South London Weekly - March 27th 2026

LONDON BOROUGH HAS BANNED

Battersea, Chelsea, Putney and Wandsworth societies are all against ‘grossly unacceptable‘ high tower on the

29-32

By Cameron Blackshaw Local Democracy Reporter

“PEOPLE POWER” has been praised for pushing through the refurbishment of a DLR station after it reopened with new escalators, a new lift and artwork celebrating Greenwich history.

The Cutty Sark DLR station reopened yesterday (March 23), bringing residents and visitors right back into the heart of Greenwich for the first time in nearly 10 months. Transport for London (TfL) closed the station at the end of May last year in order to replace its “increasingly unreliable” escalators as well as to give the transport hub a general facelift.

The improved DLR station also contains a new lift, a raised ceiling above the two upper escalators, upgraded safety features and brand new artwork celebrating the history and heritage of Greenwich, created in collaboration with Visit Greenwich.

Greenwich residents Kairn Tearle, Maureen O’Mara and Rachael Oakley launched the Escalate Now campaign in late 2024 in order to put pressure on TfL to replace the aging escalators.

The campaign group were “very happy” to see the station open again and the escalators replaced. They congratulated TfL on the work it had done.

Maureen said: “We’re particularly pleased because we do think that the reopening of the Cutty Sark DLR was really down to people power. Promises were made that the escalators and lifts were going to be replaced, but we can’t just rely on promises.

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“We ran our campaign in order to put extra pressure on TfL and it was a campaign that was supported by 3,500 customers. It was a passengerled campaign.”

The Escalate Now group has since turned its attention to the Greenwich and Woolwich foot tunnels, campaigning to have their faulty lifts replaced. Greenwich Council confirmed in December that both tunnels would be undergoing a “full regeneration”.

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her studio in Greenwich Market. She said the Cutty Sark closure had been “really detrimental” to businesses in Greenwich town centre.

Ellie said: “It is so fantastic to see it open. It’s perfect timing with all the tourists coming into Greenwich, and it’s lovely now walking past and seeing everyone walking in and out. It’s been long overdue and we are over the moon that it’s open.”

DLR users Tom Keen and Mia Gaulton were “so pleased” to see the station open again. Tom said: “We used to live together in Creek Road and this was our closest station so when it closed it was a bit annoying, but it’s so good that it’s open now. It’s

just great news.”

Mia added: “It just makes such a difference I think, especially now having the escalators. This is exciting, and we’re excited because last year at the marathon it was a bit chaotic and they shut the station.

“Hopefully this year, because we love to watch it, [the station being open again] will be really handy.”

The London Marathon starts on Blackheath and is seen as one of the major events in the Greenwich calendar.

Greenwich Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, Cllr Calum O’Byrne Mulligan, said TfL

would be running the new escalators at a quicker speed on marathon day to get more spectators and runners through to the start line.

He said: “I think it’s absolutely fantastic that Greenwich has the gateway we deserve. We’ve got a fully refurbished station, four new escalators, a new lift and a wider facelift for the station, things that we’ve been working for for years, all delivered by TfL ahead of schedule and on budget as well.

“It’s incredible. You can see the number of people coming on and off the trains now on day one.

“With the marathon and the new escalators they will be able to run

them at a faster speed to be able to get more people through the station safely on what is one of the landmark days for us here in Greenwich.”

Isle of Dogs resident Alicia Loe was “very happy” that the station had reopened. She often had to use the “dingy” Greenwich foot tunnel during the closure whenever she travelled south of the river.

The tunnel’s faulty lifts made it even more difficult for her, especially when pushing a pram containing her young daughter. Alicia said: “I can now get to the park a lot easier and I don’t have to walk across the dingy foot tunnel. It’s good timing all round.”

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ALL WOMEN IN SOUTHWARK CAN ATTEND SELF-DEFENCE CLASSES FOR FREE

By Evie Flynn

SOUTHWARK COUNCIL is paying for all women living in the borough to get two hours of self-defence training for free.

The sessions are led by Women’s Self Defence UK founder, Joanna, where she will teach you how to act quickly and confidently in threatening situations.

All women aged 18 and over can attend regardless of income, with most sessions taking place at Mountview in Peckham.

Joanna brings 25 years of experience training as a martial artist and says her background in security exposed her to the unexpected dangers women can face.

She said: “Women still do not feel safe in the streets and that’s why they come to these sessions. We chat a lot about boundary assertion, which is a topic specifically designed for women when we enter a state of freeze.

“We teach strategies of how to behave, what to say and how to use your body language and voice to deter unwanted behaviour.”

Joanna also instructs participants on a range of deescalation and blocking techniques, in pairs or small groups during her workshop.

“I think to tackle violence against women and girls we need a systemic change, but while this change is still ongoing I think the immediate response is for women to come together, train, practice and learn,” she added.

Paid for by Southwark Council the defence classes are being highlight in their ‘Your’e Invested’ campaign, showing local residents what their council tax is being used for in the borough.

Joanna said: “I think it’s fantastic that these sessions are offered for people who perhaps cannot afford to engage in paid sessions. Everyone should have access to these classes or at least one workshop.”

Women have to be 18+ and living in Southwark to attend.

Visit this website to see when new sessions are added: www. eventbrite.co.uk/cc/freewomens-self-defence-sessionsin-southwark-4451533

East Dulwich councillor and his wife celebrate sixty

By Evie Flynn

CHILDHOOD SWEETHEARTS Charlie

Smith and his wife Sue celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary last week and say the secret to a long and happy marriage is remaining ‘great friends’.

Charlie, 77, who has been a Labour councillor for 16 years in East Dulwich, met Sue at a youth club when the pair were just 14. They married three years later, on 11 March 1966 at Caxton Hall registry office in Victoria, aged 17. They moved to East Dulwich thirty years ago and are now proud parents of three daughters and five grandchildren. Last Saturday, the couple had a small celebration with their family in a local restaurant to mark the milestone anniversary.

When asked the secret to a long marriage, Charlie said: “Our personalities go well together – she’s calm, considerate, and very wise. She’s put me in my place more than once.”

Sue said: “I didn’t marry him for his looks, but because he was a nice bloke. I think our

marriage has endured because we rarely argued about money, not that we are well off. But we remain great friends.”

Reflecting on their family, he said: “Our daughters all went to university and were the first in our family to do so. Each generation tries to improve itself and I think we succeeded with that.”

Charlie has long been passionate about local politics, serving as a councillor since 2002 and as Mayor of Southwark for the 2017 – 2018.

This May, Charlie will be hoping to retain his seat as a Labour councillor for the Goose Green ward.

He also ran twice as a Labour candidate for Parliament, in Westminster and Chichester, although he was unsuccessful on both occasions.

He said: “It’s a privilege to serve the lovely people of Goose Green. It’s very villagelike and has residents from different backgrounds and classes. Everyone rubs together very well and helps each other.”

Charlie looks forward to the pair’s 70th Wedding Anniversary and hopes to have a holiday with Sue this year.

EXCLUSIVE

By Issy Clarke

INSTALLING LIFTS at Peckham Rye Station will cost at least £20 million, according to Network Rail.

The startling figure was revealed during a public meeting in Peckham on Monday (16 March) organised by the Rye Lane councillors, to update residents on the station’s accessibility upgrade and the redevelopment of the square out front.

Andrew Wood, Senior Sponsor at Network Rail, said the high cost of installing lifts was because “you need to buy land to put the lift on, you also need to put the lift inside because it’s a listed station. It needs to be completely reorganised - what’s actually in the station now - to provide those compliant walking routes.”

Peckham Rye Station had been due to be fitted with lifts to all four platforms for the first time after planning permission for an accessibility upgrade was granted in August 2023.

However, last summer Network Rail shelved the scheme, stating that they needed to “prioritise funding on the schemes that will make the greatest difference for passengers and economic growth as soon as possible.”

After the News highlighted concerns raised by local residents that the elderly and disabled were effectively barred from using the station, Network Rail partially u-turned, announcing £4 million to address overcrowding concerns - with £1 million contributed by Southwark Council.

Andrew Wood said he originally “asked for nine million but I got £3.9 (million). But it’s the government’s decision to decide where it wants to invest.”

The money will be spent on building two more entrance doors leading into the station, additional ticket gates, widening platforms 3 and 4 and restoring the Booking Hall to its original Victorian splendour.

Work will start in June and should be finished by next summer.

Crucially, however, the funding will not stretch far enough to fit lifts - which is the main upgrade residents have been asking for.

Local Peckham grandmother Susan said at the meeting she regularly has to lug her granddaughter’s buggy up and down the stairs when using the station.

“Every time I do it I have to go into the station and say: ‘Will someone help me?’ Sometimes I have to say it three times. And every single time I have conversations with the people who do help me about how can we believe this is 2026 and we’re a busy city, a rich city, and there are no lifts.”

Another resident at the meeting, Sarah, described the lack of lifts in the station as an “accident waiting to happen”.

“I have seen so many people going up and down the stairs on crutches. There are people with huge suitcases, there are people rushing past, it’s just plain unsafe.” But there is still not a concrete date for when the lifts could be fitted; although Peckham MP Miatta Fahnbulleh suggested that the scheme stood a good chance of being selected in the government’s spending review next year (2027).

“I am hopeful that in the next round we will be looked on pretty favourably. I think the fact that the Department for Transport has put in the initial investment of £4 million plus the support from the council is an indication that this is a priority.”

She added: “We are expecting the next spending round in 2027 and we will be making the case in advance of that to unlock the funding.”

However Rouge Hawk, Green Party councillor candidate for Rye Lane, criticised her Labour adversaries over the delays to the scheme, despite the party holding

THE LIFTS AT PECKHAM RYE STATION WILL COST ‘AT LEAST

£20 MILLION’ TO INSTALL

every lever of power in London.

“In 2019 the previous government allocated £250 million to Network Rail for an Access for All scheme but underspent by £65 million, so there should be money left over to give the busiest station in the country accessibility.

“Furthermore, Labour controls Westminster, the Mayoralty and Southwark Council and yet they have a petition against themselves to get something done. You have the money, you have the planning permission, you have the political power. It seems to me like if you wanted to do something, you would have by now.”

In 2024 Network Rail apologised after the Disability News Service obtained an FOI revealing it had underspent on stepfree upgrades between 2019 and 2024 by £65 million.

Fahnbulleh responded: “I promise you that there was no underspend across government.

“Certainly, if there had been an underspend by the Department for Transport, it would have been pushed out the door. What we found was the last government, particularly towards the end, made a lot of commitments and did not put a single penny behind it.

“There are two things: the £250 million candidly is not enough to meet accessibility demands across the country. And two, if there were underspends, which there weren’t, they were hoovered up because there were more commitments made than actually the money that was available could do.”

Subsequently asked by the News to clarify whether this amounted to a denial of the £65 million underspend, the MP suggested that the leftover money could have already been spent by the Labour government on other projects, telling us: “Any underspend

from 2024 has been reallocated and is being used to progress projects in the current AfA pipeline.

“£280 million has been put towards Access for All Funding, which is being put towards allowing passengers to travel more independently, confidently and safely.

“Although I am disappointed that Peckham Rye Station is not currently in the AfA pipeline, I have been reassured that the project has not been ruled out and is under consideration for future funding rounds. I will continue to make the case for accessibility across our stations.”

SO WHAT IS HAPPENING TO PECKHAM STATION SQUARE?

It was confirmed during the meeting that work on the second phase of the Station Square is finally underway, ten years after planning permission was granted by the Mayor of London.

It was also revealed that an Asda supermarket will be opening on the ground floor of the building at the corner of Blenheim Grove, which was refurbished as part of Phase one in 2024.

The long-delayed project to demolish the 1930s arcade to make way for a paved public square in front of the station has been repeatedly pushed back over the years. It was meant to come down in spring 2021, then it was announced that work would start in summer 2025.

Neil Kirby, Head of Sustainable Growth at Southwark Council, confirmed at the meeting that at long last the hoarding had been put up and “everything is now ready to go, everything is happening”.

Contractors will be on site for roughly a year in total, with work expected to be finished by next June.

We previously reported that leakage and delays relocating businesses had contributed to delays in demolishing the arcade.

Kirby said that the council had to delay the start of works again last summer because they needed to carry out more surveys, to see how the buildings would fall when they were demolished.

LONDON BOROUGH GIVEN £4.3M BY TfL FOR NEW BUS STOPS, CYCLE LANES AND CROSSINGS

By Issy Clarke

SOUTHWARK HAS been given nearly £5 million from Transport for London to fund measures to make the roads safer like new bus stops, cycle lanes and crossings.

The borough has been awarded £4.354 million to spend on measures which make streets safer and encourage people to use more environmentally friendly and active modes of transport. This could include rolling out more School Streets - where traffic is restricted during drop-off and pick-up times - and more parking spaces for scooters and bikes.

The money could also be used to fund pedestrian crossings, bus lanes and cycle routes.

It will support efforts to lower road speeds, reduce road danger and improve bus performance.

The money is part of £94.8 million being invested by TfL in total across all 32 London boroughs and the City of London to spend on making travel safer.

It comes alongside a new report from TfL detailing its progress over the last three years installing 147km of new protected cycle routes and 400 pedestrian crossings all over London.

The number of fatal collisions in

London in 2024 was 19 per cent below the 2010-2014 baseline, with cycling levels up 12.7 per cent in 2025 compared to 2024, with TfL adding that the figures showed travel in London is becoming safer.

The Mayor has an objective of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries from London’s transport network by 2041 and granted boroughs £218.93m between 2022 and 2025 to support this goal.

This investment underpins the Mayor’s ambition for 80 per cent of all trips in London to be made by walking, cycling or public transport by 2041.

London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman said: “I am

thrilled that another round of funding has been awarded to boroughs as part of our three-year programme to make London’s streets greener and safer. We have already seen the transformative impact of new cycleways, expanded School Streets, and lower speed limits helping to reduce road danger across the city.

“This next round of funding will enable boroughs to build on that progress, while supporting the Mayor’s Vision Zero strategy to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from London’s transport network by 2041. Investment in transport infrastructure and safer streets is vital to boosting walking and cycling making London greener, safer, and fairer for everyone.”

