Hackney and Islington are set to decide the fates of a number of London primary schools next week News | London Eight half-empty primary schools across north London will learn their fates next week as the capital’s birth rate continues to tumble Hackney Council is expected to finalise plans to close or merge six more primary schools next Tuesday, despite four already shutting their doors permanently last summer Hackney is likely to close St Mary’s Church of England Primary School and St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School, as well as shutting Oldhill Community School and merging it with Harrington Hill Primary School It is also set to shut Sir Thomas Abney Primary School and merge it with nearby Holmleigh Primary School leaving parents and teachers feeling like the council is “pulling the plug” on them Islington Council is expected to close Highbury Quadrant and St Jude and St Paul’s Church of England primary schools The decisions come amid growing fears of “ghost areas” spreading across London as communities are destroyed by the number of families leaving the capital due to the cost-of-living crisis and housing prices The majority of London boroughs have seen a significant fall in pupil numbers leaving classrooms half empty and without crucial funding Hackney lost 2,399 primary school-aged children between 2017 and 2024 and council projections show that a further 2,637 children are expected to disappear from the area by 2035 Almost one in four reception places in Hackney were left unfilled in October 2024 and since schools receive funding based on their pupil numbers the decrease has left many schools cash-strapped Islington has labelled the decision to shut Highbury Quadrant and St Jude and St Paul’s Primary schools as a “last resort” having exhausted all other options Primary school places offer day 2024: When will parents receive the offers Schools could face strikes as early as autumn if pay remains ‘unacceptable’ Man charged after 'exposing himself' near a children's playground in London park Meet the entrepreneur turning plastic waste into something wonderful But parents at the schools have disputed this and insisted that Islington has not properly considered merging the two schools at the St Jude and St Paul’s site told the Standard that campaigners have asked Islington four times to consider merging the schools but have been left feeling like “the underdogs will never win” St Jude and St Paul’s school has a vacancy rate of 46% as well as the lowest pupil numbers of any primary school in the borough Highbury Quadrant is more than half empty and is operating with a long-standing budget deficit Parents, teachers and pupils from across Hackney and Islington have been trying to campaign against the “heartbreaking” closures, who have argued shutting the schools is “setting children up for failure” The decision to shut the schools has been described as short-sighted financially driven and incredibly disruptive to children particularly those with special educational needs Hackney teachers have previously warned the Standard that London could become a childless city and hundreds of staff could lose their jobs Read more: Parents and teachers in last-ditch attempt to save Hackney schools from closure Further concerns have also been raised about school closures following in other areas of London Kensington and Chelsea Council put forward plans to close St Cuthbert with St Matthias Church of England Primary School on December 31 A letter sent to parents by the school’s chair of governors said that “hard choices have to be made” and explained that less than 40% of spaces are full at the school The closure date for Kings Avenue School in Clapham has also been moved forward a year to September 2025 The school’s pupils will be given the option to move to nearby Glenbrook Primary School a London Councils report looking at the capital’s decline in pupil numbers found there may be a drop of 8.2% in reception-aged children in south east London The 2023-24 school year also marked the first time that London had more children in Year 7 than starting in reception across the city The number of students starting in Year 7 is also expected to drop in the next four years and could begin to create issues in the capital’s secondary schools Brexit and the shortage of affordable housing have all been listed as reasons for the drop in children in the capital The Standard revealed last year that the number of babies born in the capital fell by a fifth in a decade, dropping faster than any other area in England A report from the Trust for London published earlier this month has also highlighted that the number of children in gentrified areas has dropped faster than in other areas of London It explained: “One of the biggest threats of gentrification is that it makes London so expensive families can no longer afford to raise children here.” Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Royals watch historic flypast as huge crowds turns out for VE Day 80th anniversary  Royals watch historic Red Arrows flypast for VE Day 80th anniversary Stacey Solomon 'regrets doing reality show with Joe Swash' for tough reason Stacey Solomon 'regrets reality show with Joe Swash' for tough reason Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin Friday, 2nd May — By Róisín Gadelrab • Merseyside band The K’s mark the release of second album Pretty On The Internet with a run of shows across the country Broadway Rave returns to Camden Assembly: You know all the numbers and let the whirlwind of Camden’s tourists take you there; But be ready for a gear change the next day as the nostalgia kicks in in a big way with music teacher-turned-Glastonbury star James B Partridge’s Primary School Assembly Bangers Live show Running for five nights at Soho Theatre from May 3 be ready to relive some classic assembly tunes with a fresh twist comes to Islington Assembly Hall – an epic anthems Sing-Along from Leonard and Joni to Whitney and Oasis – all voices and abilities welcome • Breakin’ Convention 2025 Festival – billed as the world’s biggest festival of hip hop dance theatre – takes place across Sadler’s Wells and the vicinity from  May 2-5 and spontaneous cyphers all over Sadler’s Wells in an unforgettable experience Get there early for the free entry Park Jam at Spa Fields on May 5 which features ESKA and more – once park is to capacity • Politically conscious hip-hop activist Lowkey plays two shows at Jazz Café on May 4 following the release of his latest album Soundtrack to the Struggle 3 • Claiming to be London’s loudest music festival Incineration Festival takes over five venues across Camden on May 3 with a huge line-up of extreme metal bands with names you won’t want to mess with • Six-time Grammy winning gospel group Blind Boys of Alabama play Union Chapel on May 6 • Reggae pioneers Toots and the Maytalls continue their legacy this time with Toots’ daughter Leba Hibbert on vocals following the singers’ passing • Celebrate Terry Riley’s 90th Birthday at a special tribute concert at Barbican Hall on May 15 The night features the Bang on a Can All-Stars with a new arrangement of A Rainbow in Curved Air there will also be a powerful performance of Riley’s masterpiece In C brought to life by an all-star cast of musicians May 3 – Ian Prowse (Pele) + Amsterdam – Does This Train Stop On Merseyside 20th Anniversary Tour + special guest Clive Langer 229; Pet Needs + Sonic Boom Six + Shed + Pageant Mum + DJ Pressplay The Garage; Limitless Live ft Ghetts + Young T & Bugsey + Nafe Smallz Roundhouse; Steeplekeeper + Georgia Maria + Sophie & The Sticks + Paskurana Cecil Sharp House; Franck Carducci & Mary Reynaud Scala; Hyphen The Dome; Catrin Finch and Aoife Ní Bhriain Barbican; Tom Meighan + The Masses + Wood and Nails Islington Assembly Hall; Gypsy Pistoleros + The Outlaw Orchestra The Camden Assembly; The Deep Dark Woods solo show The Black Heart; Daphne’s Flight: Farewell Tour Cecil Sharp House; Brògeal + DJ Joei Supernova The Dublin Castle; Rialto + Desperate Journalist After a four-week consultation with residents Islington Council has decided that it will not go ahead with proposals to leave all park gates unlocked overnight said:  “We are grateful to everyone who took the time to respond to the public consultation we will continue the current service of locking some park gates overnight "We also welcome ideas gathered through the consultation process and will continue to work with colleagues and partners to explore ways to keep our much loved parks safer and more welcoming for all.”    The council had originally proposed to stop locking all but three park gates across the borough not all parks and gardens are locked – some don’t even have gates – but out of the 122 parks and gardens 44 are locked each night by a council contractor three are locked by members of the community and three are part-locked by council staff.  The proposal would have saved £100,000 per year to help ease the tough financial pressure the council – like all local authorities – faces.  