We are driving to a compound in London where seized hire e-bikes are taken. In the back of the van, there are three. We are sitting in the front and you can hear their alarms bleeping incessantly behind us. The noise is loud and irritating. Giri Manepalli, who is a street enforcement officer, says sometimes […]
Category: News
Council identifies potential sites for travellers Текст: Islington Council has proposed nine potential travellers sites after years of failed attempts to secure suitable land. The plan, which could provide up to 13 permanent pitches in the borough, has been welcomed by campaigners, though is likely to face local opposition. Under the Housing Act 2004, local authorities have to identify and meet the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers. The council began its search for suitable sites for the community several years ago but until now has been unsuccessful in finding or delivering culturally appropriate land in the borough. Philomena Mongan, a Hackney-based Irish Traveller advocating for the community, told theLocal Democracy Reporting Servicefamilies were very happy to see the new sites put forward for consultation. Although she believes the sites are small, she praised the council for pushing for them to be delivered. But she also shared her dismay that the plans had provoked a backlash, including responses that were removed from the official consultation report because of discriminatory remarks. Ms Mongan said: They dont realise these families have a lot of history in Islington and have been there a long time. In 2019, a review commissioned by the council found most of Islingtons Gypsy and Traveller community had lived in the borough for years, with some households having arrived in the 1970s in caravans and intermittently pulling up there for a time. But as these communities found it harder to travel this way, some have opted to move into brick-and-mortar housing. Nancy Hawker, policy officer at London Gypsies and Travellers (LGT), said these families in the borough were desperate for pitches and blamed the failure to find suitable land earlier on extensive campaigning against the councils proposals by those objecting it. Over 250 sites in the borough were considered before a shortlist of nine was drawn up, which includes land on housing estates such as Aubert Court and Mayville, as well as Pleasant Place Garden. Some local residents who took part in an earlier engagement asked the council to look at available sites outside of Islington, arguing that the borough was already too densely-populated. Others called for robust evidence that the Gypsy and Traveller community have lived in the borough for more than five years. The council said there would not be a public meeting to discuss the proposal because of the potential for hostile or discriminatory comments and opinions to be expressed. Instead, residents are asked to submit comments online in a consultation which is set to run until next month.
Islington Council has proposed nine potential travellers’ sites after years of failed attempts to secure suitable land. The plan, which could provide up to 13 permanent pitches in the borough, has been welcomed by campaigners, though is likely to face local opposition. Under the Housing Act 2004, local authorities have to identify and meet the […]
Ambulance demand spikes as flu season worsens Текст: The number of 999 calls in London has risen over the past week, with London Ambulance Service (LAS) reporting its three busiest days of 2025 in a row. The service said the 20% increase included more calls from people with breathing difficulties due to viral infections and respiratory illnesses such as the flu. NHS figures indicate fewer than half of eligible people in London have had the free flu vaccine this season. Experts have predicted the worst flu season for a decade,fuelled by a new type of a flu virus. LAS strategic commander Laurence Cowderoy said the service had prepared for winter for many months, but still urged Londoners to only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency. He said the high call rate was more typically seen on New Years Eve. Operations to cope with demands over the winter period include: Karen Bonner, the regional chief nurse for London, said NHS staff had already seen the impact of the new flu strain with people coming into accident and emergency departments with symptoms. We know its a pretty bad flu this year – we know that from seeing it in Australia and other places – so, we really want to protect people, she said. London Ambulance Service calls Thursday 27 November -7,356 Friday 28 November -7,608 Saturday 29 November -7,409 Sunday 30 November -6,776 (London Ambulance Service normally takes around 5,500 calls on a typically busy day) NHS England reported 1.7 million people have taken up a free flu vaccination so far this season in London – about 46% of those eligible. Who is eligible for the flu jab?