David Rowe, Director of investment and Delivery Planning at TfL, said:

”This funding strengthens our partnership with boroughs as we work to create a transport network that supports London’s growth and improves quality of life. By investing in safer streets, reliable public transport and high quality active travel routes, we’re helping ensure every community can benefit from cleaner air, better connections and more sustainable ways to move around our city.”

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THOUSANDS GATHER TO RELEASE BALLOONS IN MEMORY OF JUNIOR

The Walworth teenager and his friend were caught up in a fire in a flat last week

By Evie Flynn

THOUSANDS GATHERED on Walworth’s Aylesbury Estate on Saturday night to release balloons in memory of a 16-year-old, who tragically passed away after a fire at his friend’s home last week.

The night’s sky on Saturday was filled with balloons as a whole community mourned the loss of the popular teenager, who was an extremely talented footballer and church goer.

Tommy Ballay-Dean, who lived on the Aylesbury Estate and was better known as Junior Dean to his friends, died in the blaze on Wednesday last week (18 March) which tore through a first-floor flat on nearby Cooper’s Road just off the Old Kent Road.

It has been reported that it was home to Junior’s friend Shauny Halsey, also aged 16. He is believed to have escaped the property before firefighters arrived and was taken to hospital, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said. Shauny is currently in an induced coma with life-threatening burns, according to a close family friend.

There has been speculation that an electric bike allegedly burst into flames soon after the teenagers returned to Shauny’s home from the shops. The cause of the fire is still being investigated by LFB and the Metropolitan Police, a spokesperson said. “The circumstances of the fire remain under investigation, although at this stage the incident is believed to be non-suspicious.”

An online fundraiser has been set up to support Junior’s family with funeral costs. It described him as “the heart and soul of Southwark residents and a cherished member of the wider Southwark community”.

The teenager, a pupil at St Thomas the Apostle School in Nunhead, was described by those who knew him as “loved” and

a “shining light”. Junior was a talented footballer, son and brother, whose loss will be felt right across the community.

A fundraiser has also been set up to support Shauny’s family, who have been left homeless by the fire and are currently living out of a hotel room.

“Their flat was completely destroyed, and they have lost their home, their belongings, their clothes,” states the GoFundMe.

On Saturday evening (21 March) crowds gathered on the Aylesbury Estate to release balloons into the sky in memory of 16-year-old Junior.

Dozens of heartbroken social media users commented ‘LLJ’ beneath TikToks capturing the moving tribute - Long Live

Junior.

Tributes have been pouring in for Junior, an active member of Southwark Residents Football Club and Mass Elite Academy. He had previously played for Rotherhithe under-16s Academy Blaise Ballers and the Whitestar Academy, as well as Rotherhithe FC and Blue Star Elite.

But apart from being a soaring success on the pitch, Junior was a devoted member of RPF Youth from the Redeemed Pillar of Fire church, based in Camberwell and Archway.

One member of the congregation said:

“He had such a laughable presence and always made those around him feel welcome. He was a true blessing upon

everybody’s life and mine too.”

A member of the youth church told us: “He always had such great energy and brought all the vibes, you could say that he was the light of the dark room. He made everyone’s day better with just a smile.”

Dean Stanhope, who runs Southwark Residents Football Club, and was behind setting up the GoFundMe page to support Junior’s family with funeral costs, added:

“He was the clown of the group - always joking, always messing around, but he was so loved. You wouldn’t change him for anything, he could light up a room. He made a huge impact on the club, and he’ll never be forgotten.”

His former coach from SL90 Football

Dean’s

Foundation, said he “knew (Junior) was destined for something special, whether it was football or anything else he chose.”

Junior played for the last time with SL90 on 14 March, a moment Coach Shelley says “means everything to us now.”

Frankie Collins, manager at Rotherhithe FC, said: “He was full of energy and charisma and we loved every minute he spent at the club. He left his mark on every one of his coaches, team mates and even spectators who got the pleasure to watch him play. He lit up the changing room with his energy and character and determination to succeed.”

Junior’s footballing achievements included earning a Gillingham Under15s showcase trial, as well as winning Rotherhithe FC’s top scorer and goal of the season awards last year.

Grassroots teams across South London are playing matches in Junior’s memory and his friends have taken to social media with the symbol ‘LLDJ’, standing for ‘Long Live Junior Dean’.

Rotherhithe FC will play a fundraiser match against local side Millwall Man v Fat on 5 April at St Paul’s Sports Ground, off Salter Road, with a 3:30pm kick-off, to raise money for the family.

Grassroots football teams across the area were also invited to observe a minute’s silence in his honour last weekend (21 and 22 March). His clubs, Southwark Residents and Mass Elite, held a two-minute silence. SL90 Football Foundation are hosting a tournament in collaboration with Quadrant Performance Academy and Active Communities Network on 11 April. The GoFundMe, launched by his former coach, has reached nearly £42,000 of the £55,000 goal so far. Donate to the GoFundMe here (all proceeds are going to Junior’s family): https://www.gofundme.com/f/tommyballaydean-aka-jr-dean

By Charlotte Lillywhite Local Democracy Reporter

A 29-STOREY tower proposed for the bottom of Battersea Bridge is nearly five times the height deemed suitable for the area, the local council has told a public inquiry.

Wandsworth Council outlined its case at the opening of a muchanticipated public inquiry into developer Rockwell’s plans to build a looming 110-home tower on Battersea Bridge Road, by the River Thames, which the authority rejected last year.

Rockwell appealed to the Planning Inspectorate after the council threw out the “grossly unacceptable” scheme last April, on the basis it failed to follow policy or meet the needs of the local community. The controversial plans would see the six-storey Glassmill office building replaced with the tower, which would have 54 affordable homes to be offered at social rent, workspace for businesses, a riverside café and hub for local charities.

Douglas Edwards KC, representing the council, told the inquiry last week the height and scale of the development was too great and would substantially harm the character of its surroundings in Battersea and Chelsea. He said it conflicted with Wandsworth’s development plan, made up of the Local Plan and London Plan – an issue which was not outweighed by its benefits.

The barrister said the site was identified for mid-rise buildings of six storeys, with the proposal being “fivefold the height appropriate for a mid-rise zone”. He added that while the council was not opposed to redevelopment of the site, the scheme was not appropriate and should be dismissed.

William Walton, from the Royal Town Planning Institute, also called for Rockwell’s appeal to be thrown out on behalf of a consortium of local groups made up of the Battersea Society, Chelsea Society, Cheyne Walk Trust, Friends of Battersea Park, Putney Society and Wandsworth Society.

Mr Walton said the benefits of the scheme failed to outweigh its conflicts with Wandsworth’s development plan. He described the building as “too large, too great a mass and too high for the site’s footprint”.

Mr Walston also argued the developer had failed to properly consider heritage issues, which it had “materially understated”.

He said the proposal was an “inappropriately tall building located within an area designated in a very recently adopted Local Plan for much more modest scale projects”.

Setting out the developer’s case, however, Russell Harris KC argued the “elegant building of exemplary quality” would improve the character and appearance of its surroundings.

He said the site “should accept optimised change” and did allow for a landmark, high-quality tall building to be built with much-needed affordable housing to tackle the capital’s housing crisis.

Mr Harris argued Wandsworth’s Local Plan was out of date and should not be read as banning tall buildings in the area.

He said: “This is a unique and totemic opportunity to optimise the delivery of housing and affordable housing on this brownfield site.”

Rockwell originally proposed for the building to reach up to 39 storeys in height, but later slashed this to 29

PUBLIC INQUIRY INTO 29-STOREY TOWER BY BATTERSEA BRIDGE

storeys. It applied in 2024 to build the tower with 110 flats, including 54 affordable homes to be offered at social rent, or 50 per cent by habitable room.

The council’s Planning Committee unanimously turned down the scheme last April, after agreeing the tower would be too big for the constrained site, spoil the skyline and “devastate”

neighbours’ lives. They said there was no guarantee the level of affordable housing that had been proposed would actually be built in the tower, as it would be subject to further viability tests if approved.

Conservative councillor Ravi Govindia slammed the scheme as “grossly unacceptable”.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) allowed the council’s decision to stand the following month, after ruling there were not “sound planning reasons for the Mayor to intervene in this particular case”.

The scheme also attracted fierce opposition from residents, who raised particular concerns about its scale and impact on traffic.

Rob McGibbon, editor of The Chelsea Citizen, launched a Change.org petition

in 2024 opposing the plans, which gained more than 5,000 signatures and support from celebrities including Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Felicity Kendal, Anthea Turner, Harry Hill and Lord Browne of Madingley.

The application also drew 2,028 objections on the council’s planning portal and 1,892 letters of support. Objectors raised concerns over the credibility of the support letters as many followed the same template and were uploaded in batches, although Rockwell said gathering voluntary letters of support through canvassing and advertising was standard industry practice.

The planning inquiry is expected to last until today Friday March 27 with Inspector Joanna Gilbert making a decision on the appeal in due course.

SE1 named as one of the best postcodes to live

By Evie Flynn

SE1 IS one of seven London locations featured on The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 list.

Stretching from Bermondsey to Waterloo, taking in Elephant and Castle, Borough, South Bank, Blackfriars and Bankside it has been hailed for its amazing cultural offerings, food and landmarks.

Richmond was named as the best place to live in London, while other London locations mentioned include Fulham, Walthamstow, Crouch End, Bow and even Plumstead.

The wider list includes 72 locations across the UK, with the overall national best place to live named as Norwich in Norfolk. Apart from the winners, the locations are not ranked but published in alphabetical order.

Described as a hotspot for theatre ‘since Shakespeare’s time’, the SE1 area is home to the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe, the Southbank Centre, the

Royal Festival Hall, the National Theatre, The Old Vic, the Young Vic and smaller venues like Southwark Playhouse, Menier Chocolate Factory, Union theatre and Waterloo East theatre.

Just a short stroll over the bridge to the West End or the City, the judges acknowledged the area’s central location for walking and transport connections and the South Bank’s unspoiled views of landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard, as well as being an ideal location for people watching.

For food and drink, SE1 was been described as ‘vibrant’, home to the popular Borough Market alongside lesser-known gems like Maltby Street and Lower Marsh markets.

A special mention also went to the row of conserved Georgian workers’ cottages on Roupell Street, in Waterloo, describing

them as ‘among the most charming period homes in central London.’

See the full list of locations thetimes.com/best-places-tolive

MYSTERY DONOR STEPS IN WITH LOAN TO SAVE MUSIC SCHOOL IN KENNINGTON

EXCLUSIVE

By Pablo Munoz

AN ANONYMOUS benefactor has stepped in last-minute to save The Music Boutique from closure in Kennington.

The nearly £80,000 was loaned so that

the rent arrears debt of £52,824.16 and the £27,000 of legal costs to the landlord, could be paid in full for the popular school on the historic Lambeth Walk.

action to address long-standing arrears, and act in a way that is fair to all our other social housing and commercial tenants.

“We are pleased that the situation has been resolved with the venue, and they can remain at the property.”

The Music Boutique, although a solvent, functioning school again after COVID-19, could not manage the large lump sum all at once. They set up a crowdfunder to repay the full debt by 11th March. The effort even received the vocal support of local resident and two-time BAFTA winner Adeel Akhtar, whose children attend this school.

In the nick of time, the loan from the unknown donor saved the school from being evicted. Just hours before the loan came in, the crowdfunder had collected £18,000, and James Osho, the school’s founder, said he had planned to use the cash to relocate. However, the loan has temporarily saved the school from relocating, but the debt will still need to be repaid, which is why the crowdfunding campaign is still open for anyone who wants to contribute.

Osho said: “The loan still needs to be repaid - so the crowdfunder remains open and every donation still matters.”

The Music Boutique is nearly 30 years old and is housed in two former shops, providing a cosy, safe space for child-led music tutoring. It prides itself on letting children choose their own pace and instruments.

When contacted, a spokesperson at WATMOS said: “We will always seek to work with organisations with rent arrears however we can to resolve any issues.

“In some instances we do need to take

The debt grew during the COVID pandemic as a result of a complete halt to lessons, despite the continued requirement to pay rent and interest to the landlord, Watmos, a housing association that aims to provide affordable housing and community development.

Osho, as he is warmly known to locals, is a former special needs teacher and furniture designer who has an eye for curious vintage artefacts. The school is well-known in the area for the many different music-related artefacts to be found inside from countries such as Trinidad, St Lucia, Ghana, Colombia and the Gambia. The school focuses on intuitive and bespoke learning experiences, often incorporating puppets and vintage toys to engage young pupils. You can still donate by searching for the school on www.crowdfunder.co.uk

Top-rated coffee shop and nursery coming to ex-biscuit factory redevelopment

By Cristina Trujillo

POPULAR COFFEE shop Urban Baristas and day nursery Kinderzimmer will open later this year at Pearl Yard Bermondsey.

Renovated Biscuit Factory, Pearl Yard Bermondsey, is welcoming the two new enterprises to its community of new homes, leisure and retail spaces.

Greystar is developing the former Biscuit Factory, built originally in 1885 as the first of its kind in England.

Nick Hurn, director of asset management at Greystar, said: “Welcoming Kinderzimmer and Urban Baristas to Pearl Yard is an exciting moment as the neighbourhood continues to take shape.

“Bringing high-quality homes together with the everyday essentials people rely on is central to our vision for the development.

“These additions will serve residents and the wider Bermondsey community,

helping to create a lively and welcoming new place from day one.

“We are proud to be transforming this historic site into a neighbourhood that will grow and thrive for generations.”

The 1,600-home neighbourhood is already seeing residents move into the 121 operational apartments, with more

homes scheduled for completion in the coming months.

Advised by Savills, the two new signings follow the recent opening of Freans House at Pearl Yard Bermondsey, which also has a music room and pet spa.

Pearl Yard Bermondsey also looks forward to an exhibition of Biscuit

Factory history put together by archiving volunteers.

Kinderzimmer has agreed a 25-year lease for a c. 7,000 sq ft space, including both internal accommodation and a dedicated external area, whilst Urban Baristas will take a 10 year lease on a c. 1,000 sq ft unit.

