Author: Blake Foster

West Wickham Library in Bromley officially reopened on Friday, June 27, following a major upgrade. The transformation includes a new café, business lounge, and the borough’s first Makerspace featuring a 3D printer. Bromley’s refurbished library draws crowds and community buzz (Image: Bromley Council) A spokesman for Bromley Council said: “It has never been clearer how important our libraries are to residents than on this reopening, as many smiling faces eagerly travelled through the new library spaces, many planning their future visits, whether regular users or new library converts. “Local residents yet to attend are really encouraged, with plenty to discover…

Children attended various activities centred around the 100th year of the Championships Qualifying Competition in Roehampton, within Wandsworth. More than 500 children from six primary schools in Wandsworth were given free learning sessions run by the All England Club’s Learning team. They also had the chance to watch live tennis matches. Families enjoy an Early Years session run by the Learning Team at the Wimbledon Qualifying and Community Sports Centre, Roehampton (Image: Charlie Kent) A photography exhibition by the Wimbledon Foundation – the club’s charity – titled Champions of Merton and Wandsworth, was also displayed at the Qualifying Competition. This exhibition celebrated individuals…

A visible gap was appearing between Lipa Friedman’s house, in Hamilton Park, Islington, and the neighbouring property. But instead of a traditional construction project that would have involved excavation and underpinning with concrete, Mr Friedman called in Geobear, a specialist ground engineering firm based in Finland. North London clay shrinkage tackled with advanced geopolymer injection (Image: Geobear) The company sorted the structural damage seven times more quickly than regular methods. This meant that the residents could remain in the house. The 1960s townhouse, set to be converted into four new apartments, stands on a narrow pedestrian street surrounded by homes,…

George Nathanel managed the flats on behalf of Zenobia Properties and was found to have breached planning regulations by offering short-term stays at the properties in Grove Road, North Finchley, despite planning permission only allowing use as self-contained single households. Following complaints from neighbours about noise, Barnet Council issued a notice in November 2023 ordering Nathanel to cease use of the properties, following complaints and a request to investigate a potential breach of planning control by neighbours. Cllr Ross Houston, cabinet member for homes and regeneration, said: “We gave Mr Nathanel ample opportunity to stop using the properties as short-term rentals but…

Lines between London St Pancras International and Nottingham and Sheffield are expected to face disruption today (July 3). Operator East Midlands Railway says more trains than usual are being repaired at the same time. This means fewer trains can run and trains that do run will have a reduced number of coaches. A National Rail spokesperson said: “Their maintenance teams are working hard to resolve the issues and repair the trains.  “If they can repair these trains today, East Midlands Railway hope to be able to run some trains that are currently showing as cancelled.” EMR are expecting the issue…

Bilal was last seen at his home in E8 around 3pm on June 29. He is believed to be wearing a white top, seen in the picture below.(Image: Met Police) Officers have urged anyone with information to contact police quoting CAD 6359-29JUN25. A Met Police spokesperson said: “Have you seen Bilal? He is missing from his home in Hackney, E8 since 3pm on June 29. “He is still believed to be wearing clothing pictured in the second image. “Any information, please call police quoting CAD 6359-29JUN25.” Source link

Mawney Foundation School in Mawney Road was visited by the education watchdog in May and the finds were published on June 25. The school was deemed ‘good’ in all five categories of quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision. Inspectors said: “The school has high ambitions for what pupils can achieve and how they should conduct themselves. “Pupils flourish at this caring and welcoming school and they understand and demonstrate the importance of treating others with respect, regardless of their differences.” As well as the positive behaviour of pupils, Ofsted noted the…

Big Zeeks, who also goes by the name Fresh Prince of Harlesden, gave away more than 800 meals outside Housewife Cash & Carry, in Craven Park Road, Harlesden, on June 20. The 36-year-old father-of-two, whose real name is Ezekiel Zeeks, was holding his third Harlesden Community Payback day and managed to get big names on board. “It was an absolutely amazing day, we ended up doing so much,” he said. “We did a tidy up yesterday and realised between £13,000 to £15,000 worth of goods were given out in my community.  “We got support from big brands including Nike, who…

Two bins have been located in Tottenham, one at the White Hart Lane recreation ground, the other at Tottenham Green outside the old Tottenham Town Hall. “One life lost to knife crime is one too many,” Haringey Council cabinet member Ajda Ovat said. “It’s fundamentally important that we get these dangerous weapons off of the streets to prevent people getting seriously harmed or fatally injured. “We’re determined to minimise the risks of falling victim to zombie knives, ninja swords and other weapons that should now be taken to the surrender bins. We urge anyone who has one of these dangerous blades…

The pilot, which involved 17 companies, ended with a 100% success rate. All of the companies that took part have decided to continue working a shorter working week at the end of the trial. One chief executive praised the pilot and said they “expect that most organisations will be doing this in the next 10 years”. New four-day working week trial has perfect success rate The six-month trial began last November and was organised by the 4 Day Week Foundation. According to a report on the trial, organisations involved were able to maintain service levels and key performance indicators whilst observing several benefits for…