Salamander News

salamandernews.orgCrunch time: will Lewisham council wake up to the harms of the borough's biggest polluter, SELCHP? | Salamander NewsThe council's contract with the SELCHP incinerator is coming up for renewal. After 38 years of unwavering support, will the Green administration finally reset the relationship?

73% of Lewisham's household rubbish is incinerated at SELCHP, the borough's biggest polluter. The contract is coming up for renewal. Will the council wake-up to its harms? www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-crun...

@goldsmithsucu.bsky.social

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Salamander News@salamandernews.org

Goldsmiths' strike is now the longest in UK university history. Recent Goldsmiths graduate Lola Coker reports that some students attended graduation without knowing their grades and others are unable to enrol on new courses www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-gold...

salamandernews.orgGoldsmiths strike now longest in UK university history | Salamander NewsManagement presses on with Future Goldsmiths, while the UCU union says it is fighting for the survival of the university. Recent Goldsmiths graduate Lola Coker charts how we got here.

salamandernews.orgCity Hall pare down building regulations to ease pressure on housebuilders | Salamander NewsThe capital's housing shortage has worsened in recent years, in part due to the increased burden on developers of rising interest rates and rocketing material and labour costs.

City Hall pare down building regs .. including protections against extreme heat Local democracy reporter Kumail Jaffer reports www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-city...

salamandernews.orgGoldsmiths strike now longest in UK university history | Salamander NewsManagement presses on with Future Goldsmiths, while the UCU union says it is fighting for the survival of the university. Recent Goldsmiths graduate Lola Coker charts how we got here.

Goldsmiths' strike is now the longest in UK university history. Recent Goldsmiths graduate Lola Coker reports that some students attended graduation without knowing their grades and others are unable to enrol on new courses www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-gold...

salamandernews.orgLewisham Shopping Centre: Landsec backs out in win for anti-gentrification campaigners | Salamander NewsAlthough housing campaigners are celebrating, Lewisham's Green administration received an unwelcome lesson in the dynamics of power.

A win for anti-gentrification campaigners .. but a flat out rejection of the Green administrations hopes

Salamander News@salamandernews.org

Landsec backs out from Lewisham shopping centre - a win for Lewisham People's Assembly but "disappointing" for Lewisham council www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-lewi...

salamandernews.orgCrunch time: will Lewisham council wake up to the harms of the borough's biggest polluter, SELCHP? | Salamander NewsThe council's contract with the SELCHP incinerator is coming up for renewal. After 38 years of unwavering support, will the Green administration finally reset the relationship?

73% of Lewisham's household rubbish is incinerated at SELCHP, the borough's biggest polluter. The contract is coming up for renewal. Will the council wake-up to its harms? www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-crun...

Salamander News reposted

salamandernews.orgMapping a climate-resilient future for New Cross Gate and Telegraph Hill | Salamander NewsClimate Haven, a grassroots network for communities responding to the climate crisis, held its first meeting.

Axa finds North Lewisham has the highest climate risk score in England Climate Haven is the community's response .. Sofia Mollona reports www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-mapp...

salamandernews.org'Racism has no place in Bromley': calls for Reform councillor to resign | Salamander NewsAfter ITV exposed Dean Miller's deeply disturbing racist comments and apparent threats to King Charles' life, Bromley's Conservatives, Labour Party and Lib Dems called for the councillor to resign.

'Racism has no place in Bromley' - Calls for Bromley Reform councillor to resign after ITV investigation exposure. Local democracy report Cameron Blackshaw reports www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-raci...

salamandernews.orgSouthwark funding crisis: council asks residents which services matter to them most | Salamander NewsSouthwark council faces a £102m funding gap, and is offering residents a budget calculator tool they can use to try to balance the budget and see the impact their savings would have.

