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SouthLondonWeekly. Community matters

feature

hosPital's Promised refurB may not haPPen Before 2030

water shoCker See pages 16-17

Issue 2 ∙ 50p ∙ June 9 2023 www.southlondon.co.uk

news

man is going QuaCkers over Potholes See page 18

sPort

QPr on league London's largest lido will strength not reopen for the summer Page 19

See page 30

New building, new name, new chapter

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2 NEWS Contents NEWS NEWS Pages 2-17 Pages 2-19 OPINION Pages 18-19 Arts Page Arts20-21 Page 21 Classified Classified & Page 24 Family announcements Page 22 Public notices Pages Public25-27 notices Pages 23-26 SPORT SPORT Pages Pages 29-32 27-32

By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter Concerns have been raised about whether London’s firefighters are being properly trained to deal with fires in high-rise buildings, six years on from the Grenfell Tower fire.

Gareth Beeton, London region chair of the Fire Brigades Union, warned that the capital’s fire crews were still not receiving training in “real” high-rise towers. The London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) deputy commissioner conceded that a more “realistic training environment” is needed for his staff. The issue was discussed at a meeting of the London Assembly’s fire, resilience and emergency planning committee. Mr Beeton told the City Hall meeting on May 17: “The LFB are using some high-rise buildings that are unoccupied, but we don’t have, in London, real fire high-rise training. We still don’t, six years after Grenfell.” The union representative said that while two training sites used by the brigade, at Beckton and Park Royal, do feature real gasfire burners to simulate various scenarios, those facilities did not provide “high-rise, real fire training”. “It’s a totally different firefighting model. You’ve got a street of houses up in the sky, 600 people living there. That [sort of training] is what we need,” he added. Responding, deputy commissioner Jonathan Smith said the brigade was in talks

Concerns raised over ‘realism’ in fire Brigade’s high-rise training

with its training provider, Babcock, about improvements in that area – and he admitted that a “more sophisticated offer” was required to provide officers with “realistic” training scenarios. He said: “As Gareth’s alluded to, we have had the ability to use disused high-rise buildings at the moment, so we’re currently putting firefighters and officers through a programme at Barking," he said. "Literally the high-rise building there is next door to Barking Fire Station.” The building described, Fiske Court, is nine storeys high, while Grenfell Tower was 24 storeys. Mr Smith continued: “I’m very keen to see what we can do to improve our

training offer on our estate, but we’ve also opened up conversations with colleagues at the Fire Service College, with some of our Home Counties services – who have got, simply because of space, less restrictions in terms of height and in terms being able to use carbonaceous burners, for example – [to ask whether] we can actually access their training facilities… but this needs to be planned properly.” “We’re all in absolute agreement that we want to offer the most realistic training environment for our staff," he added, "knowing what we know about the risk environment that our crews are exposed to on a day-to-day basis.”

The deputy commissioner said that improvements to the training offer would also improve the organisation’s culture, because it affects how staff members view themselves and the wider profession. An independent report into the LFB’s culture, carried out by Nazir Afzal, a former chief crown prosecutor for the North West, found that the brigade is “institutionally misogynist and racist”. Mr Smith said the organisation has adopted a “relentless” focus on addressing the report’s findings – including the provision of 200 mental health first aiders, with a target of ensuring there is one in every team across the brigade.

the day to day running of services but can be used for one-off investments and “capital projects” like building new infrastructure. The council is set to use £50million of the cash to pay off half of its debt, which mainly includes government loans. While £75million will be used for building new council houses, investment into town centres and new sporting facilities. The council also plans to invest some of it into “low-risk investment schemes” in a bid to bring in more money for the local authority. Council Leader Ross Garrod said: “With government funding cuts now an annual event, it is more important than ever that we spend this money wisely – especially as it can only be spent once. "That’s why we are prioritising paying down debt and making sound investments which will help us save money and generate

income to reduce the impact of cuts from Westminster to council services. “In the longer term, we will be earmarking around £75million to be used for major new projects in the borough – including

building the first council homes in Merton in a generation, breathing new life into our town centres, and delivering new sporting and leisure facilities as part of our ambition to become London’s Borough of Sport.”

Council makes massive £186 million from company sale - but how does it plan to spend the money? Contact us if you have a story on 07973175511 or email hello@cm-media.co.uk

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for our news team? Call 0207 231 5258 You can WhatsApp us on 07494 070 863.

by Tara O'Connor Local Democracy Reporter A South London council has revealed it made more than £185million from selling off a company it has owned since 1997.

Earlier this year the sale of CHAS was completed by Merton Council after being given the green light in November 2022. The full details of the sale have now been published in the council’s annual accounts. CHAS is a compliance and risk management company that represents more than 30,000 contractors and has worked with more than 2,500 clients. It was set up in 1997 and incorporated as a Council owned company in 2013. It has been sold off to American firm Veriforce for £185.6million. This money can’t be used by the council for

SouthLondonWeekly. Community matters

Editor: Kevin Quinn Reporters: Herbie Russell; Isabel Ramirez Sports Editor: John Kelly Sports reporter: Alex Jones Arts Correspondent: Michael Holland Digital Transformation Editor: Katherine Johnston Media Partnerships: Anthony Phillips Advertising: Clarry Frewin, Sophie Ali Design: Dan Martin, Ann Gravesen Finance: Em Zeki - Tel: 0779 883 3758 Subscriptions/Announcements: Katie Boyd Managing & Commercial Director: Chris Mullany Managing & Editorial Director: Kevin Quinn Published weekly at: Community Matters Media Ltd, Unit A202, The Biscuit Factory, Drummond Road, Bermondsey, London SE16 4DG. News and Sport: 020 7231 5258 Advertising: 0020 7232 1639 News/Advertising: hello@cm-media.co.uk Finance: em@cm-media.co.uk Printed by Iliffe Print. Tel: 01223 656500 www.iliffeprint.co.uk

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Community matters

Former Millwall youngster and current Crystal Palace star in England squad

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Page 16

New building, new name, new chapter

Issue 1 ∙ 50p ∙ June 2 2023 www.southlondon.co.uk

FEATURE

WHAT AREA OF SOUTH LONDON HAS FAMILIES FLOCKING FROM THE NORTH? See page 10

NEWS

POLICE TO BE INVESTIGATED:

Foal Farm animal TASER POINTED rescue centre needs AT 90-YEAR-OLD also placed £25K for ambulance They a spit hood on the to meet ULEZ rules elderly woman See page 4

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Community Matters Media has been running independent newspapers since 1987, and now boasts the weeklies: South London Weekly, Southwark News and Greenwich & Lewisham Weekender, as well as the lifestyle magazines The South Londoner and Bermondsey Biscuit & Rotherhithe Docker. You can view all our content on www.southlondon.co.uk and sign up to newsletters to stay informed about news, lifestyle & events, people, sport and history. We believe in community and in balanced, independent and responsible journalism. As a south London business, we also work to support fellow local businesses. A dedicated team of staff work tirelessly to cover as much of what is going on as possible and strive to ensure that community-led, independent newspapers can survive and excel in a market dominated by national and multinational media groups.

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NEWS 3

'a Bundle of Positivity': foster Carer to over 80 Children henrietta gets Prestigious CiviC award By Herbie Russell a bermondsey foster carer who has "opened her heart" to over 80 children over the last twenty years has been given a prestigious Southwark award.

Henrietta Onyema, 63, who famously offered her home's toilet to thousands of people queuing to see Her Majesty the Queen lying in state, and featured on the John Bishop Show, said it was “very nice” to be recognised for her work. Described as a “bundle of positivity” Henrietta joked that her job as a foster carer to so many had given her “high blood pressure” but that caring for vulnerable young people had been “the greatest reward for my heart”. She was presented with the Liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Bermondsey at the Civic Award Ceremony at Southwark Cathedral on May 20, 2023. Presenting the award, Southwark Mayor Michael Situ said: “Henrietta is a Southwark foster carer who has cared for some of our most of hard-to-reach young people - often in emergency situations. “She is a bundle of positivity offering

care and support to children and young people entering the foster system and always reflecting on how best to meet their individual needs. “Henrietta opens both her heart and her home to children in need and is a worthy recipient of the honour of the Liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Bermondsey.” She has cared for children who have endured extreme trauma and, over the years, has often found herself in police stations at 2am. Henrietta said: “It was very nice and thoughtful of them. I’ve put myself out there. I’ve been in police stations at 2am. It’s a lot of pressure and it’s given me high blood pressure.” Henrietta said the first-ever young person in her care was stabbed but turned his life around and is now a lawyer. “When you see the children change and transform it’s a very big reward for my heart. You feel satisfied and it’s worth it,” she said. Henrietta's unselfish act to open her home to queuers saw her feature on the front page of the Southwark News and one of her toilet visitors was Dame Kelly Holmes.

foster carer henrietta onyema and her daughter annmarie yesufu. inset; henrietta's Royal flush front Page on the Southwark News

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4 NEWS

Residents living near Park hit out over six 'noisy' festivals in just nine days

But there were some who said they enjoyed hearing the likes of Kelly Rowland and that events were necessary to make money By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter People living near a South London park taken over by music festivals for the last two weekends have hit out at organisers and the council over constant noise they say is ruining their lives.

Thousands of revellers have flocked to Lambeth’s Brockwell Park in the last two weeks for festivals including Mighty Hoopla, Wide Awake and City Splash. But many residents living close to the park claim their lives have been made a misery by unbearably loud music and partygoers illegally parking on their streets. They are also annoyed at a large section of the park being fenced off for weeks and the damage done to grass by the thousands of visitors the park attracts. Herne Hill dad Mark Baynes said the noise from the festivals was inescapable. The 43-year-old, who has lived in the area for a decade said: “It’s like we’ve been living at a festival for the last ten days. "The noise is annoying: you just hear noise, not any of the music. It has also been pretty awful not being able to access the park. The kids wanted to play on the grass.” “The Hoopla crowd don’t cause trouble but for the festival on the May bank holiday a lot of people drove here and the traffic was crazy," he added. "My wife went out and had to leave her car in Dulwich, because there weren’t any spaces around here.” On the other side of the park, Tulse Hill resident Stella said she’d never known the noise to be so bad in the 27 years she’d lived in the area. “Without any doubt the noise this year is the worst it has been," she said. "It wasn’t just a little bit of wind carrying the sound. It was horrendously bad on the first weekend. "I went for dinner with my husband in

Balham and I could hear the noise there.” “I tried to stay away from home but there’s only so much time you can spend away. It starts with the sound check at 10:30am and it’s relentless until it closes at night. It’s a nightmare,” she added. Organisers Summer Events Limited have been running a yearly series of festivals in Brockwell Park since 2018 under the Brockwell Live brand. Lambeth Council approved the company’s bid to hold the latest set of events in the 50.8 hectares park back in March. Crews started assembling the stages for the events on May 15. The Sunday of Mighty Hoopla on June 4 was the last event in the series. But the stages will remain in place for just over another week for use by the Lambeth Country Show on June 10 and 11 before being disassembled. Not everyone we spoke to minded the noise though. Catherine, who declined to give her surname, said she enjoyed hearing Kelly Rowland’s headline set on the Saturday of Mighty Hoopla from the comfort of her living room. She said: “It’s noisy but I don’t mind. You could hear Kelly Rowland from my house and it was brilliant. It’s really impressive the number of people here. It finishes at a reasonable time.” Tricia, 59, added: “The festivals take up a big chunk of the park but they’ve made an effort to minimise the disruption. They’ve got to be somewhere and given the amount of money that has been cut by central government I don’t blame the council for trying to get money from somewhere else.” Donna Harris, leader of Lambeth Council’s Liberal Democrat opposition, said had received complaints about noise from residents living up to 3.5km away in Clapham and Streatham. Cllr Harris, member for Streatham Hill West and Thornton, said: “Residents deserve information regarding how the

Brockwell Park festival site on June 5 2023

The festivals at Brockwell Park during May and June in order are: Project 6 – May 26 Wide Awake – May 27 Cross The Tracks – May 28 City Splash – May 29 Brockwell Bounce – May 31 Mighty Hoopla – June 3 and 4

A huge section of Brockwell Park has been sealed off since mid May for the festivals

Lambeth Country Show – June 10 and 11

noise generated by such events is being monitored and kept within legal limits, as well as how Lambeth is working with event partners to mitigate, monitor, and assess the impact of events in the borough’s public spaces.” A Lambeth Council spokesperson said: “We apologise for any noise disturbance caused to local residents, and have worked hard throughout to ensure the impact on local people was kept to a minimum. That included noise monitoring, a strict music curfew – including at 10pm on Sunday, and council wardens on hand to immediately address

any local issues. “Holding events at Brockwell Park boosts local business, adds to Lambeth’s exciting music scene and raises thousands of pounds for park improvements. The programme also contributes to Lambeth’s inclusive and diverse calendar of cultural activities. “The ticketed events also help maintain free community shows including Brockwell Bounce and the much loved Lambeth Country Show. Following these year’s events in Brockwell Park we will be carrying out a full impact assessment to see if there are lessons to be learned for

the future.” Brockwell Live organisers said: “During the event, both Lambeth Council and Brockwell Live have their own independent noise consultants to actively monitor noise levels and take readings to ensure compliance with permissible limits. “Our sound levels have been agreed with the Local Authority and are built into our licence. The event team work very closely with the Safety Advisory Group and Lambeth Public Protection officers to ensure we do not go above the set levels for noise.”

By Isabel Ramirez

champions, such as Ted Cheeseman, Lloyd Honeyghan and Peter McDonagh. But the influence of Hiser, who was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2012, went way beyond the ring. He will be remembered as not only a coach but a mentor and paternal figure to everyone he trained. Following his death last month, tributes from all over poured in. One was from his former student: Bermondsey’s Trevor Thirlwall, now a coach at the club, who knew Hiser for over 40 years. He told us: "To take these raw nuggets, broken homes, disaffected young men, and young women, and

not just see something in them but allow that person to believe that that gift is inside them and it is achievable. "To churn it out continuously over 50 years, in my opinion, it’s not far short of a miracle.” Before he died, Steve asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Ringside Charitable Trust, which helps to support ex-boxers experiencing a difficult time. The funeral will leave from F.A. Albin's funeral home in time for an 11 am service at St James Church, Thurland Street, Bermondsey, SE16 4AA. The ceremony will be followed by a reception at the STC Club in New Eltham.

Funeral for legendary boxing coach, Steve Hiser, announced The funeral of the legendary amateur boxing coach, who trained champions and positively impacted the lives of many, will take place later this month, on Tuesday, June 20.

Described as a "father to a thousand sons", Steve Hiser tragically passed away on Friday, May 12 following a successful career both inside and outside the ring. Former professional Hiser was in his 50th year at Fisher ABC after he started coaching there in 1973. When he soon became head coach, he helped to develop a number of

NEWS 5

Join us to celebrate the history of the Liberty site with two free activity sessions! Find out about the proposed improvements to The Liberty scheme, as well as plans to protect and display the new archaeological discoveries made on site whilst enjoying fun activities like making your own mosaic! Maja Quille working with clay

Example mosaic workshop

Clay workshop

Mosaic workshop

When: Saturday 17 June 2023 (10.30am – 2.00pm)

When: Tuesday 20 June 2023 (5.00pm - 7.30pm)

Work with local artist Maja Quille to create your own bracelet from clay found on site. Fun for all the family!

Work with the London School of Mosaic to create your own mosaic to take home!

Where: Marlborough Sports Gardens, 11-25 Union St, London, SE1 1SD

Where: Carrubo, 53b Southwark St, London SE1 1RU

Refreshments will be provided and members of The Liberty project team will be on hand to speak to you about the small changes proposed to the scheme and get your feedback.

To find out more about the proposed changes and provide your feedback, please visit our consultation hub https://thelibertyofsouthwark.commonplace.is. Please note our consultation hub will go live on 17 June.  020 3633 6482

 hello@thelibertysouthwark.co.uk

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6 NEWS

data error sparks Life sentence for man Police fresh concerns over strip who murdered stranger searches of children over 'petty argument' By Noah Vickers

Local Democracy Reporter

Fresh concerns have been raised about the strip searching of children by the Met Police, as the force revealed it had mistakenly misreported the scale of the tactic’s use.

Killer Robbie Munoz (left) and victim Reece Williams (right).

By Herbie Russell A man who murdered a stranger in south London has been jailed for 22 years.

