Author: Blake Foster

Below is a summary of the most recent applications validated by Epping Forest District Council: 82, Land to the East of Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 5LG. Approval of details reserved by Condition 3 (Contaminated Land) for the erection of two houses with access, parking, amenity space, and landscaping. Ref. No: EPF/2264/25 Sunnyside Pt Os 956, Kents Lane, North Weald Bassett, Epping, CM16 6AX. Approval of conditions relating to drainage, materials, landscaping, tree protection, and ecological enhancement for the rebuilding to form a two-bedroom dwelling. Ref. No: EPF/2277/25 Land adj 2, The Uplands, Loughton, IG10 1NH. Variation of condition to…

We take a moment to share the fascinating history of one of Romford’s most well-known junctions, before its flyover and beyond its previous dark past as gallows for criminals. The tale of Gallows Corner’s very own highwayman has been preserved in an extract from the Ipswich Journal by The British Library Board. It recalls an incident on January 19, 1769, when a coach was brought to a stop opposite the gallows by a lone young man. It is understood that there were two passengers inside at the time of the early morning ambush, recorded as having taken place at around…

A Daily Express report from April this year estimated there to be roughly 300 shops operating in London in the mid-19th century but social group The Pie and Mash Club told the paper there were less than 40 currently open across the city. Here are five shops that east London has lost in the past three years. Al’s Pie & Mash, Hornchurch Al’s Pie & Mash (Image: Google) Formerly located in High Street, Hornchurch, was Al’s Pie & Mash, which closed its doors for the final time on September 27 this year. A sign displayed in the window in the…

He’s since become a familiar TV presence from Men Behaving Badly to Waterloo Road and Line of Duty – not to mention scoring two number one hits as the voice of Bob The Builder. The 63-year-old is just about to clank around as Jacob Marley’s ghost in A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story at Alexandra Palace – a mere 20 minute walk from his home. We put some questions about his life in North London. Q: What are you doing right now? A: We’ve just done a run through of Mark Gatiss’ version of A Christmas Carol and I am…

A PC, attached to Central West Command Unit, has been suspended with investigations underway following a video shared from the BBC, which allegedly shows the officer making “inappropriate” comments about the use of force against a detainee. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said that this will be included into its ongoing investigation into the behaviour of several police officers following a BBC Panorama documentary in October. This came to light after the BBC shared unbroadcast footage with the IOPC, which was then referred onwards for further assessment, resulting in a new referral to the IOPC and the…

The Office for National Statistics and Land Registry released new figures looking at median (average) house prices for every middle layer super output area (MLSOA) in all England and Wales local authorities. The most recent data refers to the year ending March 2025. The area in Barking and Dagenham with the most expensive median house price according to the figures is Longbridge and Barking Park with a £520,000 average. The second most expensive is Eastbrookend with an average of £430,800 whilst Chadwell Heath East and Barking East come in joint third place with £425,000. Marks Gate placed fifth with an…

Bakers + Baristas, in The Mercury shopping centre, welcomed customers back today (November 14) after a refurbishment and rebrand. The cafe, one of the newest Bakers + Baristas branches, now features new mood lighting, seating and an AI robot service. The coffee shop reopened on Friday (November 14) (Image: Gemma Brooks/The Mercury Shopping Centre) It will also continue to offer freshly baked muffins and pastries, freshly ground coffee, and lunch options. READ MORE: Grottos, giant snow globes and a reindeer: Christmas decorations go up in Romford The new AI robot service (Image: Gemma Brooks/The Mercury Shopping Centre) At the reopening,…

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the closures will begin at 10pm on Friday, November 14, 2025. This is to allow for tunnel maintenance and road resurfacing, according to the Public Notice Portal. The closures will affect the unnamed on-slip road connecting East India Dock Road to the Blackwall Tunnel Northern Approach southbound carriageway; the Brunswick Road on-slip road connecting East India Dock Road to Blackwall Tunnel Northern Approach southbound carriageway; and the Blackwall Tunnel Northern Approach, Blackwall Tunnel and Blackwall Tunnel Southern Approach southbound carriageway between its junctions with the Brunswick Road off-slip road and Silverton Tunnel Southern…

The picturesque seaside town of Hythe in Kent is only accessible by car, making it a peaceful oasis from coastal towns with bustling train stations. Despite not being accessible by train, Hythe is not far from south east London. The small town is prized for its impressive high street, walks and views of the sea and countryside, offering the best of both worlds. Why you should visit the Kent seaside town of Hythe Hythe might be small in size, but it is still mighty, offering a wide range of activities and things to enjoy. On the Folkestone and Hythe website,…

I visited on Tuesday, November 11 to try the Saturn Returns Treatment at the hotel’s AWAY Spa, a 90-minute grounding ritual created with Seabody. Products available to purchase at the AWAY Spa. (Image: Newsquest) The spa sits on the sixth floor and comes complete with a gym, sauna and steam room, all of which I happily made the most of before my 1.30pm booking. Everything gleams, smells divine, and hums with that calm, luxury energy that makes you instantly relax. The hotel corridors. (Image: Newsquest) My therapist, Natalie, was warm, calm and utterly lovely – the kind of person who…