Author: Blake Foster

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…

The ‘Play in the Park’ sessions offer outdoor play, sports equipment, and arts and crafts. Parents can bring their children without the need to book, but must stay with them. ‘Dr Bike’ health checks will be available at certain sessions, and must be booked in advance. The sessions are at multiple locations, starting in Abridge at the Village Hall Field on Monday, July 28, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, and in Buckhurst Hill at Hornbeam Road Recreation Ground on Wednesday, July 30, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. In Chigwell, the event takes place on Tuesday, August 5, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Epping will…

We’ve had a great month of achievements and successes that stir up pride inside anyone that feels a part of Harrow. Locally we unveiled the new Hatch End Park Estates sign that had been created with residents to replicate the old, historic sign that had stood in place for decades but sadly was falling apart. The new sign looks incredible, a fitting replica of the old one, and will stand proudly for many years to come. Our high streets have been in full bloom with the recent hot weather, not only thanks to the new hanging baskets that we have…

Environmental health officers from Redbridge and Epping have been busy this fortnight visiting businesses across the boroughs to see if they are meeting hygiene requirements. Based on guidelines set by the Food Standards Agency, inspectors look to see how clean the facilities are; what food safety management procedures are in place and how hygienic food handling is. Ratings are then dished out from five to zero — with the higher score the better the result. Five — Very Good Asiatique, located at Unit 1, 501a High Road, Ilford, rated five on July 9. KGems Day Nursery at Knowledgems Nursery, Valentines…