The number of 999 calls in London has risen over the past week, with London Ambulance Service (LAS) reporting its three busiest days of 2025 in a row. The service said the 20% increase included more calls from people with breathing difficulties due to viral infections and respiratory illnesses such as the flu. NHS figures […]
Man, 22, dies after stabbing in Wembley Текст: A 22-year-old man has died after being stabbed in north-west London. Police were called to High Road, Wembley, at 12:55 GMT on Monday, where the man was treated by paramedics. He was taken to hospital but later died. No arrests have been made and inquiries are continuing. Det Ch Supt Luke Williams said: My thoughts are with the victims loved ones at this unimaginably difficult time. Knife crime has a devastating impact on communities and our officers are here to support local residents with any concerns. He added: Residents can expect to see an increased police presence over the next few days. In the meantime, our dedicated officers are working at speed to piece together this tragic incident. Anyone with further information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 3333/1DEC or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A 22-year-old man has died after being stabbed in north-west London. Police were called to High Road, Wembley, at 12:55 GMT on Monday, where the man was treated by paramedics. He was taken to hospital but later died. No arrests have been made and inquiries are continuing. Det Ch Supt Luke Williams said: “My thoughts […]
Travel disruption during rail line upgrades Текст: Train passengers and motorists will see their journeys disrupted over the festive period as work is carried out to update a railway line. Network Rail plans work to the West Coast Main Line between Carlisle and London from 25 December to 15 January. The firm will replace a bridge over the M6 near Penrith, carry out signalling upgrades north of Carlisle and at Preston station and work on the Hanslope Junction near Milton Keynes. It means sections of the line will be shut down, with trains diverted on to the Settle to Carlisle line and replacement buses drafted in. Closures are also planned on the M6 motorway to allow the Clifton Bridge replacement work to take place. Network Rail said the work was part of a £400m investment on the line over the next four years. Planned disruption includes: The M6 work will see a new £60m new railway bridge installed at Clifton, near Penrith. It will be 427ft (130 metres) long, weigh 4,200 tonnes and replace a 60-year-old structure. Rosario Barcena, rail programme director at Skanska which is working on the project, said: The bridge has been built on schedule and our preparatory work for the removal of the current structure and installation of the new one is nearing completion. Alongside the major projects, overhead line replacement and refurbishment of platforms will take place along the 309-mile (497km) route. Christian Irwin, Network Rails capital delivery director for the North West and Central region, claimed the work would improve reliability across the region. We know that this work will cause some disruption for those travelling during the festive season so please plan your journeys as early as possible, he said.
Train passengers and motorists will see their journeys disrupted over the festive period as work is carried out to update a railway line. Network Rail plans work to the West Coast Main Line between Carlisle and London from 25 December to 15 January. The firm will replace a bridge over the M6 near Penrith, carry […]
Regulator backtracks on ghost train plan Текст: Plans to ban passengers from a peak morning train service between Manchester and London have been abandoned after a U-turn by a government regulator. The Office of Road and Rail (ORR) reversed its decision to run the 07:00 GMT Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston without passengers after a public backlash. On Sunday,the ORR announced only staff would be on boardas of mid-December – citing concerns that allowing passengers to get on would harm the overall performance of the line. But just over 24 hours later, an ORR spokesperson said after listening to feedback it would give Network Rail and Avanti permission to continue running the service with passengers. On the basis of the information we have, we believe the running of this 7am service could have a negative impact on reliability and punctuality of services on the West Coast Main Line, but we recognise its importance and popularity and will support its continued operation, the ORR spokesperson continued. In light of the U-turn Avanti West Coast has said it is delighted that the Office of Rail and Road has given permission to reinstate the 07:00 Manchester to Euston weekday service in their December timetable. The original decision would have had a detrimental impact on customers who use this train and this development is a welcome boost for those who want to take advantage of a sub two-hour service between two of the UKs major cities, A spokesperson for Avanti West Coast said. The ORR has confirmed the U-turn only relates to the 07:00 GMT Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston service. It said the following services would not be running: 12:52 GMT: Blackpool North – London Euston (Monday to Friday) 09:39 GMT: London Euston – Blackpool North (Monday to Friday) 19:32 GMT: Chester – London Euston (Monday to Friday) 17:53 GMT: Holyhead – London Euston terminates at Crewe (Sunday)
