Robyn Bennett

Kingston Council has received several planning applications, including a request to determine whether a full environmental impact assessment is required for a proposed battery energy storage system on Leatherhead Road in Chessington. Other applications cover rear extensions in Chessington and Surbiton and a proposed change of use and conversion to flats in Kingston upon Thames.

Sam King suffered a cardiac arrest at home in Southampton days before his daughter Sophie was born, but his pregnant wife Emma followed emergency call-handler instructions to perform chest compressions and he later recovered. After receiving an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, Sam is now encouraging support for the NHS. His aunt Helen will take part in the London Ambulance Charity’s London Life Hike on September 26 to raise money for more defibrillators and community training.

Merton Council received several planning applications covering residential redevelopment, rear extensions, an outbuilding, landscaping conditions and telecommunications work. The proposals include nine new houses at Stirling Close in Streatham, extensions in Streatham and Morden, an outbuilding in Wimbledon, condition-related works at Cottenham House, and cable installation at Costa Coffee in Wimbledon Quarter.

Nineteen-year-old Surbiton tap dancer Jack Courage has been selected to represent Team GB for a second consecutive year at the IDO World Tap Dance Championships in Prague. After finishing sixth in the male adult category on his debut, he aims to improve while seeking sponsorship to cover travel, accommodation, entry fees, costumes and specialist tap shoes. Courage began dancing at five, trained at Sylvia Young Theatre School and Millennium Performing Arts College, and has performed in stage, television and film productions including the Evita tour, Talented Tots and Artemis Fowl.

Singer-songwriter Marsha Swanson has developed TroubleChutes, a music and creative-activities programme designed to help children discuss their emotions. The programme is running in four schools, including St Mary’s Twickenham, through classroom sessions, assemblies, singing groups and targeted support. Teachers report increased confidence among participating children, while the project has also involved teacher training, parent events and contributions from Henry Thomas, Lionel Shriver and producer Stuart Epps.

Twickenham & District Model Railway Club's annual open day attracted hobbyists, families and other visitors. Chairman Paul Raven-Hill said attendance was strong and invited those who attended to visit a regular club night at Kerswell Hall, where they could run their own models on the club's test tracks.

IRO Sushi will open its first Sutton restaurant at 153 High Street on July 26, following the success of its branches in Croydon and Purley. The launch will offer free sushi boxes to the first 100 customers and a 25% discount for returning customers. Founded in 2014, the brand operates more than 30 UK restaurants and serves sushi, katsu curry, gyoza and other Japanese dishes, with dine-in, takeaway and delivery options.

Recent planning applications submitted to Croydon Council include major alterations to a property on Sylvan Road in Upper Norwood, several requests to fell or reduce trees in Kenley and Croydon, and maintenance work involving trees covered by preservation orders. The article also highlights the Public Notice Portal as a centralised source for statutory notices published by UK local newspapers.

A series of planning applications submitted to Sutton Council includes proposals to upgrade telecommunications equipment at Waddon House, tree works at The John Fisher School, retention of structures at properties in Carshalton and Wallington, and redevelopment plans in Cheam involving padel courts and related facilities. Additional applications include non-material amendments to landscaping at a Cheam nursing home. The Public Notice Portal is promoted as a resource for accessing statutory notices across the region.

Personnel from RAF Benson’s Joint Helicopter Support Squadron will attempt the 24-hour National Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for SSAFA, which supports service members, veterans and their families. The team aims to tackle Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa despite difficult terrain and weather conditions, motivated by the charity’s importance to the military community. Supporters are encouraged to follow their progress and donate through JustGiving.

A 12-year-old Islington performer, Teddy Skelton, will reprise his role as Nicky in Channel 4's upcoming animated Christmas special Mog's Bad Thing, adapted from Judith Kerr’s books. Teddy, who trains at the Pauline Quirke Academy and is represented by Quirky Kidz, received praise from academy staff and his agent for his continued development and performance. The film is set to air in December.

Four newly ordained deacons have begun serving churches across north London within the Diocese of London’s Edmonton Area. Bishop Anderson Jeremiah highlighted the cohort’s diversity and the growing number of people exploring faith. Among the group is former actress Ascala Byfield, who previously appeared in Spiderman: Far From Home and has a background in education and mission work. She will serve her curacy at St Luke’s Kentish Town as part of a larger group of 34 newly ordained clergy.