Robbie Munoz, 22, repeatedly stabbed dad-of-two Reece Williams, 29, near the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, after the two had a “petty argument”. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and his friends, Reece died shortly after the attack. In court, Munoz said he’d acted in selfdefence but witnesses contradicted his account. Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood, who led the investigation, said: “Reece's death tragically illustrates the awful consequences that carrying weapons can bring. “What started off as a petty argument led to one man being murdered and another spending a considerable amount of time in prison.

“Our thoughts remain with Reece’s family and friends who have been left devastated by his death.” Witnesses described how, on July 31, 2021, Reece approached Munoz and the pair had an argument before Reece punched him. Believing the dispute was over, Reece walked away. But the court heard that Munoz produced a 25cm blade from his rucksack and gave chase. Reece’s friends tried to intervene but could not prevent Munoz from stabbing Reece several times. Officers descended on the scene and found Munoz close to the scene, who’d sustained a stab wound to himself during his attack. He was arrested and later charged with murder. Detectives also found a sheath for the knife near the scene with forensic evidence linking it to Munoz. The knife was discovered in a bin shed at

a nearby block of flats. Munoz was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, June 1. Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood, who led the investigation, said: “Our investigation made it very clear that Munoz had no qualms about carrying a knife or using it against anyone who got in his way. "It took just seconds for him to take another life and that is why our top priority continues to be identifying those who carry weapons and are intent on causing violence. “Last year saw a significant decrease in knife crime but we know there is more to do and our officers will continue using everything in their power to target those intent on committing violent crime on our streets.” Anyone who has any information about knife crime is urged to get in touch with police or Crimestoppers 100 anonymously on 0800 555 111. No piece of information is too small.

Seventy firefighters tackle blaze that obliterates house

By Herbie Russell A massive fire has obliterated a Greenwich house - with 70 firefighters needed to extinguish the blaze.

Crews were called to Davern Close at around 12pm on Monday, June 5, and tackled the fire for almost four hours. Dramatic photos showed firefighters blasting water at the property as thick clouds of smoke billowed out.

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has said officers have “overused” and “misused” the power in the past, but are now focused on being “much more careful about only using it when it’s necessary”. The issue has been repeatedly raised by Green London Assembly Member Caroline Russell, who has called for more transparency on the number of searches, where they are being carried out, and

whether an appropriate adult is present. In a written question lodged with City Hall in July 2022, Ms Russell asked for location data in relation to what the Met had said was a total of 99 strip searches of children carried out in 2021. In an answer Ms Russell was told that the Met “has established” that the figure of 99 searches was “incorrect”, which they said was due to a “data transmission error”. They clarified that the figure was in fact 271, including two searches logged in error but still captured in the data. Of that number, 57 per cent of searches were carried out at police stations, 21 per cent at home addresses, and 21 per cent at “other” locations.

One man was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by a candle. 999eye technology was used during the incident, a platform that allows callers to live stream incidents through their phones, and get real-time advice from the control room. Surveying the damage, firefighters established the first, second and third floors of the endof-terrace house had been destroyed.

Town Hall boss evacuated through 'plume of smoke' during fire at offices Local Democracy Reporte A South London council boss was evacuated through a “plume of smoke” during a fire at the town hall headquarters.

Lewisham’s acting chief executive Jennifer Daothong and other staff were escorted out of council offices through a back door next to the fire in an outdoor bin store, according to a local councillor. Recalling the terrifying incident at a health and safety committee which took place less than an hour after the blaze on May 24, councillor Chris Best questioned why staff couldn’t leave through the front of the building. Cllr Best, Labour member for Sydenham, said: “We didn’t feel it was a satisfactory arrangement. I think it was too close because the store that was on fire could have had flammable materials in there. […] We were far too close if something did explode. She added: “We were guided through

By Robert Firth

Jennifer Daothong, Lewisham Council's acting chief executive.

Lewisham Council's Laurence House offices in Catford.

the back door which is where the fire was, it was to the side. We were walking through a plume of smoke. Apparently, the front doors closed so we couldn’t exit through the front of Laurence House, which would have been much better and I wouldn’t have had smoke in my lungs.”

Rich Clarke, the council’s risk management boss, said the front doors of the offices closed in order to create a fire curtain at the centre of the building, to prevent the spread of blazes inside. But he accepted that the fire on May 24 took place outside the building in the car

park and said officials needed to “think about what evacuation routes exist for a situation where there’s a fire immediately outside.” Cllr Paul Bell raised concern that he was able to cycle into the basement of Laurence House during the fire, unaware

that an evacuation was ongoing. Cllr Bell, the Labour member for Telegraph Hill, said: “They managed to see me when I was in there about to lock up my bike and announced it over the tannoy, but if there’s going to be an evacuation they need to cover all the exits because you could have been going into the fire without realising.” London Fire Brigade said they were called to a bin store fire in Laurence House car park at 6:41pm on Wednesday last week (May 24). A crew from Lee Green Fire Station got the blaze under control by 7:02pm. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. A Lewisham Council spokesperson said: “A fire broke out in the outdoor bin store in the Laurence House car park on 24 May. The building was evacuated and the London Fire Brigade attended to put out the fire. We are working with the London Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire and any actions required in response to this incident.”

NEWS 7

Boris is scrubbing the bogs, Hancock is seen pushing trolleys and Liz Truss lands a job down the boozer By Herbie Russell an anonymous artist has put politicians in working-class shoes with a public artwork that has Boris Johnson mopping toilets and Liz Truss pulling pints.

Faceless provocateur 'W**kers of the World' put the AI-generated images up on hoardings outside Waterloo Station - on display until last Monday. It’s been a huge hit with commuters passing the mural on their way to work, prompting many to ask: “How close are politicians to the real world?” 'Wankers of the World', whose other creations have included Nigel Farage-branded Brexit cigarettes and a Dominic Raab-themed sex toy said: “Over the last few years of the Tories running the country, there’s been a narrative of ‘if you work hard and you pull your boot straps up you’ll move to the top of society’. “But everyone works hard in their job but it’s only the people at the very top who are getting any real benefits from it." He described the politicians featured as “incredibly privileged”, adding: “If those people didn’t have that luck, they could just be doing normal jobs like we all do and it’s also trying to show that ‘normal’ jobs are really difficult and mean working just as hard.” The ten images at the corner of Cornwall Road have been created using an AI image generation platform. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who shares an estimated £730 million fortune with his wife Akshata Murthy, is depicted pedalling for his pennies as a food delivery rider. Salesman Adam Braggs, 53, who was passing by the mural, said: “I love it. It shows how they have no connection to real people at all. That’s the problem they have no idea about what to do." Arguably most eye-catching is one of Home Secretary Suella Braverman as a refugee clutching a child - a nod to her controversial immigration policies - including the UK-Rwanda Asylum Agreement. Stand-up comedian Pete Kinsella, 41, said: "They’re trying to put these scumbags in the position of the victims - the people that are paying the price for their greed and incompetence. It’s never gonna change the real world but it makes its point.” Asked for examples of their “greed and incompetence”, he cited the Covid-19 PPE scandal, and Sunak’s wife’s tax affairs. James, who declined to give his surname, said: “I think it’s probably asking how close are politicians to the real world… not very close at all.” “I’m not gonna lie, I kinda like it,” said Chloe Hutchinson, 28, a Transport for London employee. “They’re not living in our world anyway. Not at all - they’re doing what they have to do for their job but they don’t particularly care… I don’t think.” 'W**kers of the World', which has been featured at Glastonbury Festival, plans to install the artwork in Glasgow.

tory PolitiCians 'do minimum wage joBs' in se1 mural Boris Johnson is made to look like he is cleaning the bogs

ai-Generated images of Matt hancock, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak

Pete kinsella in front of the mural featuring Suella Braverman as if she were a refugee

adam Braggs in front of Dominic Raab working in a fast food outlet

8 NEWS

As well as the outdoor athletics track, the fitness gym and the climbing walls will be upgraded. There are also hopes for children’s activity centre

The athletics track for Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.

By Joe Coughlan Local Democracy Reporter

Oliver Isaac, 20, said it was about time the sports centre received an upgrade.

SouTh LonDon locals have welcomed improvements planned for the national Sports centre in crystal Palace, claiming the space is currently a “joke” and looks like it’s “rotting away”.

The Mayor of London announced last week that he would be carrying out a number of improvements to the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre. The investment, reportedly within the single millions, will look at repairing the outdoor athletics track and replacing the existing floodlights. Indoor facilities will also be upgraded such as the fitness gym, the climbing walls and a potential children’s activity centre. Oliver Isaac, 20, lives in Biggin Hill but said he and his family often come to Crystal Palace Park to walk the dog. Having grown up visiting the park, he said it was “about time” the sports centre received an update. “I’m happy to hear that," he said. "I’ve been coming here since I was a little kid so it’s nice to see they’re finally fixing the place up. "It’s like watching something rot away.” The dog walker said it’s been “depressing” to see parks and facilities from his childhood falling into disrepair over the years. He said he feels like many public spaces in the area need a wave of gentrification to bring the interest back to them. “This place looks like it’s still in the '60s… I’ve always walked past it, I’ve watched a few things here. I can’t say I’ve ever used

Jeshan Shrestha, 35, and his wife Gina, 28, shown in front of the athletics track of the sports centre. Photo by Joe Coughlan it, but when you leave a building long enough, it becomes an eyesore.” A long-term investment over the next five years was also announced on May 26 to rebuild the structure of the centre’s swimming pools, among other facilities. The 50 metre and diving pools have been closed since March 2020 due to a leak coming from a crack. Andy Show, 42, lives in Crystal Palace and said he had found the pools’ closure “frustrating”. Despite this, he said he appreciated the new investment and felt any news was “good news”. “It’s a bit of a joke… It’s a shame. This place is the jewel of Crystal Palace right? It’s an attraction,” he said. “It’s good something’s moving forward. The [athletics] track is going to benefit a lot of people which is great. The pool is, for me, the priority. For it to just sit there, empty, is insane. It’s been like three years,” he added. A Mayor of London spokesperson said in a statement that a planning application for the centre’s comprehensive redevelopment will be brought forward by April 2024, with

the long term investment in repairs believed to be in the tens of millions. Mr Show said he was an advocate for all of the centre’s facilities, and feels they attract athletes from the wider UK to the area. “It just needs money from somewhere," he said. "You can see it’s a '60s or '70s build and I don’t think it’s had a penny put into it since.” Jeshan Shrestha, 35, and his wife Gina, 28, live in Croydon after moving from Nepal three years ago, and come to Crystal Palace for walks. Mr Shrestha said he thinks young people will benefit from updates to the running track and football pitch: “From a young age, if they’re getting this facility, of course when they grow up they are going to be a very proficient player. "In my country, we get this when we are getting professional, other than that we have to play outside in a yard.” A Crystal Palace Sports Partnership spokesperson told us they were delighted to hear of the Mayor’s investment into the sports venue. They said the partnership had been campaigning for repairs to the centre

since 2014 and felt its partial closure was due to a “managed decline” of the facilities. Crystal Palace Sports Partnership John Powell MBE said: “I just hope this is not early electioneering by the Mayor. "There is a Mayoral election next May, and we all know how politicians behave in the run-up to elections.” A Mayor of London spokesperson said that the early improvements for the site had been planned while the long-term renovation plans were developed. They also said a “significant” budget had been set aside for the redevelopment to secure the centre’s future for years to come. “The Mayor recognises that the National Sports Centre is a hugely important sporting and community facility for the capital and the country, where many UK sporting stars have started their careers and trained for success," the spokesperson said. "That is why he is committed to the renovation of the site and securing its future for decades to come. The centre was built in the 1960s and investigations have shown that some of the structural

elements of the building now need to be fully replaced.” Labour Councillor Ryan Thomson, representing the Crystal Palace and Anerley ward for Bromley Council, told us that the centre was an enormous source of local pride given its sporting history. He said the space was where many residents had played or learned to swim as children and locals have since taken their own kids to the centre. “We are delighted with the Mayor of London’s announcement because it safeguards this opportunity for future generations, ensuring they have the chance to build precious lifelong memories at the NSC too, though a special thanks is also owed to the Crystal Palace Sports Partnership," Cllr Thomson added. "They have fought tirelessly over the years to protect the centre and even inspired our own campaign to save the NSC. “With this news from the Mayor, coupled with the huge investment already planned for our beloved Crystal Palace Park, it certainly is a very exciting time to be a Palacian!”

loCals welCome Crystal PalaCe national sPorts Centre renovations

NEWS 9

Crystal Palace and Penge to host free tours during london festival The Free Watermen and Lightermen's alms houses in Penge

The hiSToric architecture in crystal Palace and Penge is being recognised this month, as they join in the London-wide festivities by hosting free tours around the area.

Bromley has been selected as one of the destinations for this year's The London Festival of Architecture. This is the first time an outer London borough has been selected to take part in the renowned celebration of architecture. The Penge and Palace programme will see local history and architecture being celebrated, including the iconic Crystal

Palace of the 1850s like the world-famous dinosaurs and the Grade II* listed subway that is currently being restored. It will also highlight the area's Victorian and post-war architecture, such as the Royal Naval Asylum in Penge and the nearby Queen Adelaide Court. Exclusive tours, workshops, walks and family events will be held throughout June, meaning there is something for everyone to enjoy. One highlight is a free walk around key historic sites has been organised with an easily downloadable map to allow visitors to explore interesting structures throughout Crystal Palace, Penge and

By Herbie Russell a man has been charged with murder following the death of ion radu - who was found unresponsive in a crystal Palace car park.

Kiiran Andrew Hibbert-Gordon, 23, of Sylvan Hill, Crystal Palace, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, June 3. Ion, a 46-year-old male Romanian national, was found in the car park of Homelands Drive, Crystal Palace, by a member of the public in the morning of Thursday, June 1. A post-mortem examination gave his cause of death as a stab wound to the liver. Detectives launched a murder

The carpark in Homelands Drive

investigation and appealed for the public’s help, describing Ion as possibly “homeless” and “vulnerable”. Hibbert-Gordon will appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, June 5, charged with the murder of Ion Radu and the possession of an offensive weapon. Police are tracing Ion’s living relatives and are still trying to build up a picture of Ion’s life in London. They have urged those who had contact with me to get in touch with officers. Those with information are asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 1924/01jun. To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Victim Ion Radu

©Met Police

By Isabel Ramirez

Anerley. Some spaces are available to book onto many of the activities in the programme, which centre around the festival’s theme of ‘in common’. Find out more about the programme. Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “I encourage residents to explore this great cultural programme and spend some days out with family and friends finding out about the local history that has helped shape this interesting corner of the borough. "It is great that our borough is being highlighted in this London-wide celebration which speaks to the great character of our heritage and ongoing efforts to preserve it.” The Penge and Palace programme is being delivered by the council in partnership with Penge SE20 BID. An impressive pavilion will be set up in Crystal Palace Park from June 8 for the festival, which is reminiscent of the temporary structures that form a pivotal part of the park’s history, such as the original Crystal Palace Bowl and the Great Exhibition. The timber structure named Craft not Carbon is designed by Webb Yates Engineers and will be located near the park’s Penge entrance. As part of the Penge and Palace programme, the Crystal Palace Park Trust will be delivering a tour of the concert bowl in the park, exploring the stage’s history with its architect Ian Ritchie.

Murder charge after man found dead in car park

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10 NEWS

high Court aCCePts two more grounds in legal fight against the ulez exPansion

In February this year five Conservative councils had launched legal action By Noah Vickers Local Democracy Reporter The LeGAL case against Sadiq Khan’s expansion of the ultra low emission zone (ulez) took another step forward after the high court accepted two further grounds for challenging it.

Five Conservative councils had in February launched legal action against the expansion, putting forward five grounds claiming that it is unlawful. In April, only two of those grounds were accepted by the court, with three refused. But at a hearing on Friday, May 26, the coalition comprising the London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Hillingdon and Harrow, along with Surrey County Council, was told that two additional grounds for challenge – out of the three previously refused – would be considered as part of the judicial review. It is thought that the review itself – which will effectively decide whether Mr Khan acted legally or illegally in the way he gave the go-ahead for the Ulez expansion – will take place on July 4. A ruling against the mayor could potentially delay the August 29 expansion of the Ulez from its current boundary just inside the North and South Circular Roads. According to Hillingdon Council, the two additional grounds for challenge – newly accepted by the court – are that there was an “unfair and unlawful consultation in relation to expected compliance rates in outer London” and, in relation to the scrappage scheme, “irrationality due to

By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter

riChmond CounCiL has claimed it is the only one in the capital to offer support with the expansion of the ultra Low emission Zone (uLeZ) directly to residents, after unveiling a new scheme.

