THE BIG RETORT

  Amid the bustle of Deptford Market, where myriad languages from diverse ethnic groups fill the air, a legend stands with a name that commands the utmost respect – Bob "The Fish" . Welcome to the world of Bob, where fish reign supreme. And he remains the undisputed king of fish. TheBigRetort   The Rise of Bob Fish Bob "The Fish" Cummings is a character whose presence leaves an indelible mark. Much like the iconic mafia patriarchs of cinematic fame. "Don" Cummings' journey began decades ago. It's a fishy tale rich with stories told and untold.  Bob's path to local fame commenced at the now-shuttered fishmonger's, formerly located at 47 & 49 Deptford High Street. Unperturbed by the shop's closure, Bob embarked on a new venture, setting up his stall in the heart of the bustling market on the High Street. Just turn right onto the Hgh Street when you have exited the station. To listen to Bob recount his daily escapades forms a c...

Nestled in the heart of a vibrant community in southeast London stands a modest DIY merchant known as KJ Building Supplies. Founded back in the early '80s, the store's name was derived from its creator's initials. However, "KJ" himself may have had an epiphany about the importance of building things when he said – "If they build it, they will come" – then they did, in the form of Lewisham Council planning enforcement. TheBigRetort A fter many decades of looking after his community, Kevin Bottomley, aged 72, retired last year, Retirement heralded golf rounds, leisurely moments in a deckchair watching the grandchildren, and motor racing, a passion for which Kevin is renowned. But something far more complicated was on the horizon than the turn at Brands Hatch. During which, Kevin passed the baton to his long-time protégé, Will Buckle.  The arrival of the Orange Line in Brockley in 2010 brought a steady stream of residents looking to renovate their old Vic...

We previously reported that, in the heart of Lewisham, a local dispute has been brewing, raising questions about the fairness and transparency of the local planning process. At the centre of this dispute: the founder of a DIY store and builders’ merchant. It was established in 1983. So why has Kevin found himself entangled in planning enforcement hell? TheBigRetort... The Backstory Due to a single complaint about where he was storing his goods next to his DIY store, Kevin Bottomley (pictured above with Pipe Man) was invited to apply for retrospective planning permission by the council. To retain the use of a piece of land on the east side of 55 Loampit Hill for a builders’ yard. This later included a metal sea container for storing wood. The small fence alongside it was also brought under enforcement. But the yard itself had been in use for many years? The container introduced the previous year for the storage of wood was to cut down on deliveries and in acknowledgment of the mayor...

In the heart of Brockley, Southeast London, a battle is brewing. It's a battle that encapsulates more than just bricks and mortar; it's a fight for justice, fairness, and the very essence of community. TheBigRetort DIY Unites Communities For nearly four decades, KJ Building Supplies has been a stalwart of the Brockley community, serving as more than just a DIY store. 55 Loampit Hill is a place where residents converge to exchange knowledge, connect, and build not just homes but relationships. It's a testament to the resilience of its owners and spirit of the greater Lewisham area that it has survived for 40 years. The SAVE KJ! Campaign However, the future of KJ's now hangs in the balance. It is jeopardised by a series of events that have raised questions about the use of delegated powers in the planning process. This concern has ignited a campaign. Its message, quite clear: Save KJ! A United Community What began as a local concern has blossomed into a unifyi...

Secret shopper visits ASDA in an undercover sting that identifies fire safety concerns, locked doors, traffic dangers and confusion in the aisles. What we uncovered left us with raised eyebrows and a fervent hope that the management will take swift action. It simply ASDA. 

I n the intricate realm of local governance, transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct are sacrosanct. The public places its trust in councils, expecting their members to safeguard these principles while ensuring that public funds are utilised for the greater good. However, in the London Borough of Lewisham, a dark shadow has been cast over these expectations, raising unsettling questions: potential malpractice, financial irregularities, ethical standards, all within the council's corridors of power. TheBigRetort, exposé... At the forefront of this probe into the London Borough of Lewisham Council lies a concern. It was one voiced by the Chair of the Standards Committee himself, Councillor Obajimi Adefiranye. "Jimi," aside from being one of the most dedicated councillors in Lewisham's history, rising to the chair of the council itself, was also a unique people's representative. He was at heart a listener, always striving to deliver on his promises duri...

In a sombre announcement, administrators revealed that the first round of Wilko store closures is imminent, sending shockwaves through the retail landscape. With 24 branches slated to shut their doors in September and an additional 28 stores facing the same fate, the repercussions are profound. Over 1000 jobs have been axed, with much much more to follow, making it one of the most significant retail shake-ups in recent memory. Nowhere is this upheaval more apparent than in Lewisham, where the local Wilko store's gradual closure serves as a poignant reminder of a business taking its last breath. As the shelves empty and the familiar bustle subsides, we must contemplate what lies ahead for this community staple. TheBigRetort... The Impact on Local Employment The impending closure of Wilko stores represents more than just the loss of a shopping destination; it's a severe blow to local employment. With over 11,000 jobs on the line across the nation, the closures have far-reachi...