Author: Blake Foster

The London Fire Brigade was alerted to the fire in Silkstream Road with the first of 36 calls at 4.04pm on August 25.  Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters were dispatched to the scene in response, with the blaze affecting five terraced homes.  READ MORE: Mayor to launch care home’s new cafe Residents in the surrounding area were advised to keep windows and doors closed as a result of smoke being produced from the scene.  A 32-metre turntable ladder was used as a water tower to tackle the flames from above, and the fire was under control by 6.11pm.  The cause…

Woodview, based in Crockenhill Road, was inspected from June 10 to 12, 2025. This was the school’s first full inspection and it was graded Good overall. It is an independent day school and recognised centre of autism expertise, providing specialist education for young people aged seven to 19. The school supports pupils with autism spectrum conditions, social communication difficulties and associated learning needs, offering tailored provision to help them thrive both academically and personally. Inspectors said: “Pupils arrive at this school eager to start their school day. “For some pupils this has not been their typical experience of education. “Pupils…

Harlow Council has stepped up enforcement against substandard private sector housing, including unlicensed and unsafe houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The action is part of the council’s Building Harlow’s Future plan, which aims to raise housing standards, protect tenants, and support landlords who maintain good-quality homes. Councillor Joel Charles, who is responsible for public protection, said: “All private sector landlords need to understand that it is unacceptable to operate an unlicensed house in multiple occupation. “I recently joined council officers to execute a warrant at a property identified as a suspected unlicensed house in multiple occupation. “The condition of the property…

The Metropolitan Police was alerted to the incident on Barnet Lane at 10am on August 25.  At the scene, officers discovered that a car and motorbike had been involved in the crash.  The male rider of the motorbike was found injured and was taken to hospital where he remains.  He suffered life-threatening injuries  There have been no arrests at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.  RELATED: RECAP after traffic STOPPED in Barnet crash A Met Police spokesperson said: “Police were called to a report of a collision between a car and a motorbike on Barnet Lane, Barnet at around 10:00hrs on Monday,…

From Wednesday, August 27, the council will close the road between numbers 274 and 298 from 7pm until 2am, meaning there will be no vehicle access in or out of Groombridge Close during those hours. On-street parking will also be restricted. One resident, who did not want to be named, told the News Shopper they were concerned about how people would cope with being unable to move their cars in or out of the street after 7pm, and the level of disruption it would cause for households. They suggested moving back the starting time slightly so that there would be less…

Havering’s Starting Well service has made “great strides” one year after launching a plan to address shortcomings following an ‘inadequate’ Ofsted rating in December 2023. Councillor Oscar Ford, cabinet member for children and young people, said the Department for Education welcomed the plan’s “clearer focus on outcomes”. “Our aim has and always will be about ensuring every child has the best possible start in life to meet their outcomes. “We are investing in our workforce, listening to our communities, and removing barriers to ensure that our services meet the diversity of our children in Havering.” The progress follows a full-service reorganisation, increased…

While crowds gathered to celebrate the annual festivities of Caribbean culture during the Bank Holiday weekend, police report less violent crime in the area compared to recent years. At the scene, reporter Joseph Reaidi saw at least three potentially violent incidents occur across the road of Ladbroke Grove. At one scene, a person was seen bleeding as police tired to block the view from the public. The Metropolitan Police reports at least two stabbings during the festivities on Monday (August 28), one in Powis Terrace and one in Oxford Gardens. Neither of which are life threatening, the force reports. As…

Posters will begin appearing on the Elizabeth line on Tuesday, reminding travellers not to play music out loud or to have conversations on speaker mode, as it may disrupt other passengers. The scheme, which is part of Transport for London’s (TfL) wide Travel Kind campaign, will also be rolled out on  London’s buses, the Docklands Light Railway, and Overground and Underground networks. In recent months, people using their phones for loud content has become a common problem on public transport. Get free or discounted travel on school journeys with a ZIP photocard 🚌 💰It’s easy to apply online and once done, your…

A woman in her 20s reported that she was attacked in the early hours of Saturday (August 23) on Merton Hall Road. The incident happened at around 3.30am. Tomas Hunt, 35, of Ruxley Close, Sidcup, was arrested on Sunday (August 24) and has now been charged with rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 26. The woman is being supported by specially trained officers. A Met Police spokesperson: “A man has been charged with the rape of a woman in her 20s following an incident which took place…

A woman in her 20s reported that she was attacked in the early hours of Saturday (August 23) on Merton Hall Road. The incident happened at around 3.30am. Tomas Hunt, 35, of Ruxley Close, Sidcup, was arrested on Sunday (August 24) and has now been charged with rape. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 26. The woman is being supported by specially trained officers. A Met Police spokesperson: “A man has been charged with the rape of a woman in her 20s following an incident which took place…