexley residents will be particularly impacted by Thameslink’s cuts as the service provides a direct link to Luton Airport and an easy connection to Gatwick, as well as connecting passengers to the Eurostar at St Pancras International.

“It is in no one’s interest to make these journeys longer and more difficult. The Elizabeth Line showed the nation that if you build transport infrastructure, the passengers will come. We struggle to see how these cuts help promote public transport usage, or indeed the connectivity of our borough.”

Across the border in Greenwich, similar concerns have been raised. Greenwich

Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Cllr Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, said: “A reliable and regular rail service is vital for residents right across Greenwich,

and so any reduction in services—even if just for a short period of time—through any part of our borough is incredibly disappointing.

“We have urged Thameslink to reverse their planned service changes through the summer. These routes are important not only for visitors to places like Greenwich Town Centre, one of London’s busiest tourist destinations, but also for residents travelling down to Kent and the coast without relying on cars.

“We fear any reduction in service frequency will not only be inconvenient for residents and visitors, but may impact local businesses as well, at an incredibly important time of the year.

“We’re disappointed that Thameslink failed to give us formal notification of the plans, and have formally requested that they reconsider any potential timetable changes during the school holidays and busiest tourism season.”

Greenwich’s Green Opposition Leader, Cllr Tamasin Rhymes, said: “Given the

cost pressures on those using public transport and our need to move more people to use as much public transport as possible it is really unhelpful that services are being reduced across the borough.

“We have already had reductions to several bus routes with very little warning and this further undermines the ability of residents, visitors and workers to travel sustainably.”

In response to Greenwich and Bexley councils, GTR said it was making the changes to reflect a fall in demand for the Rainham and Luton line over the summer holidays. The rail operator also confirmed the changes were only temporary.

A GTR spokesperson said: “From July 18 to August 29 we are temporarily adjusting our timetable to reflect a fall of up to 20 per cent in summer holiday demand.

“The changes across the wider network affect just 2 per cent of our normal services, focusing on quieter trains where alternative services are available.

This reduces the taxpayer subsidy and generates savings that can be reinvested to improve services year-round.

“Thameslink services on the route through Greenwich to Rainham will still be half-hourly as they are today in the weekday rush hour with trains then running hourly during the middle of the day and on Saturdays when fewer people travel. There are also alternative Southeastern services to London at these stations.

“We are boosting services where demand is growing between July and September, including services to East Grinstead connecting with the Bluebell Railway and early morning Gatwick flights.

“This demand-led approach will also help us introduce more services later this year, including, from December, doubling the number of Gatwick Express services per hour alongside twice the number of off-peak trains between London and Hertford North.”

Vauxhall Bridge to face temporary 18-tonne weight limit from July over safety concerns

By Myfanwy Fleming-Jones

A TEMPORARY 18-tonne weight restriction will be introduced on Vauxhall Bridge from 1 July 2026 after inspections revealed deterioration in parts of the structure..

Transport for London (TfL) said the safety-critical measure is being brought in following a recent assessment which found the bridge’s weight-bearing capacity had reduced.

The restriction will apply to all vehicles over 18 tonnes, with the

exception of buses and emergency vehicles, which will still be allowed to use the road. Rigid lorries, multiaxle tippers, large refuse trucks, and articulated lorries are all classed as heavy vehicles that can weigh 18 plus tonnes.

TfL stressed the bridge remains safe for public use, but heavier vehicles will be diverted along signed alternative routes while further work takes place.

Carl Eddleston, TfL’s director of streets and network operations, said:

“Safety is our top priority, and we know

how important Vauxhall Bridge is for people travelling across London.

Around 39,500 vehicles cross Vauxhall Bridge each day, according to TfL. Only around 200 of those vehicles - roughly 0.5 per cent of daily trafficweigh more than 18 tonnes.

The bridge has already been subject to restrictions since 2023, with vehicles over 44 tonnes gross weight or 11.5 tonnes per axle banned from using the crossing.

TfL confirmed that no bus services or emergency vehicles will be affected by the latest measures.

what’s on

MARTIN GROVER AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY

HERNE HILL artist Martin Grover has just been informed that his screenprint, A Strong Tree With Many Strong Branches, has been accepted for the prestigious Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. It is inspired by the novel, Night of the Hunter by Davis Grubb, which was adapted into the iconic film noir classic, starring Robert Mitchum, writes Michael Holland.

The title, though, is taken from one of the novel’s chapters, and Martin explains that the artwork depicts a time in the book when two children have narrowly escaped a psychopathic, murderous preacher in a tiny boat and are floating towards an unknown future. That is something that you would never imagine from looking at the picture and seeing the serenity of the environment and the calmness of the water as the boat slowly moves across it, hardly making a ripple.

Having seen the film, however, I remember that it is fraught with tension as you worry about the safety of the kids, who know he is close to catching them. I wondered how the artist created such a luscious, atmospheric riverscape from the book:

‘I wanted the work solely to reflect my response to the prose,’ he begins. ‘The Ohio River is the backdrop in the novel, which takes place in Depression-era America. I researched a few old photos of the river from around that time and used those as an initial reference. I like to combine elements of reality with imagination.’

At a recent exhibition, I saw another, oil on canvas, version of this scene, by Martin, which also left you quite meditative. I asked how he managed to do that:

‘I called that painting ‘The Drifters’, as a bit of a nod to Moon River’s lyrics:

“Two drifters, off to see the world There’s such a lot of world to see We’re after the same rainbow’s end Just around the bend…”’

As he spoke the words, I felt myself drifting round the river’s bend in the boat.

‘It’s a bit more optimistic than the realities of what the book was portraying!’ he said, dragging me back from my daydream.

The book must be as powerful as the film because Martin was driven to make several sketch paintings, the large canvas, and the original screen print that was

accepted for the Royal Academy. He preempted my next question - Why?

‘If I have an image I like,’ he explained, ‘it’s nice to work it out over a series of paintings; although the scene might be the same, the composition and colour changes in each depiction.’

It now all began to make sense.

But this is not the first book Martin has used for inspiration: ‘Over the years I have illustrated poems or favourite songs; this, though, is the first time since I did some drawings based on Lord of the Flies that I have been influenced by a

novel. I’m really liking the challenge and have already earmarked The Ice Palace as possibly the next novel to create some work from.’

But now the artist has to prepare for the Summer Exhibition. A big affair but one that will not unnerve him. ‘I am really lucky to have had work selected on a few occasions for the R.A.,’ he says before humbly adding, ‘but I’ve had more rejections than acceptances.’

‘Even so, it is still a major achievement,’ I offer.

‘Absolutely. The thrill of getting that

acceptance email is still as great, if not greater than the first time. I really enjoy the ride and Varnishing Day, which is such a historic event dating back to the founding of the Summer Show… Not much in the way of varnishing happens these days but it’s a great way to meet fellow artists and have a drink or ten!’

‘What else excites you?’

‘There is no other exhibition like this in the world where jobbing/part-time artists get the chance to hang alongside the greats of the art establishment. Because of that, and the fact there is so much competition to get in, it feels like a real achievement, even though the process is a real lottery and I never think I deserve to be selected.’

‘Is it life-changing?’

