Southwark Council has launched a consultation on a major redesign of Lower Road potentially ending a year of congestion chaos The proposals include removing parking bays to introduce a second lane of traffic between Redriff Road and Plough Way as well as changes to the layout of Cope Street In a document sent to residents and local businesses the council conceded that since the scheme opened last year “congestion has increased in the area and will continue to do if not addressed.”  The road in Rotherhithe has been a scene of near-permanent congestion ever since Southwark Council and TfL installed the new cycleway last year Since construction began drivers coming from multiple directions have been funnelled into a single lane of traffic Last year, the News exclusively revealed that collisions had almost tripled since the cycleway was installed The consultation will run from the 1 – 29 May and there will be a drop in Rotherhithe Ward Forum on 7th May at Canada Water Library from 5.45pm-7.45pm where residents will be able to see the proposals and comment or raise concerns Labour Rotherhithe ward councillor Bethan Roberts said: “Congestion on Lower Road has been a concern for many of our residents and as your local Labour councillors we have continued to press the case for change.  “We are pleased that the council have listened to the concerns of local residents and businesses and have engaged with us as ward councillors to look at a practical solution to help ease traffic congestion.” However Liberal Democrat councillor Adam Hood who represents Surrey Docks ward and has been campaigning on behalf of residents and businesses facing unbearable traffic issues for over a year has slammed the council for getting it so wrong in the first place We'll never send you spam or share your email address Find out more in our Privacy Policy and website in this browser for the next time I comment Please enter your username or email address to reset your password Rotherhithe politicians have hit out at the Met after it moved local police to a station in central London – a good 45-minute walk away from the area Since the Met closed its office in Seven Islands Leisure Centre in Rotherhithe at the end of March bobbies covering the area have been based three miles away at Southwark Police Station on Borough High Street Local politicians claim senior officers were offered the opportunity to open a temporary hub in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre but snubbed the idea Delays in finding an alternative site for local officers mean Rotherhithe has now been left without a fixed police base for the first time in over 60 years Local Labour councillor Stephanie Cryan said the time it took officers to reach Rotherhithe from Southwark Police Station meant the area was losing up to an hour and a half of ‘on the beat’ policing every day She said: “If [the police] were based more centrally [locally] The message it gives to the community in Rotherhithe is ‘you are not very important’ there has been an offer of a dedicated police base But my worry is that when the police get used to being out of the area We see crime happening and there has been an increase in phone snatching in Canada Water people should still be reporting it to 999 We want the police to know we want them to come back; we want local police and we want them to be here as much as they can be.” Fellow Rotherhithe councillor Kath Whittam added: “With the explosion in the number of people living in the area there’s a lot more crime happening and the police need to be here I think they were quite surprised about the level of concern from the local community at first but I think they are starting to understand.” Rotherhithe’s former police station on Lower Road shut down in 2017 Surrey Docks and South Bermondsey moved to a space within Seven Islands Leisure Centre then-Inspector Jim Cole of Southwark Police said cash saved from the sale of Rotherhithe Police Station would go ‘towards keeping officers equipped with modern technology allowing them to spend more time working in the local community’ Seven Islands Leisure Centre is due to close later this year following the opening of the new Canada Water Leisure Centre A petition set-up by local Labour councillors calling on the Met to retain a police base in Rotherhithe has gained over 550 signatures Liberal Democrat councillor for Surrey Docks has suggested using Canada Water Library as a temporary base who met with the Met last week to speak about the issue described his conversation with senior officers as ‘disappointing’ said: “The superintendent responsible for ensuring the local team have local space revealed complete ineptness frankly the officer didn’t know the timetable for moving the local team and had done zero preparation had examined no other sites until compelled to and did not even know when the permanent new base might be available under the Canada Water Masterplan developments “I have raised these problems with the new borough commander and am awaiting her response The police are committed to a new local base and subsequent discussions have stressed the need to move faster in finding an alternative to Seven Islands until a permanent space might be available.” A Met spokesman said: “Residents should be reassured that the Met continues to police Rotherhithe Emergency response officers are not affected by the move and neighbourhood officers continue to police their wards We remain committed to working with our partners in Southwark council to secure an alternative location.” Pictured top: Rotherhithe councillors Stephanie Cryan and Kath Whittam want the Met to reopen a police office in Rotherhithe as soon as possible (Picture: LDRS/Robert Firth) Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" where the Uber-Boat by Thames Clippers goes from has closed today ‘until further notice’ with extra services running from Greenland Pier to Canary Wharf every half an hour A new pier is being built at the Rotherhithe end and the one at Canary Wharf is being upgraded to support a new electric cross-river passenger ferry due to launch some time in the spring arrived on the river on March 6 and is being performance-tested before it begins ferrying customers in a couple of months the service will cross the river every ten minutes on weekdays and every fifteen minutes at weekends The price of a ticket will remain unchanged at £4.10 The pier is expected to be out of service for five weeks but this is ‘subject to change’ and dates will be confirmed in the coming weeks Neil Coyle timing the route aboard the C10 bus Rotherhithe’s neighbourhood police officers now have to take the C10 bus to get to their beat after the Met lost their base at Seven Islands Leisure Centre last month Local officers were asked to leave their hub in the leisure centre on March 26th by Southwark Council which has been earmarked for council homes.     But despite being given 12 months’ notice of the council’s plans to re-develop the leisure centre the force ‘failed to prepare’ for its closure and officers are now based some three miles away at Southwark Police Station on Borough High Street.   Neighbourhood policing teams do not usually travel by police cars meaning officers now have to travel to their beat by bike or on the bus – that’s the C10 or 188 routes MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark asked us to join him recently aboard the C10 to time the route between Borough High Street and Rotherhithe on what was a surprisingly quiet morning for traffic – it took just over 22 minutes Coyle says according to the Met’s own regulations neighbourhood officers need to be no more than 20 minutes away from their beat He has accused the superintendent in charge of the local team of “ineptness” adding he had done “zero preparation” in advance of the leisure centre’s closure Politicians from both Labour and the Liberal Democrats have hit out at the Met saying it takes over 45-minutes to walk the three miles from Southwark Police Station on Borough High Street to Rotherhithe Local politicians are claiming senior officers were offered the opportunity to open a temporary hub in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre but snubbed the idea Labour councillor for Rotherhithe Stephanie Cryan said the time it took officers to reach Rotherhithe from Southwark Police Station meant the area was losing up to an hour and a half of ‘on the beat’ policing every day I think they were quite surprised about the level of concern from the local community at first [but] I think they are starting to understand.” has suggested using Canada Water Library as a temporary base as Surrey Quays Shopping Centre is also due to be demolished Yet although the Met claim they are willing to maintain a local presence they told the News in March that a “suitable location” had not been found.  Labour councillors in Rotherhithe have launched a petition to save the local police hub which has received more than 550 signatures so far Rotherhithe’s former police station on Lower Road shut down in 2017 and staff covering Rotherhithe Surrey Docks and South Bermondsey moved to the space within Seven Islands Leisure Centre It meant Walworth was and is the only police station in the borough to have a front counter open 24 hours a day MP Neil Coyle said: “The superintendent responsible for ensuring the local team have local space revealed complete ineptness frankly The 27,000-strong population of Rotherhithe and Surrey Docks is expected to increase dramatically with the construction of the Canada Water masterplan – double by some estimates with accompanying concerns that this could lead to a spike in crime.  The move to the former Southwark station on Borough High Street places into sharp focus the future of a new police hub originally promised by British Land when the Canada Water Masterplan was approved but which ultimately must be decided by the police “I have raised these problems with the new borough commander and am awaiting her response,” Mr Coyle added “The police are committed to a new local base and subsequent discussions have stressed the need to move faster in finding an alternative to Seven Islands until [a] permanent space might be available.” A Met Police spokesperson said: “We dispute these claims – residents should be reassured that the Met continues to police Rotherhithe.  “Emergency response officers are not affected by the move and neighbourhood officers continue to police their wards.  “We remain committed to working with our partners in Southwark Local Authority to secure an alternative location and we welcome opportunities for this.”  A Southwark Council spokesperson said:  “The new Canada Water Leisure Centre being worked on with British Land will open this summer It was always intended that this would replace the Seven Islands Leisure Centre and we therefore completed the process to give 12 months’ notice of closure in Spring 2024 As part of this process the council also liaised with the police to give them 12 months’ notice on their tenancy This agreement was amicable and made in good time “The cabinet member for community safety and neighbourhoods and the community safety team are working closely with local ward councillors MP Neil Coyle and residents to ensure there is visible police presence in the areas the Rotherhithe Safer Neighbourhood Teams are tasked to “We are continuing to speak to representatives from the Met to work out what they require from a new alternative premises as part of our commitment to increase trust and confidence in the Met locally we have met with senior police colleagues who have provided a visibility plan – to be shared with residents in due course.  “Further to this we met the acting BCU Commander to highlight our concerns about the Rotherhithe SNT not being within 20 minutes of the wards We continue to work in partnership with the Met to provide reassurance our next Policing Oversight Board will take place on the 29th April 6pm at Walworth Town Hall.  This is an independent body the purpose of which is to have oversight of the Police plans for rebuilding trust and confidence in Southwark.” The petition by Labour councillors can be accessed HERE *Additional reporting Robert Firth / Local Democracy reporter Plans to close the Rotherhithe Tunnel for several months to enable an extensive programme of repairs to take place have been put off until 2026 at the earliest due to a lack of funding Transport for London (TfL) had said last year that the refurbishment of the 116-year-old Thames road tunnel could potentially take place as early as 2025 after the new Silvertown Tunnel has opened in the spring But the transport authority has confirmed that the tunnel’s nine-month closure will only take place from April 2026 at the very earliest due to a lack of “long term funding” from the Government The Department for Transport said the tunnel’s maintenance is TfL’s responsibility and pointed out that they have just been allocated almost £500m in the Treasury’s recent Budget which links its eponymous south London neighbourhood with Limehouse is suffering from a range of issues affecting its mechanical TfL has assured drivers that the tunnel “continues to operate safely under enhanced day to day maintenance” but that it requires a nine-month programme of repairs to ensure it can “remain open in the long term” It is currently undertaking “regular maintenance and targeted renewal activity” during two overnight closures each week TfL had said the repair programme could only happen with “more support from Government” The total cost of repairs was in 2020 estimated to be somewhere between £116m and £178m though the cost will have risen substantially due to sharp inflation since the pandemic But despite being allocated £485m in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent Budget for the next financial year – almost double the £250m committed for the current year by her Tory predecessor Jeremy Hunt – TfL said that it still needs “long term” funding over “multiple years” in order to start the repairs The transport authority hopes that multi-year funding will be announced in the Chancellor’s ‘comprehensive spending review’ which is expected to take place in June 2025 The review is anticipated to cover a minimum of three years of day-to-day spending and also set capital budgets for five years Any funding announced would only take effect from the 2026/27 financial year meaning that the very earliest the tunnel could close for repairs would be April 2026 A TfL spokeswoman said: “TfL continues to carry out work on our river crossings that is absolutely essential in the short-term to keep the network operating while also planning the work required in the future to ensure they remain open in the long term “While we have previously completed concept designs for the full refurbishment of the Rotherhithe Tunnel carrying this out would be a significant investment across multiple years We hope to secure long term funding to allow for full refurbishment of the tunnel.” a DfT spokeswoman said: “TfL is responsible for the maintenance of the Rotherhithe Tunnel “The success of London’s transport network is vital for both the capital and the UK’s economy That is why the Chancellor announced nearly £500 million in additional funding for TfL at the Budget.” The tunnel is only accessible to vehicles below two metres (6.5 feet) in height and two metres in width – and for goods vehicle weighing no more than two tonnes gross vehicle weight Drivers of vehicles exceeding those limits could be fined up to £160 for every journey they make through the tunnel A 20mph speed restriction is also in place City Hall Conservatives’ transport spokesman said: “The continuing deterioration of the Rotherhithe Tunnel only inflates any cost of repair “We have asked the mayor time and time again to tell us what he has asked the Government for and he won’t tell us so Londoners have no clue what representations he has made about the need to carry out this work “This cannot continue – we need to know what is happening to infrastructure The mayor last month told the London Assembly that the UK has been “left with a legacy of financial mismanagement from the previous Government a £22 billion black hole in public finances and an economy which has been struggling to grow for far too long” but that the new Government “understands the problems and opportunities London faces and is working with us Rotherhithe has been engulfed by bus chaos Credit: Denise Avard Rotherhithe residents have been left confused after a road closure left two key bus routes diverted Routes C10 and 381 are on diversion via Lower Road Surrey Quays Road and Canada Water Bus Station due to Thames Water roadworks taking place Buses are not serving stops from ‘Rotherhithe Tunnel’ (U / X) to ‘Canada Street’ (U / W) in either direction.Part of Brunel Road outside Rotherhithe station has been closed off due to Thames Water improvements taking place with work expected to finish on March 21 One local resident said he walked a mile to get to the bus stop this morning adding that the road closure had left children unable to get to school Another said they had received “no advanced warning” about the bus diversions Transport for London has advised customers to check their journeys using the planning tools on TfL’s website or the TfL Go app Very poor communication as the first I knew about it was after I had waited 20 minutes for a non existent bus A week without public transport is a long time for this terminally Ill 74 year old CGI of the new Canada Water but locals want and need a police hub Police officers had been ordered by Southwark Council to vacate their temporary base at Seven Islands Leisure Centre to make way for the redevelopment of the site – leaving Rotherhithe without a police presence This revelation throws into sharp focus the status of the long-awaited police hub on the Canada Water masterplan which was first promised when British Land received planning permission for the development in 2020 When the News went in search of an update last week both the Metropolitan Police and British Land were unable to confirm if We found ourselves going back and forth between the Met and British Land to get what we thought would surely have been a simple update given notice had been served on the police by the council The lack of a police presence matters more than ever at a time when the projected population of Rotherhithe and Surrey Docks is expected to balloon by 75 per cent once the 3,000 new homes promised for the Masterplan have been constructed Surrey Quays station is also undergoing a revamp which will ensure the area becomes an even busier transport hub These changes will almost certainly lead to a spike in crime in an area which has already reported rising levels of anti-social and criminal behaviour in recent years – yet the decision to vacate Seven Islands means the nearest officers will be stationed in Walworth Road Met Chief Sr Mark Rowley announced he would be cutting 2,300 officers and 400 staff from the force next year due to a £450 million funding shortfall Police cuts were also behind the decision to close Rotherhithe police station back in 2017 which was when officers first took over a space by Seven Islands as a temporary patrol base It begs the question as to whether further cuts to the force will hamstring long-awaited efforts to reinstate a permanent police presence in Rotherhithe the Met seem genuinely committed to remaining in the area and told us they were in contact with the council and the developer to establish a suitable base for the force British Land said they had offered the Met several potential spaces the latest of which was in the Surrey Quays shopping centre following the announcement of the redevelopment of Seven Islands Even local MP Neil Coyle has offered to bash heads together to help find a solution Why then has an agreement still not been reached Regeneration cannot be allowed to go ahead if the right infrastructure is not in place – otherwise in anyone’s world it won’t be regeneration at all just a bunch of existing problems thrown into the long grass A police presence in Rotherhithe hangs in the balance as officers have been told to vacate their current hub by Southwark Council Confusion reigns about whether a police hub planned for the Canada Water masterplan will still go ahead – with even the local MP Neil Coyle left baffled as the Met confirmed officers had been told by the council to leave the current patrol base at Seven Islands Leisure Centre on March 26 They will be moving to Borough High Street meaning the nearest police presence will be the station on Walworth Road The Leisure Centre is soon to be demolished after it was earmarked by the council for re-development for roughly 1,000 new homes in the next few years with accompanying concerns that this could lead to a spike in crime many residents in Rotherhithe have reported rising levels of anti social behaviour and phone snatching will make the area an even busier transport hub British Land have offered the police new premises on the site the latest of which was in Surrey Quays shopping centre following the news of the Leisure Centre’s closure Yet despite the willingness of the police to maintain a local presence the Met said a “suitable location” had not been found In a letter sent to Neil Coyle and seen by the News Superintendent of Neighbourhood Policing in Southwark Jim Brockway agreed securing a local base would be “beneficial for both officers and the community” The Commander added he was “open to working with British Land and Southwark Council to identify feasible locations” but that any new site would need to meet the force’s IT and security needs But Coyle said while he believed the police were committed to staying in the local area he “did not think they [have] proactively sought an alternative site.” He has offered to act as a “broker” between the police but said ultimately it was the police’s responsibility to find a new base the Rotherhithe Police Station on Lower Road closed after 52 years and moved to a purpose-built base behind Seven Islands Leisure Centre as part of Met Police cuts It meant Walworth was the only police station in the borough to have a front counter open 24 hours a day A spokesperson for British Land said: “We understand the police have now decided to move the Officers back into Metropolitan Police Services premises as an interim solution but we will keep in contact with them in case their circumstances change.  “We would welcome a Police Hub at Canada Water working in partnership with the Canada Water Masterplan on-site operations team.” A Rotherhithe Police spokesperson said: “Teams will now be located at Southwark Police Station to stay as closely connected to the community as possible until a more suitable location can be found “Conversations are ongoing with Southwark Council and local stakeholders to try to identify potential future base options.” This sounds like typical Gov.t / Local Gov.t (what and watch £10 notes fly out the window’ … The Old Old Politico’s problem: ‘Sand or Corn’ Mums and their children in Rotherhithe are up in arms after the council got rid of a well-used timber playground for health and safety reasons The natural wood play area was built a few years ago in Russia Dock Woodland by a group of volunteers But local mums told us they were ‘shocked’ to find it had been take away without warning a Rotherhithe mum who works at a creche nearby told us: “Most evenings we’d be there – in the summer especially “It’s a nice little confined area – sectioned off “Some kids even had birthday parties there,” she added When they started to notice the equipment disappearing they said they thought it was just being refurbished when nothing came in its place they knew it had gone “It’s shocking,” Charlotte said “All those volunteers who put themselves forward to help.” consisting of wooden beams around 12 inches off the ground was removed because it ‘presented a number of health and safety risks.’ They blamed the wood for why it ‘decayed’ so rapidly although locals questioned whether they maintained it Charlotte also explained her concerns about how it had been left “It’s actually unsafer now than it was when it was built,” she commented “There’s loads of deep holes and tree stumps – we can’t even go there with our little babies now.” council officers have reportedly been down to fill in some of the holes said: “We understand the removal of the timber playground is disappointing but the safety of all visitors is our primary concern installed by and consequently removed by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and not council-owned presented a number of health and safety risks despite efforts to preserve the site.” She continued: “We know how important play spaces are for residents people can still enjoy playground facilities at nearby Pearsons Park King George’s Field and King’s Stairs Gardens.” A little known chess club in Rotherhithe has gain the attention of one of the globe’s grandmasters Susan Polgar Canada Water Chess Club is free to join and takes place in Canada Water Library with no membership fee and its open to all everyone from beginners to grandmasters The club posted a Facebook post praising Susan Polgar’s new book last week and were delighted to get a call out from one of their heroes She is a Hungarian-American chess grandmaster who became the top-ranked female chess player in the world aged just fifteen is an autobiographical account of how she took on a male-dominated establishment against the oppressive backdrop of Cold War Eastern Europe Canada Water Chess Club’s post described the book as: “a must-read for anyone even remotely interested in chess.” The positive review earned the club a share from Susan Polgar to her 100,000 followers She was also Women’s World Chess Champion from 1996 to 1999 and the third ever woman to be titled a grandmaster by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) founded the Canada Water Chess Club back in 2008 at the Millpond TRA hall on Jamaica Road Graham says that being noticed by Polgar is great for the presence of women’s chess in South East London and beyond The chess club often hold Women Rapid Tournament (a FIDE & ECF rated event) which is designed to provide a welcoming and competitive space for women and girls to play and improve their skills the club hold sessions from 2pm-4:30pm every Saturday in Room 6 of the Canada Water Library Image: Southwark Council Planning Documents Southwark Council has approved plans to build a seventeen-storey apartment block on the Rotherhithe roundabout Developers SoCo and Blue Coast Capital will demolish the City Business Centre Local residents expressed concerns about the building’s height and impact on local traffic which already suffers congestion since the installation of a cycle lane Southwark Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the development at a meeting on Tuesday The 64-metre high building will contain 216 shared living apartments ten-storey building comprising 24 affordable homes also forms part of the development “The height and the proposed massing exceeds the immediate area and is totally out of keeping with the Albion Quarter,” he said Mr Robertson also said already-congested Lower Road would struggle to accommodate the increased traffic the development would bring He later added: “The existing road layout and infrastructure formerly a senior Southwark planning officer former head of development management at this authority,” he said.“It is rare that I would personally come to object to a scheme countered that a previous developer planned to build 25 storeys “We didn’t think that was appropriate,” he said Chair of the Canada Estate Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (TRA) branded objectors “NIMBYS” (Not In My Back Yard) he said: “You can’t go low anymore If you want the volume we need you’ve got to go high.” Mr Duckett said upgrades to the neighbouring Christopher Jones Square would benefit children on the Canada Estate A new pedestrian space will also be built as part of the development The development includes 35 per cent affordable housing with all those affordable units being in the ten-storey building.  will see residents have their own rooms but share communal facilities like kitchens A SoCo spokesperson said a registered provider had not yet been found for the affordable housing block.  The developers have will make a £1.4 million contribution to Southwark Council taking the scheme to the equivalent of 40 per cent affordable housing.  1,517sqm of commercial floor space will also be provided with 25 per cent offering discounts on market rents for 30 years.  Next stop - La La Land (the sign in question) Always dreamed of cruising from Rotherhithe to LA a sign on Bush Road has pointed toward ‘Malibu’ and ‘Laurel Canyon,’ two well-known spots in Los Angeles Locals familiar with the area believe someone altered the sign as a joke in 2010 but the error seems to have slipped by Southwark Council ever since While it misleads travellers to the sunny streets of LA a sign on the opposite side of the road correctly points the way to ‘Peckham’ and ‘Rotherhithe.’ A resident from the nearby Haddonfield Estate remarked on the council’s oversight “No wonder there are so many crashes around here.” She mentioned she’s lived in the area since 2009 and noticed the sign had been wrong for most of that time Southwark Council were approached for comment and have been informed now the council will correct them and remove something that makes people smile musicians and singers are invited to an open mic night in Rotherhithe next month returns with its 30th gathering at Deli Felice the evening promises an open mic experience of spoken word centered around this month’s theme ‘hope’ welcoming platform for both seasoned and new voices in the community.  supportive atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to participate or simply enjoy the show.  The event paused only for lockdown but is now firmly re-established as a place for residents to gather If you’d like to secure a performance slot you can reserve in advance by emailing alisonboydclayburn@hotmail.co.uk or by contacting Maddalena or Felice at Deli Felice Or simply show up on the night to enjoy the entertainment whether for a short visit or the whole evening Food and drink will be available for purchase Photo from Bridge House Estates - Cecelina Photography Charges to use Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels could lead to more traffic at other crossings including Rotherhithe Tunnel and Tower Bridge as motorists seek to avoid the toll the authority in charge of the bridge has warned Silvertown Tunnel linking Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks is opening on Monday Motorists will have to pay £4 to use the tunnel during peak hours while drivers of large vans and heavy goods vehicles will have to pay £6.50 and £10 respectively.  Once Silvertown is open the same charges will also apply to the Blackwall tunnel Transport officials have said the tolls are necessary to avoid creating congestion at Blackwall caused by motorists avoiding the paid tunnel defeating the purpose of Silvertown which was built to relieve pressure from Blackwall The new tunnel has been specifically designed to accommodate heavy vehicles which often get stuck in Blackwall and cause lengthy delays However the body in charge of Tower Bridge has warned that imposing charges will simply lead to traffic building up at other Thames crossings the chief operator of the City Bridge Authority which manages the five Thames bridges in central London at no cost to the taxpayer told The Times that more traffic would have a “detrimental impact” on the Grade 1-listed Tower Bridge crossing “It’s vital we do everything we can to protect the 130-year-old structure… We would urge TfL to closely monitor any impact on traffic flow.” TFL said it does not anticipate ‘significant impacts’ at Tower Bridge Southwark Council is also concerned there could be increasing pressure on Rotherhithe Tunnel which connects Rotherhithe and Limehouse However Latham said since large vehicles can’t access Rotherhithe Tunnel Tower Bridge was more likely to bear the impact of heavy vans escaping the tunnel charge Tower Bridge is held up by bascules and suspenders and partly opens in the middle to let boats pass through This design makes it more vulnerable to being worn-down due to overuse as the carriage-way is more fragile National Highways has warned the effects of the tunnel on traffic could reverberate as far down Dartford Crossing on the M25 A spokesperson for TFL said: “We have undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the scheme impacts including on traffic at adjacent crossings and have used this updated work to inform decisions on the user charge levels and discounts We do not anticipate significant impacts at Tower Bridge but we have made legally binding commitments to closely monitor this before and after the tunnel opens and act if impacts are notably different to those predicted.” The same old story of the UK being unable to build The flippant excuses being given here indicate there is no guarantee any of the tolls will be used to maintain or improve public transport for years to come I noticed the face lift given to the frontage of Euston Station has not resulted in any improvement to the bus station and stops there which continue in a seedy highly congested pinched corner of the space available 3/4 of which has been givenn over to London taxis Public money to build HS2 and terminus at Euston but the bus waiting area and links are just not up to scratch A new zero-emissions passenger ferry will hit the Thames in March next year becoming the UK’s first fully electric cross-river service The ‘Orbit Clipper’ will connect Canary Wharf on the north side of the Thames and Rotherhithe on the south will have the capacity to carry over 150,000 passengers per week The service will cross the river every ten minutes on weekdays and every fifteen minutes at weekends Orbit Clipper replaces the current cross-river ferry service meeting increased demand as East London’s professional and residential districts grow “All of our new boats are proudly built in the UK using the latest green technology,” Sean Collins co-founder and CEO of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers said “The Thames is the lifeblood of our great capital and it’s our ambition to continue to push for further progression along the river” The ferry uses “groundbreaking” self-docking technology director of the maritime engineering consultancy company Beckett Rankine Infrastructure upgrades on the river will begin in January including a new pier at Rotherhithe and an extension to the pier at Canary Wharf Tim Beckett added: “The new pier is designed with a gentle gradient to make the ferries accessible for cyclists and people with restricted mobility there is an increasing need for cross-river pedestrian and cycle links across the Thames.” The ferry will be able to take 100 bicycles per journey.  