Shelagh Fogarty is Leading Britain's Conversation This is yet another example of Transport for London spending public money on a piecemeal scheme that pleases nobody Liberal Democrats have long supported renovation of the central reservation on Streatham Hill to match the work we campaigned for and secured in the 2010s further south on Streatham High Road The addition of more street trees and reorganisation of the road to stop it feeling like a three-lane motorway is long TfL’s blueprint arbitrarily closes multiple residential streets at their junctions with the A23 It also involves ‘floating’ bus stops where passengers find themselves getting off buses and almost straight into the path of passing cyclists the cycling infrastructure proposed is a complete letdown to everyone who wants to see safer cycling What is needed are proper segregated cycle lanes on each side of Streatham Hill these proposals see a bidirectional cycle lane alternate on different sides of the road over a section less than one mile in length cyclists going south from Holmewood Road to Streatham Hill Station will be asked to cross over the A23 twice in that short distance to keep within the cycle lanes provided It should not be beyond the wit of City Hall to come up with a scheme which meets the objective of making the A23 safer and greener for all without this major upheaval a five-year-old consultation cannot be relied on as the basis for going forward with works when resident turnover in our area is so high and traffic flow has since been fundamentally altered by the Streatham Hill low traffic neighbourhood listen to residents and come up with a new plan that gives Streatham Hill a town centre feel helps cyclists and improves the natural environment - without causing chaos into the bargain ________________________________________________ Donna Harris is Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Lambeth Council LBC Opinion provides a platform for diverse opinions on current affairs and matters of public interest The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official LBC position To contact us email views@lbc.co.uk See more Latest Opinion See more Latest News See more Latest News Transport for London is due to begin work this summer on a major new scheme for the A23 in Streatham Hill to make it safer for pedestrians offer protected space for people to cycle and provide continuous bus lanes with fewer obstructions The work will be undertaken in five main stages and is due to be completed by spring 2027 It is designed to ensuring that everyone can travel safely and sustainably which is also is important to the health and wellbeing of local people This includes being able to access local high streets shops and other businesses and amenities easily and affordably roads in the area do not make it easy or attractive to walk or catch the bus TfL also needs to protect bus journey times on this important corridor to enable more people to benefit from London’s affordable network of bus services The latest collision analysis for the area shows that 72 collisions took place in the 36-month period up to 31 October 2024 TfL is determined to eliminate death and serious injury on the transport network as part of its Vision Zero goal TfL held a consultation into its plans for the A23 Streatham Hill with 70 per cent of respondents stating that the changes would make it easier or safer to walk and 83 per cent saying the same about cycling TfL will begin construction work in summer on changes between Sternhold Avenue and Holmewood Road including: TfL has planned its construction programme to minimise disruption for local residents and businesses as much as possible including maintaining traffic flow and avoiding night working where possible TfL will continue to monitor roads during the works and implement signal strategies to relieve congestion and assist the bus network TfL will also work closely with bus operators to minimise any impacts on bus services as much as possible and 24/7 bus garage access will be maintained TfL will be working closely with Lambeth Council to monitor and address any impacts on local side roads and the surrounding road network Side road closures will be staggered to avoid multiple impacts to residents All loading and parking will be facilitated on borough roads to prevent additional congestion to the A23 A TfL public liaison officer will also consult with local businesses about bespoke loading arrangements as needed A comprehensive customer communications campaign will be put in place to ensure customers are aware of these works and their impacts and are equipped with comprehensive travel advice and information TfL will also be launching a dedicated travel advice page closer to the start of these works TfL’s Head of Projects and Programmes said: “Our plans to transform A23 Streatham Hill for everyone who lives in works in and visits the area will make it easier and safer for people to travel and enable more people to walk and cycle “We’re working to minimise the impact of construction work on local residents and people travelling through the area and would like to thank everyone for their patience during this vital project “We are developing comprehensive travel advice around the works which will be communicated to our customers and we encourage everyone to plan ahead.” Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air said: “We are supporting this Transport for London scheme that will be transformational for Streatham “New pedestrian crossings and safe cycling infrastructure extra trees and greenery will be a huge boost to the high street and great benefit for businesses “TfL will work to monitor any impact on the local road network and minimise disruptions for residents We will support them in making sure that happens.” Find local events and sign up to join the fun at your local library Get email updates about things happening in Lambeth Explore our topics and pick the ones that matter to you updates and opportunities and stay updated on what's happening in Lambeth Locals in south London neighbourhood ‘fed up with being left out of decisions that directly impact their daily lives’ News | Transport Plans to transform Streatham Hill’s part of the A23 road with new pedestrian crossings and a protected cycle route have been criticised by local Liberal Democrats who argue residents have not been properly consulted on the scheme Transport for London (TfL) announced last week that construction work will begin this summer on the project between Sternhold Avenue, next to Streatham Hill station, and Holmewood Road, at the top of Brixton Hill As well as making it safer and more pleasant for people to walk and cycle along the main road the scheme also includes improvements to bus lanes by removing parking and loading bays The project was initially