Richmond Council’s ‘Good Move’ scheme will discount the cost of public transport, bikes and car sharing, including a £50 Oyster card. The scheme will be offered to residents who are considering replacing their cars due to the ULEZ expanding on August 29. The expansion will see drivers of the most polluting vehicles slapped with a £12.50 daily charge to drive around all London boroughs. ULEZ currently covers areas in Barnes, Mortlake, East Sheen, North Richmond

The map of the expansion and (pictured far right) Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

uncertainty and inadequate consultation”. The two previously accepted grounds for challenge were that Mr Khan acted beyond his powers in expanding the Ulez by varying the existing scheme order rather than issuing a new charging order, and that he failed to consider including motorists living in the “buffer zone” on the edges of London in the £110m vehicle scrappage scheme. Commenting on the daying of the High Cpourt hearing, Nick Rogers, City Hall Conservatives transport spokesperson, welcomed the news that additional grounds have been accepted by the court. “From the evidence that has been uncovered, it’s obvious that Sadiq Khan does not have the legal basis to proceed with his Ulez tax plans," he said, "which take money from charities, small businesses and low income Londoners who cannot afford a new car. “Sadiq Khan should do the right thing, stop work on his Ulez expansion, and explain his actions to the court.”

A spokeswoman for Mr Khan said: “The Mayor has been clear that the decision to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone London-wide was not an easy one. However, around 4000 Londoners a year die prematurely from air pollution. “This is a health emergency and the Mayor is not prepared to stand by and do nothing while Londoners are growing up with stunted lungs and are more at risk of heart disease, cancer and dementia due to our toxic air. “We note the Court’s decision and will continue to robustly defend action to expand the Ulez while continuing with preparations for expansion at the end of August.” The Ulez requires drivers of older, more polluting vehicles to pay a £12.50 daily charge to use their cars. Opponents of its expansion, which will mean it covers the whole of Greater London, say that it will have little impact on overall pollution levels but will hit people’s pockets during a cost-of-living crisis.

In an interview with the Times, published shortly before news of the court’s decision broke, Mr Khan pointed out that the five councils launching the legal action against the expansion are all Conservative-run. “This is party politics,” the Mayor told the newspaper. Councillor Colin Smith, the Tory leader of Bromley Council, said: “We are obviously delighted at the High Court’s latest decision, which has given further scope to the legal challenge we are mounting as it enables a broader range of legal questions to be posed. “We are already witnessing widespread upset and uncertainty locally over the prospect of the Mayor’s threatened tax against motorists going ahead, due to the damage it will cause to local businesses, jobs and local care networks and anything which assists us in turning this outrageous

money making scam away is clearly to be welcomed. “Outer ‘London’ isn’t the same as inner London and never will be and every day which passes demonstrates ever more clearly that City Hall simply doesn’t understand how those of us in the cuter reaches need to live our lives due to the inferior transport networks and physically longer distances which people need to travel. “Whilst the legal questions will be examined in court, there is still time for the mayor to draw back from expanding his unwelcome plans to extend his camera network to the outer London border ahead of the court case on 4th July and I once again call on him to do so for the wider good. “If not, we travel on to ‘Independence Day’ bolstered by today’s decision in even greater hope than previously.”

Richmond claims to be only council offering direct support and Kew. The support is available to residents of the borough and is in addition to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s £110 million scrappage scheme, which is designed to help eligible Londoners get rid of their non-compliant vehicles. Lib Dem councillor Alexander Ehmann, chair of Richmond Council’s transport and air quality committee, said the authority supports ULEZ covering the whole of Greater London. But he raised concerns about the speed of the expansion and the support available for residents. The council previously called for the expansion to be delayed by up to a year and for an extension to the £110million scrappage scheme.

Councillor Ehmann said: “Addressing air quality is a top priority for Richmond upon Thames and this borough wants to build on the local cross-party consensus that the ULEZ should cover the entirety of Greater London. “However, the speed at which the Mayor of London has sought to introduce the extension and the lack of financial support afforded to residents remains unacceptable. "Richmond Council has called upon the Mayor to improve his offer to residents, but so far he has not heeded this call. That is why we have made the decision to intervene and support residents through our own new ‘Good Move’ scheme.” He added: “Richmond is the only

council in London to have provided ULEZ support direct to their residents. We hope that many residents will embrace the opportunity and make a ‘Good Move’.” Three offers are available to residents, including a £50 pay-as-you-go Oyster card for use on the London Underground, Overground, buses and trains. A one-year free membership and £50 driving credit for car-sharing clubs Enterprise or Zipcar is also part of the scheme, along with a three-month free trial with the Peddle My Wheels’ Try Before You Bike project and a discount if a bike is bought after the trial. Residents will be able to choose one of the three options and funds will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

For applicants to be eligible, they must commit to scrapping their non-compliant vehicle within 12 months. Applicants do not need to be eligible for the scrappage scheme to take advantage of the offers. City Hall has previously said the ULEZ expansion “will strike the best balance between maximising the health and environmental benefits for Londoners while minimising the cost to drivers, especially as the cost of living increases”, adding around 85per cent of vehicles seen driving in outer London already meet the emissions standards. It added delaying the expansion by even a year “puts thousands more Londoners at risk of having their lives cut short”.

12 NEWS © Sunil060902 (Wikimedia Commons)

The Peckham pupils behind 'The Endz' are thriving two years on as paid musicians

Peckham pupils behind The Endz are thriving two years on.

Watch the video Elephant & Castle tube station western Bakerloo line platform looking south towards the sidings south of the station.

Every single London borough backs the Bakerloo line extension By Herbie Russell Every single London borough council has backed the Bakerloo line extension - a £7.9 billion underground expansion seen as vital to the Old Kent Road's revitalisation.

southwarknews.co.uk By Isabel Ramirez A group of ex-Harris Academy pupils, who wrote a musical tribute following the death of their friend, are thriving as paid musicians, performing in a professional orchestra.

The Multi-Story Orchestra (MSO) started back in 2011 when two composers wanted to make orchestral music accessible to everyone. The Orchestra - made up of professional musicians and young artists - started playing at the car park at Peckham Levels, which is where they play now every summer. The unusual location has become their trademark. The ex-Harris Academy Peckham pupils came together with the MSO to create The Endz, an emotional musical about gang culture which premiered in 2021. They have just won a Royal Philharmonic Award for the piece and continue to perform it along with The Orchestra. The next show will be at the Southbank Centre in September. The group now meets weekly to write and compose music, and they are paid as musicians who perform in collaboration with The MSO. The Young Creatives started in 2020

after some of the young artists from Peckham started making a piece of music in response to the tragic death of one of their friends. Peckham teenager Malcolm MideMadariola lost his life after being stabbed three times with a ‘Zombiestyle hunting knife’ outside Clapham South tube station in November 2018. His killer was sentenced to sixteen years imprisonment in 2019. One of the Young Creatives, Angel Facey, 17, said the group is a 'safe space' for them to be themselves. "It's nice to be able to come here and put ideas out there and not be judged for it," she explained. "It's a safe space for us to make mistakes. And that is good for us to develop as artists. They really teach us to have freedom of the mind here." Prince Shodipe, 17, who plays the drums, said being in the group 'brings him joy.' "It has opened up musical opportunities for me," he said. "It fills me with joy coming here. Knowing that we're going to create something we can have pride in and experimenting with different instruments. We all contribute to the creation of the piece." He added that he thinks it should be implemented at every school. "It's a

Scan the QR code to watch a sneak peek of them in rehearsal. great experience for kids to learn and develop in music." Their first show of the summer 'Verified' is a musical depicting how a young person's mind can spiral because of social media. They will be performing it at Bold Tendencies car park at Peckham Levels to kick off their summer programme. Click here to watch a snippet from the rehearsal. Tickets are on sale now for the shows on June 8th & 9th. The Multi-Story Orchestra will perform Verified at Bold Tendencies at Peckham Levels from 7pm both days. Bold Tendencies, Floors 7-10, Peckham Multi-Storey Car Park, SE15 4ST.

Camberwell man charged with causing death by dangerous driving after 44-year-old dad was killed By Herbie Russell A Camberwell man has been charged with serious driving offences after the tragic death of 44-year-old dad Ronaldo Medeiros De Oliveria.

Abdirahman Ahmed, 19, of Lilford Road, appeared in Croydon Magistrates’ Court charged with six separate driving offences on Saturday, May 27. Mr Medeiros Oliveira (pictured) was killed in an incident involving his motorbike and a car on Leigham Court Road, Streatham, at around 8pm on Thursday, May 11. Paramedics had rushed to the site of the accident but discovered him suffering serious injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police appealed for information from the public and Ahmed was arrested on May 25.

Victim Ronaldo Medeiros De Oliveria.

Southwark and Lewisham councils and Transport for London (TfL) support the project - but Covid-19 and financial pressures have delayed long-awaited government backing. Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark Council's cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development, said: “The message from London is clear: the capital’s prosperity hinges on the Bakerloo line extension, alongside other key developments. “It’s not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’. The weight of all London councils adds to the mounting business case for a scheme set to kick-start our city’s growth sustainably.” There are also talks of an interim ‘Bakerloo Bus’ - a shuttle bus service funded by local developments which has already received a total £1.25 million investment. The Bakerloo line extension would go from Elephant and Castle station to Lewisham station and see three

new tube stops built. These would be called Burgess Park – where the big Tesco currently is – Old Kent Road – on the current Lidl site – and New Cross Gate – at the big Sainsbury’s. The extension is key to the development of the Old Kent Road area, where Southwark Council wants to build 20,000 new homes, including at least 5,000 social rent properties, by 2038. Last year TfL received a £3.6 billion bail-out. Nick Bowes, CEO of the Borough-based Centre for London think tank, said this boded well for the extension. “Of all of the projects that are floating around in London, the next projects in the pipeline, the Bakerloo line extension has one of the best chances,” he the paper. “Crossrail 2 is too expensive. There are quite a number of other smaller schemes…But the Bakerloo line extension sits nicely in the middle, it’s ready to go, it’s been consulted on, the route’s been safeguarded.” Last December, TfL began consulting engineers on future tunnelling works and said it was “committed to delivering” the Bakerloo line extension.

nline

NEWS 13

head to eltham PalaCe to CeleBrate Pride

By Holly O'Mahony

June iS Pride month in London and their is glizzy affair taking place in a palace in South London.

In central London, the annual Pride Parade falls on July 1 this year, and will see over 30,000 participants march in colourful solidarity. Elsewhere, al fresco stages across the West End will come alight with queer-championing performances – with Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and the Soho Stage throwing the biggest bumper bashes. But closer to home, Eltham Palace’s annual Queer Walls event is taking guests back to the 1930s with a lavish cocktail party. While the night’s cabaret performances should prove a whoop-worthy riot, the event is also a reminder that diverse sexual preferences are nothing new, even if we’ve only been able to celebrate them relatively recently. With visitors encouraged to dress in their most glamorous, glittering attire, Eltham Palace’s Queer Walls event is dripping in Art Deco decadence. It’s a celebration of the ancient English Heritage site’s 1930s glow-up too, really; a cheers to finding one’s identity and being unafraid of growing a new skin (or, in the case of the palace, having an

F.A.A.

extension built). Guests can expect entertainment of a 30s nature too. Hosting the event are leading drag king and queen Adam All and Apple Derrieres. The power-couple will strap on the personas of Stephen Courtauld and his wife Virginia, the couple who used to own the palace, hosting extravagant soirees there back in the day. Together Adam and Apple could stake a strong claim to being south London’s favourite drag duo. The pair have been performing together for a decade now. Their work is playful, musical and celebrates bodies in all their forms, in defiance of misogyny and gender binaries. They delivered a sung-through Ted Talk, ‘We are more than the sum of our parts’, in 2018, and continue to lead the way with bringing drag into heritage sites and cultural institutions. Through an array of dazzling acts of the cabaret persuasion, you’ll learn about LGBTQ+ histories while sipping on strong cocktails and getting to know your fellow revellers. Joining the drag royalty on stage is composer and cabaret performer Mark Bunyan; Ella the Great as Richard Melanin III; ‘madam of the avant-garde’ Mx Romeo De La Cruz; self-confessed

free lunCh for south london Community grouPs By Michael Holland we are constantly told there is no such thing as a free lunch but from June to September, Barserve will be inviting local community groups into their two bars for a complementary lunch, a drink and entertainment as part of The Summer By The river.

diva Jade Love; and stage starlet Eliza DeLite. By all accounts (okay, those of its organisers), Queer Walls promises to be a ‘truly wild and bohemian affair’. So shrug on your sequins and your highest heels, and head back to the 30s. Eltham Palace, Eltham Palace Court Yard, London, England SE9 5QE. June 9, 7pm - 10pm. Admission: £18/£14 concessions. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ whats-on/eltham-palace-queer-walls

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This year, Barserve, an industryleading event and festivals bar company, has created two stunning bars and entertainment areas, The Scoop Bar and The Pier Bar that will focus on providing an entertainment and social hub for the office occupiers, local community groups and schools, as well as inquisitive tourists. Groups can expect to enjoy Pizza (The Pier), Chicken wrap/rice box (The Scoop Bar) and two drinks /soft drink or small beer. The bars can cater for 10-20 people. Monday - Wednesday; 12.30pm - 2pm. The Scoop Bar at More London is a modern, bar with inspiration from Pan-Asian, including a central garden with a 360 degree Pergola with beautiful views of Tower Bridge and Tower of

The Scoop Bar London. It is situated next to The Scoop at More London -the outdoor sunken amphitheatre. The Pier Bar at London Bridge City Pier echos the contemporary feel of The Scoop Bar. It retains its own unique identity surrounded by live greenery and foliage and has a view of HMS Belfast and is situated by the river bus service pier and close to Hays Galleria. Summer By The River will see a programme of entertainment within these bar areas and the main The Scoop Amphitheatre from June to September. The Scoop Amphitheatre wil feature a state of the art 7m X 4m screen. This will have a regular film nights, BBC introducing , sporting events throughout the summer such as Cricket, Athletics, Rugby and a special two-week takeover for Wimbledon Tennis Championships. The Scoop and Pier Bar is also hosting evening with DJ’s, acoustic artistes and musicians entertain. Interested groups need to contact Luigia Minichiello (She/Her) - Luigiamini@gmail. com - 07768 447 854 and give her the dietary details and numbers.

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AT IN A FIELD BY A BRIDGE

WHAT TO EXPECT? Are you a PASSIONATE COOK? Do you have a SIGNATURE DISH that • We are looking for 10-15 cooks is a real winner at home? Interested in • Bring along your signature dish, introduce yourself developing NEW SKILLS in the kitchen? and share your food with the team If so, Feast in a Field could be the perfect opportunity for you to share your dish with the wider community, all whilst learning professional kitchen and business skills.

• • •

Meet the rest of the cohort and local businesses and try each others dishes Get partnered up with local business leaders & chefs Attend 5 x evening workshops to include recipe refinement, upscaling, marketing, H&S, field events, public consumption, and business among other skills Dry run / feedback event Event delivery 22nd & 23rd July 2023

Feast in a Field is part of In a Field by A Bridge, a brandnew celebratory summer event this July in Potters Fields Park and St. John’s Churchyard.

• •

Be part of this epic professional upskilling journey with social enterprise, Beyond Food and Brigade Bar+Kitchen on Tooley Street - working with renowned chefs Simon Boyle and Leon Aarts

If this sounds like you, for more information and to register your interest by the 5th June, please get in touch with jo@beyondfood.org.uk or inafieldbyabridge@hemingwaydesign.co.uk

In a Field by a Bridge takes place on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd of July, and will showcase the best sustainable food practices alongside arts, crafts and festival fun all curated by the team at HemingwayDesign and Team London Bridge and supported by Potters Fields Park Management Trust.

We look forward to hearing from you!

NEWS 15

Memorial for Damilola to be at centre of new Peckham SQUARE The area next to Peckham Library which will be remodelled to become Peckham Square under council plans.

By Robert Firth Local Democracy Reporter A memorial for a schoolboy killed 23 years ago is set to be at the centre of a new South London square.

