Author: Blake Foster

Ken Chubb and his writer wife Shirley Barrie started the Wakefield Tricycle Company in a King’s Cross pub in 1972. Childhood sweethearts who had met while teaching, they named their endeavour after The Pindar of Wakefield where Ken had popped in for a lunchtime pint. After chatting to the landlord, he secured the chance to stage one-act plays in the back room at lunchtimes. Over the next eight years the company – named the tricycle because it had three members – performed new writing and children’s shows in various London venues including The Bush and Kings Head in Islington. Shirley Barrie co founded the Tricycle Theatre now…

Police were called to Green Lane just before 7pm on March 3 after a car hit a pedestrian. The pedestrian, named by police as 49-year-old Sinnathamby Karunakaran, died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics. The car stopped at the scene and there have been no arrests.(Image: Met Police) Detectives are asking seeking the public’s help with their investigation and seeking witnesses and camera footage. Detective Constable Caroline Landy of the Roads & Transport Unit is leading the investigation. She said: “Our thoughts remain with Sinnathamby’s family at this tragic time. “We are keen to speak to anyone who…

Relatives of Marta Perkowska told a coroner on Monday (March 31) they were not convinced the remains belonged to the 33-year-old. Senior east London coroner Graeme Irvine said he was not sure beyond a reasonable doubt, but he was able to conclude the body was Marta’s “on the balance of probabilities” – the burden of proof required for an inquest. However, he offered to release CT scans of the body to Marta’s loved ones, so they could be checked against dental records. “If there is a genuine, upsetting doubt about identification on the part of the family, that is a…

The popular Spanish destination is forecast to reach highs of around 18°C later this week, meaning London could be enjoying warmer afternoons than one of Europe’s go-to spots for spring sun. According to the Met Office, high pressure is bringing a spell of dry and settled conditions across much of the UK, with the South East likely to see the best of the sunshine. The fine weather began today (Monday, March 31), with sunny intervals and a high of 17°C. Temperatures will dip to around 5°C overnight, with clear skies leading to a chilly start on Tuesday. The rest of…

The owners of Boescakes announced yesterday that its branch on Brighton Road would be closing its doors permanently. The announcement came yesterday (March 30) where the owners said the reason for the closure came due to the cost-of-living crisis and for being too close to its Wallington branch. The owners apologised for not giving customers any notice and admitted that the closure felt “embarrassing”. Boescakes first opened their Sutton branch in November 2023, and has a branch in Wallington, West Wickham, and Whyteleafe. To commemorate the last day, customers were invited in the last few hours before closing time to…

Data from the Metropolitan Police reveals the number of reported stolen animals in every London borough since February 2012. From February 2012 to February 2024, a total of 450 stolen animal reports were made in Bromley, the highest of all the south east London boroughs. Bexley ranked as the lowest south east London borough with 203 reports. Barking & Dagenham ranked at the top with 1,344 reports and Hillingdon in west London with 686 reports. The greatest number of animals stolen in Bromley were dogs. Over 12 years, 161 dogs were reported stolen. This was closely followed by birds, where…

Camden Council has approved guidance for land in Regis Road, setting out how the area will develop in the coming years. It sets out a vision for “a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood that will benefit generations to come”. Within the plans, which are tied to the Kentish Town Planning Framework, is a more connected neighbourhood linking Kentish Town, Gospel Oak and Dartmouth Park.​ The document will serve “as a key consideration” in the council’s evaluation of any future planning applications, building and improvements in the area, the local authority said. The large industrial landscape is complicated by the patchwork of developers who own the…

These are part of a planned maintenance to boost road safety and infrastructure. Drivers are forewarned that diversions and delays might accompany these crucial works. National Highways maintains motorways and major A-roads, so smaller road shutdowns are not on its schedule. The A2 serves as a crucial link connecting Dover to the heart of London. It spans nearly 72 miles from Borough in the capital and finishes at the Dover Docks. Closures are planned across the A2, A21, A20, and A282 routes, with most works taking place overnight to minimise disruption. Here is a day-by-day breakdown of scheduled closures from…

The work will occur between Monday and Friday (March 31 to April 4). We have simplified and outlined all the details for you to plan your journey this week.   Monday (March 31): From 10.30pm until the end of service, replacement buses will run between Tonbridge and Hastings. Monday to Thursday (March 31 to April 3): Engineering work will affect trains towards Hayes from approximately 11pm until the end of service. From the 10.48pm train until 11.18p, the London Charing Cross to Hayes services trains will be diverted after New Beckenham to run to Orpington, calling at Beckenham Junction. After…

The police, ambulance, coast guard and fire service have all been scouring the water near the Woolwich Ferry since around 1.15pm today (March 31). The girl is thought to have entered the river near Barge House Causeway near Royal Victoria Gardens. Residents in Woolwich have reported seeing coastguard and police helicopters searching the Thames in the area. One helicopter has been panning up and down the river in Woolwich area according to flight tracking data. Meanwhile, shipping data shows fire, ambulance and police boats in the same area of the Thames. Meanwhile, the fire service has deployed a drone as…