Author: Blake Foster

It is understood that the Romford branch of the Northwood letting agents franchise has instructed an insolvency firm to help put it into liquidation. Two landlords who rent out their properties through Northwood have claimed to the Recorder that they are still waiting for last month’s rent payment. Both said that since the summer, their regular monthly payments had been made later and later, before drying up altogether. One property owner, who has used the letting agents’ services for the last 20 years, described the experience as “hell”. Northwood offers landlords a guaranteed rent, meaning they still earn rent even…

Officers were called to reports that a man had been attacked in Avery Hill Road just before 12.15am yesterday (December 10). London Ambulance Service crews treated a man with head injuries before taking him to hospital. Following the incident, the main entrance to the university was closed, although the rest of the campus was “open as usual”.   The main entrance to our Avery Hill campus has now re-opened following an incident overnight. The police were in attendance but have now left the site. We’d like to thank our security team for their swift action. — Uni of Greenwich (@UniofGreenwich)…

Prosecco flowed as Camden’s mayor joined book lovers to mark the official reopening of Highgate Library, in Chester Road, on December 4. The refurbishment was a collaboration between Camden Council and the Friends of Highgate Library, which has campaigned for years to keep the 118-year-old library open. Sarah Harrison, chair of the Highgate Library Management Group, said: “We wanted a formal launch because it’s a huge achievement we want to celebrate.” Toby Faber, president of the Friends of Highgate Library, with mayor of Camden Samata Khatoon (Image: Nathalie Raffray) Mentioning the “catastrophic” impact of austerity, she added: “Camden has to be congratulated…

Officers were called to Rye Lane last Thursday (December 5) at 10.27pm and found a man who was stabbed in the neck and thigh. The injuries were originally described as life-threatening, but he has since been discharged from hospital. Now an appeal has been shared by police to find the suspect, described as a black man, around 5ft 4inches and in his 40s. While no images have been released, he is said to have a stocky build and a short beard. At the time the suspect wore a black jacket with wording print on it. Detective Constable, Jacob Ludlam, from…

Towers planned for a car park in Como Street will not exceed nine storeys, the council says, down from the original 12. The number of homes has also dropped to a maximum of 137, from around 175. The flats will be spread across five blocks, standing four storeys, six storeys, seven storeys, eight storeys and nine storeys tall respectively. A terrace of four three-storey townhouses has also been proposed, alongside five shops at the end of North Street. A formal planning application is yet to be put forward by the council’s construction company Mercury Land Holdings (MLH), which will handle…

Jorge Ortega was taken to hospital in a critical condition after the attack last Wednesday (December 4) – but died there two days later. The 61-year-old was working as a customer experience assistance for MTREL, a train operator running Elizabeth line services, at the time of the assault. Paying tribute to the “dedicated worker” for over 24 years, a one-minute silence was held today (December 11). A message for Jorge Ortega by TfL after he died (Image: Contributor) Flowers were laid next to a notice board which had a message “in loving memory” of Jorge. It read: “At 11am today,…

Crossbench peer Lord Russell explained the legislative process of the House of Lords and importance of “holding the government to account” at Highgate’s La Sainte Union Secondary. The Upper House contributes to national governance through its committee work with its law-making and critical overseeing functions, he told them. But eager sixth form students doing A-level politics put probing questions to Lord Russell in a 45-minute Q&A session. The students, learning how bills turn into Acts of Parliament to become law, tuned into his “passion for environmental issues and social and civic duties”. Headteacher Sophie Fegan said afterwards: “Lord Russell’s visit has provided…

Carl Smith, 31, was issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice earlier this year for dropping the butt on the street, Bromley Council said. He was then prosecuted after failing to pay the notice for littering in Market Square, Bromley, contrary to the Environmental Protection Act. Smith, of New Addington, Croydon, pleaded guilty by the single justice procedure on December 3. He was subsequently ordered to pay £833 by Bromley Magistrates’ Court. The amount included a fine of £293, a surcharge of £117 and costs of £423 to be paid by January 14. Bromley Council said it was the 12th…

It is believed that no other vehicles were involved when the bike crashed on Robson Avenue, near Roundwood Park, last Wednesday (December 4) at 8.15am. The Metropolitan Police says that at the time, the rider did not appear to be seriously injured. However, he was admitted to hospital for treatment and died days later on Sunday (December 8). Officers are working to identify the victim and inform his next of kin. An appeal has been launched for any witnesses or people with dashcam footage around the time of the incident to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to either contact…

Consumer watchdog Which? has been looking into which festive treats have been affected by ‘shrinkflation’ – when grocery items shrink in size, but the price remains the same or increases – ahead of Christmas 2024. Which? compared the size and price of a range of festive products from October 2023 to October 2024 and found a number of examples of shrinkflation which could see shoppers paying more for less this Christmas. Stocking up on Christmas treats?We reveal the Christmas dinner staples and popular sweet treats that have shrunk 👇 https://t.co/a5aC5E3QT7 — Which? (@WhichUK) December 10, 2024 Which chocolates have shrunk this festive season? Chocolates…