‘It won’t change the way I work, and I suspect it maybe won’t be a lifechanging event - not unless some major gallery decides that I need international recognition!’ He said with a wry smile.

‘You never know,’ I said. ‘At best, I like to keep it real. I’m hoping I’ll sell a few of the prints and I will enjoy my work being seen by thousands of people in the coming months, but other than that, my life will carry on in the same cycle of creating new work and searching for different spaces and avenues to exhibit it.’

And that is what Martin Grover is good at - creating new work and showing it regularly when and where he can.

Summer in the Royal Academy… Winter in New York?

As I said, you never know.

Royal Academy, Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J 0BD from 16th June - 23rd August.

Booking and full details: https://www. royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/summerexhibition-2026

THE PAIR ARE MAGNETIC, AND HOLD THE ENTIRE ROOM’S

JAMES RUSHBROOKE’S awardwinning two-hander Before I’m

Dead is a perfectly-balanced offering of snarky gallows humour and tender musings on the human experience, writes Melina Block.

Performed in the basement theatre of The Glitch – a shadowy respite from the sticky heatwave that has been beating down on London – every aspect of this production is equally refreshing.

The performances of the two leads – Myla Carmen as the strong-willed, terminally ill teenage Zara and Pete Ashmore as her measured, somewhat repressed counsellor, Stuart – are both outstanding. Carmen’s quick wit and bold energy blends excellently with

ATTENTION

Ashmore’s quietly sensitive portrayal of a man dared to start truly living.

The pair are magnetic, grounded by Rushbrooke’s wonderfully insightful writing, they capture and hold the entire room’s attention from first words to final notes.

The in-the-round staging enhances the intimacy of what is, at its core, a deeply personal reflection on the fleeting power of close relationships. Tightly constructed, no scene drags. The play storms ever-forward, even as we are offered glimpses into the difficult pasts of the characters and their families.

Even the guitar solo which closes out the piece – something which can all too easily become very cheesy, very quick – is just the right amount of earnest; a

peaceful end that invites the audience to pause and reflect on what we have just experienced.

It is easy to see why Rushbrooke won a playwriting award for this show; it never feels overly dramatic or preachy, rather a humble, thoughtful and deeply human look at the regular people and ‘trivial’ moments which go on to shape our lives.

The Glitch, 134 Lower Marsh, London, SE1 7AE until Sunday 21st June

Performance Times: 7pm nightly except Tuesdays, with a 2pm matinee on Thursdays and Saturdays

Price: £15/£12.50

Ticket link: https://buytickets.at/ vaultcreativearts/2153481

JOIN BIG JOHN’S WORLD CUP EXTRAVAGANZA

The Fox & Firkin are kicking off England’s World Cup run with Big John, Lord BOSH himself, at the helm. The Lewisham pub claims to boast South London’s biggest pub garden so will be the perfect place to catch England v Croatia on the 17th June to start off a summer full of football fun. The social media influencer, best known for his Chinese takeaway reviews, will be leading a quiz for punters before the game kicks off at 9pm. Expect football trivia, historic World Cup moments, questionable refereeing decisions, and plenty of chances to prove you’re the ultimate England fan. The winning team in the quiz will get the mouthwatering prize of unlimited prawn crackers for all involved.

Date: Wednesday 17th June.

Time: 5pm (kick-off is at 9pm).

Location: Fox and Firkin 316 Lewisham High St. London SE13 6JZ.

Tickets: £10 for the football screening, £24 for the quiz.

Book: foxfirkin.com/event/big-johns-world-cup-extravaganza/

MR BUBBLES IS COMING TO TOWN

From erupting bubble volcanoes to fire tornadoes, The Bubble Show is coming to Greenwich and audiences of all ages are in for a treat at the Woolwich Works. Mr Bubbles, a Guiness World Record holder and foremost bubble artist, will be

Londoners can take a free trip and free drink on the capital’s cable cars this June as part of a Loneliness Awareness Week campaign. The London Cable Car are launching their ‘Chatty Cabins’ once again this year to encourage users to have a chat with strangers sharing their cabin. They said users should share their favourite London memories, swap travel stories, or just enjoy a moment of connection with someone new.

This year, London Cable Car have also partnered with social enterprise Camerados to host a pop-up Public Living Room at the Greenwich Peninsula terminal from 10am - 4pm on Wednesday 17th June.

Dates: 15th June to 19th June.

Time: 10am to 12pm each day.

Location: London Cable Car, Edmund Halley Way, London SE10 0FR

hosting an interactive adventure full of magic, storytelling and science on Sunday 14 June. The show is the perfect Sunday afternoon family escape into a world of spellbinding bubble-based tricks.

Date: Sunday 14 June.

Time: 2pm.

Location: Woolwich Works (Fireworks Factory), 11 No.1 Street, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, London, SE18 6HD.

Tickets: £16.50.

Book: visitgreenwich.org.uk/whats-on/the-bubbleshow

Join a day full of choral celebration and live performances at Goldsmiths next weekend to mark Refugee Week 2026. This year’s Refugee Week theme is courage and this community-led event hopes to bring people together from across Lewisham to celebrate the contributions, resilience and strength of refugee and migrant communities. The day will be full of choirs, live performances, music, film screenings, workshops and creative activities for all ages. ‘United in Courage: Voices of Stength and Solidarity’ is organised by Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network and is supported by Lewisham Council and the Migrant Futures Institute (MFI).

Date: Saturday 13th June 2026

Time: 11am, runs for approximately 5 hours.

Location: Richard Hoggart Building Room 142, 143 and 150, Goldsmiths, University of London, SE14 6NW

Tickets: Free but tickets can be reserved on Eventbrite

History

A BOB’S WORTH OF CARNIVAL

By Debra Gosling

WELL, THE good weather is heretime for picnics and barbecues and celebrating the sun. And festivals and carnivals! There’s plenty to choose from - but the best carnival in Bermondsey was in 1900!

You wouldn’t have seen anything like it before, when 215 floats, wagons and groups of pedestrians wound their way around the tiny streets of Bermondsey, with music playing, songs and singing. What was it all for?

Nothing good can come of war. The great trauma, loss of life and tales of heroism cannot be measured. Now almost forgotten, The Boer War saw many casualties and loss of life.

It is long ago now: its soldiers who lost their lives now only names carved on a stone tablet, their heroic tales confined to the pages of a dusty book. Far from being shot or stabbed, a good percentage of the troops that lost their lives in Africa actually died of disease: dysentery and cholera were rife.

The Boer war had an effect on Bermondsey: its local regiments were out in South Africa and a good few Bermondsey sons had been lost. Those that were left behind, the widows and orphans, had to find a way of coping, not just with grief but with poverty. In all, 1500 widows and 1800 orphans were affected across the country. A fund was started to help them; it was aimed to give financial relief to every soldier and sailor’s widow and, as is tradition, the Bermondsey spirit kicked in to help

them. Trust accounts were set up for the kids’ upbringing until they reached wageearning age. It also aided the return of disabled soldiers from the front.