The initiative was enabled by funding from the Department for Transport with Innovate UK as the UK aims to reach Net Zero by 2050.  does the new ferry mean that the existing ferries at woolwich will dissapear Drivers are facing long delays this morning caused by the sudden closure of the Rotherhithe Tunnel due to ‘technical problems.’  The closure is causing delays and traffic on Jamaica Road towards central London through Bermondsey to the A13 through Shadwell and Whitechapel It appears to be having a knock-on effect with delays being reported on the approaches to the Blackwall Tunnel Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email 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London Isambard Kingdom Brunel started work on the Thames Tunnel – the oldest underwater tunnel in the world gathered a crowd of 50,000 Londoners on its first day and has been a hugely popular attraction ever since on the Rotherhithe side of the river (that’s south) you can delve into the story behind this spectacular feat of Victorian engineering engravings and models are deployed to explain this epic feat of engineering and tell the story of the men who worked in the dark dodging flames and raw sewage every day.  You’ll leave with a new-found appreciation of the immense grind that went into building a core structure of our city.  but guided tours will still take you into the humongous Tunnel Shaft which served as the entrance chamber for Victorian passengers The in-depth sessios take place once a month and last around 40 minutes Also keep an eye out for the variety of events that go on in the shaft from chamber concerts to waissailing.  Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Last admission is 3pm. In winter the museum only opens on alternate weekends. Check site for exact dates.  Adult £15, concessions (children family of up to two adults and four children £20 If you book online rather than buying on the day Continue your time-travelling trip through Rotherithe with a visit to the ruins of King Edward III’s medieval manor house, a stop by Prince Lee Boo’s tomb and a pint at the olde worlde Mayflower Pub (named after the pilgrims who set off from the docks towards New England in 1620).  Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! tiktokfacebooktwitteryoutubeAbout us Contact us News | London The Rotherhithe Tunnel has reopened after the busy route was forced to close due to an issue with the fire safety system The sudden closure left motorists facing long delays crossing the Thames with traffic monitor Inrix warning the tunnel is shut in both directions with “no estimate for reopening” for most of Tuesday The closure caused congestion to the A13 through Shadwell and Whitechapel and Jamaica Road towards central London through Bermondsey It appeared to also have a knock-on effect on other Thames crossings, with delays reported near the Blackwall Tunnel and Tower Bridge A TfL spokesperson said: “The Rotherhithe Tunnel has now re-opened and we apologise for the disruption caused by its closure “This was due to an issue that had been identified with the tunnel’s fire safety system “We reopened the tunnel as soon as it was safe to do so and we would like to thank people travelling in the area for their patience during the closure.” Our transport live blog has ended for today Read the latest transport stories from the Evening Standard here The Rotherhithe Tunnel has reopened after hours of disruption caused by an issue with the tunnel’s fire safety system The Rotherhithe Tunnel remains closed in both directions due to technical problems The earlier severe delays on the Metropolitan Line have now ended There is now a good service running on all Underground lines There are severe delays on the Metropolitan Line between Moor Park and Chesham due to an earlier obstruction on the track The next departure from Chesham will be at approximately 2.30pm There is a good service on the rest of the line TfL is yet to provide an official statement on the ongoing Rotherhithe Tunnel closure but has provided some updates on the situation on X it said: “Engineers have been tasked to the location to investigate as a priority we are unable to confirm an expected resolution time at the moment.” Traffic is heavier than usual on Tower Bridge as motorists use other Thames crossings amid the Rotherhithe Tunnel closure Congestion is backing up on either side of the Thames on the approach to Tower Bridge Traffic is also heavier than usual in the Blackwall Tunnel in east London National Rail is reporting major disruption between Sevenoaks and Bickley/Grove Park in south east London after a fault was found during a track inspection at Petts Wood Urgent repairs to the railway means all lines are currently closed “Trains are unable to run between Sevenoaks and Grove Park / Bickley and will be diverted where possible via Bat & Ball until approximately 12pm.” it says “There is currently no estimate for when the line will reopen at present major disruption is expected to continue until 3pm.” Southeastern services to and from London Cannon Street and Charing Cross are being affected Thameslink services are no longer being affected by the disruption West Ham DLR Station has been shut while TfL responds to a fire alert There is currently a good service operating on all Underground lines The Blackwall Tunnel appears to be congested this morning as increased traffic is forced to use the river crossing while Rotherhithe Tunnel is closed Traffic monitoring system Inrix says traffic is tailing back on both sides of the river Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer UK tourists face major travel shake-up as Dubai airport set to close David Beckham’s 50th birthday bash in London 'shut down' by council over noise complaints David Beckham’s 50th birthday bash 'shut down' over noise complaints There is free tuition and after-school activities (supplied) A free youth centre has opened its doors in Rotherhithe Located on Lower Road and open five days a week the new Billy Youth Engagement Project (BYEP) is set to improve the lives of young people in the area – whilst being a childcare provision for working parents young people aged 5-21 can attend for free and receive educational support including maths tuition There are also a range of activities on offer such as basketball joining existing centres in Tottenham and Brentford There is a games area and an education area with a qualified teacher present in the evenings to assist children with school work During school terms it will be open Monday to Thursday During the school holidays it will be open Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm BYEP is a charity that aims to improve the lives of young people in disadvantaged social or economic circumstances by providing a safe space to enable them to participate in activities that develop their work and social skills helping them to grow and participate in society as independent The opening welcomed over 75 attendees to celebrate the new centre and showcase some of what’s on offer “Young people are the bedrock of our society and supporting their development should be a priority in all regions “We are proud to have opened a third centre in London to help achieve our objective of enhancing the lives of young people who otherwise may not have access to the mentoring education and leisure opportunities that our organisation provides.” “It is a pleasure to see such a good initiative open in the local neighbourhood The new centre will offer excellent opportunities to young people looking to improve their education and mental and physical health as well as having fun with each other in a safe “We are thrilled to welcome BYEP to the borough of Southwark and look forward to seeing the positive impact the organisation will have on our community.”  Funding sources for the project include the Postcode Lottery All activities are free for children and young people aged 5-21 years The new centre is located at Unit 36 & 37 City Business Centre Over 150 new homes have been approved on Rotherhithe’s former gasworks site by Southwark Council despite residents’ concerns about contaminated land The last remaining gasholder will be dismantled to make way for the development which will be made up of three six-storey blocks surrounded by three-storey homes A planning committee on Tuesday (November 12) was told that retaining the gasholder would have resulted in 34 fewer homes on the site on Salter Road said he and over 50 other residents were concerned about toxic contamination on the site He told the meeting: “Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been found in high volume and there is presence of heavy metals “These are all highly toxic and have serious long-term health impacts such as liver and kidney damage “Very little contamination exploratory work has been done on this site to date We have families with small children living up to three metres away from this site A contamination consultant from CampbellReith Consulting said he understood residents’ concerns but emphasised that as part of the planning application the site would have to be investigated for contaminants and cleaned up before any construction work took place He added that the gasworks had mainly been used for gas storage with only the North West of the site used for gas purification which is considered the more polluting activity 63 will be affordable—comprising 43 of the cheapest social rent homes and 20 shared ownership homes where a person buys a share of a property and pays rent on the remaining share owned by a landlord A planning committee made up of councillors Richard Livingstone Richard Leeming and Martin Seaton approved the scheme unanimously.  Conditions imposed on the development mean the site must be investigated and cleaned up prior to construction of the new homes Residents will be provided with their own independent contamination expert by the council in addition to the contamination consultant provided by the applicant assistant planning director at Notting Hill Genesis said: “Our aim is to make best use of the former gasometer site Development of the site provides a fantastic opportunity to deliver much needed new affordable homes for Southwark.”  