South London News & Media

Bexley Council's Planning Committee has approved a planning application for Go Ape to establish a new family attraction within Danson Park. The decision, made during a recent committee meeting, followed consideration of all expressed views and the application's adherence to planning policies.

Bexley Council has stated its commitment to attracting investment into Danson Park, with the aim of introducing a wider range of activities for all age groups and ensuring the park remains well-maintained and green. Danson Park currently offers various amenities, including water sports facilities, a playground, a splash park, tennis courts, football pitches, and several existing businesses. Following the approval, the council will collaborate with Go Ape to implement the new facility and negotiate terms considered beneficial for residents.

Funding and Context of Danson Park

Danson Park, a Grade II listed park, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, with significant development in the 20th century. While the source text does not specify the exact funding sources for the Go Ape development, such projects in local parks often involve a combination of private investment from the operator and potentially council contributions or grants. Developer contributions, such as Section 106 agreements or Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds, are sometimes allocated to enhance public open spaces when new developments occur in the borough. Further details on the specific financial arrangements for the Go Ape attraction are expected to be released as negotiations progress.

Local Impact and Ward Details

The approval of the Go Ape attraction is anticipated to increase visitor numbers and provide new recreational opportunities for residents of Bexley and surrounding South East London areas. The specific ward within Bexley that Danson Park falls under is Danson Park ward. The Planning Committee's decision reflects a broader trend in local government to utilise public spaces for diverse leisure activities, balancing conservation with community engagement. National statistics on park usage and the economic impact of leisure attractions could provide further context for this development, though specific comparative figures were not detailed in the provided information.

Enforcement action against illegal sales

The five shops, located in Penge, Bromley, and Orpington, have been targeted by the council’s Trading Standards team. This action follows earlier legal and enforcement work conducted in 2024 and 2025, which included the seizure of illicit tobacco products and raids on retail premises in partnership with the Police. The closure orders are being served under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Landlords of the affected premises are also being notified.

The premises subject to the closure orders are:

High Street Vape at 225 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1NZ
Easy Shop at 242 High Street, Orpington, BR6 0LZ
Blue Mini Market at 72 Cotmandene Crescent, (Haverstock Court) Orpington, BR5 2RE
Puff and Munch at 185 High Street, Bromley, BR1 1NN
One of One at 123a High Street, Penge, SE20 7DS

A spokesperson for Bromley Council stated, "We remain committed to taking action to protect residents from illegal goods that often also pose serious safety and health risks. We are grateful as well to residents who have also taken the time to report concerns about specific retailers. Although we can’t always share details while investigations are ongoing, every report is followed up, and we will use our test‑purchase powers whenever required.”

Food safety concerns also identified

In addition to the illicit tobacco sales, the council’s food safety team also inspected three of the five stores. At Puff and Munch, One of One, and Easy Shop, food items including crisps, confectionary, and soft drinks were seized as they failed to meet UK food labelling regulations. Some of these products also contained food additives not permitted for use in the United Kingdom.

Under the terms of the closure orders, only named habitual residents and authorised individuals are now permitted to enter the premises. Any other individual found on the premises commits a criminal offence and could face up to 51 weeks in prison and/or a fine.

New Outdoor Gym Opens in Upper Norwood

A new outdoor gym has been opened at Upper Norwood Recreation Ground. The facility, designed with input from local groups and residents, builds on designs previously used for an outdoor gym at Addiscombe Recreation Ground.

Support for Carers and Community Events

Croydon Council has been marking Carers Week, highlighting support services available for individuals caring for family and friends. The council also supported The Big Lunch event by waiving street closure fees for local street parties. An art fair, "Art On Our Doorstep," is scheduled to transform Croydon's Whitgift Centre into a gallery, showcasing local artists and aiming to attract visitors to the town centre.

Historical Link to World Cup Celebrated

A new billboard on High Street celebrates the story of Pickles the dog, who famously found the stolen Jules Rimet trophy in Upper Norwood in 1966, linking Croydon to World Cup history.

State-of-the-art Facilities and Prize Draw

The comprehensive upgrade includes a competition-length swimming pool, new sauna and steam rooms, refreshed café and reception areas, and modernised changing rooms and lockers. A new exercise studio equipped with state-of-the-art EGYM smart strength training equipment has also been installed, designed to adapt workouts to individual user needs. For families, a children's splash wall has been added next to the learner pool. To celebrate the reopening, Mytime Active, the borough's leisure provider, has donated a one-year membership for a prize draw for those who sign up for the e-newsletter by midday on June 15th.

Project Timeline and Funding

The refurbishment project, which began with works commencing in early 2025, experienced a slight delay due to the addition of further works, such as the repaving of the concourse. The total investment for the refurbishment of Walnuts Leisure Centre and West Wickham Leisure Centre amounts to over £29 million. Funding for these projects has been secured through various channels, including the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which provided £6.1 million for zero-carbon boiler systems and air source heat pumps. While specific developer contributions through Section 106 agreements or the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) for this particular project have not been detailed in the provided information, Bromley Council does utilise these mechanisms to fund local infrastructure.

Council Tax Context

The reopening of the Walnuts Leisure Centre comes as Bromley Council has set its Council Tax for the 2026/27 financial year. The Band D rate has been confirmed at £2,140.04, representing a 4.99% increase, which aligns with the maximum permitted rise for many local authorities in London. This increase is in line with the London-wide average Band D council tax of £2,068 for 2026-27. Bromley's Council Tax remains one of the lowest in Greater London.

Concerns over route changes

The council has expressed deep disappointment at not being informed directly about potential reviews of bus routes 96, 428, and 492, with information only coming to light through media reports and discussions at Dartford Borough Council. This lack of direct communication is particularly concerning given Bexley Council's previous efforts to ensure the 96 bus route served Darent Valley Hospital. The primary issue appears to stem from a request by Kent County Council for a "significant" increase in the contribution Transport for London (TfL) makes to use the Fastrack busway between Darent Valley Hospital and Bluewater.

Impact on residents and local economy

Councillor Smith has outlined the potential ramifications of any service reductions or terminations. Thousands of Bexley residents utilise these TfL bus routes for essential travel to Darent Valley Hospital for medical appointments or to visit sick family and friends. The council stresses that with existing car parking pressures at the hospital, these direct bus routes are indispensable. Should services be altered, such as terminating at Dartford town centre, it could lead to extended journey times and necessitate passengers paying double fares. Similar concerns are raised regarding travel to Bluewater Shopping Centre, impacting residents' ability to shop and work, and potentially exacerbating congestion. The council also noted that while the Superloop SL3 route is a welcome addition, it has not fully addressed the required scale of bus service improvements for the borough.

Call for collaboration and investment

Bexley Council is urging for a collaborative approach between TfL, Kent County Council, and Bexley Council to secure the future of these bus routes. Councillor Smith has requested that Kent County Council consider the broader benefits these services provide, including supporting the county's economy through shoppers travelling to Bluewater. He also highlighted that London's bus services are subsidised by capital taxpayers, with Kent currently not contributing to these services despite benefiting from them. The council is advocating for investment in local bus services rather than cuts, seeking a constructive resolution to ensure these connections remain viable and accessible for all residents.

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.

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Local Impact and Ward Details

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Source Verification

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