Southwark Council is in talks with a charity to create an art tribute for Damilola Taylor in the centre of Peckham. The ten-year-old was stabbed in the leg and left to die in an stairwell in a block of flats on the North Peckham estate in 2000. Damilola, who had recently moved to

London from Nigeria, was on his way home from Peckham Library at the time. The council is working on plans for the memorial with the Hope Collective, a charity set up in memory of Damilola Taylor to help young people. The memorial will form part of a £6 million council project to remodel an area around Peckham High Street and Peckham Library. Southwark Council announced on June 1 that it had appointed a new team of architects to bring forward the square’s revamp. Graeme Massie Architects and

Scott Whitby Studio will take over from Spheron Architects, who controversially released a concept design of the square which didn’t feature Peckham Arch in 2021. A final decision on the future of the 28-year-old arch has still yet to be announced but Southwark Council said a detailed survey of its condition had been undertaken. The council said the results of that survey would inform future design options for the square. The council has also revealed that 91-93 Peckham High Street, which backs onto the square, will become the new home for arts charity Peckham

Platform. A planning application for the restoration of the building is expected to be submitted in summer. Meanwhile, Peckham Library will reopen in the next couple of months following a refurbishment. The library has been shut since December 2022 for essential maintenance, with new computers and furniture being fitted. The planned Damilola Taylor memorial will sit just a five-minute walk from another sculpture erected in his memory at his former school, Oliver Goldsmith Primary School in Camberwell. The sculpture, which depicts a phoenix taking flight and

By Robert Firth

A previous Bermondsey Carnival held in Southwark Park

symbolises hope rising from tragedy, was unveiled in 2002. Councillor Catherine Rose, Southwark’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, leisure and parks, said: “The library square is the beating heart of Peckham, bringing local people together across all communities. “We are thrilled to be working with design teams who mirror these inclusive values with strong personal links to Peckham itself. The result will be spaces and buildings that meet local people’s needs while reflecting Peckham’s unique identity.”

Free festival in Bermondsey to Bermondsey Carnival is set to return after celebrate a unique part of Japan dance music festival agrees to lend it stages Local Democracy Reporter A 123-year-old South London carnival cancelled last year because a council slashed its funding by almost 90 per cent is set to return, after organisers of a dance music festival agreed to lend it stages for free.

By Isabel Ramirez A free family-friendly Japanese festival is returning to Bermondsey, with karate demonstrations and other live performances as well as a food market.

Okinawa Day is a yearly celebration of the unique culture of Japan's southernmost region - and it is coming to The Blue. Okinawa is a cluster of islands in Japan that formed part of the Ryukyu Kingdom which used to be its own country. For that reason, it has its own distinct traditions, taking influence from mainland Japan, Asia, and the US. The family-friendly festival will introduce the audience to music, dances, and food from the islands to highlight its rich cultural diversity. On Saturday, June 24 from 11 am - 5 pm, there will be live performances - from

Ryukyu Classical Music and Okinawan Folk Songs to Eisa dance performances taught by Sonda Seinenkai (Sonda Youth Association) and karate demonstrations. In addition, Okinawan cuisine, food, and crafts will be on sale from a variety of stalls. The event is being organised by London Okinawa Sanshinkai. London Okinawa Sanshinkai was formed in 1999 at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) by academics specialising in Ryukyu Classical Music and Yaeyama Folk Songs studies. Since then, the group has been circulating Okinawan music, dances and culture through a variety of activities and performances not only in the UK but also in other European countries. It will take place on Saturday 24 June from 11 am - 5 pm. The Blue Market, Bermondsey, SE16 3UQ.

Bermondsey Carnival is expected to return to Southwark Park on August 6, a year after its organiser Russell Dryden had to cancel the 2022 edition of the event due to a lack of cash. Assemble Gala Limited, the team behind Peckham Rye’s yearly Gala music festival, has agreed to lend equipment to Mr Dryden so that this year’s edition of the carnival can go ahead. Assemble GALA is also covering the site costs of the carnival. The plans were revealed at a Southwark Council licensing meeting last Thursday, June 1, where the council gave permission for Assemble GALA to hold events in Southwark Park over August 5 and August 6. Under the agreed proposals, Assemble Gala’s new music and arts festival, Rally, would take place in the park on August 5. Stages would then be quickly rearranged and a children’s funfair brought on site in time for the carnival to take over the park the following day. The arrangements still rely on Bermondsey Carnival attracting enough sponsorship for the event to go ahead.

Southwark Council has previously handed the carnival’s organiser £80,000 to cover the costs but since last year only £10,000 has been available from the local authority. Robert Dudley, Assemble Gala Limited’s agent, distanced the festival from controversy surrounding noise nuisance from other music events previously held at the park. He told the meeting: “The noise issue that the objector references seems to talk about is the historical Korean pop concert events that have taken place in Southwark Park. “That’s an entirely different event, different organiser and took place in a different area of the park. We’re talking about the northern section of the park and as I understand it those concerts were in the south so we’ve got an entirely different event layout.”

He added: “We’ve provided a noise management plan. The noise management team we use are the same team who manage acoustics at Gala Festival so they’ve got a great deal of experience of working with Southwark’s environmental protection team.” Mr Dudley said that around 3,000 letters had been sent to local residents giving them advanced notice of the festival. Just short of 10,000 people will be able to attend events at the park on each of the two festival dates set for 2023. Under the conditions of the licence granted, performances will be able to take place until 10:30pm, Thursday until Saturday and on Sundays before bank holidays going forward. Assemble Gala Limited will be able to run events on up to three consecutive days at the park every year until 2025.

16 NEWS

Crumbling Charing Cross Hospital's promised refurb may not happen before 2030

Greg Hands is the Conservative MP for Chelsea and Fulham

By Adrian Zorzut Local Democracy Reporter A promised refurb of a crumbling London hospital may not happen before 2030 - despite claims from a local MP that it will.

Chelsea and Fulham MP Greg Hands has been accused of being “deeply disingenuous” about the fate of refurbishments at Charing Cross Hospital after the plans were pushed back beyond 2030. Ben Coleman, who is vying for Mr Hands’ seat, claimed there was no money set aside to carry out the much needed works by the end of the decade and called on Tory MP to withdraw leaflets claiming it had been. Mr Coleman, who is also the deputy leader of Hammersmith and Fulham council, said: “Mr Hands is being deeply disingenuous. In his leaflet, he says he has secured funding for the floor-by-floor refurbishment of Charing Cross. "This is not true. He has not secured funding. The truth is there is no money set aside, no timetable for [a] floor-by-floor refurbishment.” A leaflet distributed over a weekend in May showed Mr Hands standing outside Charing Cross Hospital with the words: “Funding Secure. We’re investing in a floor-by-floor refurbishment of Charing Cross Hospital. Delivering our plan for Chelsea and Fulham”. The brochure claimed a new energy centre was being built to “make Charing Cross hospital greener, sustainable and more cost effective”. It also quoted the Health Minister saying that the “full refurbishment of Charing Cross Hospital” and St Mary’s would continue. However, Imperial College Healthcare

NHS Trust said it has not received a single penny of Mr Hands’ alleged funds. A source at the Trust said health bosses have not yet submitted a business case for a major refurb and were confused as to how the local MP was able to secure funding for a project that had not been assessed by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). The DHSC is in charge of handing out funds as part of the New Hospital Programme (NHP) to build 40 new hospitals across England by 2030. The Trust also claims it is unaware of money being made available for a new energy centre, which would need to be build before a major refurb takes place. This includes temporary wards, which the hospital is set to get under current funding rules. They said the funding for Charing Cross Hospital’s rebuild “lacks clarity” and that the vast majority of capital needed – which is in the billions – won’t be available until 2030. Mr Coleman also accused the Health Secretary, Steve Barclay, of scrapping the major refurb during an announcement in parliament. Steve Barclay told the Commons the hospital, alongside seven others, were being bumped to a “rolling programme” because of delays associated with Covid and inflation. Charing Cross, St Mary’s and Hammersmith Hospitals were all set to have refurbs completed by 2030 under the programme. But a source at the Trust claims the planned works cannot go ahead until new funding is released, which isn’t expected before 2030. DHSC said no money can be set aside until Imperial Trust submits its business case for a major refurb. It has promised to

Town hall deputy claims Tory MP ‘deeply disingenuous’ over hospital promises

allocate funds following the next spending review. Mr Hands said: “It is absolutely outrageous for Hammersmith and Fulham Council to be using council taxpayers’ resources to be putting wholly wrong claims that the floor-by-floor refurbishment has been scrapped, just hours after it was confirmed by the Health Secretary in the House of Commons, by Twitter and by thousands of emails to residents. “The Council must release an immediate correction to these wholly false claims”. Mr Hands did not respond to the claim that funding for Charing Cross Hospitals’ refurbishment had not been secured. A Hammersmith and Fulham Council spokesperson said: “The government has scrapped its pledge to refurbish Charing Cross and stopped vital planned improvements to other West London hospitals.” A spokesperson from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust said: “We are at an early stage of planning for the major Charing Cross Hospital refurbishment/ new build scheme within the New

Hospital Programme – we are on track to submit the first level business case for approval this autumn. We do not yet know when we will be able to start work.” They said the change announced last meant its sites are no longer included in the commitment to deliver 40 schemes by 2030. Instead, work will start over the next two years with an end expected after 2030. On the following Tuesday after the announcement in Parliament on the Thursday , Mr Coleman said: “In 2019 the government cited Charing Cross/Imperial as part of the NHP to be completed by 2030. But the Health Secretary on Thursday confirmed that the NHP was now going ahead with £20bn in secure funding for 40 hospitals, including five new projects. “He explicitly stated that Charing Cross/ Imperial is no longer on that list of 40 and is part of a list that should continue to work on their business cases and ‘may now fully complete construction after 2030’. “It is deeply disingenuous of Mr Hands to claim that he secured funding when he

hasn’t and the truth is the Charing Cross/ Imperial work is now, at best, delayed.” Previously, Mr Hands said construction at the crumbling hospital was set to go ahead next year after survey works are done. He said on the Friday: “The Department for Health and Social Care – including Ministers – have had many discussions with Imperial NHS Trusts [sic], and I am delighted to see it confirmed in the Commons by the Health Secretary [Thursday] that the floor-by-floor refurbishment will be going ahead. “This will start next year, subject to survey works. It is high time Labour stopped doing down with the NHS and got behind the New Hospital Programme.” But Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter said announcement in Parliament meant there was now no committed funding or a date by which the works at Charing Cross Hospital will be done. He said Mr Hands’ comments were “wholly untrue” and challenged claims by DHSC that the West London hospitals would receive funding following the next spending review.

NEWS 17

Labour is calling on Greg Hands MP to withdraw campaign leaflets suggesting funding has been secured

It is said to cost £155 million to eradicate all safety and maintenance issues at Charing Cross. While St Mary’s Hospital, is set to cost £126 million, and Hammersmith Hospital is expected to cost £68 million. “That’s the spin line and it is meaningless," he said. "After the next spending review means there is no money for our hospitals and may never be. This is worse than I thought.” “Cutting funding for Imperial is terrible for Hammersmith and Fulham residents and the NHS. Pretending the cuts aren’t happening adds insult to injury,” he added. The Department for Health and Social Care said £20bn was being invested to rebuild hospitals across the country and that five were being prioritised because they were not safe to operate beyond 2030 due to disintegrating RAAC, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete. The Department’s website suggested this change in plans and the cost of construction materials meant the three West London hospitals will now be completed after 2030. Health leaders claim the funds are still below the £32 billion needed to complete works on 40 new hospitals pledged by the government, according to the Health Services Journal. The health minister also admitted

the government will not build 40 new hospitals by 2030 but carry out “a range of things” including new wings and refurbishments. Mr Coleman said his opponent owed Imperial NHS Healthcare Trust an explanation. “If he is serious that refurbishment is still going ahead, Mr Hands needs to pick up the phone to the chief executive of Imperial NHS Trust and tell him when he‘ll get the money and when he can book the builders in," he said. According to the Clinical Negligence & Catastrophic Injury Solicitors who analysed NHS data, the hospital with

the largest high-risk backlog is Charing Cross where it is said to cost £155 million to eradicate all the serious safety and maintenance issues. The next are St Mary’s Hospital, which is set to cost £126 million, and Hammersmith Hospital, expected to cost £68 million. Professor Tim Orchard, chief executive of Imperial Trust, said the announcement did not “reflect our understanding of next steps on the urgently needed

redevelopment of our hospitals.” He said the Trust was exploring ways to claw back the funding so works can finish before 2030. He said: “If we waited until 2030 to start building works at St Mary’s, it would become impossible to continue to patch up our oldest facilities, many of which house key clinical services. “As the provider of London’s busiest major trauma centre and host of the NHS’s largest biomedical research centre, that would be hugely damaging for the

health and healthcare of hundreds of thousands of people.” Westminster councillor Nafsika ButlerThalassis, cabinet member for health, said: “We share the view of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust that it is not viable to wait until 2030 to begin works on a new St Mary’s, as it simply can’t keep being patched up. “We’re working with health colleagues to get clarity on the situation and are writing to the Secretary of State. "We will work, with the Trust, to help secure the full-rebuild needed to protect this vital health resource in the heart of our city, with the necessary investment that has been promised for so long.”

mainly provided mental health services by the early 1990s. It has not provided inpatient services since 2013 and existing outpatient services will be relocated to Teddington while the new centre is built. Outline plans to bulldoze disused buildings on the site and put up a new mental health centre, school and homes on the site were approved by the council in September 2020, ahead of detailed applications being submitted for the separate parts. Housing plans for the site were then brought forward by Star Land Realty UK – including 106 flats in blocks up to four storeys tall and revamping two buildings to create three homes. The council is considering these plans. The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Secretary

of State for Education and the South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust submitted the separate application for the mental health centre and school. A council report said the total trips generated by the site, at full occupation, was found “not to result in a severe or cumulative impact on the highway network”. It added the scheme is “not considered to result in unacceptable loss of privacy, nor will it appear visually intrusive to neighbouring properties”. The committee unanimously voted in favour of officers’ recommendations to delegate authority to the assistant director of environment and community services to approve the application subject to conditions.

Go ahead for mental health centre and school for kids on site of old hospital CGI of London River Academy and Barnes NHS Mental Health Facility

By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter

A new NHS mental health centre and school for kids with special educational needs are set to be built in Richmond.

The facilities are set to replace old buildings at Barnes Hospital on South Worple Way after the scheme was greenlit. The new 90-place school is set to be called London River Academy, run by the Beckmead Trust, for students between seven and 19 years old with social, emotional and mental health needs. The outpatient mental health facility will be for adults and form part of the South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust. Local Kathy Sheldon, chair of Friends of Barnes Hospital, welcomed the scheme at Richmond Council’s planning committee on May 10. She said: “We believe it’s vital to replace the current out-of-date hospital buildings with a new flexible healthcare facility which will help meet the changing needs of the NHS in the decades ahead as well as the current increasing need for mental healthcare.” About the school, Lib Dem councillor Penny Frost said: “We’ve waited patiently for a long time for this to come through to planning as this site carries with it a key piece of the jigsaw of our whole educational offer for our young people. Our borough has never had adequate provision for our young people’s SEMH needs.”

But some residents raised concerns, particularly over traffic. Local Philip Barden said the road network of South Worple Way is “extremely restricted in width”. He said “development should minimise and mitigate impact on the local highway network and in particular the junction with White Hart Lane and ensure a safe pedestrian environment”. Resident Simon Swaby added: “The proposed building heights and massing are greater than the surrounding area and the… outline planning application previously approved. This leads to a loss of privacy for existing adjacent properties and the increased massing is contrary to the surrounding area.” Lib Dem councillor John Coombs said: “I suppose the good news really for us is although we have heard from a number of residents that they don’t like the design of some of the blocks, well both the blocks actually, and they certainly are very unhappy about the traffic, no one has actually come and spoke against having a school or a mental health unit on this particular site.” Ian Garlington, executive director at the trust, said the hospital has “not been used in earnest for nearly a decade” with “lots of vacant spaces on it for us, it’s no longer fit for us to provide modern effective mental health services from and as such this is a really exciting front for us to come forward”. Mr Garlington said: “With the Beckmead, we have an outstanding opportunity to make sure that they can

work with us in a site in close proximity to actually make sure that we have the next generation supported within our community and have the best chances to come forward into employment and into being successful members of our local society.” He added: “London River Academy will provide an extraordinary opportunity for pupils in the area as well as South West London and St George’s offer for outstanding mental healthcare within our community.” He said the trust spends and recruits locally, with “lots of new jobs coming forward in order to support the better care for patients going forward”. Barnes Isolation Hospital first opened in 1889 to care for patients with infectious diseases. It was later renamed and

18 NEWS By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter KinGSTon BriDGe over the river Thames in South West London reopened at the start of May after a £600,000 makeover.