consulted on by TfL over six weeks between February 10 and March 22 of 2020, and included drop-in sessions at Streatham Tate Library and Streatham Space Project as this period coincided with the emergence of the Covid pandemic in the UK the consultation was then extended to April 19 for feedback online or by post The survey ended up receiving 1118 responses of which 83 per cent said the changes would make cycling through the area safer and 70 per cent thought it would make walking safer TfL has now published on its website a raft of documents outlining the plans’ precise technical details and have invited residents to share any comments or questions about the scheme by writing to them within the next 21 days But Donna Harris, who leads the Lib Dem opposition on Lambeth Council warned that not enough publicity had been given to the “highly disruptive” construction works - which are expected to go on until spring 2027 “Streatham residents are fed up with being left out of decisions that directly impact their daily lives,” she said “TfL has quietly posted a 21-day consultation on its website for highly disruptive works - but how many locals even know about it “Residents should have been properly informed and a local venue should have been set up to answer questions just as was done at Streatham Space Project half a decade ago “Many residents will have come and gone without ever knowing this project was in the works TfL and Lambeth Council must do better - consultations should be meaningful Busy London train station to shut for 10 months to allow escalators to be replaced London family placed 140 miles away by council for five years amid housing shortage How Guerrilla.Co is tackling road-runoff pollution in the UK said in response: “We are determined to eliminate death and serious injury on the transport network as part of our Vision Zero goal “The latest collision analysis for the A23 Streatham Hill area shows that 72 collisions took place in the 36-month period up to 31 October 2024 The new scheme will create pedestrian crossings a protected cycling route and improvements to bus lanes to make the area safer for everyone “We held an extensive public consultation into this scheme working to plan our construction programme to minimise disruption for local residents and businesses as much as possible we have worked closely with Lambeth Council to develop the proposals for our scheme and learn and apply lessons from other recent changes in the area including the suspended Streatham Wells LTN scheme We have also engaged with local councillors and stakeholder groups as designs have been developed and will continue to engage with people in the area as we move towards the start of construction.” In its press release on the scheme last week TfL said it will strive to maintain traffic flow during construction and will avoid night working where possible The organisation added: “TfL will continue to monitor roads during the works and implement signal strategies to relieve congestion and assist the bus network “TfL will also work closely with bus operators to minimise any impacts on bus services as much as possible and 24/7 bus garage access will be maintained “Side road closures will be staggered to avoid multiple impacts to residents “A comprehensive customer communications campaign will be put in place to ensure customers are aware of these works and their impacts and are equipped with comprehensive travel advice and information TfL will also be launching a dedicated travel advice page closer to the start of these works.” The scheme has been backed by Lambeth Council’s Labour administration with the authority’s deputy leader Rezina Chowdhury saying it will be “transformational” for Streatham “New pedestrian crossings and safe cycling infrastructure “TfL will work to monitor any impact on the local road network and minimise disruptions for residents We will support them in making sure that happens.” VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer 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 David Beckham extends olive branch to son Brooklyn amid 'family feud' Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from her hospital bed after surgery Pregnant Jesy Nelson reveals plans for future in message from hospital Campaigners are calling on Transport for London (TfL) to extend its consultation period on a controversial scheme five years after plans were first announced relates to the A23 Healthy Streets Scheme in Streatham The project will see new pedestrian crossings improvements to bus lanes and closing off some side-road junctions cycling and public transport on the A23 corridor chairs the transport group within Streatham Action which is calling for the consultation to be extended to six weeks He said: “The current three-week statutory consultation period is too short particularly given the fact that it is running over the Easter holiday period business owners and indeed TfL staff members are on holiday over this period.” TfL held its initial consultation more than five years ago on its proposals to remodel the Streatham Hill section of the A23 the rail network has gone back to the drawing board to amend proposals but residents are yet to see the final plans TfL announced that construction work would begin this summer and would be undertaken in five main stages to be completed by spring 2027 Streatham Action are calling for TfL to meet with the community to explain the final plans before the consultation closes Mr Salt said: “The fact that the only prior consultation on this scheme took place five years ago and that the scheme has many different aspects to its design are key reasons for requesting this extension “Many stakeholders have arrived in Streatham within the last five years meaning they have not had the chance to hear from TfL about the scheme.” Streatham Action says that the scheme will have a “significant impact” on Streatham’s residents and businesses yet residents are unaware of how the changes are set to affect journeys and journey times for all modes of transport in the area Campaigners have written to TfL’s head of projects and programmes requesting the full details about the scheme and calling for a public meeting to discuss concerns of Streatham residents and businesses Mr Salt said: “This public meeting will give TfL the opportunity to explain to the whole Streatham community as to what the scheme entails and how it will affect journeys “This will in turn help Streatham residents and businesses to respond to the statutory consultation in a far more informed way than is currently possible.”  