Savills and joint agent BGP are marketing further retail and leisure units spanning 619 – 3,717 sq. ft. within the first phase of the development, with four units under offer. Completion of the first phase is anticipated in June 2026.

Jess Hill, associate director in restaurants and leisure at Savills, said: “Securing operators that provide essential, everyday services is an important part of building a neighbourhood that works well for residents from the outset.

“Together, these deals will strengthen the daytime offer, support resident retention and leasing velocity, and add meaningful value to the wider community.”

LONDON MAYOR POISED TO APPROVE CANADA WATER MASTERPLAN AS AFFORDABLE HOUSING INCREASES

EXCLUSIVE

By Issy Clarke

THE MAYOR of London is poised to approve the Canada Water Masterplan in a hearing at City Hall next week, as the latest documents suggest now 9% of housing on the site could be affordable thanks to a grant.

It comes after the figure previously plunged to as little as 3% - the equivalent of as few as 100 homes out of 3,000. 9% puts this up to roughly 270 affordable homes.

The £4 billion regeneration of the area includes a new town centre, with more than 3,000 homes, 40 new buildings, and three clusters of high-rise towers.

The developer submitted something called a Section 73 application to Southwark Council asking to amend parts of the planning application in January 2025, in order to comply with new building safety laws.

However, towards the end of last year developer British Land wrote to the Mayor of London to make a decision on the revised planning application.

The letter included the astonishing revelation that according to their viability assessment “3% is the maximum viable affordable housing at this stage, with the potential for public funding to increase this with delivery in the next phases.”

The figure had yo-yoed over the years, with the paltry 3 per cent offer down from the 35 per cent which British Land promised to build when outline permission was granted back in 2020, and less than the 10 per cent they then suggested would be ‘viable’ back in January 2025.

Now the latest tranche of documents published ahead of next week’s planning hearing state that a grant from the Mayor has been awarded to the scheme, meaning the proportion of affordable housing will be slightly higher at 9%.

A report advising the Mayor to approve the planning application states that 17% of the next batch of 1000 homes will be affordable, the equivalent of 150 socially rented homes.

This will push the overall amount of affordable housing across the whole scheme up to 9 per cent - equivalent to around 270 homes out of 3000 across the whole scheme.

It states that this is because a grant has been awarded to the scheme.

It puts the proportion of affordable housing broadly in line with the estimation given by British Land in January 2025.

However, that is still much lower than the Mayor’s own regulations requiring 20% affordable housing in new developments in London.

It is not clear what the proportion of affordable housing will be on future

phases of the Masterplan, with the report stating that this will depend on ‘future viability’.

The planning hearing will take place this Friday 27th March at 9:30 am.

All three of Rotherhithe’s ward councillors - Labour councillors Bethan Roberts and Stephanie Cryan and Green councillor Kath Whittam - are due to object to the planning application during the hearing.

There will also be representations from the Southwark Law Centre, Jerry Flynn of the 35% Campaign and Jane Seymour, a local resident.

The campaigners will state in a joint objection that there is “no demand for the huge amount of market housing proposed” on the Masterplan, where they claim the average flat would cost £915k.

“This puts the chance of buying a home beyond the reach of the great majority

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of Southwark residents and everyday people,” they will say.

They are calling for the developer to make 35 per cent of the scheme affordable - the amount it promised to build when planning permission was first granted for a previous version of the scheme in 2020. 35 per cent affordable housing in Canada Water would result in the equivalent of roughly 985 affordable homes.

Southwark still requires developers to build 35 per cent affordable housing - which private developers make a loss on - if they want to secure planning permission.

That policy used to be shared by the Greater London Authority, but last year the Mayor, with the support of the government’s Housing Secretary Steve Reed, said they would be slashing that requirement to 20 per cent due to a slump in housebuilding across the capital.

A British Land spokesperson previously said their amended application was “a reflection of major regulatory changes and ongoing viability challenges triggered by macroeconomic circumstances.

“Approval of our application will enable additional benefits of the Canada Water masterplan to be realised, including thousands more new homes, modern workspaces, open spaces including a town square and 3.5-acre park, local school funding and space for a new health centre.”

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JUST KEEP ON RUNNING...

From post-run pints to hilly intervals, South London is home to plenty of social, beginner-friendly and free run clubs - perfect for building fitness....

By Evie Flynn

TOM’S RUN CLUB (WALWORTH, SE5)

Started by two friends, Tom’s Run Club began as a way for Tom Payne to get his flatmate, Shubho Hassan, out of bed in the morning.

Now, three years on, the pair have kept the tradition going. Meeting in Burgess Park for a chilled 5km run each morning, the group welcomes new faces every day.

When: 7am every day

Where: Burgess Park, SE5 0AL (meet at the entrance to the park opposite Thurlow Street)

Distance: 30 minutes of running (around 5km)

Pace: Around 6min/km @tomsrunclub on Instagram

PECKHAM PACERS (PECKHAM, SE15)

On Wednesdays, Peckham Pacers enjoy a beer at Eko Brewery after a 7km loop around SE15. Alternatively, swap the beer for coffee on Saturday with a more challenging 10km route finishing at Crank Gym. All abilities are welcome.

When: 7pm Wednesday or 10am

Saturday

Where: Eko Brewery in Copeland Park on Wednesday or Crank Gym in Copeland Park on Saturday (SE15 3SN)

Distance: 7km on Wednesday, 10km on Saturday

Pace: Three pace groups available with run leaders at front and back www.peckhampacers.com

MELBOURNE GROVERS (DULWICH, SE22)

Melbourne Grovers lead a sociable 5km run starting and ending at Nido Cafe on Melbourne Grove.

When: 7am Wednesday

Where: Start and end at Nido Cafe (11 Melbourne Grove, SE22 8RG) Distance: 4-5km

Pace: All paces welcome @melbournegrovers on Instagram

BERMONDSEY STREET RUNNERS (BERMONDSEY, SE1)

Bermondsey Street Runners is a community-led club with a team of leaders, pacers and volunteers.

The group regularly collaborates with local businesses and also offers non-running activities, such as yoga.

The pace is described as a ‘social jog’, giving residents and visitors the chance to explore SE1 on foot.

When: 7pm Wednesday, 7:30am Friday and 8:30am Sunday Where: Chapter 72 on Friday and Sunday (72 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UD), Crol and Co on Wednesday (66 A Newcomen St, SE1 1YT) Distance: 5km on Wednesday and Friday, 10-20km long run on Sunday Pace: Ranging from 5:30 to 7:30min/km www.bermondseystreetrunners.com

LONDON CITY RUNNERS (BERMONDSEY, SE1)

London City Runners, founded in 2010 by Tim Navin-Jones, is tucked into the Bermondsey arches and equipped with its own café and bar venue, making it the only running-themed pub in the world.

The club has witnessed 27 marriages between runners and has remained free since it began in Tim’s flat more than fifteen years ago.

When: 6:15pm Tuesday, 6:30pm Thursday, or 10:15am Sunday

Where: London City Runners HQ, 130 Druid St, London SE1 2HH Distance: 6.5km, 8km or 11km on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 6.5km, 10km or 18km on Sundays.

Pace: All paces welcome, newcomers will be paired with a similar pace at the start www.londoncityrunners.com

STRIDE RUN CLUB (CANADA WATER, SE16):

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or lacing up for the first time, Stride Run Club is relaxed and welcoming.

Meet at Corner Corner to warm up before heading out on a 5km loop around Canada Water at a social pace, finishing with 50 per cent off beers (non-alcoholic options available).

A bag drop is available.

When: 6pm Tuesday

Where: Maritime Street, Canada Water, SE16 7LL

Distance: 5km

Pace: Various ‘conversational’ paces www.cornercorner.com/event/ stride-run-club/

BRIXTON RUN CLUB (BRIXTON,

SW9)

Brixton Run Club, also known as BRX!, was founded by James Battershill and Benji Miller last summer.

The group meets for a 5km community run, finishing at the Duke of Edinburgh pub for a post-run pint. They have also partnered with local charity Building Young Brixton to raise money for vital youth services in the area.

When: 7pm Tuesday

Where: Meet at Stockwell Skate Park (Stockwell Rd, London SW9 0XZ) and finish at The Duke of Edinburgh Pub ( 204 Ferndale Road, SW9 8AG)

Distance: 5km

Pace: 6min/km www.brixtonrunclub.co.uk

TELEGRAPH HILL RUN CLUB (TELEGRAPH HILL, SE14)

Founded in 2015 by a group of local runners, Telegraph Hill Run Club is ideal for those looking to improve their overall fitness.

Sessions vary each week, but most focus on hilly intervals, making it best suited to runners seeking a physically demanding workout.

When: 7:15pm Tuesday

Where: Meet at the bottom of Telegraph Hill Park on the corner of Arbuthnot and Erlanger Roads (SE14)

Distance: 5k

Pace: Best suited for anyone who can comfortably run a 5k in under 30 minutes www.telegraphhillrunninggroup.com

PARK RUN

Every Saturday at 9am, there are numerous volunteer-run Park Runs across South London, providing a no-pressure 5km loop around a local park. Visit their website to see a full list of participating areas.

Southwark: Peckham Rye, Southwark Park, Burgess Park, Dulwich Common Lambeth: Brockwell Park Wandsworth: Clapham Common, Battersea Park, Tooting Common Greenwich: Greenwich Peninsula, Thames Path Woolwich, Charlton Park, Avery Hill Park Lewisham: Hilly Fields, Mountsfield Park www.parkrun.org.uk

TEMPO (PECKHAM, SE15)

Established in 2018 by Radio 1 DJ Martha, who grew up in Peckham, TEMPO is a female-focused group combining fitness and music. The club began as a way for fellow DJs and ravers to exercise and has blossomed into a monthly meet up at The Carpet Shop nightclub near Rye Lane. The unique morning combines a short and chilled run with a two hour DJ workshop.

When: One Saturday per month. Next sessions are 28th March and 18th April at 10am Where: The Carpet Shop, Arch 164, 115 Rye Ln, SE15 4ST Distance: 3k Pace 8min/km

QUEER RUNNING CLUB (PECKHAM, SE15)

Peckham and Nunhead’s Queer Running Club caters for trans and non-binary beginner runners on Monday evenings and all running abilities and queer identifying folk on Tuesdays.

The club has roots in Hackney, starting back in 2019, and expanded to Peckham eighteen months ago. Their Monday night sessions are supported by MisFits and Not A Phase. They pride themselves on being an inclusive running club for all abilities

When: 7pm Monday and Tuesday

Where: Monday at The Old Nun’s Head, 15 Nunhead Green, London SE15 3QQ.

Tuesday at John the Unicorn, 157-159 Rye Lane, SE15 4TL.

Distance: They don’t do longer runs, choosing to stay in the park and focus on the ‘skill of running’ Pace: Best suited for anyone who can comfortably run a 5k in under 30 minutes

https://queerrunningclub.com/

By Charlotte Lillywhite

Local Democracy Reporter

LIME E-BIKES will be banned from being hired or parked in a South West London borough, under new rules.

Richmond Council has approved plans to switch e-bike providers from Lime to Forest.

The council’s Transport Committee agreed to award exclusive operating rights for e-bike services to Forest on Monday (March 16), which will effectively ban Lime bikes from being hired or parked in the borough.

A Lime spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the operator was “extremely disappointed” with the decision.

Although the council could still have allowed people to ride Lime bikes through Richmond, the spokesperson said this would not be viable for the firm as most trips in Richmond started or ended in the borough.

It’s likely that Lime bikes will simply stop working when entering Richmond once the changeover has taken place, however that’s not been confirmed.

The decision marks a major change for Richmond, as Lime has been the sole provider of e-bikes in the borough since the council entered into a contract with the firm in 2021. There were more than 1.5 million e-bike trips in the borough last year – an increase of 50 per cent on the previous year.

Residents provided feedback on e-bikes in Richmond ahead of a scrutiny meeting in June last year, as the council investigated making changes to the service, with many respondents expressing a desire for the service to continue but under greater control.

The committee agreed the service should continue at the meeting and the cap on the number of e-bikes should be increased from 250 to 750 in the borough, with an option to rise to 1,000 overall. It also agreed to increase the supply of e-bike parking bays from 65 to at least 150 to reduce the number left blocking the pavements.

The council then invited bids from operators to provide e-bikes for the next three years, as part of an improved service, which it received from Lime,

and Voi. The authority considered having one operator with a fleet cap of 1,500 e-bikes, or two operators with a fleet cap of 750 e-bikes each.

A report by council officers said Forest scored highest in both scenarios for pricing plan and overall ranking, although the quality scores for all operators were similar. They ruled Forest as a single operator had the “best overall proposal”. But residents raised concerns about the move at the meeting on March 16.

Resident Ian Stevens said removing Lime bikes from Richmond would create problems for residents and commuters, who would have to ditch their bikes when travelling into the borough.

He said: “From a residents’ perspective, it’s difficult to see how this move serves the public interest. E-bikes have become an essential alternative in a time when the District line and our local rail services are frankly unreliable.

“Lime is also London’s largest e-bike

WORK TO START ON SIXTY-FOUR AFFORDABLE HOMES IN LEE

By Pablo Munoz

WORK ON building 64 affordable homes for local people in Lee is expected to start this month.

The construction of the homes on Burnt Ash Hill is part of council’s Building for Lewisham programme on the site of the old Mayfield Hostel, next to Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Lee.

The 64 new homes will comprise of 23 at social rent, while 41 will be offered for shared ownership, which allows people to buy a percentage of a property and pay rent on the remaining percentage.

The new homes will be known as Mayfield will be a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom flats, including eight fully accessible ground-floor flats, arranged in three buildings from three to six storeys in height.

The project also includes a communal garden and children’s play areas, and will be developed as a largely car-free

project, although it includes six disabled parking spaces. This fits the Greater London Authority’s ‘Be Lean, Be Clean, Be Green, and Be Seen’ Energy Hierarchy.

Contractors The Hill Group are expected to begin building on-site from Tuesday, March 31, with construction is set to be complete by early 2028.

They have promised to provide at least four London Living Wagepaid apprenticeships, two T-Level placements in collaboration with Lewisham College, and ten work experience placements for residents not in education.

