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214 stories · page 1 of 12
Mayor's Disability Action Plan Criticised for Lack of Ambition
Community Safety—14 Sept 2026, 18:054 min readThe Mayor of London has launched an action plan aimed at improving life for the capital's 1.2 million Deaf and Disabled residents, but critics say it lacks the necessary ambition and investment to address deep-rooted inequalities.Read more
Enfield Council to Demolish Edmonton Tower BlockCommunity Safety—14 Sept 2026, 14:053 min readEnfield Council has approved the demolition of Walbrook House in Edmonton. The decision comes after safety concerns and escalating repair costs. However, three elderly leaseholders remain in the building, disputing the compulsory purchase price offered by the council.
City of London Corporation seeks GLA funding for 681 new homes in SouthwarkCommunity Safety—14 Sept 2026, 11:464 min readThe City of London Corporation has applied for Greater London Authority funding to build 681 new homes across two Southwark sites. The £94.86 million project includes social rent and mixed-tenure properties, with construction expected over the next decade if approved.
Ore Oduba warns of 'public health crisis' from child pornography access
Community Safety—14 Sept 2026, 09:253 min readOre Oduba has described the impact of pornography on young people as a 'public health crisis', warning that without intervention, it will educate children. He revealed his own 30-year battle with addiction, which began at age nine, and cited a report indicating 80% of children access pornography via social media.
Down's syndrome project promotes black visibility in Westminster
Community Safety—14 Sept 2026, 06:053 min readThe Black Child Down Syndrome Project, co-founded by four mothers, aims to increase representation for black children with Down's syndrome. Their Reflecting Radiance exhibition, featuring photography by Misan Harriman, was displayed in Westminster and included a takeover of Piccadilly Lights.
Barnet Council appoints Grenfell‑linked director, residents fear safety
Community Safety—13 Sept 2026, 14:253 min readBarnet Group confirmed Laura Johnson as permanent director of development and property in August 2026, paying her £157,078. The Grenfell inquiry linked her to cheaper, combustible cladding. Survivors and Grenfell United have urged the council to rethink the hire as police prepare charges.
South London caves: Fact and folklore beneath the streets
Community Safety—13 Sept 2026, 09:253 min readHidden caves beneath South London have long been the subject of local folklore, with stories of smugglers and secret routes. While some tales persist, geological evidence and historical records suggest a more mundane origin for the underground network.
17-year-old teaches 780 Newham children to swim for free
Community Safety—13 Sept 2026, 08:263 min readA 17-year-old from Croydon has led a free swimming programme for 780 children in Newham. The Newham Future Swimmers initiative took place over two weeks at the London Aquatics Centre, aiming to remove barriers to the sport.
South London woman, 82, regains strength after hospital programme
Community Safety—13 Sept 2026, 06:463 min readAn 82-year-old South London resident has significantly improved her physical strength and ability to perform daily tasks after participating in a hospital-based resistance training programme. The initiative aims to enhance functional fitness and balance in older adults.
Lambeth Council Approves £2bn Vauxhall Tower Development
Community Safety—12 Sept 2026, 12:054 min readLambeth Council has approved a £2 billion development in Vauxhall, featuring a 230m tower and seven new buildings. The decision follows concerns raised by councillors, architects, and neighbouring councils regarding reduced affordable housing and significant carbon emissions.
Poplar tower block fire damages flat, residents evacuated
Community Safety—12 Sept 2026, 09:451 min readA fire broke out on the 17th floor of a tower block on Blackwall Way in Poplar, east London. Ten fire engines and around 70 firefighters attended the incident, which was brought under control by 06:40 BST. Around 50 residents evacuated the building.
Exmouth Market traders face £800 fines over seating rules
Community Safety—12 Sept 2026, 09:053 min readTraders in Clerkenwell's Exmouth Market are concerned about potential £800 fines due to new outdoor seating regulations from Islington Council. The changes require a significant reduction in table capacity and increased spacing, leading to fears of insolvency.
Hackney Council investigates security guard after protester pushed to ground
Community Safety—12 Sept 2026, 07:253 min readHackney Council is investigating an incident where a security guard allegedly pushed a protester to the ground during a demonstration concerning overcrowded temporary accommodation. The protest at Hackney Town Hall involved members of Housing Action Southwark and Lambeth.
Sutton firm's Wallington site faces new hearing over green belt concerns
Community Safety—12 Sept 2026, 07:053 min readA Wallington company operating on green belt land faces a new hearing over alleged planning breaches. Residents report dust, noise, and heavy traffic, while Sutton Council has issued an enforcement notice.
70 firefighters tackle Poplar flat blaze
Community Safety—12 Sept 2026, 06:451 min readAround 70 firefighters and ten fire engines were dispatched to a flat fire in Poplar in the early hours of Saturday. The blaze affected half of a flat on the 18th floor of a 22-storey residential block on Blackwall Way.
