South London News & Media

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is set for a significant infrastructure upgrade, with the local council approving an £8.7 million plan for highway improvements. This investment, focused on the 2026/27 financial year, will see extensive resurfacing work across the borough's roads and pavements, directly impacting daily commutes and local access for residents and businesses.

The Details

Richmond Council's transport committee formally approved the comprehensive list of roads and pavements for resurfacing on June 9, 2026. The total budget allocated for these works stands at £8.7 million. This figure includes a £1.2 million grant from the Department for Transport (DfT). Additionally, Transport for London (TfL) is contributing £60,000 specifically for the maintenance of A roads within the borough.

The investment is projected to improve safety, decrease the volume of reactive maintenance required, and reduce complaints and claims related to accidents and injuries. Among the many roads scheduled for carriageway resurfacing are Arundel Terrace, Barnes High Street, Hertford Avenue, Milton Road, Sheen Lane, Petersham Road, and Richmond Hill. Pavement improvements are also planned for areas including Melville Road, Parke Road, Washington Road, and Christchurch Road.

Community Impact

Residents across Richmond upon Thames can anticipate smoother journeys and enhanced pedestrian safety as a direct result of these planned works. The council's commitment aims to ensure the highway network remains safe and fit for purpose, supporting both residential access and the borough's economic vitality. While some temporary disruption is expected during the works, the long-term benefits are intended to improve the quality of life for all road users and pedestrians.

Planning Your Visit

Richmond upon Thames is served by Richmond station, a major interchange offering District Line Underground services, London Overground (Mildmay line), and National Rail services operated by South Western Railway. The station is located at The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 1DN.

Pro-Tip: For the latest information on specific road closures and work schedules, residents are advised to regularly check the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames's official website.

Source Verification

This report is based on data from MyLondon.

Source Link: https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/full-list-richmond-roads-set-34098234.amp

Lewisham Council is undertaking a significant initiative to improve support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across the borough. The council has outlined a three-year roadmap, extending to 2030, aimed at creating a more inclusive and supportive system for these young people and their families. This plan addresses rising demand and increasing complexity of needs, which have placed services under considerable pressure nationally.

New Specialist Unit Opens at Deptford Park Primary School

A key development is the recent opening of a new specialist SEND unit at Deptford Park Primary School. This facility is designed to provide up to 40 specialist places for children requiring more intensive support, organised within four to five dedicated classrooms. The unit aims to allow children to learn within a mainstream school environment while receiving the necessary specialist assistance, enabling more families to access support closer to home. The first group of 12 children has already begun attending, with further admissions planned for later this year.

National SEND Reforms and Local Implementation

Lewisham Council is also preparing for the delivery of the national SEND Reforms, a legal requirement for all local authorities. The council's SEND Reform Implementation Plan is being developed to ensure these reforms are rolled out in a manner that best benefits children with SEND, their families, and educators. The plan prioritises earlier intervention, ensuring support is more accessible locally, increasing provision within mainstream schools, and reducing the need for families to persistently advocate for assistance.

'Experts at Hand' Teams and Co-production

A significant change will involve the introduction of 'Experts at Hand' teams. These multidisciplinary teams will comprise education and health specialists working directly with educational providers to offer prompt support and prevent challenges from escalating. The council also intends to simplify support mechanisms, with more children expected to benefit from personalised individual support plans that foster better collaboration between schools and families. This approach aims to make support more readily available for children who do not have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).

Recognising the challenges faced by families due to past unfulfilled promises, Lewisham Council is committed to co-producing its reform proposals with parents, teachers, and special education needs coordinators. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the policies developed directly address the issues and incorporate practical solutions from those with firsthand experience of the system.

Roadworks in Bexleyheath and Erith

In Bexleyheath, Lion Road will experience a prohibition of traffic and parking restrictions from 23 June 2026 for approximately two days to allow for highway improvement works by a council contractor. Alternative routes will be signposted via Broadway, Devonshire Road, and Standard Road. Additionally, Chieveley Road, Dorothy Evans Close, and Springfield Road will face traffic prohibitions from 24 June 2026 for up to two days, also for highway improvement works by JB Riney on behalf of the council. Diversions will be in place via Pinnacle Hill and Erith Road.