The organisation will also give inkind donations to local charities and projects, which include Urban Synergy, a youth empowerment charity; Community Arts Project, which aims to enhance the creative landscape of the borough; and Lewisham Foodbank and Warmer Together Lewisham, initiatives that aim to fight food and heating insecurity.

LIME E-BIKES BAN APPROVED IN RICHMOND

provider, used across all other boroughs of London, so I struggle to see and understand how removing that option from Richmond borough of residents helps with the interconnectivity of London.”

Councillors said the move would give riders full access to neighbouring boroughs Kingston and Hounslow, where Forest was the designated e-bike provider.

Lib Dem councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the committee, said the plans aimed to replace current provision “with a single operator with all neighbouring boroughs being accessible and a larger fleet than is presently available”.

He added: “It’s really important to recognise, as per some of the comments that have been made from residents, that we want integrity of service and we want to see service delivery that fosters greater take-up of these services, not reduced take-up.”

The committee agreed to award the

Lewisham Council and The Hill Group at Mayfield. Credit: Lewisham Council.

contract to Forest, subject to necessary agreements, with details of when this will begin to be confirmed in due course.

A Lime spokesperson said: “We submitted a strong bid that the council rated highest for quality. Shared e-bike schemes should prioritise maintaining high-quality, popular cycling options in London over unsustainable, and often short-term financial commitments from companies, or risk reducing cycling and undermining the city’s net-zero goals.

“Since 2021, we’ve served tens of thousands of Richmond residents each week, building a hugely popular service that connects the borough to the rest of London.”

They added: “Fewer than one in 10 Lime trips in Richmond are currently ride-through only journeys. Most trips start or end there because of its outerborough geography. Restricting access this way would simply trigger a second ‘Checkpoint Charlie’ with neighbouring boroughs such as Hammersmith &

Fulham and Wandsworth.

“Almost all London boroughs are moving toward systems with at least two operators, giving residents a choice of shared e-bike services. That makes this decision to limit choice all the more disappointing, and hundreds of Richmond Lime riders have already written to us expressing their concern.”

The council said it would work with both operators to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangement.

Hounslow Council ended its partnership with Lime in August after selecting Forest and Voi as its preferred providers, meaning Lime bikes no longer work in Hounslow. Brent Council had threatened to ban Lime from the borough over the vehicles being abandoned, but later agreed to allow them to continue operating after dozens of new bays were agreed.

Meanwhile Islington Council has put both Lime and Forest on a “last warning” over abandoned bikes.

By Charlotte Lillywhite

Local Democracy Reporter

CROYDON HAS unveiled a new outdoor fitness facility inspired by the legacy of the actor who played Darth Vader.

The gym has been named after David Prowse, the man behind the iconic Star Wars character, in recognition of his enduring connection to the Addiscombe area.

The new David Prowse Gym is located in Addiscombe Recreation Ground and has been designed as a free, accessible space for residents of all ages and abilities. It reflects Prowse’s legacy not only as a film star but also as a passionate advocate for fitness and community wellbeing.

Best known for his role in Star Wars, Prowse was also widely recognised in the UK as the Green Cross Code Man, promoting road safety to generations of children. Locally, he was regarded as a familiar and friendly figure who championed healthy living and community spirit.

The gym forms part of a broader programme of investment by Croydon Council, aimed at improving parks and encouraging more people to stay active outdoors. These upgrades have been supported by government grant funding, with further projects expected across the borough in the coming months.

Local fitness group Croydon Calisthenics played a key role in shaping the design of the new bar fitness gym. The group has grown from informal park workouts into an organised community interest company attracting regular participation.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) earlier this month, founder Theo Dopson said he welcomed the chance to contribute ideas to the project. “I got a little bit of say in the design, and told them to add another bar onto it,” he explained.

“Some of my people are beginners and they will struggle to even jump up because of how high it is,” he said.

Dopson described how the group first started through informal meetups in local parks, before growing into something more structured. “Croydon Calisthenics started from me and the boys working out in the park,” he said. He added: “There was a lot of people that would come through and randomly

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!

do their own workout on their own bar, so I thought why not put it all together and create something like this.”

The group now regularly attracts between 20 and 30 people to each session. It became a registered Community Interest Company in January, marking a new stage in its development.

Croydon Calisthenics also makes use of other green spaces across the borough, including Purley Way Playing Fields, Norbury Park and King George’s Field. Dopson believes calisthenicsoffers a different approach to fitness that can benefit a wide range of people.

“Because it is functional movements, it

focuses on using your own body weight and resistance, and it is also healthy for your joints and tendons,” he said.

He encouraged anyone interested to try it out for themselves without hesitation.

“All you have to do is turn up and see what it’s like; anyone can do calisthenics,” he added.

The investment in Addiscombe Recreation Ground also includes the borough’s first dedicated dog exercise area, providing a safe space for pets to be let off the lead. The addition was introduced following feedback from local residents who wanted more inclusive park facilities.

BALHAM’S BACKSTORY NAMED LONDON’S

BOOKSHOP OF THE YEAR

The decision to name the gym after Prowse followed a proposal from the Addiscombe & Shirley Park Residents’ Association, which was supported by local councillors. The proposal was ultimately approved by Executive Mayor Jason Perry. Prowse, born in Bristol in 1935, moved to Addiscombe in 1963. He passed away in 2020 at the age of 85, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spanned acting, campaigning, and a celebrated career in weightlifting.

Perry said the tribute recognises both Prowse’s achievements and his local impact. “David Prowse was a true local legend, not just for what he achieved

By Romilly Schulte

BACKSTORY IN Balham offers a literary matchmaking service and wine has won London’s Independent Bookshop of the Year.

The shop on Balham High Road boasts it sells ‘words and wine’ and has developed into a social and cultural hotspot since opening in 2022. It regularly hosts author events.

Founder Tom Rowley was a journalist at The Economist and The Washington Post, before various lockdowns put him in closer touch with his local community. He said: “all of a sudden I went from living in an airport to feeling like, for the first time, I knew my neighbour’s names. I was a convert to the power for local community. I thought: what can I do that would contribute?

“South London has far fewer bookshops than North London. I always

thought that was a great shame. There was huge untapped demand this side of the river, there are a whole bunch of people South of the river who love books and love talking about them,” he added.

The bookshop-bar, which opens late on Thursdays and Fridays, is now a much-loved venue that hosts at least one event a week, including talks with the BBC’s Lyse Doucet and Jeremy Bowen.

“In an age of AI and algorithms, hopefully we are rekindling the magic of human connection. People talk about the decline of reading, but in some ways I think books have never been cooler,” said Tom..

The space’s cafe and bar has become a choice venue for friends meeting up in their area and for a whole host of first dates, according to the founder.

“We’re a team of matchmakers: literary matchmakers, and people meet in our bar!”

“People really do seek us out for advice on their next read. We have a team of six here who are paid to read as part of their day so they always know what to recommend for different types of customers,” he said, adding: “we really try to have our finger on the pulse of new books, but to be always expanding our knowledge of great books that may have been published 20 years ago.”

The British Book Awards is recognised as ‘the BAFTAs of the book trade’, and judged an array of 76 finalists for the 2026 Independent Bookshop of the Year, with the announcement of the national winner, who will receive an award of £5000, set to be made on the 11 May.

Tom Tivnan, The Bookseller deputy editor, said: “Our record year of submissions speaks to the fine fettle independent bookshops are in despite the myriad challenges small businesses face.”

Talking about winning the regional

on screen, but for the way he inspired people to stay active and give back to their community,” he said.

“This is exactly what our investment in parks is about: listening to residents, celebrating our communities and creating spaces people are proud to use,” he said. A formal opening event for the gym is planned for May the 4th, a date referencing the Star Wars connection. Further details about the event are expected to be announced in due course.

With more outdoor gyms and park improvements planned, the council says this is part of a longer-term strategy to revitalise public spaces.

prize, Rowley said: “We were gobsmacked and delighted, and knew we had to share that with our customers. Until the end of Sunday, we’re offering 10% off everything in the shop, and we’re offering free glasses of fizz when people buy a book. Customers in our Balham community have made Backstory what it is.”

Rowley highlighted how vital the social aspect of reading is to his shop

and to the book industry in itself, saying that people are embracing in person interactions whilst engaging in what is often regarded as a solitary activity. Backstory also aims to bring independent bookselling into the digital realm, and does not underestimate the importance of next-day delivery for non-Balhamites with busy schedules: “anything Jeff Bezos can do, we can do better,” stated Rowley.

We’re speeding up bus journeys in Lambeth

Tell us about your experience of bus journey’s on Acre Lane and Norwood Road

We're working with Transport for London to make bus journeys faster, safer, and more reliable on Acre Lane (A2217) and Norwood Road (A215). They’re two of eight bus priority corridors across Lambeth.

Engagement open 19 January to 15 February Scan for Acre Lane Scan for Norwood Road

what’s on

Pharmacist provides lifeline to Theatre My uncle is not Pablo Escobar

AIMEE MUTAMBO is a Lead Pharmacist, Medicines

Optimisation at South East London Integrated Care Board, working behind the scenes in the NHS, making sure ‘people get the best value out of their medicines,’ she says, adding, ‘A normal day for me is looking at medicines data, designing new services, and thinking up different ways to reduce medicines wastage.’ A hero in any decent person’s eyes, I say, but that is not all. With a track record of leading AMR efforts across her career, she’s helped shift prescribing culture from “prescribing less” to “prescribing better” – encouraging prescribers to choose targeted antibiotics from the very first dose. And then there is this: Aimee is also part of the chorus in Lifeline, a new timeshifting musical about Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming discovering penicillin. What! Someone waft the smelling salts under my nose - I suddenly feel faint! writes Michael Holland.

Aimee is based in Bexley but her work takes her all over SE London. She did her Masters at King’s College London (KCL) and post-graduate studies and Independent Prescribing training at KCL and Kent & Medway Universities. ‘The rest,’ she explains, ‘is learning on the job.’ I wondered what it was that made this Chorus Girl choose her career.

‘Pharmacy seemed like a great combination of science, medicine, problem-solving and real patient impact - and I was right! I’ve worked directly with patients on a ward, all the way to solving medicines problems for the government, and so many things in between.’

She reveals that the ‘pressures can be exhausting’ but they are outweighed by the joys of ‘working with so many intelligent, dedicated people and knowing that your work actually makes a difference to people’s lives. It’s an amazing feeling to think of a project one day, and to see it in action on the high street the next.’

I was very much intrigued to find out more but this is a South London local newspaper, not The Lancet, and rehearsals were about to restart after a break. Plus, I needed to dig down into the creative and artistic side of Ms Mutambo.

Aimee has done a lot of community theatre and always sang; she started musical theatre in 2023 and even writes and releases her own music. ‘I’ve toured internationally,’ she casually drops in, ‘and ended up on the singing show I Can See Your Voice a couple of years back. That was another time when my

career inspired my on-stage persona, and they dressed me in a white coat for the show!’

I am officially starstruck!

It was by being involved in the world of theatre that Aimee got the audition call. The Lifeline team wanted a chorus made up of healthcare professionals, and Aimee wanted to be in it: ‘It was such a strange feeling to see an audition notice while sitting at my desk, and I decided to go for it.’ Why?

Being a health care professional is really all about trying to find the best way to speak to the person in front of you so that you can care for them. If you can’t communicate, most things don’t work. Art reaches people right where they are, and sharing such an important message through the theatre was a beautiful opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.’

Is Alexander Fleming’s work relevant today?

‘Absolutely. Lifeline shares the reality that these life-saving antibiotics won’t be around forever if we aren’t careful. It’s one thing to see the data, but seeing the human side of the story on stage really makes you want to protect what we have. It also reminds us that keeping

antibiotics working is everyone’s business, not just healthcare workers or NHS staff.’

Our Lead Pharmacist is definitely enjoying this experience. She was visibly excited when she told me how much: ‘The songs are great, the production team is lovely, and it’s such a joy to be sharing this experience with 59 other health care professionals and scientists, all doing amazing things in different fields… Rehearsals are full-on, sometimes all day, but really enjoyable. Every time we meet, it comes together a bit more, and it really is sounding great. I’m loving it!’

Last word? ‘Come and see the show! It’s a completely unique piece of theatre. We’re telling a really important story about how everyone can help to slow down antimicrobial resistance, and we’re doing it in a way that’s easy and fun to watch. You’ll love it!’

I’ve now booked my appointment with the Lifeline team.

Southwark Playhouse Elephant, 1 Dante Place, London, SE11 4RX from 28th March - 2nd May.

Booking and full details: https:// southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/ productions/lifeline/

MY UNCLE Is Not Pablo Escobar was written out of necessity. It is a play created by Valentina Andrade and Elizabeth Alvarado about their real lives and experiences of growing up as Latinx in Britain today, and co-created with Lucy Wray, Tommy RossWilliams, and Joana Nastari. I couldn’t interview all five, so Elizabeth Alvarado stepped up, writes Michael Holland. What made you decide to write this play?

‘My Uncle Is Not Pablo Escobar needed to be written. More than a choice, it was a necessity. The Latin American community in London has an estimated population of more than 100,000 and yet we are not seen or represented. Our ethnicity does not exist on the census. Every single time we tick an ethnicity box we must choose ‘Other’. As one of the fastestgrowing communities in London, in a society that enjoys our food, music, and culture, it is laughable how invisible we are. My Uncle was written to give our community a voice, for young people to see people who look like them on stage and know they are worthy of being seen and heard. Especially young Latin American girls, because Latin American women are often seen as objects and primarily sexual rather than capable and intelligent individuals. This play was written to inspire and to empower. In a city that hides us, we demand to be seen.’

The title does grab the attention, but it’s not about Escobar. So?

‘The title came from a conversation between Valentina and me about the stereotypical things people said to us in school. The one thing that kept coming up was “Is your uncle Pablo Escobar?” or “Does your family sell drugs?” So, as a reclamation and final answer to these experiences, we came up with ‘My Uncle Is Not Pablo Escobar’. We knew not everyone might agree or even like this title, but it spoke true to our experiences, and we knew it would provoke the exact same people who asked us those questions as teenagers to come and watch the show.

