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454 stories · page 13 of 24
Community heroes recognised at BBC Radio London awards
Community Safety—16 Sept 2026, 22:053 min readBBC Radio London's Make a Difference Awards have honoured individuals and groups for their outstanding contributions to their communities. Winners include a charity founder, a young author, a community café owner, and an environmental campaigner.Read moreHendon parklet licence renewed despite resident oppositionCommunity Safety—16 Sept 2026, 18:263 min readBarnet Council has renewed the licence for a parklet outside Pita Street restaurant in Hendon. The decision follows opposition from Councillor Alex Prager, who cited resident complaints and a petition, but the council leader stated a contract with the owner must be honoured.
Islington Council pays £2,850 for 19-month housing delayCommunity Safety—16 Sept 2026, 16:252 min readIslington Council has paid £2,850 to a resident after a 19-month delay in processing his homelessness application and allocating housing. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found the council caused injustice to the man, who has severe mobility issues.
Croydon to pilot electronic tagging for prolific shoplifters
Community Safety—16 Sept 2026, 06:255 min readCroydon Council is set to trial electronic tagging for repeat offenders later this year, aiming to deter shoplifting by monitoring their movements in restricted areas. The pilot follows a significant number of thefts in the town centre.
Greenhouse Sports receives £500,000 boost for youth programmes
Community Safety—15 Sept 2026, 12:253 min readGreenhouse Sports, which supports 8,000 young people annually in Westminster and across London, has received a significant financial injection. The Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund has pledged £500,000 to the Sporting Chance campaign, which uses sport to improve life chances.
Croydon Council homes empty for 206 days as 8,300 wait for housing
Community Safety—15 Sept 2026, 07:464 min readCroydon Council is facing criticism over hundreds of empty properties that are taking an average of 206 days to re-let. This comes as over 8,300 applicants are on the housing register and 3,269 households are in temporary accommodation.
Merton Council proposes £500 fines for engine idling and e-scooter use
Community Safety—15 Sept 2026, 07:254 min readMerton Council is considering introducing fines of up to £500 for engine idling, public nitrous oxide use, and riding e-scooters in parks. A six-week public consultation on the proposed Public Spaces Protection Orders begins on 21 September 2026.
Brick Lane AI data centre approved amid local opposition
Community Safety—15 Sept 2026, 06:454 min readA major AI data centre has been approved for Brick Lane, East London, despite significant local opposition. The £500m development raises concerns about water consumption, heat emissions, and the scale of such facilities in urban areas.
Thelma & Louise musical aims to highlight violence against women
Community Safety—14 Sept 2026, 20:464 min readCallie Khouri, the writer of the original Thelma & Louise film, hopes its new stage musical adaptation will draw attention to the ongoing issue of violence against women. The production is currently showing at the Young Vic theatre in London.
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.
Enfield Council to Demolish Edmonton Tower Block
Community 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 Southwark
Community 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.