Local Democracy Reporter A SouTh London resident has become so frustrated by the state of the roads in his area that he resorted to filling potholes with rubber ducks and toy diggers to attract more attention to the issue.

Tim Webb, 66, of Orpington, Bromley said for the past four months, he has been reporting potholes to FixMyStreet which is a site used to flag road defects to local authorities. After noticing that one pothole took “110 days to get fixed” he came up with a creative way to highlight the issue in his neighbourhood. He began creating miniature scenes around potholes in the area, using props such as rubber ducks and toy construction vehicles gathered from friends, family and charity shops. Speaking about the local authorities repair team, Mr Webb said: “God bless them, they’re rushed off their feet and can’t cope with the amount of jobs thrown at them. "They claim it’s because of the cold weather and then they have rain. "I have a feeling, and some people think, it’s years of underinvestment and not properly repairing roads.” He added: “You’ve got to draw attention to it all. And I only go to the worst potholes, so I choose the best of the worst. "I go there and have a look for myself and work out whether I think it’s worth doing a little visual story.” He added: “I carry some water [in my car] in case there’s a pothole that needs filling with water, and the ducks obviously don’t want to be in a dry pothole.” The resident takes pictures of the scenes he creates to post on FixMyStreet and local Facebook groups. Some arrangements require more explaining in their captions than others, such as Mr Webb’s latest creation which

in time for the King’s Coronation celebrations in the borough. “We would like to thank all local residents for their patience while the work was completed. "Kingston Bridge is not only an important part of our heritage but is also vital for our transport infrastructure. "This work has ensured the future of the bridge for years to come and makes Kingston an even more attractive place to live and work.”

Orpington man ﬁlled potholes with rubber ducks to attract more attention to the issue

councillors John Sweeney, Nicola Nardelli and ian Manders with kingston council officers at the Kingston Bridge reopening

By Joe Coughlan

"The extensive work, which involved the replacement of over 230 elements including balustrades on both sides of the bridge, required expert contractors skilled in repairing Grade II* listed structures. “At the same time, we also undertook a full clean up of the bridge, removing graffiti and refreshing the bridge surrounds. "The project has been delivered exactly to specification and was completed

Grade II* the bridge had more than 230 parts of its structure replaced and was closed to the public for almost a year. Kingston Bridge is one of the oldest over the Thames and was the only bridge between Staines Bridge and London Bridge for hundreds of years. Its original wood structure dates back to 1219 and the current stone bridge was opened in 1828 and later widened with bus and cycle lanes added. More recently, the bridge carries the A308 across the Thames, joining Kingston town centre to Hampton Court Park, Bushy Park and Hampton Wick. The major repair works started on 18 July, 2022, after Kingston Council appointed contractors to carry out the scheme. The works saw the complete closure of a footpath and cycle lane on one side of the bridge at all times and other off-peak lane closures in one direction at a time. The scheme was due to be completed by March this year, but the full reopening was pushed back so more repairs could be carried out. The works also included a full cleaning of the bridge with graffiti removed from the structure. A Kingston Council spokesperson said: “We are delighted that our historic Grade II* listed Kingston Bridge is now fully open again following restoration works.

one of the oldest Bridges over the thames is now fully reoPened

Mr Webb posts pictures of his dioramas online

Tim Webb, 66, uses rubber ducks and other props to ﬁll potholes around Orpington. includes a model flying saucer in a pothole. “The aliens have landed and due to their advanced navigation system, which uses craters, they mistook the craters here for the craters on their own planet,” he said. Mr Webb says he was inspired to create his “dioramas” by an Essex resident making similar pictures with potholes near the Brightlingsea coast. Despite claiming he is not a technical expert on road safety, Mr Webb has stressed he does not want people to put themselves in danger by placing models

in potholes or posing for pictures. He said: “I wouldn’t want to encourage other people to do this because I don’t want them putting themselves at risk or causing accidents.” The resident said he has often seen roads in the borough with up to four potholes present at a time. He said that while the council’s teams prioritise the worst potholes, he sometimes sees teams leaving after only repairing the most severe hole in a group of several: “They might as well do all four

The proposed h1 block

of them, rather than do one. "They leave the other three and they get worse. By fixing one out of the four, the danger is that it satisfies no one.” He added: “The other thing that tends to happen now is because there’s such a backlog, quite a number of the potholes end up as a temporary fix, and that temporary fix will then fail in a few weeks or a few months.” Conservative Councillor Nicholas Bennett, portfolio holder for transport for Bromley Council, said at a meeting on

April 24 that the backlog of potholes to be repaired was scheduled to be completed by the end of May. He said thirteen teams were fixing about 70 potholes a day, and that the teams would continue to work through the summer once the backlog had been dealt with. He said at the meeting: “We are trying our best. We are very embarrassed by it, who wouldn’t be? "None of us wants to see our roads in this state, but this weird combination of weather we’ve had this year has simply exacerbated it across the country. "But we will get on top of it and I would just ask for some bearance [sic].” Mr Webb said that while he was “frustrated” by the issue, he does sympathise with the council and contractors, and recognises they are doing their best in a difficult situation. “I am not in it to knock or bash the council or the contractors," he said. "I think they’re all doing their best in very trying circumstances. "But I think what they should do is come clean with the residents of Bromley and say, ‘It could be months before the situation is under control. "At the moment, we’ve got X number of potholes across the area, we can only clear X number a day. Sorry, folks’. But I think they are a long way off saying that at the moment.” Bromley Council was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.

NEWS 19

London's largest lido will not reopen for the summer By Tara O'Connor Local Democracy Reporter A South London lido that shut for an almost £4million revamp last year will not reopen in time for summer, as originally planned, after the huge project was hit by delays.

Thornton Heath is now facing a ban on drinking in public

Locals say they want to see more police on the streets in Thornton Heath. Credit Grahame Larter. Free for use by BBC wire partners.

By Tara O'Conor

Local Democracy Reporter A ban on drinking in public could soon be rolled out in Thornton Heath and local business owners say people boozing and “causing a nuisance” in the street has been a problem for years.

A Croydon Council report outlining the reasons for the new scheme said the area was one of the borough’s crime hotspots in 2022. If a permanent Public Space Protection order (PSPO) is introduced, it will give the police more powers to confiscate open bottles and cans of alcohol. Sam Khasanov, the manager of restaurant Blue and Orange in the High Street, said he would “fully support” the zone being put in place in Thornton Heath. He said: “We think over the years the Thornton Heath area has degraded because, we are located here every day we see people’s behaviour. There are people sitting all day and drinking. “There are a lot of betting shops in Thornton Heath now and the more shops like this the more antisocial behaviour you get. We need to see more police officers on the street, we rarely see any. "Families can’t walk with kids because there are a lot of people with beers walking without their tops and smoking weed in the

street.” Another local businessman, who didn’t want to give his name, said women are put off walking in the area. He said: “It’s always been a problem round here, people always sit outside the shops getting drunk and making a nuisance. I feel sorry for women who say they hate walking past down there people who are drunk at two in the afternoon. “I think I would support [the PSPO], you don’t want to walk down the street feeling intimidated, it has been happening for years now.” A previous PSPO in the area lapsed in 2020. A council report said: “This was due to a perceived reduction in ASB and a lack of recorded evidence that it was being used at the time.” The report added: “This will provide another tool for police and council officers to make our public spaces free from antisocial behaviour and stop ongoing harassment and disorder. We will work with the police to ensure use of the power is recorded throughout the lifespan of the PSPO should it be implemented.” Before it can be introduced Croydon Council will carry out a six week public consultation. The consultation was due to be triggered on Wednesday, May 24.

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Wandsworth Council said issues had been discovered during the repair works at Tooting Bec Lido, the biggest open-air freshwater pool in the UK, including previously-unknown buried asbestos. The major repairs are being carried out on the 90-metre-long lido, on Tooting Bec Road, to prevent future unplanned closure and make sure it operates efficiently for the next 50 years. The venue was set to remain shut for around nine months after closing in November last year for the works, which began the following month. But the council has revealed “unavoidable delays” to the project, meaning the lido will not reopen in time for summer. The authority is aiming to reopen the facility as soon as possible, which is expected to be later this year. The existing systems at the lido, the council said, have reached the end of their life and a budget of £3.93m was agreed in November 2022 to fund the maintenance works. The works include replacing the pumphouse, which controls the pool’s water supply, and building a new electrical substation to power the pumps, along with installing a new pipework and UV filtration system and pool liner. Landscaping around the water’s edge is also being improved.

A statement from the council said: “These are major, complex works being undertaken to a unique heritage asset, and projects of this nature often encounter unavoidable issues that cause delays. We are working to ensure that the lido can be reopened as soon as possible. “Issues encountered in the lido repairs include the discovery of unknown buried asbestos following demolition.” A council report in November 2021 said the “iconic” lido holds a special place as the borough’s “jewel in the crown” and has attracted generations of Londoners since opening in 1906. Labour councillor Judi Gasser, cabinet member for environment, said: “I am so disappointed that we are not able to complete the works in the timescale we had hoped. I love the lido and will really miss swimming there over the summer, as I know many residents will. “It [is] vital that these essential works are carried out to preserve the lido so that [it] may be enjoyed by the public for years to come. We are working to reopen the lido as soon as possible and are very sorry for the impact this delay will have.”

Tooting Bec Lido

20 ARTS

what’s on

400 portraits to be exhibited in surrey quays shopping centre Rod Kitson has been painting faces since 2019 and in that time has portrayed people of all ages and backgrounds, and now he will be exhibiting 400 portraits of people from the local area and beyond, writes Michael Holland...

The exhibition, Where Are We Now, will be on at his Art of Isolation gallery upstairs in Surrey Quays shopping centre from June 23 to July 20. After four years of working on these portraits I wanted to know how he and his work had changed: “This project has been a real journey, and I’ve learned so much about people and about painting. At first I was painting friends and other artists, but since I moved my studio to Surrey Quays three years ago it has become much more about the local community.” In those years, Kitson has involved the community in a number of projects and shows; making furniture from the cardboard discarded by the surrounding shops; open art exhibitions, design your own T-shirt and print it sessions, weekly life drawing classes for people of all levels. He makes everyone who enters his studio/gallery feel like an artist and part of the art community he has built up and help evolve. "All of the portraits are the same 1sq ft size and completed in two hours from real life, not photographs," he stresses. And I can vouch for that because I sat for him at the early stages of the project. I realised that must be hard for a creative to set such a strict time limit. And that strict discipline continues with him exhibiting every portrait he painted under those self-inflicted conditions. “All of the portraits I’ve ever done are on show – even the bad ones!’ He says. “It’s about owning my sh*t, saying, ‘Yeah, I wasn’t that great at the beginning, but now I’m through that and being true to myself and the newer paintings reflect that confidence.” He took a breath and I stayed silent, hoping to witness that confidence. He did not disappoint. “We are used to seeing only an artist’s best work, but that is not the reality of practicing as an artist. I wanted this to be human, to be flawed in nature, as we all are. It’s about acceptance, honesty and progress.” I held my gaze, knowing he would fill the quiet void. “The paintings began as just trying to

get a likeness,” he continued, “to make it look like the person, but then it became gradually more about the exchange between us, about the experience.” Rod was waiting for something from me. I gave nothing. I knew he was on a roll. “People have opened up more and more as I have been more open. It becomes almost like a therapy session, both for them and for me. The new pictures are much more alive because of it.’ I was now watching an artist at work with words and feelings and emotions and truth. “I’ve worked through a lot of stuff, both in the pictures and personally in those four years, and these paintings are like a diary showing that journey. That’s what the title is all about, saying: That’s where we were, where are we now?” Where are we indeed. From a personal view I have watched Rod Kitson grow as an artist and as a person. Each exhibition he curates attracts more people into the gallery to try stuff they had never even thought about before because Rod opened that door for them to step through. I asked how he planned to get so many paintings up: “They will be displayed in a giant grid, in chronological order from my first tentative efforts almost five years ago, up until the present time.” He explained that they are all oil paintings and the exhibition will demonstrate a progression in technique, with the early works being much flatter, both in paint and atmosphere, and the later works becoming very heavy, ‘almost sculptural’ with the treatment of the thick paint. The youngest sitter so far was 10 years old, the oldest 86, and the current tally of paintings stands at 376, which is short of the promised number, but he assured me he will be working up to and during the exhibition, to bring the total up to 400. “I am going to be adding to the exhibition while it is open, painting live within the gallery and adding the portraits to the wall as I finish them. I want to show that the project is ongoing.” Indeed, this is not the end of the project, Rod plans to keep painting faces for another five years. “I always thought that a decade would be a good time period to aim for – so this exhibition is like a halfway point.

And it’s the last time I’ll be able to show them in my gallery in Surrey Quays – the walls are at full capacity with 400 portraits! “I’ll be looking for another gallery for the next time I display them in a year or two’s time.” What about the responses from the sitters? “On the whole, people are really positive about the outcome – however in one picture I was accused of making someone look like she was ‘transitioning’, and she said I had ‘missed an opportunity’. Not sure what it was that I missed, but I thought it was beautiful.”

And your thoughts on the work? “I generally get a good likeness and I try to be okay with whatever happens, but there have been a couple of occasions where I wasn’t so happy. It’s usually when someone makes demands that it goes wrong because that adds pressure. Once I was asked by a sitter not to give her double chins. So, of course, my hand involuntarily went straight to the chin area and started trowelling them on! It wasn’t my best work.” What do you talk about? “I’m amazed at how generous people have been with their stories and their experiences. There have been

tales of nefarious capers, near-death experiences, lost – and found – loves. But of course, what is said in the portrait room stays in the portrait room. My ears are sealed.” Our time was up; he had a sitter waiting. If you’ve got two hours to sit for Rod, get in touch and you could be a work of art. Where Are We Now is on from June 23 to July 20 at The Art of Isolation, Upper Floor, Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, Redriff Road, SE16 7LL To see Rod’s work and more about the show on Instagram and TikTok @ RodKitsonArt or go to www.rodkitson.art

ARTS 21

Arts Jane Austen’s Emma gets the stage treatment

A riot of a good time in Charlton Park The Royal Borough of Greenwich is bringing a day of giddy celebrations to Charlton Park this Saturday.

Called Together 23, the event is geared at local residents but inclusive of anyone who shows up, and features performances from local groups, family-friendly activities, DJs (including Norman Jay MBE), a funfair and some special guest appearances. This year, there’s also an LGBTQ+ Pride tent, street food, stalls selling locally-made goods and a chance to meet representatives from the council. Last year’s celebrations attracted 18,000 attendees and this year’s is likely to be just as popular, so head on over and join the party. Charlton Park, 21 Cemetery Lane, London SE7 8DZ. June 10, 12pm - 6pm. Admission: FREE. www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/together-23

Turning Jane Austen’s quaint, pastoral period novel Emma into a ‘riotous, Regency romcom’ is Pantaloons Theatre Company.

Expect the story as you know it, in which the rebellious matchmaker Emma attempts to play Cupid to those around her, but with lashings of the company’s signature funny chaos thrown in. Greenwich Theatre, Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ES. June 11, 7:30pm - 9:30pm. Admission: £17.50/£15 concessions. www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/emma/

Lunch is served

Shakespeare’s Full Fathom Five explored through song Hear the talented musicians from SongEasel’s Young Artist Programme as they present a concert exploring Shakespeare’s theme of Full Fathom Five from The Tempest through song.

The recital is part of a series being performed across south London this summer, and

features works by Schubert, Debussy, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Britten and more. Blackheath Halls, 23 Lee Road, Blackheath, London SE3 9RQ. June 10, 6pm. Admission: £10. www.blackheathhalls.com/whats-on/blackheathpresents-songeasel-young-artist-programme/

Feeling uninspired by your usual packed lunch? Pootle over to the other side of the river on Thursday, where Canary Wharf’s weekly lunch market is hoping to entice foodies to Montgomery Square with street food from around the world.

