Author: Blake Foster

Brandon Hatcher died after his van was hit at a crossing by a train in Teynham just after 12.45pm on July 13.  The 23-year-old was pronouncded dead at the scene.  Brandon’s family have since paid tribute to the “young” dad who will remember him for his “humour” and “laid back look on life”.  They said: “Brandon was a Dad, Partner, Son, Brother, Grandson and Uncle amongst being a great friend to many who he came into contact with in his life. “His family are deeply saddened by his passing at such a tragically young age in an accident that could have been…

Around 55% of customers said there was a problem with the website, while 37% and 7% respectively made reports about logging in and tracking. Most of these Downdetector reports were made in large cities like Manchester, Glasgow, London and Leeds. Royal Mail website ‘completely down’ as users report issues with logging in and tracking Royal Mail users have been quick to report problems with the website. One person said: “Business click and drop down.” Another penned: “Site completely down (click & drop), RM are down more than Jack Grealish.” A third wrote: “What a disgrace. They should be ashamed. 12 hours and…

Dom Lacovara’s daughter attends Greenvale Primary, which is one of six schools across Croydon set to lose its lollipop patrol by the end of the year. The move, revealed through a Freedom of Information request, came as a shock and has sparked a wave of concern from parents. Dom, who started a petition, told YourLocalGuardian: “I can’t imagine they’re earning a great deal. “Even if they are on minimum wage, you’re probably only talking a couple of thousand pounds a year the council is paying out. “To get rid of them, even if it means they are getting rid of…

The annual awards, regarded as the international quality benchmark for parks and green spaces, celebrate well-managed, welcoming, and environmentally sustainable outdoor areas. Among this year’s 2,250 UK winners are standout sites in both boroughs, reflecting the hard work of local authorities, volunteers, and community groups. In Bexley, Lesnes Abbey Wood, managed by Bexley Council, has been awarded the prestigious flag. Lesnes Abbey Wood (Image: Newsquest) Bromley also boasts several winners, all managed by idverde for Bromley Council. These include Biggin Hill Recreation Ground, Cator Park, Chislehurst and Walden Recreation Ground, Darrick and Newstead Wood, Hayes Common, High Elms Country Park,…

But it has become less enjoyable for him after strict new rules were brought in banning dogs off leads in some areas – with fines of £100. With dog walkers claiming to feel intimidated by enforcement officers, signs detailing the restrictions vandalised and confusion about whether some are in the right place, he says it is ruining his enjoyment of the Stanmore park. A year after the public spaces protection order (PSPO) was brought in, Andrew is just one of many dog walkers who feel the new measures have sown division within the community. Bentley Priory PSPO. A PSPO has…

Announcing plans to shut their shop in Kentish Town Road in September, owners Fiona Bell and Michelina Caliendo-Sear said they are “leaving on a high as London’s number one”. Famous for unusual flavours such as Marmite and Sourdough and Parma Violet, they say the move will allow them to grow their business – focusing on UK-wide online sales and supplying other outlets. Michelina’s family can trace ice-cream making in each generation dating back over 150 years. (Image: Nathalie Raffray) They are shifting production to premises in Buckinghamshire where they will launch a ‘gelato school’ with courses for professional chefs and the public in October. And they say…

I’ve been to Wembley more times than I can count – usually screaming my lungs out for Harry Styles, Taylor Swift or whatever popstar is in town – but never to shop. So, when I finally made my way to the London Designer Outlet (LDO), I was surprised at how many bargains were waiting for me. Getting there was super easy. I hopped off the Metropolitan line and took a quick 10-minute walk to the outlet, which is just behind the iconic Wembley Stadium. LDO is just a 10 minute walk from Wembley Park station (Image: LDO) The LDO is right…

The spate of violence appeared to begin as 2024 drew to a close, and, blood has been spilled several times in every month since the start of 2025. But what is the root of the problem and how can it be tackled? The Brent & Kilburn Times has been looking deeper into the violence on our streets and has seen first-hand the efforts being made to stop it. What’s going on? December 2024 saw the death of 44-year-old Michelle Sadio, one of three people hit by bullets in a drive-by shooting outside a church in Harlesden. Michelle Sadio died in a…

The Department for Transport (DfT) announced this move as part of its plan to integrate more services under the Great British Railways initiative. The goal is to boost reliability and increase passenger numbers. The c2c services operating from Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness will be the second operator to come under public ownership. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “From this Sunday you will be able to get there on a train service run by the public, for the public. “Public ownership is already tackling deep-rooted problems we see on the railway that’s led to spiralling costs, fragmentation and waste.” The transition…

Regent’s Canal, which runs through Limehouse and beyond, has been named among 43 other well-rated walking spots nationally in a Which? survey. People were asked to rate walks based on their scenery, wildlife, peace and quiet and more.   The nine-mile walk along the canal was given an overall score of 69 per cent based on responses, taking into account overall satisfaction and respondents’ likelihood to recommend the route.  Regent’s Canal walk is one that can be enjoyed by experienced and amateur walkers alike, with a difficulty rating of one out of five stars (with five being the most challenging).  According…