Healthy Streets Scheme responds to TfL collision analysis for the area which shows that 72 collisions took place in the 36-month period up to October 31 said: “This scheme has been through an extensive public consultation process and this statutory consultation will last for three weeks in line with our usual processes for schemes such as these We are working to plan our construction programme to minimise disruption for local residents and businesses as much as possible Pictured top: Computer-generated image of the completed scheme in Streatham Hill (Picture: TfL) Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Lambeth Council is delivering its vision for safer and more accessible travel with the third phase of improvements to the Peckham to Streatham Healthy Route to make our neighbourhoods fit for the future The Peckham to Streatham Healthy Route is part of the Healthy Routes network connecting neighbourhoods in and around Herne Hill The first phase introduced cycle lanes on Norwood Road alongside Brockwell Park traffic wands were added to the northbound cycle lane included traffic wands on Norwood Road’s northbound cycle lane to meet Transport for London (TfL) cycling standards a parallel zebra crossing at Leigham Court Road created safer routes for Dunraven School students and connected key low-traffic neighbourhoods These measures aim to bridge existing routes such as the Brockwell Park to Gipsy Hill cycleway and the Streatham Hill Low Traffic Neighbourhood Community Engagement has been central to the development of the project Informal consultations with local residents Small changes have been made during the design process as a result of consultation feedback such as incorporating tactile paving on continuous footways to help guide visually impaired people This was requested by Lambeth’s Accessibility Working Group The scheme underscores Lambeth’s commitment to sustainability and community well-being and improved pedestrian pathways aim to reduce carbon emissions Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2025 cabinet member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air said: “Upgrading this Healthy Route will enable people to travel with confidence in more active ways “It will provide a low traffic route that makes travelling to Brockwell Park as well as the wider area more accessible while enhancing the public realm to make it easier for people to enjoy their neighbourhoods and contribute to the sustainable transformation of our borough “Healthy Routes are crucial as they provide a safe and secure way for people to get around Lambeth by walking Active travel has enormous benefits for peoples’ mental and physical wellbeing.” Lambeth Council will be entering an agreement with Pocket Living which will unlock a minimum of 14 new social rent homes as part of a comprehensive development which includes a car park site in Streatham These homes will be wholly owned and managed by the council This agreement is part of the borough’s push to tackle the housing shortage which is impacting on so many local people The agreement with developer Pocket Living is for the Leigham Court Road car park It comes ahead of an application for planning permission to deliver a residential led which aims to maximise the overall number of homes on the currently non-residential site The plan is being advanced as part of the council’s aim of boosting the supply of affordable homes in the borough, in line with its refreshed New Homes Programme to tackle the chronic shortage of social housing in Lambeth The council is also working to increase the total number of homes Lambeth’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing said: “Leigham Court Road is an example of how we are exploring all our options to create more affordable housing that we desperately need in the face of an ongoing housing crisis “Our partnership with affordable housing developer Pocket Living will result in a site with high quality homes and improved public realm so all local residents can benefit from this inclusive growth.” The current car park is a site designated for future housing as part of Lambeth’s emerging Site Allocations Development Plan Document who own a neighbouring site to the car park will help them to maximise the total number of new homes across sites currently in multiple ownerships subject to planning permission being secured said: “Having already delivered three Pocket developments across the Borough of Lambeth providing more than 125 affordable homes for first time buyers this latest agreement highlights the importance of positive and successful partnership working to accelerate the delivery of much-needed affordable homes for local communities Lambeth has a rich history of bringing forward successful urban infill development so we are proud to once again be working with the council to bring a mix of affordable and social housing on underutilised sites within the borough.” All the new homes will be delivered under the Council’s New Homes Programme principles to enable high-quality homes designed that provide social value and benefits to the local communities while also engaging with residents and relevant stakeholders throughout the process Lambeth Council is implementing permanent upgrades to the Streatham Hill Low Traffic Neighbourhood to enhance community safety boost sustainability and make the neighbourhood more accessible for everyone Central to the improvements is a significant upgrade to the local streets and space for local businesses around the shops on Amesbury Avenue which will help to create a new focal point for the neighbourhood and boost local businesses Amesbury Avenue will be upgraded with new widened footways to improve accessibility as well as three new pedestrian crossing points and six cycle stands to promote walking and cycling The council will plant five new trees on Amesbury Avenue to provide shade and shelter and make a stronger connection with Hillside Park the current temporary planters will be upgraded to permanent traffic filters that will make the area more attractive and enjoyable The Streatham Hill LTN is a key part of the borough’s Lambeth Transport Strategy that aims to reduce vehicular traffic in residential areas making local streets safer and more accessible for walking and cycling The scheme was originally launched in August 2020 with temporary traffic filters and was made permanent in June 2022 after it had been shown to reduce traffic across the neighbourhood and boundary roads by 6,100 vehicles per day This upgrade marks a significant step in Lambeth’s commitment to creating healthier and more accessible spaces for residents The council’s proposal includes replacing the temporary planters used in traffic filters with permanent structures that will enhance the public realm via a range of improvements such as biodiverse planting the council is proposing a new filter at the junction of Palace Road and Leigham Vale This additional filter is designed to prevent through traffic between the A215 and A205 providing safer conditions for