Southwark's innovative budgeting tool involves residents in choosing what services to protect

Salamander News@salamandernews.org

Southwark £102m funding gap residents offered a budget calculator tool which lets them try to make savings, balance the budget .. and see the impacts Local Democracy Report Ruby Gregory reports www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-sout...

salamandernews.orgLewisham Shopping Centre: Landsec backs out in win for anti-gentrification campaigners | Salamander NewsAlthough housing campaigners are celebrating, Lewisham's Green administration received an unwelcome lesson in the dynamics of power.

Landsec backs out from Lewisham shopping centre - a win for Lewisham People's Assembly but "disappointing" for Lewisham council www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-lewi...

salamandernews.orgMapping a climate-resilient future for New Cross Gate and Telegraph Hill | Salamander NewsClimate Haven, a grassroots network for communities responding to the climate crisis, held its first meeting.

Axa finds North Lewisham has the highest climate risk score in England Climate Haven is the community's response .. Sofia Mollona reports www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-mapp...

salamandernews.orgSouthwark funding crisis: council asks residents which services matter to them most | Salamander NewsSouthwark council faces a £102m funding gap, and is offering residents a budget calculator tool they can use to try to balance the budget and see the impact their savings would have.

Southwark £102m funding gap residents offered a budget calculator tool which lets them try to make savings, balance the budget .. and see the impacts Local Democracy Report Ruby Gregory reports www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-sout...

Salamander News reposted

Charlie Richmond (Gyro Gearloose) 311.3ppm 🇨🇦🇬🇧☮️⚛️🇺🇦🌈🦋

@charlierichmond.bsky.social

salamandernews.org'Net-zero industry is in decline': what does it mean for Lewisham's climate action plans? | Salamander NewsThe sustainable development committee was told that the shortage of retrofit, heat pump and solar installers is a key barrier to its plans. Tauseef Anwar explains why installers are abandoning the sec...

'Net-zero industry is in decline': what does it mean for Lewisham's climate action plans? | Salamander News www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-net-...

Salamander News reposted

The Greenwich Wire

@greenwichwire.bsky.social

greenwichwire.co.ukShelter that withstood Nazi bomb revealed by Lewisham market works - The Greenwich WireAn underground wartime shelter that could hold up to 800 people has been revealed during works to revamp Lewisham High Street's market.

A wartime shelter that could hold up to 800 people has been found during works to revamp Lewisham town centre. The shelter managed to withstand a Nazi rocket attack on the high street that killed more than 50 people, but had been forgotten about over time. greenwichwire.co.uk/2026/10/09/l...

salamandernews.orgThe greening of Sayes Court estate in Deptford | Salamander NewsThe early National Trust missed its chance to bring 10 acres of gardens at the historic site into public ownership. More than 140 years later, the organisation is back.

The early National Trust missed its chance to bring historic gardens into public ownership Over 140 years later, they're back to green the estate .. @tomilyn.bsky.social reports www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-the-...

salamandernews.orgLewisham Library refurb costs kept from public as bill for town centre rises to over £30mThe revised costs for the repeated delays to Lewisham library are being treated as confidential, while the the council’s contribution to the town centre project has increased from £5m to £11m.

Increased cost of library refurb is being kept from the public Blue Garage have been awarded a contract for £10.7m but what does it cover? Also confidential Report goes before mayor and cabinet this evening for sign-off www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-lewi...

salamandernews.org'Saving the world bit by bit': Catford primary school launches eco-refill shopWhen Year 5 children at Rathfern primary school found out that Fairy Liquid can harm aquatic life, they organised their own refill shop selling safer alternatives.

When year 5 children at Rathfern primary school, Catford found out that Fairy Liquid can harm aquatic life, they organised a petition then they opened an eco-refill shop in the playground. Watch their story, by Martha McAlpine www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-savi...

salamandernews.orgLewisham council will 'explore' Rights for Nature .. but campaigners call for practical action now | Salamander NewsThe council declared an urgent need for climate adaption, biodiversity recovery and river health recovery and will look into Rights for Nature. But campaigners have repeatedly called for practical st...