Erith will see Hemsted Road and Highstead Crescent subject to road closures at their junctions with Frinsted Road from 18 June 2026 for an estimated 18 months, to enable mains replacement works by Galliford Try for Thames Water. Lesney Park will also experience closures between Lesney Park Road and Elm Grove, and Elm Grove itself will have restrictions at its junction with Lesney Park, from 18 June 2026 for up to 18 months, for water mains replacement by Galliford Try on behalf of Thames Water.

Sidcup and Welling Restrictions

Station Road in Sidcup will be subject to a traffic prohibition between numbers 111 and 109 from 22 June 2026 for approximately two days, to allow Amey Consulting South East Anglia to conduct a detailed examination of a railway bridge on behalf of Network Rail. Alternative routes will be via Hatherley Crescent and Faraday Avenue. Meanwhile, Burnell Avenue in Welling will be closed from its dead end to Lovell Avenue from 22 June 2026 for an estimated four days, to facilitate highway improvement works by a council contractor. Access for residents and emergency vehicles will be maintained where possible.

Planning Applications and Conservation Areas

Beyond roadworks, the council has also issued notices regarding planning applications within conservation areas. Applications for planning permission, including major developments, have been lodged within The Parkhurst Conservation Area and the Erith Riverside Conservation Area. Notices have also been issued for applications that may affect the setting of a listed building. Further details on these planning applications and the specific roads affected by temporary traffic orders can be found on the London Borough of Bexley's public notices section.

Unrepaired Damage from Thames Water Leak

A resident report submitted on 9th June highlights severe damage to tactile paving, raised asphalt, and paving blocks on Downsbridge Road. According to the report, a Thames Water leak on 28th May 2026 washed away the sand bed beneath the surface, leaving the crossing points uneven and dangerous. While repairs were reportedly made to a nearby zebra crossing on Bromley Road following the water main fix, this specific informal crossing on Downsbridge Road was not addressed. The report alleges that "a lot more damage to the paving from this leak" has also gone unrepaired.

Pedestrians Forced to Navigate Uneven Surfaces Near Shortlands Station

The damaged pavement creates a clear hazard for anyone using the informal crossing, forcing pedestrians to navigate raised asphalt and loose paving blocks. This particular stretch of Downsbridge Road is close to Shortlands railway station, a busy transport hub serving over 1.5 million passengers annually. The unrepaired defects could pose a particular risk to parents with prams, elderly residents, or those with mobility issues, potentially forcing them into the road to avoid the uneven surface. Bromley's roads were rated "red" for condition in January 2026, indicating widespread issues.

Bromley Council Confirms "In Progress" Status Amidst Repair Backlog

The issue has been marked "In progress" by Bromley Council, according to an update posted on FixMyStreet today. Bromley Council typically aims to inspect reported problems within five working days and complete repairs for actionable safety defects within 35 calendar days. However, defects related to utility infrastructure, such as water leaks, are referred to the relevant utility company, who are responsible for reinstating the highway. The council has recently announced an expanded road resurfacing programme and is trialling new "super asphalt" to speed up pothole repairs across the borough.

Damaged Equipment Creates Immediate Hazard on Craydene Open Space

A resident reported the vandalism on Craydene Open Space, located off Craydene Road, earlier today. According to the report, the exercise equipment itself has been damaged. Crucially, the soft tarmac directly in front of the weight equipment has been dug out. This creates an uneven and unstable surface, making the area unsafe for public use. A resident took the initiative to tie hazard tape around the damaged weight exercise equipment, highlighting the immediate danger. Photos accompany the report.

