Author: Blake Foster

Havering Council has approved an amendment to the planning application for a new Travelodge in Station Road, Upminster. Proposals for the budget hotel, expected to be open in “early 2026”, previously included plans for a retail premises on the ground floor, selling “goods other than hot food”. However, the now approved amendment will allow the ground floor space to be used for “all uses under class E”. READ MORE: First look at new Travelodge coming to Station Road, Upminster This means the premises could be used as a restaurant or cafe among an extensive list of other purposes.  The decision comes after the…

From cheerleading mats in Croydon to the sun-drenched hills of Italy, 27-year-old Aron – a civil servant and cheerleading coach from Croydon – has taken quite the journey. And it’s one that’s seen him become a shining new face in queer representation on national TV. Aron recently appeared in Season 2 of the BBC’s hit reality show I Kissed A Boy, the UK’s first ever gay dating show where contestants meet with a kiss – no chatting beforehand, just chemistry. Aron told Your Local Guardian: “It was unlike anything I’d ever done before. “I never thought I’d be on TV.”…

The 23-year-old bus driver, who had fallen asleep at the wheel after a night of partying, failed a drugs test at the scene.  Woolwich Crown Court heard that Asolo-Agogua got his driving licence in January 2023 and became an Arriva bus driver a year later.   In his short spell as a bus driver numerous complaints were made about his driving – including occasions when he damaged the bus by hitting stationary vehicles or bus stops.   He was briefly suspended following an incident in May when he stopped too abruptly, causing a child passenger to fall on the floor.  However, he…

Brentwood Borough Council has granted planning permission for more than 112,000 square metres of industrial and office space at Brentwood Enterprise Park, next to junction 29 of the M25. The site is expected to generate 1,580 construction jobs and 2,660 additional roles once operational. MORE NEWS; Crowds come together for ‘wonderful’ day at annual fair Councillor Philip Mynott, chairman of the planning committee at Brentwood Borough Council, said: “This site incorporates high sustainability credentials, reducing energy demand through building design and includes measures that will save and generate power. “It will deliver a huge boost to investment in local infrastructure including…

There have been major delays across the South Western Railway after emergency services were called to the casualty on the tracks of North Sheen station today (June 11) at 12.30pm. Medics arrived but a person was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner. All lines between Richmond and Barnes were closed as police and ambulances arrived to the scene. While lines reopened before 3.30pm, delays are still expected to continue up until 6pm. A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “Officers were called to North Sheen…

The southern end of Whitehall is taped off by police today (June 11) around 2pm as police investigate the vehicle. Due to its vicinity of Downing Street, a cordon is in place as a precautionary measure. UPDATE: Police have since released a statement at 3.48pm reading: “The incident has now been resolved and cordons will be lifted shortly.” Separately, another police cordon is in place just minutes away on Abingdon Street near the Houses of Parliament. Emergency services were called to the scene at 1.29pm to reports of a crash involving a coach and a pedestrian. A man has been taken…

The council is set to install 70 new signs across the borough, starting in mid-June, in a bid to deter illegal dumping and make it easier for residents to report offenders. These signs will remind culprits of the severe fines they face and feature a QR code for quick and easy reporting. The council is determined to place these signs in the borough’s most affected areas, using data to guide their decisions. Many will also be stationed around mini recycling sites. Councillor Richard Diment, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “We will not tolerate any form of fly-tipping in this borough,…

The chase began around 4.20pm on Cathall Road in Leytonstone, before moving onto the nearby A12. A video taken by a driver shows a white car being driven the wrong way down the A12 and weaving between oncoming traffic. This ended when the car being pursued crashed into a police car near the Green Man Roundabout around 4.40pm. @pristinecarhire Just wanted to deliver a rental #a12 #a12northbound #fyp #westfieldstratford #trafficpolice #tp #metpolice #stolencar #carcrashuk #policechase ♬ original sound – PCH Traffic ground to a halt on the busy A12, giving stationary drivers an opportunity to capture the wreckage of the…

Their action projects were judged by a panel that included Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman and their own headteachers, who were looking for the best schemes that have had an impact on the public. The Year 8 pupils at The Compton School in North Finchley, where the judging took place, took part in a First Give extra curricular activity programme. “The pupils exemplify what community spirit is all about,” the MP said. “I will be taking their passion, drive and enthusiasm for creating a better world with me back to Parliament.”  The 12 and 13-year-olds came up with ideas like basketball tournaments,…

On X, he posted about the “common confusion…between “taxable” and “taxed.” Eg all earnt income from everyone of any age (even a one year old baby appearing in a nappy ad) is taxable. “Yet it’s only taxed if earnings are over £12,570/yr (and only earnings above that are taxed) -which is the annual personal allowance (the amount most can earn tax free each year) Ps and yes that personal allowance has been frozen which is a stealth tax rise as with inflation and income growth more people earn above it.” Another common confusion is the difference between “taxable” and “taxed.”Eg all…