Lewisham council is 'exploring' Rights for Nature ... but campaigners say urgent practical steps needed to protect rivers and waters are being ignored www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-lewi...

Salamander News reposted

KARIN TEARLE

@karinlt.bsky.social

salamandernews.orgRe-imagining Deptford Creek: Eleni Mente’s Sentient Edges | Salamander NewsA workshop at the BPTW architects' open studio asks: 'What if we gave more room to the river?'

“Developers have been quick to market Deptford’s proximity to the creek as "luxury riverside living", whilst the actual experience for residents at street level is one of near exclusion”.

Salamander News@salamandernews.org

Re-imagining Deptford Creek: Eleni Mente's Sentient Edges by Alice Devine www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-re-i...

Salamander News reposted

The Greenwich Wire

@greenwichwire.bsky.social

greenwichwire.co.ukTenants in Carbuncle Cup-winning Lewisham flats face another year away from home - The Greenwich WireHundreds of residents who were moved out of the Lewisham Gateway development face another 12 months away from their new homes following a flood that knocked out water and power supplies.

Hundreds of residents who were moved out of the Lewisham Gateway development face another 12 months away from their new homes following a flood that knocked out water and power supplies. greenwichwire.co.uk/2026/10/02/l...

salamandernews.orgHealthcare workers across London protest Palantir in the NHS | Salamander NewsHealthcare workers were joined by patients, campaigners and councillors in a co-ordinated day of action opposing Palantir's continuing role in the NHS.

No Palantir in Our NHS protests across London - Health care workers rally at Royal London and Lewisham Hospital www.salamandernews.org/2026-10-heal...

salamandernews.orgLewisham Shopping Centre: campaigners challenge Greens in anti-gentrification debate | Salamander NewsThe housing campaigners reminded Green councillors of their pre-election pledge to support the demands of the Save Lewisham Shopping Centre campaign. The council now says these are impossible.

Lewisham anti-gentrification campaigners mounted the first political challenge to Lewisham Greens how did they do? Lucy Giles reports www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-lewi...

salamandernews.orgRe-imagining Deptford Creek: Eleni Mente’s Sentient Edges | Salamander NewsA workshop at the BPTW architects' open studio asks: 'What if we gave more room to the river?'

Re-imagining Deptford Creek: Eleni Mente's Sentient Edges by Alice Devine www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-re-i...

salamandernews.orgLewisham council refuses plans for Deptford Bridge scheme - but fails to raise ambition for creek | Salamander NewsLewisham councillors rejected the Deptford Reach scheme on grounds of heritage, urban design, lack of a section 106 and loss of light to Creekside houseboats, but did not engage with calls for ambitio...

Deptford Reach refused by Lewisham council and will go to review. But Kelvin Shewry from Creekside Discovery Centre said needs of the creek had been ignored www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-lewi...

salamandernews.orgDecision on Lewisham hospital's controversial heat pump project will be made behind closed doors | Salamander NewsA blog post from the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust misleadingly states that the decision will be made in October, but Salamander found that it will take place in private on 29 September.

Lewisham Hospital's decision on its controversial heat pump project will be made behind closed doors on Tuesday. Questions of protection of the aquifer, river and nature reserve are still unanswered @quaggyriveraction.bsky.social www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-deci...

salamandernews.orgSt John's community marks Lewisham rail crash of 1957 | Salamander NewsResidents gathered for music, poetry and speeches, and a heritage plaque was installed at the site of the crash.

St John's society mark Lewisham rail crash of 1957 www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-st-j...

salamandernews.orgRetrofit not demolition the way forward for Catford, says Lewisham CouncilThe council approved a significant change in policy for Catford Town Centre, but were warned of a funding gap and rising debts of council owned firm CRPL.