which invited feedback from residents across the borough generated strong engagement with over 1,700 responses and highlighted a range of views on how to manage safety and anti-social behaviour in Islington’s parks and green spaces Let's Talk Islington Cookie Settings Powered by Onclusive PR Manager™ Opinion: Gunners players may not be on the same level as some of the talent at PSG Friday, 2nd May — By Richard Osley AT the end of Arsenal’s first leg defeat to Paris St-Germain this week Peter the red-nosed pundit was asked what the Gunners needed to do in the return leg in France “I think everybody needs to play just a little bit better,” Schmeichel replied ­– and that’s why they pay him the big bucks and conversely I’ve been stuck here giving you this lovely column for the past 15 years What do I know that the former Manchester City goalkeeper doesn’t But might it be that players like Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli can’t actually play a little bit better but not on the same scale as some of the talent that PSG – effectively owned by the state of Qatar ­– have acquired This isn’t the Arctic Circle Rangers that Arsenal are playing in this elite semi-final It’s one superpower after another in the Champions League and we’ll see what’s really possible next week • Liverpool celebrated winning the league on Sunday They are probably the weakest champs since Leicester City and have benefited from no other team getting their sugar together this season bottled a winning position against the aforementioned PSG and flunked the League Cup final against Newcastle With the quality proving to be so bad in the Premier League this season anybody could have won it by putting a few wins together What a season for Spurs then to rack up 19 defeats • Man City struggled to fill their allocation at Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest which drew all the attention away from Liverpool’s big moment due to silly scheduling Pep Guardiola and some indignant fans responded to the small club chiding by raising the cost of having to travel down south and Wembley tickets unless you really believe that a club with gluttonous amounts of money could not have filled those seats by covering the costs of taking coachloads of disadvantaged families there as a treat on them They could have easily have afforded to do that once they realised the tickets weren’t all selling out It reflects badly on them that they’d rather leave those seats empty than do something nice • The stay-home City fans should think of the Spurs lot who spent big money on tickets and travel to Anfield on Sunday Tottenham can say that all that matters now is winning the Ropey League Nobody looked like they were even trying for them Officers are appealing for anyone who recognises the man to come forward Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice Detectives have released a CCTV image of a man they want to identify following a reported rape in Islington The incident took place on Dame Street on Monday CCTV footage shows him wearing all black clothing The victim is being supported by specialist officers and the investigation remains ongoing Anyone with information is urged to contact police or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 Islington Council is set to buy back another 193 former council homes as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle the borough’s growing homelessness crisis Islington Council remains on track to deliver 907 homes by March 2026 – one of the most in England The new homes will offer safe and secure accommodation for homeless households in Islington and those who have had to leave Afghanistan or Ukraine and 4-bedroom properties for individuals and families All the properties will be ex-council owned homes in Islington previously sold under the national Right to Buy scheme The council’s buy-back programme is one of the largest in the country with 307 bought in the last 12 months alone Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods “There are currently 1,737 homeless households living in temporary accommodation in Islington – the highest figure since records began “These homes will provide security for people experiencing homelessness or those who have fled conflict giving them the stability they need to start rebuilding their lives locally “More people will have access to good-quality temporary accommodation in Islington when they need it most I’m proud that we are leading the way with our buy-back programme and doing everything we can to increase the number of council homes in the borough.” said: “Moving into a council buy-back home changed my life having a safe and secure place to live gave me the stability I needed to rebuild I was able to continue studying for my PhD "Being close to my two brothers has made a huge difference—it’s meant our family could stay connected and support each other This home has also given me the chance to raise my own family in a safe and welcoming community.” Islington Council has purchased 552 former Right to Buy properties over the past four years An additional 110 properties have been exchanged The council plans to acquire 193 more properties plus 52 more using funding already secured from the MHCLG totalling 245 additional properties by March 31 This will bring the total to 907 properties If you are interested in selling your former council home back to the council for full market value, check out our website. Parents planning legal action over decision to shut two primaries Friday, 2nd May — By Daisy Clague pupils and teachers outside the Houses of Parliament PARENTS are planning legal action against Islington Council following the decision to close two primary schools. Highbury Quadrant and St Jude & St Paul’s were marked for closure by Islington’s Labour cabinet last week following months of uncertainty and protest But far from a neat conclusion to the council’s plans campaigners intend to dispute the verdict in the courts Highbury Quadrant parent Alicia Perez told the Tribune: “We are confident about going through with a judicial review There are lawyers interested in representing us – the problem now is funding the process.” Mother at St Jude and St Paul’s Andri Andreou similarly said parents had no intention of allowing the school to close and were exploring other “options” including becoming an academy – a process that is already under way She said: “We believe our school is going to stay open – so much so that I have accepted my child’s reception place there for next year She added that only three children have left the school since the closure notice was served in October 2024 with no additional departures since the closure was confirmed last week when the council blocked a rare request by opposition councillors to formally scrutinise the closure of Highbury Quadrant Green and Independent councillors “called in” the council’s closure decision – a process that allows the opposition to debate major council decisions and encourage them to be reconsidered Highbury Quadrant’s Ms Perez said: “This is not democratic whatsoever “The council made up their mind from the beginning It’s like building a house – if they had used strong bricks they wouldn’t care if people came and kicked the wall But they built it out of thin paper so they don’t want anyone even touching it because even a little sneeze could make it fall down.” Opposition leader Green councillor Benali Hamdache said the move to reject the call-in was “unprecedented territory” for the council we called in the closure of Montem School,” he said “I’m finding it hard to understand why that call-in was successful and this call-in was rejected “It feels like they have moved the goalposts and that is incredibly disappointing because this was a big decision and parents deserve the full scrutiny of it Labour has dominated the council so strongly with the one-party state that we have not even had enough opposition councillors to call something in so I think it’s an uncertain time for council democracy.” Opposition councillors cannot appeal the council’s decision to reject the call-in but they warned that closing two schools near the Hackney border risked driving students out of Islington Independent councillor Phil Graham told the Tribune that Islington “…are going to lose not just the pupils but the money that comes from central government for each pupil – they’re losing that to Hackney as well” Councils receive around £6,000 per pupil from central government to fund schools so falling rolls – due to lower birth rate and a lack of affordable housing – mean shrinking school budgets But if closing schools is a cost-cutting exercise students moving to schools in Hackney is something of an own goal Cllr Graham added: “The problem is the finances aren’t coming down from central government I know there are a lot of people in the Labour group who are very uncomfortable with closing schools I’m getting contacted by Labour group members asking me to speak up “But they have seen what happens if you speak out against anything the party is doing – you basically get crucified especially when people are looking to be reselected for their seats next year Other recent school closures in Islington include Blessed Sacrament and mergers between Vittoria and Copenhagen primaries in 2023 and Montem and Duncombe in 2024 was spared from closure in a High Court battle last year and is now an academy despite Islington Council’s efforts to close it down Council leader Una O’Halloran said in a state­ment: “No one goes into politics to close much-loved primary schools These are decisions that have been taken after a huge amount of consideration and are choices that I believe are best for our borough We’re not exempt from that here in Islington “While we’d have loved to have kept both schools open the sad reality is that St Jude & St Paul’s has the lowest pupil numbers of any of our primary schools while Highbury Quadrant has a significant vacancy rate “Closure is always an absolute last resort.” a council spokesperson said: “An application for call-in was received by the deadline and given full consideration by the council’s deputy monitoring officer were not met and the application was refused.” Islington Council’s Executive Committee will discuss and vote on proposals to close Highbury Quadrant and St Jude and St Paul’s Church of England primary schools The two reports – one for each school – outline the reasons for the proposals to close the schools and take into account all the factors that have informed the recommendations This includes summaries of the feedback received to each proposal during two public consultations and an assessment of the viability of all alternatives to closure The council’s priority is to ensure that every child in Islington has access to a high-quality education in a sustainable Some Islington schools face sustainability challenges in common with large numbers of schools across London in particular driven by low and declining pupil numbers The proposals to close these two schools is the last resort after all other options to deal with their sustainability challenges have been exhausted St Jude and St Paul’s Church of England Primary School has a 46% vacancy rate and the lowest pupil numbers of any primary school in the borough Highbury Quadrant Primary School is more than half empty and is operating with a long-standing budget deficit The long-term trend of declining pupil numbers combined with the way schools are funded nationally makes it increasingly difficult for these schools to continue operating