the local community The council has also developed proposals to reduce speeding and road danger on Leigham Vale including a traffic island Further improvements to the neighbourhood will be delivered if funding becomes available Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air said: “We have made significant progress over the last few years to rebalance our streets so they are less dominated by traffic and parked vehicles blocking active travel routes or creating a risk of road danger for everyone “We want to build on that success in our Healthy Neighbourhoods approach that aims for less traffic while upgrading and improving the local streets to make them more accessible and more pleasant to move around It means established schemes like Tulse Hill and Streatham Hill will see further improvements delivered over time Liberal Democrats say the safety scheme’s ‘eye-watering’ cost suggests ‘something has surely gone wrong’ Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice A TfL project which saw a pedestrian crossing moved roughly 50 yards down Streatham High Road has been revealed to have cost almost a million pounds The “eye-watering” bill - recently made public by Sir Sadiq Khan’s office - covered the price of the scheme’s survey with the project intended to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists But City Hall Liberal Democrats said the £896,000 cost suggested something had “surely gone wrong” The project involved closing the junction of Gracefield Gardens and Streatham High Road to cars by creating a large pedestrian island a new crossing over the High Road was painted and an existing one about 50 yards to the north was removed Transport for London (TfL) said the changes were needed in the wake of 69 collisions which have occurred in the area around the junction over the last ten years – 37 of which resulted in injuries to pedestrians and five of which were considered ‘serious’ injuries But local Liberal Democrat councillor Donna Harris said the scheme was “ridiculous” and there were “so many local problems” on which the money could be better spent While it was previously reported that the scheme would cost “more than £650,000”, Sir Sadiq’s team revealed in response to a written question from Hina Bokhari, the London Assembly’s Lib Dem group leader that the full breakdown was considerably higher in addition to design costs of £134,552 and survey costs of £55,370 Ms Bokhari told the Standard: “Road safety should remain a top priority and the local community and representatives should be involved and consulted throughout the process to make sure it is something has surely gone wrong when Londoners are expected to fork out for an eye-watering bill of almost £1m to move a crossing.” Sir Sadiq had told Ms Bokhari in his written answer: “The relocation of the pedestrian crossing at Gracefield Gardens is part of TfL’s Road Safety programme which aims to address collisions at locations where data indicates significant road safety risk.” A consultation conducted by TfL in December 2021 and January 2022 found that 49 per cent of respondents regarded the existing junction to be “very safe” or “safe” while 40 per cent regarded it to be “very unsafe” or “unsafe” Just over half of respondents believed the proposed changes would make the junction safer but a similar number felt the knock-on impact would be negative Khan promises to restore Oxford Street to ‘former glory’ Sadiq Khan backs Trump state visit and says protests will show freedom of speech Still a mystery: why the cause of a Tube crash that killed 43 people remains unknown Prioritise education with excellent schools and opportunities The nearby Exchange Surgery responded to the consultation by opposing the proposals It said that 300 staff required access and expressed concern that disabled patients would have reduced access A TfL spokeswoman said: “We’re determined to reduce danger on roads across London This scheme was designed to tackle the high number of collisions here by moving the crossing to a location where people want to cross “The project also includes an overall increase in the number of trees increased footway space for pedestrians and additional seating Decisions about where to target investment are taken after carefully assessing where it can best be used to make roads safer.” A 43-year-old from Streatham, who is no stranger to the London Marathon, is urging runners to have fun during the iconic race Tristan Walker-Buckton, 43, from Streatham Hill will be hitting the streets of London for the 26.2 miles this Sunday to raise money for Independent Age Having run more than a dozen marathons in his life, this will be his third time raising money for the charity that supports older people living in financial hardship who works for Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC) first heard of Independent Age through a partnership between the two organisations He said: “A number of my close colleagues give some of their time to Independent Age service users and find that incredibly rewarding and I’ve met several beneficiaries at various events “Many of us at PIC are very proud of the partnership we have with Independent Age and really recognise the valuable work that they do.” The keen fundraiser is one of seven people running for the Independent Age in this year’s marathon event Mr Walker-Buckton adds an extra layer of what he calls fun – which others may call difficulty – to his mammoth runs by wearing a costume Previous years have seen him don the attire of Superman This year he will be running the challenge as Wonder Woman “I have let top sponsors pick my outfits in the past In the years to come I think I’ll remember the fantastic time that I had and the amazing crowd support rather than the race times Recognise that you are doing something rewarding – for yourself and for others “I’ll never stop being surprised at how generous other people are both in their encouragement and their donations.” Independent Age fights poverty in later life through free practical support to older people struggling with their finances as well as a grants programme which supports hundreds of organisations working directly with older people across the UK The charity uses the knowledge gained from their support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change said: “Tristan’s continued and consistent efforts have been a great contribution to our efforts to support older people in financial hardship “We won’t stop fighting to end poverty in later life and we couldn’t do this without committed fundraisers like Tristan To donate to Mr Walker-Buckton’s fundraiser, visit: https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/tristan-walker-buckton Pictured top: Streatham’s Tristan Walker-Buckton running the 2021 London Marathon dressed as Superman (Picture: Tristan