A great two-day carnival was planned that would wind its way around the Bermondsey streets, passing many homes of those affected. A contribution of a ‘bob’ (slang for shilling) to the war fund was suggested; this was a simple, effective and affordable way of raising cash. Those on the Carnival committee were all well-known Bermondsey faces; Colonel Bevington took the lead with his son Robert being the Chief Marshall of the procession. The Colonel was still suffering from a injury after being thrown from his horse three years earlier so could not physically take part, much to his chagrin. Chairman of the carnival committee was George Peeke, a leather manager and dresser from Fendall Street (not to be confused with the biscuit man, who didn’t have an ‘e’ at the end of his name!) Affluent local businessmen, religious leaders and various freemason groups all got involved; it would be a real community event. The preparation was phenomenal; there would be thousands of people to arrange on the floats, plus all the spectators and visitors. Local bakers saw to it that there would be enough bread, buns and cakes to literally feed an army. The numerous Draper’s shops rolled out copious bales of cloth to decorate windows. Programmes were printed, boxes were made to hold all of the donations and people would

dig deep to put in their shilling. There were floats to be decorated; costumes to be made; music rehearsals; battalion drills; shoes to be shined, buttons to be polished and bunting to put up. It was to be the biggest event in Bermondsey for a very long time after, if ever.

So it was that on a warm Wednesday in July 1900 the first Bermondsey Carnival partied around Bermondsey in a colourful, noisy and spectacular procession. It kicked off at 7pm, ensuring all those in the factories and tanneries could be in attendance (and therefore ensuring more ‘bob’s in the kitty!)

It was a fantastic sight to behold. There were mounted police, local regiments, Masonic lodges, boys’ brigades, Post Office messengers: in fact anyone who had a uniform turned up and medals sparkled in the evening sunshine. Bugles were blown, drums were banged, horses whinnied and the kids just cheered. It was one mass of colour and one mass of union jacks.

All the shops down The Blue decorated

their facades with flags, bunting and pictures of war officials. The bigger businesses contributed much more than a shilling: the likes of Pomeroy, Hobbs, Lipton’s and the Southern Railway dug deep into their pockets. Just about everyone in the area contributed in some way, from famous Mr John Hart of the Star Music Hall, little girls in costumes rattling money buckets, to small dogs dressed in Pierrot costumes. Clowns tumbled and somersaulted down the street, fairies leapt into the air, cyclists rang their bells and numerous ‘Brittannias’ floated by. There was a whole float with a model of Tower Bridge, proving that even after its opening a few years before it was already a source of pride. Other floats re-enacted Boer battles while Dockers dressed up as women, tanners dressed up as ‘the enemy’ and more than a handful put in an appearance as good old John Bull. Naturally, all of the publicans were involved, and there were stacks of pubs back then -but star of

the show was Spot the dog who lived in The Feathers at Dockhead - he collected a huge amount of cash from punters! A huge amount of cash was raised and there was even a commemorative photo album produced by a printer in Dockhead. It was Sidney Angle who took all of the photos; his daughter Daisy actually travelled on one of the floats, as did many other businessmen’s children. Portraying India on a float of commonwealth countries was a pretty young embroidress by the name of Madge Toogood. Her brother, Henry later worked for the Bermondsey Borough Council and it was he that signed William Weller’s market licence twenty-four years later. So after two days of fun and frolics the carnival left town, leaving a scattering of sequins blowing in the dust and just the echo of a bugle, not to mention piles of manure for the back gardens! In later years the carnival appeared sporadically and it is now incorporated into The Event, but it is a far smaller affair than that first spectacular one in 1900.

Celebrating inclusion and independence

MOHAMED EL KARYUNI

Late of Fulham, London SW6 died at Chelsea, London SW10 on 05/01/2022

The kin of the above named are requested to apply to the Treasury Solicitor (BV), HMRC Croydon Regional Centre, 1 Ruskin Square,Croydon, CR0 2WF, United Kingdom or at www.gov.uk/ bonavacantia, failing which the Treasury Solicitor may take steps to administer the estate.

JUNE ROSEMARY WICKS

Deceased

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of Callum Welch Court, 4 St. Germans Place, Blackheath, SE3 0PW, who died on 20/10/2025, must send written details to the address below by 13/08/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified.

Taylor & Emmet LLP, 20 Arundel Gate, Sheffield, S1 2PP.

Ref: LK/222808

NORMA OLIVE REDNALL

Deceased

Pursuant to the Trustee Act 1925 anyone with a claim against or an interest in the Estate of the deceased, late of Welcome Care Home, 28 Fordel Road, London, SE6 1XP, who died on 28/02/2026, must send written details to the address below by 13/08/2026, after which the Estate will be distributed with regard only to claims and interests notified.

Thackray Williams, T Bromley, 15-17 London Road, Bromley, BR1 1DE.

Ref: RED278/1

Public notice of an application for a Premises Licence under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003

Notice is hereby given that an application was made to the London Borough of Lambeth Council for a premises licence under the above Act on 4th June 2026 and will commence its consultation on the 5TH JUNE 2026. Applicant: RJKBC Food Limited. Address of premises: Paris Baguette, Unit 4ba, 26 Casson Square, Near Waterloo, Lambeth, SE1 7BQ.

Proposed licensable activities: Sale of alcohol-consumption on the premises. Proposed days and hours of licensable activity: Consumption of alcohol on the premises: Monday to Wednesday09:00 hours until 22:30 hrs, Thursday to Saturday – 09.00 hours until 23:30 hrs & Sunday – 10.00 hours until 21:30 hrs. The postal address of the Licensing Authority where the register is kept and the application may be inspected by appointment is: * Licensing Section, London Borough Of Lambeth Council, 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, 8 Brixton Hill, Lambeth, London, SW2 1EG. Any person wishing to make representations on this matter shall give notice, in writing, stating the nature and grounds for making such representations to The Licensing Officer at the above address* within 28 days of the date of this notice – by the 2ND JULY 2026. Further information is available on the web site www.lambeth.gov.uk by following the links. 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 and the offence is punishable on summary conviction on or after that day by a fine of any amount.

RB Retail & Licensing Services

Limited

Duly Authorised Agent

To place a notice in this paper and online, email hello@ cm‐media.co.uk

Notice of application for a Premises Licence. Notice is hereby given that Brothers Green Ltd has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at 6 Pilots Walk (2b New Acres), Wandsworth, SW18 1FN for supply of alcohol (Sun-Thurs: 09.00-23.00 and Fri-Sat: 09.0000.00) and provision of regulated entertainment –recorded music (Mon-Thurs: 07.30-23.00, Fri-Sat: 08:00-00.00 and Sun 08.00-23.00).

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 30/06/2026 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.

Goods Vehicle Operator’s licence

Fesshaye trading as FITIWI HAULAGE LTD, 52 Browning Avenue W7 1AU is applying to use Tarmac Top Mix LTD Silverthorne Road. Queenstown Road, Nine Elms, London SW8 3HE as an operating centre for 1 vehicles and 1 trailer.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UE stating their reasons within 21 days of this notice.

