Author: Blake Foster

Cordons are in place in Chessington Road and Kingston Road, near to The Wheatsheaf pub, following an incident earlier today (December 9) at around 3.30pm. Emergency services are still at the scene, with police expected to stay overnight. The roads are currently shut in both directions as the investigation takes place. However the nature of the incident has not been shared at this time. Surrey Police has said: “While we know this will cause concern within the local community, we ask you to be patient and cooperate with us while we deal with the incident.” This is a developing story,…

But checking into the newly opened Moxy Barcelona in the neighbourhood of Sants quickly set the tone which made the trip vibrant, playful, and full of the kind of energy that makes even a quick getaway feel unforgettable. We checked in at the bar instead of a traditional desk and were handed a token for a free drink to use at any point during our stay. It was a small gesture, but one that instantly made the experience feel personal, welcoming, and fun. I stayed from October 21st to 23rd and it was the perfect city break, just long enough…

Nonsuch High School for Girls in Cheam and Wilson’s School in Wallington were both recognised in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026. Wilson’s School (Image: Google Maps) The guide ranks the UK’s highest-achieving schools and is regarded as a key resource for parents seeking top-quality education for their children. Wilson’s School was commended for its GCSE performance, ranking among the top state secondary schools nationally, while Nonsuch High School for Girls was named State Secondary School of the Year in the Southeast and placed 13th nationally. Nonsuch High School for Girls (Image: Google Maps) Wilson’s School was recognised for…

Newham Council’s strategic planning committee is expected to grant permission for the redevelopment of The Old Spotted Dog at a meeting this evening (December 9). On November 21 last year, two applications were submitted by Highpride Properties Ltd for the “restoration and re-use” of the site at 212 Upton Lane. Highpride Properties said the proposal “aims to restore and revitalise” the abandoned pub. A council report published ahead of the meeting at 6pm today details the proposal including the removal of 20th-century features to reveal and restore the original Tudor, Georgian/ early Victorian, and late Victorian/ Edwardian elements of the building.…

Epping Forest District Council spent £277,425 in High Court action against the use of The Bell Hotel in Epping, according to figures obtained by the BBC. The council was seeking an injunction against the hotel’s owners to try to stop asylum seekers staying there. Councillor Chris Pond, leader of the Loughton Residents’ Association, told the BBC: “I think when you are engaging leading counsel, you are obviously talking about a big bill. “It was the only option they had at the time. “I don’t think the extra costs will be that significant. Most of them have already been incurred. “I…

The review into Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy (MVPA) in Victoria Park Road found shouting at pupils was routine, and rigid behaviour policy application sometimes fails to adjust for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (Send). Harmful practices were allowed to persist “unchecked”, concluded review leader Sir Alan Wood, a former academy trust chief executive and former director for children and young people’s services at Hackney Council. A Department for Education (DfE) spokesperson described the findings as “serious and deeply concerning”. The members trust of The Mossbourne Federation, the academy trust the school belongs to, said the review is being…

A house dubbed ‘Romford Wonderland’ in Pettits Lane has been extravagantly decorated by the Grange family each year for Christmas since moving in 11 years ago. This year, Ian Grange had planned an official opening event on Saturday (December 6) for the first time. However, after receiving a letter from the council at the end of November asking him to contact it urgently to discuss logistics for the event, Ian cancelled it. Ian with wife Tracey and daughters Keeley and Kayleigh (Image: Ian Grange) “I am disappointed in all honesty,” he told the Recorder. “I’m not stupid – I understand why…

AVA Steakhouse & Grill has become the latest business to occupy 222 South Street. The retail unit had been long-term vacant following the departure of chicken restaurant Smokey’s Shack that opened in 2018. Before that it was The Brickyard, a favourite and well-known haunt of members of The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE). 222 South Street is a locally listed building, dating back to 1933 when it was erected as Page Calnan builder’s merchants. AVA has opened to customers today (December 9), after first teasing the upcoming restaurant on Instagram in 2023. The interior of the restaurant has been given…

In the early hours of September 30, 2023, Oswald Greenaway was sitting in his parked car near Homerton when he spotted a woman on the way home from a party on her own. The 60-year-old predator offered her a lift home but instead drove “quite fast” to his own flat where he gave her more alcohol and sexually assaulted her.  After two hours the victim managed to escape, but was found by Greenaway.  Police managed to track her down and when he was arrested officers found an 11cm knife.  The victim described that since the incident she had suffered debilitating…

The boy was treated by paramedics on Westbourne Road near the junction of Sheringham Road at 1.02pm today (December 9). He was rushed to hospital, however, died shortly later during the afternoon. His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. A crime scene remains in place on Atlas Mews, Westbourne Road and Arundel Square. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “We understand this is incredibly concerning for the community, particularly considering the young age of the victim.” Anyone who has information that may help police with their investigation is asked to contact police on 101 quoting ref…