Walker-Buckton) Lambeth Council is inviting residents to be community parklet keepers to help make their neighbourhoods more pleasant and sustainable places The council’s Big Shift Community Parklet Scheme is now asking for fresh applications for residents to establish their very own parklet in areas of Lambeth that need it most Parklets are a shared area of the kerbside that would normally be used by vehicle parking they can be transformed into a social space where residents can meet places to stop and rest and give them a say over how their streets are used The Big Shift Community Parklet Scheme was launched in 2023 to give every council area in Lambeth the chance to apply Applications are open to residents in the following wards:  Oval Applicants are asked to speak to their neighbours to gain support and decide what sort of parklet their neighbourhood would benefit from They can fill in a simple online form showing support for the parklet before submitting it to the council for review Each application will be scored and those that are successful will be invited to choose from a catalogue of items to design their parklet Every parklet is assigned a person who helps maintain the new space and can report repairs to the council WATCH: How a Big Shift Community Parklet is built said: “Since launching the Big Shift Community Parklet scheme we have already seen neighbourhoods that have been transformed Streets that were previously lined with parked cars now have a dedicated space for people to enjoy whether it’s creating a community garden or a safe space for children to play “The council is committed to rebalancing our streets so they are less dominated by vehicles and give ordinary people a much larger say in how they use or travel through their local area “Feedback from parklet keepers show these new spaces have a tremendously beneficial impact on peoples’ lives and I would encourage anyone interested to speak to their neighbours and see if they can drum up support for their very own community space.” Applications open on March 3 and close on May 3 For more information visit https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/streets-roads-transport/community-parklet-scheme Streatham & Clapham High School is thrilled to announce their excellent GCSE examination results for 2024 60% of all GCSE grades achieved were within the 9 to 7 range highlighting the high academic standards upheld by their students Particularly noteworthy is the success in specific subjects: 40% of grades in Art 35% in PE and 30% in Religious Studies were the top grade 9 underscoring the diverse talents and interests of our pupils their students excelled; an average of 90% of girls achieved grades 9 to 7 in separate sciences Their commitment to offering a broad curriculum has also seen outstanding achievements in subjects such as Computing and languages In Chinese – introduced this year for the first time – every student achieved grades 9 or 8 Head Ms Cathy Ellott said: “We are immensely proud of our students’ accomplishments this year Their academic success across a wide range of subjects is a true testament to their hard work and determination These results are a fantastic foundation for the next stage of their education and we are excited to see what they will achieve in our flourishing Sixth Form Congratulations to all our pupils for their outstanding achievements.” At GDST senior schools we tailor our approach to how girls learn best providing them with the attributes they need to excel academic excellence is a given and our girls beat the GCSE national average year on year to be prepared for the opportunities of the future We have 23 independent schools and two academies in England and Wales and we congratulate students from across our family of schools for achieving outstanding results again this year See all GCSE 2024 results at GDST schools A family of independent schools and academies across England and Wales 10 Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DH Telephone: +44 (0)20 7393 6666 Check out our International Admissions page Streatham and Clapham High School students received excellent A-Level examination results for 2024 We are thrilled our South London school saw a significant improvement of the top A* – A grades which have increased by 7% since last year to 45% of all A-Level grades 72% of grades were A* to B and this is reflected in the impressive successes at university entrance with 74% of students holding places at their first-choice university and 90% placed at their first or second university choice Streatham & Clapham’s students have secured places at prestigious universities across the country including; medicine at the University of Liverpool and Philosophy at the London School of Economics Streatham & Clapham’s commitment to STEAM subjects continues to yield exceptional results too “I am incredibly proud of our students’ brilliant achievements in this year’s A-Level results and it was such a joy to celebrate with them today Their successes are richly deserved and are testament to their talent We are excited to see them embark on the next stage of their academic journeys and wish them every success.” the 2024 A-Level results showcase a combination of individual excellence and outstanding subject-specific achievements These results reflect the dedication and commitment of both students and staff and continue to uphold the school’s reputation for academic excellence A GDST Sixth Form offers girls the best environment for academic outcomes pastoral excellence and rounded future-looking experiences Student opportunities are supercharged through collaborations across our schools and partnerships with global organisations such as NASA and The London School of Economics and Political Science and we congratulate students from across our family of schools for achieving outstanding results and first choice destinations again this year See all A Levels 2024 results at GDST schools A man was stabbed on Streatham High Road during the early hours of Christmas Eve News | Crime A man was stabbed in south London in the early hours of Christmas Eve Police were called to Streatham High Road shortly after 4am on Tuesday following reports of a stabbing Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated a man for stab injuries It is understood that his injuries are not life-threatening Streatham High Street was shut in both directions on Tuesday afternoon as road closures remained in place after the attack The Met Police said there have been no arrests and enquiries are ongoing Concerns raised by residents in Streatham over issues related to HMO properties occupied by more than one household in the area have prompted Lambeth to propose a new planning control that would give the Council greater control over the creation of further such properties