Representers must at the same time send a copy of their representation to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A guide to making representations is available from the traffic commissioners office.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO VARY A PREMISES LICENCE

Mr Kavikumar Paramasivam has applied to Wandsworth Council to vary the premises licence at: KK Convenience Store, 82 Tooting High Street, London, SW17 0RN

As follows:

Extend off sale of alcohol hours to 02:00 hours

Monday to Sunday (08:00 to 02:00 hours daily)

Update the address details of premises licence holder and the designated premises supervisor

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing 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

By 29 JUNE 2026

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 10.00am and 4.00pm. Information on all new and variation applications received by the Licensing Authority can be viewed on the Council’s website www.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.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A NEW PREMISES LICENCE

PITTER POTTER LIMITED Has applied to Merton Council for a premises licence at: Pitter Potter, 52 Wimbledon Hill Road, London SW19 7PA to provide the following licensable activities: Supply of Alcohol for On-Premises consumption: Mon-Sun (10:00-22:00) Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing to: Merton Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5DX or by email to: licensing@merton.gov.uk By 02nd of July 2026

The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of The Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00am and 4.00pm. Information on all new and variation applications received by the Licensing Authority can be viewed on the Council’s website www.merton.gov.uk It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in or in connection with an application, punishable upon conviction by an unlimited fine.

LICENSING ACT 2003

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE

Premises: Norbury Park Pavilion, Green Lane, Norbury, London, SW16 3LZ.

Notice is given that VM FINANCE LTD has applied to Croydon Council for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003. The proposed licensable activity is: Recorded Music, Performance of Dance, Anything of a similar description falling under Music or Performances of Dance Standard Times & Retail Sale of Alcohol – Sunday 23rd August 2026 Only 12:00-21:00.

The postal address of the local authority where register of applications is kept for general viewing: London Borough of Croydon, Sustainable Communities Department, Licensing Team, 3rd Floor, Zone B, Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon, CR0 1EA.

Application details can be viewed at Access Croydon Reception, Bernard Weatherill House, between 9 a.m. & 3.45 p.m., Monday to Friday (except bank holidays), or online via www.croydon.gov.uk

If you wish to make any representations in relation to this application, please do so in writing, no later than 06.07.2026 to: Sustainable Communities Department, Licensing Team, 3rd Floor, Zone B, Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon, CR0 1EA.

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine on summary conviction for such an offence is unlimited.

View all weekly and archive public notices and sign up to the Public Notice Portal at www.southlondon.co.uk/ category/public‐notices/

PUBLIC NOTICE LICENSING ACT 2003 –APPLICATION FOR A NEW PREMISES LICENCE

An application has been made by: Leonard Truni for the premises, The Greek Meze 2, located at 299 Main Rd, Sidcup, DA14 6QL, on the date of 02 June 2026.

Summary of the proposed licensable activities and the proposed hours of opening: Live Music: 20:00-23:00 Monday to Saturday, 17:00-21:00 Sundays. Recorded Music: 10:00-23:00 Monday to Thursday, 10:00-00:00 Fridays and Saturdays, 12:00-22:30 Sundays. Late Night Refreshment: 23:00-00:00, Fridays and Saturdays. Supply of Alcohol: 10:00-23:00 Monday to Thursday, 10:00-00:00 Fridays and Saturdays, 12:00-22:30 Sundays. On Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, St George's Day, St Valentine's Day, and St Patrick's Day, live music, recorded music, and alcohol sales can continue until 1:00am, while late-night refreshment can run from 11:00pm to 1:00am.

Any person wishing to view details of an application may contact the Licensing Partnership on 01732 227004 or email them at: licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk or visit http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/online-licensing

Any person wishing to make representation about the application should make them in writing on or before the 30 June 2026

To: Licensing Partnership, Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG Email: licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The offence is punishable on summary conviction by a fine of any amount.

LICENSING ACT 2003

APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE

WLF Ventures Ltd has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth for the grant of a Premises Licence, in respect of the following premises: Clapham Common, Windmill Drive, London, SW49DE which would authorise the following licensable activities: Recorded Music (background music) - 18:00 –22:00 on Saturday 1st August 2026 & Sunday 2nd August 2026

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

A responsible authority or any other person may make representation to the licensing authority in respect of this application. Representations must be made in writing, either by post to the above address, or by email to licensing@lambeth.gov.uk and must be received no later than 7th 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).

LICENSING ACT 2003

APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE

Loja Luso Brasileria Ltd has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth for the grant of a Premises Licence, in respect of the following premises: Casa Luso Brasileira Cafe, 101 Streatham Vale, London, SW16 5SQ which would authorise the following licensable activities: Sale of alcohol (on and off licence) from 10:00am until 22:30

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 30.06.2025

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).

Notice of application for a Premises Licence. Notice is hereby given that L'ASSAGGINO GROUP LIMITED has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at L'Assaggino Al Mercato, Unit 9, 11 And E3, Broadway Market 29 Tooting High Street London SW17 9SD for Sale of Alcohol –Consumption On & Off the Premises – Monday to Sunday - 10:00hrs to 00:00hrs Late Night Refreshment – Indoors & OutdoorsMonday to Sunday – 10:00hrs to 00:30hrs

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 08th 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.

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;

ADV = ADVERTISEMENT CONSENT

FUL = FULL PLANNING PERMISSION

LB = LISTED BUILDING CONSENT

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

61 Knatchbull Road London Lambeth SE5 9QR Addition of one roof light to flat 4. 26/01407/FUL

17 Methley Street London SE11 4AL Replacement of existing window to ground floor rear elevation with a French window and Juliet balcony. 26/01473/FUL

10-16 Acre House Acre Lane London Lambeth SW2 5SG Retrospective advertisement consent for the retention of an internally illuminated fascia sign affixed to the front elevation of the commercial premises. 26/01426/ADV

33 Loughborough Park London Lambeth SW9 8TP Replacement of windows, removal of garage and replacement with matching brickwork and double hung sash window, re-arrangement of existing window openings to the rear. 26/01374/FUL

58 Elm Park London SW2 2UB Change of use from (Class use A4) to class use A5 serving as a hot food takeaway including the installation of a chimney extractor hood at the rear of the property. 26/01376/FUL

36 Chelsham Road London Lambeth SW4 6NP Erection of a ground floor single-storey flat roof rear extension and pitched roof side extension, with the installation of an electric car charging port to the front elevation. 26/01520/FUL 165A Fentiman Road London SW8 1JY Erection of a rear dormer extension and two mansard windows at the rear and two rooflights to the front elevation 26/01513/FUL

255 Coldharbour Lane London SW9 8RP Replacement of single-glazed timber French doors and flanking casements with like-for-like and repair of all remaining windows and doors. (Flat A). 26/01266/FUL

23 Aldebert Terrace London SW8 1BH Replacement of existing windows with timber framed double glazed windows. 26/01339/FUL

34 Stockwell Green London Lambeth SW9 9HZ Retrospective listed building consent for the installation of illuminated signage. 26/01561/LB Piano House 9 Brighton Terrace

1 Highland Road London SE19 1DP Installation of a 1.8m front and side boundary fencing including 1no. vehicular gate, 2no. pedestrian gates and 3 new masonry piers. 26/01586/FUL

38 Durand Gardens London Lambeth SW9 0PP Replacement of timber windows and doors with timber

67A Westow Hill London Lambeth SE19 1TS Change of use from residential flat (Use Class C3) on upper floors to a large House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Sui

Lancaster Avenue London Lambeth SE27 9DZ Erection of a side and rear ground floor single storey extension. 26/01576/FUL

23 Lansdowne Gardens London Lambeth SW8 2EQ Erection of a single-storey bike and bin store within the front garden, including integrated planted roof and associated landscaping works. 26/01580/FUL 103-105 Streatham High Road London Lambeth SW16 1HJ Replacement of existing metal framed single glazed windows with double glazed aluminum framed windows at first and second floor front elevation 26/01612/FUL

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

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable telecommunications maintenance and repair 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 those lengths of Crimsworth Road which lie: (a) between its northernmost junction with Thorparch Road and No. 3 Crimsworth Road; (b) between No. 16 Crimsworth Road and No. 60 Crimsworth Road.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles for the prohibition in 1(a) will be available via Crimsworth Road and Thorparch Road, and vice versa. Alternative routes for affected vehicles for the prohibition in 1(b) will be available via Crimsworth Road, Thorparch Road and Goldsboro’ Road, and vice versa.

