Author: Blake Foster

More women are planning to buy a home on their own than with a partner, according to research. A study of 1,000 women who do not currently own a home found 37 per cent intend to purchase solo – compared to 35 per cent who plan to buy with a partner. Mortgage data also shows women are more likely to buy solo than men, with figures from Skipton Building Society revealing it processed 11.5 per cent more mortgage applications from women buying alone in 2024 than from men. And so far in 2025, it has received nearly seven per cent…

The Epping Forest Unit at St Margaret’s Hospital now features fully refurbished day rooms designed to boost social interaction and mobility among patients, thanks to £2,015 from the League of Friends and £9,447 from the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). Louise Mead, chair of Epping Forest District Council, who visited the unit during an open day, said: “What fantastic work everyone has done to get these rooms so inviting. “The smiles on those patients’ faces were so heart-warming.” Therapeutic spaces blend books, games, and greenery for patient wellbeing (Image: The League of Friends of St. Margaret’s Hospital) The…

The Metropolitan Police was called at 7.10pm on August 11 with reports of an incident along Cray Avenue.  Officers were dispatched to the scene with colleagues from the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service, where they found two men injured.  The men, aged 40 and 43, were treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening or changing.  The pair declined hospital treatment.  A third man, aged 22, reported no injuries.  An investigation has been launched into the attack, with police enquiring into reports that the men were attacked with a knife and a corrosive substance.  There have…

A man has been left with an “lasting” eye injury after being assaulted at Belsize Park station.The victim was left injured after reports of an assault on the platform on June 19, just after 5pm.Just under two months after the incident, the British Transport Police (BTP) has released an image of a man who officers would like to speak to.The image shows a man walking around shirtless.Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 5t14 of 19 June.Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Source link

Forest Road has been shut after a water mains pipe burst near its junction with Elmbridge Road on Tuesday (August 12). Photos of the street show water flooding the area in front of the traffic lights, with cones also in place at the road closure. Essex & Suffolk Water has confirmed that its teams are currently at the site carrying out repairs, but has not confirmed how long Forest Road will be closed for.  The junction with Elmbridge Road is affected (Image: Tracey Mott) A spokesperson for the water company said: “Earlier today, we were made aware of a burst on…

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was seen at an Orpington pie and mash shop. The football legend was spotted at Scott’s Tradition Pie & Mash, where he sampled the traditional East End food on Wednesday (August 6). The shop expressed their excitement at his visit, saying it was a “pleasure to welcome” the former England captain. The pie and mash shop added: “Come back anytime, Rio – pie and mash is always on us.” According to the National Football Museum, Ferdinand, known for his elegant playing style, grew up in Peckham and joined West Ham United’s academy after spending…

Pierluigi’s Pasta Fresca at 86-90 Beckenham High Street promises “authentic Italian with a modern charm” for its customers, but the restaurant has prompted 26 noise complaints from neighbours since May 2024. It has also breached its existing licence several times in recent years, according to a council report. Nearby residents have complained of hearing loud music coming from the restaurant from 10pm onwards into the early hours of the morning. One complaint, made on February 1 this year, said: “Every Saturday Pierluigi’s hosts very loud events. It is getting louder and louder and carries on until 2am.” Other recent licence breaches…

Emirates has joined a raft of airlines in banning power banks, with the ban imposed from 1 October 2025 following a safety review. The airline warned that the device will not be allowed to be used in aircraft cabins for fear of “dangerous consequences like fire, explosions, and the release of toxic gases”. It said in a statement: “There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the wider aviation industry. Dreamscapes of Dubai. ☁️🏙️✨🎥 @dubaiieye pic.twitter.com/nY9uFMGgk5 — Emirates (@emirates) August 9, 2025…

The Chough, in Eastham Crescent, is set to undergo a “major” renovation and rebrand – and will soon be known as The Royal Oak. Owner Star Pubs, part of Heineken UK, has announced that building works for the refurb are due to start later this month.  A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that building work is on track to start at the end of August on an exciting refurbishment of The Chough.” READ MORE: The Chough pub in Brentwood set for major refurbishment The renovation will include new signage, refreshed interiors, and enhanced outdoor areas like the garden and car park. A…

According to Fox Estates, the property is “perfect for families or first-time buyers” and is offered with no onward chain. The home has undergone recent refurbishment and features a “fresh, modern interior with a well-planned layout”. The house also benefits from off-road parking for at least two cars. The property is located near Dartford Town Centre, Dartford Mainline Railway Station, and is close to local schools, shops, and services. Source link