Children and Local Residents at Risk Near Slade Green Schools

The damaged equipment and dug-out ground pose a significant risk to anyone using the open space, particularly children. Craydene Open Space is a large recreational area in Slade Green, a neighbourhood served by local schools such as St. Paul's (Slade Green) Church of England Primary School and Haberdashers' Slade Green Primary. The presence of such a hazard in a public recreational area frequented by families and young people is a serious concern for the Bexley community. Bus routes 89 and 428 also serve the wider North End area, indicating regular footfall.

Bexley Council Investigating as Repair Timelines Await

The London Borough of Bexley has acknowledged the report, which was submitted via FixMyStreet, and has changed its status to "Investigating." Bexley Council aims to inspect urgent fault reports, such as those involving large trip hazards, within one day and provide a response within five working days. While the council has a budget of over £6.4 million allocated for road and footway repairs in 2025-2026 and plans to invest £30 million in improving roads and pavements in 2026/27, the specific timeline for repairing vandalised park equipment and dug-out soft ground is not immediately clear. The council typically aims to remove graffiti from council-owned property within seven working days, which may offer a comparable timeframe for other vandalism repairs. Permanent repairs by contractors can often take several weeks to complete.

Car Crash Leaves Lamppost at Precarious Angle

A car crash occurred around 4:45 PM on 9th June, impacting a lamppost and a tree on Oaklands Road. According to the resident report, the vehicle ultimately came to rest in the hedgerow of Park Avenue. The lamppost now leans at a dangerous angle, with residents expressing worry that it could become unstable and potentially fall onto a nearby building. Photos accompany the report.

Residents Face Ongoing Safety Risk on Oaklands Road

The damaged lamppost on Oaklands Road presents a clear and present danger to those living and moving through the Plaistow area of Bromley. A resident states the column's precarious position makes it an unsafe element in the streetscape. This incident highlights the real-world impact of damaged street furniture on community safety, particularly in residential areas like Oaklands Road, where pedestrians frequently pass.

Bromley Council Aims for Six-Day Repair Window

The issue has been logged with Bromley Council, and the status on FixMyStreet is currently "In progress." Bromley Council aims to repair faulty street lights within six working days. However, the council notes that more complex faults, or those requiring intervention from UK Power Networks, may take a longer period to resolve. Residents can contact the council's out-of-hours service for emergencies.

The Details

The temporary traffic prohibition on Casino Avenue began on 1st June 2026. It is set to conclude on 15th June 2026. This closure affects the stretch between Red Post Hill and Sunray Avenue. It forms part of phased works in the area. The London Borough of Southwark issued the public notice for these "various works". While the exact nature of the works is not specified, such orders often cover street or construction projects. Exemptions are in place for emergency services and vehicles directly involved in the works. Access to local premises will be maintained where practical. A planned temporary traffic order typically costs £2,852, covering administrative and advertising fees.

Community Impact

Residents and commuters in the Southwark area, particularly those who use Casino Avenue, will experience altered travel patterns during this period. The prohibition aims to ensure safety and facilitate the efficient completion of the works. An alternative route has been designated via Sunray Avenue and Red Post Hill to help manage traffic flow around the affected section. While the order itself can remain valid for up to 18 months, the current closure on Casino Avenue is for a defined two-week period.

Casino Avenue is located within the London Borough of Southwark. The nearest National Rail station is Herne Hill, which provides connections to central London and other areas. Bus routes 42 and P4 serve the Casino Avenue area.

Pro-Tip: Always check the latest updates from Southwark Council's road network management before travelling, especially if you rely on local routes.

The Details

Ministers are reportedly planning to "clamp down" on London local authorities placing homeless families hundreds of miles away from the capital, the Evening Standard reports. This follows official figures indicating that approximately 1,300 families were relocated from London to other parts of England in the year to March 2025, a notable increase from 670 in the 12 months to March 2023. These families have often been placed in more affordable homes in areas such as Blackpool and Hartlepool.

Homelessness minister Alison McGovern has expressed "real worry" over the practice, confirming that the government is prepared to address the "worst form of it" following an ongoing review. Lambeth Council's own Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025-30 highlights the severe housing and homelessness pressures in London, with the borough facing an "increasingly challenging task" due to high housing need and a lack of affordable homes.