3. The Order will come into force on 17 June 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 3 days to complete.

Dated 12 June 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

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

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable bridge inspection 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 those lengths of:

(a) Ferndale Road, between outside the common boundary of Nos. 190 and 192 Ferndale Road and outside the common boundary of Nos. 210 and 212 Ferndale Road.

(b) Bythorn Street, between its junction with Ferndale Road and its north-westernmost extremity.

2. The alternative route for affected vehicles would be available via Ferndale Road, Allardyce Street, Santley Street, Concannon Road, Acre Lane, Brixton Road and Ferndale Road.

3. The Order would come into force on 27 June 2026 and would 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 nights (10pm to 5am) to complete.

1. NOTICE IS

Dated 12 June 2026 Ben Stevens Highway Network Manager LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

159 Hartington Road London SW8 2EY Erection of a part two storey, part single storey outbuilding to rear garden. 26/01532/FUL 12.06.2026 Rob

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

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – RENFREW ROAD, WINCOTT STREET AND KEMPSFORD ROAD

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 temporarily: (a) prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding, waiting, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle, or parking in that length of Renfrew Road which lies between its junctions with Kennington Lane and Gilbert Road; (b) suspend the prohibition of vehicles entering and proceeding along Wincott Street between its junctions with Kennington Road and Kempsford Road; (c) suspend the prohibition of vehicles entering and proceeding along Kempsford Road between its junctions with Wincott Street and Reedworth Street.

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

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable bridge repair works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order, the effect of which will be to temporarily: (a) prohibit vehicles from waiting, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle or parking in those lengths of Lambeth Road between its easternmost and westernmost junctions with Sail Street. (b) suspend the eastbound bus lane in Lambeth Road, situated between its easternmost and westernmost junctions with Sail Street. (c) suspend the westbound bus lane in Lambeth Road, situated between its easternmost and westernmost junctions with Sail Street.

Dated 12 June 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH PROPOSAL TO MAKE AMENDMENTS TO FREE LIMITED STAY PARKING PLACES AND TAXI STOPPING AREA IN ALBERT EMBANKMENT (This notice is about proposed amendments to free limited stay parking places, taxi stopping areas and “at any time” waiting restrictions in Albert Embankment.)

2. The general effect of the Order will be further to amend the Lambeth (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) Order 2023, so that:(a) the existing taxi stopping area adjacent the Park Plaza Hotel, Albert Embankment would be redesignated to the service road fronting Nos. 9 to 20 Albert Embankment, the east side, from a point 6.00 metres south of the southern kerb-line of Salamanca Street, to a point 17.00 metres south of that kerb-line; (b) the existing free limited stay parking place adjacent the Park Plaza Hotel, Albert Embankment would be redesignated to the service road fronting Nos. 9 to 20 Albert Embankment the east side, from a point 26.20 metres south of the southern kerb-line of Salamanca Street to a point 38.90 metres south-west of that kerb-line;

(c) waiting by vehicles (including for the purpose of delivering or collecting goods or loading or unloading a vehicle) will be prohibited at any time in the service road fronting Nos. 9 to 20 Albert Embankment, the east side, from a point 17 metres south of the southern kerb-line of Salamanca Street, southward for a distance of 9.20 metres;

(d) the existing prohibition on waiting by vehicles for the purpose of loading or unloading a vehicle would be revoked in the service road fronting Nos. 9 to 20 Albert Embankment, the east side, from a point 6 metres south of the southern kerb-line of Salamanca Street for a distance of 2.60 metres;

(e) specify that:-

(i) the free limited stay parking place will operate between 8.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays inclusive;

(ii) the free limited stay parking place may be used, subject to the provisions of the Order, for the leaving of such vehicles as are passenger vehicles, goods vehicles or motorcycles;

(iii) the maximum initial period for which a vehicle may be left during the permitted hours will be 30 minutes;

(iv) the interval before a vehicle may again be left in a parking place after the expiration of the initial period will be 2 hours;

(v) the taxi stopping area may be used, subject to the provisions of the Order for the leaving of taxis, will operate at any time and will be free of charge.

3. If you have any enquiries, please contact Lambeth Council’s Development Related Works Team on drw@lambeth.gov.uk

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

5. All objections and other representations relating to the proposed Orders must be made in writing and all objections must specify the grounds on which they are made (quoting reference Albert Embankment 150), and can be made using our consultation portal at https://streets.appyway.com/lambeth or sent by post to Parking and Enforcement Group (Parking, Network Management & Fleet), London Borough of Lambeth, PO Box 80771, London, SW2 9QQ or by email TMOReps@lambeth.gov.uk within 21 days from the date on which this Notice is published. Any objection may be communicated to, or seen by, other persons who may have an interest in this matter.

Dated 12 June 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Kennington Lane, Kennington Road, Windmill Road, Kennington Lane, Kennington Road, Wincott Street and Gilbert Road, or via Gilbert Road, Wincott Street, Kempsford Road, Reedworth Street, Kennington Road and Kennington Lane.

3. The restrictions specified in paragraph 1 will only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.

4. The Order will come into force on 15 June 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 8 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 11 weeks to complete.

Dated 12 June 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

2. The restrictions specified in paragraph 1 will only apply at such times and to such extent as shall be indicated by the placing of the appropriate traffic signs.

3. The Order will come into force on 15 June 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 8 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 23 weeks to complete.

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Young People Gain Life-Saving Skills as New Community Partnership Launches

Nineteen young people from Rotherhithe and Bermondsey gained valuable life-saving skills during the May half term thanks to a free Emergency First Aid Workshop organised by Ballers Academy and Bizzie Bodies.

Held at Dockland Settlements

Community Centre in Rotherhithe, which generously provided the venue free of charge, the workshop gave local young people aged 13 to 19 the opportunity to learn how to respond confidently in emergency situations.

The training was delivered by YourStance through its highly regarded Zero Responder programme. During the interactive 90-minute session, participants received hands-on training in CPR, basic life support and bleed control, learning how to provide vital assistance before emergency services arrive.

Using specialist training equipment and mannikins, the young people practised essential techniques, explored how the

body responds to injury and illness, and gained a better understanding of the critical role that immediate action can play in saving lives. Each participant received a certificate and a pocket-sized reference card to support their learning beyond the workshop.

The session was led by experienced healthcare professionals with backgrounds in Accident and Emergency departments, pre-hospital care and surgery, ensuring participants received

expert guidance throughout.