18 Sept

Lewisham council pivots on Catford regeneration .. but financial storm clouds still gathering. www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-retr...

salamandernews.orgHow volunteers created Buckthorne nature reserve .. and the vision for Gorne WoodA look at how nature is thriving at the reserve in Crofton Park and the founders' hopes to grow it further with three acres of ancient woodland.

18 Sept

How volunteers created Buckthorne Nature Reserve ... with latest news on the future of Gorne Wood. by Barbara Buchanan www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-how-...

salamandernews.orgWe oppose the redevelopment of Lewisham Shopping Centre, here's whyAt Lewisham People's assembly, we do not want to see current plans go ahead, because the affordable housing offer is far, far behind what this borough needs.

18 Sept

We oppose the redevelopment of Lewisham Shopping Centre - here's why. By Faris Luke, Lewisham People's Assembly. www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-we-o...

Salamander News reposted

Tomilyn

@tomilyn.bsky.social

16 Sept

'Imagine a Lewisham not dominated by cars' - what do council transport plans deliver? My latest for @salamandernews.org looking at recent budget allocations (more interesting than that sounds!) www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-imag...

salamandernews.org'Imagine a Lewisham not dominated by cars' - what do council transport plans deliver?Will Lewisham council's plans move the needle on improving road safety?

Salamander News reposted

salamandernews.orgWhistleblower claims cover-up of sexual harassment allegations at Horniman MuseumA whistleblower has raised a case with the Charity Commission, accusing leadership at the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill, Lewisham of an effective cover-up of multiple sexual harassment claims against...

15 Sept

Whistleblower accuses leadership at Horniman Museum of effective cover-up of multiple sexual harassment allegations against CEO www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-whis...

salamandernews.orgWhistleblower claims cover-up of sexual harassment allegations at Horniman MuseumA whistleblower has raised a case with the Charity Commission, accusing leadership at the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill, Lewisham of an effective cover-up of multiple sexual harassment claims against...

15 Sept

Whistleblower accuses leadership at Horniman Museum of effective cover-up of multiple sexual harassment allegations against CEO www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-whis...

salamandernews.orgLewisham launches 'rogue landlords taskforce' .. but a third of private rented homes still unlicencedThe council announced the rogue landlords taskforce with a fanfare, but over 5,700 private rented properties are queuing to get on the landlords register and an estimated 3,000 have never applied.

Lewisham launches 'rogue landlords taskforce' .. but a third of private rented homes still unlicenced. www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-lewi...

salamandernews.org'Driverless cars don't see disabled people as people' - campaigners raise safety and access concernsDriverless taxi trials have been approved in London, but disabled people are raising concerns about safety and accessibility and say the tech is a diversion from the greater need to make public transp...

'Driverless cars don't see disabled people as people ... it reflects the wider values of the companies developing these technologies' As Uber starts trials of driverless taxis this week, Lucy Giles reports. @inclusionlondon.bsky.social www.salamandernews.org/2026-08-dont...

salamandernews.orgLuna Carmoon’s luminous LewishamBAFTA-nominated filmmaker Luna Carmoon explains Lewisham roots, hyperreal dreamscapes, and making films you can smell.

with previously unseen photos from set of Hoard ..

Salamander News@salamandernews.org

BAFTA nominated writer and director of Hoard, Luna Carmoon on her Lewisham roots, hyperreal dreamscapes and films you can smell .. Featuring previously unseen photos from set of Hoard interview Agatha Scaggiante www.salamandernews.org/2026-08-luna...

salamandernews.orgThe heat pump that can cool London's homesAfter a summer of back-to-back heatwaves, demand for cooling is rising. Are reversible air-to-air heat pumps the answer?

includes an update on the government grants ..

Salamander News@salamandernews.org

After London's summer of back-to-back heatwaves, demand for cooling is rising. Are reversible air-to-air heat pumps the answer? @charlierichmond.bsky.social explains the tech (yes that's Vancouver and snow in the pic) www.salamandernews.org/2026-08-heat...

salamandernews.orgSadiq Khan continues to 'vehemently oppose' plans for Heathrow expansionThe Mayor of London urged ministers to reject plans for a third runway, citing impacts on noise pollution, air quality, carbon emissions and the environment. The GMB union told MPs they expect the pla...