and to provide their pupils with the high-quality educational experience they deserve The Executive Committee will make a decision on the reports’ recommendations on April 24 the council will provide dedicated support to help parents and carers find the right school for their children Nearby schools have enough places to accommodate all pupils without increasing class sizes to unsustainable levels Glorious staging amply compensates for flaws in musical adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 classic Friday, 2nd May — By Lucy Popescu Jamie Muscato and Frances Mayli McCann in The Great Gatsby [Johan Persson] this new musical adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 classic is certainly spectacular self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby (Jamie Muscato) holds lavish parties at his Long Island mansion The gatherings are a means for him to impress and hopefully win back his old flame Daisy (Frances Mayli McCann) But Daisy is now married to the powerful and wealthy Tom Buchanan (Jon Robyns) The story is narrated by Nick Carraway (Corbin Bleu) He facilitates Gatsby’s reunion with his beloved and enjoys a dalliance with Daisy’s friend Jordan (Amber Davies) You can’t fault the top-notch acting and vocals and Dominique Kelley’s vibrant choreography which includes a virtuoso tapdancing sequence in the second half Marc Bruni’s slick staging is technically brilliant Paul Tate dePoo III’s bold set incorporates a swimming pool a double bed and tall glass cabinet full of Gatsby’s tailored shirts So what lets down this sumptuous production a musical will lose the novel’s nuanced prose Kait Kerrigan’s book downplays Fitzgerald’s critique of the age – the moral decay and corruption of the wealthy the “careless people” at the story’s heart and Nathan Tysen’s lyrics have a buoyant energy The truth about Gatsby’s ill-gotten gains is reduced to a rather simplistic song albeit delivered with panache by John Owen-Jones It carries a broad appeal and the first-rate performances and glorious staging amply compensate for any flaws Friday, 2nd May — By Dan Carrier THIS film sweats its way through a plot that has a grotty motel whose calling card is basically somewhere you can go to have sex at its centre rather an out-of-the-way place people can transport themselves to anywhere they damn well please We meet Heraldo (Iago Xavier) in this run-down Brazilian seaside town and has always been a crust of a place: Heraldo wants to head to São Paolo and find a new way of living – hustling for the local mob isn’t a long-term career prospect he fancies He and his brother Jorge (Renan Capivara) have a plan to commit a big-money heist – collecting a debt owed to their kingpin master – and then disappear with the mobsters money But Heraldo spends the night before indulging at Motel Destino with a stranger who leaves before light with his possessions and ensures he misses his alarm His brother doesn’t make it and Heraldo suddenly finds his hangover is the least of his problems as some gruff types want him to explain how he was fortunately absent from a job that went disastrously wrong the manageress Dayana (Nataly Rocha) has come-on eyes and so he tries his luck Can he hide at the motel until things calm down lurks as the pair embark on a sticky affair You know this is not heading anywhere comfortable and the urge to scream and run at the handsome lead is almost impossible to ignore Dark corners and neon lights create shades that are mimicked by the leads’ behaviours Writer Magnus Mills wrote a wonderfully odd novel All Quiet On The Orient Express a claustrophobic tale about a young man drawn to a place and unable to extract himself from the tentacles that seek to subtly tie him down mirrored ceilings and grotty scent in the air is a horrible place to find oneself seeking sanctuary has a similar sense about it – the motel becomes an overbearing and oppressive lead character in its own right with gorgeous direction and performances that are true you may not fancy checking into this destination in real life but it’s a grand stage for cinematic drama Dan Carrier talks to a pair of dancers whose blending of disparate styles hits the streets this bank holiday MORRIS dancing and breakdancing might appear to be a world apart in style and form and for Kerry Fletcher and Natasha Khamjani finding the similarities between these two very different-looking styles of movement is key The pair run the Folk Dance Remixed dance company – and on Monday they will be bringing their eclectic mix of a traditional May Day Cèilidh fused with street dance to Camden High Street As part of the Town Hall’s plan to pedestrianise a section of the high street the council are holding a street party to mark Camden’s 60th anniversary as a borough And taking to the stage is Kerry and Natasha’s company The Folk Dance Remixed story began in the garden of Cecil Sharp House 15 years ago: the Primrose Hill institute is home to folk dance and music in the UK – and as the pair began to explore how styles and forms of dance from very different times and places had a raft of similarities they decided to see what happens when you take traditional dance and blend it with breakdancing and all the different styles that come under that umbrella is basically the folk dance of today,” says Kerry “People sometimes laugh at Morris dancers – they don’t really understand what they are doing maybe something not to take too seriously.” “My mum ran a folk club in Whitstable in the 1970s,” she recalls modern jazz and tap: jobs included helping with choreography and performing at the London 2012 Olympics They designed a dance called Step Hop House which brings together elements of a cèilidh with modern dance forms and have been performing it across the UK “It brings a lot of joy – when people come across what we are doing When we have done sessions at festivals people have really loved it – they have found they have given themselves permission to skip about Designing a way to bring a folk dance together to new forms of movement begins with the music “I will listen to a folk tune or a contemporary piece of music and we think: what can we do with this “There are lots of different rhythms and we look at what we can tie together – a 6/8 We look at the different types of rhythm you get on the folk side we look at what are common styles – we have so many different rhythms to play with and what we choose dictates what styles we bring together.” the company brings together a range of dancers “We are a culturally diverse dance company – and we love the way audiences see themselves in our group,” adds Natasha “They recognise themselves and that is really powerful – it can help bring disadvantaged communities into this art form And it means we have a wide pool of skills that are brought into our shows The folk and street dancers mix it up and help each other.” And part of the concept is to recognise how street dance today is a form of modern folk music “This helps the dances feel alive,” adds Kerry folk dance became an expression of a people often people who have been oppressed and it played a role in maintaining a cultural identity and freedom.” • For more details visit folkdanceremixed.com Residents across Islington are invited to share their thoughts and ideas on proposed changes to the way the borough’s parks and green spaces are locked The proposed changes would mean all park gates are left unlocked enabling the council to move to a more flexible system that can respond to any issues as and when they occur This would ensure that resources to manage anti-social behaviour (ASB) are fairly allocated across all Islington parks including the parks in the borough that are not currently locked These changes would also help with the essential budget savings that the council are required to make The proposed new service will mean that the council can be more proactive in preventing anti-social behaviour and respond accordingly when it does occur Additional Park Guard patrols (two patrols instead of one for most of the year) would mean more parks patrol staff will be present around the borough The council would also use intelligence and data to target parks where ASB occurs and can use a number of measures including mobile CCTV towers or an on-site park security presence for ongoing issues Air Quality and Transport said: “The proposed changes to the park gate locking service will make sure that all parks and green spaces in the borough can benefit from the limited resources that we have which will be most welcome for those parks that aren’t currently locked “It will also contribute to vital savings that the council is having to make at a time when council budgets are being stretched to the limit and difficult decisions have to be made “We are keen to hear from Islington residents about how this change may impact them and any ideas or suggestions they may have.” of which £40,000 would be reinvested in the parks security budget allowing the council to better address anti-social behaviour (ASB) across all 122 parks in Islington The council is listening to feedback, suggestion, and concerns regarding these changes, and a consultation is open until Monday 7 April. More information is available on the Let’s Talk Islington site. Welcome to housingtoday.co.uk. This site uses cookies. Read our policy Trusted media brand of the Chartered Institute of Housing By 2025-04-30T11:25:00+01:00 Pippa Fleetwood-Read has also held senior roles at L&Q and the National Housing Federation Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA) has appointed Pippa Fleetwood-Read as its new chief executive.  Pippa Fleetwood-Read will become chief executive of ISHA in October  Fleetwood-Read joins the 2,500 home landlord from Notting Hill Genesis where she spent seven years in director roles including her current role of managing director of operations.She has also held senior positions at the National Housing Federation and L&Q She said: “I am passionate about what can be achieved by residents and effective local associations working together in their communities “I’ve always been hugely impressed by ISHA’s strong reputation for local delivery partnership building and values-led action and I’m thrilled to be its new chief executive I look forward to leading ISHA’s dedicated and passionate team to build on this strong foundation to further deliver the safe homes quality places and continuously improving services residents deserve.” ISHA’s outgoing boss Ruth Davison will move to Newlon Housing Trust in May where she will succeed long-standing chief executive Mike Hinch.  