Author: Blake Foster

West Wickham leisure centre has been shut since February 2024, when several structural issues were identified. Originally Bromley Council said that it planned to refurbish the building but changed its proposals earlier this year after the removal of asbestos allowed the structure to be examined more closely. The local authority has now determined that parts of the centre are beyond economic repair, so will need to be demolished and rebuilt at a cost of £22 million. The refurbished leisure centre was initially earmarked to reopen in 2026, but this date has now been pushed back to 2028. Last week, planning…

UK Power Networks has upgraded the area’s local cable network, replacing older circuits with environmentally-friendly cross-linked polyethylene cables. These span multiple circuits, connecting two substations and increasing power supply reliability. The project has installed three new 33,000-volt circuits, totalling more than 15.8 kilometres – the equivalent length of 150 football pitches. This forms part of UK Power Networks’ £800 million investment programme for the current year. Jason Gunning, programme manager, said: “This cable replacement project in the Ilford area is part of our ongoing investment in the electricity network. “By upgrading infrastructure at Redbridge and Perth Road, we’re reinforcing the reliability…

Taking place on August 16 from 12pm – 10:30pm, Priory Live Festival is set to return for its fifth year in Priory Park in Orpington, bringing a line-up of acts and family entertainment. The festival, which prides itself on championing original music, will offer a mix of chart-topping headliners and fresh grassroots talent. The festival will offer a mix of chart-topping headliners and fresh grassroots talent. (Image: Priory Live) Headlining the festival will be chart-topping band The Hoosiers, best known for anthems like Goodbye Mr A and Worried About Ray, which topped the UK charts. Joining them will be Britpop…

Kay Goodier, who is disabled and lives with mental health issues, claims they are being “victimised” by Lewisham Council as they say they are the only council tenant living on their street in Catford. A spokesperson for the council said Kay’s home has been deemed unsuitable for their safety and wellbeing, and has been offered a secure, ground-floor property within the borough. The 69-year-old’s home is on Persant Road and is part of the historical Excalibur Estate which is mostly being demolished and redeveloped in phases. Kay’s property is earmarked for demolition within the next 18 to 24 months, and…

The suspected migrant, who is in his early 20s, has also been arrested on suspicion of assault.  Footage began circulating on social media on Wednesday of a man entering a house after being told “to go back to the hotel”. He was later detained by members of the public nearby. In an update on Friday, the Met said Channay Augustus, 22, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon, affray, assault on an emergency worker, common assault and possession of cannabis. She is an occupant of the flat that was entered. The affray and common assault charges relate to…

As part of a £100 million government initiative, it has been designated as a construction technical excellence college (CTEC), one of only ten in the UK. New City College has construction training centres in Rainham, Epping Forest and Hackney. The funding is a response to skills shortages in the construction sector and will provide advanced training for those pursuing careers as builders, electricians, carpenters, bricklayers, and roofers. Gerry McDonald CBE, group principal and chief executive at New City College, said: “New City College is well placed to lead construction skills development as the London region’s construction technical excellence college. “With our specialist construction…

To mark the first anniversary of the Epping Forest Community Lottery, ticket holders are being given the chance to win two tickets for the white water rafting experience at Lee Valley White Water Centre. Participants need to enter by Saturday, August 16, for a chance to win. The lottery, which has been running since August 3, 2024, has been raising funds for charities and initiatives throughout the district. By entering the lottery, participants will also be supporting local good causes, as at least 60 per cent of every ticket sold goes towards funding community projects across Epping Forest. Tickets cost…

Bertie Blossoms on Portobello Road is described as an “intimate restaurant in the heart of Notting Hill.” Grammy award winner Sheeran, known for songs ‘Perfect’, ‘Castle on the Hill’, ‘Bad Habits’, and ‘The A Team’, opened the restaurant in September 2019 with his manager Stuart Camp. On its opening, the two shared that the name Bertie Blossoms was inspired by their partners. The ‘lovely’ London restaurant owned by Ed Sheeran On its website, Bertie Blossoms shares create tapas by “blending Spanish flair, British comfort, and a little bit of everything else we love from around the world.” Sharing: “Think crispy bites,…

In an audio message to be shared later this evening, the King will reflect on the horrors experienced by prisoners of war and innocent civilians in occupied lands. The six-minute speech, recorded earlier this month at Clarence House, echoes and makes reference to the historic broadcast made by his grandfather, King George VI. King Charles vows sacrifices of VJ Day heroes ‘shall never be forgotten’   ☕️ Ahead of the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, The Duchess of Edinburgh sat down with James ‘Jim’ Wren, a 105-year-old Royal Marines veteran, at his care home in Salisbury, Wiltshire.Mr Wren survived the sinking of HMS Repulse in…

Frames Sports Bar, located on 202 Brighton Road, announced on August 7 that it will close permanently on September 1.  The decision, which was described as not an easy one, comes after the landlord took possession of the neighbouring units, formerly Mirch Masala and Thai Venue, both of which have been vacant for some time. The bar’s owners said they wanted to invest in the club to improve it, but the lease terms offered by the landlord made it “commercially unviable” to continue trading. Frames Sports Bar have revealed plans to open a new sports bar in Woking in West Surrey,…