Why do people make drug jokes when they find out we’re Latin American? Why are we still considered an ethnic minority when we are a global majority? Why are we still fighting to be seen when this fight has been going on for over 30 years? We hope to

question the narratives that we are sold and the assumptions people grow up with about our community and our countries back home. The questions we want the audience to ask are “Why did this happen?” or “Why do corporations benefit from the violence in our countries?” ‘ What are the writers’ hopes for the play’s impact on society and change?

‘Our hopes are that young people – especially young Latin American women – see this show and know they can do great things. We hope that the wider society sees this show and realises the implications of stereotypes and prejudgements. We hope this leads more allies to join our cause and help us in the longer campaign; we have asked the ONS to create ethnicity boxes for our community: Latin American, Afro-Latin American, and Indigenous peoples form part of our community, and many more categories.’

I gave Elizabeth the last word.

‘Through our words, we can create solidarity, allyship, and momentum. If by reading this article or seeing our show someone learns one new thing about our community, joins our fight for the 2031 census, or questions whether their finances could be with a more ethical bank, then we are doing what we have set out to do. The Latin American community is diverse, powerful, proactive, creative, and passionate. Society already enjoys our contribution through our food, music, and culture; we only ask that they support us – the people – too.’

I’ll be doing my bit by going to see this exciting piece of theatre and spreading the word.

Brixton House, 385 Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London, SW9 8GL from 7th April – 3rd May

Booking and full details: https:// brixtonhouse.co.uk/shows/myuncle-is-not-pablo-escobar-2026/

History

By Frankie Hills

CAROLINE GARDENS is one of those spots that would grab your attention when walking past and make you wonder what the origins are of such a grand-looking set of buildings.

Just off Old Kent Road, on Asylum Road and on the way to Peckham proper this largely Georgian complex is subtly tucked away, but it was always home to the area’s poor and is now a mixture of mostly social housing, with a few private rentals.

WHEN AND WHY WAS CAROLINE GARDENS BUILT?

Caroline Gardens was founded around in 1827, designed specifically to act as charitable housing, known as almshouses.

The complex was originally known as the Licensed Victuallers’ Benevolent Institution Asylum (LVBI) and it came to form the largest complex of almshouses in London.

It should be noted, however, that the site was not a psychiatric facility, rather, the term asylum is traditionally used to describe a sanctuary.

With construction starting in 1828, the houses were designed by little known architect Henry Rose, who worked almost exclusively in the modern-day borough Southwark, consisting of Southwark Borough, Bermondsey Borough and Camberwell Borough which Caroline Garden was situated in. The site that is now Caroline Gardens is considered to be Henry Rose’s most impressive surviving work.

The first patron of the facility was HRH Prince Augustus Frederick, the Duke of Sussex, who laid the first stone on the 28th May 1828. Their specific purpose was to support those who were ‘advanced in age and suffering from infirmity…and no longer capable of supporting themselves’, as well as retired pub landlords.

Original plans saw the erection of 101 dwellings, each containing three rooms. However, this was gradually expanded in subsequent decades.

By 1866 the site hosted 170 separate dwellings and included a chaplains residence, library, as well as a board and court room.

The site was considered exceptionally large, sitting on a six-acre plot and was considered by renowned 20th century architectural historian, Nikolaus Pevsner to be “the only grand composition among the many almshouses of Camberwell.”

WHAT WERE RESIDENTS ENTITLED TO AT CAROLINE GARDENS?

Residents housed at the facility were entitled to a small weekly cash payment, as well as coal, medicine and medical care.

The existence of facilities like the LVBI therefore became an important part of life, as the welfare state was still 100 years from being created.

Almshouses in turn provided the only viable avenue which Georgian or Victorian elders could access, lest they face destitution or be confined to workhouses until death.

THE CHAPEL - BECOME CAROLINE GARDENS’ CROWNING GLORY

However, it was in 1850 that the most impressive part of the complex and centre place to the facility was completed, this being the Asylum Chapel.

Despite North Peckham being a largely rural location at the time, the opening ceremony of the chapel was attended by a reportedly impressive crowd of around 10,000 people.

The chapel quickly became the heart of

WHAT’S THE HISTORY BEHIND THESE GRAND-LOOKING BUILDINGS

OFF THE OLD KENT ROAD?

the community, with accounts recalling the excellence of the congregations singing, due to the pre-established association the chapel had with the Licensed Victuallers’ Choral Association.

It is clear from records that the chapel thrived thanks to its congregations, being in receipt of several contributions and benefactors. One way in which this was clear was the chapel’s possession of a handmade Messrs Bevington and Sons organ, funded entirely by voluntary contributions.

PRINCE ALBERT ADDS 24 DWELLINGS

Other striking features of the church are “several costly tablets to the memory of benefactors” which adorn its walls.

Amongst its most conspicuous benefactors was HRH the Prince Consort; Prince Albert.

The Prince Consort’s involvement with the site was surprisingly extensive. With the LVBI receiving it’s royal charter in 1842, subsequently, the Prince became its patron.

In 1858, the first brick laid was laid by the Prince himself for the ‘Albert Wing’ which added an initial 24 dwellings to the complex.

Following the Albert’s death in 1863, a statue was erected in his memory within

the asylum grounds. The statue measured 16ft in height and was unveiled by HRH The Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII.

DECLINE - BOMBING, EVACUATING AND TAKING ALBERT AWAY

Beyond the Victorian era, sadly, the site fell into a period of relative decline.

In World War Two, the chapel took a direct hit from a bomb, destroying the original roof.

It was also with the onset of the Second World War that the LVBI made the decision to start evacuating its tenants from the site to the village of Denham, Buckinghamshire. This process was finally completed in 1959, ending over 100 years of occupation and administration of the site by the charity. The LVBI also took the statue of Prince Albert with them.

Moreover, the roof to the chapel was never properly replaced following the bombing, only being given a temporary roof and not being properly restored. During this period, the interior of the chapel also became derelict.

TRANSITION INTO SOCIAL HOUSING

Following the LVBI’s decision to leave the Asylum, the property was sold to the

council in 1960.

It was at this point the site takes on its role as we know it today, with its wings becoming social housing.

With the transition of the site into local authority housing, it is at this time the Asylum received its modern day name ‘Caroline Gardens’.

The name is reportedly derived from Caroline Seckner, a former resident and widow of James Seckner, a veteran of the Battle of Trafalgar and said to have caught Nelson when he fell in battle in 1805.

DERELICTION OF THE CHAPEL

Whilst the rest of Caroline Gardens took on a new role providing much needed council homes with the creation of the welfare state, the chapel sadly remained dilapidated.

Several attempts were made by to find a purpose for the building. In 1960 it was suggested the chapel could be made into a theatre. Then in 1977, as part of the celebrations for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, inquiries were made about restoring the roof of the chapel. Both of these proposals came to nothing.

It was not until 1999 that a serious proposition was put forward to convert the

chapel into a community centre, gaining the support of local MP Harriet Harman and Baroness Blackstone, then the Minister for the Arts. However, this also came to nothing.

IT’S MODERN DAY RESTORATION

Finally, in 2010, the chapel was converted into a not-for-profit venue for art, theatre projects, exhibitions and photo shoots.

A licence was also attained for the buildings use for weddings and in 2013, a 12-year lease was taken in the name of Maverick Projects.

Consequently, the local authority took major steps in supporting the chapels future, and in 2018 it was awarded a large sum of funding from Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The money is being used to restore the roof and portico, which is still ongoing.

Today, the chapel remains a popular venue for couples looking to tie the knot. The research for this article was assisted by the Peckham Society. For any readers who are interested in reading up further on Peckham’s almhouses and various other historical sites, you can find a link for their book at peckhamheritage.org.uk/buy-ourbook/

History Events

EASTER BUNNY WONDERLAND AT CHARLTON HOUSE:

Charlton House and Gardens are hosting a magical Easter trail for all the family from Sunday 29 March to Sunday 12 April. The trail takes children down a ‘magical rabbit hole’ into Wonderland, where they need to find the rabbits nestled among the spring flowers. Once all the rabbits have been found, the kids need to figure out a puzzle to claim an Easter prize. There will also be Alice and Wonderland themed Easter activities, including face painting, seed planting, and a plant sale.

Dates: Sunday 29 March to Sunday 12 April

Time: 11am – 3pm

Location: Charlton House & Gardens, Charlton Road, Charlton, London, SE7 8RE Tickets: £3 per ticket, no booking required

classical music concerts at Charlton House every week

Date: Saturday 4 April. Time: 14:00 – 17:00

EASTER QUESTS AT ELTHAM PALACE

Eltham Palace are hosting Easter-themed activities for the duration of the Easter holidays (Saturday 28 March – Sunday 19 April). For just £2 per ticket, children can take part in an ‘Easter quest’, where they can hunt for eggs in the beautiful gardens of the palace. The quest will run every day throughout the school holidays and there is no need to book in advance.

Dates: Saturday 28 March – Sunday 19 April

Time: Various sessions between 10am – 5pm

Location: Eltham Palace and Gardens, Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, SE9 5NP

Ticket: £2 per ticket, no booking required

Every Tuesday at 1pm, Charlton House opens its doors for a free classical music concert. The performance is hosted in the Old Library by the Charlton House Concert Society in conjunction with The Royal College of Music and The Royal Academy of Music. The concert is completely free and operates on a first come, first seated basis. The next concert on 31 March features Monty Guo on violin, Jae Ming Kim Kang on cello, and Khrystyna Mykhailichenko on piano.

Date: Every Tuesday, next performance is 31 March. Time: 1pm

Location: Charlton House, Charlton Rd, London SE7 8RE

Tickets: Free, no booking required

The Chapel of St Peter and St Paul in the heart of historic Greenwich are relaunching their behind the scenes tour of Wren’s Dome, offering panoramic views of London. The behind the scenes tour takes visitors up a narrow, winding staircase (125 steps) to the top of the chapel. The dome is usually out of reach and will be opening for a short time only, with tours limited to 6 people at a time. Visitors are required to be physically fit in order to climb the 125 steps to the top and climb narrow wooden ladders. Wren’s dome was once used as a historic vantage point and was used to defend London during the Second World War. The Old Royal Naval College and surrounding buildings at the Royal Observatory were designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1696 and 1751. When designing the Greenwich site he originally proposed a single dome, however, Queen Mary was keen to preserve the view of the Queen’s House so he created a twin-domed solution still standing today. Wren also designed 51 City Churches, all with a unique spire on the top and the most famous dome he built was St.Paul’s Cathedral. Tickets for the tour include a gift pack, entry to the Painted Hall and the Discover Greenwich Museum.

Dates: From 3 April

Times: Tours at 11:30am or 1:30pm

Location: Chapel of St Peter & St Paul, Old Royal Naval College, London SE10 9NN

Tickets: £48 per ticket

https://ornc.org/whats-on/behind-the-scenes-secret-dome-tour/

William (Bill) Marshall

17th January 1942 – 30th March 1996 30 years have passed. You will never be forgotten, Dad. You had a heart full of love, and a kind and gentle soul. Lifelong CPFC supporter. You live on in us, your daughter and son, Mandy and Rick, your grandchildren and great grandchildren. Until we meet again ‘Our loss is Heaven’s gain’ Rest in Peace, Dad. Love you always.

Mervin John Victor Brailey

6th March 1943 – 30th March 2006

19 years ago our whole world fell apart. You’re always in our thoughts and forever in our hearts. We miss you more each passing day, life hasn’t been the same since you were called away

Love always Monica & Michelle

Birth

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In accordance with family and ancestral traditions, we warmly congratulate a women :Khrystyna, daughter of :Volodymyr and :Paraska of the house of :Ivaniuk, and a man :Roman, son of :Petro and :Olga of the house of :Khmil, on the freebirth of a living, live-born, whole, and healthy daughter of flesh and bones, endowed with soul and spirit, possessing the powers of Life, inalienable and full rights, which can never be abrogated, and as one of the people, stepping upon the Earth and developing in harmony with her family and community.

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With the given name :Vivienne, daughter of :Roman and :Khrystyna, of the house of :Khmil, she has been entered into the family Live Born Record, as a continuer of the House and its rightful heir.

Relatives congratulate the family.

Licensing Act 2003

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE

Name of applicant: Purley Sports Club Postal address of premises: The Ridge, Purley, CR8 3PF

Application Details: Provision of Live Music, Recorded Music, Performances of Dance: Sun-Thu 12:00 to 23:00 & Fri-Sat 18:00 to 00:00

Late Night Refreshment:

Thur 23:00 to 23:30 Fri & Sat 23:00 to 00:00

Supply of Alcohol (on-sales):

Mon to Wed 11:00 to 23:00

Thu 11:00 to 23:30 Fri to Sat 11:00 to 23:45

Sun 12:00 - 23:00

Full details of the application can be inspected on the licensing register, online at www.sutton.gov.uk or in person at the address given below.

Deadline for representations: 13th April 2026

Representations must be made in writing to the Licensing Authority by post: Licensing Team, London Borough of Sutton, Civic Offices, St Nicholas Way, Sutton SM1 1EA or by email: licensing@sutton.gov.uk

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

Notice of application for a Premises Licence.

Notice is hereby given that Thomas Blackmore has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Amrutha, 326 Garratt Lane, SW18 4EJ for sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises Monday –Thursday 18:00 – 22:30, Friday 12:30 – 23:00, Saturday – Sunday 11:00 – 23:00

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 14th April 2026 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk

The record of this application may be inspected Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays) by prior appointment at the offices of Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden,Surrey, SM4 5DX between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Information on all new and variation applications received by the Licensing Authority can be viewed on the Council’s website www.wandsworth.gov.uk

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

LICENSING ACT 2003 – APPLICATION FOR A NEW PREMISES LICENCE

An application has been made by: S&A Entertainment Ltd For the premises: Danson Park, Danson Rd, Bexleyheath DA6 8HL

On the date of: Friday 13th March 2026

Summary of the proposed licensable activities and the proposed hours of opening: This application is for Regulated Entertainment and Retail Sale of Alcohol at a family food festival, the event is to run on Saturday 23rd May 2026 and thereafter it will run on a consecutive Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 - 20:00 for one weekend each year between May – September.

