Author: Blake Foster

Between mid-2023 and mid-2024, Bexley’s population increased by 1.71 per cent, rising from 252,124 to 256,434. This was the fastest growth among Bexley, Bromley, Lewisham, Southwark and Greenwich. Greenwich followed with a population increase of 1.05 per cent, going from 296,420 to 299,528. Bromley saw a rise of 0.85 per cent, with the population growing from 332,482 to 335,319. Southwark’s population grew by 0.42 per cent, increasing from 313,485 to 314,786 between mid-2023 and mid-2024. Lewisham had the smallest increase, with the population rising by just 0.34 per cent, from 300,225 to 301,255. Of the 318 local authorities across England…

Towpath Cafe is on the edge of a canal on De Beauvior Crescent and serves dishes all made using local produce and fresh ingredients. Serving the likes of coffee and tea, the cafe has an impressive 4.3 out of 5 Google Reviews rating from more than 900 reviews. London’s ‘most beautiful cafe’ you need to visit Towpath Cafe has long been popular among locals, but is often discovered by those walking along the canal. The cafe recently gained the attention of the Instagram page, The Girls Plate London, which branded the cafe “London’s most beautiful canalside cafe”. Sharing a reel…

The production, entitled Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show, will see new character Baby Evie make her first live stage appearance. Produced by Fierylight in collaboration with game, IP, and toy company Hasbro, the UK-wide tour kicks off in October 2025. It will culminate in the West End at Theatre Royal Haymarket from December 5 2025 until January 4 2026, and continue to tour into September 2026. The show is based on the popular animated preschool TV series, and promises a fun-filled theatre experience with music, adventure, and surprises. A sneak peek of the plot reveals the family is preparing for…

A 62-year-old former police officer was violently kicked off his bike in what he believes was a targeted robbery attempt while cycling in Croydon. The shocking attack happened to David Amos on Shirley Church Road on Monday, July 21 at 6pm as he was slowly cycling uphill. Two people on a scooter allegedly crept up behind him without a number plate visible, before the passenger delivered a hard kick to his hip. “I had a boot mark on my jersey as they gave me hell of a whack,” Dave told the News Shopper. Dave, who lives in Shortlands, was left…

From the buzz of the Ariel Atom to a superhero movie car driving experience, ExperienceDays have some great offers for thrill seekers and petrol heads.   As the UK’s leading experience gift provider, if you want to make it a summer to remember then give the gift of an exhilarating experience to your loved one (or even treat yourself!). There’s choice with a capital C on offer. From stunt driving to taking the wheel of a 45ft HGV transporter truck, and if you’re looking for the need for speed but don’t want to drive yourself then let the experts take control with…

Barker Perry Town Ltd submitted a planning application to Havering Council on behalf of a Mr J Murphy to increase the capacity of the HMO at 88 Eastern Road that currently houses up to six people. The decision to deny planning permission was made on July 11. In the reasoning behind the refusal, the council claimed the rear parking spaces would “lead to noise and disturbance in the rear garden, harmful to the amenity of neighbouring properties, particularly 86 Eastern Road” as well as “increase danger to pedestrians given limited visibility”. The proposed 10 car parking spaces in the rear garden of the site were deemed to exceed…

DaeJaun Campbell, 15, suffered fatal stab wounds in Eglington Road following the unprovoked attack on September 22 last year.  Metropolitan Police officers were called by witnesses to the stabbing at 6.30pm, receiving reports of DaeJaun screaming for help and being chased down with a machete.  He died a short while later at the scene of the attack.  Following a six-week trial at the Old Bailey, the jury returned their verdicts on July 30. 19-year-old Marko Balaz of Sewell Road, Abbey Wood, was convicted of manslaughter.  A 17-year-old boy was convicted of DaeJaun’s murder.  Jacob Losiewicz, 18, of Church Manorway, Abbey…

The new Barnsley Street neighbourhood centre launched by government care minister Stephen Kinnock is the first of just six pilot schemes in the country by the NHS to help people with mental health needs in their own neighbourhoods. It has been set up through Tower Hamlets Mental Health Alliance. “Timely support close to home can be the difference between recovery and crisis,” the alliance’s Cassandra Geisel said. “The most effective treatment is with support for housing, finding jobs and help in building social connections. “These factors can be powerful in preventing relapse and helping recovery — but can make things…

The 43-year-old was finally brought to justice on Monday, July 28, when he was jailed for a year at Bexley Magistrates’ Court.  Manton, of Samuel Street in Woolwich, is a “prolific offender” who stole to feed his substance abuse problems.  His latest spree began at Sainsbury’s on Bexleyheath Broadway on February 6 when he stole £356 from the till.  Later that week he stole £1,000 cash from M&S in Kensington and Chelsea then £600 cash from M&S in Barnet.  He went on to target M&S stores on Sutton High Street and Moorgate as well as Sainsbury’s stores in Brentwood and…

The 43-year-old was finally brought to justice on Monday, July 28, when he was jailed for a year at Bexley Magistrates’ Court.  Manton, of Samuel Street in Woolwich, is a “prolific offender” who stole to feed his substance abuse problems.  His latest spree began at Sainsbury’s on Bexleyheath Broadway on February 6 when he stole £356 from the till.  Later that week he stole £1,000 cash from M&S in Kensington and Chelsea then £600 cash from M&S in Barnet.  He went on to target M&S stores on Sutton High Street and Moorgate as well as Sainsbury’s stores in Brentwood and…