From Japanese dumplings to Spanish paella, hearty British baps to Greek souvlaki, you’ll be sure to find a dish to chow on whatever your mood. Montgomery Square Canary Wharf, London E14. Thursdays, 12pm - 2:30pm. Admission: FREE, price of dishes varies. www.canarywharf.com/whats-on/the-lunch-market/

Kids display their banner of under the sea A vibrant banner inspired by creatures of the sea as well as maps and monsters from the museum’s collections has gone on show at the National Maritime Museum.

The banner has been created by pupils from special education school Willow Dene, with the help of artist Shermaine Slocombe. Named ‘Sea creatures: real and imagined’, it was made by the children over the course of a

sensory session, with the resulting artworks patched together in a digital collage by Shermaine. Find it in the museum’s Sammy Ofer Wing. National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, London SE10 9NF. Daily, 10am - 5pm. Admission: FREE. www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritimemuseum/sea-creatures-real-imagined

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24 CLASSIFIED CLASSIFIED AND COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Southwark Pensioners’ Centre Supporting older people in Southwark for over 35 years. Offering advice, support, activities, rooms for hire and a voice for older people.

ScotsCare is here to help and support Scots and their families in Greater London

Or pop into 305 -307 Camberwell rd, Camberwell Green, SE5 0HQ

Elim House Day Centre

YOU MATTER TO US programme started Tuesday 9th May. 100 Day programme combating loneliness within our elders

To find out more, visit

www.scotscare.com or call

0800 652 2989 to speak with a case worker to see how we can assist you.

We are accepting walk-ins

Contact us on 020 7358 9502 or elimhouseoutreachworker@gmail.com Or pop into 86-88 Bellenden Road, Peckham, SE15 4RQ Website: elimhousedaycentre.com

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PUBLIC NOTICES 25 LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

THE LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (LAVINGTON STREET, BASSANO STREET, BAWDALE ROAD, SUMNER STREET, LONGLEY STREET)

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (as amended)

(TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF VEHICLES) 1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable various works to be carried out, made an order, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named roads.

Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload at any time in: (a) Lavington Street, between Ewer Street and Great Suffolk Street (b) Bassano Street, between No’s 17 to the side on No’s 22 (c) Bawdale Road, between No’s 23/26 and 26/32, located between Lordship Lane and Fellbrigg Road (d) Sumner Street, between Southwark Street and Holland Street (e) Longley Street, between Southwark Park Road and Thornburn Square (f) Longley Street, between Southwark Park Road and Thornburn Square all parking bays will be suspended on both sides of the road, the existing double yellow lines will be amended to ‘at any time’ waiting and loading restrictions.

The alternative route for affected traffic will be (2a) as indicated by the signs displayed (2b) Bassano Street, Blackwater Street, Lordship Lane, Bassano Street (2c) Hansler Road, Lordship Lane, Whateley Road, Fellbrigg Road (2d) as indicated by the signs displayed. (2e & f) not applicable

The existing ‘one-way’ working in Lavington Street, will be made ‘two-way’ for access and egress purposes for (2a)

Exemptions will be provided in the Order to permit reasonable access to premises, so far as it is practical without interference with the execution of the said works.

The restrictions will not apply to any vehicle being used in connection with the said works, or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes or anything done with the permission or at the direction of a police constable in uniform.

The works will be in operation between (2a) 17th – 18th June (2b) 19th – 23rd June (2c) 19th – 23rd June (2d) 17th – 18th June (2e & 2f) 19th June – 19th August

Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network Management at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk

Dated this 8th June 2023 Ian Law Traffic Manager London Borough of Southwark Network Management Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX Ref: (2a) LBSCR12932 (2b) 31577802 (2c) 000031951119-001 (2d) LBSCR12955 (2e & 2f) BER8LONG160-01

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) (EMPRESS STREET, THE CUT, WEST LANE) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) 1.

The Council of the London Borough of Southwark hereby gives notice that to enable various works to be carried out, it intends, to make, an order, the effect of which will be to prohibit vehicular traffic from entering part of the above named roads.

Whilst the works are in progress, or whilst the authorised traffic signs/road markings are displayed, no person shall cause any vehicle to enter, proceed, stop, wait, load or unload at any time in: (a) Empress Street,10m either side of railway bridge, located at it’s junction with Fielding Street to it’s blocked end (b) The Cut, south west lane of carriageway, at it’s junction with Blackfriars Road (c) West Lane, between Bermondsey Wall East and Pottery Street

The alternative route for affected traffic will be (2a) not applicable (2b) Blackfriars Road, Stamford Street, Waterloo Road, The Cut. (2d) Bermondsey Wall East, Cherry Garden Street, Jamaica Road, Paradise Street, Cathay Street

Exemptions will be provided in the Order to permit reasonable access to premises, so far as it is practical without interference with the execution of the said works.

The works will be in operation for (2a) 29th June at 22:00hrs – 30th June at 06:00hrs (2b) 26th – 29th June (2c) 26th – 30th June

Further information may be obtained by contacting Road Network Management at ttmo@southwark.gov.uk

Dated this 8th June 2023 Ian Law Traffic Manager London Borough of Southwark Network Management Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth 160 Tooley Street PO Box 64529 London SE1 5LX Ref: (2a) 6500/HHH-02-19-290523-NR-re-ad (2b) 6586/000811704980135-001-Thames (2c) 6510/ROADCLOSUREFORCRANE-

THE LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK hereby gives notice that it proposes to make an Order under Section 247 of the above Act to authorise the stopping up of the following area of public highway shown hatched black on the drawing attached to the draft Order numbered 305215-IF00-HSEW-05-PL00-013-Rev01 and labelled Elephant Park Heygate Street East & West Phase 1 – Supplementary Stopping Up Order. The highway to be stopped up is in the London Borough of Southwark and can be described as an area of highway at 143 Walworth Road. The area measures 2.456 metres long (at its longest point between terminal points 1 to 2) and is 1.789 metres wide at its widest point. IF THE ORDER IS MADE the stopping up will be authorised to enable the development described in the Schedule to this Notice to be carried out in accordance with the planning permission granted under Part III of the Act by the Council under local planning authority reference 12/AP/1092 (outline) on 27 March 2013 as varied by 18/AP/3225 agreed non-material amendments to the below description of development on 7 November 2018 for the Heygate Redevelopment. COPIES OF THE DRAFT ORDER AND THE RELEVANT PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED FREE OF CHARGE by way of appointment during a 28 day period commencing on 8 June 2023 at 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2TZ by calling 020 7525 2135 and referring to the 143 Walworth Road Stopping Up Order. A copy may also be viewed on the Council’s website at https://www.southwark.gov.uk/transportand-roads/traffic-orders-licensing-strategies-and-regulation/highway-stopping-up-closureorders?chapter=4&article. ANY PERSON MAY OBJECT to the making of the proposed Order within a 28 day period commencing on 8 June 2023 by written notice to the Director of Legal Services, 2nd Floor, Hub 2, PO Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX quoting reference (LEG/RP/PL/RE040/110(AM)). In preparing an objection it should be borne in mind that the substance of it may be imparted to other persons who may be affected by it and that those persons may wish to communicate with the objector about it.

Doreen Forrester-Brown Assistant Chief Executive (Legal, Governance & Assurance) THE SCHEDULE 12/AP/1092- Outline application for: Redevelopment to provide a mixed use development comprising a number of buildings ranging between 13.13m (AOD) and 104.8m (AOD) in height with capacity for between 160,579sqm GEA (min) and 254,000sqm GEA (max) residential floorspace together with retail (Class A1-A5), business (Class B1), leisure and community (Class D2 and D1), energy centre (sui generis) uses. New landscaping, park and public realm, car parking, means of access and other associated works). 18/AP/3225: "Outline application for: Redevelopment to provide a mixed use development comprising a number of buildings ranging between 13.13m (AOD) and 104.8m (AOD) in height with capacity for between 160,579sqm GEA (min) and 254,400sqm GEA (max) residential floorspace together with retail (Class A1-A5), business (Class B1), leisure and community (Class D2 and D1), energy centre (sui generis) uses. New landscaping, park and public realm, car parking, means of access other associated works."

26 PUBLIC NOTICES

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (as amended) PLANNING (LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS) ACT 1990 (as amended) The planning applications listed below can be viewed on the planning register at https://planning.southwark.gov.uk/online-applications/ You can use facilities at your local library or 'My Southwark Service Points' to access the website. How to comment on this application: You should submit your comments via the above link. Comments received will be made available for public viewing on the website. All personal information will be removed except your postal address. Online comments submitted without an email address will not be acknowledged and those marked 'confidential' will not be considered. Written comments can be submitted to; Southwark Council, Chief executive's department, Planning division, Development Management, PO Box 64529, London SE1 5LX. Reason for publicity. The applications are advertised for the reasons identified by the following codes: AFFECT - development affecting character or appearance of a nearby conservation area; OR development affecting setting of a nearby listed building(s); DEP - departure from the development plan; EIA - environmental impact assessment (these applications are accompanied by an environmental statement a copy of which may be obtained from the Council - there will be a charge for the copy); MAJ - major planning application; STDCA - development within a conservation area; STDLB - works to or within the site of a listed building; 29 GILKES CRESCENT LONDON SOUTHWARK SE21 7BP (Ref: 23/AP/1416) Alterations to rear elevation fenestration and infill of existing front/side elevation open porch including new side facing window. (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Samuel Hepworth 020 7525 5465) 154 CHOUMERT ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 4AA (Ref: 23/AP/1314) Construction of a single storey side return extension (Within: Holly Grove CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Chloe Rimell 0207 525 1397) 115 TURNEY ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE21 7JB (Ref: 23/AP/1458) Construction of loft conversion with rear dormer and roof lights; new roof tiles to match existing. (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Samuel Hepworth 020 7525 5465) FORMER SOUTHWARK FIRE STATION 94 SOUTHWARK BRIDGE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 0EG (Ref: 23/AP/1512) Listed Building Consent works relating to non material amendment application ref. 23/AP/1514 (for changes to planning permission ref. 17/AP/0367: Redevelopment of the site including alterations and extensions to listed buildings for a mixed use scheme to provide a new secondary school with 6th form (up to 1150 pupils), 199 residential units in buildings up the 10 storeys in height, 234 sqm of flexible commercial or community use (Class A1, A3, B1, D1, D2), a 139 sqm Gym, associated landscape and public realm works, cycle parking, disabled parking and servicing access; and the redevelopment of land at Grotto Place for the provision of a new sports hall (1,452sqm) and external multi use games facility and landscaping). Proposed amendments to Hicks Cottage and 7 Davies House in order to improve the overall quality of the buildings for future occupiers. (Within: Union Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Philip Freeman-Bentley ) 35 DOVERCOURT ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE22 8SS (Ref: 23/AP/1444) The demolition of the existing ground floor outrigger projection and replacement with a new ground floor rear extension. Also the construction of a new rear dormer to the roof along with two new rooflights in place of smaller existing rooflights to the loft. (Within: Dulwich Village CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Sean Gomes 020 7525 0666)

of a roof terrace to the Ground Floor Flat (Within: King's Bench CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Chloe Rimell 0207 525 1397) 23-25 PECKHAM HIGH STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 5EB (Ref: 23/AP/0771) Erection of a roof top extension to provide a two bed flat (Within: Rye Lane Peckham CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Hajnalka Kurti 020 7525 3701) 316 COMMERCIAL WAY LONDON SOUTHWARK SE15 1QN (Ref: 23/AP/1492) Retrofit including installation of new timber windows, and internal/external insulation; Erection of single-storey rear extension; New gate, railings and bike store (Within: Kentish Drovers And Bird In Bush Caroline Gardens CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Anna Poulose ) 4 BERMONDSEY SQUARE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 3UN (Ref: 23/AP/1528) Construction of a ground floor rear glass box extension and internal alterations (Within: Bermondsey Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDCA (Contact: Michèle Sterry 020 7525 5453) 4 BERMONDSEY SQUARE LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 3UN (Ref: 23/AP/1529) Listed building consent for the construction of a ground floor rear glass box extension and internal alterations (Within: Bermondsey Street CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Eleanor Heagney 020 7525 5403) ST JUDES SOUTHWARK C OF E PRIMARY SCHOOL COLNBROOK STREET LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 6HA (Ref: 23/AP/1473) Listed Building Consent: Repairs to five roof areas including replacement of felt and asphalt covered roofs to match existing. (Within: West Square CA) Reason(s) for publicity: STDLB (Contact: Athena Hylton-Thompson 020 7525 2161) Dated: 06 Jun 2023 - comments to be received within 21 days of this date. STEPHEN PLATTS - Director of Planning and Growth

LOWER GROUND AND GROUND FLOOR FLAT 160 SOUTHWARK BRIDGE ROAD LONDON SOUTHWARK SE1 0DG (Ref: 23/AP/1475) Fenestration alterations to the Lower Ground Floor Flat and addition Notice of Application for a Premises Licence made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 Please take notice that I / we Murat Ucar Have made application to Southwark Council for a new Premises Licence in respect of Mel’s Cafe, 13 Ilderton Road, London, SE16 3JU

Statutory Notice for Closure Proposed amalgamation of Cobourg and Camelot Primary Schools, and closure of Cobourg Primary School Southwark Council publishes these proposals under DfE guidance “Opening and closing maintained schools - Statutory guidance for proposers and decision makers, January 2023” and with due regard to section 15(1) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006. Southwark Council is publishing these proposals to amalgamate Cobourg Primary School and Camelot Primary schools, and to close Cobourg Primary School with effect from 31st August 2023 - this is stage two of the Statutory Process. Stage one involved the previous consultation, earlier in the academic year. Within four weeks from the date of publication of this proposal (5th June 2023) – stage 2 of the statutory process - any person may object to or make comments on the proposal by emailing them to vilma.edwards@southwark.gov.uk. This period is stage three of the statutory process. After the end of the four week representation period, within two months, the Council’s Cabinet will meet in July 2023 to take the final decision on whether to close. This will be stage four in the process. Should the decision to amalgamate the Cobourg and Camelot Primary schools and to close the Cobourg Primary School be taken, all children attending Cobourg Primary School will be offered places at Camelot Primary School for September 2023. The closure forms stage five in the statutory process A copy of the proposal can be viewed on the school websites at https://www.camelot.southwark.sch.uk or http://www.cobourg.southwark.sch.uk - a paper copy of the proposal can be requested via email to: vilma.edwards@southwark.gov.uk. You can also respond in writing to: Vilma Edwards, SELA, Children’s and Adults’ Services, Southwark Council, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH, and/or by email to the address above. All responses must be received no later than 5pm on the 3rd July 2023 Nina Dohel Director of Education

The relevant licensable activities and proposed times to be carried on, or on from the premises are Days

Start time

Finish time

The supply of alcohol:

Monday to Sunday on and off the premises

11:00

23:00

Opening hours:

Monday to Sunday

07:00

23:00

A register of all applications made within the Southwark area is maintained by: The Licensing Service, Hub 1, 3rd Floor, 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH A record of this application may be inspected by visiting the office during normal office hours by appointment on 020 7525 2000; details are also available on our website at http://app.southwark.gov.uk/licensing/licenseregister.asp It is open to any interested party to make representations about the likely effect of the application on the promotion of the licensing objectives. Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Service at the office address given above (or by email via licensing@southwark.gov.uk) and be received by the Service within a period of 28 days starting the day after the date shown below. Note: It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of such offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. Date of application: 1st June 2023

To place a public notice, please email em@cm-media.co.uk Our weekly deadline is 4pm on Tuesdays

PUBLIC NOTICES 27

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

THE LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

TRUNDLE STREET AREA

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (as amended)