The successful event also marked the official launch of an exciting new collaboration between Ballers Academy and Bizzie Bodies. The two organisations have recently secured joint funding from United St Saviour’s Charity through its Community Investment Committee, enabling them to develop a long-term programme of opportunities for local young people.

Rather than delivering isolated

activities, the partnership aims to create a sustainable model that brings together youth voice, STEAM learning, personal development and inclusive sports activities. By combining their expertise and community connections, Ballers Academy and Bizzie Bodies hope to provide young people with meaningful opportunities to build confidence, develop new skills and make a positive contribution to their communities.

The Emergency First Aid Workshop is the first of many initiatives planned under this new partnership, reflecting a shared commitment to investing in young people and strengthening opportunities across Rotherhithe and Bermondsey.

SURREY EDGED OUT IN CLASSIC

By ECB Reporters Network

DAN LAWRENCE’S brilliant unbeaten 94 was in vain as Hampshire Hawks clung on in a tense finish against Surrey at The Kia Oval last weekend to secure a fifth straight Vitality Blast victory and cement their place at the top of the South Group.

Toby Albert and Ali Orr laid the foundations at the Kia Oval with an opening partnership of 73 from 49 balls before Hilton Cartwright (40 from 17) and Joe Weatherley (43 from 26) enabled the Hawks to post 215-5 - their highest Blast total against Surrey.

The visitors looked firm favourites after reducing Surrey to 52-3, only for Will Jacks (70 from 42) and Lawrence, who

scored his total from 47 balls, to transform their side’s fortunes. But, with 22 needed off Manny Lumsden’s final over, Lawrence struck fifteen of them before losing strike and Chris Jordan was unable to manage a last-ball six that would have tied the contest.

With regular skipper James Vince nursing a back problem, Orr was drafted in for his first Blast appearance of the season and looked at home as he clubbed

Tom Curran over mid-on for six.

Albert (39 from 32) cut with precision

and mixed in a clutch of reverse-scoopsbut off-spinner Jacks (2 for 29) lured both openers into shots that brought about their downfalls in the space of three balls, forcing the Hawks to rebuild.

Cartwright did just that, hitting successive fours off Sean Abbott and ramping Tom Curran for a maximum in his partnership of 56 from 28 with Weatherley - ended when Abbott took a catch just inside the midwicket boundary off Reece Topley.

That was the trigger for Weatherley

to increase his output, dominating the fourth-wicket stand of 50 with Tristan Stubbs, whose 30 not out from eighteen helped to haul Hampshire’s total past 200. They were also indebted to James Fuller, who used up only six balls to smash an unbeaten eighteen, taking advantage of Surrey missing the cut-off time as Abbott’s final over disappeared for 24.

Chris Wood gave his side the ideal start when Surrey replied, persuading Jason Roy to nibble outside off stump for a firstball duck - although Jacks got the chase

just about makes it

moving with a series of fours off Lumsden.

The opener made rapid progress, dispatching Wood effortlessly out of the ground but his side shed two more powerplay wickets, with Ollie Pope and Sam Curran both caught in the deep.

Jacks slammed Liam Dawson’s full toss for another six to reach his 50 and, after a sedate start, Lawrence joined him on the offensive, paddling two sixes in a Lumsden over that cost 24.

The pair dragged the required rate below eleven before Dawson got one to turn and hit Jacks’ stumps, increasing the pressure on Lawrence - whose response was to launch the spinner for successive sixes. But Scott Currie delivered a solid penultimate over and, despite Lawrence’s last-gasp flourish, it was not quite enough to deny Hampshire.

Surrey are next in Vitality Blast action against Sussex Sharks in Hove on Friday, June 2 (7pm).

Spence steers Surrey to win with second successive half-century

By ECB Reporters Network

JEMIMA SPENCE completed backto-back Vitality Blast half-centuries as Surrey recovered from their first defeat of the campaign by overcoming Essex at The Kia Oval last weekend. Spence, who registered her maiden Blast 50 in a losing cause against Somerset last time out, backed it up with a bustling 52 from 31 balls, including nine fours, to steer her side towards victory with 2.2 overs to spare.

That maintained the defending champions’ position at the top of the table

and denied Essex a third consecutive win despite an impressive 85 not out from 63 by skipper Grace Scrivens, who batted right through their total of 145-6.

Surrey off-spinner Kalea Moore took 2-19, her two wickets coming from successive deliveries in the final over.

The home side’s decision to bowl after winning the toss initially looked ill-advised as Scrivens pummelled Bethan Miles for four boundaries in the first over, which went for nineteen.

The Essex captain scored freely off the back foot, but a straight drive off Moore was deflected onto the stumps by the

bowler to run out Lissy Macleod and end an opening stand of 36 from 23.

Three tight overs from Alice Monaghan helped to stifle Essex and Alice DavidsonRichards, whose first two balls had been cut to the point boundary by Scrivens, claimed the second wicket with a full toss that Liberty Heap smacked to deep midwicket.

Jodi Grewcock (19 from 16) looked nicely set, only to be run out after she and Scrivens both hesitated over a risky offside single to Laura Harris and Essex were never able to regain momentum.

Ryana MacDonald-Gay (1-23) gave away

just six from the penultimate over, which included the wicket of Jo Gardner before Moore closed out the innings, bowling Flo Miller and Sophia Smale from successive deliveries to keep the visitors below 150. However, Surrey slumped to 24-2 in the fifth over of their reply, with Bryony Smith caught at cover off Sophie Munro and Kira Chathli leg before when she swung at Eva Gray (2-22) and missed.

Paige Scholfield was just beginning to look dangerous when she holed out to deep midwicket off Grewcock, but Spence took control with successive fours off Scrivens, a reverse sweep and a paddle.

She was given a life on fifteen, with Heap unable to cling onto a tricky chance at midwicket and continued deploying the reverse sweep to good effect in her six-over partnership of 51 with Monaghan (19 from 18).

A confident flick to the midwicket fence off Munro (2-30) took Spence to 50 and, although the seamer took revenge by castling her two balls later, Harris smashed a brisk 29 not out from eighteen to put the game to bed.

Surrey are back in action against Warwickshire Bears Women in Birmingham on June 26 (3pm).

Olympians strike late in thriller after Kent Exiles comeback

By James Lockett

THE LONDON Olympians extended their winning run to four games with a dramatic 26-22 victory over Kent Exiles at Blackheath Rugby Club on Sunday.

Having already beaten the Exiles 31-14 away from home earlier in the season, the Olympians entered the return fixture full of confidence after winning their previous three games and looked set to cruise to another comfortable victory before being pushed all the way by a determined Kent side.

The Olympians’ defence began in its usual dominant fashion, preventing the visitors from establishing any early rhythm

and repeatedly forcing them off the field.

That defensive pressure quickly translated into points. Starting quarterback, Brandon Fields, found wide receiver Javelle Roberts who produced two spectacular catches in the opening quarter, twice leaping above his defender to haul in touchdown receptions to give the O’s an early 12-0 lead.

The game then settled into a defensive battle, with neither side able to add to the scoreboard before half-time.

The deadlock was finally broken in the third quarter when the Olympians special teams unit delivered a huge play.

