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Residents of West Hampstead, London, criticized a newly laid pavement on West End Lane, describing it as resembling a "ski jump" and posing safety hazards. Local campaigners demand a wider and level path, while Camden Council acknowledged the issue and plans to rectify it.
Surrealist artist Henry Orlik feels violated after losing dozens of his artworks following his eviction from his London flat in 2022. Now living in Swindon, he has offered a £50,000 reward for their return, as the missing pieces represent years of his artistic life. Orlik's recent exhibitions have sold for over £2 million, highlighting his resurgence in the art world.
A teenager, Areece Lloyd-Hall, received a 16-year detention sentence for murdering 16-year-old Harry Pitman during a New Year's Eve fireworks event in north London. Lloyd-Hall stabbed Pitman in the neck after a brief altercation, demonstrating the dangers of knife possession among youth. The judge emphasized the senselessness of the act and its devastating impact on Pitman's family.
London's emergency services have responded to wildfires and floods at a cost exceeding £11 million since 2018. With 808 wildfires recorded, the London Fire Brigade has incurred over £5.4 million in expenses, while flooding has cost £5.8 million. Officials emphasize the urgent need for increased investment in climate resilience.
Westminster City Council overpaid staff nearly £480,000 over five years due to a payroll rule affecting employees who leave after the payroll cut-off date. The council has recovered most of the funds but is still awaiting £99,000. The housing department accounted for the highest overpayment at £91,000.
A British boy, 14, must remain in a Ghana boarding school until he completes his GCSEs, according to a High Court ruling. His parents sent him to Ghana due to behavioral concerns, despite his claims of feeling isolated and wanting to return to the UK. The court emphasized the need for a roadmap to ensure his safe return after his studies.
The RMT trade union secured a three-year pay deal for Tube workers that includes a 3.4% increase starting in April 2025 and a consistent Boxing Day payment of £400. This agreement ends the threat of further strikes following significant disruptions in September.
The Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels closed due to smoke from an industrial fire in Greenwich, affecting northbound traffic. Around 70 firefighters are on-site as the London Fire Brigade warns of a prolonged incident and advises drivers to seek alternative routes. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
An 11-year-old boy, Jaiden Shehata, died after being struck by a train while walking to school, reportedly distracted by a video on his mobile phone. The incident occurred at a level crossing near Kenley, south London, which lacks warning lights or barriers. Investigators recommend enhanced safety measures and targeted education for young users to prevent future accidents.
Only 15% of 999 calls to the Metropolitan Police were genuine emergencies last year, prompting officials to urge the public to reserve the emergency number for life-threatening situations. The force noted that calls about spiders, non-returning dogs, and delivery issues consumed valuable call handler time. They recommend using 101 for non-emergency matters.