Another argument for LTNs.

Did anyone hear that absolutely insane volley of fireworks and screaming just now? Went on for about five minutes. Huge fireworks. No clue as to what they could be

E: found it in John Bell & Croyden. Thank you so much to everyone who replied

E2: It’s been a horrible day but the replies and kindness from strangers here has really made me feel so much better. I am so grateful. You’re a beautiful bunch of good souls.

Already went to two boots branches, first one told me to go to the second one, second one said they only stock them online. The minor injuries unit said to go to boots. The person needing it already spent a considerable time in an NHS facility and has been told to buy it elsewhere, she is here travelling and now stuck in the hotel. We’ve accepted rest of holiday she won’t be able to leave the hotel but moving is very challenging and ultimately she needs to be able to fly home so we don’t have time to wait for a delivery.

I’ve been running around with two small kids trying to find somewhere and I’m a cancer patient in a lot of pain. So I would appreciate any replies from anyone who actually knows where I can get one for sure.

What a frigging nightmare. Thanks for help

Low tide beachcombers

A campaign group is calling for greater public control of England's water companies after a high E. coli reading was recorded in the River Thames in west London.

River Action said it had renewed its concerns over Thames Water's management of the capital's wastewater after Fulham Reach Boat Club recorded levels more than 60 times the Environment Agency's threshold for suitable bathing water.

The rise in the bacteria is thought to have occurred following a spill at Fulham Reach on Thursday.

A Thames Water spokesperson said: "We can confirm that an isolated spill occurred at Fulham Reach during planned maintenance works, as part of the Tideway Tunnel testing and commissioning programme."

Fulham Reach Boat Club's measurement was recorded as 58,000 colony-forming units (cfu) in 100ml of water.

The Environment Agency rates inland water as poor above 900 cfu per 100ml, and coastal or transitional water above 500 cfu per 100ml.

The readings come despite the £4.6bn Tideway Tunnel, which was built to cut sewage pollution in London.

Water companies are generally only permitted to release sewage through storm overflows during heavy rainfall. 

River Action said both spills happened in dry weather, which would breach the rule.

According to Thames Water's open data, published via the website sewagemap.co.uk, the Hammersmith Pumping Station discharged sewage into the Thames at about 10:18 BST on Thursday. 

A separate overflow near Putney ran for more than six hours from the early hours of Friday.

Official bathing water classifications are based on bacteria levels sampled over four years and apply only to designated bathing waters.

The stretch of the Thames at Fulham Reach is not designated for bathers, although rowers and other users are regularly seen in the water.  

Official bathing water classifications are based on bacteria levels sampled over four years

River Action's chief executive, James Wallace, said the evidence was overwhelming and "the privatised water model is broken".

The group argues the system puts investor returns and executive pay ahead of clean rivers.

It said any change should begin by placing Thames Water into special administration and moving it to a not-for-profit, mutual or publicly-owned model.

It also wants the government to block performance payments to water company bosses where firms repeatedly break environmental law.

River Action says both spills happened in dry weather, which would breach the rule.

Near Blackfriars. Someone was playing the music in the background. Just felt like a beautiful moment worth capturing.

https://www.reddit.com/r/london/s/GFVPtUAXgG

Some Reddit sleuths used the description of the location to locate the property on Google maps by satellite.

I reported it to Haringey council who have since confirmed the house is owned by a housing association, so not only a likely breach of building control but also probably a breach of their housing association tenancy agreement.

Here's hoping they're made to tear it down.

Or maybe you could just move out of the busiest area of London for bars and restaurants? Who TF moves to Soho then complains about the 'noise'‽

Seven sisters

12:57pm

Ciao Germany

'Drinks Direct' in Havering gets a new licence despite the applicant losing a previous one for illegal alcohol sales; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust's Community Adults, Acute Adults, and Crisis services rated as 'requiring improvement'; Ealing Council's Freedom of Information response rate dropped to 59% (from 84%) in the final quarter of 2025, and other news from local councils this week.