said: “We’re delighted Pippa is joining ISHA as our new chief executive ”She has extensive housing experience and a clear understanding of the sector including the challenges and opportunities currently facing London-based community housing associations.” who led Merseyside landlord through rebrand and regulatory upgrades will retain non-executive board positions in the sector Housing association giant boosts turnover and surplus but warns overall surplus figure in accounts will be impacted by £20m building safety impairment Paradigm chair Richard Moriarty would continue in role for combined provider Deal goes through two years after Berkley named preferred bidder on £2bn scheme  DESNZ will boost green skills under its Warm Homes Plan through financial awards  Developer also wins grant funding from London mayor  Site powered by Webvision Cloud queues can be spotted snaking out of the capital's best bakeshops – tracking down London's hottest treat right now is a competitive sport Some of London's most covetable treats in 2025 come from social media darlings Fortitude Bakehouse (TikTok famous for their cream-filled beignets the size of your head), Forno (great for Italian-inspired treats), and Arôme Bakery (the team's honey milk toast sells out regularly). Then there's the classic bakeries which kickstarted London's bakery boom: think Covent Garden's St John Bakery Some bakeries even spotlight flavours from other bread-obsessed nations – we particularly love the Swedish fika-style treats at Fabrique; the Lebanese flavours at Belgravia’s hottest bakery Common Breads; and Sri Lankan spices at Pavilion in Victoria Park We think fondly of the below as a bakery bucket list – a checklist of spots to visit in all corners of the city If you're looking for a specific bakery to visit right now we have a few pointers on where to go depending on what snacks you're after: The best bakeries in London are the places across the capital which our editors and writers rate for on-the-go pastries and weekend treats All of the bakeries listed below have been tried (many times) by our team and rank highly for their baked goods – from classic patisserie to unusual creations Notting HillTake-home treat: chausson aux pommes This minimalist little bakery fits right into Notting Hill Gate's pretty streets with its creamy façade and picture-ready bench outside the baked goods prove that Kuro is in no way style over substance The team exclusively uses regenerative flour from Wildfarmed in their baking and pile shelves with traditional patisserie such as chausson aux pommes and pain aux raisin as well as limited edition goodies (we especially like the moreish peanut butter danish) Kuro Bakery is just one part of the Kuro family – there's also Kuro Coffee Address: Kuro Bakery, 95 Notting Hill Gate, Notting Hill, London, W11 3JZWebsite: kuro-london.com Tooting BecTake-home treat: mac and cheese toastie Balham brunch spot Milk has been a stalwart on the scene for more than 10 years So our ears pricked in 2024 when we heard the group was opening a little sister bakery here it's all about the team's famous pastries on-the-go – think combos like fennel and cardamom brioche creme brûlée pastries with a perfect crack For those who prefer savoury to sweet treats there's a short toastie menu too – we especially love the mac and cheese creation Address: Milk Run, 16-18 Ritherdon Road, London SW17 8QDWebsite: instagram.com/milkrunldn HackneyTake-home treat: a slice of one of the epic Since founding her eponymous bakery while on the brink of unemployment she's become the A-list set's go-to for everything from birthdays to brand launches to weddings thanks to her signature style: intricately piped is a dinky little spot to get a slice of the action without requiring an invitation to Kylie's birthday party cookies and pastries – bonus points if you visit on a Sunday so you can stroll along Columbia Road Flower Market afterwards But the treat you should really be taking home is a slice of one of those tiered Address: Lily Vanilli, The Courtyard, 18 Ezra Street, London E2 7RHWebsite: lilyvanilli.com Queen's ParkTake-home treat: brown butter hazelnut croissant is the place to be for Northwest Londoners on a Saturday morning the restaurant is packed out with diners eagerly ordering from the open kitchen But the mornings are when the in-house bakery overseen by Keren Sternberg (previously of Coal Office and Hide) change randomly – but might include chunky sausage rolls gruyere puff pastry and tahini chocolate chip cookies you can pitch up at one of the tables inside to enjoy your goodies or take them down the road to leafy Queen's Park the team often sells out by mid-morning on a weekend Address: Don't Tell Dad, 10-14 Lonsdale Road, London NW6 6RDWebsite: donttelldad.co.uk Covent GardenTake-home treat: pain au chocolat It's all about time-honoured French baking techniques at Arôme Bakery's two central London spots judging by the hoards of ravenous foodies that pile in for their fix day in Expect the occasional Asian spin on a classic flaky croissants stuffed with cheese and bacon drizzled in Japanese BBQ sauce The buttery pain au chocolats aren't to be scoffed at – it's their simplicity that makes them so damn tasty Address: Arôme Bakery, 9 Mercer Street, London WC2H 9QJ; Arôme Bakery, 27 Duke Street, London W1U 1LEWebsite: aromebakery.co.uk Russell SquareTake-home treat: cream-filled beignets Address: Fortitude Bakehouse, 35 Colonnade, London WC1N 1JDWebsite: fortitudebakehouse.com Toad seems to be the bakery on everyone’s mind right now focusing on low-mileage ingredients that can bring their recipes to life baskets overflowing with treats and freshly baked sourdough is a welcome oasis from the bustling high street the intoxicating scents making it clear that you are in for a delicious treat so I go home with a plum and marzipan sun bun anise and orange blossom iced finger and a chocolate chip and soy sauce cookie I’m taken with the fun risks they take with classic baked goods – and no doubt it pays off and the icing is thick with sweet notes of liquorice and hints of floral from the orange blossom The cookie is a perfect balance of sweet and salty while the sun bun is both tart and rich with nutty marzipan - a perfect balance of sweet and sour Address: Toad, 44 Peckham Road, London SE5 8PXWebsite: toadbakery.com IslingtonTake-home treat: laminated maple-bacon croissant Address: 19 Prebend Street, Islington, London N1 8PFWebsite: pophamsbakery.comOther locations: London Fields Forno is East London’s hottest bakery, pastificio and deli dreamed up by the founder of the critically acclaimed Italian restaurant On an unassuming alley off the bustling Mare Street Forno is a magical fusion of the most indulgent Italian-inspired eats and that signature East London cool aesthetic Forno stretches deeper than you expect at first glance into the archway with ample seating (much needed due to the inevitable weekend rush) settle in and feast on the creamiest and fluffiest maritozzi or sugar-encrusted pastries oozing with the zingiest lemon curd enjoy fuss-free sandwiches made fresh for the day fresh bread and handmade pasta to take home it wouldn’t be an East London deli without the option to drink in or take home one of the carefully curated bottles of wine Address: Forno, 322 Andrews Road, London E8 4RPWebsite: forno.london Covent GardenTake-home treat: raspberry-jam doughnut Fergus Henderson’s St John Bread and Wine in Spitalfields is a classic London restaurant Regulars visit for the nose-to-tail menu: expect bone marrow terrine and cuts of the highest quality meat The St John Group opened their first stand-alone bakery on Druid Street in Bermondsey in 2010 with a second opening in Covent Garden a few years later The ingredients are sourced from local suppliers with dairy from Neal’s Yard just around the corner Be sure to get your hands on their doughnuts their hot cross buns are some of the best in the city Address: 3 Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9DPWebsite: stjohnrestaurant.comOther locations: Bermondsey Bunhead Bakery has gained quite the following since its humble beginnings, born during the pandemic by self-taught baker Sara. As normal life resumed, Sara called on best friend Georgia to take the concept out of the home kitchen and into a brick-and-mortar site, leaving the corporate world behind to cook up a storm. The menu is entirely vegetarian and halal-friendly The team will happily guide you through the day's treats all chalked up on the board in-store; expect a range of Palestinian-British combos from date and pistachio buns to sour cherry and chocolate cookies Address: Bunhead Bakery, 145 Dulwich Road, London SE24 0NGWebsite: bunheadbakery.com BelgraviaSavour Lebanese flavours at Belgravia’s hottest bakery Co-founders and childhood friends Abbas Fawaz and Kamal El Zein are the brains behind the operation setting up shop to share Beirut’s street food classics with ravenous Londoners from a courgette and halloumi manouche drizzled with hot honey to those adorned in tangy cheese and za’atar Pop in-store or check their Instagram ahead of time to see what new treats the team have devised – we’ve now got our eye on the chocolate tahini brownie it's in the perfect location for stocking up on picnic treats before heading to St James's Park Address: Common Breads, 110 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SAWebsite: commonbreads.com Camden and Stoke NewingtonTake-home treat: A chunky cookie Few bakeries in London have origin stories as heartwarming as Luminary Bakery set on a mission to empower women who have experienced homelessness helping them rebuild their lives through training and valuable employment opportunities You name it; they'll (probably) bake it – just take a peek at their online shop or get in touch about corporate and wedding catering swing by the Chalk Farm or Stoke Newington stores and pick up cakes Address: Luminary Bakery, 47 Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AJ; Luminary