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Regent Street to Host Car-Free ‘Festive Fun’ Day in Central London

Regent Street in central London is set to be closed to traffic for a day of festive celebrations, marking the first car-free event on the street since 2020. Between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, the street will be pedestrianised on Saturday, 6 December, from 14:00 to 21:00 GMT, creating what organisers are calling a “festive mile” for Christmas shopping and entertainment.

During the event, traffic will be replaced by pop-up food and drink stalls, roving performers, and family-friendly activities. Three vintage red double-decker buses will be stationed along the street, offering bookable craft sessions, gift wrapping, a seasonal “selfie station”, and a disco bus featuring live music from DJs and choirs. Local shops will also participate, offering special deals to visitors on the day.

The car-free event follows a similar experiment on Oxford Street in September, which demonstrated the potential for pedestrianisation as part of the mayor of London’s wider plans to reduce traffic in central shopping areas. Regent Street is renowned for its Grade II listed buildings and curved façades, and is home to iconic stores including Hamleys, Apple, Armani, Polo, and Burberry.

The street was last closed to traffic at weekends before Christmas in 2020 as part of a pilot to encourage shopping and enhance the festive atmosphere. Organisers hope that the 2025 event will recreate that experience, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy Christmas lights, seasonal activities, and a traffic-free shopping environment.

Barnet Community Value Campaign Seeks Protection for Historic Black Horse Pub

A campaign to protect one of Barnet’s oldest pubs is gathering momentum as residents call for official status that could prevent redevelopment. The Black Horse Pub, believed to have been founded in 1720, closed in September. Thousands of residents have signed a petition supporting a Barnet community value campaign aimed at securing the building’s future.

Star Pubs, the owner, has confirmed it is seeking a new operator after the previous leaseholder left the premises. However, local residents and councillors say that without asset of community value status, the pub could be vulnerable if the site were put up for sale. ACV status would give the community the legal right to bid for the building before any potential commercial sale, which supporters of the Barnet community value campaign argue is vital for protecting an important local venue.

The petition, which has gained more than 2,300 signatures, highlights the role the pub has played at the junction of Wood Street and Union Street. High Barnet councillor Emma Whysall, who previously supported Tudor Hall’s successful application for ACV status, has been working with campaigners. She says that ACV designation can help preserve spaces valued by residents by allowing time for community groups to explore purchasing options. She notes that government plans to extend the timeframe for community bids could strengthen the Barnet community value campaign if new legislation is passed in time.

Tudor Hall, originally a schoolhouse granted a charter in 1573, benefited from that process when Barnet Museum was able to examine the feasibility of buying it. Campaigners believe the Black Horse could follow a similar pathway if ACV status is granted. Last year, the Prince of Wales pub in East Barnet received the designation following concerns about redevelopment.

Local resident Olly Gough, who set up the petition, says the next stage involves submitting an application supported by at least 21 local people. He is encouraging residents to share their experiences of using the pub, explaining that such evidence helps demonstrate the community importance required for ACV consideration. The Barnet community value campaign is now focused on finalising the application and gathering testimonials.

Barnet Council says it has not yet received an ACV application for the Black Horse. A spokesperson confirmed that the formal process will begin only once an application is submitted. Campaigners intend to proceed with the next steps while the search for a new operator continues.

London Severe Weather Response Activated to Protect People Sleeping Rough

London has activated its severe weather emergency protocol as temperatures fall to 0C. The measure triggers the opening of emergency accommodation across the capital, forming part of a coordinated London severe weather response involving boroughs and homelessness charities. The protocol aims to ensure that people sleeping rough are brought indoors when conditions are considered life threatening.

According to the latest figures, more than 13,000 people were seen sleeping rough by outreach workers in London during the 2024 to 2025 count. This is the highest number ever recorded on London’s CHAIN database. The London severe weather response is designed to offer an immediate safety net when freezing temperatures increase risks for those without shelter.

The mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, said the protocol would ensure everyone sleeping rough was offered emergency accommodation and support. He noted that boroughs housed more than 2,000 people last winter when the same measures were put in place. Local authorities are now preparing similar provision as temperatures again reach levels at which serious harm could occur.