After recovering an Exiles punt, the hosts returned the ball for a touchdown to stretch their advantage to 18-0 and seemingly take

control of the contest.

But the Exiles had other ideas.

The visitors mounted an impressive comeback in the fourth quarter, first connecting on a long touchdown pass before adding a rushing score through the middle. A successful two-point conversion suddenly turned the game on its head, giving Kent a 22-18 lead and setting up a tense finale.

The Olympians responded when it mattered most.

Quarter-back Toby McManus showed great composure under pressure, finding veteran wide receiver Jed Brennan in the end zone for the decisive touchdown. The O’s then successfully converted the twopoint attempt to move 26-22 ahead and

ensure the Exiles could not tie the game with a field goal.

Kent still had a chance to take the win, but line-backer Harold Carew produced a game-clinching play, stopping the Exiles on a fourth-down conversion attempt near midfield to hand possession back to the hosts.

With victory within touching distance, Roberts produced one final moment of magic, hauling in a stunning one-handed catch, to secure the first down needed for the Olympians to kneel out the clock and claim their fourth consecutive victory.

“It was a strong start from us and a good test of character to go behind so late in the game and still stay the course to secure the win,” Olympians head coach Riq Ayub said.

“The Exiles are a very respectable outfit and we thank them for travelling and for the increased blood pressure.

“Ultimately, we’re happy with the win, but not our performance. We should have put the game to bed earlier and the fact they stayed in it until the end tells us we still have a lot of work to do if we want to go all the way this season.

“We’ll take a few days to reflect before getting back to work and making sure we don’t make the same mistakes against Colchester.”

The Olympians return to action on June 21 when they host the Colchester Gladiators at Blackheath Rugby Club before travelling to Colchester for the return fixture a week later.

WORLD CUP STRIKER LEAVES COTTAGE

Raul Jimenez joins former club Wolves - as terms offered to Harry Wilson

By John Kelly

RAUL JIMENEZ has rejoined his former club Wolverhampton Wanderers after Fulham released the Mexico striker.

The Cottagers confirmed their retained list this week, and have offered a new deal to midfielder Harry Wilson. Jimenez, 35, is at the World Cup as Mexico were set to open the tournament against South Africa on Thursday (June 11).

Jimenez joined the Cottagers from Wolves for £5.5million in the summer of 2023. He went on to score 28 goals in 98 Premier League games and leaves with an overall record of 31 goals in 115

games.

Jimenez recovered from a fractured skull he suffered in a clash of heads with Chelsea defender David Luiz in November 2020 before returning at the start of the following season wearing a protective guard.

The former Benfica forward returns to Wolves, who were relegated to the Championship last season.

Fulham have also released Steven Benda, Devan Tanton, Bradley De Jesus, Ollie Gofford, Charlie Robinson, Joseph Walters, Tom Wingate, Callum Cliff, Marcell Hall, Ruban Khan, Oliver Mayer, Harley Platel and Quinn Schutter.

Defender Robinson, 21, announced his retirement from professional football

Ravens secure historic promotion

By Sport Reporter

BROMLEY WOMEN have been promoted to the Premier Division of the London & South East Regional Women’s Football League as they prepare to compete in the fifth tier for the first time in their history.

They secured their promotion as the highest-ranked runner-up across the regional divisions.

It was a notable campaign in 2025-26, as the side were League Cup runners-up and reached the first round proper of the Women’s FA Cup.

The club also recorded their highest-ever attendance for a

women’s fixture, 1,053, as part of Project 1000 on International Women’s Day.

Bromley will be joined by fellow promoted sides Hammersmith and Eastbourne Borough in the Premier Division, alongside Ashford Town (Middlesex), Aylesford, Barking, Brentford, Dorking Wanderers, Millwall Lionesses, Newhaven, Sutton United and Worthing.

Manager Dean Davenport said:

“Promotion has always been at the forefront of what we, as a club and team, wanted to achieve. Now that we’ve achieved that goal, I couldn’t be prouder of my players, staff and everyone at Bromley Football Club.”

after the end of the season. He suffered an ACL injury in the final training session of the 2022-23 campaign and needed four surgeries.

“After three years of knee issues, and having sought the opinions of the best specialists in the country after four operations, I will sadly be retiring from professional football,” he said.

“It was never what I wanted to happen but, I must prioritise my long term health.

“I am immensely grateful for all the support from everyone around me, especially friends, family and the medical staff at Fulham.”

The club have confirmed that Robinson will begin his coaching career

at Motspur Park.

Wilson, 29, is set to be out of contract at the end of this month and is exploring his options. The Wales international has been linked with a move to Leeds United.

Wilson scored eleven goals and registered eight assists in 41 appearances last season.

The club have also offered deals to Samuel Amissah, Jonathan Esenga, Michael Allen, Chibby Nwoko, Tom Olyott, Jayden Quashie and Olly Sanderson.

Fulham have exercised the options in the contracts of Luke Harris, Farhaan Ali Wahid, Terrell Works and Marco Underwood. Macaulay Zepa has had his third-year scholarship exercised.

In a statement, the Cottagers said: “We would like to thank every player for their service and efforts during their time at Fulham, and wish them the best of luck during the next chapters of their career.”

It is set to be a pivotal summer at Craven Cottage as the club search for a replacement for Marco Silva, who left after five years in charge.

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is still odds-on favourite for the job, while former Cottagers boss Scott Parker, exManchester United head coach Ruben Amorim and former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss, and current United States head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, have all moved up the betting lists over the last week.

Dons agree ‘significant’ ground share

By Manuel Salazar

CHELSEA WOMEN will play their domestic home cup games and European league-phase matches at AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane starting next season as part of a multi-year agreement.

The Blues will play their Women’s Super League and Champions League knockout games, should they progress, at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea Women have a long-standing association with the Dons, previously playing at Kingsmeadow before the League One side moved to their current purpose-built, 9,000-capacity ground.

“I would like to thank everyone associated with Chelsea Women FC

for selecting our home, the Cherry Red Records Stadium, as a fitting stage for their cup matches. We look forward to providing an outstanding experience for players, guests and supporters alike,” James Woodroof, Wimbledon managing director, said.

“This agreement is significant for AFC Wimbledon, as we seek to further drive revenue and stadium usage to help us become more financially sustainable and competitive.

“In recent seasons, AFC Wimbledon Women’s team have played between four to seven matches at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, with the remainder at Tooting & Mitcham FC. We remain committed to ensuring our Women’s team also get the opportunity to play

at Plough Lane whenever the schedule allows, and a share of proceeds from the Chelsea ground-hires will be directed towards our Women’s team.”

Nadia Shahrestani, business operations director at CFCW, said: “We are delighted that from next season we will be playing league phase cup fixtures at the fantastic Cherry Red Records Stadium. While Stamford Bridge is our home, we want to ensure that our alternative venue is inclusive, convenient, as well as being fully compliant with all competition regulations.

“We look forward to creating some special memories at the ground with our incredible fans and would like to thank AFC Wimbledon for all their support.”

By Will Scott

MILLWALL WILL not be pursuing a permanent move for Thierno Ballo after the club failed to come to an agreement with Wolfsberger AC.

The Lions had a £3 million option to make the Austrian winger’s loan move permanent and were interested in retaining him, but talks late last week were ended due to a significant difference in valuation.