Bakery, 71-73 Allen Road, London N16 8RYWebsite: luminarybakery.com It's also a great spot for foodie gifts with biscuits and homemade jams adorning the shelves Address: 1 Surrey Street, Temple, London WC2R 2NDWebsite: toklaslondon.com Address: Wilton Place, London SW1X 7RLWebsite: the-berkeley.co.uk ShoreditchTake-home treat: levain with Gruyère and Kalamata olives cardamom or saffron – all of which come with gooey warm centres The sourdough and organic rye breads are also excellent The original outpost is tucked away below Hoxton Overground station on a perfectly picturesque cobblestoned street – a great spot to enjoy a cup of Johan & Nyström coffee and a beautifully knotted bun before work Address: Arch 385, Geffrye Street, Shoreditch, London E2 8HZWebsite: fabrique.co.ukOther locations: Fitzrovia Victoria ParkTake-home treat: almond croissant their Newquay location is a pilgrimage for loyal followers Address: Old Ford Road, London E9 7DEWebsite: pavilionbakery.com Newington GreenTake-home treat: fruit danish (changes seasonally) From the team behind restaurants Primeur and Westerns Laundry comes Jolene, a bakery but also an all-day dining spot in leafy Newington Green. The focus here is on the grain, which is chemical-free. With a stone mill onsite, they make their own flour in-house using 100 per cent unaltered grains grown sustainably on farms in Sussex and Norfolk chocolate and Guinness cake and cinnamon buns the fried eggs with jamon and potatoes prove very popular Address: 22 Newington Green, London N16 9PUWebsite: jolenen16.comOther locations: Harringay Two words: the sandwiches. What used to be housed in an old shipping container behind the Arcola Theatre in Dalston is now just across the lot in an airy brick and steel café There is a cult following for lunchtime made-to-order sandwiches so we recommend heading there before 1pm The fillings are inventive and favourites include porchetta braised spring onion and purple sprouting broccoli turnovers and savoury breads are also on the menu Look out for their recently set-up baking school Address: Abbot Street, Dalston, London E8 3DPWebsite: thedustyknuckle.com Notting HillTake-home treat: sausage rolls Address: 332 Portobello Road, London W10 5SAWebsite: laylabakery.com Notting HillTake-home treat: cinnamon buns Having launched from a private kitchen during the first lockdown, Buns From Home is now a buzzing bakery just off Portobello that sees the Notting Hill crowd queuing along the street waiting patiently for their chance to buy the house speciality: cinnamon and cardamom buns and it’s worth visiting in person to see the counter piled with tempting buns in flavours such as tiramisu as well as savoury Croque monsieur focaccia Address: 128 Talbot Road, Notting Hill, London W11 1JAWebsite: bunsfromhome.comOther locations: The crew now have locations across London - check online for the full list of stores Crouch EndTake-home treat: the N8 sourdough Address: 24 Middle Lane, Crouch End, N8 8PLWebsite: sourdoughsophia.co.uk Borough MarketTake-home treat: doughnuts and cinnamon rolls Address: Borough Market, Cathedral Street, London SE1 9DE Website: breadahead.comOther locations: South Kensington Violet has risen to serious fame after head baker and owner Claire Ptak was chosen to bake the lemon and elderflower wedding cake for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding Violet has kept its sweet Dalston charm since its days as a stall in Broadway Market Cakes can be made to order but we suggest heading over to Ptak’s East London shop for her cupcakes and whoopie pies two biscuity cake sides topped and filled with seasonal buttercream (salted caramel fresh fruit purée) – all made with organic and low intervention ingredients Address: 47 Wilton Way, Dalston, London E8 3EDWebsite: violetcakes.com Will Lewis decided lockdown was the time to set up a pie-delivery service A new weekly menu drops every Sunday at midday with limited numbers of pies that sell out in a flash spinach and ricotta; plus sweets such as treacle tarts and apple pies Delivery to North and East London happens by bicycle on Wednesdays and to South and West London on Thursdays If launching a business in lockdown wasn’t enough Lewis now hopes to tackle the football market and revolutionise stadium food for good Address: Willy's Pie, Railway Arch, 352 Westgate Street, London E8 3RLWebsite: willyspies.com The brainchild of two locals (a baker and designer) where Muuto lamps and handmade patterned tiles cover the floor and a small team of bakers take three to four days to bake each of Margot’s signature breads: sourdough staples and takes on classic ryes This is a destination bakery with a focus on ingredients Make your way over to East Finchley to taste the tahini and halva chocolate and cinnamon babkas and the changing sourdough pastries (twice-baked apple croissants) Address: 121 East End Road, East Finchley, London N2 0SZWebsite: margotbakery.co.uk Crowds flock to this Hackney hotspot for the mistake-turned-specialty bread a blend of heritage and modern wheat grains which apparently is chef Michel Roux Jr’s favourite in the city the café/school is completely committed to sustainability and high-quality goods All the bread is made by hand with organic and locally sourced ingredients and packaged in biodegradable products The menu changes daily: from sausage rolls and spanakopita to sourdough pizzas and lemon drizzle cakes Address: E5 Bakehouse, Arch 395, Mentmore Terrace, Hackney, London E8 3PHWebsite: e5bakehouse.com Swarm sets up camp in ‘random’ spot on estate The swarm of bees on the Sutton estate flats A SWARM of bees became the unlikely new residents of an Angel estate when they settled on the outer wall of a block of flats “They weren’t there on Monday and they literally just appeared Tuesday morning,” said Tegan Harris whose flat looks onto the sliver of brick between two windows where the queen and her workers set up camp on the Sutton estate “At first I thought it was a massive cloud of midges but as I got closer I could hear them – it sounded like when you plug in a microphone or a speaker and it buzzes before there’s anything playing.” Ms Harris added: “My mum asked if I had seen any horsemen of the apocalypse like when someone knocks down a beehive and they get chased around by hundreds of bees But by Thursday morning the winged stingers were almost completely gone Unbeknown to Ms Harris and other residents beekeeper Peter Buckoke and his son came to collect the swarm at around midnight on Wednesday “They’re on my bathroom roof at the moment,” Mr Buckoke said “But I know someone who’d like to start beekeeping so I’ll be taking them to Hertfordshire in about 10 days.” He explained that bees “swarm” to keep their colony going for the next generation a queen takes a group of dedicated workers and splits off from her colony to form a new one leaving behind a princess to take up the throne is to manipulate their colony to stop them swarming so as to maximise the colony’s size and thus the amount of honey you can harvest from it But why did this swarm choose to land on “a random wall” He explained: “The queen does very little flying – she’s not very good at it she’s got a big body and her wings aren’t that big “That queen must have run out of oomph and decided she was going to land and hang onto a wall “Then the swarm will send off scout bees to look for where they’re going to live – a box Mr Buckoke swept in before the bees found another permanent home Hopefully they will be safer and happier in the Home Counties Dom Joly is Leading Britain's Conversation There is no gentle way to dress this up: these results are a catastrophe for Labour after a victory of historic scale and self-satisfied moral preening the governing party has suffered a collapse so broad and so brutal that it now resembles something more profound than a political hiccup These weren’t just setbacks in marginal wards They were defeats in the very places that propelled Sir Keir Starmer to power—towns long taken for granted as Labour’s spiritual base These losses suggest not merely disappointment But it governs now with the air of a party that has lost the room Starmer was hailed—largely by himself—as the “adult in the room,” a messianic alternative to years of alleged Tory chaos Voters are not in a sulk—they are in revolt The collapse in confidence is not an aberration; it is the consequence of governing without conviction Of policies that seem dreamt up in Islington chambers and discarded at the first sign of friction with real life It is the price one pays for leadership that is poll-tested rather than principle-led Pensioners – many of them lifelong Labour voters- robbed of their Winter Fuel Allowance Small business owners- many of them who voted Labour out of exasperation with the Conservatives- hit by crippling taxes it came with the early release of prisoners gang members—punching the air in jubilation at their sudden liberation was too much for many ever eager to remind us of his stint as Director of Public Prosecutions now presides over a justice system that frees the guilty and punishes the politically inconvenient Southport rioters receive punitive sentences; a woman who posted a repugnant tweet is still in jail They shatter the public’s sense of fairness—and When I speak to people in Fareham or Waterlooville The business owner unsure if they’ll make it through the next quarter The family choosing between the gas bill and the weekly shop The young graduate with a degree but no real prospects Employers’ National Insurance has been hiked The promise not to raise taxes on working people has joined the long list of political fairy tales the issue that dare not speak its name: Immigration illegal arrivals are outpacing even the worst Conservative years and the public is expected to tolerate it in silence—lest they be accused of bigotry the trade unions—those eternal relics of 1970s obstructionism—have discovered their mojo What the public now feels is not simply disappointment—it is betrayal but the beginning of a long and painful decline If Sir Keir Starmer has any political survival instinct left he would do well to listen—not to his advisers and the rebalancing of rights away from victims and towards criminals They want a police officer to turn up when their house