Author: Blake Foster

The West Street centre is the first of its kind in the borough and aims to provide early support and community-led services. The opening event on April 1 was attended by community representatives, voluntary organisations, and local families. It is part of a vision to support families early on, reducing the need for statutory social work intervention. It aims to provide a safe and supportive environment where families can access the help they need. Chris Taylor, councillor responsible for children’s services, said: “The opening of the Erith Family Hub marks an important milestone in our commitment to early intervention and…

The intruders are believed to have taken over the former Catford Mews building in Catford town centre around a fortnight ago. Employees at neighbouring businesses said the squatters had mostly kept a low profile, except two Saturdays ago (March 22) when they allegedly held an all-day rave in the building. Notice of possession stuck to the former Catford Mews cinema A Holland and Barrett employee told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that when he turned up to work he could hear booming music coming from next door. He added: “The police came later in the afternoon and stood outside.…

Following widespread reports of mould and poor conditions in the 1960s-built blocks, residents voted to demolish and rebuild homes on the South Norwood estate. Residents of flats 1-87 were all relocated throughout 2024 following the 88.1% vote to demolish the flats in the Spring of last year. The Regina Road complex was built in the 1960s using the ‘then-innovative large panel system’ Hoardings have since surrounded that block for the past few months, with demolition officially starting in January. Demolition contractor Colemans has secured the site, which sees over 30 workers on site each day. Despite a constant buzz of…

The Magpie, a riverside pub in Sunbury-on-Thames, will welcome back customers this spring following a significant refurbishment. The renovation aims to enhance the pub’s visual charm and the experience of its visitors, while maintaining its historical appeal and picturesque setting. Having recently been named Best Business in Sunbury and Halliford at the Spelthorne Business Awards, the pub is ready to begin a new chapter. The interior has been redesigned, showcasing a modernised bar on both floors, a refined restoration of the ground floor, and a combination of new and refurbished furniture that balances comfort with contemporary style. (Image: The Magpie/Metropolitan…

Yuan Hang, Lina Wang and Chung Fu Wang, of Dagenham, lived the “high life” while coercing vulnerable women into unsafe sex practices. The three were sentenced yesterday (April 1) at Maidstone Crown Court to a total of over 15 years in jail. Officers first became aware of the criminal enterprise in 2019 after two brothels found in Gillingham and Maidstone were linked by police. Some of the women were brought into the country illegally and forced into sex work to pay off family debts, including one who had no idea where she was.  Others were coerced into taking part in…

Nikki Dix of Hillrise Road, Collier Row had been taking one of her usual walks through Havering Country Park at around 8.30am on March 28 when the incident occurred.  The 37-year-old said when she first spotted what she thinks was a buzzard around ten feet away from her, she found it “touching”.  Nikki said: “I’ve walked through the forest countless times and that, and I’ve seen them in the trees but I’ve never seen one as close.  “I see deer and everything run through there, you’ve got the muntjac and everything.” The buzzard was perched on a post a short distance from Nikki (Image:…

The fire on the roof of a terraced shop and flats on Ashwin Street began just after 5pm yesterday (April 1) as the evening rush hour began. A 60 metre-squared area of roof was destroyed by the blaze, which sent a highly visible chimney of dark smoke into the sky near Dalston Kingsland station. The fire is understood by the fire service to have been accidentally caused by a lit cigarette not being put out properly. Four fire engines and 25 firefighters from Stoke Newington, Islington and Shoreditch fire stations put the blze out around 6.30pm. One of the Brigade’s…

Leo Walby from the London-Kent border shared posts featuring Islamist-related terrorist material, including Daesh propaganda. He pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey today (April 2) to six counts of dissemination of terrorist material, contrary to section 2 of the Terrorism Act (TACT), 2006.  He also pleaded guilty to failing to disclose a password, after being served notice, contrary to section 53, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), 2000. Walby was arrested on October 4, 2024, at a home in Swanley where officers found various devices. Walby was charged on 5 October 2024, with six counts of disseminating terrorist material. As…

The store, which will open its doors on April 3, covers 12,120 square feet and will stock womenswear, menswear, footwear, accessories, and 915 ranges. The opening will be celebrated until April 5, with goody bags given out to the first 200 customers each day who spend in store. Free treats, including coffee, bubble tea, and pink hot chocolate, will be handed out with every purchase. Surprise gift cards will also be hidden around the shop for customers to find, and a DJ will perform. Customers who spend £50 will be in for a shot at winning prizes from the in-store…

The new owner of the development has been confirmed as London Square, who bought the centre from former owners Galliard Homes. The development has been approved to build 562 homes, comprising 389 private and 173 affordable houses, with 4,538sqm of ground floor commercial space. In a statement, Gailliard told the News Shopper that it had pulled out from the development due to “shifting market conditions“ and “ongoing uncertainties” surrounding safety regulations. Proposals to develop the 1960s Leegate Shopping Centre began in 2015 after the site officially closed in the early 2000s, and has remained empty for the past two years.…