in two of its wards Lambeth Council is proposing to implement a new planning mechanism in relation to the creation of new Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Streatham Common & Vale and Streatham St Leonard’s – two wards where residents have expressed concerns relating to the notably high number of HMOs and associated impacts including instances of reported anti-social behaviour loss of family homes and impact on the character of the areas a change of use from a standard residential property to a ‘small HMO’ – which has between three and six occupiers – does not need planning permission as this is considered ‘permitted development’ under national planning legislation This means the council currently has no powers to prevent conversions of standard residential properties into small HMOs The proposed new planning control in relation to ‘small HMOs’ known as an Article 4 Directionwould make planning permission necessary for the change of use of existing standard residential properties to new ‘small HMOs’ in the two affected wards in one year’s time the council would be able to consider matters such as local amenity and the quality of the proposed accommodation Before Article 4 Directions can come into force the council must decide whether to (i) make the Direction and then another decision must be taken on whether to (ii) confirm the Direction the Council carefully considered the implications of introducing an ‘immediate’ Article 4 Direction to cover the two wards of Streatham Common & Vale and Streatham St Leonard’s However the Council concluded that the potential financial liability to the Council associated with such an ‘immediate’ Article 4 Direction would be too high the Council is proposing a ‘non-immediate’ Article 4 Direction On July 25 this year the council decided to ‘make’ the ‘non-immediate’ Article 4 Direction to cover the two wards At least 12 months’ notice is being given of the Article 4 Direction and so the Council would be able to introduce the Article 4 Direction in August 2025 which includes a public consultation which is taking place for eight weeks from Monday 12 August and referral of the case to the government for review To read and comment on the making of the Article 4 Direction visit Lambeth’s consultation webpage  Any representations received during the consultation period must be considered by the council when deciding whether or not to proceed to confirm the Article 4 Direction The Article 4 Direction will only come into force if it is confirmed Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Growth and New Homes said: “We are extremely concerned about the way some HMOs are negatively impacting our residents and communities “This is why we are evaluating all options available to us and will take the necessary action to prevent any further inconvenience and distress.” Changes designed to improve road safety after 21 collisions in three years A row has broken out over plans to move a pedestrian crossing 50 yards at an apparent cost of more than £650,000 Transport for London wants to make the changes to Streatham High Road – which forms part of the A23 - in a bid to improve safety It says changes are needed in the wake of 21 collisions in three years near the Gracefield Gardens junction. Ten involved pedestrians including two of the three that resulted in serious injuries But opponents warn that the closure of the side street will displace vehicles onto neighbouring roads and impede access to a health centre TfL plans to close Gracefield Gardens at the junction with Streatham High Road and create a “staggered” pedestrian crossing across the main road to make it safer for pedestrians to access the northbound bus stops on the west side of Streatham High Road This would involve moving the pedestrian crossing on the eastern side of Streatham High Road about 50 yards further south Lib Dem councillors say “townscape” works previously carried out TfL were designed to enable shoppers and bus users to cross Streatham High Road without waiting for pedestrian lights Councillor Donna Harris, leader of the opposition Lib Dem group on Lambeth council described the TfL consultation as a “sham” There are so many local problems on which £650,000 could be better spent “Transport for London say too many people are crossing ‘informally’ but it was they who - with local support - removed the central barrier from Streatham High Road a decade or more ago Outernet boss to co-chair London's bid for WorldPride in 2030 Plans to close key road tunnel under Thames for months pushed back Devolution will be the default for local government “The whole idea then was to enable people to cross where they wanted because Streatham is a town centre not a motorway.” The same part of Streatham was subject to huge controversy earlier this year when Lambeth council axed a low traffic neighbourhood that was blamed by critics – and mayor Sadiq Khan - for causing massive bus delays According to a TfL briefing to councillors there has been an increase in the number of pedestrians crossing Streatham High Road “informally” since the railing was removed from the central reservation in 2009 was “not on the key pedestrian desire line” of which 38 involved injury to pedestrians vehicles would only be able to access Gracefield Gardens – where a busy health centre is located - via Leigham Avenue and Pendennis Road Work was due to start on Monday and take a month But this has been delayed by TfL until Wednesday after concerns were raised with TfL commissioner Andy Lord leader of the Lib Dem group on the London Assembly: “All objections will be fully responded to before the start of any construction works.” Ms Bokhari said: “Local residents need time to have their say and TfL need to consider local objections in a meaningful way It’s not too late for TfL to pause and stop what could be a serious and permanent mistake “The mayor has had to intervene before when wrong decisions were made and he will be urged to do it again here.” The Exchange Surgery responded to the consultation by opposing the proposals A TfL spokesperson said: “We’re determined to reduce danger on roads across London and this scheme at A23 Gracefield Gardens has been carefully designed to tackle the high number of collisions here “A full public consultation into the scheme was carried out previously and a decision was taken to proceed with the scheme we consulted on the traffic regulation orders (TRO) needed to deliver the scheme and all objections raised prior to the TRO deadline have been fully considered and responded to." Lambeth Council has awarded planning consent to Metashape Architects for a £2.8 million which has studios in the City of London and Winchester received approval for the scheme on Mitcham Lane The scheme involves demolishing a low-rise former joiners yard and replacing it with a four-storey apartment block A pair of two-bed flats will be created on the ground floor while a single three-bed home will occupy the top level The two middle floors will provide six apartments designed for between one and three people each Planning documents describe the site as close to both Streatham Park and Garrad’s Road and the Streatham High Road and Streatham Hill conservation areas The practice said: ‘The local context is a combination of residential houses and flats with commercial properties primarily along Mitcham Lane … It is located in a highly accessible location and provides substantial cycle parking on a brownfield site.’ Planning documents describe the new building as ‘designed to a high level of sustainability’ adding: ‘Many passive design strategies are adopted including building layout and orientation with dual aspect units.’ Metashape said the building’s envelope targeted improved U-values and airtightness as well as maximising daylighting and using healthy materials It added that the procurement of materials from a local source ‘We will also ensure all materials are responsibly sourced and of low environmental impact where feasible,’ it said Lambeth Council approved the application under delegated powers in October Metashape Architects ' consented Mitcham Lane scheme in Streatham: Axonometric Tags Tokyo-based architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA chatted to the… Skyscraper expert SimpsonHaugh has submitted plans for a 50-storey and a 25-storey… MVRDV and Mecanoo are among five finalists vying to design… Squire & Partners has finally won planning Transport for London (TfL) is due to begin construction work this summer on a major new scheme to make A23 Streatham Hill safer and better for residents and those visiting the area developed in close partnership with Lambeth Council a protected cycling route and improvements to bus lanes in the area Ensuring that everyone can travel safely and sustainably is important to the health and wellbeing of people in neighbourhoods and communities across the capital The scheme will make it easier to cross busy roads TfL will begin construction work in summer on changes between Sternhold Avenue and Holmewood Road including: We are developing comprehensive travel advice around the works which will be communicated to our customers highlights the fundamental role cycling plays in making a greener The plan outlines why it is essential to broaden the appeal of cycling to a more diverse range of Londoners to ensure cycling levels continue to increase at pace and that all Londoners benefit from the health and economic benefits of cycling TfL’s research shows that people from under-represented groups are open to taking up cycling and the plan outlines ambitious evidence-led measures to support these groups by addressing these barriers TfL and London boroughs have more than quadrupled the size of the London-wide strategic cycle network Delivering high-quality new Cycleways will support Londoners of all backgrounds and abilities to cycle safely will be running the London Marathon on Sunday 27 April Having run over a dozen marathons in his life this will be his third time raising money for Independent Age a national charity that supports older people living in financial hardship He is one of seven people running for the charity in this year’s race This year he is hoping to raise £2,000: https://tinyurl.com/56cjd54x Working for Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC) Tristan first heard of Independent Age through a partnership between the two organisations “A number of my close colleagues give some of their time with Independent Age service users and find that incredibly rewarding Many of us at PIC are very proud of the partnership we have with Independent Age and really recognise the valuable work that they do.” Tristan adds an extra layer of what he calls fun When discussing his attitude to fundraising I have let top sponsors pick my outfits in the past both in their encouragement and their donations If anyone reading this is able to contribute in any small way “Tristan’s continued and consistent efforts have been a great contribution to our efforts to support older people in financial hardship Independent Age is the national charity focused on fighting poverty in later life Their helpline and expert advisors offer free practical support to older people struggling with their finances Their grants programme supports hundreds of local organisations working directly with older people across the UK They use the knowledge and insight gained from their support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change Major works are set to begin in Streatham Hill this summer, promising residents safer roads The scheme, developed in a partnership between Transport for London (TfL) and Lambeth council, will create new pedestrian crossings, a protected cycling route and improvements to bus lanes on the A23 Streatham Hill The work will be undertaken in five main stages and is due to be completed by the spring of 2027 said: “We are supporting this TfL scheme that will be transformational for Streatham “New pedestrian crossings and safe cycling infrastructure, improved bus lanes, extra trees and greenery will be a huge boost to the high street and great benefit for businesses, residents and road users.” TfL will begin construction work in the summer between Sternhold Avenue and Holmewood Road. This includes building two new pedestrian crossings, moving existing crossings, building new protected cycle lanes in areas like the South Circular and removing parking and loading bays. Throughout summer, new traffic signals will also be implemented at the Telford Avenue junction, outside Brixton Bus Garage, access to side roads will be changed and more trees will be planted. Construction has been planned to minimise disruption for residents and businesses, TfL said, including maintaining traffic flow and avoiding night working where possible.  Julie Lewington, TfL’s head of projects and programmes, said: “We’re working to minimise the impact of construction work on local residents and people travelling through the area and would like to thank everyone for their patience during this vital project.  “We are developing comprehensive travel advice around the works which will be communicated to our customers, and we encourage everyone to plan ahead.” According to TfL’s latest data analysis for the area, 72 collisions took place in the 36-month period up to October 31, 2024, resulting in injuries to 75 people.  