A tantalising note in the council’s latest ‘forward plan’ – the register of future decisions – reveals that next month the cabinet will consider a “proposal to enable the Thames footpath to be extended at Rotherhithe“.
Presumably this refers to the missing section close to the Hilton London Docklands hotel.
More on this when we get it.
British Transport Police officers are calling for witnesses following a stabbing at Canada Water London Underground station on Friday, 23 May.
The incident happened just before 9pm as the victim, a 46-year-old woman, and a group of friends were at the Jubilee Line platform at the station.
Detective Sergeant Andy Jordan said: “Whilst on the platform the victim and her friends were approached by a man who reacted angrily to songs they were singing.
“He was clearly agitated and made numerous threats to the friends who tried to move away from him.
“The man followed them and, having taken a kitchen knife from a bag he was carrying, stabbed the victim twice – once to the arm and again to her back.”
The victim was taken to Kings College Hospital where she was treated for a deep cut to her elbow and a minor cut to her shoulder blade.
DS Jordan added: “This was a particularly nasty assault and the victim is fortunate that her injuries are not more serious.
“Following the incident we have conducted a number of enquiries and spoken to several people, but the station was busy at the time of the stabbing and I am certain there will be witnesses we have yet to speak to.
“I want to hear from anyone who was at Canada Water station at the time and who might have information about the incident.”
If you can assist the investigation please call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In all calls please quote log TSUB/B3 of 25/5/14.
A 27-year-old man from Camden was arrested in relation to the incident and is currently helping police with their enquiries.k
The political map of Bermondsey and Rotherhithe was redrawn this week with Labour taking a number of seats on Southwark from the Liberal Democrats.
The Lib Dems hold all three seats, with newcomer James Okosun joining Lisa Rajan and David Hubber.
Labour have taken all three seats from the Lib Dems. The new councillors are Bill Williams, Stephanie Cryan and Kath Whittam.
The Lib Dems hold all three seats. Hamish McCallum joins existing councillors Anood Al-Samerai and Eliza Mann.
A wipeout for the Lib Dems with Graham Neale, Paul Kyriacou and Michael Bukola all losing their seats. The new Labour councillors are Sunny Lambe, Leo Pollak and Catherine Dale.
This ward is now split with two Liberal Democrats (Ben Johnson and Damian O’Brien) and one Labour councillor (Lucas Green).
Labour hold this ward which spans the Old Kent Road, with Richard Livingstone and Michael Situ joined by new councillor Evelyn Akoto.
London Assembly member Val Shawcross has posted an update on her talks with BT about action to improve the desultory broadband speeds in Rotherhithe.
She writes that “the slowness of the SE16 internet access is matched only by BT’s slow motion management”.
But it seems that there is light at the end of the [Rotherhithe] tunnel: “However slowly the ‘wiring’ inside BT seems to work, I am confident that they are serious about looking again at the economics of rolling out SF Broadband in SE16.
“A further meeting between BT and the Council is being arranged for after the elections to discuss the possible roll out.”
This week Blue Anchor Library in Bermondsey reopened to the public following an 8-week refurbishment.
The library has been redesigned and library users can now return and issue books using the self service terminals.
Study space in the library has also been increased and free wifi access is now available. The new layout also provides a new and more spacious children’s area with plenty of space for events and activities.
A council spokesperson said: “Southwark continues to invest in its libraries including refurbishing existing libraries to ensure they remain a high quality resource for residents.
“Blue Anchor provides a valuable service to the local community and we are really pleased to be able to welcome residents back to their new and improved library – we hope they will enjoy all it has to offer.”
Southwark Cyclists – part of the London Cycling Campaign – has called on candidates in next week’s elections to support a range of simple measures to make cycling safer and more attractive.
Check out the campaign’s requests for Surrey Docks and Rotherhithe wards.
Rotherhithe based London Bubble Theatre has secured funding from United St Saviour’s Charity to run a free theatre group for older Southwark residents. Tea Break Theatre will run on Wednesdays from 4.30pm – 6.30pm and will gently introduce participants to the pleasures of sharing and creating stories alongside tea and cake.
The new group, formed as part of Bubble’s continuing focus on involving people of all ages in theatre making, will be led by a specialist artist, Julia Voce. Julia has been working with residents in Frank Whymark House and Ronald Buckingham Court, facilitating conversations and leading interactive workshops.
Tea Break Theatre will explore the effect gentle, creative workshops have on personal resilience and health.
For more information visit www.londonbubble.org.uk or call 020 7237 4434 to speak to Julia / Claire.
From the latest diary of local funeral director Barry Albin-Dyer:
You may have observed that the roundabouts at the Rotherhithe Tunnel and at Crittals Corner have been signed as ‘The Albin Roundabout’ as we have sponsored them, and I have to say that it has already helped some people to find us much easier already – Look out on the news for ‘traffic approaching the Albins Roundabout’!! – Who knows??
Rotherhithe-based charity Time & Talents wants to set up an educational centre which will offer at-risk young people and vulnerable adults horticulture and construction qualifications, coaching them in workplace skills, supporting their transition into apprenticeships or employment. All growing will take place in communal areas on local estates, increasing ownership and wellbeing.
The charity has applied for nearly £25,000 from the Engage Mutual Foundation whose community awards are determined by a public vote. So far Time & Talents has notched up 63 votes but needs many more to be in with a chance of gaining the cash.
You can vote online until the end of May to show your support for this local initiative.
Beanstalk is a charity that trains volunteers to help children aged 6-11 become confident and literate.
They have launched a drive to recruit new volunteers in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe.
To become an Inspiring Reading volunteer you must:
For more information visit www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk or contact 020 3176 4380