Plans to ban passengers from a peak morning train service between Manchester and London have been abandoned after a U-turn by a government regulator. The Office of Road and Rail (ORR) reversed its decision to run the 07:00 GMT Avanti West Coast service from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston without passengers after a public backlash. […]
US student killed lover in self-defence, jury told Текст: A US student accused of fatally stabbing a sexual partner had split seconds to defend himself against his angry lover, a court has heard. Joshua Michals, 26, denies the murder of 31-year-old Zhe Wang, a fellow student at Goldsmiths, University of London. Ms Wang was found with two stab wounds to her face at her flat in Manor Park, Lewisham, south-east London, after the defendant called 999 in March 2024. Brian St Louis KC, defending, told jurors at the Old Bailey that Mr Michals acted in self-defence when Ms Wang attacked him with a knife, suffering her injuries in the struggle. Ms Wang had sent a message to Mr Michals, of Deals Gateway in Deptford, south-east London, the day before her death saying: I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, Mr St Louis said. She was angry and she was out to deal with the person who was the bane of her life. He had split seconds to do whatever he could to make sure that he was not stabbed and that he was not seriously injured. During the incident, he kept telling Ms Wang to calm down, to stop… but she did not calm down, and everything he did was acting in self-defence. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Mr Michals previously told the court Ms Wang became stressed, believing – incorrectly – she had contracted a sexually transmitted disease after they had sex. A post-mortem examination revealed Ms Wang, a Chinese national, died from stab wounds to the head and compression to the neck, the trial heard. Mr Michals previously told jurors he did not mean to strike Ms Wang with the knife, saying: I just wanted to get her away from me. He also said he pressed his forearm to her neck to try to restrain her and insisted he did not mean to kill her or cause her harm. The trial heard Mr Michals called his father and obtained the details for a solicitor before arriving at his flat and phoning an ambulance. He also took Ms Wangs phone from her kitchen and put it in a bin outside, jurors were told. It was recovered days later at a refuse area in Newham, east London.
A US student accused of fatally stabbing a sexual partner had “split seconds” to defend himself against his angry lover, a court has heard. Joshua Michals, 26, denies the murder of 31-year-old Zhe Wang, a fellow student at Goldsmiths, University of London. Ms Wang was found with two stab wounds to her face at her […]
Passengers injured as speeding train lurched Текст: Several passengers suffered minor injuries when a train lurched sideways after passing a set of points on the East Coast Main Line at more than twice the speed limit, investigators have said. The 07:08 Middlesbrough to London Kings Cross LNER service travelled through the points near Grantham at 56mph (90 km/h) on 26 September. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said the permanent speed restriction was 25 mph (40 km/h) and the associated signals displayed the expected indications. It added it would publish safety advice following the incident. LNER said safety was its top priority and it would review any recommendations made. The maximum speed on the East Coast Main Line through Grantham South junction is 115mph (184 km/h). On 26 September, the train was routed on to another line by the points, which meant the speed limit was reduced to 25mph ((40 km/h). The RAIB said the speed of the train caused it to lurch sideways and follow-up inquiries led to the seriousness of the event being understood. It said it had undertaken a preliminary examination and reviewed asimilar incidentat the same location as well as two previous investigations into similar overspeeding events at Spital Junction, Peterborough, inApril 2022andMay 2023. On 4 May 2023, a Grand Central service from Sunderland to London approached Spital Junction at about 65mph (104 km/h) – where the speed limit was also 25mph. Following that incident, the RAIB said some people on the train suffered minor injuries as it went over the points. An investigation found the train operator Grand Central did not effectively control risks. The branch made four new recommendations to both Grand Central and Network Rail. At the time, a Network Rail spokesperson said it was acting on recommendations, reviewing how to make signalling clearer, and how changes were communicated so they are fully understood. On Monday, RAIB said, as the previous investigations still had open recommendations, it would publish a safety digest for the incident near Grantham in the next few weeks. According to thebranchs website, when it is clear that the safety learning from an event has been identified by a previous investigation or relates to compliance with existing rules, we may choose to publish a safety digest, rather than carry out a full investigation. An LNER spokesperson said: The safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority. We have supported RAIB in their preliminary examination and will review any recommendations made in their safety digest, alongside continuing to work with partners in the industry. Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be coveringhere.