As part of its Vision Zero goal, the rial network is determined to eliminate death and serious injury on the transport network. A consultation on the plans for the A23 Streatham Hill, held by TfL, saw 70 per cent of respondents stating that the changes would make it easier or safer to walk and 83 per cent saying the same about cycling. TfL will launch a dedicated travel advice page closer to the start of these works Roads in the surrounding area are expected to be busier than usual, with Londoners encouraged to consider alternative transport options. Pictured top: Computer generated image of the completed scheme, view looking northbound towards Bus Stop T, at the Tierney Road junction (Picture: TfL) Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Since launching in Covent Garden in 2019, Wingstop UK has expanded rapidly, with Streatham becoming the 23rd restaurant it has opened in London. Located on Streatham High Road, the longest continuous high street in the UK, the 2,526 sq. ft site will host 49 covers. Fans can expect all the signature bold flavours they know and love, plus the much-anticipated Hot Honey Glaze which launched just one week ago. The perfect balance of sweet, sticky heat, this flavour has been a long-time request from Wingstop UK lovers. Whether its classic or boneless wings, tenders, or the chicken burger, everything can now be sauced-and-tossed in this brand-new addition to the menu. The latest opening in Streatham is part of Wingstop UK’s unstoppable growth, with the brand now operating 62 sites nationwide and employing over 2,700 people. With more than 20 new locations set to launch this year, Wingstop UK recently earned the title of fastest-growing restaurant on the Financial Times FT1000 list, ranking 162 overall. Wingstop UK’s continued popularity is driven by its standout product and unique marketing approach that has garnered a loyal following from a younger demographic. Fans resonate with Wingstop UK’s ties to music, fashion, and sports, which has been created via authentic brand collaborations, partnerships, and events. Chris Sherriff, CEO at Wingstop UK: “London is where it all started for us, and it’s home to some of our most loyal fans. We know Streatham loves its chicken, and we’re hyped to bring them our boldest flavours, right on their doorstep. With the recent launch of the long-awaited Hot Honey Glaze, we’re continuing to cement Wingstop UK as the ultimate flavour destination. As we expand, we want to thank our incredible teams and dedicated fans – there’s so much more to come.” This May, Heathrow is relaunching its annual whisky festival with a bold new twist. Introducing... Costa Coffee, the Nation’s Favourite Coffee Shop*, is thrilled to reveal that its Cardinal Place... Lakeside Shopping Centre, the internationally renowned shopping, dining and leisure space owned by SGS Group,... Klarna, the AI-powered payments and commerce network, crossed 11 million active customers and has doubled... Côte Brasserie is bringing the timeless charm of French hospitality into the home like never... Wickes is proud to announce it has reached its £2 million fundraising target for The... Transport for London (TfL) has been accused of not listening to local residents after scheduling to begin controversial Streatham traffic works for less than 24 hours after it finished collecting feedback from residents The City Hall body told councillors it intended to start on-site preparations for the £650,000 project last Saturday less than 24 hours after the latest round of consultation with residents ended TfL has since delayed beginning  the works until today after a last minute intervention from Liberal Democrat London Assembly member Hina Bokhari But local Liberal Democrat councillor Donna Harris has branded TfL’s most recent consultation a ‘sham’ and accused the organisation of ignoring residents She said: “The idea that delaying works by just a few days represents ‘listening’ is obviously absurd and an insult to everyone’s intelligence People are becoming exhausted with consultations that seem to be worthless because the results are ignored “There are so many local problems on which £650,000 could be better spent but Transport for London just doesn’t take any notice of people as they have proved with this latest sham of a consultation.” TfL’s scheme would see a pedestrian crossing moved 50 yards south of its existing location on Streatham High Road and side street Gracefield Gardens closed to vehicles TfL has argued the planned changes are necessary to stop people crossing Streatham High Road to catch buses without using nearby pedestrian crossings But Cllr Harris said TfL removed a central barrier from Streatham High Road over a decade ago to allow people to cross the road where they wanted She added: “Streatham is a town centre not a motorway.” A 2022 report published by TfL following previous consultation on the proposals found that 80 per cent of people commenting opposed the planned changes compared to just 15 per cent in favour and five per cent neutral told TfL in the same consultation that disabled patients would be disadvantaged by the scheme Hina Bokhari said: “It’s not too late for TfL to pause and stop what could be a serious and permanent mistake The mayor has had to intervene before when wrong decisions were made and he will be urged to do it again here.” Everitt Road Properties wants to turn ex-cop shop into 57-bed hotel and café News | London A former South London police station left empty for almost a decade could be turned into a 57-bed boutique hotel The building at 101 Streatham High Road has been vacant since 2015 when the local police station relocated to a building further down the street Now Everitt Road Properties has applied to Lambeth Council to turn the former cop shop a rear extension would be added to the building According to a planning statement submitted as part of the application Lambeth has been identified at a regional and national level as an area suitable for more hotels “The only existing hotel in the area is the Leigham Court Hotel, an 86-bed hotel close to Streatham Hill Station the provision of a new hotel at the application site will not result in an over concentration of hotels within the area,” the document adds A 114-bed Travelodge was also approved by Lambeth Council on the site of a former jazz club around a seven minutes’ walk from the police station building in June 2023 The police station at 101 Streatham High Road shut after a review by the Met and the Mayor of London concluded it was no longer meeting the force’s needs The planning statement continues: “The proposed 57-room boutique hotel shall be used by visitors to Streatham and Lambeth more broadly The hotel entrance will be from Shrubbery Road café/reception and stair/lift core for visitors at ground floor level in addition to nine hotel rooms and separate waste/recycling storage plant room and staff changing facilities plus eight hotel rooms with the remaining forty rooms dispersed across the upper floors.” Lambeth Council will make a decision on the application at a later date