The London Borough of Southwark (Charged-for parking places) (Trundle Street area) Order 202* The London Borough of Southwark (Waiting restrictions) (Trundle Street area) Order 202* The London Borough of Southwark (Prescribed routes) (Toulmin Street and Trundle Street) Traffic Order 202* 1. Southwark Council hereby GIVES NOTICE that it proposes to make the above orders under sections 6, 45, 46, 49 and 124 of and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended. 2. The effects of the Orders would be to:(a) introduce one-way south-westbound traffic working for all vehicles in the entirety of TOULMIN STREET with corresponding advisory ‘right turn only’ from Bittern Street and advisory ‘left turn only’ from Pickwick Street, and ‘no entry’ from Great Suffolk Street into Toulmin Street; (b) introduce one-way north-eastbound (progressing into south-eastbound) traffic working in the entirety of TRUNDLE STREET with corresponding ‘no entry’ from Weller Street into Trundle Street; (c) formally remove (i) an existing south-westbound one-way working in part of WELLER STREET (between its junction with Lant Street/Toulmin Street and its junction with Trundle Street) and (ii) the corresponding prescribed turns from LANT STREET and TOULMIN STREET; (d) make amendments to existing permit-holders only parking places within Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) 'C2':(i) in LANT STREET north-east side opposite its junction with Bittern Street increase by 2.5m in length (new length 40m), (ii) in TOULMIN STREET north-west side (south of Pickwick Street) relocate 1.5m south-westward towards its junction with Bittern Street, (iii) in TOULMIN STREET north-west side (north of Pickwick Street) reduce in length by 3.5m, (iv) in TRUNDLE STREET north-east side remove bay (31m in length), and (v) in WELLER STREET north-west side o/s No. 15 increase by 2m in length (new length 15m); (e) in TRUNDLE STREET south-west side add new permit-holders only parking place (38m in length) in CPZ ‘C2’; (f) in WELLER STREET north-west side o/s No. 15, remove 1m of existing ‘at any time’ waiting restrictions (double yellow lines), and (g) amend existing ‘timed’ waiting restrictions (single yellow lines) in LANT STREET, TOULMIN STREET, TRUNDLE STREET, and WELLER STREET to accommodate the above-mentioned parking changes. NOTES: (1) Exemptions would apply for items 2(a) and (b) preceding in respect of emergency service vehicles. (2) All measurements are in metres ‘m’ and are approximate. (3) Parking charges are listed on www.southwark.gov.uk/parking 3. Southwark Council hereby GIVES FURTHER NOTICE under sections 90A to 90I of the Highways Act 1980 and in accordance with the provisions of the Highways (Road humps) Regulations 1999 and the Highways (Traffic calming) Regulations 1999, propose to construct:(a) a speed table of flat-top construction having a maximum height of 100 millimetres and covering the entire width of the carriageway, in TOULMIN STREET extending 8.6m north-east of its junction with Pickwick Street including both ramps (replacing an existing road hump at this location); and (b) road humps of sinusoidal cross-section construction, approx. 3.7 metres in length, having a maximum height of 100 millimetres and covering the greater width of the carriageway in TOULMIN STREET (i) centred 15m (ii) centred 45m, and (iii) centred 95m north-east of the north-eastern kerb-line build-out of Great Suffolk Street (upgrading and replacing all existing road humps at these locations). 4. For more information about these proposals contact George Mellish of the Council's Highways – Transport Projects team Highways@southwark.gov.uk. 5. Copies of the supporting documents (this Notice, the proposed Orders, and a statement of the Council's reasons for making the Orders) may be found online at www.southwark.gov.uk/trafficorders; paper or digital copies of plans showing the location and effect of the Orders and the supporting documents may be requested by emailing traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk, or inspected by appointment only at: Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth, 3rd floor hub 2, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH - from the date of this Notice until the end of a period of six weeks from the date on which the Orders are made. Email traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk (or call 020 7525 3497) for booking details. 6. Anyone wishing to make any representations either for or to object to the proposals, may use our consultation portal at https://consultation.appyway.com/southwark; or send a statement in writing to: Traffic Order Consultations, Highways, Southwark Council, Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth, P.O. Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX or traffic.orders@southwark.gov.uk quoting reference ‘TMO2324002 Trundle St area’ by 29 June 2023. Please note that if you wish to object to this proposal you must state the grounds on which your objection is made. 7. Under requirements of current access to information legislation, any letter, form or e-mail sent to the Council in response to this Notice may be subject to publication or disclosure, or both, including communication to other persons affected. Dated 8 June 2023 Dale Foden - Head of Service, Highways

THE LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK hereby gives notice that it proposes to make an Order under Section 247 of the above Act to authorise the stopping up of the following area of public highway shown hatched black on the drawing attached to the draft Order and numbered 305215-IF00-RE00-91PL-00-171-Rev03 and labelled Stopping Up New Kent Road General Arrangement Plan. 1. The first area of highway to be stopped up is in the London Borough of Southwark and can be described as an area of highway at New Kent Road which measures 155.16m2, is 135.9 metres long at its longest point and 1.28 metres wide at its widest point. 2. The second area of highway to be stopped up is in the London Borough of Southwark and can be described as an irregular shaped area of highway at New Kent Road which measures 17.32m2, is 6.36 metres long at its longest point and 2.26 metres wide at its widest point. IF THE ORDER IS MADE the stopping up will be authorised to enable the development described in the Schedule to this Notice to be carried out in accordance with the planning permission granted under Part III of the Act by the Council under local planning authority reference 12/AP/1092 (outline) on 27 March 2013 as varied by 18/AP/3225 agreed non-material amendments to the below description of development on 7 November 2018 for the Heygate Redevelopment. COPIES OF THE DRAFT ORDER AND THE RELEVANT PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED FREE OF CHARGE by way of appointment during a 28 day period commencing on 8 June 2023 at 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2TZ by calling 020 7525 2135 and referring to the New Kent Road Stopping Up Order. A copy may also be viewed on the Council’s website at https://www.southwark.gov.uk/transportand-roads/traffic-orders-licensing-strategies-and-regulation/highway-stopping-up-closureorders?chapter=4&article. ANY PERSON MAY OBJECT to the making of the proposed Order within a 28 day period commencing on 8 June 2023 by written notice to the Director of Legal Services, 2nd Floor, Hub 2, PO Box 64529, London SE1P 5LX quoting reference (LEG/RP/PL/RE040/133(AM)). In preparing an objection it should be borne in mind that the substance of it may be imparted to other persons who may be affected by it and that those persons may wish to communicate with the objector about it.

Doreen Forrester-Brown Assistant Chief Executive (Legal, Governance & Assurance)

THE SCHEDULE 12/AP/1092: ‘Outline application for: Redevelopment to provide a mixed use development comprising a number of buildings ranging between 13.13m (AOD) and 104.8m (AOD) in height with capacity for between 160,579sqm GEA (min) and 254,000sqm GEA (max) residential floorspace together with retail (Class A1-A5), business (Class B1), leisure and community (Class D2 and D1), energy centre (sui generis) uses. New landscaping, park and public realm, car parking, means of access and other associated works).’ 18/AP/3225: "Outline application for: Redevelopment to provide a mixed use development comprising a number of buildings ranging between 13.13m (AOD) and 104.8m (AOD) in height with capacity for between 160,579sqm GEA (min) and 254,400sqm GEA (max) residential floorspace together with retail (Class A1-A5), business (Class B1), leisure and community (Class D2 and D1), energy centre (sui generis) uses. New landscaping, park and public realm, car parking, means of access other associated works." PUBLIC NOTICE LICENSING ACT 2003 First Date of Display of this Notice: 02 JUNE 2023 An application has been made by: YUSUF ALTUN has applied to London Borough of Bexley for the grant of a PREMISES LICENCE in respect of the premises known as: Giggling Sausage situated at: 108 Welling High Street, Welling, DA16 1TJ The application seeks permission for the following licensable activities:

PUBLIC NOTICE – LICENSING APPLICATION

● the sale of alcohol by retail for consumption on and off the premises: 11:00 to 22:00 Monday - Sunday

LICENSING ACT 2003

The proposed hours of opening are: 08:00 to 22:00 Monday - Sunday

On June 1st 2023, Ernst & Young LLP applied to Southwark Council for a new premises licence at 1 More London Place, London, SE1 2AF. The application seeks to permit the sale by retail of alcohol from 10.00 until 23.00 Monday to Sunday. THE PREMISES WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC The application can be viewed by appointment on 020 7525 2000 at The Licensing Service, Hub 1, 3rd Floor, 160 Tooley Street, SE1 2QH. Or online at: http://app.southwark.gov.uk/licensing/licenseregister.asp Any person may make a representation in writing relating to this application to be received no later than June 29th 2023 addressed to the Licensing Service above. It is an offence, liable on conviction to an unlimited fine, to make a false statement knowingly or recklessly in connection with this application.

DSW Group

Consultants to the licensed trade 0203 900 2510 0844 736 1998 admin@dswgroup.co.uk

Any “Other Persons” or “Responsible Authority” may make representations in writing to this application no later than: 30th June 2023 To: London Borough of Bexley, Licensing Partnership, P.O. Box 182, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1GP Telephone 01732 227004 Details of this application and the Licensing Register are available for inspection at the above address between 9am and 5pm on weekdays. Guidance notes on “making representations” are available from the Licensing Team, or by visiting www.bexley.gov.uk Under the Licensing Act it is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction is a fine not exceeding £5,000.

This application has been prepared and submitted by ESI Licensing and Legal Consultancy Limited.

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8460 0606, Address: 84 Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent, BR2 E-Mail: licence@eurosafetyinternational.co.uk

To place a public notice, please call 020 7232 1639 or email: em@cm-media.co.uk

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Surrey DefeATeD the Kent Spitfires by five wickets after a nerve-shredding run chase in the vitality blast at Canterbury that went all the way to the final ball last weekend.

Surrey seemed to be cruising to the target after Laurie Evans hit 52, but a cluster of wickets kept the hosts in contention until Jamie Smith and Sean Abbott took charge. Michael Hogan was left to defend nine off the final over. Surrey tied the scores with one ball remaining and Jack Leaning just failed to cling on to an exocet from Smith off the last delivery. Earlier Will Jacks took three for 28 as the Spitfires were limited to 173 for 5, although having been 122 for five after 16 overs, Kent at least made things interesting. Leaning was unbeaten on 34 and Sam Billings was Kent’s next highest scorer with 30. Kent chose to bat in front of a crowd of 4,500, believed to be a record for a Sunday afternoon at the Spitfire Ground, but they lost Tawanda Muyeye for nine at the end of the first over when he was bowled by Jacks. Joe Denly then blasted 27 from 14 balls, but when Jacks pinged his off stump it drastically slowed the run rate. Daniel Bell-Drummond was out for 25 when he drove Jacks straight to Abbott at deep mid-on and 6.2 overs went by without a boundary until Jordan Cox pulled Chris Jordan for four in the 11th. Billings then reverse swept Sunil Narine for six in the 13th but he was bowled leg stump off the fifth ball of the over. The score would have been significantly lower had Surrey not shelled four chances. Cox was the first to be reprieved when he was dropped by Jamie Overton on 20, although he’d added just three when Overton atoned, snaring him on the boundary after he’d reverse-wept Narine. Leaning was then dropped by Gus Atkinson on seven and George Linde was on 15 when Jacks parried a catchable slog off Jordan over the rope for six. Ben Foakes couldn’t cover enough ground to snare Leaning after a miscued scoop off the same bowler and the batter cashed in when he hit Sam Curran for 16 off the 20th, including an overthrow after a rash shy at the stumps by the bowler from the final delivery. It was a total that at least allowed the home fans some hope and although Jacks and Evans charged to 62 for nought at the end of the powerplay, there was a mini-wobble when Jacks was out for 30, skying Denly to Hogan and Grant Stewart then duped Sam Curran, who was caught by a diving Joey Evison at mid-off for 10.

Surrey’s Will Jack

surrey edge nerveshredder

Vitality Blast clash goes to final ball in front of record Sunday Kent crowd

When Linde struck twice in 13th to remove Foakes and Evans, both caught on the boundary by Kane Richardson and Muyeye respectively, the game was back in the balance and in the next over Tom Curran swiped Stewart to Richardson, leaving Surrey on 106 for five. At which point Abbott and Smith intervened. With 48 needed from the last four Kent were arguably favourites, but Richardson’s 17th over went for 16, Stewart’s 18th went for 14 before the penultimate, from Richardson, shipped seven. Needing nine to win off the last over, the first four deliveries yielded four and Smith swept four from the penultimate ball to tie the scores. The field came in for the final delivery and Leaning flung himself at a violent cut from Smith, but he couldn’t cling on for what would have been a spectacular

one-handed catch and Surrey had scraped home. Surrey’s Chris Jordan said: “It was very tense to be fair, but the entire dugout was actually pretty calm in the end. Once Smudger started to hit the ball, he really hit it well. It was a phenomenal innings and he really iced the game in the end, especially that clutch shot from the second last ball of what turned out to be a very good Hogan over. “It was phenomenal. It was a solid bowling innings to start with. I think we dropped a couple too many catches which probably cost us maybe 15 to 20 runs in the end because Leaning went on to hit a few more sixes, but all in all our execution and our plans were brilliant. “Jacko started off the innings and set the tone and everyone just backed him up after that. Obviously off the back of a loss the other night, to get a win is

pleasing. “They got a little bit more than we wanted, but the way we batted in the powerplay suggested we didn’t have a hangover going into our innings and the way Laurie and Jacko started was unbelievable to get 60 in the powerplay. “I think actually we probably took the game too close in the end after the way we came out of powerplay none down. We should have kept the rate under control, maybe hovering at seven and eight for the rest of the innings, but obviously they’re allowed to bowl well too and they took a few wickets. “I was pretty calm (in the final over) to be honest. Once he’d hit the four we couldn’t lose the game and all the momentum was with Smudger at that point so I had no doubt that he would win the game.” Surrey are next in action away to Glamorgan on Friday evening (June 9).

career. Walworth's Riakporhe has handed Billam-Smith his only career defeat, on points in 2019. “That's big and that's how we kind of envisioned the rematch, on that stage, at that level. And what better time? The time is now. Why not?” Riakporhe said. “So let's just see how it all pans out. We're going to have some meetings next week and we're going to see what happens. “I don't want to take nothing away

from CBS. CBS, you've done something amazing. “You beat an undefeated champion and in that fashion, a few knockdowns and you won clearly. “You have to give him respect or his due. I don't want to come and rain down on the parade as well because it's his night. But of course we want to let him enjoy that and then we can talk some business.” Riakporhe added on Okolie, who has also been a potential opponent: “If

anybody knows me they know I have much more to my game than Okolie anyway. I have good IQ now. I know what I'm doing. I have experience. He would have to deal with a lot more than just trying to take away my right hand. “My last let's say four fights, I've probably knocked them out with my left hand. So that's something else that you need to think about.” Riakporhe felt Billam-Smith did ship some damage from the big-hitting Okolie.

Photo by Mark Sandom

By Fred Atkins

SPORT 29

Hamlet continue recruitment drive with trio By John Kelly DuLWich hAMLeT have continued their early-summer recruitment drive ahead of their isthmian League Premier Division return next season by adding experience to their squad.

Striker Adrian Clifton, 34, joins after ending last season at Hampton and Richmond Borough on loan from Maidenhead United. He scored against Dulwich in March. Clifton is a Montserrat international with six goals in seventeen games. Hackney’s Clifton has also played for clubs including Bromley and Dagenham & Redbridge. Hamlet manager Hakan Hayrettin said on Dulwich’s website: “For Adrian, it was about achievement, even at his age and wanting a title. I have always liked him, his work ethic is phenomenal. He is a leader of men.” Hayrettin has also brought in 38-yearold defender Mark Ricketts after he left Boreham Wood this summer. Ricketts scored the only goal of the game when Boreham shocked Bournemouth away in the FA Cup fourth round in 2022. With Woking, Ricketts won the National League South title in 2012 after an FA Trophy win with Ebbsfleet in 2008. Ricketts has vast National League experience having also played for Ebbsfleet United and Woking. But with his 39th birthday coming up in October, he has finally decided to go into part-time football. “I'm very excited to be here," Ricketts said. “I'm a London boy myself so I've known about the club forever. It's got a big following and is a famous club in London. “I've made the decision to stop fulltime football, to look for a part-time club, as I have just finished a six-year university course in Computing & IT and Business, and am looking to move into that area whilst still being able to play. “I have played against Hakan's sides down the years and know what he's about, and I have also worked with Terry [Harris] for a season at Boreham Wood, and whilst I spoke with other clubs, this seemed the right choice.” Midfielder Ryley Scott has joined the Hamlet from Dagenham & Redbridge. Scott, 21, made six appearances in two seasons at Dagenham. He spent time on loan at Concord Rangers last season.

Riakporhe wants CBS rematch after Okolie beaten

By John Kelly richArD riAKPorhe wants a rematch against chris BillamSmith after the latter won the WBo cruiserweight world title by beating Lawrence okolie last weekend.