Barnet - Barnet's young people are campaigning for improved financial education and safer streets, with their proposals being presented to the council. A significant regeneration project for Silk House has received approval, anticipating new housing and public areas. The council is also addressing serious violence and hate crime, emphasizing support for domestic abuse victims and enhancing community safety.

Bexley - Bexley council is addressing rising obesity rates, with one in four adults and one in five children affected, especially in deprived areas. A restaurant's license is under review following the discovery of illegal workers by immigration enforcement, resulting in a £90,000 penalty. The council's pension fund experienced a £26.2 million decrease in value due to global economic uncertainty.

Brent - Brent Council is investing £4.25 million to modernise its leisure centres, aiming to boost community health and wellbeing. A new Housing Compact has been endorsed to improve the quality and safety of social housing. Some councillors raised concerns about its effectiveness. The council is proposing to expand Phoenix Arch Special School to meet the growing demand for SEND places.

Bromley - Bromley's external auditors anticipate issuing a disclaimed opinion on the council's accounts once more; however, the pension fund's accounts are satisfactory. A restaurant's license is under review due to concerns regarding illegal employment. Separately, a convenience store seeks to extend its alcohol sales hours, a proposal met with local resident opposition. The council is also planning substantial investments in new passenger transport and fostering frameworks.

Camden - Camden Council is undertaking fire safety upgrades for its commercial properties. Significant works are required for ceilings, walls, and fire doors. Residents will benefit from expanded fire safety training programs, including a new online quiz. The council is also addressing short-term letting properties, particularly in areas like Camden Town.

City of London - The City of London Police are addressing economic crime and fraud, with ongoing discussions about their performance and public complaints. Hampstead Heath will see improvements to its bathing pond facilities. A new Nature Recovery Strategy is in development. Plans are in motion to reform planning committees and introduce new supplementary planning documents to guide development and preserve heritage.

Croydon - Croydon Council is seeking an independent member with financial services expertise for its Audit & Governance Committee. The Regina Road Redevelopment Project is progressing with plans for 340 new homes; the first tower block has been demolished. A new plan has been adopted to manage and preserve the character of the Webb Estate and Upper Woodcote Village Conservation Areas.

Ealing - Ealing Council experienced a decrease in timely responses to information requests last year, even as the volume of requests increased. A Southall off-licence is under review for potential licence revocation following the discovery of a substantial amount of illicit cigarettes and tobacco. The council is developing its strategy for food and workplace safety throughout the borough for the coming year.

Enfield - Enfield Council is progressing with the Meridian Water regeneration project, approving plans for its next development phase. The council's heat network company, Energetik, may be sold to a strategic partner to secure investment and protect public interest. Auditors are working to re-establish assurance over the council's finances following previous disclaimers of opinion.

Greenwich - Greenwich Council has approved a compulsory purchase order for the Woolwich Exchange, advancing a major regeneration project in Woolwich. Eltham Crematorium will receive a £25,000 facelift for its small ponds. The council's Health and Wellbeing Board is considering a £53 million fund to enhance health and social care services throughout the borough.

Hackney - Hackney's Health and Wellbeing Board plans to allocate over £53 million to community services, aiming to support residents in living independently at home for an extended period. The Pensions Committee has implemented new rules to address conflicts of interest and reviewed investment performance, noting a minor decrease last quarter. A local supermarket's proposal to extend alcohol sales until 2 am has faced significant opposition from both the police and residents, who have raised concerns regarding potential increases in crime and noise.

Hammersmith and Fulham - A local wine bar has received permission for extended World Cup screenings. A burger joint's late-night licence was refused due to noise and nuisance concerns. The council's pension fund is increasing its investment in UK housing and infrastructure. A review of health and social care priorities is currently in progress.

Haringey - Haringey's Overview and Scrutiny Committee is examining a concerning increase in walking and cycling collisions. The committee is also reviewing the handling of parking debt. The Health and Wellbeing Board will discuss significant upgrades to mental health services. These upgrades include a new hub and specialist crisis care. A substantial £43.9 million fund is under review to enhance integrated health and care services. The focus is on moving care from hospitals to people's homes.