The Rotherhithe gasholder was built in 1935 for the South Metropolitan Gasworks which made use of the site from the 1850s until the gasworks closure in 1959 at the junction with Surrey Quays Road (photo by resident) Further delays around Rotherhithe are now expected for motorists as a road people use to escape the traffic closes for the next three months Needleman Street A spokesperson from UK Power Networks said: “We are currently working closely with British Land as part of the major Canada Water development Our new underground substation will meet the demands of the local area whilst providing future resilience for residents and businesses “Part of this work involves a road closure in Needleman Street which has been consented to by Southwark Council we have implemented a road closure and notified residents of diversions in place “We will be progressing along Needleman Street in stages until the end of December We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and we aim to complete the work as quickly as is safely possible.” It is a major cut-through road for motorists wanting to flee the congestion around Canada Water which has been an issue since one of the vehicle lanes on Lower Road was removed Traffic is being diverted towards Redriff Road there are temporary lights in place on Surrey Quays Road near Sainsbury’s Local and further along the road near Pizza Hut Nicky Roach has lived on the estate for 25 years We’re fighting to make sure our community has a voice and stays in the know and the stories you won’t find anywhere else – covering every bit of our borough And you’ll get our weekly members-only newsletter to get unrivalled content you won’t find anywhere else Areas fenced off by builders have become fly-tipping hotspots Rotherhithe residents say their estate has become a “wild west” where loiterers “shout through the letterbox” after Southwark Council abandoned a failed redevelopment Southwark Council embarked on plans to build 44 rooftop homes and refurbish existing blocks in 2019 but halted all rooftop home builds in 2022 due to rising construction costs Leaseholders say they now face £30,000 bills even though contractors have only installed new windows while being left to live on an estate covered in building materials Southwark Council reportedly told residents at a meeting that the remaining works – which were meant to be finished by 2020 – are now being delayed due to an ongoing contract dispute with contractor Equans Neither the council nor contractors commented on whether there had been a contract dispute when approached by Southwark News He said residents have been left “completely adrift” and “in the dark” by Southwark Council about what will happen next “We just get fed bullsh*t the entire time,” he said “We just need someone senior to come and own the issue.” and works began in 2019 but were paused in March 2020 due to the pandemic appears to have taken on responsibility for the project at a later date the communal green space has been paved with concrete and leftover hoardings have attracted rough sleepers said the ugly estate had attracted anti-social behaviour and believed the vacant flat next door was squatted by drug users until police removed them “Lots of people were hanging around right outside the door and people were shouting through my letterbox,” he said Delays continued until Southwark Council finally scrapped its rooftop homes projects in June 2022 Southwark Council intended to complete the refurbishment of the existing blocks residents say only the windows have been done said: “The work stopped so I asked why am I still playing this I was not impressed because practically nothing has been done.” residents claim Southwark Council has been “evasive” at meetings about the progress of the project “It’s one of the most frustrating things I’ve ever been a part of,” Mr Horridge said We just need someone senior to come and own the issue.” Southwark Council spent nearly £4 million on abandoned rooftop homes projects – seen as a clever way of building homes on land it already owns Southwark Council said it paused the programme “after listening to residents’ views and taking into consideration new building regulations and rising construction costs.” admitted that Chilton Grove was “an example of how we really wouldn’t do new homes going forward.” She admitted that planning permission was given prior to any structural survey reports being done said: “I am very sorry about the ongoing issues on Chilton Grove and I hear residents’ frustration that there have been so many delays and changes to plans “We will provide residents with a full update on what the next steps are very soon We will also be in touch with leaseholders to talk about their estimates.” Engie and Equans were approached for comment Fears motorists will divert to the 116-year-old tunnel when £4 rush-hour tolls are introduced next Spring at the Blackwall and new Silvertown tunnels Concerns are mounting that road tolls could be imposed on a third river crossing in east London It comes despite Transport for London commissioner Andy Lord insisting there were “no plans” to start charging drivers to use Rotherhithe tunnel Critics suspect that many motorists will divert to the 116-year-old tunnel, which lies east of Tower Bridge and links Rotherhithe and Limehouse, when £4 rush-hour tolls are introduced next Spring at the Blackwall and new Silvertown tunnels. asked at a City Hall meeting whether he could “rule out” tolling Rotherhithe if motorists used it instead of Blackwall or Silvertown said: “There are no plans for any introduction of tolling at Rotherhithe.” But he suggested this could change if money had to be raised to repay the cost of a long-awaited upgrade the tunnel is closed every Monday night for maintenance Rotherhithe has height and weight restrictions and cannot be used by HGVs or large vans It was closed for much of Tuesday due to problems with its fire safety system. Mr Lord told the London Assembly: “We have to do some significant refurbishment and upgrade works at Rotherhithe so we will need to consider how we pay for that But we have no plan to introduce any toll or charge for Rotherhithe.” who had sought assurances over Rotherhithe said he came away from the meeting “more concerned” at the possibility of tolls than he was previously Mr Turrell told the Standard: “When the words ‘no plans’ are uttered as the mayor [Sadiq Khan] previously said he had ‘no plans’ to extend the Ulez to outer London “For the TfL commissioner to start by saying there are ‘no plans’ – these famous words – only to then circumstances in which tolling could be introduced “What I was really looking for was for the commissioner or the mayor to categorically rule out tolling the Rotherhithe tunnel during this mayoral term.” Mr Khan said in July 2021 that he had “no plans to extend the Ulez to outer London” - but expanded the clean air zone two years later Housing minister raps fellow London MP for state of homes rented out Rightmove rejects £5.6bn takeover bid from Rupert Murdoch’s REA Mr Bates vs The Post Office to compete for National Television Award an intriguing new perfume from Penhaligon’s The mayor told the assembly that TfL had already modelled the likely impact of traffic displaced from the Blackwall tunnel switching to Rotherhithe or Tower Bridge He said: “There shouldn’t be increased usage for either Tower Bridge or the Rotherhithe [tunnel] because it’s just too far away from those tunnels you pay a user charge for.” TfL has been urged to reconsider the £4 proposed peak charge which would be £1.50 more than the levy to use the M25 Dartford crossing and to provide residents living near the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnels with more generous discounts Mr Khan plans to offer 50 per cent discounts to low-income Londoners in 10 east and south-east London boroughs residents of Dartford and Thurrock can use the crossing – via a bridge for southbound traffic and two tunnels for northbound traffic - 50 times a year for a single £10 fee or enjoy unlimited annual crossings for £20 a year Fiona Hook hears early music and new pieces that were inspired by it and some time before 1510 she was given a book of eight songs This was the starting point for Musica Antica Rotherhithe’s programme This comprised sacred and secular music that Marietta and her family might have performed themselves with Sarah Small and Harry Buckoke on viole da gamba blended beautifully together in Agricola’s “Fortuna Desperata” Countertenor and lute then gave us Ockeghem’s “Ma Bouche Rit” possibly heard in full for the first time since the 15th century Heinrich Isaac’s motet for the death of Lorenzo de Medici Quis Dabit was followed by the plainchant Requiem Aeternam and Johannes Ciconia’s Con Lagrime with the ever-versatile Doyle on a Clavicymbalum — an early harpsichord Lute transcriptions of religious music were common for home use and Augustin Cornwall-Irving gave us an anonymous introit and Kyrie from 1474 wagons full of singers would tour the streets singing moral songs to get people in the mood for Lent We had five of the 60 verses of “Il Gran Capitano della Morte” with Oliver Doyle clear and expressive as the Living and Joachim Sabbat as a surprisingly lively Death But life in Renaissance Florence wasn’t all gloom The singers brought clarity and intimacy to a frivolous frotola (partsong) “Poi Che’l Ciel” before ending with Josquin des Prez’s “Nimphes followed with rapt attention by a capacity audience in the semi-darkness of a candlelit church SIGLO DE ORO started out as a student ensemble under their director but their amateur days are long behind them The first concert of their three-concert residency at the Wigmore Hall last month celebrated a decade of professional music-making with Tudor works to which the ensemble are particularly close At the programme’s heart were four pieces commissioned by the group three to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Sheppard Sheppards work was juxtaposed with settings of the same text by young composers Annika DerksenThe instrumentalists in Holy Trinity The major work was Sheppard’s 20-minute motet Media Vita an antiphon for the Nunc Dimittis at compline from the Third Sunday in Lent to Passion Sunday prefaced here by his own Nunc Dimittis setting blossomed into six parts with repeated sections giving it an almost obsessive quality The use of just four upper voices added poignancy to “Qui cognoscis” the plea for mercy to God who knows the secrets of our hearts Kerensa Briggs’s Media Vita rather paled by comparison Derri Joseph Lewis’s O Nata Lux echoes the mysterious shimmering harmonies of Thomas Tallis’s work opening with a wordless section before the text gradually appears a repeated “of light” creating a glittering texture The three choirs of Ben Rowarth’s Libera Nos give the piece a massive as the text slowly pays out: a contrast to Sheppard’s more modest offering while echoing his imitative style and penchant for harmonic clashes Sheppard’s own Lord’s Prayer for the reformed Church with its characteristic overlapping lyrics climaxing in “deliver us from evil” Owain Parks’s more florid account drove insistently to a final “and always so be it” Roderick Williams’s Ave Verum Corpus Reimagined is on its way to becoming a repertoire staple The piece draws on the memories of