Homelessness charity St Mungo’s is one of the organisations involved in the London severe weather response. Hannah Faulkner of the charity said that freezing conditions significantly heighten the dangers faced by people sleeping rough. She explained that prolonged exposure to cold and wet environments can lead to conditions such as hypothermia, frostbite and respiratory illness, and can worsen existing health issues. She added that in some cases cold weather exposure can be fatal. Teams from St Mungo’s are working around the clock to bring people indoors and connect them with essential support services.

London Councils, which represents the capital’s boroughs, is also emphasising the importance of rapid action. Grace Williams, executive member for housing and regeneration, said rough sleeping is always dangerous but becomes a serious threat to life in severe cold. She stated that boroughs are working to prepare emergency accommodation and assist people to come off the streets when temperatures drop.

The London severe weather response will continue while freezing conditions persist. Boroughs and charities are maintaining outreach efforts to ensure that those sleeping rough are informed of available accommodation and encouraged to accept support.

London Secures £2.4m to Support of Victims of Child Sexual Exploitation

London is set to receive £2.4m in funding to support victims and survivors of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). The package, announced by Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, will provide new independent sexual violence advocates and expand counselling and therapeutic services for both children and adult survivors.

The funding comes as the Metropolitan Police re-examines hundreds of CSE cases from the past 15 years, part of a national review overseen by the National Crime Agency and the National Police Chief’s Council. An initial Met search identified around 9,000 historic cases, of which 1,200 remain under investigation after a preliminary review of 2,200.

Mayor Khan said the funding will ensure victims “have the care, attention and specialist support services they deserve”. The support covers a range of exploitation types, including institutional abuse, intra-familial offending, peer-on-peer abuse, online exploitation, and gang-related or group-based sexual exploitation.

London’s independent victims’ commissioner, Claire Waxman, welcomed the funding, saying it puts “victims and survivors first” and allows for direct funding of independent sexual violence advocates alongside therapeutic care. Commander Clair Kelland, the Met’s public protection lead, highlighted improvements in police practice, noting a “threefold increase in solved cases over the past year” due to strengthened approaches to identifying and investigating CSE since 2022.

Susan Hall, leader of the Conservative Group in the London Assembly, criticised the funding as insufficient. She said the proposal was “too little, too late” compared to a £4.5m inquiry previously suggested by City Hall Conservatives, suggesting the mayor was responding after public pressure rather than taking proactive action.

The £2.4m package aims to support victims through advocacy, counselling, and therapy while police investigations continue, providing care and specialist support alongside efforts to improve the quality and consistency of CSE investigations across London.

Heskey Fronts Groundbreaking Football Safety App to Tackle Online and Matchday Abuse with Real-Time Reporting

Former England striker Emile Heskey has issued a stark warning about the escalating abuse crisis in football, saying the culture surrounding the game has become so toxic that he never encouraged his own children to pursue professional careers.

Heskey, who earned 62 England caps and played more than 500 top-flight games, says abuse is now constant, personal, and inescapable, targeting not only black players but also white players, managers, referees, women’s players, commentators, club staff, and their families.

He said: “I suffered racism throughout my career, but back then it was mainly coming from the stands or in the papers.

“Now it’s everywhere. It’s on social media, in your home, on your kids’ phones – and it’s not just racism or sexism, because white players are also getting hammered online. There are many incidences where managers are receiving threats, officials are abused weekly, and even commentators are targeted.

“We keep calling it a small minority, but that downplays what is really happening. The scale and intensity of abuse has grown beyond that.”

The former Liverpool and Leicester forward recalled being racially abused throughout a World Cup qualifier in Croatia.

He added, “FIFA filed a report, the Croatian FA got fined, then everyone moved on. It happened so often that I almost accepted it. I don’t want my sons, or anyone else’s children, normalising that in 2025.”

Heskey’s sons, Jaden and Reigan, are both at Manchester City. They made their senior debuts in the Carabao Cup win over Huddersfield, and Reigan is currently tipped to win the Golden Boot at the Under-17 World Cup.

Heskey added: “Seeing my boys coming through the game brought all of this into sharp focus. I don’t want them abused online for playing football. I don’t want academy kids targeted, match day officials, women’s players, or managers suffering this. Enough is enough.”

Heskey has now stepped forward to lead the launch of The Football Safety App, a world-first platform enabling supporters, players, staff, officials, and families to report abuse instantly and anonymously, wherever it happens.

