Author: Blake Foster

The shop at Kew Retail Park already has a food hall, but the clothing and home departments take up significantly more floorspace. However, M&S has said that it now wants to more than double the size of the supermarket to “enable the full range” of its products to be sold. The food hall would include a “walk-around cheese barge” as well as a larger bakery section, according to a planning application submitted to Richmond upon Thames Council. The upgraded supermarket would also sell Plant Kitchen and Gastropub product lines, and offer customers manned or self-service checkouts. Although M&S is not…

This performance has been consistent since last summer. The council says its close performance management has significantly improved the service’s consistency. Councillor Nicky Purse, who is responsible for environment policy, praised the efforts of everyone involved in enhancing the waste collection service’s reliability. She said: “The quality and reliability of bin collections is vital — it impacts every household in Harlow. “That’s why we continue to work closely with our waste partner, Veolia, to ensure we are delivering an efficient and high-performing service for our residents.” She highlighted the improvements made over the past year, stating: “A year ago, a high number…

The funding will help deliver a “year of culture” in 2026, featuring a 12-month programme of arts, heritage, and community projects across the borough. It follows previous funding wins, including a £200,000 Cultural Impact Award from the Greater London Authority and £100,000 from Arts Council England. Councillor Anne Clarke, cabinet member for culture, leisure, arts, and sport, said: “This £250,000 of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will ensure we have the resources to put on a spectacular programme of cultural events that will bring together our communities to celebrate our heritage and the best of what makes Barnet…

Hurstmere School in Sidcup will host the concert on Tuesday, July 8, to celebrate both past and present musicians from StudioFix, the school’s student record label. The event will put a spotlight on the success of various bands, solo artists, and the school’s award-winning choir, Harmony Army. StudioFix has seen its students evolve into performers at major UK venues like the Royal Albert Hall, and even winners on national competition platforms. Notable alumni include Zach Loizou, Tom Monks, Robert Taylor, Jamie Moreland, and The Gas Tanks, the latter having supported Madness after forming at Hurstmere. Andy Gilbert, StudioFix’s music teacher…

Harris City Academy Crystal Palace was assessed by inspectors over two days in April. They observed lessons, interviewed staff and students, and scrutinised various aspects of the academy’s provision. The findings have culminated in a glowing report, with the academy being recognised for delivering “an education that is second to none”. Ofsted inspectors commended the quality of the academy’s curriculum, the expertise of its teachers, and the range of enrichment activities on offer. The report specifically praised the “aspirational curriculum” and the tailored support for students’ individual needs, which result in “consistently excellent” outcomes. The focus on students’ personal development…

The annual concert series sees some of the biggest names in music perform on the Great Oak Stage, with the likes of Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones and Adele featuring in previous years. This year, the ‘Stick Season’ singer will be just one of the many mega stars headlining BST Hyde Park. If you were lucky enough to get tickets to see Noah Kahan at BST Hyde Park, here’s what you need to know, including the lineup, timings and more. When is Noah Kahan at BST Hyde Park? The ‘Maine’ singer will be performing at BST Hyde Park for one special show on Friday, July 4. What…

This can turn an otherwise comfortable vehicle into a sweltering, unpleasant space to operate. It is for this reason that I started looking for affordable, and even free, ways to keep cool while out for a drive. Several methods came up during my search, with one, which was recommended by a number of websites like WikiHow, catching my attention. I tried this totally free life hack for keeping cars cool during a heatwave without AC I first wetted a cloth and placed it in the freezer (Image: Newsquest) This life hack for keeping your car cool during a heatwave or warm…

Tottenham Central councillor Isidoros Diakides said the problem had been raised with him by constituents who lived with their families, which often included children, in one-bedroom flats.  He prefaced his concerns with an acknowledgement that Haringey Council had made some “tangible progress” in recent years but said the problem was still “serious”. Raising his concerns at a housing, planning and development scrutiny panel last Monday (June 23), he said: “I’ve seen grown men in tears in front of me and that kind of thing, it is tragic sometimes, it affects children, and I do think we’re not actually getting there…

Taking the weight off your feet can be easier said than done but sitting down for long periods is not so good as it sounds.   Whether you spend long spells sitting for work, or have pain or mobility problems, it is still important to sit in a healthy posture. Hunched forward, with your shoulders rolled in and your knees higher than your hips can put strain on muscles and joints throughout your body, particularly those in your lower spine, and lead to back pain. Sitting correctly means you can allow your spine to rest in its natural ‘S’ shape…

Miquita Oliver visited Kilburn Grange School in north-west London to share her passion for skipping, leading a whole-school assembly and three workshops. Ms Oliver said: “Skipping is fun, it develops focus, physical energy, co-ordination, stamina, as well as an array of mental health benefits.” Pupils describe skipping as calming, energising, and magical (Image: Kilburn Grange School) “I really want to give children the chance to experience the benefits that skipping has brought me when I didn’t have access to a wide range of sports equipment or facilities.” Through her brand, ROPES, Ms Oliver promotes skipping as a tool for building…