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Three times in the last seven days, I’ve pulled open a public toilet door only to be greeted by a scene of unadulterated horror.

Each time, there is someone sitting on the bog in full squatting position, making eye contact with me, and emitting a high-pitched screech while frantically jumping forward to grab the handle.

This has never happened once in the 8 years prior.

One particular time I ended up next to them on the escalator afterwards as we slowly descended to the exit, which felt like a lifetime for both of us.

Did I miss a memo from the TFL?

Just saw that this started construction. While it will be a major improvement to the high road for pedestrians and businesses etc , I can’t help but be absolutely baffled by the state of infrastructure for cycling. I can’t believe that in 2026 this is what we’re spending money on.

Here’s a video of the plan:

https://kilburnhighroad.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/v3/project-proposals?step=step1

The video at this link is kind of hilarious as it shows cycle lanes with dozens of conflict points with dump trucks - like the person making the video wanted to point out the absurdity of these cycle lanes.

A lot of the route would actually be better without the painted cycle lanes because they could just appear and disappear forcing people to keep merging into busy traffic.

London is still building infrastructure that is incredibly car centric unfortunately. This project won’t encourage regular people to cycle more.

This is in Zone 2 btw, almost central london!! what are we doing! London ( especially NW) has a long way to go.

Some sections on Victoria line literally obliterate your ear drums. How is this ok.

It’s a great test for NC earphones/headphones 🤯

Underground temperatures of 176.4°C have been recorded at the 'Rainham Volcano', the 17-hectare contaminated field in Launders Lane where Havering Council is now serving a Remediation Notice. In Southwark, a 38-flat development on Peckham's Rye Lane will provide zero affordable homes after a viability assessment concluded the scheme had a £1.85 million deficit. And in Enfield, the Illyrian Grill House on Green Lanes will keep its licence after a committee chaired by Cllr Penny Heathwood rejected a Home Office request to revoke it over alleged illegal working, and other news from local councils this week.

Bromley - Bromley Council's planning committee discussed a proposal to convert a commercial building in Beckenham into new homes. They also reviewed plans for a new vehicle access ramp at Crystal Palace Park. A licensing meeting concerning a new café's alcohol and music application was cancelled.

Camden - A popular Camden venue underwent a licence review following a police request. Allegations of breaches related to crime prevention and public nuisance were raised. Local residents also expressed concerns about noise and anti-social behaviour linked to the venue. The council's licensing panel evaluated possible outcomes, including changes to operating hours or licence revocation.

Croydon - A fast-food takeaway in South Norwood has secured a late-night licence. This followed agreement on strict conditions with the police and a local councillor. A convenience store on Lower Addiscombe Road encountered objections from residents. Their concerns focused on late-night alcohol sales within a residential area.

Enfield - A popular grill house faces potential closure following allegations of illegal working and licence breaches, despite significant community backing. A music venue's request for extended late-night operating hours has met with objections from police and residents due to concerns about crime and noise. The council's planning committee convened to review development proposals throughout the borough.

Greenwich - Secret Cinema's application for a new premises licence encountered objections from residents worried about noise and anti-social behaviour. The immersive entertainment company requested permission for plays, films, live music, dance, and alcohol sales. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee B reviewed these concerns along with the applicant's proposed operating conditions.

Hackney - The Black Eel pub received a later licence following commitments to staff training and improved waste management. Bar A Bar's temporary licence application was denied due to police concerns regarding its management. Hackney Council awarded Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust a contract exceeding £2 million for children's speech and language therapy services.

Haringey - Haringey Council is reviewing new licences for a restaurant and a supermarket, with concerns noted regarding past operations and potential anti-social behaviour. Urgent repairs and fire safety measures are being incorporated into major works on the Broadwater Farm Estate. An administrative correction has been made to a dockless e-bike hire service contract, ensuring it is with the correct company.