The app captures reports of abuse from stadiums, concourses, pubs, fan zones, and bars, as well as on public transport, including trains where matchday behaviour often affects ordinary passengers, families, commuters, and rail staff.

It also extends to academies, youth environments, online platforms and social media.

“Transport is now another major flashpoint,” Heskey said. “Anyone who travels on trains on match days knows how quickly things can turn.

“And it’s not just football fans involved. Families, commuters, and staff get caught up in it. People should be able to travel safely. This app finally gives them a way to call that behaviour out.

“The Barry Bannan incident in December 2020, where he reported ‘vile online abuse’ to the police after a ‘grossly offensive post’ was directed at him on social media, just shows that this app is needed in all levels of the game.” .

Every submission goes to a 24-hour control room, where trained analysts sift through reports, filter out misuse, and escalate genuine cases to clubs, safeguarding teams, and, where necessary, the police.

The system gathers real-time data, trends, and behavioural patterns, creating an evidence base that football authorities have never previously had access to.

The app will be free to download and use, it will check you into games once at the stadium, and will also offer those who use it with a whole host of rewards.

Heskey continued: “This is the deterrent football has been missing. When people know there’s accountability, behaviour changes. And with the pressure that the police are under, anything that helps them by doing the groundwork, by collecting evidence, timestamps, and patterns, is a massive step forward.”

Participating clubs contribute a small monthly subscription and receive detailed insights, enabling them to identify hotspots, routes, fixtures, or environments where intervention is needed.

Heskey insists the majority of football fans will welcome the platform. He explained: “Most supporters are brilliant. They love the rivalry, the passion, the atmosphere. But they’re fed up with the poison that comes with it. They’re sick of being tarnished by the behaviour of the loudest few.

“This app gives them their game back. It lets ordinary, decent supporters say: ‘This isn’t who we are, and this isn’t what football should be.’”

Heskey is now calling on the FA, Premier League, EFL, SPFL, UEFA, and FIFA to support a unified approach.

He added: “We need the whole of football to take this seriously. We need one system that fans trust, that clubs can use, and that gives authorities the information they need. This isn’t about blaming the game. It’s about protecting it.”

The Football Safety App is in the final stages of testing and will launch before the end of the year. Discussions with several professional clubs are already underway as safeguarding pressures increase across the sport.

Organisations, leagues, clubs and supporter groups interested in partnership or early adoption can register interest at www.footballsafetyapp.com

See it. Report it. End it.

Conor Benn outclasses Chris Eubank Jr to level the score in London

Conor Benn produced the most complete performance of his career as he avenged his defeat to Chris Eubank Jr with a commanding points win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The long-running saga between the sons of British boxing legends Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr reached its conclusion with Benn winning comfortably on all three judges’ scorecards: 119–107, 118–108 and 116–110.

Eubank went on to edge their first encounter on points, leaving Benn determined to rewrite the narrative when the pair met again under the lights in north London.

From the opening bell, Benn looked sharp, composed and purposeful. Eubank started cautiously, flicking out his jab and taking small steps around the ring, but it was Benn who landed the cleaner work early. A crisp combination in the second round appeared to unsettle Eubank, who responded by shoving Benn to the canvas in frustration rather than with a meaningful punch.

As the rounds progressed, Benn’s confidence grew. He targeted the body with heavy hooks and repeatedly found success over the top, darting in with quick one-twos. Eubank, though in better physical condition than in their first fight, struggled to generate the same intensity, his output slowing and his rhythm fading as Benn took control of the centre of the ring.

A thudding one-two from Benn in the seventh snapped Eubank’s head back, prompting a rally from Eubank that Benn cheekily answered with a grin as the bell sounded. By the eighth, Benn’s tempo was dictating the action; he speared punches into the midriff and cracked Eubank with more head-shots, forcing the older man to clinch repeatedly just to halt the onslaught.

Eubank managed brief surges in the later rounds, pushing forward to land a stiff right hand, but Benn’s sharper footwork and more accurate combinations continued to dictate the pace. Every time Eubank attempted to close the gap, Benn met him with a flurry that kept the momentum firmly in his favour.

The final round delivered the drama the crowd had been waiting for. With Eubank badly trailing on the cards and forced to gamble, he marched forward in search of a miracle punch. Instead, Benn beat him to it — a powerful right hand rocked Eubank, sending him stumbling before he hit the canvas. Moments later, another barrage toppled him again, the stadium erupting as Benn sealed the statement victory he had chased for so long.

