Author: Blake Foster

According to new research from property firm Savills, Orpington was ranked in 18th position nationally for being one of the best neighbourhoods to live for access to high performing state primary and secondary schools. Orpington made the top 20 alongside other south London areas including Richmond Park, Sutton and Cheam, Twickenham and Wimbledon. The research highlighted these neighbourhoods for their strong state primary Key Stage 2 and secondary Key Stage 4 results. Savills analysed every parliamentary constituency in England, assessing academic outcomes and the likelihood of gaining a place at high performing schools without also falling within the catchment of…

The Home Office has released figures showing the number of asylum seekers currently housed across local areas throughout the United Kingdom. In the London Borough of Croydon, 834 people were accommodated in temporary hotel accommodation at the end of September 2025. This was an increase from both March and June 2025, in which there were 751 and 577 people housed, respectively. This means an additional 257 people either left their long-term accommodation, moved into the borough, or required temporary hotel placements. Compared with other south London boroughs, Croydon currently has the highest number of asylum seekers in hotel accommodation. Southwark…

As well as playing festive tunes, including the overture to Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, the set list at last Thursday’s event included a nod to some of the music performed at Wembley Stadium, including Taylor Swift’s Christmas Tree Farm. More than a thousand concertgoers saw the 45-piece Orchestra perform for just £5 at their first major public performance since moving to a new headquarters in Wembley Park. The pedestrianised neighbourhood is lit up with a giant tree and illuminated installations this Christmas. (Image: Amanda Rose Photo) The festive fun continues over the coming weeks with visitors to the pedestrianised neighbourhood enjoying epic…

The property, presented by Douglas Allen, is described as being in “excellent condition throughout” and combines period character with modern living. Spread across three floors in Greenway Avenue, the home features four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Family room with recessed lighting and wall-mounted television (Image: Douglas Allen – Walthamstow) The mid-terrace home also includes a family room, a combined lounge, kitchen and dining area, a toilet, and a garage. Open-plan kitchen and dining area with skylight and sliding doors to garden (Image: Douglas Allen – Walthamstow) It also has a rear garden. The estate agent highlights the home’s location as…

One of the leading home appliance and electricals brands, Daewoo Electricals has an extensive range including kettles, toasters, microwaves, coffee machines and air fryers amongst other small kitchen appliances in its collection.   And right now, you can get some great deals on its offers page with everything from heaters to popcorn makers…perfect for gifts this Christmas. Here’s a taste of what you can expect to find on Daewoo’s site. There has certainly been a nip in the air recently so check out Daewoo’s 1500W Ceramic Electric Radiator which can be freestanding or wall mounted. Now priced £119.99, previously £199.99…

The Islington Gazette and its sister papers the Ham & High and Tottenham Independent are supporting the Whittington Health Charity with a major fundraising appeal to create a safe and peaceful garden for some of Whittington Hospital’s most vulnerable patients. The Whittington Hospital Courtyard Garden Appeal will help turn a tired, unused space into a calm, green haven. The garden is designed for people living with dementia, intensive care patients who may spend weeks in hospital, and those receiving palliative care at the end of their lives. A computer-generated image of the design for the Whittington Hospital Courtyard Garden (Image:…

Emergency services were called to the crash site close to the Wennington Interchange yesterday (December 1) at 3.16am following the incident. It’s reported that a van and a car were involved. Medics treated a man, 38, for a leg injury and he was rushed to hospital as a priority, where his injuries were assessed as not life-threatening or life changing. A 41-year-old man, who drove the car, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of several motoring offences. He remains in police custody, with no injuries from the crash. An investigation into the circumstances is underway. There were long delays…

People inside Archway Leisure Centre on Macdonald Road were evacuated on Sunday (November 30) after reports of a blaze at 1.37pm. It resulted in gym-goers, swimmers and those using the sauna facilities having to stand outside – many still in their swimwear. Pictures show a man wrapped in a towel, while others were given foil blankets to keep themselves warm. People were evacuated from Archway Leisure Centre (Image: Contributor) The Metropolitan Police has launched an arson investigation into the incident, although no arrests have been made at this stage. Enquiries are ongoing, a spokesperson said. Gary Henson, who was using…

One of the leading home appliance and electricals brands, Daewoo Electricals has an extensive range including kettles, toasters, microwaves, coffee machines and air fryers amongst other small kitchen appliances in its collection.   And right now, you can get some great deals on its offers page with everything from heaters to popcorn makers…perfect for gifts this Christmas. Here’s a taste of what you can expect to find on Daewoo’s site. There has certainly been a nip in the air recently so check out Daewoo’s 1500W Ceramic Electric Radiator which can be freestanding or wall mounted. Now priced £119.99, previously £199.99…

Bourne Road was blocked southbound for hours last Friday (November 28) following a crash at 1.04pm. Emergency services were called to the scene at the junction of A220 and seven people were treated at the scene, with six taken to hospital. In new pictures, a red car can be seen with extreme damage to its side and its doors crumpled. Emergency services at the scene after a crash in Bexley (Image: Contributor) A second car can is next to it, with its front smashed from the impact. Emergency services at the scene after a crash in Bexley (Image: Contributor) Emergency…