Author: Blake Foster

Once bustling, the shopping centre now has more than 50 empty units, with many locals saying this emptiness has become the new normal due to repeated setbacks in revitalisation and the rise of online shopping. Your Local Guardian spoke to several shoppers, residents, and visitors to hear their views on the current state of Croydon and the Whitgift Centre. Soba Zola, who currently lives in Wandsworth, was visiting Croydon on the day we spoke to him. Soba Zola (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) He said that the Whitgift Centre “isn’t what it used to be” and that “it’s definitely lost its buzz”.…

The event took place at King George’s Playing Fields, where families enjoyed a variety of activities and entertainment. Brentwood Imperial Youth Band performs for the crowd (Image: Brentwood Borough Council) The Brentwood Imperial Youth Band, Razzamataz Theatre School Brentwood, and Stagecoach Performing Arts Brentwood were among those performing for the crowds. Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Jay Laplain and Vanessa Laplain inside the Strawberry Tent at the Strawberry Fair (Image: Brentwood Borough Council) Crowds step into the ring for free taster boxing sessions (Image: Brentwood Borough Council) Visitors also enjoyed rides, walkaround entertainers, and a traditional Punch and Judy show, as well as…

The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) said Salami orchestrated a ghost broking scam in which he sold fraudulent motor insurance policies to unsuspecting members of the public.  He then used their own details to file fraudulent claims against them.  John Davies, Intelligence and Investigations Manager at the IFB, said: “This twist on ghost broking scams gives even more reason as to why the public must be vigilant of bogus motor insurance deals.  “Not only were victims of this case left out of pocket and driving uninsured, but their details were used unknowingly in collisions that never happened.  “We urge everyone to watch…

Phil Cowan, who volunteered for groups including the Primrose Hill Community Association (PHCA) and homeless charity Camden Streets Kitchen, died on March 23 aged 57. There will be a celebration of his life at the Primrose Hill Community Centre, in Hopkinsons Place, this Saturday (June 14) at 7.30pm. Writing on the Primrose Hill publication On The Hill, its editor Maggie Chambers said:  “Once unofficially dubbed ‘The Mayor of Primrose Hill’, an accolade to which Phil said he felt ‘completely unqualified, having no medal of courage, diploma of thinking nor even a decent clock that ticked’, many of us will feel we have indeed…

Police have cordoned off Abingdon Street today (June 11) at 1.29pm after the crash involving a coach and a pedestrian. An air ambulance was recorded landing near Parliament Square and a man has been taken to hospital. His condition is unknown at this time, but the London Ambulance Service has said medics are treating him for a head injury. No arrests have been made following the crash. Separately, another police cordon is in place just minutes away at the southern end of Whitehall. Officers are investigating an abandoned vehicle due to its vicinity near Downing Street. It is not being…

Zoo Nights at ZSL London Zoo has returned and every Friday until July 25 adults can book a visit after closing time for some adults-only fun. With street food vendors and cafes selling beers and cocktails, this is an experience that day-time visitors do not get.  Coming from work and having not eaten since lunchtime, we grabbed a halloumi burger and chips from one of the many places to eat before exploring the zoo at dusk. The Regent’s Park attraction is home to more than 300 different species – from endangered Galapagos giant tortoises and Asiatic lions, to critically endangered Sumatran tigers. We got a…

The teenagers are suspected of robbery and weapon offences after allegedly trying to flee the police following a crash on Brownhill Road. Officers were on patrol on the road around 5.30pm on June 9 when they tried to pull over a car. The driver did not stop and was chased along Brownhill Road, crashing into two other cars at the junction with Torridon Road. Six injured and five in hospital after crash in Catford The occupants left the car and allegedly tried to run away, but were detained by officers nearby. Paramedics reported that there were six people injured, with…

Ace Café, on the North Circular Road near Stonebridge, is taking action to deter antisocial behaviour in the area. Established in 1938, it has been a popular site for bikers to visit and hang out with each other. However the café has enforced new rules to close four and a half hours earlier than expected on Fridays. The café announced: “As a consequence of illegal and unacceptable behaviour on the road, the Ace will close on Fridays at 6pm until further notice. “Thanking you in advance for your support and understanding.” It has added: “Illegal and unacceptable behaviour will result…

The girl, known as Child Q, was strip searched by officers in Hackney, on December 3 2020 after staff at her school wrongly suspected her of carrying cannabis. The police search involved the removal of Child Q’s clothing including her underwear, her bending over and having to expose intimate parts of her body while she was menstruating, a previous hearing heard. Trainee detective constable (TDC) Kristina Linge, PC Victoria Wray and PC Rafal Szmydynski, who were all PCs at the time, all deny gross misconduct. TDC Linge, who conducted the strip search alongside PC Wray, today (Wednesday, June 11) gave evidence…

He was back in the spotlight for a people’s festival being staged in Kingsbury just a mile away to promote mental health and wellbeing. The 63-year-old retired boxer turned up at the Shout Sport charity event at Silver Jubilee Park on Sunday (June 8). Youngsters who were not even born and whose parents were probably just kids themselves when he took the title at Wembley Stadium in 1995 surrounded their hero for his autograph and some to do a ‘high five’ with him. Frank has championed mental wellbeing since retiring from the ring in 1996, having remained a celebrity with his health…