Author: Blake Foster

Data retrieved in a Freedom of Information request (FOI) submitted by Opera Beds has revealed the significant change recorded by Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT), which runs Queen’s Hospital in Romford and King George Hospital in Goodmayes. The trust has seen the second largest increase nationally in emergency hospital admissions of patients aged 65 and over since 2022, according to the data. The FOI revealed that BHRUT recorded 17,988 emergency admissions of patients within this age category in 2022, with this figure then jumping to 26,100 in 2023.  Data from 2024 recorded yet another increase in emergency…

Scarlet, the St Clare Hospice charity shop in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, had to close in April for urgent replastering. The shop reopened just a week later, but with reduced stock and bare walls while the plaster dried. Scarlet reopens with designer fashion and renewed community spirit (Image: Scarlet, the St Clare Hospice charity shop) The boutique sells designer fashion at a fraction of the price it would normally fetch. It reopened on June 25 after being fully redecorated. Ayesha also painted a bust at Scarlet as it returned with new look and full stock (Image: Scarlet, the St Clare Hospice charity…

Cabinet members approved a scheme to spend up to £88.2million on building 179 new homes on vacant land in Bridge Road, next to Stratford High Street DLR station, in a vote in July 2024. The development would include 65 homes owned by the council to be let for social rent. But the council has now increased its budget to £91.5million, while reducing the planned number of socially rented homes to 45. MORE NEWS: Chinese takeaway that’s ‘seen generations grow up’ to close after 78 years Council documents say this is because property developer Hollybrook told it of “a need to increase…

The boy was found injured at Pitta Patta Nursery in St Germans Road just after 5pm on July 2. Officers attended and the boy was taken to hospital. He has since been discharged. A spokesperson for Pitta Patta Nursery said the child was involved in an incident whilst playing the garden area. It added it that due to an “initial misunderstanding” the emergency services contacted the police which “suggested that a more serious event had occurred.” It explained: “At the same time, the nursery also contacted Ofsted.  “In consequence, Ofsted have suspended the nursery’s operations for up to six weeks,…

The incident happened at the junction of Denmark Hill and Camberwell New Road just before 4pm today (July 10).  Officers and London Ambulance Service crews attended and four people injured.  They were taken to hospital where their injuries were assessed as non life threatening. Three of those taken to hospital were arrested in connection with the incident. A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 15:58hrs on Thursday, 10 July to reports of a stabbing in Camberwell. “Officers joined the London Ambulance Service and the London Air Ambulance service at the junction of Denmark Hill and Camberwell New Road where four people…

Poppy, 15, who attends the 1st Theydon Bois Guides, received the Jack Petchey Achievement Award for her positive attitude and caring nature. She relocated to the UK from Cameroon shortly after the pandemic and quickly became an integral part of her guide unit. Described as “fun, happy, helpful and inclusive,” Poppy is known for her selflessness and consideration for others. She chose to use her £300 Jack Petchey grant to fund a paddleboarding session for the unit at Essex Outdoors. The award was presented at a recent ceremony at the Queen’s Theatre, where 81 young people from Guides Essex West…

Firefighters were called 10 times to Alloa Road today (July 10) at 3.11am to reports of a fire. Eight people evacuated from their homes before the brigade arrived. At the scene, two cars were destroyed and the fire was under control by 4.42am A video circulating online shows the moment that a fire appeared to be set outside a home. Police are now leading the investigation, however the Metropolitan Police are yet to share further information. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Firefighters responded to reports of a fire on Alloa Road, Goodmayes. “Two vehicles were destroyed by the fire.…

From September 1, the 84B Potters Bar to Barnet service will be run by Uno buses and renamed the 243. It will also be expanded, running northwards to Hatfield. Launched in September 2023 after changes to the previous 84 route meant it no longer ran between Potters Bar and Barnet, the 84B was initially funded by money from Hertstmere Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) pot, which is paid into by developers. It has also been supported by Hertfordshire County Council, though Transport for London and the London Borough of Barnet declined to contribute. The Labour-run council’s cabinet member for…

Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls has been given the School Games Gold Level Mark Award for the 2024/25 academic year. The award scheme, launched in 2012, is run by the Youth Sport Trust and rewards schools for their commitment to developing sports competitions in the school and the community. The school has been recognised for its work in various sports activities, including intra-house and inter-school competitions, participating in Greenwich Schools Netball, and leading Greenwich Schools Primary Cricket. Other achievements include taking part in dance competitions, providing opportunities for sports leaders, hosting activities for less active pupils, and entering elite sporting…

The victim, named as Blue Stevens by the Mirror, died outside the five-star Park Tower Hotel and Casino in Seville Street just after 9.30pm yesterday (July 9). Police are aware of reports that the man died after being the victim of a robbery. Those closest to the victim have been told and are now being supported by specialist officers.(Image: Elitsa Tosheva) A Japanese tourist said they saw the attack, and told MailOnline: “A woman who looked like she was with the injured man was screaming ‘oh my god’ again and again. “She was very very agitated. It was horrible for…