Billam-Smith got the decision after the end of a thrilling twelve rounds when Okolie was down three times at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth. It was the first defeat of Okolie’s professional

Riakporhe said: “He did look hurt but he really wanted to get that 'W' and he was ready to do whatever. I could see it in his eyes. I could see it in his demeanour, his body language. It was his night. “They are hard men to beat, always. That's why when you're going up against a fighter like that, who you know has got heart, you just know you're in for a long night. “And if you don't land that shot, it's going to be a longer one.”

Photo by Brian Tonks/Millwall FC

30 SPORT

QPr Chief ‘sCared’ By ChamP strength Some traditional powerhouses are back in the league next season By John Kelly GAreTh AinSWorTh joked he was “scared” as he looked forward to next season and the strength and depth of the championship.

Queens Park Rangers manager Ainsworth feels the second tier is a much more intimidating challenge in 202324 after some traditional powerhouses returned at the end of last season. Leeds United, who won the Championship title in 2020, were relegated on the last day of the season, along with Leicester City, Premier League champions in 2016 and FA Cup winners for the first time in their history in 2021. Southampton finished bottom of the table. Those sides replace Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town. From League One, Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday were promoted and replace Reading,

QPR secured their status on the second-last day

Blackpool and Wigan Athletic. In total, nineteen of the clubs in next season’s Championship have been in the Premier League within a little over the last decade. Ainsworth took over last February with the Hoops seventeenth in the table. QPR won just one of Ainsworth’s first ten games in charge, losing seven. That left them 21st in the table before they secured their status on the second-last day with a 1-0 win at Stoke City. Ainsworth has since been busy reshaping his squad in preparation for anticipated summer arrivals. Defender Leon Balogun, 34, and midfielder Luke Amos, 26, will leave this summer after sixteen appearances and 94 appearances, respectively, for the club. Conor Masterson has joined League Two Gillingham, while Charlie Owens and Ody Alfa will also leave this summer. QPR activated another year on the

contracts of Chris Willock, Joe Gubbins and Charlie Kelman. Taylor Richards’ loan from Brighton and Hove Albion has become a permanent move. The club were also in talks with extending the deals of Jordan Archer, Chris Martin, Elijah Dixon-Bonner, Aaron Drewe and Stephen Duke-McKenna, while Olamide Shodipo. Ainsworth has been busy taking calls about prospective transfer targets as he eyes big improvement in the next campaign. “You're always thinking, you're always looking, the transfer market, the agents are super active this time of year," Ainsworth said on talkSPORT. “I'm getting ten, twelve, fifteen phone calls a day, and they've all got three players each. “We've got a recruitment group nailing them all on, I think there'll be some

outgoings at QPR, without a shadow of a doubt. “I think over the past few seasons, they've kept all the players to try and have a bit of success, and it's not gone the way that they thought, so I think there's going to have to be a few outs. “We're really looking forward to the season. “It's going to be tough, have you seen that Championship? Where's the small teams now? Where have they gone? “No disrespect, Rotherham are still in there, I think that could be a smaller team than everyone else. “Where's your Wigans, where's your Blackpools, where's your Wycombes? There are none anymore. “Sheffield Wednesday have come up, Ipswich have come up, Leicester have come down, Leeds have come down, Southampton have come down – I'm scared.”

continue to make his mark in the same tournament that sprung the legacies of the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Erling Haaland and Paul Pogba. Casadei joined Chelsea in August 2022 from Inter Milan on a six-year contract, before the now-infamous Todd Boehly spending spree. He played for the Chelsea youth sides up until January when he was loaned out to Reading, who went on to suffer relegation after a six-point deduction for financial irregularities. The Italian largely impressed in a very dysfunctional Reading side, but wasn’t able to make enough of an impact to catch the Chelsea hierarchy’s eye, scoring just once. In terms of playing style, the midfielder’s physical profile is key in the way that he

operates. He is smooth and elegant on the ball and loves arriving late in the box for low cut-backs or floated crosses. Casadei is also combative and tough-tackling. He didn’t shirk the more scrappy nature of Championship football and protected the defence well at times, blocking shots and heading clearances. The plan for next season remains unclear. Chelsea and Boehly are obviously going to have to balance the books so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see another loan move on the cards, with perhaps the destination more carefully selected this time. Another young Chelsea player, Brazilian Andrey Santos, had a very good World Cup for his nation, too. Brazil have since been dumped out by Israel in the quarter-finals

but Santos played a key role in them getting there, scoring a brace in an excellent performance against Tunisia. The natural concern of Chelsea fans is how these young players can possibly see a route to the first team with such a big squad. Carney Chukwuemeka was another player at the tournament, playing in England’s midfield. Only time will tell if these young footballers are to forge a career in west London or elsewhere. Chelsea have a ridiculous amount of talent already on their books without having to dip back into the market. That depth could also be difficult for the younger players to make it at Stamford Bridge, however talented they are.

Chelsea youngsters star at World Cup – but may not get club chance By Wilf MacDonnell

CheLsea’s Cesare Casadei has been the star of the fifA under-20 World cup so far.

The Italian midfielder, who was on loan from Chelsea to Reading last season, has six goals in his first five games of the tournament, including one in their 2-1 win over England. Casadei’s goal-scoring exploits include a brace against Brazil in a 3-2 win, a late penalty to send England crashing out and opening the scoring in the quarter-final victory over Colombia. The 20-year-old will now turn his attention to the semi-final against a strong South Korea side, as he looks to

Dons go on the attack By Wilf MacDonnell Afc WiMBLeDon have signed two new attackers to help bolster their forward options for the 2023-24 campaign.

The goals didn’t flow for The Dons last season, with only one player reaching double digits across the 46 games, Ali AlHamadi with ten. Lebanese forward Omar Bugiel has joined from Sutton United on a one-year deal, while Josh Neufville has signed on a twoyear deal from Luton Town. Bugiel arrives as a proven striker at League Two and National League level having played over 150 times for Sutton United. He has also turned out for the likes of Forest Green Rovers – who are back in League Two after their relegation this season – Bromley and had a particularly prolific period at Worthing. Wimbledon fans shouldn’t be put off by Bugiel’s lack of goals in his last two seasons in League Two, as he scored ten in total. The forward offers much more than just a goal threat, he is strong, aggressive when necessary and good in the air. Bugiel has always been a handful for centre-backs. By backing into defenders and providing a focal point for attacks, he often opens up space for those around him which could help the likes of AlHamadi flourish. Bugiel also provides muchneeded depth to the squad, and his goal-scoring exploits shouldn’t be written off just yet. His ability to use either foot in front of goal is one of his other strengths. Slightly less is known about Neufville, the Luton academy product who had been loaned out on five separate occasions by his parent club. In that time Neufville featured for Solihull Moors, Woking, Yeovil Town and Sutton. Neufville will firstly bring versatility to Johnnie Jackson’s side. Despite being widely described as a striker, at his best playing through the middle, he can also play on the right or left of a front three. Direct and fearless, Wimbledon will just be hoping Neufville can add a few more goals to his game in blue and yellow. Either way, Neufville represents a low-risk, high-reward signing, at just 22 years of age with plenty of time and a good environment to develop in, He signed on a free after his contract at Luton expired. The head of football operations Craig Cope has so far worked with Jackson to get swift early business done in the summer window after the disappointment of last season when the Dons finished 21st in League Two. With plenty of time left in the transfer window, it won’t be a surprise to see more incomings and outgoings in south-west London.

SPORT 31

danny maC Praised By ireland Boss

McNamara, Hull City defender Sean McLoughlin, Shamrock Rovers winger Neil Farrugia, Derry City goalkeeper Brian Maher and Oxford United goalkeeper Ed McGinty were all part of a senior squad for the first time. Former Millwall players Jayson Molumby and Troy Parrott were also involved. The latter two have been included in a 25man squad for the qualifiers against Greece and Gibraltar, but McNamara has missed out. “I think all of the players, Neil, Danny, Sean McLoughlin for the first time and the

goalkeepers Brian Maher, Ed McGinty and Max O'Leary performed really well,” Kenny said on the Football Association of Ireland website after the Bristol camp. "But a lot of players have [had injury issues] and it has been an important week. Nothing beats actually playing football and actually training rather than setting individual programmes and I feel the players have really benefitted from that. "It was a great week of work from the players. The focus is completely on these next two matches and we've got nine days in Turkey to look forward to before we

head to Athens and return home to face Gibraltar." Meanwhile, Aidomo Emakhu was also hoping for an Ireland call-up this summer, to their under-19 training camp. Emakhu stepped up from League of Ireland football last December after making the move to Millwall from Shamrock Rovers in January and then making his first-team debut against Burnley at The Den. Emakhu had a difficult first few months in south London as a couple of injuries disrupted his senior progress, but he

capped the campaign by being part of the Lions’ Professional Development side that won the national title by beating Sheffield United 2-1 at The Den last month. And it hasn’t taken Emakhu long to recognise and buy into the mentality at the club. Emakhu told our paper recently that he chose the Lions because of their hardworking reputation. Even in his time out recovering from injury, he was absorbing that Millwall ethic. “I’ve watched games, I watched games when I was injured, I’ve played in games and there’s just this mentality of no matter what the score is we’ll always try to the end to get a result, and that’s what they always do,” Emakhu said. “That’s what they’ve been doing throughout the season and that’s why we’re champions at the end of it. “I’m just happy to finish the season on a positive after such a tough six months. “Off the pitch as well there is always a good vibe, a good buzz about them. In training there is always a good buzz but when it comes to work, we’re working. They’re a great bunch of lads and I couldn’t imagine a better group to win it with.” Emakhu has also shown he has the mentality to deal with and come back from difficult times. It should serve him well with Milwall and Ireland. “To be honest, when I picked up the first injury my head was kind of in the bin. I’d just moved over by myself, I’m trying to break into the team and I pick up an injury. It’s not the start you want,” Emakhu said. “I didn’t really know what to think or what to do or how to deal with it. But I spoke to some of the staff and they told me how to deal with it. I spoke to the gaffer, he was really good as well. He told me there were players in the squad, for example Zian Flemming, when he came at the start of the season he was out for a month. “It was a similar situation to me, coming from another country by yourself. I was lucky with the boys and everyone at the club. I had my family as well and my partner [in Dublin]. I had everyone just giving me support. It kind of made it easier to deal with the blow.” And Emakhu certainly won’t be fazed by playing in front of a demanding Den crowd. In fact, he embraced it during the under-21 final. “It felt like a match-day in the first team,” Emakhu said. “They made themselves heard, they cheered us on – it was almost as if they were watching the first team play. “It was great for ourselves that we gave them something to cheer about, it’s a credit to the team for going on to win it as well. It’s something for the fans to be proud of. “This is what the club is about, going to the end, never giving up, especially in this under-21 team.”

proved to be a dismal season for the west London side. Frank Lampard’s side finished twelfth after he won just one of his nine games in charge, losing six. Chelsea finished below Crystal Palace and Fulham. Atletico President Enrique Cerezo told AS: “[Last week] we had the news that the new Chelsea manager does not [want] Joao Felix. “He'll come back here and we'll see. We don't have anything planned."

Pochettino was announced as the new Chelsea boss on May 29 following the end of Lampard's disastrous spell as interim boss. Chelsea started the season with European Cup winner Thomas Tuchel in charge before replacing him with Graham Potter, who lasted seven months. It has since been widely reported that Chelsea will have to offload a number of players in order to balance the books, having spent more than any club in the history of football over the

course of a single season. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been linked with AC Milan, Mason Mount with Manchester United and Liverpool. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic are also rumoured to be leaving the club this summer. Pochettino is looking for players that will suit his high-octane style of play. Chelsea are reportedly set to move for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia with the nineteen-year-old rated in the £50million bracket.

Lavia was in a relegated Saints side last season but the Belgian international has also caught the eye of Liverpool. Lavia made 35 appearances in all competitions in 2022-23, scoring once. The Blues have also been linked with another impressive young midfielder, Brighton’s Moises Caicedo. Caicedo, 21, who also impressed at right-back for the Seagulls last season, could cost up to £80million. Arsenal are also interested.

But defender has to wait for ﬁrst senior competitive call-up

Danny McNamara has nailed down his place in the Millwall side

Aidomo Emakhu also has Ireland ambitions

By John Kelly danny mCnamara received praise from ireland boss Stephen Kenny after a recent training camp in Bristol.

McNamara, 24, was part of a 20-man squad assembled from EFL and League of Ireland players as part of preparations for Euro 2024 qualifiers this month. Sidcup’s McNamara made 44 appearances last season as he once again nailed down that spot on the right side of the defence. He is one appearance away from 100 for his boyhood club.

New Blues manager Pochettino doesn't like Felix

By Wilf MacDonnell new CheLsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has told the club he is not interested in signing Atletico Madrid loanee Joao felix on a permanent basis.

Felix joined from Atletico in January, with the option for Chelsea to make the move permanent in the summer. The attacking midfielder played 20 times for the Blues in all competitions and scored on four occasions, in what

Community matters

INSIDE

Sport S outhLondonWeekly. Southwark

league strength 'will Be tough' warns QPr Boss

Page 29

charlton agree deal with Se7 Partners group By John Kelly chArLTon AThLeTic confirmed this week that a deal had been agreed for Se7 Partners to purchase the club.

millwall: gary rowett wants more goal spread eXcLuSive

miLLwaLL wiLL try to sign a centreforward this summer – but manager Gary rowett is demanding more goals from more areas of his side next season.

The Lions had two of the Championship’s top-scorers in 2022-23 in Tom Bradshaw, who scored seventeen goals, and Zian Flemming, who finished on fifteen. That was over 56 per cent of the total number of league goals of 57. But there was a drop-off from other areas

of the side from previous seasons under Rowett. Shaun Hutchinson scored six goals in Rowett’s first season, 2019-20, but failed to find the back of the net in the last campaign. Centre-back Charlie Cresswell, who was on loan from Leeds United, scored four goals in 30 games. Jake Cooper scored three goals, but elsewhere in the defence there were no goals from Danny McNamara, Murray Wallace or Scott Malone. Wallace scored six goals in all competitions in 2021-22 and Malone scored three that season and six in the campaign before that. In front of the defence, George Saville sored

two goals in 2022-23 while regular midfield partner Billy Mitchell has yet to add to his solitary goal for the club. Those two play in deeper roles but Saville scored ten times in 2017-18 in a midfield two with Shaun Williams, the latter who could be relied on for an average of two goals a season from play in his four seasons with the Lions since they returned to the second tier in 2017. “We’re a team that are looking for goals from everywhere,” Rowett said. “We probably started the season thinking we weren’t going to have a player on seventeen and fifteen but the reality is we did. That needs a lot of support from other players, a lot of unselfish play from other players.

“But of course to improve, and I spoke about it all season, we need goals from everywhere. We need goals from the centrebacks. I think only Cressy and Coops were regular goal-scorers. Therefore I think some players didn’t have the seasons they had previously. Murray didn’t get the same amount of goals as normal. Hutchy scored six goals the first season yet hasn’t replicated that since. “It’s not a criticism of any player, it’s the reality that we need to step up in those areas – we scored more goals last year than previously – and if we do then it’s an opportunity to improve that further.”

SUN 2 JULY 2pm • B O O K N O W AT A X S . C O M

A share purchase agreement (SPA) was signed by the club's current owner Thomas Sandgaard and SE7 Partners, and the parties are working with the EFL to meet the requirement for approval to be granted. SE7 Partners are the company of former Sunderland executive director Charlie Methven. Methven and business partner Edward Warrick would become the fourth owners of the club in four years. Charlton’s chief executive Peter Storrie said: “A deal has been agreed and a share purchase agreement has been signed by Thomas Sandgaard and SE7 Partners. We’ll now work with SE7 Partners and the EFL to meet the league requirements, which is a process that can take some time. “In the meantime, the day-today running of the club will not be impacted. Our preparation and recruitment for the 2023-24 season is well under way. We have our targets for our men’s team and our women’s team. Led by Dean Holden and Karen Hills, those plans continue to progress and will not be halted while we await the approval. “The aim is to put the club in the best position to achieve our targets for next season, a topsix finish for the men’s team and further progression for the women’s team.”

Photo by Brian Tonks/Millwall FC

By John Kelly

SURREY EDGE NERVESHREDDER

The Valley THE RECYCLED PAPER CONTENT OF UK NEWSPAPERS IN 2014 WAS 83.5%