Several passengers suffered minor injuries when a train “lurched sideways” after passing a set of points on the East Coast Main Line at more than twice the speed limit, investigators have said. The 07:08 Middlesbrough to London King’s Cross LNER service travelled through the points near Grantham at 56mph (90 km/h) on 26 September. The […]
Calls grow for ban on Tube gambling ads Текст: Five London councils are calling on the London mayor to get rid of adverts promoting casinos and gambling websites on the Underground. Barnet, Brent, Enfield, Hackney, and Lewisham councils have joined the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA) which campaigns against the spread of harmful gambling promotions. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khanhas been accused of backtrackingon his promise to ban the adverts, made in his 2021 re-election manifesto. A spokesperson for the mayor said the government was looking at the best way to address harmful gambling, including understanding the impact of advertising, and Sir Sadiq would consider what action could be taken once that review was complete. Statistics from the Gambling Commission, which regulates gambling and gaming laws, suggest that there may be over a million people who experience severe negative consequences from someone elses gambling in the UK each year. Young people are particularly badly affected. Tracy OShaughnessy, from south-west London, from the charity GamLEARN, whose husband was a gambler for more than 30 years, said: I know first-hand how quickly gambling harm tears through a life and a family. Seeing London councils push back against gambling advertising really matters – it recognises the reality that this addiction is real, its destructive, and it shouldnt be promoted on our streets. Haringey Council was the first council to join the coalition in January 2025, calling for an end to all gambling advertising. Haringey is fourth only to boroughs Brent, Enfield and Newham, for having the most licensed gambling premises in the capital, according to the Gambling Commission. More than 80 councils already restrict gambling ads on the spaces they control, but they have little power over privately owned spaces including billboards, transport networks, broadcast media and the internet. The gambling industry is estimated to spend around £2bn a year on advertising, which the coalition says embeds gambling into everyday culture, exposing millions, including children and young people, to harmful marketing. Will Prochaska, Director of CEGA said: Its inspiring to see councils stepping up to protect the health of their populations where national government is still wanting. Councils across the UK are recognising that gambling is a public health crisis fuelled by relentless advertising. By joining this coalition, theyre standing up for their communities and sending a clear message. Its time to stop allowing companies to profit from promoting harmful products. We urge others to follow their lead. Labour councillor Chris Kennedy, Hackney Council cabinet member for health, said: Hackney Council takes a health in all policies approach to everything we do. Gambling related harm is well documented but not well recognised as it is often a highly stigmatised form of damage in the lives of some of our most deprived citizens.
Five London councils are calling on the London mayor to get rid of adverts promoting casinos and gambling websites on the Underground. Barnet, Brent, Enfield, Hackney, and Lewisham councils have joined the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA) which campaigns against the spread of harmful gambling promotions. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khanhas been accused […]
Councils repair delays blamed for ceiling collapse Текст: A man in north London was left with a collapsed ceiling after Camden Council took too long to fix a leak coming from the flat above, a Housing Ombudsman investigation has found. The watchdog criticised the council for failing to stop water coming from the upstairs property, which it owns, despite several warnings and more than 10 repair attempts. Ombudsman Richard Blakeway said there was no evidence the council had considered enforcement action, even though its staff were unable to gain access to the upstairs flat on seven occasions. A council spokesperson apologised for the distress and disruption caused, and said the local authority should have acted more quickly. The report found the council twice marked the job as complete without confirming whether the leak had been resolved. The resident living below repeatedly tried to send photos of the damage to the council via its repairs WhatsApp account, but it was not working. The council phoned the neighbour, received no answer and did not follow up, the watchdog said. Attempts to fix the problem were then repeatedly delayed because workers could not get into the upstairs property. Eventually, the ceiling collapsed. The watchdog said Camden Councils delays were to blame. The council said it had changed how it managed complex repairs, including bringing in specialist contractors earlier if in-house teams cannot identify the cause. Mr Blakeways report also said the affected resident had remained in temporary accommodation even by the time the watchdog finished its investigation and upheld his complaint. The council said new follow-up procedures had since been introduced to monitor people placed in temporary accommodation because of repair problems. The ombudsmans wider report also criticised several other London councils, including Ealing, Harrow, Lambeth and Tower Hamlets, along with multiple housing associations. Mr Blakeway highlighted a case involving Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA), where it took more than three years to repair a leak in a leaseholders home. There was an eight-month gap between the initial complaint and the start of works. The watchdog said the resident was ignored while woodwork in her flat deteriorated. When ISHA did respond, it gave no explanation for the delays or when repairs would begin. The landlord initially offered to replace the rotting window and door, but later withdrew the offer and advised the resident to claim on her contents insurance. A spokesperson for ISHA said it had apologised and that the case was absolutely not the standard or experience we want for our residents. The housing association said it had since put in more resources to its repairs and surveys team along with new structures and processes.
A man in north London was left with a collapsed ceiling after Camden Council took too long to fix a leak coming from the flat above, a Housing Ombudsman investigation has found. The watchdog criticised the council for failing to stop water coming from the upstairs property, which it owns, despite several warnings and more […]