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

Any person wishing to make representation about the application should make them in writing on or before the: Friday 10th April 2026

To: Licensing Partnership, Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG Email: licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The offence is punishable on summary conviction by a fine of any amount.

Notice is hereby given that JJ & TEAM LTD, Suite 201, Moda Business Centre, Stirling Way, Borehamwood, WD6 2BW has applied to Hammersmith & Fulham for the variation of a premises licence at Pizza Hut Delivery, 284/286 King Street, W6 0SP

The following variations are proposed: Provision of Late-Night Refreshment: Sunday to Thursday 00:30 – 01:00 Friday & Saturday 00:30 – 02:00

The licensable activities are: Delivery of pizza by aggregators such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

A register of licensing applications can be inspected at www.lbhf.gov.uk/licensing

Any person wishing to submit representations to our application must give notice in writing to the licensing authority at the web address above or to licensing@lbhf.gov.uk giving the grounds of objection by 22nd April 2026

It is an offence liable on conviction to a fine under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application.

LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ORDER

The Lewisham (Free Parking Places, Loading Places and Waiting, Loading and Stopping Restrictions) (Consolidation) (Amendment No *) Order 202*

The Lewisham (Charged for Parking Places) (Consolidation) (Amendment No *) Order 202*

1. NOTICE IS GIVEN The Council of the London Borough of Lewisham proposes to make the above Traffic Management Orders under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended).

2. The effect of these proposals will be to:- (a) introduce mandatory disabled on-street parking places in the locations specified and described in Schedule 1 to this Notice. Each parking place will be 6.6m in length and approximately 2m in width and, unless otherwise specified, will be on the carriageway; (b) revoke the disabled on-street parking place on the following lengths of roads without replacement: (i) Crofton Park Road –on the east side, across No.135/137; (ii) Rayford Avenue –on the west side, outside of No.16.

3. Where a new restriction has been proposed in this Notice, any existing restrictions will be replaced, unless otherwise specified.

4. Copies of the draft Order, plans and Statement of the Council’s Reasons for proposing to make the Order may be viewed either through the lewisham.traffweb.app website or obtained by emailing a request to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk quoting reference ‘PTO1109’.

5. Any objection or other representations relating to the proposed traffic orders and parallel crossing must be made in writing and all objections must specify the grounds on which they are made and must be emailed to: trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk or posted to Lewisham Transport Policy & Development, 4th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU, quoting reference PTO1109 to arrive by 24 April 2026. Any objection may be communicated to other persons who may be affected.

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

Schedule 1 (Disabled On-Street Parking Places)

1. Barriedale – on the west side, across No.100/102;

2. Brockley Rise – on the east side, outside of No.158;

3. Downham Way – on the south side, across No.50/52; 4. Elmer Road – on the north side, across No.60/62; 5. Farmfield Road – on the footway, adjacent to No.108; 6. Glenfarg Road – on the south side, across No.76/78; 7. Gordonbrock Road – partly on the footway, on the west side, outside of No.2; 8. Kilgour Road – partly on the footway, on the south side, outside of No.9; 9. Malpas Road – on the west side, across No.201/203; 10. Salehurst Road – on the east side, across No.83/85; 11. Vanguard Street – on the south side, across No.66/68.

Dated 27 March 2026.

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

Section 17 Licensing Act 2003: Application for a new Premises Licence I/WE: 69 YUMMY LIMITED Have Applied to: London Borough of Lambeth for a New Premises Licence for: Kaosarn, Unit 2 Granville Arcade Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PR Licensable activities and accompanying hours applied for are: Supply of Alcohol for On- and Off-Premises consumption: Mon-Sat (12:00-22:30), Sun (12:00-21:30). Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing of his/her representation by: 20.04.2026 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Licensing Team, Lambeth Council, PO Box 80771, London SW2 9QQ OR email: licensing@lambeth.gov.uk The application may be viewed in the Register held at the above offices or online on www.lambeth.gov.uk It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, for anyone 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 for the offence is unlimited.

Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence Balfour Beatty Group Ltd of West Service Road, Raynesway, Derby, DE21 7BG is applying to change an existing licence as follows: To add an operating centre to keep 4 goods vehicles and 2 trailers at Hither Green Depot, Manor Lane, Hither Green, London, SE12 0UA. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given

Transport for London Public Notice

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A3205 GLA ROAD (BATTERSEA PARK ROAD, LONDON BOROUGH OF WANDSWORTH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC) ORDER (NO.2) 2026

1. Transport for London hereby gives notice that it has made the above named Traffic Order under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specified in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable bus shelter installation works to take place at Battersea Park Road in the London Borough of Wandsworth.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from stopping in the Parking and Disabled Persons Vehicle Bay outside No.4 Battersea Park Road (Battersea Dogs and Cats Home).

The Order will be effective at certain times between 27th March 2026 and 27th April 2026 every night from 8.00 PM until 5.00 AM or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibition will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by traffic signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes;

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

Dated this 27th day of March 2026

Paul Matthews

Co-Ordination Manager, Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

LICENSING ACT 2003

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE

Premises: JBSF UK Funday, Norbury Park Pavillion, Green Lane, Norbury, SW16 3LZ

Notice is given that Josephine Williams has applied to Croydon Council for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003.

The proposed licensable activity is: The provision of regulated entertainment (i.e. the performance of live music and the playing of recorded music):

Sunday 26th July 2026 – 12:00 - 21:00

Proposed opening hours: Sunday 26th July 2026 – 12:00 - 21:00

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

Application details can be viewed at Access Croydon Reception, Bernard Weatherill House, between 9 a.m. & 3.45 p.m., Monday to Friday (except bank holidays), or online via www.croydon.gov.uk. If you wish to make any representations in relation to this application, please do so in writing, within 28 days from the 21st of March 2026, to: London Borough of Croydon, Streets & Environment Communities Department, Licensing Team, 3rd Floor, Zone B, Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon, CR0 1EA.

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

Notice of application for a Premises Licence.

Notice is hereby given that Academy Pantry Limited has applied to Wandsworth Council for a new premises licence at Royal Academy of Dance, 188 York Road, London, SW11 3JZ for Sale of Alcohol – On and Off the premises – Mon to Sun – 10:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs.

Any person who wishes to make a representation in relation to this application must give notice in writing by 20th April 2026 stating the grounds for making said representation to: Wandsworth Licensing Authority, Regulatory Services Partnership (Serving Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth Councils) Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5DX or by email: licensing@merton.gov.uk

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

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

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

Sunday; Provision of Late Night Refreshment (indoors and outdoors) from 23:00 until 02:00 Monday to Sunday; Opening hours are 08:00 until 02:30 Monday to Sunday. Please see the application for full details. Any representations regarding the above-mentioned application must be received in writing by Third Floor, Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, Brixton, London, SW2 1EG or licensing@lambeth.gov.uk no later than 16th April 2026 stating the grounds for representation.The register of Lambeth Council and the record of the application may be inspected at the address of the council, given above, during normal business hours or on the council’s website - www.lambeth.gov.uk. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. A person is liable to an unlimited fine on conviction should such a false statement be made. Poppleston Allen, 37 Stoney Street, The Lace Market, Nottingham, NG1 1LS

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

Notice Under The Town and Country Planning Acts

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

FUL – PLANNING PERMSSION

LB - LISTED BUILDING

VOC - VARIATION OF CONDITIONS

ADV – ADVERTISEMENT CONSENT

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

Box 80771, London, SW2 9QQ. Any comments made are open to inspection by the public and in the event of an appeal may be referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. Confidential comments cannot be taken into account in determining an application.

Application plans can be viewed online at www.lambeth.gov.uk/searchplanningapps – search using the reference number at the end of each application listing.

101 Lansdowne Way London SW8 2PB Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission ref. 24/03730/FUL (Erection of a single storey extension to the existing outbuilding at the rear of the garden, following removal of the existing shed; boundary wall to be built up to same height as the rear section of wall.), granted on 23/01/2025.

Variation sought:

To alter the wording of condition 2 to update the list of approved plans to reflect design changes. 26/00495/VOC

17 Moorland Road London SW9 8UA Replacement of two existing timber framed casement dormer windows on a like-for-like basis with single glazed timber framed casement windows, together with the carrying out of works to repair all other existing windows

(Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 26/00630/LB, but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 26/00629/FUL) 26/00630/LB

39-41 Coldharbour Lane London Lambeth SE5 9NR Increase in height of the roof to the rear single storey building and erection of ventilation duct above the roof to serve ventilation system proposed internally within the roof. 26/00798/FUL

1D Gibson Road London Lambeth SE11 6PU Removal and replacement of existing combustible cladding and external wall elements with new non-combustible and associated works. 26/00782/FUL

St Pauls Church Rectory Grove London Lambeth SW4 0DZ Partial demolition and rebuild of a section of boundary wall with a

154-166 Clapham High Street And 162 Stonhouse Street London SW4 Retrospective application for alteration to ground floor rear elevation involving the installation of one external electrical cupboard including 2 no. steel doorsets and repositioning of existing two louvres. 25/03807/FUL

BT InLink Outside Arch 64A Albert Embankment London Replacement of existing Street Hub Unit, including the display of 1x static internally illuminated double sided digital LCD screens (associated planning application: 26/00291/FUL). 26/00292/ADV 18-19 The Pavement London SW4 0HY Removal of Conditions 5 (Plans - Retail), 25 (Plans - Retail A1) Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans), 7 (Servicing, Delivery and Waste Management Plan), 10 (Venue Management Plan), 11 (Materials), 12 (fume extraction and filtration), 13 (Secured by Design), 14 (Cycle parking), 15 (refuse and recycling), 16 (hard and soft landscaping), 19 (plant equipment), and 21 (SuD) of planning permission 19/04012/VOC (Variation of condition 2 (Approved plans) of Planning Permission ref:

18/00019/FUL (Redevelopment of the site, involving demolition of the building and erection of a 4-storey building plus basement level to provide a restaurant (A3) and retail (A1) use at ground floor and basement level plus 4 flats with terraces on the upper floors (Use Class C3), together with provision cycle and refuse stores) granted 11.04.2022.

Variations sought:

Update conditions 11, 14, 16 and 21 to alter wordings to be following details approved by way of 24/03665/DET.

26/00838/VOC

246 Clapham Road London SW9 0PZ Replacement of existing windows with timber framed double glazed windows.

(Please note: The reference number for this Listed Building Consent application is 26/00542/LB, but there is also an associated application for Full Planning Permission related to these works with reference number: 26/00541/FUL) 26/00542/LB

The Southbank Centre Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX Display of internally illuminated totem sign to west elevation.

26/00855/LB

13 Aquinas Street London SE1 8AE Replacement of 5 existing sash windows with bespoke heritage slimline double glazing to front and rear elevations. 26/00865/LB

Rothesay Court Harleyford Street London SE11 5SU Erection of a wheel chair accessible lift enclosure connecting the existing staircase over four floors.

26/00382/FUL

58 Kirkstall Road London SW2 4HF Erection of rear and side dormers together with the installation of 2 rooflights to the front roof slope (to Flat B). 26/00856/FUL

6 Orlando Road London Lambeth SW4 0LF Erection of a single-storey ground floor side and rear infill extension and second floor rear extension. 26/00214/FUL

The Southbank Centre Belvedere Road London SE1 8XX Display of internally illuminated totem sign to west elevation.

26/00858/ADV

Dated this Friday 27th March 2026

Rob Bristow

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LICENSING ACT 2003

APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PREMISES LICENCE

Eyobe Yohanes has applied to the London Borough of Lambeth for the grant of a Premises Licence, in respect of the following premises: Yonas Kunespagna Restaurant Ltd, 55 Loughborough Road, London, SW9 7TB which would authorise the following licensable activities: Supply of alcohol - Sunday-Thursday 12:0000:00, Friday - Saturday 12:00- 02:00 Late night refreshment - Sunday-Thursday 23:00 - 00:00, Friday - Saturday 23:00- 02:00 Hours Premises are open to the public -SundayThursday 11:00 - 00:30, Friday - Saturday 11:0002:30

The record of this application may be inspected during normal office hours by an appointment at the Licensing Section, London Borough of Lambeth, 3rd floor Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill, London, SW2 1EG, or via the licensing authority’s website, at www.lambeth.gov.uk/licensing A responsible authority or any other person may make representation to the licensing authority in respect of this application.

Representations must be made in writing, either by post to the above address, or by email to licensing@lambeth.gov.uk and must be received no later than 20.04.2026

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with a licensing application, and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for that offence shall not exceed

5

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – BUCKLEIGH

ROAD, KEMPSHOTT ROAD AND GUILDERSFIELD ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out water utility repair and maintenance works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order, the effect of which will be to:

(a) temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding, waiting, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle or parking in those lengths of:

(i) Buckleigh Road, between outside the north-western boundary of No. 52 Kempshott Road, and outside the south-eastern boundary of No. 37 Kempshott Road; and (ii) Kempshott Road, between outside the common boundary of Nos. 35 and 35 Kempshott Road, and outside the common boundary of Nos. 37 and 39 Kempshott Road.

(b) temporarily prohibit vehicles from waiting, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle or parking in the lengths of Guildersfield Road, between outside and opposite No. 26 Guildersfield Road, and outside and opposite No. 51 Guildersfield Road:

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Guildersfield Road, A23 Streatham High Road, Greyhound Lane and Tankerville Road, and via Tankerville Road, Greyhound Lane, A23 Streatham High Road, Arragon Gardens, Ellison Road and Guildersfield Road.

3. The Order will come into force on 30 March 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 2 months, to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take 4 days to complete.

Dated 27 March 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – WEST ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out sewer connection works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order, the effect of which will be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of West Road between outside the south-western boundary of No. 18 West Road and outside the south-western boundary of Nos. 2 and 3 Mayfield Close.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles will be available via Park Hill Road, Clapham Park Road, and Northbourne Road, and vice versa.

3. The Order will come into force on 2 April 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 2 months, to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner.