Our paper understands that another sticking point was whether the £500,000 loan fee would be deducted from the final price.

Millwall are now moving on to other targets at the position.

A source close to Ballo told our paper that the 24-year-old was keen to stay with the Lions and loved his time in SE16.

He finished the season with 33 appearances in all competitions, registering five assists and scoring one goal.

Ballo made his debut off the bench in a 1-1 draw away at Charlton Athletic on September 13 and became a regular starter on the left wing in the following months, winning man of the match against Stoke City on October 21, assisting both goals in a 2-0 win.

Ballo’s place in the side became more sporadic as the New Year approached, and after starting the first four games of 2026, he found himself out of the starting eleven.

Between January 20 and April 10, Ballo made just three substitute appearances.

He returned to the line-up in a 0-0 draw away at West Bromwich Albion. Millwall boss Alex Neil explained at the time why he had brought him back in.

“I started him because he’s trained brilliantly for the last two or three weeks,” Neil said. “He’s really tried to work his way into the team. I thought he was excellent for sixty minutes until he just ran out of steam. The best chance comes from him and Zak down that side. I thought we were much more threatening down the left in this game than we’ve been recently, so I was really pleased with his contribution.”

Three weeks later, Neil gave further details.

“I probably spoke to him maybe about a month before he came back into the team just about his training

NO BALLO GAMES

Millwall set to move on to other targets as winger move unlikely

standards in terms of making sure he’s on it,” Neil said.

“To be fair to him, I reckon for about three weeks he was the best trainer.

He trained really, really hard to get his opportunity to get back in the team. And then he got that opportunity and

Play it again, Sam

By John Kelly

FULHAM WANT to turn Samuel Chukwueze’s loan move from AC Milan into a permanent deal, according to reports from Italy.

Nigeria international winger Chukwueze, 27, had an injurydisrupted season but impressed at times and scored three goals in ten Premier League starts.

He made 25 appearances in all competitions, also registering four assists.

Chukwueze has played 51 games in Serie A with Milan, scoring four times.

he’s not looked back. But that’s on him. So he’s done brilliantly to show that he wants to play.

“The simple fact is, as a player, you can say what you like. You can say it to me, you can say it to you, you can say it in the press, you can say it to the other

players. The proof’s in the pudding. Do it on the pitch. Run harder than anybody else. Show that you should be in the team.

“He’s certainly done that. And that’s why he merited his place in the side.”

Ballo started the final seven games of the season, including the Lions’ 2-0 play-off semi-final second-leg loss to Hull City at The Den. Ballo will now prepare for preseason at Austrian Bundesliga side Wolfsberger as he heads into the final year of his contract.

Addicks’ James makes Swans move

By John Kelly

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Phase coach Kevin James has left Charlton Athletic to manage National League South side Walton and Hersham.

Former Charlton trainee James, 46, joined the club in July 2023 and worked alongside under-18 Lead Coach Jason Pearce, helping the side to the Professional Development League national title.

The Swans were promoted to the sixth tier for the first time in their history after winning the Premier League South in 2025-26, but couldn’t, but couldn’t agree a new deal with boss Jakub Pietrzak.

“From walking through these

doors as a young scholar at sixteen years old to now leaving as a coach, this club has helped shape me both professionally and personally,” James said.

“To have had the privilege of coaching so many talented young players, building strong relationships and playing a part in their development both on and off the pitch has meant everything to me.

“I feel the time is right to embrace a new challenge and take the next step in my journey to management. Thank you to every player, member of staff, parent and supporter who has been a part of this chapter with me.” Academy manager Greg Miller

added: “We are sorry to be losing Kevin, given his contribution to the academy. Transitioning from coaching roles in the younger age groups, Kevin has been a strong advocate of the good work being done within the under-18 school programme over recent seasons. I was always impressed by Kevin’s desire to care for the players and try and impart his experiences in a way that supported the players’ development.

“Kevin goes with our best wishes, as we understand his ambitions to become a first-team manager. He will always be welcome and I am sure we will have continued engagement with Kevin in the future.

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WORLD CUP STRIKER LEAVES COTTAGE

TUCHEL: NO COWBOY STUFF IN DALLAS

Boss warning as England labour to win over New Zealand in penultimate friendly

By John Kelly

THOMAS TUCHEL warned his England players to give up their “freestyle” approach less than a week away from their opening World Cup Group L game against Croatia in Dallas.

The Three Lions laboured to a 1-0 win over New Zealand after Harry Kane’s 79th international goal in firsthalf added-time in their penultimate friendly ahead of the tournament.

Tuchel played a different side in each half.

“I’m okay with it,” Tuchel said. “I’m not super-happy about it. I like the second half more than the first half.

We played more from our positions and that’s why we played with more speed and off the ball we played with a bit more bite. The first half we were out of positions and it was a bit too much freestyle.

“That slowed our game down and made it difficult for the counter-press because we were not in the positions that we wanted to be when we started attacking. That’s basically the story of the match.”

Tuchel started Ollie Watkins and Marcus Rashford in the wide attacking positions before replacing them at half-time with Anthony Gordon and Rio Ngumoha. Liverpool’s Ngumoha, 17, was part of the training squad and

has since left the United States.

Tucehl was pleased that his side were tested in the plus-30 degree heat.

Tuchel added: “We were lacking width, so players were coming inside and narrowing ourselves down and slowing ourselves down and changing positions for too long. We were taking crosses, a lot of long-range shots, normally not our style of play. We played a lot of long balls, we played a lot of long passes. That was not part of training in the last four days.

“We had one training in the sun and now this match felt really, really odd. But it’s good that we’re exposed because that’s why we’re here. We

EAGLES AGREE SAGE DEAL

By John Kelly

CRYSTAL PALACE have agreed a deal to appoint Pierre Sage on a two-year deal to replace Oliver Glasner.

The Eagles will have to agree a compensation package with French Ligue 1 side RC Lens before the move is finalised.

Palace targeted 47-year-old Sage after their first choice for the job, Andoni Iraola, was appointed by Liverpool after leaving AFC Bournemouth.

Glasner decided to reject a new contract at Selhurst Park after leading the club to FA Cup, Community Shield and Uefa Conference League victories in the last two seasons. They were the first three major trophies in the cub’s history. Sage led Lens to their second-ever major trophy, last season’s French Cup. Lens also finished second in the league to Paris St-Germain, earning a place in next season’s Champions League.

wanted it that way and we need to get used to it because it will come at some point.”

Jude Bellingham was another halftime substitute. Tuchel has said the Real Madrid number ten will have to fight for his place in the side.

“Jude has the decisiveness and he has the bite,” Tuchel said. “This is a key characteristic. You can see that he comes back from an injury and is full of energy and happy to be back on the pitch. He had his break, unfortunately, in a decisive part of the season. But you can see now that he is actually in a sweet spot. He comes back, he’s fresh, he wants to play and he’s in top shape.”

Palace secured their place in the Europa League win their 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig. The Eagles could come up against Glasner next season. The Austrian has reportedly held positive talks with AC Milan. The Serie A side sacked Max Allegri after their fifthplaced finish last season, which puts them into Europe’s second competition along with Palace. Sage previously managed Lyon in Ligue 1.