Sadiq Khan still vehemently opposed to #HeathrowExpansion. GMB expects 1,000s of 'real-world jobs with pensions' @theaef.bsky.social - airport expansion - any airport expansion - not compatible with UK carbon budgets www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-sadi...

salamandernews.org'Profound consequences' - councils oppose Heathrow expansion plansCouncil leaders condemned the draft policy, which they said made the assumption that expansion should proceed. They called on the government to properly consider alternatives, particularly a shift to...

Seven councils including Southwark condemn Heathrow expansion plans they say draft HENPS started from assumption that plans would go ahead #HeathrowExpansion www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-prof...

salamandernews.orgDrought scheme taking water from West Berks aquifers for use in LondonDrought conditions this summer have prompted Thames Water to start operating a groundwater pumping scheme which brings water from West Berkshire into the River Thames.

A drought scheme bringing water from West Berks into River Thames has been activated, suggesting that London's groundwater is under strain @quaggyriveraction.bsky.social www.salamandernews.org/2026-09-drou...

salamandernews.orgLuna Carmoon’s luminous LewishamBAFTA-nominated filmmaker Luna Carmoon explains Lewisham roots, hyperreal dreamscapes, and making films you can smell.

30 Aug

BAFTA nominated writer and director of Hoard, Luna Carmoon on her Lewisham roots, hyperreal dreamscapes and films you can smell .. Featuring previously unseen photos from set of Hoard interview Agatha Scaggiante www.salamandernews.org/2026-08-luna...

salamandernews.orgThe heat pump that can cool London's homesAfter a summer of back-to-back heatwaves, demand for cooling is rising. Are reversible air-to-air heat pumps the answer?

30 Aug

After London's summer of back-to-back heatwaves, demand for cooling is rising. Are reversible air-to-air heat pumps the answer? @charlierichmond.bsky.social explains the tech (yes that's Vancouver and snow in the pic) www.salamandernews.org/2026-08-heat...

bbc.co.ukToday - 29/08/2026 - BBC SoundsNews and current affairs, including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.

29 Aug

Independent local news faces huge financial challenges in its work holding local power to account Dorothy from Salamander on Today programme 45:20 www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

salamandernews.orgSecond Deptford fire at firm handling Lewisham's fly tipping wasteAfter last week's fire at the SSSI in Deptford, Lewisham council has been quick to point the finger at the 'private firm'. But is the council telling the whole story?

Second Deptford fire last week. Lewisham mayor and councillors' statements didn't tell the full story. credit for pic: @kabanov.bsky.social at deptford.org www.salamandernews.org/second-deptf...

salamandernews.orgLewisham council announce £65m hole in four-year budgetThe Green deputy mayor tells residents "the challenge is stark". Salamander asked for the figures behind the top line.

'I want to speak to you directly about council finances' says Lewisham deputy mayor. We fact-checked .. www.salamandernews.org/2026-08-lewi...

salamandernews.orgFears of rising costs of Lewisham library delaysThe council says it is likely that a revised budget for the town centre improvement programme will be put to Lewisham mayor and cabinet later this year.

Lewisham Library delays expected to add to council's financial pressures www.salamandernews.org/2026-08-fear...

salamandernews.org'Dirtiest form of power' - plans for London-wide heat network will lock-in incinerationWaste firm Cory has plans for a vast district heat network across London, fed from its household waste incinerators at Belvedere, Bexley.

London's new Strategic Heat Network should be sourced with clean energy Cory's plans would lock-in incineration, the 'dirtiest form of power' @ukwin.bsky.social @regassistproj.bsky.social www.salamandernews.org/2026-08-dirt...