Dated 27 March 2026

Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS – TRELAWN ROAD

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable Thames Water to carry out water mains replacement works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intends to make an Order, the effect of which would be to:

(a) temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding, waiting, including waiting for the purpose of loading and unloading a vehicle or parking in those lengths of Trelawn Road:

(i) Phase one: Trelawn Road between its junction with Effra Road and outside the common boundary of Nos. 23 and 25 Trelawn Road.

(ii) Phase two: Trelawn Road between outside the boundary of Nos. 23 and 25 Trelawn Road and outside the common boundary of Nos. 45 and 47 Trelawn Road.

(iii) Phase three: Trelawn Road between outside the boundary of Nos. 45 and 47 Trelawn Road and its junction with Morval Road.

(b) temporarily suspend the restriction on vehicles entering Trelawn Road from Effa Road.

2. The alternative route for affected vehicles would be available via Morval Road, Barnwell Road, Dalberg Road, Mervan Road, Effa Road and Trelawn Road. The alternative route for cyclists would be via Effra Road and Morval Road :

3. The Order would come into force on 13 April 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of 6 months, to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take 5 weeks to complete.

Dated 27 March 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

available via Casewick Road, Thornlaw Road and Knights Hill, or via Knights Hill, Wolfington Road and Casewick Road.

3. The Order would come into force on 30 March 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of one month, or until the works have been completed whichever is

–PEARMAN STREET

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable a crane operation to take place, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth has made an Order, the effect of which will be to: (a) temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding,

2.

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

4. The Order will come into force on 30 March 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of three months, to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take a total of 4 days to complete.

Dated 27 March 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

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

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, to enable telecommunications repair and maintenance works replacement works, the Council of the London Borough of Lambeth intends to make an Order, the effect of which would be to temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding in that length of Narbonne Avenue which lies between its junction with Abbeville Road and a point approximately 16 metres north-west of that junction.

2. Alternative routes for affected vehicles would be available via Klea Avenue, Hambalt Road and Abbeville Road, or via Abbeville Road, Shandon Road and Klea Avenue.

3. The Order would come into force on 13 April 2026 and continue in force for a maximum duration of one month, to allow for contingencies, or until the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. In practice, it is anticipated that the works will take three days to complete.

Dated 27 March 2026 Ben Stevens Highways Network Manager

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984

THE A205 GLA ROAD (VARIOUS ROADS, LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF TRAFFIC AND STOPPING) ORDER 2026

1. Transport for London in consultation with the London Borough of Lewisham hereby gives notice that it has made the above named Traffic Order under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose specified in paragraph 2. The effect of the Order is summarised in paragraph 3.

2. The purpose of the Order is to enable light columns replacement works to take place at A205 South Circular Road.

3. The effect of the Order will be to prohibit any vehicle from:

(1) stopping on Westhorne Avenue between its junctions with Baring Road and Sidcup Road;

(2) stopping on St Mildreds Road between its junctions with Verdant Lane and Baring Road;

(3) stopping on Brownhill Road between its junctions with Rushey Green and Verdant Lane;

(4) entering or proceeding in an easterly direction on Brownhill Road at its junction with Plassey Road;

(5) stopping on Catford Road between its junctions with Thomas Lane and Canadian Avenue;

(6) stopping on Plassy Road between its junctions with Brownhill Road and Sangley Road;

(7) stopping on Sangley Road between its junctions with Plassy Road and Rushey Green;

(8) stopping on Lordship Lane and London Road between their junctions with Highwood Close and Park Hill;

(9) stopping on Rushy Green Road between its junctions with Sangley Road and Brownhill Road;

(10) entering Sangley Road eastbound at its junction with Plassy Road;

(11) entering or proceeding in a westerly direction on Sangley Road between its junction with Shorndean Road and No.44 Sangley Road, local access will be maintained from its junction with Shoredean Street and the extended western building line of 21c Sangley Road;

(12) proceeding in an easterly direction on Lordship Lane at its junction with Sydenham Hill;

(13) stopping in the parking and disabled persons’ vehicle bay on Laleham Road at the side of No.94 Brownhill Road at the side of No.114 Brownhill Road

The Order will also:

(14) permit buses to turn left into Brownhill Road from either arm of Torridon Road.

(15) permit all vehicles to use the westbound bus lane on London Road between its junctions with Eliot Bank and Sydenham Hill;

(16) permit all vehicles to use the eastbound bus lane on Catford Road between its junctions with Catford Broadway and Rushey Green.

The Order will be effective at certain times between 29th March 2026 and 28th September 2026 every night between 9.00 PM and 5.00 AM or when the works have been completed whichever is the sooner. The prohibitions will apply only during such times and to such extent as shall from time to time be indicated by traffic signs.

4. The prohibitions will not apply in respect of:

(1) any vehicle being used for the purposes of those works or for fire brigade, ambulance or police purposes;

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

5. At such times as the prohibitions are force alternative routes will be indicated by traffic signs for access to Sangley Road westbound via Shoredean Street, Engleheart Road, Bowness Road and Plassey Road to normal route of travel. for access to Sangley Road eastbound via Plassy Road, Bowness Road and Engleheart Road to normal route of travel. for eastbound traffic on Brownhill Road via, Plassy Road, Bromley Road, Downham Way and Baring Road to normal route of travel. for eastbound vehicles under 7.5 tonnes M.G.W. on Lordship Lane via Sydenham Hill and Sydenham Rise to normal route of travel. for eastbound vehicles over 7.5 tonnes M.G.W. on Lordship Lane via Sydenham Hill, Kirkdale and Dartmouth Road to normal route of travel.

Dated this 27th day of March 2026

Andrew Ulph

Co-Ordination Manager, Transport for London Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

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Join over 150,000 USERS to find out who’s applying for what and where in your community.

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publicnoticeportal.uk

We are thrilled to be presenting our inaugural exhibition in the new Gallery space No 20 North Cross Road East Dulwich SE22 9EU and welcome you all to experience one of the country’s leading contemporary figurative oil painters, Ray Richardson, in his latest solo show ‘London Diamond’.

The artist will be present on the opening night. Plus, two further dates during the show 20th March for a Q&A with the artist and a public engagement screen-printing day hosted by Ben Oakley & the fantastic Carolyn Nicoll Thames-Side Print Studio on Saturday 28th March 12:30 -4:00pm.

Opening Drinks Reception Thursday 12th March 7- 9:30pm Sponsored by Local brewery Three Hounds Beer Co.

RSVP info@benoakleygallery.com Exhibition continues until the 5th April.

Please sign up for our monthly Newsletter and be the first to hear who’s next in the gallery.

We are taking part in this year’s Dulwich Festival Artists Open House 8-17th May.

We look forward to creating a new vibrant art loving community together.

By John Kelly

DULWICH

HAMLET boss Mark

Dacey says he will use the rest of the league season to assess who deserves new deals with a number of the squad are playing for their futures.

The Hamlet were beaten 1-0 by Billericay Town in the Isthmian League Premier Division last weekend. Elliott Long scored the only goal of the game in the 32nd minute in front of an attendance of 3,097 in Champion Hill.

Dulwich are set for a mid-table finish but are in the semi-finals of the London Senior Cup against Leyton Orient at Champion Hill on March 31.

The Hamlet will aim to rebuild to challenge for promotion to National League South in their fourth season back in Step 3 in 2026-27.

Dacey was asked if the last weeks of the season were a chance for players to show they deserve contracts for next season.

“One hundred per cent,” he replied. “Because if you can’t perform against the teams that, with the utmost respect, have been near the bottom most of the season then we can’t ask you to be part of a team that we want to challenge over the next couple of years.

“That’s really starting from now. It is very much players playing for heir positions. We spoke to them about it a couple of weeks ago. Not in a threatening manner. It’s prove that you want to be here. You have to show some impact on us being able to kick on from wherever we finish this year, progressing year on year to where we want to be so that when the

HAMLET CONTRACTS ON LINE

Mid-table finish

beckons - but boss assessing squad ahead of next season

new stadium opens we’re either where we want to be in Step 2 or not a million miles off it.

“It’s a massive five weeks [until the end of the season] of seeing where we are at.

The table doesn’t lie at the end of April.

Like I said to the boys, if you go and win the majority of games and lift the London Senior Cup, in retrospect if you had offered us that at the start of the season we would have bitten your hand off.

Aly-ing fortunes for Lionesses - but Den awaits

By John Kelly

MILLWALL LIONESSES went down to a 4-1 defeat to Aylesford in the L&SERWFL Premier Division last weekend.

Gabby Buddle-Smith gave the visitors the lead in the seventh minute but that was as good as it got for Ted Jones’s side.

Juliette Blyghton, Gabriella Hawkins,

Rebecca Keyte and Emma Healy were on target for the hosts.

Millwall lost Mia lockett to a straight red card ten minutes into the second half.

The Lionesses will be hoping to put on a better show when they host Sutton United at The Den this Sunday at 1.30pm. A big crowd is expected and tickets are available online at: www.eticketing.co.uk/millwallfc/

“We’ll see how we go.”

Dulwich went close against playoff contenders Billericay when Luke Wanadio hit the woodwork and Danny Mills couldn’t profit from the rebound.

“It was an enjoyable one to manage,” Dacey said. “I can see why they have pushed themselves into the play-offs. [Manager] Danny [Scopes] has had a massive improvement from when he first went in.

“But they took their chance and we didn’t. They hit the post but we hit the crossbar. We’ve had a number of opportunities. We just need to be more greedy. We’re trying o make too many passes. I said to them at half-time we’re not prime 2012 Barcelona.

“I’m disappointed there were 3,000plus here and they haven’t seen us score, but there were aspects of the performance that I was happy with.

“It’s been the story of our season. I guess that will come down to me, not having that killer instinct. But we also have more than enough quality to put the ball in the back of the net, but it seems players find a bit of rhythm and then they get injured. “It just needs people to be brave and make runs into the box or pull the trigger. It was just one too many passes and in the end you end up not creating as much as we should do.”

Surrey re-sign Aussie all-rounder

By Sports Reporter

SURREY’S DIRECTOR of cricket

Alec Stewart believes Sean Abbott “will fit straight back in” as the Australian all-rounder returns for his fourth spell at the club this summer.

Abbott, who played for the club in 2021, 2023 and 2024, is available to play in the Rothesay County Championship and Vitality Blast. His fourth stint with the club starts with the Easter weekend Championship trip to Warwickshire and ends after the conclusion of the Vitality Blast in July.

The 33-year-old has excelled across both red ball and T20 for Surrey, taking 49 County Championship wickets at an average of 25.73. Abbott has also added crucial runs in the lower middle order, amassing 614 runs at an impressive average of 38.37.

In T20 cricket, Abbott has taken 25 Vitality Blast wickets and scored 221 runs for the club including the famous record-equalling 34-ball century against the Kent Spitfires at the Kia Oval in 2023.

Abbott has played over 50 white-ball matches for Australia and featured in multiple franchise competitions around the world. He has the most wickets in Big Bash League history with 186.

“The opportunity to rejoin Surrey for the 2026 season was a no brainer for me. The club has become a real home away from home,” Abbott said.

“The dressing room environment is one of the best I’ve experienced in my career and I’m looking forward to linking up with the group once more.

“I can’t wait to walk out at the Kia Oval wearing the Three Feathers once again and help push the group for more success this summer.”

Stewart added: “We look forward to Sean rejoining us back at the Kia Oval.

“His qualities as a cricketer speak for themselves and have no doubts he will fit straight back into the dressing room.”

By John Kelly

FISHER CREATED their own fourtune with another thumping win at St Paul’s as they strengthened their SCEFL Premier division play-of chances.

This time Kennington were the victims and it was the seventh time in their last ten games the Fish had scored four goals or more. They have now racked up 66 in 29 league games.

Tom Jones scored twice in the second half after Armani Jordan Martin’s seventh-minute opener before Lorenzo Duncan rounded off the scoring nine minutes from time with his 21st goal of the season in the

Ajay Ashanike’s hosts missed a raft of chances in the first half and were ruing them them when the appropriately named Tom Fisher equalised early in the second half.

The hosts wasted little time going back ahead as from their next attack Jones gained possession wide on the right before cutting inside beating two defenders and then sending a curling left-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Joe Mant into the far corner.

With thirteen minutes left, Alex Kozak and Duncan combined down the left and after the latter was tripped inside the box, Jones converted from the penalty spot.

Duncan added the final flourish when he beat a number of tackles before firing into corner.

Fisher could have scored five goals in a game for a third time this month only for substitute Chibueze Echem to have his penalty saved by Mant after Rafael Garcia had been fouled.

The Fish are second in the table behind the only automatic promotion spot, occupied by already-crowned champions Whitstable Town, with nine points to spare over sixth-placed Rusthall just outside the play-off spots. Fisher can extend their lead over fourth-pace Bearsted to nine points with a win at Honey Lane (ME15 8RG) this Saturday (3pm).

By John Kelly

NATHAN JONES said the referee made some “unacceptable decisions” in Charlton Athletic’s 1-0 defeat to resurgent Norwich City at The Valley last weekend.

Pelle Mattsson curled past Will Mannion in the fifth minute as the Canaries won their tenth game out of their last thirteen and handed the Addicks a seventh Championship defeat at home this season.

The hosts’ Kayne Ramsay hit the bar with a header and Sonny Carey just missed the target in added-time.

Charlton were aggrieved as they felt Lloyd Jones was fouled inside the box by Ruairi McConville in the 65th minute only for referee Will Finnie to wave away appeals.

Charlton are eighteenth in the table, nine points above the relegation zone with

seven games left.

“There were some unacceptable decisions today in that game that I’ve gone in and seen the referee about,” Jones said.

“You can’t say anything because you get yourself in trouble, but there are some decisions in there which I feel were unfathomable.

“The ball’s up in the air and the guy just pulls Lloyd to the ground. I’s a penalty. It’s a free-kick everywhere else on the pitch.

“But we conceded a poor goal that we have to learn from, we had enough opportunities that we had to take, then we don’t lose the game, but there are some decisions out of our control that we feel let down by.”

Charlton had thirteen attempts on goal but only two on target. Norwich took their chance and have gone from 23rd to tenth in the table since Philippe Clement replaced the sacked Liam Manning in

ADDICKS BOSS RUES ‘UNFATHOMABLE’ REF JUSTICE

November.

