Posts by Michael Trimmer

London Councils Warns on Funding Shortfalls Ahead of 2026-27 Settlement

London boroughs are facing mounting pressure as funding shortfalls and soaring service demand continue to strain local finances. Responding to the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement for 2026-27, Cllr Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils, highlighted the delicate balancing act facing councils across the capital. “A combination of long-term structural underfunding, skyrocketing demand for services […]

London Lorry Control Scheme Introduces ANPR Cameras to Boost Compliance

London Councils is stepping up its enforcement of the London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS) with the introduction of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras across the capital. The cameras are being rolled out following a successful pilot programme and will work alongside on-street Enforcement Officers to ensure heavy goods vehicle (HGV) operators comply with the […]

London toddler dies after A1 crash days before Christmas

Tragedy has struck as a two-year-old boy from London has died just days before Christmas following a serious collision on the A1. The crash happened on the northbound carriageway near Peterborough on Saturday, December 20, and involved two vehicles. The toddler was travelling in a Toyota Auris with five other people when the car broke […]

UK Set to Test Chinese Robotaxis on London Streets in 2026

Chinese robotaxis could arrive on London streets as soon as 2026 following announcements from ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft about partnerships with Baidu to trial autonomous vehicles. The companies are seeking regulatory approval to begin testing driverless taxis in London. Baidu’s Apollo Go service already operates in multiple cities in China and has completed millions […]

London’s most prolific Grindr gang jailed after dating app crime spree

Two men identified by police as members of what has been described as “London’s most prolific Grindr gang” have been jailed for a combined total of eight and a half years. The pair used the gay dating app to target victims across the capital, stealing personal items and committing fraud over a six month period. […]

Banksy Bayswater mural confirmed as new London artwork

The elusive street artist Banksy has reportely confirmed via reliable channels he is responsible for a new mural that has appeared in Bayswater, west London. The Banksy Bayswater mural shows two children lying on the ground, dressed in wellington boots, coats and winter bobble hats, with one child pointing upwards towards the sky. The artwork […]

London Waterloo and Liverpool Street Station Closures Over Christmas for Engineering Work

Waterloo and Liverpool Street stations will close over the Christmas period to allow essential engineering work. At Liverpool Street, the station will shut to enable the installation of new glass panels above the concourse. The works will also include the replacement of the ageing drainage system. Waterloo will close to allow installation of new rail […]

Chain consumption of Kentish Town Independent Cafe causes devestation

A Kentish Town couple who operate two of the four independent cafes on Hampstead Heath have said they are “devastated” after learning the sites are to be handed to a single operator. The City of London Corporation cafe takeover will see the venues transferred to Australian-inspired chain Daisy Green from spring 2026. The City of […]

Former officer admits misconduct in SDS undercover officer inquiry

A former Metropolitan Police undercover officer has told a public inquiry that his conduct while infiltrating left-wing groups in London during the 1990s was “cruel” and known to senior officers. Mark Jenner, who used the undercover identity Mark Cassidy, was a member of the Special Demonstration Squad. The unit is under examination by the Undercover […]

Historic Black Community Centre now vulnerable after being denied heritage status

A community centre in north-west London associated with preventing race riots in the 1980s faces demolition after being denied heritage protection. Bridge Park Community Centre in Harlesden was put forward for national heritage status following a public campaign launched last year by Harlesden People’s Community Council. The application was rejected by Historic England, the public […]

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