is burgled Not the paper-thin version peddled by metropolitan lawyers and progressive think tanks They want their country back—not from foreigners not from Brussels—but from a political class that no longer sees them They want a government that governs for them and not for the fashionable few in London townhouses who sneer at everything Britain once was LBC Opinion provides a platform for diverse opinions on current affairs and matters of public interest The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official LBC position See more Latest Opinion See more Latest News See more Latest News There’s something magical about community events that bring people together, and the Islington Festival is no exception and music concerts fill the air with melodies that captivate the soul Community events like this not only offer entertainment but also play a pivotal role in boosting local engagement and shine a light on the unique talents that define a community Community events are like magical melting pots where art forms come together to create something new and extraordinary local artists get the chance to collaborate with other creatives from different genres leading to great mash-ups and fusion works Imagine a painter being inspired by a musician’s tune or a poet influenced by a sculptor’s work These cross-disciplinary collaborations not only enhance individual artistic work but also cultivate a vibrant cultural tapestry within the community These collaborations don’t just end when the event is over The connections made here often lead to new projects and performances long after the festival tents have been packed away It’s a domino effect of creativity that keeps on giving Community events are incredible platforms for cultural exchange They invite people from various backgrounds to not just join in but to share their unique cultural expressions and traditions you’re just as likely to bump into someone teaching Yoga accompanied by a live Harpist as you are to hear Haydn string quartets at an intimate venue This mingling of different cultures opens doors to understanding It’s about seeing the beauty in diversity and learning from one another which ultimately strengthens the community’s cultural fabric People get to listen to different music genres and experience customs they’ve never seen before It’s not just enlightening; it’s downright fun The Islington Festival is not just a playground for local artists It’s also an international stage where artists from various corners of the globe come to showcase their talents this means a golden opportunity to witness world-class performances without leaving their neighbourhood International acts bring a fresh perspective and high energy that can inspire local artists and broaden the horizons of attendees These performances enrich the local culture setting a benchmark for the quality of art and entertainment in the community the Islington Festival isn’t just another blip on the event calendar; it’s a much-anticipated highlight that brings the community together for days of sheer enjoyment At the heart of the Islington Festival is its stellar lineup of music concerts and performances ensuring that there’s a melody for every ear you’ll find stages set throughout the festival grounds right where the musical magic happens One of the crowd favourites is the Jazz Night Imagine standing under a canopy of stars while soulful jazz tunes waft through the cool evening air – a slice of paradise for music lovers These performances don’t just entertain; they unite people through a shared love for music often turning total strangers into friends by the end of a song Among the rich array of activities is the ever-popular Swing Dance Class This lively and spirited class is perfect for anyone looking to step back in time and sway to the rhythm of retro beats both beginners and seasoned dancers can enjoy learning high-energy swing moves and stylish footwork The Swing Dance Class is more than just about dancing; it’s a social experience you’ll meet fellow dance enthusiasts and perhaps discover a shared passion for the infectious cheer that swing music brings It’s a delightful way to break the ice and bond with others while getting a little cardio and boosts local engagement in the most delightful ways Whether you’re there to witness the beauty of collaboration or simply soak in international creativity the festival is a celebration of community spirit that leaves a lasting impact mark your calendars and get ready to take part in the cultural extravaganza Community events like the sensational Islington Festival do more than fill the streets with joyous sounds and vibrant banners They play a crucial role in nurturing and showcasing local art as well Let’s dive into some of the thrilling benefits of these events for local art scenes One of the most exciting aspects of community events is how they bring high-quality performances right to the neighbourhood’s doorsteps this means front-row access to music concerts No need for a trip to big cities to experience the wonders of world-class art They get to share the stage with well-established talents and learn from them firsthand Participating in such events can be a dream come true for those who are just starting in their artistic careers coupled with the experience,e can be invaluable as they carve their own paths in the art world It’s not just the artists who benefit from community events; local businesses experience a significant uplift too With an influx of visitors attending the festivals and shops with a surge of customers looking for unique mementos Local art galleries and craft stores often see a boost as well as festival-goers explore more of what the community has to offer This surge in business during community events contributes to job creation and sustainable economic growth a vibrant festival can draw media attention This publicity can potentially attract future tourists and investors which could lead to long-term economic benefits Perhaps one of the most heartwarming effects of community events like the Islington Festival is their role in strengthening community identity These celebrations are more than just a showcase of talents They are deeply rooted in the community’s culture and traditions making them a vehicle for expressing communal values and pride reflecting the unique characteristics and stories of the community This repetition of shared experiences and expressions helps in weaving a stronger narrative of identity participating or even just attending these events fosters a sense of belonging creating a mosaic of diversity united by shared enjoyment and pride in their community’s achievements In an era where digital interactions often overshadow face-to-face connections They remind everyone of the joy in communal interaction encouraging locals to engage more with each other even after the last note of the festival has faded Community events like the Islington Festival are more than just gatherings; they’re the lifeblood of local culture and engagement They transform neighbourhoods into vibrant hubs of activity where creativity and local talent flourish – Fostering Connections: These festivals bridge gaps between residents – Cultural Celebration: Showcasing local art and music they honour and celebrate diverse cultural expressions ensuring the arts remain a vital part of our everyday lives Sign up to get LondonDaily.News delivered to your inbox Heartfelt drama looking at the knotty subject of assisted dying raises interesting questions Justina Kehinde (Jodie) in How to Fight Loneliness [Mark Douet] Neil LaBute’s latest play looks at the knotty subject of assisted dying which is largely illegal in the United States and criminalised here Jodie (Justina Kehinde) has a stage-four brain tumour the endless chemotherapy and dealing with the emotional fallout as she waits to die So Jodie and her husband Brad (Archie Backhouse) have invited someone into their home who they hope can help them Over the course of two hours (with an interval) the characters circle around the subject: our right to choose how and when we die LaBute’s trademark stilted dialogue works well here reflecting our own reluctance to discuss such thorny issues But after a while the conversations become repetitive The main tension lies in Brad’s opposition to Jodie’s decision and there are only so many arguments they can have about this How to Fight Loneliness (the title comes from a song by Wilco) remains tonally in the same key and despite Lisa Spurling’s steady direction it’s a challenge to remain fully invested in their existential crisis for the play’s entire duration when Jodie meets Tate on a deserted highway lacks credibility and much of the final scene feels redundant believable performances and La Bute raises interesting questions heartfelt drama needs trimming and more light to balance the shade Islington Youth Council’s new Young Mayor has been announced as Jimmy Joseph following an election by the borough’s youth councillors YCllr Joseph said: “I feel happy to be elected Young Mayor to help Islington and serve its young people I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me My campaign was ‘disability is not inability’ “I’m most looking forward to helping Islington to the best of my ability; ensuring all young people achieve their potential and can overcome any barriers “My inspiration is my mum – I’m also an Arsenal fan and Saka is my footy hero!” who attends Capital City College Finsbury Park will be responsible for representing Islington's Youth Council at regional Young Mayor meetings and will have the casting vote among the council The election also saw Thomas Brown voted in as Deputy Young Mayor He said he was “extremely enthusiastic” about being elected adding: “I am most excited about representing Islington at multiple events more inclusive borough and making it a safer area.” youth councillors also elected Ryden O'Brien-Kingston as Islington’s Member of London Youth Assembly (MLYA) while D'Eric Koy become the borough’s Member of UK Youth Parliament (MYP) YCllr O'Brien-Kingston said he was “excited to work together” with other members of the London Youth Assembly “to create positive social change” The 14 youth councillors who cast their votes have now started working hard for the young people of Islington