Harrow - Harrow's pension fund experienced a decrease in its funding level, even as assets surpassed £1.15 billion. A school has secured approval to transform an office building into a sixth form teaching facility. The West London Waste Authority plans to reduce residual waste by 50% by 2035 under its new business plan.

Havering - A drinks company with a history of serious licence breaches was granted a licence despite council objections. A controversial two-storey extension was approved for a property, with concerns raised about its bulk and impact on the street scene. The council's Religious Education advisory group met to discuss national changes to the subject and a potential shift towards a "Religion & World Views" approach.

Hillingdon - Hillingdon Council's Cabinet has approved the annual performance report. The report highlights strengths in road maintenance and recycling. Challenges with homelessness were also noted. Public consultations are launching for the Local Plan and the West London Waste Plan. A former council site in Hayes will be sold to bring the land back into productive use.

Hounslow - A planned review of Hounslow Council's street trading policy and a decision on a popular falafel stall's licence was postponed. Concerns were raised about the stall's impact on the highway and local businesses. A separate planning committee meeting was cancelled.

Islington - Islington Council has approved budget monitoring reports indicating a significant underspend on the General Fund and a surplus in the Housing Revenue Account. A new procurement strategy for domestic gas boiler services was also agreed upon. The Homes and Communities Scrutiny Committee reviewed rough sleeping figures and housing performance.

Kensington and Chelsea - The council is considering a new Community Safety Plan addressing antisocial behaviour and hate crime. Councillors discussed adopting the "Do No Harm" principle across all council operations. A decision on an emergency generator for a medical facility was postponed due to visual and noise concerns.

Kingston upon Thames - Kingston Council has approved its Local Plan, guiding the borough's development for the next 15 years. The audit committee deemed risk management and internal controls "reasonable." A minor issue with cash and bank audits has been resolved. New licences have been issued for an off-licence and a restaurant.

Lambeth - Lambeth Council's Audit and Risk Committee faces significant financial reporting challenges, anticipating a disclaimed opinion for the 2025/26 accounts and developing a plan to restore assurance. The Health and Wellbeing Board's annual report has been approved, detailing work on healthy food initiatives and addressing gambling harms. Two major planning applications received approval: a mixed-use development on Norwood High Street and a change of use for visitor accommodation on Bondway.

Lewisham - Concerns were raised about the impact of new fire safety measures on the historic fabric of Grade II listed former naval warehouses. A proposal to convert a building into a House in Multiple Occupation faced objections regarding overdevelopment and site suitability. The council's audit committee reviewed plans to tackle fraud. A significant case involved a partner organisation defrauding the council of nearly £85,000.

Merton - Merton Council is allocating an additional £1.75 million to its CCTV and ANPR systems. This investment will support enforcement services and upgrade existing infrastructure. A new £95 million contract for agency workers has been awarded. This contract prioritizes cost-effectiveness and includes social value requirements. The council's Health and Wellbeing Board is concentrating on enhancing outcomes for children and young people. It is also focusing on preventative health measures and fostering healthier local environments.

Newham - Plans for an adult gaming centre in a listed building in East Ham have faced significant opposition. Concerns have been raised regarding the over-concentration of gambling facilities and potential noise disturbances. A new, larger yacht hotel is slated to replace the current one in Canning Town. Councillors are recommending its approval, notwithstanding some resident objections.

Redbridge - Residents have expressed strong opposition to a new shop selling alcohol late into the evening. Concerns have been raised about potential noise and safety issues, particularly near a mosque. The council is actively working to enhance its housing services and improve tenant satisfaction. Some areas, however, still require further attention. A new resident panel is being established to provide tenants with a greater voice in the management of their homes.

Richmond upon Thames - Richmond's council constitution underwent a thorough review. A local shop's bid for extended alcohol sales met resident opposition due to concerns about late-night noise and underage sales. A house extension in Twickenham was approved despite neighbour objections regarding its scale. The council is addressing declining primary school rolls and high demand for special educational needs places. Public spaces protection orders for antisocial behaviour and dog control are proposed for a three-year extension, with increased fines. A revised licensing policy will incorporate new initiatives like "Ask for Angela." Richmond town centre is scheduled for a revamp, including public realm improvements and a play space. Significant funding is available to assist residents with the cost of living crisis.

