Author: Blake Foster

MJD Planning, on behalf of Grove and Dean Property Services, has drawn up proposals to revamp the retail and business units at 3-11 Station Lane, Hornchurch.  Three of these units are vacant shops, while the other two are currently in use as offices – one of which is used by Grove & Dean Holdings. The planning statement reveals that the refurbishment includes a “complete renewal” of the shopfronts of each unit, a new roof in line with the existing roof line, and minor changes to the rear windows. READ MORE: New children’s play area with mini roleplay zones to open at The…

Liam Conlon, Labour’s MP for Beckenham and Penge, teamed up with R.A.M.P (Real Access Makes Progress), a group of local residents, to hand out accessibility awards to Beckenham High Street businesses. These accolades, named “Star Awards”, celebrate local businesses for their efforts in creating a more welcoming and accessible environment for all community members. The awards are based on criteria such as a “welcoming atmosphere”, “easy step-free access”, and, where appropriate, “accessible toilet facilities”. Beckenham Rotary Club and the Ravensbourne Valley and West Beckenham Residents Associations have also thrown their support behind the initiative. R.A.M.P members said: “We are incredibly…

Cotleigh Road has had a police cordon today since at least around 5.30pm today (August 6). The residential road is closed off from both ends. Multiple police officers are at the scene as investigations take place, It’s understood that sniffer dogs are also at the scene, according to eyewitnesses. While there is some speculation regarding what has happened, it is unclear what the incident involved. We will provide verified information once available. The Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service have been approached for further information. This is a breaking story, more updates to follow later. Source link

The number of 24-hour front counters is also expected to fall from 32 to just 8, despite a previous pledge to maintain at least one 24/7 counter in each of the capital’s 32 boroughs. That commitment formed part of the MPS’ A New Met for London strategy, aimed at delivering “more trust, less crime and high standards”. The closures come as the Met seeks to make £260 million in savings this financial year. The force said it is prioritising neighbourhood policing, response policing and public protection while reducing some services and staff numbers. In south west London, Wimbledon and Mitcham…

Officers found Erdal Ozmen with gunshot wounds on Dynevor Road, near Stoke Newington High Street, yesterday (August 5) at 12.18am. The 45-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene and a. Post-mortem examination will be held in due course. According to the Metropolitan Police, Erdal is a father-of-one and was “deeply loved by his family”. In an update shared today (August 6), the Met said that the murder motive remains unclear and that no arrests have been made yet. The force is appealing for anyone with information, or anyone who heard something unusual like a loud vehicle or people shouting, to…

The family describe feeling “depressed” living in the damp and rat-infested property and are desperate for the council to move them out. Ms Eniola -who preferred that her first name not be used – has lived in the Neasden property since 1992, she currently resides in it with her adult daughter and son – who is severely disabled. Ms Eniola first reported the “dangerous condition” of the house to Brent Council in 2022 but claims she has “been ignored” by the local authority. Ms Enola has now started a legal pursuit against the council regarding the on-going disrepair issues, which…

Jazz Café opened its doors at 5-7 Parkway in 1990 and was taken over by its current owners, The Columbo Group, in 2016. Earlier this year, the company bought 9 Parkway, a former Malaysian restaurant. It has now submitted a planning application to Camden Council that could pave the way for Jazz Café to expand into the neighbouring building. Under the proposals, internal walls would be built inside the existing restaurant at ground floor and basement level to make the space shallower, allowing the music venue to extend into the back of the shop. These new spaces would be turned into…

With its (over) familiar songs and zinging one-liners, Grease is perfect source material for this relaunch of Secret Cinema as an ‘immersive musical’ shared with thousands in a hangar-like space in Battersea Park. It’s been converted into the American High School circa 1959 as The Pink Ladies and T Birds live out their final year of slumber parties, drive-ins, dance contests, and car races. There’s a pre and post show chance to go on the funfair rides and the show’s final scene is played on an outdoor stage. (Image: Luke Dyson) Before the show starts there’s the chance to roam the funfair from the movie’s…

Barking station is currently undergoing upgrade works by train operator c2c, including the refurbishment of its lift on platforms 1 and 2. This has meant the lift has been out of action for several months and is yet to be brought back into use. Alec Everitt, who is from Barking and registered blind, told the Barking and Dagenham Post that while he is able to use the stairs, it is “safer” for him to use the lift. The 77-year-old said that “the lack of correct information” about when the lift will be operating again was “astounding”. A spokesperson for c2c…

Charles Amos, who lives at 63-77 Princes Road, said he has been reporting dumped mattresses, furniture including sofas, and overflowing general waste since July last year. He claimed that the fly-tipping problem began after the block of flats’ managing agents, J Nicholson & Son, removed the doors from the bin store. As a result, he has to suffer from the “stench” of uncollected rubbish under his flat, as well as the flies attracted by the smell. The bins pictured on July 29, 2025 (Image: Charles Amos) Charles claims that despite numerous complaints to the managing agents, no meaningful action has been taken to…