following the election in November They have all undergone an exciting and comprehensive induction aimed at equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to meet the challenges of their new roles The youth councillors will be responsible for making sure the opinions of young people in Islington are heard and will campaign for youth services in Islington to be responsive to the needs and interests of young people The youth councillors will work with council officers and elected members to ensure young people have a key role in planning To find out more about Islington’s Youth Council, visit islington.gov.uk/YouthCouncil or follow them on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram The aim of Islington Youth Council is to provide a central mechanism for young people to influence the services available to them and spending across the council as well as helping to ensure that services are good quality and respond to the needs of young people A key function of the Young Mayor of Islington and the youth council is to champion the needs of young people in the borough and raise awareness of issues affecting them They also have a key role in setting the commissioning priorities of council departments and in procuring services to meet these needs Islington Council’s Children’s Services has been judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted inspectors for the second time in a row with inspectors finding “children’s experiences are at the heart of the local authority’s thinking” and its work is “transforming children’s lives” The glowing inspection finding makes Islington one of only four boroughs in London to hold the top rating under the current inspection framework for both their Children’s Services and Youth Justice Service Ofsted looked at young people’s experiences of the wide range of help and the work it’s doing to improve these services It found them to be ‘Outstanding’ in all four areas of focus: the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection and the impact leaders have on social work practice with children and families said: “Ofsted’s findings are a ringing endorsement of our relentless efforts to put children first creating a child-friendly borough that ensures they can thrive and reach their full potential this mindset runs through the entire Children’s Services team I’m incredibly proud of the dedication shown by everyone to consistently giving our children and families the high-quality support they need “Alongside the exemplary outcome of our Youth Justice Service inspection a few months ago this is proof that Islington really does put its purpose into action and is helping to create a more equal borough.” Highlights from the report’s findings include: Lead inspector Sarah Canto found that “children benefit from being able to develop trusting relationships with practitioners whose consistent approach support and time to help children reach their potential are transforming children’s lives” She added that several areas had “gone from strength to strength” since the last inspection in 2020 – when Islington was also judged ‘Outstanding’ – including the experiences and progress of children in care increased mental health support and the response to children who are missing or at risk of exploitation The inspection outcome also drew praise from Yvette Stanley Ofsted’s National Director of Regulation and Social Care who called it “a magnificent achievement” that reflected the “continued determination” of everyone in the council She added: “You should all be proud of the sustained positive difference you have made for the children and families of Islington.” Ofsted’s praise comes on the heels of the inspection of the council’s Youth Justice Service the best result in London and the third-highest in all of England and Wales Islington is now one of only four boroughs in London to be rated ‘Outstanding’ for both services Ofsted inspectors assessed Islington Council’s Children’s Services over two weeks in December 2024 The full report is available on Ofsted’s website Falling pupil numbers and funding cuts are ‘jeopardising the quality of education’ for the capital’s children, council chief warns Islington Council has confirmed it will close two of the borough’s primary schools in August amid a deepening educating crisis in London children and teachers from St Jude and St Paul’s and Highbury Quadrant marched to the Town Hall on Thursday evening (April 24) ahead of a cabinet meeting where plans first announced in November were waved through Inside, executive member for children and young people, Cllr Michelline Safi-Ngongo, said the borough – and the capital – was facing a “major situation” with falling pupil numbers leading to less school funding, “jeopardising the quality of education” for Islington’s children St Jude and St Paul’s has a 46% vacancy rate making its student body the smallest of all Islington’s primary schools The local authority predicted the schools’ budget deficit would reach £484,000 by the end of 2026/27 is “more than half empty” and operating with a deficit that would be “approaching £1m” by the end of the same financial year The latest London school closures announcement comes just two days after Hackney Council decided to shut four primaries in the borough due to a significant drop in pupil numbers. A teacher at one of the affected Hackney primaries, told the Standard this week of the unprecedented distress being suffered by staff caught up in the school closures crisis. “I have never seen so many of my colleagues in tears,” said Carly Slingsby who has been teaching at St Dominic’s Catholic Primary School for seven years Falling rolls is driving councils to considering shutting a growing number of primaries as government funding linked pupil numbers shrinks Speeding cyclists are being urged to slow down in London's Royal Parks Met Police Federation chair sacked by union after ‘race row’ TV interview Meal2Deal: on a mission to make food poverty history The Standard understands at least 20 schools are earmarked for closure across London this year Islington councillors and officers spent much of Thursday evening’s meeting fielding questions from parents one of whom said the Town Hall’s reports were “riddled with inaccuracies” But chief executive Victoria Lawson argued that the proposals were made in good faith and relevant equalities impact assessments” “We have a responsibility as officers to put clear transparent decisions in front of the executive in order for them to make decisions,” she said council leader Una O’Halloran (Labour party) said while she and her colleagues would have “loved” to keep the schools open “the sad reality is that St Jude & St Paul’s has the lowest pupil numbers of any of our primary schools while Highbury Quadrant has a significant vacancy rate” “Closure is always an absolute last resort and we’ve listened really carefully to all of the feedback and suggestions from teachers The two primaries will now permanently close on August 31 Residents continue to voice their disquiet about the council’s approach to the shutting of the schools and remain convinced things could have been done differently In the months leading up to last night’s vote pupils and parents jolted by the threat of closure had repeatedly rallied to keep their doors open marches and one open-top Routemaster bus protest through the borough’s streets In light of the decision to close her school Highbury Quadrant teacher Phoebe Oakley told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) she felt “very numb and in shock even though we knew it was probably coming” Others were unaware the executive had approved the closures until they had gathered outside the chamber during the meeting’s ‘comfort break’ acknowledged it was a “hard decision” for the local authority to make but said “there had to be a human element to this” said families and staff were exploring other options and “remain hopeful that our school will continue to serve our children and the community for many years to come” and we continue to fight for our children’s rights and future.” Parents and stakeholders from both schools had urged the council to formally consult on the option of merging the two schools into one – which would have seen only one of the primaries close said this option had not been “properly tested” But the Town Hall insisted that neither option was viable citing previous difficulties in moving pupils across to a new school during ‘amalgamations’ Cllr Safi-Ngongo said she had not received a “strong proposal about how [either] was going to work” said Highbury Quadrant parents’ reluctance to move their children was “powerful and clear” at public meetings “there [was] no further guarantee of pupil number numbers which still leaves the crucial issue of not enough young people” He added that combining the schools would add another year to the process and would be “complex” said: “It’s time to describe this as a school funding crisis Our new government simply isn’t providing local authorities enough support for our schools.” “We’re also deeply concerned about the process here Closing two schools so close to the Hackney boundary means many students will leave the borough taking much needed funding with them,” he said He added that relying heavily on Ofsted ratings meant working class schools were “disproportionately” being shut down Although the local authority will now proceed with the closures the Town Hall is looking at a broader way to prevent future shutdowns through cross-council lobbying of the government and City Hall to change inner London schools funding Mr Abbey said he had already held a meeting with Ofsted the Department for Education and unions around the challenge of admissions and falling rolls where they created an ‘action plan’ including asking the government to “review funding mechanisms and arrangements” He added that he and Ms Lawson would be inviting unions and other local authority executives to “come together” at the Town Hall to discuss “how we can make [a] representation to [the] government” Exclusive: Dramatic footage shows passerby walking away practically unscathed after the car struck him on Upper Street This is the terrifying moment a pedestrian is thrown into the air after a multi-vehicle crash that saw a car mount a