Author: Blake Foster

Some of these Panoramas of Lost London disappeared due to progress, some because of war, and some are down to dubious planning decisions. The book by Hampstead Garden Suburb author Philip Davies opens a window onto a vanished past with more than 300 black and white photographs of people, places and buildings dating from 1870 to 1945. The Midland Grand Hotel in Euston Road around 1910. One of the images from the book Panoramas of Lost London. (Image: Panoramas of Lost London) Among the most mourned monuments in London is The Euston arch, which was built in 1837 for the…

At the centre of this approach is a new social value policy and updated procurement strategy, both designed to ensure that council contracts deliver real value for the community. Dan Swords, leader of Harlow Council, said: “We’re changing the way this council works – making sure every contract delivers real, measurable benefits for Harlow.” The policies put residents, businesses and community outcomes at the heart of the council’s purchasing decisions. The new approach is intended to boost the local economy by supporting jobs, creating opportunities for small businesses, and strengthening supply chains within Harlow. Cllr Swords said: “With a strong…

The boy was treated by paramedics on Westbourne Road near the junction of Sheringham Road at 1.02pm yesterday (December 9). He was rushed to hospital, however, died shortly later during the afternoon. At the turn with Atlas Mews, many flowers have been laid in respect of the teenage victim. Flowers left at the scene in Islington (Image: James Manning / PA) There were also alcoholic bottles such as a Smirnoff and Buzzballz, along with Digestives biscuits. Police tape has cordoned off Atlas Mews, along with officers closing off Westbourne Road and Arundel Square. Flowers left at the scene in Islington…

Emergency services were called to the stabbing in Mile End Road at around 9.40pm on Sunday (December 7). Two men were treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) before being rushed to a major trauma centre. A spokesperson for LAS said resources including ambulance crews, a clinical team manager and an incident response officer were sent to Mile End Road. READ MORE: Police cordon off Whitechapel park after woman ‘raped’ The spokesperson said: “We were called on Sunday, December 7 at 9.39pm to reports of a stabbing in Mile End Road, E1. “We sent resources including ambulance…

A new accessibility review conducted by Halton Stairlifts, a leading stairlift provider, has analysed the 25 largest shopping centres in the country to highlight which destinations truly support inclusive access and which still have work to do. The research assessed each centre based on five key criteria: Availability of mobility hire (wheelchairs or scooters) Whether Changing Places toilets were available Accessible toilet availability Quality of online accessibility information Presence of quiet hours or sensory-friendly sessions Top scorers achieved full marks, offering mobility hire services, comprehensive accessible facilities and clear public information. These are the most prepared destinations for visitors with…

The oversized knit, named ‘The Big Comfort,’ is the brainchild of Southern Comfort, designed to keep revellers warm and cosy outside the capital’s packed establishments. The jumper’s unique design includes six neck holes, six sleeves, and a large, shared body. It’s essentially a wearable ‘group hug,’ inspired by the British tradition of socialising outside busy pubs during the chillier months. ‘The Big Comfort’ knit brings warmth—and group hugs—to London’s bar scene (Image: Alex Morton/PinPep) Southern Comfort has specifically marketed the novelty clothing item to students and young Londoners, who have been shown to spend an average of nearly five hours…

Flowers and plants make for the perfect gift for Christmas.   So, why not delight friends and family with a stunning Christmas bouquet from Blossoming Gifts. The wide range of Christmas flowers and floral gifts will bring warmth, joy and festive cheer to any home this festive season with expert florists having designed a stunning range of Christmas bouquets, featuring popular blooms such as amaryllis, roses, lilies and carnations.  Each arrangement is bursting with seasonal colour and finished with festive touches such as pinecones, berries, and glittering wintry foliage and there are some money-saving offers to be had, too.  …

The property in Woodlands Road has been “beautifully developed” and “artfully extended” to the rear, creating what estate agents The Stow Brothers describe as a “spacious and stylish family home”. Despite its current size, they said the family home still holds potential for growth. Kitchen and dining area with butler sink, marble worktops and bay window (Image: The Stow Brothers – Walthamstow) There is still “scope to convert the loft”, which would add further space to the 996 sq. ft home. The interior of the house has vintage-style touches, like high-end wooden sash windows and cast iron radiators. Through lounge…

Only two weeks remain for the Kevin Jenkins OBE Newham Christmas Toy Appeal 2025, and kind-hearted bikers have made their usual Christmas toy run. They endured poor weather conditions, road closures, and the closure of the Blackwall Tunnel to deliver hundreds of toys to the appeal organisers, Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA). Bikers deliver over 300 toys despite poor weather and road closures (Image: AAA/Colin Grainger) Organiser John Pryke said the riders came together at Triumph East London headquarters in Romford to kickstart the event. Triumph East London had been collecting new toys, delivering them in two car loads. John said:…

Police were called to The Wheatsheaf in Kingston Road at around 3.30pm yesterday (December 9). A man had reportedly been found with serious injuries in an alley by the pub. Paramedics treated the man for his injuries but he died soon afterwards. A murder investigation has been launched by Surrey Police and a cordon is in place with Kingston and Chessington Road closed. Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Chris Friday, said: “Firstly, I would like to pay my heartfelt condolences to the man’s family and friends for their loss. “I know that there will be a lot of concern and…