Author: Blake Foster

“They tried to excuse it by saying she had only been there six days. But where were the checks and the training?”  “Alongside the local authority, we continue to monitor this service very closely to ensure people are receiving safe care.”  Bilikesu Olagunju (Image: Newsquest) Agency claims to have made improvements Prosecutor James Benson told Woolwich Crown Court: “In summary, this incident included inappropriate yanking, pulling and manhandling of the victim, inappropriate raising of her voice, threats to the victim that she would call the police, she would have him taken to hospital and injected, she would beat him up…

Sean Stephenson, 18, had not been seen by his family since June 15 after he disappeared unexpectedly for a ‘trip to Canada’. His family soon found out he had been arrested at Tokyo International Airport on June 21, allegedly in possession of a more than a kilo of methamphetamine. His sister, Frederica, said “vulnerable” Sean was duped into smuggling the drugs by others.  She said Sean, who has never been in trouble with the law, must have been coerced into the act. She said: “Sean is a kind, gentle, and trusting young man with autism and multiple physical and mental health…

Healthwatch groups covering Barnet and Haringey will be closed down next year following the Government’s concern the NHS was failing to “listen to patients”. Like similar groups across the country, Healthwatch Barnet and Healthwatch Haringey aim to understand the needs, experiences, and concerns of people who use health and social services. A spokesperson for Public Voice, the service provider for Healthwatch groups in Barnet and Haringey, as well as two other London boroughs, called the move a “major change” and said it was “hard to square” the sentiment that patients needed someone to speak up on their behalf with the…

National Highways has lined up a busy schedule of works aimed at improving safety and upgrading infrastructure, with closures affecting both directions on several stretches. From slip roads to tunnels, a range of closures could impact evening and early-morning journeys. Motorists are urged to check before they travel, allow extra time and follow diversion signs where in place. National Highways maintains motorways and major A-roads, so smaller road shutdowns are not on its schedule. The A2 serves as a crucial link connecting Dover to the heart of London. It spans nearly 72 miles from Borough in the capital and finishes…

Patrick Maughan, 53, and Owen Maughan, 27, both from Hill Rise in Darenth, are each charged with the murder of Peter Maughan. They are also charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Peter’s father Lovell Mahon, 24, who suffered serious injuries. Both men are also charged with the attempted wounding with intent of Peter’s sister and the mum of the children, Hayley Maughan.   Owen Maughan has accepted that he was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash, while Patrick Maughan has accepted he was a passenger. On Monday (July 7) the pair were due to enter pleas at Maidstone…

Police launched an investigation after the fire started around 9.40am today (July 7) in Electric Avenue. The blaze was under control around three-and-a-half hours later. People were evacuated, with Brixton Underground station, the Victoria line and roads closed. Police confirmed a man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of arson and remain in police custody. A crime scene has been established and emergency services remain at the scene. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 2087/07JUL or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Source link

Bishops Hill Adult Education Centre could be used for office space when adult community learning moves out at the end of July, according to deputy leader of Essex County Council Louise McKinlay. It follows recent government changes to funding for adult community learning (ACL) and Essex County Council’s plans to introduce a revised curriculum, with courses focused on supporting wellbeing and people into employment, in September. Instead of lessons at Bishops Hill, a new network of ACL venues across Brentwood is being introduced, which will include Brentwood Town Hall, Brentwood Library, St Peter’s Church, Hutton Community Centre and the Walter…

The map is part of a programme to get every neighbourhood more leafy cover. It shows the number of trees already planted over the last year, from Highgate in the west to Tottenham in the east, Harringay in the south to Bounds Green in the north — they are all mapped out. “It’s been another great year of planting,” the council’s climate action cabinet member Mike Hakata revealed. “But we’ve only just begun. “We want to keep planting till every neighbourhood has at least 30 per cent tree cover.” MORE NEWS: New opening date revealed for library closed for two years…

Dialogue Express Cafe opened on the estate for the first time on Saturday (July 5), staffed by deaf people and run primarily in British Sign Language. Speaking on a visit the day before, Ms Fiaz said the cafe would “breathe new life into the Carpenters, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all”. She said: “This vibrant community hub will not only serve residents of the estate but also invite people from across Newham to connect, collaborate, and enjoy.” Shahina Begum, an estate resident who visited the cafe ahead of its opening, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “It’s…

The incident happened at the junction of Ley Street and Myrtle Road around 4.30pm on July 1. Officers arrived with crews from London Ambulance Service and a man in his 20s was taken to hospital where he died. A post-mortem has since found there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. READ MORE: Man in 20s dies after falling from height in Ilford The details are due to be passed to the coroner for an inquest into the death. A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “Around 16:30hrs on Tuesday, 1 July, police were called to the junction of Ley Street and…