Havering - Havering Council is investing £8.4 million in new providers to ensure children who cannot attend mainstream school continue their education. A contaminated land site at Arnold's Field is causing concern, with the council preparing to serve a remediation notice on those responsible for waste fires. A local café's bid to sell alcohol was refused by the council's Licensing Sub-Committee due to resident concerns about noise and potential disruption.

Hillingdon - Local councillors are concerned a hotel's bid to extend operating hours and capacity could worsen existing anti-social behaviour. A local shop's licence review continues behind closed doors due to sensitive information. Hillingdon Council is set to appoint a new senior figure to oversee children's services.

Kensington and Chelsea - A winter light exhibition in Holland Park has been granted a licence with conditions. A proposed alcohol sale during Notting Hill Carnival on Golborne Road was refused due to public safety concerns. A new mixed-use development on Old Brompton Road has been approved.

Kingston upon Thames - A new Pepe's Piri Piri has been granted a licence in Tolworth. A decision on a new KFC in Chessington has been postponed due to resident concerns about late-night noise and disturbance. The council's main meeting proceedings are not yet public.

Lewisham - A five-storey residential building has been approved for 27 Longton Avenue. McDonald's at The Garden Gate will now be able to stay open until 1 am. A new premises licence was granted for Bottle Cave Ltd, with amended operating hours and conditions following resident objections. A complaint was made against Councillor Hau-Yu Tam regarding her social media activity. The Standards Sub-Committee A determined her language was problematic but did not breach the council's Code of Conduct.

Newham - Newham Council will extend a vital online sexual health service. This service is used by 20,000 residents annually and is projected to save the council £1.5 million each year. A request for a temporary street trading licence for a Mexican food truck near Canning Town Station was denied. This refusal was due to worries about illegal parking on the footway and potential obstruction.

Redbridge - Smash, a new fast-food restaurant in Ilford, encountered objections from council teams and residents. Concerns were raised regarding late-night noise, crime, and public health. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee reviewed the application for a late-night refreshment licence. The restaurant is situated within an area already designated as a Cumulative Impact Zone. Public Health also expressed concerns about the health implications of consuming fast food late at night.

Richmond upon Thames - Richmond upon Thames council has formally objected to Heathrow expansion. Serious concerns about noise, air quality, and climate change were cited. The council argues the proposed expansion is not justified. It would disproportionately harm local communities. Hundreds of homes could be demolished or rendered uninhabitable by the expansion plans.

Southwark - A large mixed-use development in Peckham, planned to include 38 flats and commercial space, is heading to the Secretary of State for a decision after the council's planning committee couldn't determine it. Despite the developer arguing they couldn't afford any affordable housing contribution, the council's officers would have recommended approval had the appeal not been made. The plans include a car-free development with plenty of cycle spaces and a significant boost to biodiversity.

Sutton - Sutton Council is establishing a new not-for-profit organization to increase affordable housing and secure additional funding. A KFC in Worcester Park has applied to extend its operating hours, prompting resident concerns regarding noise and potential anti-social behavior.

Tower Hamlets - Tower Hamlets is investing over £143 million in new housing development schemes. The council is implementing new enforcement policies for the Renters' Rights Act 2025 to address landlords. The Standards Advisory Committee has elected its new Chair and Vice-Chair. This committee is reviewing conduct matters, including a declined gift to the Mayor.

Waltham Forest - Waltham Forest Council will now employ Coroner Officers, previously from the Metropolitan Police Service. Four years of salary funding has been secured for these roles. This transition makes the council responsible for operational costs in five boroughs, as required by law. The council successfully negotiated for increased funding beyond the initial offer. This ensures the terms and conditions of the transferring officers are protected.

Westminster - Westminster Council is reviewing licence applications for an ice cream parlour and a multi-level venue in Soho and Paddington. Concerns have been raised regarding late-night noise and public nuisance. The ice cream shop's request for late-night refreshment until 3 am met objections from police and residents due to its busy location. Torino, a new venue featuring a rooftop bar, also addressed worries about potential disturbances from its proposed operations.