“They are a very, very good side, but I thought it was a pretty even game,” Jones said.

“We were aggressive, we went after them. We conceded a goal which I’m really disappointed about because it’s a themed goal - we concede that type of goal when we drop into the box and allow shots from the edge of the box.

“We’ve done that because we think it’s a safe haven, so we’ll debrief that and learn from that and we’ll show them again, because it has been a theme.

“Then we needed to demonstrate more quality in the final third, because we’ve had enough situations. We’ve hit the bar, we’ve sliced at shots, we haven’t found the pass - when other teams have those situations they score and punish you.

“We are front-footed and aggressive, but we have to show a bit of guile and quality,

Charlton edged out by resurgent Canaries

and we didn’t do that, but we can learn from it.”

Charlton goalkeeper Mannion has only conceded three goals in his last five games.

He was pleased with the side’s defensive work but acknowledged they didn’t do enough in attack.

"It’s a disappointing result. I thought we were good in spells in the game. I thought we defended well, it was just that final thing with putting the ball in the goal, but we are disappointed to not take anything away," Mannion said.

"We know the level that they are at, we know how their form has been in the last couple of months, so we knew it was going to be a tough game.

"I thought we defended brilliantly for a lot of the game, they were sharp on the counter, which we knew.

"The goal was disappointing, especially with a shot from outside the box. It kills

the momentum. I thought we started the game well [but] going behind it is always difficult."

The Addicks are in a strong position to retain their Championship status in their first season back in the second tier in five years.

Mannion added: "We have to remember we are in a good position, we are trying to focus on ourselves, we’ve had some good performances the last couple of weeks so we are trying to take that into the rest of the season.

"The goalkeeping dynamic has been great, I have just had to stay ready and be patient.

“It's a fantastic group, what we did last season was amazing. The Valley is a great place to play when it is rocking."

Charlton return to action after the international break against Bristol City on Friday, April 3.

Blues boss ‘hurt’ but seeing ‘bigger picture’ in Euro hunt

By Paul Green at Stamford Bridge

LIAM ROSENIOR believes the international break has come at a welcome moment for his out-ofsorts Chelsea side.

The Blues have crashed to four straight defeats in all competitions, the latest setback coming in Saturday’s 3-0 humbling at Everton hot on the heels of the midweek Champions League exit against Paris Saint Germain.

Chelsea won’t be in action again until Easter Saturday when they host League One minnows Port Vale in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Under-fire Rosenior went to acknowledge the away fans at the final whistle on Merseyside, although many

had long since departed once Iliman Ndiaye completed the scoring on 76 minutes following an earlier brace from Beto.

“They pay their money, they love this club and they’ve come a long way,” the SW6 boss said.

“It is a disappointing time for the club at the moment in terms of the way we lost in the Champions League and the way we’ve lost the last two [Premier League] games.

“[In] my job it hurts, regardless of the position, it hurts to lose games of football. In terms of moving forward, having this time [now] is to look at the bigger picture.

“We are one point away from the Champions League position.

“We need to keep working in this way, we need to keep giving the players as much confidence as possible and hopefully this break of games now for us comes at a really, really good moment.”

Despite trying to see the bigger picture, Rosenior also accepted what Chelsea produced on their first-ever visit to the Toffees’ brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium was simply not acceptable.

He said: “It was the most disappointing evening so far in terms of what we’ve spoken about: not gifting goals away, making sure we are in the game, getting control of the game - it wasn’t there.

“And it turned into a really, really difficult evening where the result and

performance was nowhere near what we expected of our team.”

Rosenior added: “We arrived into the final third a lot. We had an edgy start in terms of cheap giveaways that we gave away.

“Then we managed to gain control of the game and were in their half. We were arriving and creating moments, which we don’t take, we weren’t clinical enough.

“Then out of nowhere, it feels like out of nowhere, they score. And it’s not the first time that’s happened.

“And what happens in football if you are in a run with a difficult run of games against big teams, your energy levels and your confidence levels can drop if the other team scores first. That’s what

happened.”

Chelsea responded well to going behind to Beto’s 33rd-minute opener and came close to going in level at the break when Enzo Fernandez’s volley was somehow kept out by Jordan Pickford.

But opposite number Robert Sanchez was at fault for Beto’s second in the 62nd minute, a goal which effectively ended the contest.

Rosenior said: “Pickford makes a world-class save at 1-0 and then we come out in the second half, have control of the game and then we make a mistake and they are 2-0 up.

“It gives them even more energy. It is about flow and momentum, and we didn’t have that in the game today.”

© Keith Gillard

Bromley survive early scare - as Colchester boss pays tribute to hosts RAVENS HITCH KAB RIDE TO GO FIVE CLEAR

By John Kelly

BROMLEY SURVIVED an early onslaught from Colchester United at Hayes Lane before Nicke Kabamba scored his twelfth League Two goal of the season to extend the Ravens’ unbeaten run to 21 games and edge them closer to automatic promotion.

Andy Woodman’s side hadn’t lost when Kabamba scored - winning seven games and drawing four - and the striker finished from close range in the 73rd minute to send the hosts five points clear of second-place Milton Keynes, who lost 3-1 at home to Barnet.

Bromley goalkeeper Grant Smith denied Kane Vincent-Young and Harry Anderson before Arthur Read’s attempt was cleared off the line and Kyrece Lisbie hit the post with his follow-up.

Bromley improved after the break and U’s goalkeeper Matt Macey superbly denied Kabamba. Ashley Charles was then denied an opener when he volleyed against the crossbar.

Marcus Dinanga was next to be foiled by Macey before at the other end Idris Odutayo cleared off the line.

Kabamba tested Macey again with 20 minutes left but he wasn’t to be denied minutes later.

Bromley are nine points clear of Notts County in fourth but with a game more played.

“It was a tough game, wasn’t it? The first 20 minutes, we were struggling a little bit,” Woodman said.

“I’ve got to say credit to Colchester, they caused us a few problems in that period.

“We caused our own problems as well and it was really a case of just trying to get to half-time.

“That said, I thought the last fifteen minutes of the first half, we started to get equipped with the game. Ashley had that shot that hit the bar and we had a few chances.

“But we just lacked a little bit of composure at the right moments –that was all that was lacking for me and maybe just a little bit of intensity.

“I think that comes from no one wanting to make a mistake or jump out of their slot to get past.

Bromley celebrate another three points in promotion race

“Second half, we were a lot braver and it then turned into a little bit of a basketball match which worries me because that’s not really what we want, particularly when we’re at home and there was some big blocks and big tackles and big challenges being made, which I expect us to make by the way.

“Then I thought we were good for it and that there was only one team.

“Matt Macey made a really good save, we rattled the bar and we had a couple of other chances but it’s a clean sheet and a really important three points and it keeps this unbeaten run going

and that’s the most important thing.

“Games are going to be scrappy, games are going to be tight and there’s going to be moments and teams are going to have moments.

“I’m sure their manager will say they were the better team, blah blah blah, I can’t believe we lost, blah blah blah – we’ve had a lot of people say that because we’re top of the table, so we must be doing something right.”

Colchester boss Danny Cowley believes his side can learn from Bromley. The U’s are nine points off the top seven.

Triple injury blow in Dons stalemate

By Patrick Fanning

JOHNNIE JACKSON said AFC

Wimbledon should have beaten Peterborough United after the sides drew 1-1 at Plough Lane -with the Dons still having fears of being pulled into a relegation battle following a third game without a win.

Wimbledon captain Ryan Johnson gave his side a 43rd-minute lead before Jimmy-Jay Morgan's levelled on 68 minutes.

The Dons are eight points above the relegation zone after losing Matty Stevens and Myles Hippolyte to injury

in the first half and Marcus Browne at the break.

“Could have won it, should have won it,” Jackson said. “I think we deserve to win the game by the momentum of it, how it went, the flow of it. A great game to watch.

“For anyone here, for a neutral, you just want that last bit, don't you? What I think the performance deserved was a winner. And we've done everything to try and get it.

“What a performance against a really good team. And, you know, earlier in the season, we had probably one of our toughest days against them, and today I thought we dominated, and were

excellent throughout, nullified a lot of their threats and really took the game to them.

“That performance deserves more. But I'm so, so proud of the boys and what they're giving out on the pitch because they're giving absolutely everything. We had to do it the hard way.

“Losing three players to injury in one half of football is going to be tough for any team. So to react the way that we did in the second half and continue to push and go for it - I can't ask any more of them.”

Wimbledon face promotion-chasing Stockport County at Edgeley Park on Saturday (3pm).

“I think we understand where we’re at. We know what we need to do,” Cowley said.

“We would be very sensible to look at Bromley and some of the things that they do and some of the qualities that they have, because we all know that in this life, success leaves clues.

“I think it would be really good to look at some of those clues and definitely take some learning from it and come back stronger as a group, stronger as a team and stronger as a football club because next year, we want this to be us.

“This year, it’ll obviously be really tough now for us to get what we wanted.

“We always knew it was going to be challenging.

“This year, it’s been a real challenge for us to get our best players on the pitch together.

“We need to finish strong for sure, keep going right to the end because we don’t know any other way.

“We will fight right to the end, I can promise you that.

Bromley travel to basement side Barrow this Saturday (3pm).

R’s em-brace challenge

By Shane Stapleton

THREE QUEENS Park Rangers players scored braces in the Hoops’ 6-1 win over relegation candidates Portsmouth at Loftus Road last weekend.

Paul Smyth bagged a double either side of a long-range goal from Rayan Kolli.

John Swift pulled a goal back before half-time but Kolli scored early in the second half and Richard Kone netted twice in two minutes late on.

"It was not our best offensive collective performance. I think we have had some better games

collectively since the start of the season, but it was really, really clinical,” QPR boss Julien Stephan said.

"The first three shots, in fact, were three goals, which completely changed the momentum of the game and the balance of power, giving a lot of confidence, even if they managed to score once before half-time.

"But we restarted very well in the second half with the willingness to continue to attack and to score more goals."

QPR are set for a mid-table finish and are next in action at home to Watford on April 3.

‘HUGE OVERACHIEVEMENT’

Neil says side have exceeded preseason expectations - but warns there is still work to do

EXCLUSIVE

By Will Scott

ALEX NEIL says Millwall’s position in the top-two race represents a “huge overachievement” based on pre-season expectations, but warned there is still a long way to go.

The Lions were tipped by many to compete for the play-offs this season after missing the top six by two points last term, but exceeded those expectations and now sit just two points off second-placed Middlesbrough and six points ahead of seventh-placed Wrexham.

Neil’s side have been a fixture in the top six since mid-October, but have kicked on since the New Year, winning nine of their past thirteen games.

That run of form has put them firmly in the hunt for automatic promotion alongside Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town, with whom they drew 1-1 last weekend.

The Lions have a two-week break before a trip to the Riverside Stadium, where a win would lift them above Boro into second.

“The fact that we’re even in the conversation for the top two just shows how well the squad’s done,” Neil told this paper.

“We’ve seven games to go. I’m pretty certain that if anybody said at the start of the season we’d be discussing the fact that we’re one game away from potentially being in the top two, then that’d be a huge overachievement.

“When I say overachieving, what I mean is I don’t think that anybody in their wildest dreams was talking about us at the start of the season being considered for potentially top two. I don’t think that was even a talking point. I wasn’t meaning it in terms of us having a good season, I was meaning in terms of the state of play as it stands right now.

“Last year we missed out on the playoffs. Our aim was to try and go one better. There is still a lot of football to be played.

“We’re certainly not counting our chickens or taking anything for granted. We’ve got a lot of work to do.

“There are a lot of big games coming up. There’s going to be a few twists and turns. There’ll be bits where we’re delighted. There’s going to be a few bits where we’re disappointed.

“But that’s just the nature of the runin. These next seven games, that’s when the run-in really starts.”

“As far as we are concerned, we just need to try and stay the course now. We just need to make sure we stay focused and we put everything into each game.

“Whatever the emotions out of those games, whether it be elation or whether it be badly disappointing, we just need to overcome it and get on with the next one.”

Neil has previous experience of runins, having guided Hamilton Academical, Norwich City and Sunderland to the play-offs earlier in his career and coming close with Preston North End on a few occasions.

The Scottish head coach was asked if that experience helps.

“Yeah, to a certain extent,” Neil said.

“I still think that the games will be different. You’re competing against different sides, you’re competing against different coaches.

“Trying to keep everybody fit and available is going to be vitally important because these are big games where you really can’t afford to be light on the ground as far as personnel is concerned.

We’re going to make huge efforts to keep that availability.

“It’s defined on small margins, isn’t it?

If you look at the game at the weekend, an inch lower and we’d probably come away with three points, and we’d be even more pleased than we are. That just shows the margins at this level and what it takes to win games.”

Blues to back under-fire boss

By Will Scott

CHELSEA ARE prepared to back under-pressure head coach Liam Rosenior - even if he fails to lead the Blues to the Champions League next season.

Rosenior was hired from Strasbourg after Club World Cup winning boss Enzo Maresca left Stamford Bridge in January and the former Fulham defender initially made a positive impact.

Rosenior won his first four Premier League games in charge but has only one win in his last six. There were boos from the away fans after the 3-0 defeat at Everton last weekend.

Chelsea were knocked out of the EFL Cup semi-finals by Arsenal before suffering a humiliating 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the last sixteen of the Champions League.

Rosenior was mocked online for giving Alejandro Garnacho a note with tactical instructions with the side 3-0 down with three minutes left in the second leg at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are currently sixth in the league, a point off the Champions League spots, and are favourites to go through to the FA Cup semi-finals as they face Port Vale at home in the last eight.

The Telegraph has reported that the Blues board want to give Rosenior time to imprint his vision on the squad and intend not to review his position until the summer of 2027. There is potentially another problem brewing for Rosenior after £106million midfielder Enzo Fernandez expressed doubts whether he would be at the club next season.

"I don't know,” he told ESPN after the defeat to PSG. “My focus is here for now. We have eight Premier League matches to play and the FA Cup. Then, the World Cup is coming up, so we'll see after that."