The cost of housing homeless families in Lambeth reached £90 million in the current year, exceeding the available budget by £30 million. As of December 31, 2024, 256 homeless households from Lambeth were housed in temporary accommodation outside London, a nine-fold increase from 29 in 2020. One Lambeth family was reportedly placed 140 miles away in Herefordshire for over five years. Some London councils have engaged private firms, such as Derbyshire-based Reloc8, to manage these placements, with Croydon Council signing a £1 million contract and estimating savings of £5,000 per placement.

Community Impact

For Lambeth residents, the proposed ban could mean a renewed focus on securing housing within the borough or closer to existing support networks. The council's strategy acknowledges the importance of preventing homelessness and supporting people within their communities. However, with 45,000 households on the Lambeth housing register and over 4,700 in temporary accommodation, the challenge of finding suitable housing locally remains immense. The financial strain on the council, which spent £105 million on temporary accommodation last year, underscores the difficult balance between legal duties and fiscal responsibility.

Regulatory Failures

Further examination revealed that the business was not registered with His Majesty’s Customs and Excise tobacco track and trace system, meaning it could not lawfully sell legitimate cigarettes. The closure order application was opposed by the landlord, but the court determined there was evidence of repeated criminal behaviour and that the order was necessary to prevent its continuation. This marks Southwark Council’s fourth closure of its kind.

Councillor David Watson, Executive Member for Community Safety and Engagement at Southwark, stated: “We will make Southwark safer by dealing with causes of crime and protecting people and neighbourhoods. The sale of illegal tobacco and vape products poses major health risks and shows criminal gangs are targeting our high streets. This closure order is a great result for our Trading Standards team and shows we will stand up for our communities and local legitimate shops whose businesses are undermined by the sale of illegal and unsafe products.”

The sale of illegal products can be anonymously reported at http://www.londontradingstandards.org.uk/report-consumer-crime/.

Experts to provide evidence

The committee will hear from a panel of experts in the field of mobility and technology. Scheduled to give evidence are Thomas Ableman, host of the ‘Freewheeling’ Podcast and former Director for Strategy and Innovation at Transport for London; Professor Jack Stilgoe, Professor of Science and Technology Policy at UCL; Professor Glenn Lyons, Mott MacDonald Professor of Future Mobility at UWE Bristol; and Dr Nick Reed, Founder of Reed Mobility and a member of the DfT Science Advisory Council. The meeting will take place at 10am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE. Media and the public are invited to attend and can also view the proceedings live via webcast or on YouTube.

While autonomous passenger vehicles are not yet commercially available in the UK, several companies, including Uber, Lyft, and the UK firm Wayve, are reportedly seeking regulatory approval to operate such services in London. This development prompts the London Assembly to proactively assess the implications for the city. The committee, chaired by Caroline Russell AM, acts as a check and balance on the Mayor of London, investigating issues pertinent to Londoners.

The Details

Community Impact

Planning Your Visit

Related Links

Source Verification

New Specialist Unit Opens at Deptford Park Primary School

National SEND Reforms and Local Implementation

'Experts at Hand' Teams and Co-production

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Roadworks in Bexleyheath and Erith

Sidcup and Welling Restrictions

Planning Applications and Conservation Areas

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Unrepaired Damage from Thames Water Leak

Pedestrians Forced to Navigate Uneven Surfaces Near Shortlands Station

Bromley Council Confirms "In Progress" Status Amidst Repair Backlog

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Damaged Equipment Creates Immediate Hazard on Craydene Open Space

Children and Local Residents at Risk Near Slade Green Schools

Bexley Council Investigating as Repair Timelines Await

Car Crash Leaves Lamppost at Precarious Angle

Residents Face Ongoing Safety Risk on Oaklands Road

Bromley Council Aims for Six-Day Repair Window

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The Details

Community Impact

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The Details

Community Impact

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Regulatory Failures

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Experts to provide evidence

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