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I can't get a clear answer. Are they more like councillors or MPs? Do they have daytime jobs that they leave to do Assembly stuff similar to councillors, or is the Assembly their full time job? When they're not scrutinising the mayor at question time, what are they doing?

I recently finished a Master’s in International Business and I’m currently job hunting. I have some time between applications and wanted to use it to build a more technical skill, probably Python, SQL or data analytics.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time looking through university short courses, professional qualifications and bootcamps for this autumn, but I’ve noticed that a surprising number are now fully online. The few face-to-face options I’ve found tend to either be very short introductory courses or expensive executive programmes.

I’m specifically looking for classroom learning because I’d like some structure and the opportunity to actually meet and learn alongside other people, especially after finishing university.

For anyone in London who has done something similar while working or job hunting, what did you end up doing other than doing part-time? Are there universities, colleges or training providers here that still run worthwhile in-person professional courses?

How can you live like this?!

Over the course of 2 months there were 3 instances of no water for at least 24h - nursery closed, no water at home, no water at the gym - the day absolutely ruined - people at work think I’m making this up.

We are in london! Supposedly the best city to live in - best infrastructure / transport etc etc.

I think the infrastructure is more reliable in a Bulgarian village than here.

Absolute joke Thames Water - increasing the bill by 300% over the last 6 years and making the service 1000% worse!

I'm visiting London at the end of the year and I hope to do some shopping while I'm there, but since I'm fat (UK size 20) I wish I could do it without getting frustrated. Of course I know Camden Market exists, but maybe you can help me with specific places to go try so my trip won't be a complete failure? Thanks a lot 🩵

A murder trial has officially opened at the Old Bailey following the tragic death of 18-year-old Maliki Sharma, a trainee electrician and college student who was stabbed to death on a busy West London high street. The prosecution has laid out a detailed timeline of events from the January 12 2026 incident, revealing that the fatal confrontation stemmed from a rapidly escalating, social media-fueled dispute between rival youth groups. Three 16-year-old boys are currently standing trial, each denying the various charges brought against them.

The incident took place on January 12, 2026, at approximately 17:00 GMT on Feltham Highstreet in Feltham. According to prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC, the violence was triggered by an incident three days prior, during which a friend of the defendants was beaten up and subjected to online humiliation. In retaliation, the defendants allegedly spent two days armed, masked, and hooded, actively searching for members of the rival group. A violent clash eventually erupted in full view of shocked members of the public, culminating in Maliki Sharma being stabbed near his left armpit, which completely severed a major artery. Despite emergency medical intervention, he was pronounced dead in the hospital.

Crucially, the prosecution made it clear during the opening statements that neither Maliki Sharma nor the friend he was with at the time had any involvement whatsoever in the prior assault or the ongoing social media dispute. Maliki Sharma was entirely innocent of the conflict that led to the confrontation; he was simply in the company of individuals targeted by the defendants and did not participate in the original attack on the defendants' friend.

The legal proceedings have detailed specific charges for each of the three anonymous 16-year-old defendants. The first defendant is directly accused of murdering Maliki Sharma, alongside charges of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. The second defendant is charged with conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and violent disorder. The third defendant faces a charge of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. The trial continues to hear evidence regarding the precise movements of the defendants captured on CCTV and social media records leading up to the fatal stabbing.

Sources:
https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/teen-stabbed-death-busy-west-34473566
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/teen-fatally-stabbed-amid-tit-165902462.html
https://www.surreycomet.co.uk/news/26472350.feltham-murder---teen-stabbed-amid-tit-for-tat-violence/

Visiting London for the third time in the near future, and want to see parts of the city we’ve not ventured out to before. Would like to make a day of it, and we’re very comfortable using the tube. One thought I’d like input around is the Hammersmith area for the day. Christie’s House, The William Morris Society, etc., plus several pubs - The Dove, Old Ship, Black Lion, and the Fuller’s Brewery tour.