Eubank rose both times and survived until the final bell, but the result was never in doubt. Benn’s dominance throughout the fight ensured a decisive and cathartic win, bringing their heated rivalry — born from the battles of their fathers three decades ago — to a close.

In the aftermath, talk will naturally turn to what comes next for Chris Eubank Jr. With the 35-year-old soon to welcome twins into the world, his priorities may be shifting as much outside the ring as within it. While he has always prided himself on resilience and professionalism, nights like this inevitably prompt reflection. Whether he chooses to fight on or step back, Eubank may now be weighing not just his ambitions in boxing but the responsibilities and new chapter that await him at home.

Fifa Reports Over 30,000 Abusive Posts as Football Safety App Nears Launch

Fifa has revealed it has reported more than 30,000 abusive posts to social media platforms so far this year, as concerns around online harassment in football continue to rise.

In its latest report, world football’s governing body confirmed eleven individuals were referred to law enforcement authorities in 2025, with a further case submitted to Interpol. Those identified were based in Argentina, Brazil, France, Poland, Spain, the UK, and the US, following abuse directed at players, coaches, and match officials during Fifa competitions.

Marking the International Day for Tolerance, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said that football must remain a safe and inclusive environment at all levels — on the pitch, in the stands and online.

“Through the Fifa Social Media Protection Service and by deploying advanced technology and human expertise, Fifa is taking decisive action to protect players, coaches, teams and match officials from the serious harm that online abuse causes,” Infantino said.

The Fifa Social Media Protection Service (SMPS), created in partnership with FIFPRO in 2022, monitors abusive or threatening behaviour across major social platforms. During this year’s Club World Cup in the United States, SMPS tracked 2,401 active accounts, analysed almost 5.9 million posts, flagged 179,517 for review and reported 20,587 directly to the relevant platforms.

Fifa says more than 65,000 abusive posts have been reported since the service began, and individuals responsible may be banned from purchasing tickets for future tournaments.

Football Safety App to Launch This Year Amid Rising Safeguarding Pressures

As the issue of abuse continues to affect football at all levels, a new tool designed to support fans and protect victims is preparing for release.

The Football Safety App, now in the final stages of testing, will launch before the end of the year. Built to empower supporters, the app allows users to report incidents quickly and securely, whether the abuse takes place online, inside a stadium or in surrounding areas.

The app’s features include:

Instant reporting tools for abusive or discriminatory behaviour
Raw evidence captures through screenshots, video, and audio.
Anonymous reporting options, protecting those who fear repercussions.
A dedicated support hub, directing victims towards help and guidance.
Direct links to safeguarding teams, clubs, and relevant authorities.

The platform is already prompting interest across the sport, with discussions underway between developers and several professional clubs as safeguarding concerns grow.

Organisations, leagues, clubs and supporter groups interested in partnering with the project or becoming early adopters can register interest at:
www.footballsafetyapp.com
See it. Report it. End it.

Public Input Sought on Tackling Online Abuse

With online abuse showing no signs of slowing, the Football Safety App team is calling for public participation to help shape the future of safeguarding in the sport.

Supporters, players, club staff, and officials are encouraged to share views on:

The most effective ways to report abuse.
What protections and tools fans need
The level of support victims should receive.
What consequences offenders should face?

Feedback will help guide continued development of the app and inform wider conversations around safeguarding in football.

Disabled woman refused use of wheelchair space by mums with buggies during bus standoff

An incident involving a disabled woman refused use of wheelchair space by mums with buggies has led to widespread debate after video footage of the confrontation was posted online.

Maria Whitefield, aged 38, attempted to board the 432 Arriva bus on her way to a hospital appointment, but found the priority wheelchair area already taken up by two buggies. The driver had lowered the ramp and Maria began moving onto it, but the space remained blocked. She filmed the twenty minute standoff, during which she can be heard telling the parents that “wheelchairs are a priority”.

One mother responded “he’s a priority too” and refused to fold her buggy.

Maria is also heard saying “these people are being selfish and will not fold up their buggies”, while other passengers admitted she had priority but still encouraged her to get off the bus so it could continue its route. According to the TfL website, “by law, wheelchair users have priority over the space as it is the only place they can travel safely”.

TfL later apologised to Maria and confirmed that wheelchair users have priority access.