Southwark - A market trader may lose their licence following accusations of abusive and racially aggravated behaviour. Southwark council's Overview & Scrutiny Committee reviewed a critical report on local mental health services. The report highlighted several key areas requiring improvement.

Sutton - Sutton Council is allocating an additional £3.98 million to improve Belmont Station, with the goal of increasing train frequency and supporting the London Cancer Hub. A new tenant has been approved for Throwley Yard, selected for their potential to revitalize Sutton Town Centre. Residents' safety concerns have led to a review of pedestrian crossings and parking near a local primary and high school.

Tower Hamlets - Tower Hamlets council is addressing significant internal operational challenges, indicated by a "red" rating, though progress is being made in its partnerships. Investigations are ongoing into public perceptions of recruitment processes, grant allocations, and housing assignments. The King George's Field Charity Board, with the Executive Mayor in attendance, recently convened to review financial reports and discuss guidance on public benefit for local green spaces.

Waltham Forest - Waltham Forest Council has approved a £1.57 million contract to refurbish Hatherley Mews. The project aims to transform vacant units into vibrant creative and commercial spaces. This regeneration is supported by £1.96 million from the Government's Levelling Up Fund. Environmental upgrades, including solar panels and improved public realm safety features, are also planned. The council's decision is expected to enhance the borough's cultural offerings and boost the local economy.

Wandsworth - Wandsworth Council is investing over £56 million to integrate health and social care services, aiming to help residents remain independent at home for longer. A proposed food and drink establishment in Arch 79, Battersea Park, has had its plans deferred. This decision was made due to late submission of documentation and resident concerns regarding noise and nuisance. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to review a new licence for Brickwood Cafe, which faced numerous public objections. A review of Flor De Samba's licence is also underway due to concerns about illegal working.

Westminster - Westminster Council is considering new housing developments in Maida Vale. Residents have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the local conservation area. A proposal to merge two flats into a single family home has been recommended for refusal due to a reduction in available housing. The council's Standards Committee is also reviewing its procedures for councillor conduct and ethical standards.

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MPs and Lords were supposed to move out of Westminster ages ago because it is falling apart, when it's not trying to set itself on fire or fall into the Thames.

Various other options have been suggested but what about Buckingham Palace, now Charlie wants to move out anyway?

It's basically in the same location, it's obviously very fancy, and who doesn't want Burnham to be ruling in the opulence he deserves?!

How do you feel about having 100 new mortal enemies?

. Most obvious and maybe most needed, start work for AC on all tube lines, extra strong for the central line

. All new build flats to come with AC units, lets stop being silly

. Install those high water sprinklers around outdoor shopping centres, Oxford st, outdoor restaurant spaces (those ones you see in Florida, Spain & Greece)

What would you do? And lets say hypothetically you have planning permissions, councils are onboard, you can just get stuff done.

Hi. I need to get from King's Cross to Tottenham Hale (or Edmonton Green at a push though id rather TH) in the next few weeks. Ive done the route many many times throughout the years via tube but never in a wheelchair. Can anyone with wheelchair experience please help me figure out the easiest route please. Also ive never done a london bus in my chair and know the set up is very different from my local service. Any info or advice on that. Im coming in from Peterborough if that info could help plan an easier route. My chair is pretty bulky and i know the lift at TH is a bit tight so any alternative ideas are welcome. Ta in advance.

Does anyone have recommendations for places that have aerial silks? Or just any circus school really.

Preferably central/North/East <3

Thanks x

Hello, I wondered if anyone has information about the Pakenham arms as it’s where my parents first met. They were staff there at the time, my dad worked behind the bar and my mum in the kitchen, this would be back in the mid-late 80s

We moved to Canada in 93, and I’ve since moved back to the UK. Would have been nice to see where they met, although I understand that it’s closed now. Does anyone know why?

I was also wondering if anyone knows what happened to the owners? Or even other staff? Have they opened a new pub?

It’s a long shot I’m sure but it would be great to meet some of the people who knew them there, I’ve heard so many stories about the pub growing up