its composer as a former boy chorister at Christ Church Cathedral where Byrd’s music would reverberate around the building Byrd’s famous communion motet is taken apart and reassembled in a series of delightful dissonances The singing displayed all the qualities that distinguish this group with firmly marked entries and individual lines given due prominence when necessary Save money on books reviewed or featured in the Church Times > Click on the “Church Times Bookshop” link at the end of the review The reader discount is valid for two months after the review publication date run jointly by Sarum College and The Church Times tickets available This online seminar, run jointly by Modern Church and The Church Times discusses the theology underpinning the drive for growth tickets available We are a partnership of six diverse and welcoming congregations in the northern districts of Milton Keynes offering a rich tapestry of worshipping traditions – Anglican Are you a proactive and motivated self-starter able to work on your own initiative and prioritise a busy workload An additional exciting opportunity has arisen to join our church buildings team Brenchley are seeking an experienced Youth and Children’s Worker starting September 2025 or beforehand A central element of the role is being Chaplain to our Brenchley& Matfield C of E Primary School - a part time role for 3.5 days a week (with flexibility to extend the hours) Read reports from issues stretching back to 1863 search for your parish or see if any of the clergy you know get a mention Explore the archive Non-subscribers can read four articles for free each month Rotherhithe Overground station (Google Maps) The Windrush line will close on the weekends of February 22-24 and March 15-17 the closures relate to the upgrade of Surrey Quays station – due to be completed by 2026 will see the station get a second entrance A further contingency closure for the Windrush Line is scheduled for July 12 to 14 For more information visit https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/ Streets in Rotherhithe and Bermondsey have become “rat runs” where brazen criminals have free rein to snatch phones that are distributed to safehouses dotted throughout the area A “constant stream of people with balaclavas and hoodies on electric bikes” uses a network of hidden backstreets and woodland paths to evade police capture moments after perpetrating crimes Brazen phone snatchers reportedly video distressed victims as “trophies” and communicate via a “non-verbal” code while hunting targets like “hyenas” Yet frustrated residents claim police “do nothing” – leaving the elderly and pregnant women to fend for themselves Following our report that under 0.3 per cent of Southwark phone-snatchers were being convicted the News was inundated with victims sharing their stories – particularly residents of Rotherhithe said: “This area is seen as rich pickings now There is a constant stream of people in balaclavas and hoodies on electric bikes ferrying stolen goods.” winding roads between Elephant Lane and Russia Dock Woodland were known locally as ‘The Rat Run’ These roads are believed to connect several phone-snatching hotspots – including Jamaica Road and Canada Water Station – allowing perpetrators to commit multiple crimes in quick succession Residents told the News there were multiple safe houses that were well known locally but police had either delayed in tackling or ignored altogether claimed he found roughly fifty phones in a bush in Russia Dock Woodland which he believes were stored there by a thief Clive is one of two residents who would only share their stories under the condition of anonymity “They get up early and nick three or four phones in the first hour and sell them Then they get out and do it again,” he said “Partners are picking their wives up from Canada Water Station rather than run the risk of them being robbed on their way home from work.” The shocking array of stories shared by victims appears to confirm people’s worst fears – the thieves have “no moral standards” said: “I have had my phone stolen twice in the last year The first time I had it stolen I was pregnant and standing by a bus stop close to Southwark Park on Jamaica Road “This was a guy on a superfast electric bicycle The second time was in June on Rotherhithe Street and a motorcycle mounted the pavement when I was walking with my baby in a pram… I was lucky that nothing more serious happened both times.” witnessed a horrific incident near his home on Needleman Street But we also saw a group of six to eight boys all in black and wearing balaclavas,” he said “They have a non-verbal way of communicating and one of them signalled to go and the one at the front went for this lady from behind and snatched her phone.” He said some of the boys were videoing her “as a trophy to watch and enjoy later on” while the “woman was screaming and totally in distress” “They have no moral standards,” he added who compared the phone-snatchers to “hyenas” said the “constant trauma” had been one of the main reasons he’d moved to a more “gentrified” area of London where the crime is lower said her social media feeds were awash with terrified neighbours sharing their experiences.  She said the area outside Canada Water Library was clearly a “hotspot” and that she rarely gets her phone out in public a coffee seller outside Canada Water Station said he witnessed phone snatches “almost every day” He said morning and afternoon rush hours were the worst and that some customers “don’t want to come because it’s not safe.” He said police “did not care” and called for more undercover officers to patrol the streets recounted having her phone stolen on Greenland Dock “He snatched it and then I ran after him even though I wasn’t gonna catch him “But then actually there were some really helpful members of the local community who cornered him and he dropped it.” said: “There is nothing wrong with the police Last week we reported that of the 2,551 phone thefts recorded So if you steal somebody’s phone in Southwark the chances of being caught are roughly one in 318 We also understand that the Met Police does not record phone-snatching as its own crime so understand its true extent across London is difficult Once again we have approached the Met Police for comment but it did not respond *Two names were changed to preserve anonymity It was reported locally last week that the thieves have been seen entering CEX shop in deptford selling the phones The shop owner denied it when confronted but someone else recognised their phone That would be a good place for the police to start Surely the question of restoring the pavement s and making it not so easy for bicycles to get onto them would help – it seems the council are more concerned with dealing with food waste to realise they are putting residents at risk by allowing EASY access on to the pavement A forensic tent erected at the scene of the incident on January 30 The police watchdog has found officers who shot dead a crossbow-wielding stalker used ‘necessary force’ was shot twice after forcing his way into a Rotherhithe home armed with three crossbows and a sword as its terrified residents barricaded themselves inside a bedroom.  The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) deemed that ‘the use of lethal force was necessary given the ongoing threat to officers and others inside the property’ Police were called to Bywater Place a quiet cul-de-sac Responding officers were aware an armed man was inside the property and saw blood broken glass and arrows near the front door They ‘delivered clear instructions to Mr Hodgson who ‘swung a sword in the officers’ direction several times’,’ it added The IOPC continued: ‘One of the officers instructed him to show his hands and challenged him with a Taser The IOPC said firearms officers arrived at around 5.15am and ‘tried to negotiate’ with Mr Hodgson who told police ‘he was intent on killing someone who may be in the property’.  ‘He pointed his loaded crossbow at the officers and an officer shot him twice striking him in the neck and chest,’ the IOPC said ‘Officers gave emergency first aid but Mr Hodgson died at the scene Mr Hodgson had pleaded guilty to stalking in July 2023 He received a sixteen-week suspended jail term and was put under twelve months’ supervision.  He was bailed and made to wear an electronic tag with conditions not to enter the exclusion zone of SE16 The IOPC did identify an incident when Mr Hodgson was arrested for breach of bail conditions on July 18 even though his visit to SE16 had been authorised and he had been accompanied by police.  The IOPC is now working with the Met to recommend learning to enhance the processes around checking police systems prior to arrests.  IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: “This was a tragic incident where a man lost his life and our sympathies are with Mr Hodgson’s family and everyone affected.  the actions of all officers involved in this incident “I would particularly like to highlight the bravery demonstrated by all of the officers who attended including the two local response officers who entered the property first Redriff Primary schoolchildren are happy to have their boat back Rotherhithe schoolchildren have celebrated the return of a local boat sculpture with a sea shanty after the original was stolen Redriff Primary School inaugurated the refurbished Redriff Footbridge in Russia Dock Woodland on Wednesday they saw the structure was adorned with a sculpture of ‘Knocker White’ Tug Boat pulling a Thames barge.  Local blacksmith Kevin Boys of Surrey Docks Farm made the replica artwork after the original was unfortunately stolen from the contractor’s yard The children offered a helping hand with the sculpture painting the miniature figurines of dockers on the boat red – the same colour as their school uniforms The sculpture is a nod to the area’s docking past when steam-powered vessels tugging goods and boats along the water was a common sight.  was refurbished by Southwark Council and Friends of Russia Dockwoodland.  Previous bridge renewals include Albion Footbridge and Alfred Salter Footbridge in 2018 and St John’s Bridge in 2021 with Peter Hill’s Footbridge scheduled for replacement next year.  All the bridges feature unique artwork designed by children from the local schools they are named after and each school has participated in their respective opening ceremonies originally developed by the London Docklands Development Corporation has become a popular nature reserve and green space over the past 30 years.  the council is planning further upgrades to the pathways and infrastructure in the woodland to ensure its longevity for generations to come.  Southwark Council continues to work closely with the Friends of Russia Dock Woodland and The Conservation Volunteers who manage neighbouring Stave Hill Ecological Park said: “The renewal of these bridges showcases our commitment to preserving and enhancing our beloved green spaces for future generations.  “By involving local schools in the design and unveiling of the artwork we are not only revitalizing the bridges but also creating a sense of pride and connection within our community.  “We are grateful to Redriff Primary School and Kevin Boys for their dedication in creating such a meaningful piece for the footbridge.” Brunel Museum is running a series of events to celebrate 200 years since construction began on the Thames Tunnel before closing for renovation in Autumn 2025 The Rotherhithe-based museum highlights the Brunel family key figures in Victorian innovation and the Industrial Revolution Marc Brunel’s tunnel runs from Rotherhithe to Wapping and was the first tunnel dug underneath a river pioneering innovation that is still used today A range of celebratory events and activities will be held in the Tunnel Shaft Garden and the adjacent Piazza including National Play Day and Party in the Piazza Science experiments and nature activities will also be offered by the Tunnellers Club and Wild Things Gardening Club Monthly concerts from Debut Classical and St Martin’s in the Fields will continue to be hosted at the tunnel shaft and expert volunteer guides will also be doing Guided Tour weekends fortnightly from January 18 the Museum is introducing £2 locals tickets for SE16 and SE8 residents including National Lottery Open Week from March 15 to 23 The Brunel Museum is then due to close fully in Autumn 2025 to complete their Brunel Museum Reinvented project funded by a £1.85 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund involves transforming the site into a more inclusive and accessible space and will start in spring 2025 A great and glorious museum of local and national importance I hope Robert Hulse will be able to attend the re-opening ceremony and celebrations – dressed in character (of coutse) in his Brunel suit and chimney top hat A wonderful monument and museum to have anywhere but somehow completely ay home by the riverside in Downtown Rotherhithe Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article It reopened in 2010 as part of the London Overground rail system The incident took place at the junction of Timber Pond Road and Lagado Mews A man in his seventies has died three weeks after a collision involving a cyclist in Rotherhithe.  Emergency services were called to the junction of Lagado Mews and Timber Pond Road at around 12pm on Sunday London Ambulance Service arrived on the scene in under five minutes and treated the pedestrian before rushing him to a major trauma centre Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are progressing their investigation and have urged witnesses to step forward.  Any witnesses yet to speak with police are asked to call 101 and give the reference 3304/21July A car driving in the bus lane on Lower Road Southwark Council will refund over £100,000 to drivers fined for using a Rotherhithe bus lane that did not legally exist for months the News exclusively revealed that the Traffic Management Order (TMO) for the bus lane on Lower Road expired in May 2024 This meant that thousands of fines issued during this time were unenforceable This revelation meant the council was forced to make an embarrassing U-turn and refund any Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued between May and October 2024 The total amount due to be refunded is £119,000 which the council put down to an ‘administrative error’ was brought to light after a local business owner wanted to contest his fine A council spokesperson added: “We will start processing the refunds next week.” with £500,000 worth of fines issued there last year There is now a valid TMO in place for the bus lane meaning any drivers who drive inside it will be fined READ THE FULL STORY HERE pictured post-war surrounded by rubble (1954) and heartthrob William Terriss had just entered the Adelphi Theatre through the stage door After an inauspicious start to life which had begun with a failed stint in the Merchant Navy the 50-year-old stage actor could now look back on a glittering career on the boards he was preparing to treat visitors to a performance of Secret Service Terriss was stabbed to death by a deranged jealous actor whose own career had fallen flat The murder horrified Victorian society and was immortalized in the pages of the tabloid press A brand new theatre in Rotherhithe was also keen to recognize the great man It was located at the corner of Lower Road and Culling Road where the Rotherhithe Evangelical Church stands today At the turn of the nineteenth century #Southwark was awash with music halls A company called Messrs Walter Wallis & Co had bankrolled the endeavor and employed Australian architect Mr Sprague had already masterminded The Coronet in Notting Hill and would go on to design London’s Aldwych and Sondheim theatres wrote excitedly about a 4,000-capacity venue coming to the southeast banks of the Thames the absence of pillars offered the entire audience and eight exclusive boxes seating 60 people which has been made the subject of special study by Mr would evoke admiration wherever seen for its elaborate moldings and soft tones,” an 1899 edition of ERA wrote Its first-ever production was The White Heather which had already shown at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in which the climactic scene featured an underwater fight between two divers wearing metal helmets the theatre was renamed the Rotherhithe Hippodrome and became a variety theatre under the new ownership of Walter Gibbons and Charles Gulliver allowing films to become a staple part of the variety program reflecting the evolving tastes of the entertainment-seeking public The venue’s shift towards film was solidified when Associated British Cinemas (ABC) took over in October 1930 converting the theatre into a full-time cinema the Hippodrome maintained its status as a local cultural hub the advent of World War II brought significant challenges The theatre operated as a cinema until August 31 when it was taken over by an independent operator There appears to have been a period of theatrical inactivity the building hosted an Aid for Russia Fund event which “drew a full house,” according to Kinematograph Weekly The venue then reverted to use as a variety theatre from September 1943 This return to live performances was short-lived due to the devastating impact of bombing in 1943 when the theatre suffered extensive damage The once-buzzing auditorium showed flashes of life According to a 1946 edition of The Stage newspaper The prospects for the bombed-out shell were always bleak and If you are interested in the history of our local area why not sign up to our regular newsletter which contains lots of fascinating historical info Broken windows at The Lodge on Lower Road Early morning customers were shocked to find a stand-off between police bailiffs and owners at this little community cafe in Southwark Park today a group of bailiffs arrived at The Lodge Space on Lower Road The cafe had been served an eviction notice on 14 June however they claim they had appealed it and therefore the eviction was ‘unlawful.’ The News believes it is all over a dispute surrounding mortgage payments staff claim the bailiffs ‘smashed one of the windows with a crowbar.’ Ollie Hawkins said: “We said they couldn’t go in because we had appealed the eviction and one guy said ‘we don’t care “They smashed the window with a crowbar When the News arrived there were around 15 people inside The Lodge including staff and customers – standing behind a huge shattered window They had barricaded the window with furniture for protection from the broken glass The Lodge Space has been fundraising for survival for the last few months after falling into financial issues with dozens of people flocking to support their space today A Met Police spokesperson said: “Police were called on the morning of Monday 1 July to a disturbance at an address in Lower Road SE16 Officers are in attendance to prevent a breach of the peace There used be a lodge cafe in the nearby decathlon as well I guess they’re in serious financial troubles A Rotherhithe museum has cut ticket prices by 88 per cent for locals in a push to get more families through the doors which showcases the life and work of the world-famous engineering family will offer £2 tickets to residents of SE16 and SE8 families can book self-guided visits or guided tours – previously priced up to £16.50.  visitors simply have to bring documentation with their name and address This price will be the same whether booked online or paid on the day The Brunel Museum said: “We’re very excited to be able to welcome our local communities with this offer and to enable more people to discover the stories of the Thames Tunnel and the incredible science behind a project which still benefits communities in SE16 and SE8 to this very day.” “The combination – or ‘union’ (which is what the word yoga means) – of mind along with the understanding that everything and everyone is interconnected” is what first interested Bella in yoga.  she uses her expertise to teach yoga and aerial yoga classes Bella is originally from Germany and moved to London in 2018 after spending “four years on a tiny car-free paradise island in Lombok in Indonesia”.  This is where Bella started her yoga and aerial yoga journey at 29 while running a hostel.  She and her partner decided to take a break from the island after experiencing earthquakes and settle in his hometown of London for a while Bella mainly taught aerial yoga in Canada Water – and “that’s how my business name was born “yoga has always had the right answers”.  She explains of launching Belair Yoga: “It’s an ancient practice backed by science and I wanted more people to tap into their own inherent and completely free resources.  healthy people create a ripple effect that leads to a more peaceful world – really reminding them of their inner light and the impact they have on this planet.  being human comes with so many layers and yoga can help with that understanding aerial yoga is “such a playful form of yoga” and “honestly I don’t think we spend nearly enough time just playing anymore”.  Yoga also comes with many wellness benefits.  “It is a holistic system that offers something for everyone which are beautiful by-products of the asana practice yoga also provides powerful tools such as mindfulness Bella “loves to make everyone feel welcome and to create a sense of belonging” adding that they “also involve a lot of laughter and humour” Yoga can range from calming yoga nidra (the yogic sleep) and therapeutic tin toga to faster-paced hatha and vinyasa.  These are the styles Bella mainly teaches at Surrey Docks Farm on Mondays at 6pm and Saturdays at 9am (“we stay for a coffee and chat after”), and at Time and Talents on Wednesdays at 6pm and in the summertime at Durand’s Wharf.  Bella also hosts accessible chair yoga every Monday at 4pm at Times and Talents.  “I started this group a couple of years ago because I truly believe yoga is for every body and should be as accessible as possible in many ways,” she explains “The practice is mostly seated and supported by a chair and we transform poses that we normally do on the mat onto the chair This class aims to help combat social isolation and support older people Reiki energy healing is the latest addition to Bella’s toolbox “There are so many layers to being human,” she says and sometimes energy healing isn’t enough.” supporting you on every level possible,” Bella explains.  you can add life coaching or Bella can tailor the session to your specific needs Bella has also recently launched SheCReality an online yoga business mentoring group for self-employed women in wellness.  