Author: Blake Foster

In partnership with the council, property developer Wates has submitted plans for Phase 1 of the redevelopment of the former Civic Centre in Station Road, Harrow. The project, named Poets Corner, has been in the offing since early 2022 after the council decided to move, and will ultimately see more than 1,000 new homes built. The first phase will see the delivery of five blocks containing 536 homes ranging from studio apartments to one, two, and three-bedroom homes. The buildings will range from three to 12 storeys in height – far lower than the 17 storeys proposed in rejected designs…

Abdul Khan, 27, killed devoted father-of-two Bohdan Vandzhura, 49, in July 2023, while in the grip of psychotic hallucinations just months after being sectioned and released. The killing came after the defendant had launched two random attacks on Santa Shrestha around six months apart. Abdul Khan (Image: Metropolitan Police) After both incidents, police failed to identify him as a suspect and he remained at large, jurors were told. All the incidents happened close to Khan’s home in Harrow, north-west London, the trial heard. Khan admitted the manslaughter of Mr Vandzhura by reason of diminished responsibility and having a sword. Following a trial, he was…

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) said in a report that the town hall should review schemes planned by its housing company Mercury Land Holdings (MLH). It said: “It is recommended that the council undertake a full review of the capital programme including schemes undertaken by its companies and partnerships with a view to seeing if schemes can be delayed or withdrawn as a matter of urgency. “The review of the capital programme recommended…should include the MLH schemes and an assessment of whether they are still viable both in terms of the company as well as the…

Habib ur Rehman, 38, of Ilford Hill, was driving a Honda CR-V on the southbound M11 near Wendens Ambo, Essex, at around 11.20pm on February 18.  He fell asleep whilst driving and struck a police car, narrowly avoiding the officers who were out of the vehicle dealing with another incident.  One of the officers suffered minor injuries as he jumped out of the way, as did Rehman who was taken to hospital.  On Thursday, March 20, Rehman was given an 18 week sentence, suspended for 12 months, having pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.  He was also banned from driving for a year,…

Newham Council has confirmed that the future of Calverton Primary School in King George Avenue will be decided at a meeting on May 6. The confirmation comes after this paper saw social media posts speculating over the potential closure of the primary school. A council spokesperson said: “Newham Council has written to parents, carers, trade unions and wider partners advising them that the cabinet is due to consider the future of Calverton Primary School in Custom House.  MORE NEWS: £1.2m to transform park with new cafe and revamped play area “The decision to bring forward a review of the school comes in the light of falling…

The Movie Shack, a unique mix of board game café and memorabilia store, has announced it will shut its doors on Sunday, April 27, after being told its lease is not being renewed. In an emotional message shared on social media, the team behind the store said: “It is with great sadness we have to announce the closure of The Movie Shack. “We have come to the end of our lease and although we would love to continue another store is coming into our premises. “We are looking for another suitable premises so please follow us on social media for…

Although the education watchdog no longer gives single-word ratings, inspectors who visited East Lane Primary School in Wembley for an ungraded inspection on February 25 and 26 said it had taken “effective action” to maintain the standards that earned it an ‘outstanding’ grade at its only previous inspection in 2019. Part of the Wembley Multi-Academy Trust, the mixed primary school has 627 pupils on the roll from ages four to 11. In the report, published on March 25, inspectors described the education students get as “exceptional”.  They highlighted how the leadership team “set high standards” for themselves, teachers and pupils,…

Expected to fully open to students in the next academic year, Wembley Manor School is designed to give children ‘more options locally’ for places to avoid them being sent out of the borough. When complete, the London Road school will provide an additional 150 SEND places in Brent, to help reduce the number being educated outside the borough. According to council figures from 2021, of the total 576, around 180 are being educated in independent schools, at a cost of £7.2 million a year. Key stakeholders including teachers and councillors attended the installation of the final modular units used to…

Rail operator c2c announced that the works, following a recent inspection, will last four to six weeks. A spokesperson said the repairs were “urgent” and work has already begun. Access to the ticket office, gateline, and waiting areas may be restricted or changed at short notice, they added, and the passenger toilets will be closed during the works. c2c managing director Rob Mullen (Image: c2c) Rob Mullen, managing director at c2c, said: “The safety of our customers and colleagues is always our number one priority, and c2c would like to apologise for any inconvenience these important maintenance and repair works may…

Isra, who has links to Barking, Stratford and Croydon, was last seen on March 23. Officers are concerned for the welfare of the 12-year-old. If you have seen her or have any information on her whereabouts call 101 and quote reference 01/7302923/25. A spokesperson for Barking & Dagenham MPS said: “Isra, aged 12 is missing from Dagenham. “She was last seen 23/03/2025 and may have links to Barking, Stratford, and Croydon. “Officers are concerned for her welfare. If seen or have any info please call 101 quoting 01/7302923/25.” Source link