Author: Blake Foster

A warehouse, in High Road, Epping, caught fire this afternoon and fire crews are on scene battling the blaze. Crews were called to reports of the fire at 1pm today (June 26).  Officers warn people in the area to shut their windows and doors.  A spokesman for Essex Fire said: “If you live in the area please close your windows and doors as there is a lot of smoke coming from the fire. “If you are driving on the M11 you may see smoke, please slow down and drive carefully.”   Source link

Under the Mayor of London’s new Summer Streets Fund, Rivington Street and Redchurch Street will be transformed into pedestrian-only zones every Friday and Saturday throughout the summer. The move will allow independent bars and restaurants to offer outdoor dining until midnight. Businesses on both streets will be able to apply for free outdoor dining licences for the first three months of the scheme. The £300,000 scheme, announced by Sadiq Khan, aims to boost London’s hospitality industry by supporting outdoor dining and extended opening hours across the capital. Mr Khan said: “I’m delighted to announce the first of many new al fresco…

There were reports of a large group of teenagers running around the area and many officers in attendance yesterday (June 25). Rumours from locals claimed that a knife had been seen during the incident near Barking Football Club. However a Metropolitan Police spokesperson says that there have been no injuries, arrests, or reports of weapons. It is understood that instead a fight broke out when a large number of people left an event in the area, and police came to stop this. Officers could be seen around Lodge Avenue and Ilchester Road. The group was completely dispersed and the incident…

Newham, in partnership with Uber and charge point operator Believ, has now installed 500 on-street electric vehicle charge points, with plans to reach 1,000 by April 2026 and 3,000 by 2030. Pictured from L – R: Charlie Allen, head of business development, public sector, Believ, Rokhsana Fiaz, Mayor of Newham and Edward Davison, policy at Uber (Image: Believ) The expansion supports the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. One of the charging points (Image: Believ) Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham, said: “We know how popular the existing EV charging…

Roberta Lenghel, from Gants Hill, had dreamed of becoming an air hostess. But her ambitions were sunk when her training was halted because she could not swim. “I thought speaking three languages would be the most important thing,” Roberta, 29, said. “But they sent me home after five minutes. I was devastated.” That rejection became her turning point. She booked swimming lessons at Becontree Heath Leisure Centre and vividly remembers the fear at her first session. “I sat on the edge of the pool clinging to the wall. “I was terrified that the instructor would push me in — I was that…

Costa Del Croydon, the bold, community-first activation at Centrale & Whitgift, has been recognised with two major international marketing awards. It was praised for its creative way of bringing people together and making the shopping centre feel like a real part of the town. The event won Bronze for Best Experience at The Drum Awards for Marketing EMEA 2025, competing against global brands including Canon, Sanofi, Dulux, TikTok Live and Tiffany & Co. The initiative was also honoured with a Gold at the Solal Marketing Awards 2024 for Best placemaking, which recognises outstanding retail-led placemaking and retail destination marketing across Europe.    Judges from both awards…

A vintage train with carriages dating back 100 years will be passing through south east London this week. This Friday (June 27) trainspotters will have the chance to catch a glimpse of 1920s Pullman carriages being hauled by a Class 67 diesel locomotive. The journey, which will make a round trip from London Victoria to Dover Priory in Kent, is run by Belmond and is part of their ongoing Murder Mystery experience, where guests will have the chance to dine aboard these historic carriages whilst they attempt to solve the case of a murder. The journey is run by Belmond…

The plans, which were submitted by owner Emma Reynolds on April 30, proposed a double-storey side extension, a full roof replacement, a loft conversion, a garage conversion and a pick-up and drop-off zone. On Monday (June 23) Havering Council released its decision to refuse planning permission. The council said: “The proposals would likely increase parking pressure and congestion at peak times to the detriment of surrounding neighbouring amenity and the safe and free flow of traffic.” A planning application was submitted on April 30 (Image: Google) The council also deemed the potential extension as an “incongruous development” compared to the existing building and…

James Harding, 34, and his “loyal right-hand man” Jayes Kharouti, 39, of Depot Road, Epsom, ran a vast criminal empire which made £5 million in profits from importing drugs over 10 weeks in 2020 alone. They tried to recruit a hitman to put an unnamed rival courier “permanently out of business”, arming him with a gun and ammunition for the “full M” – a murder, the court was told. At the time, Harding, who claimed to be a high-end watch sales executive, was living in luxury in Dubai, staying in five-star hotels and driving Bugatti and Lamborghini sports cars. The…

The ranking followed Rightmove’s annual Happy at Home study that saw more than 35,000 feedback and participate. Respondents had their say on 15 different happiness factors, including access to amenities, employment opportunities, access to green spaces and more.  Barking and Dagenham was rated lowest in London for happiness and 218th out of 220 nationwide. We have pulled together a list of top-rated attractions on Tripadvisor that show there are places that make people happy in the borough. 1. History History in the borough is rich and plentiful, with a number of historic sites that are well worth a visit.  Tudor tales…