She says: “It connects like-minded women worldwide and helps them build a sustainable wellness business with the support of a strong network and my experience.”  Whether you are looking to expand your approach to the business of yoga or want to start with the basics and you can make it work for you,” she adds “Find something that makes you happy and works for your body And find yourself a great community that supports your growth.” www.bellamaldener.com The Chilton Grove communal area after builders moved in Chilton Estate residents were promised new homes Southwark Council signed off the proposals in 2017. The Chilton Estate was to undergo a huge refurbishment It would involve building 42 new apartments on existing blocks existing residents could expect a sorely needed refurbishment of their estate Southwark Council had failed to conduct the structural surveys necessary to establish whether a rooftop homes project was viable Residents were promised the other refurbishments would go ahead four years after the project was meant to be complete residents are stuck on a dilapidated building site Some leaseholders have paid a staggering £32,000 towards the works Southwark Council must take responsibility for these failings Why did it not conduct the correct structural surveys who have paid through the nose for these works The Seven Islands Leisure Centre in Rotherhithe Rotherhithe - Photo from Southwark Council A mainstay Millwall pub will be restored despite a developer’s attempts to turn it into flats Rotherhithe’s China Hall buzzed on matchdays but faced disaster after new owners took over and subdivided the ground floor into two apartments But following a planning inspector’s decision on July 19 the developer must now reinstate the 300-year-old pub you couldn’t go in wearing a Millwall shirt But the China Hall fully embraced club colours Grandparents and grandkids would go in together he and fellow local campaigner Steve Cornish said they looked forward to the 300-year-old pub being “enjoyed… for generations to come.” Hamna Wakaf had planning permission to extend the pub floorspace but overstepped the mark they said the owners had started an “unauthorised” stripping of the pub’s interior The officer issued a notice ordering the owners to restore the pub Hamna Wakaf hit back by appealing the decision arguing a pub was not a viable business venture for prospective landlords But the pub’s history as a mainstay for the local community proved key to the inspector’s decision to back the boozer The inspector’s report said: “The pub welcomed Millwall fans on match days being full to capacity and employing its own security “It had a close association with the Surrey Quays branch of the In2Touch rugby league which played their games in the park opposite and described the China Hall as their local pub from 2004 until its closure “It catered for players of the Southwark Park Cricket Club and the Southwark Park Bowls Club “The variety of the activities reported demonstrates the pub served a broad spectrum of local residents.” local campaigners Michael Robertson and Steve Cornish said: “We’d like to thank council officers and their legal representatives for their outstanding energies and tenacious amplification of the China Hall’s cultural significance to Rotherhithe and Bermondsey A legacy of which can now hopefully be enjoyed as public realm for generations to come.” The pub was formerly run by the much-loved Norris family with Michael ‘Micky’ Norris at the helm Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development said: “This is a huge win for our planning enforcement team and local residents who worked together to save The China Hall as a functioning pub “Pubs are specifically protected by planning policy and for good reason I’m thrilled that such an important piece of Rotherhithe’s history and community has been protected “It serves as a warning that it is never acceptable for works to go ahead before a planning application has been approved.” Pity some of the pubs near the ground shut down as they was always busy on match days but l suppose couldn’t survive during the vlose season just relying on local trade Shame really had some good drinks in The Bramcote Arms and that big pub that was on the corner of Galleywall Road aRon It’s a shame so many of the old boozers that all had a character and a history adorning nearly every street have gone or reduced to pathetic “luxury” flats it will have to reinvent its image and work hard to become a viable business The body of man was recovered on Rotherhithe Beach this morning with police saying they are treating the death as ‘non-suspicious’ Met Police officers were called to Rotherhithe Street at 7.28am this morning (Friday A resident said a body was retrieved from Rotherhithe Beach was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.  A Met Police spokesperson said: “Police were called at 07:28hrs on Friday 21 June to reports of an unresponsive man in Rotherhithe Street “Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and a man The death is being treated as unexpected but non-suspicious A witness said it was the fourth time a human body had washed up on the beach in his 26 years living in the area He said: “The last one was about four years ago The head of a person popped up out of the water and it looked like a man.  a rescue boat and police boat were in the middle of the river and they fished a man out of the river He looked like a business man with a shirt and tie.” He added: “The family will be devastated by the news.” A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 7.31am on Friday 21 June to reports of an incident at Rotherhithe Street “We sent resources to the scene including a paramedic in a fast response car an ambulance crew and an incident response officer the patient was declared dead at the scene.” A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Firefighters were mobilised to an incident on Rotherhithe Street in Rotherhithe “Crews were deployed to assist emergency service partners and secure the scene “The Brigade was called at 0840 and the incident was over for firefighters at 0942 and around 20 firefighters from Dockhead Old Kent Road and Bethnal Green fire stations attended the scene.” Tower Hamlets and Westminster for the London Marathon this Sunday If you weren’t already aware, more than 56,000 people will be stampeding around the capital on Sunday for the 2025 London Marathon. And thousands more will be filling up the pavements with signs packs of Haribos and party poppers to cheer them on.  central London is going to be chock-a-block To accommodate all those runners and their families and friends Tower Hamlets and Westminster will need to be closed off to vehicles If you’re worried about how that might affect your weekend plans The marathon begins with the wheelchair race at 8.50am. After that, groups will set off at staggered times. You can see those exact times here But lots of roads will be closed well before and after that.  A section of Shooters Hill Road will close from 4am on Sunday to allow for set-up Then the following roads will be closed at 7am and are expected to reopen by 2.30pm or 3pm: Shooters Hill Road Charlton Park Lane and Woolwich Road (A206).  Roads in Canary Wharf will be shut from 8am to 8.30pm That includes new roads to have been made part of the route, Montgomery Street Artillery Place and John Wilson Street will be shut Woolwich Church Street and Woolwich Road are closing from 7am to 3pm and Trafalgar Road will be inaccessible to cars from 7am to 4pm.  Creek Road and part of Greenwich Church Street in Greenwich will be shut to cars from 7am to 4pm Cars will be able to cross at the vehicle crossing point on Creek Road before 8.40am and after around 2.15pm.  Most roads on the Isle of Dogs will be closed on Sunday If you have to drive onto it between 8am and 8.30pm you’ll need to go via the A13 East India Dock Road Leamouth Road to Leamouth Roundabout and take Blackwall Way to access Prestons Road you’ll have to use Yabsley Street and Leamouth Roundabout to access the A13 East India Dock Road.   Evelyn Street will shut from 8am to 4pm.  Brunel Road and Jamaica Road between 8am and 4pm.   roads closed to vehicles from 8am until 8.30pm are Tower Bridge The Mall and Marlborough Road will be shut from 5am on Thursday 24 April and reopen at 6pm on Monday 28 April Horse Guards Road and Birdcage Walk (eastbound) are closing from 6am on Friday to 6am on Monday Birdcage Walk westbound is closing from 6am on Saturday until 6am on Monday.  Several roads around Trafalgar Square will be closed down from 7.30am to 9pm for the event Strand eastbound (between Trafalgar Square and Bedford Street) Charing Cross Road (between Strand and William IV Street) and Duncannon Street For the first time, Queen Anne’s Gate between Broadway and the entrance to St James’s Park will be shut for the London Marathon to accommodate an increased number of spectators TCS London Marathon says that it’ll be closed down as and when needed between 11am and 6pm to help manage the flow of spectators.  Parking will be available as normal and Queen Anne’s Gate will still be accessible via Carteret Street and Dartmouth Street ✅ How to enter the 2026 London Marathon ballot.💨 The fastest way to run the 2025 London Marathon Expect trains across central London to be very Cutty Sark DLR station will be entrance only you can only use it to get somewhere else in the city.  While the marathon is on – as well as when it is being set-up and taken-down – bus routes along the route will either be diverted or will not run the length of their usual journey.  Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city Plans to close the Rotherhithe Tunnel for several months to enable extensive repairs have been put off until 2026 at the earliest due to a lack of funding Last year Transport for London (TfL) said that the refurbishment of the 116-year-old Thames road tunnel could take place as early as 2025, after the new Silvertown Tunnel has opened in the spring But the transport authority has now confirmed that the tunnel’s nine-month closure will only take place from April 2026 The Department for Transport (DfT) said the tunnel’s maintenance is TfL’s responsibility and pointed out that they have just been allocated almost £500million in the Treasury’s recent Budget The Rotherhithe Tunnel which links its eponymous South London neighbourhood with Limehouse The total cost of repairs was in 2020 estimated to be somewhere between £116million and £178million But despite being allocated £485million in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent Budget for the next financial year – almost double the £250million committed for the current year by her Tory predecessor Jeremy Hunt – TfL said that it still needs “long term” funding over “multiple years” in order to start the repairs The mayor last month told the London Assembly that the UK has been left with a “legacy of financial mismanagement” from the previous Government a “£22billion black hole” in public finances and an economy which has been “struggling to grow” for far too long so Londoners have no clue what representations he has made about the need to carry out this work.” Pictured top: The southern entrance to the Rotherhithe Tunnel pictured in 2018 (Picture: Google Street View)