Barking and Dagenham Council adopted two planning documents designed to guide development in the Becontree Estate and support regeneration around Dagenham Heathway. The Becontree Estate guidance focuses on helping residents make improvements while maintaining the area’s historic character. The Dagenham Heathway framework outlines plans for new homes, improved public spaces and a more vibrant town centre. Both were produced by regeneration company Be First and emphasise protecting heritage alongside encouraging investment and community involvement.

Harlow Council is investing nearly £500,000 to deploy an AI-powered CCTV network aimed at reducing crime, improving response times, and enhancing public safety. The system will provide high-definition imaging, intelligent threat detection, facial recognition, ANPR, and advanced monitoring capabilities. Supported by £200,000 from the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, the network is being installed in key areas and is designed for future expansion as part of the town’s long-term development plans. Local officials describe the upgrade as transformative for tackling antisocial behaviour, supporting investigations, and enabling faster intervention by council teams and police.

Record heat drove London Ambulance Service to its busiest day, taking 8,869 emergency calls and 688 life‑threatening incidents. A temporary critical incident allowed measures such as phone‑based treatment and faster hospital handovers. Despite additional crews, demand stayed high, prompting reminders to stay hydrated, act responsibly, and reserve 999 for life‑threatening emergencies, with NHS 111 and other services recommended for urgent but non‑critical needs.

Five Brent schools will receive £1.5 million in upgrades under the council’s School Asset Management Programme, focusing on repairs such as roof replacements, new radiators and window improvements. Most work is planned for the summer holidays, though larger projects, including a major roof replacement at Donnington Primary, will continue into December. The initiative aims to create safer and more suitable learning environments and reflects the council’s ongoing commitment to school facility upgrades.

Brent Council has approved a £3.25 million investment to upgrade Vale Farm Sports Centre and Willesden Sports Centre, aiming to modernise facilities, expand fitness spaces and support healthier, more inclusive communities. Upgrades include major repairs, improved gyms and expanded fitness areas, with all work carried out while centres remain open. The investment forms part of a broader Built Facilities Strategy focused on prevention, inclusion and long-term wellbeing across the borough.

Transport for London has doubled its wildflower verge areas to 520,000 square metres over two years, increasing habitats for pollinators and boosting butterfly sightings by more than 50 percent. The initiative, part of broader climate‑resilience efforts during London Climate Action Week, includes new verges in multiple boroughs and complements tree planting and green‑space expansion by the Mayor’s Office. Monitoring by Butterfly Conservation recorded 22 butterfly species across 34 sites, reflecting strong biodiversity gains.

A 26km charity walk organised by colleagues of Matt Ticehurst raised more than £44,000 for Brain Tumour Research in his memory. Participants from Related Argent and Deloitte walked from King’s Cross to Richmond, with tributes highlighting Ticehurst’s impact and the need for greater awareness of brain tumours. Funds will support research at the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence at the University of Plymouth, with organisers and family expressing gratitude for the widespread support and commitment to improving outcomes for those affected.

An 18‑month restoration project has transformed Queensmere Pond on Wimbledon and Putney Commons into a revitalized wildlife habitat. Led by the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators and supported by the Rewild London Fund, the work introduced reedbeds, native plantings, a silt trap lagoon, improved visitor facilities, and a wildfowl island. The project addresses long‑standing ecological degradation and enhances biodiversity, culminating in a community event attended by local representatives and supporters.

A longtime grief counsellor from Harrogate recounts the sudden death of his wife, describing the profound difference between understanding bereavement and experiencing it personally. His account underscores the value of advance planning and the emotional upheaval following unexpected loss. He now supports The Widowed Collective’s #WidowedAndForgotten campaign, which raises awareness of loneliness among widowed people and provides peer support and resources.

A detailed list of planning applications processed by Merton Council includes proposals for office‑to‑residential conversions, tree works, extensions, roof alterations and lawful development certificates across Wimbledon, Morden, Mitcham and surrounding areas. The notice also promotes the Public Notice Portal as a resource for tracking local statutory notices.

Lockdown Bakehouse will open a new branch in Putney on June 3, offering £1 coffee and pastries as part of its launch celebration. The bakery, founded by Chris and Dawn Brumby during the first Covid lockdown, has expanded to six locations and operates a production site supplying wholesale customers across London. The new café will serve an Australian-inspired menu, daily bakes, and brunch options, with no surcharge for alternative milks.