Author: Blake Foster

Pictures have been sent in showing what is left of the herd in Romilly Road, Finsbury Park. Two of the four topiary elephants have come under attack by an invasive disease known as honey fungus.  The fungus is a largely hidden killer, spreading underground and destroying the roots of plants before attacking the dead wood. The artist behind the herd, Islington-based Tim Bushe, has been documenting his attempt to save the remaining two elephants from the same fate on Instagram.  Dead growth killed by the honey fungus can clearly seen on one of four elephants in Romilly Road, in Finsbury Park (Image: David Winskill) He wrote on…

Formerly part of Kent, Downe Village was once considered part of the county up until 1965, when it became part of the London Borough of Bromley. With its picket-fenced houses and cottages, the village has remained mostly unchanged over the decades, with local pubs The George and Dragon and The Queen’s Head still standing. Historic photos shared with the News Shopper by Downe local Steve Barnes have revealed how Downe would have once looked as far back as 1880, back when the village was considered part of Kent. Some of the village’s oldest features which remain are its 13th century…

Being on the fringes of Kent, the south east London borough of Bromley is home to some areas that feel more like the Kent countryside than south east London. Downe Village is one of those anomalies, being just 15 minutes’ drive from south east London and accessible by the 146 bus from Bromley, whilst feeling like you’ve gone deeper into the countryside. Downe Village is just 15 minutes’ drive from south east London, whilst feeling like you’ve gone deeper into the countryside. (Image: Emily Davison) It features a mix of picket-fenced houses, cottages and timber framed pubs, giving it that…

Chetwynd Road Community Garden, in Tufnell Park, will open its gates to the public on Sunday, May 11, at midday. Visitors will be able to explore the garden, socialise, and enjoy refreshments. The garden was created to bring residents together to grow fresh, organic food and create a green haven in the heart of Dartmouth Park. Green haven opens gates for community social and spring celebration (Image: Chetwynd Road Community Garden) Donations welcome as community garden continues year-round efforts (Image: Chetwynd Road Community Garden) It was founded on the principles of community, permaculture, and organic growing, with a focus on…

VItor Dias, 21, had his home raided on May 17, 2022, as part of an investigation into indecent images of children being posted online. He was not arrested at the time, but two mobile phones were seized so that they could be analysed. Police found extreme right-wing terrorist material on the devices, including how to make explosives, firearms and ammunition. He was arrested on September 8 that year and charged on October 3, 2023, with four counts of possessing a document containing information useful for terrorist purposes. Dias then pleaded guilty to the charges at the Old Bailey on August…

Robert Price, 76, was pronounced dead shortly before 6pm on July 27 at his home in Oval Road North, Dagenham.  Nathan Otitodilchukwu, 18, previously of Crow Lane in Romford, pleaded guilty to manslaughter.  A 16-year-old, who cannot be identified due to his age, has also admitted manslaughter.  Otitodilchukwu is not said to have thrown the firework himself but is said to have been part of the group who started the fire, the Old Bailey was told at a previous hearing.  The pair were due to be sentenced on Friday, April 25, but the hearing was pushed back to May.  East…

A main set of 10 stamps will honour men and women who made contributions during the Second World War, while a mini-sheet of stamps has images of Dame Vera Lynn from different aspects of her wartime career. People featured include George Arthur Roberts, who was the first black man to join the London Auxiliary Fire Service in 1938 and Mary Morris whose diaries describe how she nursed troops returning wet and wounded from Dunkirk. A stamp will also honour John Harrison who served in the Royal Navy on the destroyer HMS Belfast and was responsible for maintaining “A” and “B”…

With a fresh fit-out, warm service, and bold flavours, this new spot already feels like a welcome addition to the area. We had to try the new Hot Honey Glaze – a sweet, sticky sauce with just the right amount of heat. (Image: Poppy Huggett) If you like a balance of sugar and spice, it hits the spot. I went for the Full Flavour Fix Boneless Bundle, which includes eight boneless wings, three tenders, seasoned fries, and dips – all for £14.50. The all-new hot honey boneless wings (Image: Poppy Huggett) It’s a serious feast, and the portions are so generous that…

Multiple emergency vehicles were spotted in High Street near Surrey Road at around 8pm today (April 17). A picture, obtained by the News Shopper, shows multiple cordons in place as the incident is being dealt with.  The nature of the incident is unknown at this stage. Bus routes 119 and 194 are currently on diversion.  We have contacted Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade for further information. The full AA statement says: “Road closed due to police incident on A232 High Street both ways between Surrey Road and Manor Park Road. “Detour in operation – for bus…

The Romford Roars Dinosaur Trail, organised by Romford BID, is free for visitors and will run from March 29 to April 22. The models, made from hundreds of thousands of toy bricks, have been placed at key locations throughout the town. The free family trail features triceratops, stegosaurus, and baby dinos (Image: SANDRA ROWSE) The trail will feature iconic dinosaurs, including a towering triceratops, a gigantic iguanodon, and a majestic stegosaurus. Young explorers can also discover a herd of baby dinosaurs and learn facts about these ancient creatures. Visitors can win prizes by completing Romford’s dinosaur adventure (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)…