Southwark Council Refuses Berkeley Homes' Bid to Cut Affordable Housing
Community Safety—11 Sept 2026, 19:064 min readSouthwark Council's Planning Committee has unanimously refused an application by Berkeley Homes to significantly reduce the number of affordable homes in its Elephant and Castle development. The developer cited rising costs, but councillors pointed to the company's substantial profits.
Bromley town centre evacuated after hoax call
Community Safety—11 Sept 2026, 19:252 min readBuildings in Bromley town centre were evacuated on September 11 following a hoax call that prompted a significant emergency response. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident was a false alarm, with no statement to be issued due to the nature of the call.
Hackney nursery ordered to vacate church premises by September 11
Community Safety—11 Sept 2026, 17:054 min readSt Michael's Nurseries in Lower Clapton must leave its Church of St Jude premises by September 11, 2026, following a court order. The nursery, operating as a tenant at will since 2015, is seeking a new site with Hackney Council's support.
St Mary's Walthamstow granted alcohol license
Community Safety—11 Sept 2026, 16:053 min readWaltham Forest Council has approved a new alcohol license for St Mary's Walthamstow, allowing the church to sell drinks and show films for longer hours. The decision follows objections from local residents concerned about potential noise and disruption.
Peckham Rye businesses face ruin after cinema tower closure
Community Safety—11 Sept 2026, 15:053 min readBusinesses along Peckham Rye have suffered devastating losses after a 10-day road closure due to fears of a collapsing cinema tower. Shopkeepers received no prior warning from Southwark Council, despite visible cracks on the tower for months.
West Reservoir path opens, but fence sparks access row
Community Safety—11 Sept 2026, 13:254 min readThe east bank path at Hackney's West Reservoir has opened, but a new fence restricting access to the beach and café area for non-swimmers has caused controversy. Critics argue the changes were not consulted on and represent a waste of public money.
Man recovers after sepsis from roast dinner
Community Safety—11 Sept 2026, 12:462 min readUdhyam Amin, 64, from Kingswood, Surrey, developed life-threatening sepsis and multi-organ failure after food poisoning from a roast dinner. Doctors at St Helier Hospital in south London initially warned his family he had only hours to live. He has since recovered after two weeks in an induced coma.
Chris Especial pop-up exhibition at Winns Gallery
Community Safety—11 Sept 2026, 12:463 min readArtist Chris Especial is hosting a free pop-up exhibition titled 'Special' at Winns Gallery in Waltham Forest from October 21st to 24th. The exhibition will feature paintings, characters, and visual narratives, blending contemporary art with Japanese manga-style imagery.
Grandfather, 68, graduates with first-class social work degree
Community Safety—11 Sept 2026, 06:463 min readChris Osagbaekhoe, a 68-year-old grandfather from Thamesmead, has achieved a first-class BA in social work from Goldsmiths, University of London. Inspired by a desire to help vulnerable people, he plans to launch a community project for young people and seek employment as a qualified social worker.
Free screening of climate film planned for East Finchley
Community Safety—10 Sept 2026, 19:053 min readAround 40 people attended a screening of 'The People's Emergency Briefing' in NW2. The film discusses climate and biodiversity emergencies. A free public screening is scheduled for October 14th at the Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley.
St Bartholomew's Breast Cancer Centre treats 120 patients
Community Safety—10 Sept 2026, 15:054 min readMore than 120 patients have received breast cancer surgery at St Bartholomew's Hospital's new specialist centre since its opening in March. The facility aims to integrate care, imaging, and research, with Barts Charity launching a major fundraising drive to support its work.
RSPCA seeks witnesses after dog dragged in Bow
Community Safety—10 Sept 2026, 13:462 min readThe RSPCA is appealing for information after a man was filmed dragging a collapsed dog, wearing a veterinary cone, along a pavement in Bow. The incident is believed to have occurred in June.
Community darkroom operator faces eviction from Newham arts hub
Community Safety—10 Sept 2026, 12:253 min readNoroa Perez, who runs an affordable community darkroom, has been asked to leave Rosetta Arts in Newham after only two months. She claims the reasons for her eviction have changed and has started a petition to reverse the decision.
Croydon teen's behaviour improves with basketball coaching
Community Safety—10 Sept 2026, 12:063 min readA 14-year-old Croydon resident, Aakeeshen, has experienced significant improvements in his behaviour and school engagement thanks to a basketball coaching programme run by Greenhouse Sports. The initiative is part of the 'Sporting Chance' campaign aimed at supporting disadvantaged young Londoners.
Eight fire engines and 60 firefighters deployed to Seven Sisters Road blaze in Islington
Community Safety—10 Sept 2026, 05:463 min readAt about 03:36 am a fire erupted on Seven Sisters Road in Finsbury Park, Islington. Eight fire engines and roughly 60 firefighters from five stations tackled the blaze, half of the roof was alight and residents were warned to stay clear while the cause remains unknown.