The disabled woman refused use of wheelchair space by mums with buggies was trying to reach a hospital appointment at the time. She said: “I was on my way to the hospital, I wanted to board the bus and the driver had put the ramp out. In London we only have one space. It was made law by the Supreme High Court that wheelchairs have priority.” She added that she looked down at the space and told the parents, “look on the floor, there’s a sign that says it’s a wheelchair priority area”.

Maria said she felt abandoned as no one stepped in to help: “No one was speaking up for me or helping me. We weren’t going anywhere for about 20 minutes.” After eventually giving up, she waited almost twenty minutes for the next service, missed her appointment and had to schedule another one months later. She described feeling frustrated that neither the passengers nor the driver enforced the rules. “The driver is meant to enforce that law. They have an announcement they can make on the bus to say the wheelchair area is required and can the passengers please make space,” she said. “The driver didn’t want to do anything, in the end I just had to give in.”

The disabled woman refused use of wheelchair space by mums with buggies said the situation left her angry. “People were saying ‘you have priority but people have places to go’, but I also have places to go.” Maria added that this sort of experience happens frequently and that people “need to take a step in my shoes”.

She filed complaints with both TfL and Arriva. “I complained and they said they are going to look into it but I never heard back.” Hoping to raise awareness, Maria shared the video on TikTok, where it has now received more than two million views. Commenters were split, though many noted the sign that says “buggy users please make space for wheelchair users”, while others questioned why the driver failed to intervene.

The disabled woman refused use of wheelchair space by mums with buggies said she hopes the video will encourage better training for drivers and more public understanding of accessibility rules.

South London Christmas market and ice rink postponed after severe weather warning

Lewisham’s highly anticipated Winter Gardens event has been pushed back after organisers announced that the South London Christmas market and ice rink postponed their opening because of severe weather linked to Storm Claudia. The festive attraction at Beckenham Place Park had been scheduled to welcome its first visitors at 11am on Saturday, November 15, but the worsening forecast forced a late change of plans. Those preparing for a seasonal day out will now have to wait until Saturday, November 22 for the celebrations to begin.

Lewisham Council explained that an amber weather warning had been issued, with a full month’s worth of rain expected within only twenty four hours. In a statement, the council said: “Due to the amber weather warning issued for Storm Claudia with severe weather conditions and a month’s worth of rain predicted in the next 24 hours, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the launch of the Winter Gardens at Beckenham Place Park until next Saturday, November 22 to give the grounds time to recover.” The message went on to say that the conditions affected safety during the final stages of set up and risked undermining the experience for visitors. The council added that its first concern is always the wellbeing of contractors, staff and the public.

Organisers are now contacting every ticket holder to offer new dates. The statement continued: “We want everybody to be able to enjoy their visit to this event and we are contacting all affected customers and ticket holders directly with updated information and guidance regarding rescheduling existing bookings to a drier date. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and we appreciate your understanding.”

The South London Christmas market and ice rink postponed its launch only days before the transformation of Beckenham Place Park was due to be revealed. The site will include an ice rink set inside a wooden bandstand and a festive market with more than fifteen stalls offering seasonal food, handmade gifts, local crafts and ornaments. Visitors will also be able to watch performances from the Revel Puck Circus, known for shows that blend storytelling with acrobatics and daring set pieces.

One of the main attractions is The Winter Lodge, a glass pavilion arranged into three zones. Adults can unwind in a traditional bar, while families can enjoy board games and Christmas music in a dedicated space. A third room, known as the hideaway, will offer games including table tennis, pool and shuffleboard, along with UV gaming sessions during weekends. The wider event features more than fifteen rides that range from Santa’s Runaway Train to reindeer themed flying planes. Those looking for an extra challenge can try Plonk Golf, a nine hole Christmas themed crazy golf course filled with glowing features, looped tracks and rolling slopes.

Food and drink will be available across the site, including Yorkshire wraps, burgers, churros, crepes and a sweet shop. Christmas Trees by O’ Christmas Tree will offer decorations and trees throughout the season. While entry to the grounds is free, tickets are required for the circus, golf course and ice rink. Prices vary between adult, child and family rates.

The new date offers hope that the South London Christmas market and ice rink postponed by Storm Claudia will be able to open in calmer conditions and deliver the festive experience visitors have been waiting for.