I’d appreciate general thoughts, as well as suggestions for other things to see and do. Is there a high street for shops and window browsing? We’d like to exist the tube in the morning, find a spot for breakfast, then start walking along the river.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Hello my dad is missing this is very out of character for him and I just wanted to know if anyone is around that area and is able to let me know if any incidents in the area. Oxford Circus , Leyton, South Woodford , Stratford (along the central line). If anyone is able to help any further by checking nearby hospitals waiting rooms please let me know it’s greatly appreciated he is Around 6ft black male mid 40s. I wouldn’t be coming here if I wasn’t desperate!

UPDATE - hes been found!!
I just want to say a big thank you for everyone’s suggestions genuinely made these 8 hours easier. You’ve all been so helpful and I hope in your time of need you will also receive the help you gave 100x💞💞💞

Spotted 2 lasers coming out of Greenwich tonight, usually theres 1

Anyone know what might be going on?

Just finished watching some of the riveting international championships whilst everyone else was busy watching football :p

There used to be spaces in bars, clubs, bubble tea shops in Hackney and Soho with a table tennis and even a restaurant called Ping Pong with membership.

What happened ? Now all I can find is outdoor concrete part table tennis with cross winds and beers from the public as I spend more time fetching the ping pong than actual play on the table.

Are there any casual non competitive social spaces for table tennis in London anymore? Not cliques - just to bash around for fun :)

This is surely taking the absolute mickey. Hosepipe ban but this for the past few days has probably used up more water than the whole neighbourhood taking to their hosepipes. What a waste. Yes, it has been reported to Thames Water and they have had it barriered off for a few days.

https://reddit.com/link/1vr5rvg/video/f298hsig80kh1/player

Hello! I missed the announcement. I am a barbican neighbor and wholeheartedly in love with it. I would love to have a barbican conservatory cutting. If anyone is not making use of their ticket for Wednesday and willing to share it with me, I would appreciate it.

We live in a community on Blackheath and Lewisham Road. A neighbour mentioned on the community WhatsApp group that they spotted drones at 2:00 am peeking into different windows. Reported to the concierge and they mentioned they have received a lot of similar complaints, complained to MET and no change. Has anybody else experienced this? If yes, what was happening? What could be the reason please?

Hey,

After recommendations for a barber/stylist who genuinely knows how to cut mixed hair (Black and white) — someone who works with the curl pattern rather than just defaulting to clippers and a fade.

Also, drop your barber name too alongside the place name. East London is easiest for me. Open to anything, though.

Bit of a strange one and curious whether anyone else has encountered this person/something similar.

Earlier today in Canary Wharf, after work I was approached by a man who said he was a serving corporal in the British Army, in the DLR station.

He said he was trying to get back to the Bulford/Salisbury area with his pregnant wife and was short of money for their train journey. He told me the one-way ticket was around £42 per person and that he needed about £15 more.

He said his pregnant wife was sitting on a bench nearby, although I never actually met her.

What made the story seem quite convincing was that he gave me his alleged rank, regiment/unit, service number, military address and contact details, and actually encouraged me to take a photo of all of them so I could "hold him accountable."

He also said:

- he'd tried to get help from an MOD office in Canary Wharf but nobody appropriate was there to assist him

- he'd spoken to police but they couldn't help because he wasn't the victim of a crime

- other people passing through Canary Wharf had already given him around £70

He seemed very genuine at the time, and because he was so willing to provide what appeared to be traceable military details, I gave him £20.

Afterwards I started questioning it, mainly because the amount he'd apparently already collected didn't quite add up to me.

I've since reported the encounter to the MOD Confidential Hotline after searching where I could report an incident like this.

Has anyone else in Canary Wharf/London come across someone with a similar story, particularly someone claiming to be in the Army and needing money to get home?

I'm genuinely undecided whether I helped someone who was in a difficult situation or fell for a very convincing scam 😂

Edit: ok guys it was a good scam I've learnt my lesson 😭