pavement and collide with a north London brasserie Exclusive footage obtained by The Standard shows a man being knocked to the ground by what is believed to be an Uber outside Pera Schnitzel Garden on Upper Street, Islington CCTV shows the pedestrian — who was wearing a denim jacket while carrying a bag — was walking along the path before being hit by the Nissan Leaf It mounted on the curb and smashed into the man a flower planter and a row of tables outside the restaurant The driver of the Uber is understood to have been carrying a woman in her 40s who remains in a life-threatening condition following the horror crash on Thursday just before 8am There is no suggestion that the Uber driver did anything wrong, but was in a collision with another car. Pera’s owner Yesim Obudan — who was at home at the time of the crash — told The Standard: “He just walked out from the car like nothing happened He noticed exactly at that time what was happening.” an employee at London-based maintenance company Gilmartins said he and his son pinned the suspect down until the officers arrived The father told Metro: “My son got to him and started hitting him but it wasn’t doing anything Then he hit my son in the face and I pinned him down It felt like forever for the police to come.” Officers, ambulance crews and firefighters were dispatched to the crash near Islington Town Hall where five people were treated This included a motorist, a man in his 20s, who was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, Scotland Yard said The Diamond Heist: how thieves almost stole £350m from the Millennium Dome TwoTemple Place: a mansion built for the millionaire who faked his own death How Guerrilla.Co is tackling road-runoff pollution in the UK Emergency crews rushed two of the injured to a major trauma centre while the other two were taken to hospital who has lived in Britain with her husband Suleyman for two decades was forced to shut Pera on Thursday after the taxi dented the front of her café and officers cordoned off the area said she was “scared” to hear about the crash outside her business “I am just worried about them (the injured) A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We sent a number of resources to the scene an incident response officer and London’s Air Ambulance “Our crews treated four patients at the scene before taking two to a London major trauma centre and two to hospital.” The London Fire Brigade added: “Two cars collided and a third car collided with a building and a pedestrian Four people were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.” A Met statement read: “Police were called at 07:57hrs on Thursday 10 April to reports of a road traffic collision in Upper Street the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade attended and found two cars and a pedestrian involved in a collision “A commercial premises was also damaged in the collision fled the scene and was detained by members of the public in nearby Richmond Grove “The driver is alleged to have assaulted one of the members of public “He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving failing to provide a specimen and driving while unfit through drugs “He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has been bailed to return in early July and a female passenger aged in her 40s were taken to hospital The female remains in a life-threatening or life-changing condition The pedestrian and the member of public were also taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.” All vehicles were recovered and Upper Street Gunners women show how to stage a dramatic comeback Friday, 2nd May — By Steve Barnett Mikel Merino challenges Ousmane Dembele [Richard Callis/SPP] IF Arsenal’s men’s team are going to make it to Munich at the end of May then they are going to have to summon the strength spirit and skill of their female counterparts Mikel Arteta’s side travel to Parc des Princes on Wednesday trailing Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League semi-final after Ousmane Dembele’s early strike condemned the Gunners to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Emirates this week But when it comes to ferocious and unforgettable comebacks in France Arteta doesn’t have to look too far for inspiration The club’s women’s team reached the Champions League final for the first time in 18 years on Sunday after staging a remarkable fightback to beat eight-time winners Lyon at the Groupama Stadium Revitalised by Christiane Endler’s early own-goal Alessia Russo and Caitlin Foord saw Arsenal overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit and sealing a stonking 5-3 victory on aggregate The reward for Renee Slegers’ side is a date against holders Barcelona in Lisbon on May 24 when the Gunners will have the opportunity to win their first European trophy since lifting the UEFA Women’s Cup back in 2007 as part of an unprecedented quadruple Arsenal celebrate their win in France and booking their place in the final [Pauline Figuet/SPP] but it really is a team performance and especially working in a big organisation like Arsenal and the big staff that we have the different departments played their roles,” said Slegers “We’re really proud to get a spot in the final and we’re looking forward to that but also there’s a couple of games left in the Women’s Super League and we want to keep the pressure on and win as many points as possible.” There is certainly no shortage of confidence as the men’s team now look to emulate the women’s achievements and ensure that Arsenal have not one but two sides bidding for European glory later this month Having seen a goal ruled out for offside on Tuesday night Mikel Merino is already counting down the days until the north Londoners take on Paris Saint-Germain in their own backyard and we are really confident that we’re going to win the second leg,” the midfielder-turned-makeshift-striker told the club’s official website We know that what we showed today is just the beginning of what we are “I think what we’ll learn is that we are able to dominate any team This is a team that really wants to be on the ball the whole time Today we proved that we can play against anyone and be the main team on the pitch Today showed us that we are really capable of performing anywhere but those are the margins that we manage in these kinds of games and a few centimetres can determine your future Islington Council, in partnership with Manor Gardens Welfare Trust has launched an innovative new community café at Jean Stokes Community Centre that is tackling food waste and providing affordable and sustainable meals for residents.  There is also the option to arrive from 11am to take part in weekly cooking sessions led by a talented local chef These sessions will provide hands-on experience in preparing wholesome meals and will encourage community members to reduce food waste build their cooking skills and connect with their community.  Jean’s Café will also offer a range of volunteer opportunities allowing residents to get involved in different ways or by supporting the collection and delivery of food surplus from local businesses.  The Councillors of the Caledonian Ward Paul Convery Sara Hyde and Una O’Halloran said: “Jean’s Café is a fantastic example of bringing people together and making a real difference the café is named in memory of Jean Stokes one of the Cally’s first community heroes who did so much for the neighbourhood “We’re in the heart of a working-class area that has a proud tradition of helping each other out sharing a meal together and creating a welcoming space for residents this project will have a lasting impact on the Cally.”  local resident and Community Chef at Jean’s Café said: "When it comes to surplus food it's important to remember that only the ingredients are 'surplus' All meals at Jean's Café are cooked from scratch and couldn't be fresher or more nutritious.  they don’t come with an expiry or 'best before' date we need to regain the skill to identify good-to-use produce I feel very proud and incredibly privileged to share my culinary creations with the Cally community and I hope we can bring this magic to The Cally."  Residents and businesses are encouraged to get involved and support Jean’s Café and the wider Cally Community Food project. For more information, please visit the islingtonlife.london/CallyFoodProject.  This vital initiative is delivered in partnership with Manor Gardens Welfare Trust a local wellbeing charity and the Chair of the Islington Food Partnership The initiative was developed in response to community aspirations highlighted in the We Are Cally plan and sustainable food options in the area.   This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  With funding from the GLA’s Future Neighbourhoods Programme Islington Council’s Local Economies team collaborated with local businesses to create a Green Economy Plan identifying food waste reduction as a key priority ReLondon are supporting the project and were funded by Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance to deliver a circular food community in partnership in The Cally ward with Islington Council.  Saturday, 3rd May — By Tom Foot at the Emirates Stadium ARSENAL go to Paris without any fresh injuries but low on confidence after a sloppy performance ended in defeat at home to the Cherries The Gunners were undone by two set pieces – one nodded in from a long throw and another prodded home from a corner They never looked like equalising – and the match was played out in a flat atmosphere with few passages of play exciting enough to get the fans going There were sone eyebrows raised as Arteta chose not to rest anyone ahead of the PSG semi final on Wednesday – with only Jurien Timber left out of the squad Arsenal need four points from three remaining games to guarantee qualification for the Champions League – with a home fixture against whipping boys Southampton to come With Liverpool and Newcastle still to play they could easily end up behind City – again – something that seemed inconceivable for the majority of the season After the match he said: “Today in many situations we are giving balls away that are nowhere near the standard.” He added: “Maybe we lacked some freshness and we played players who weren’t in the best condition but we haven’t got the choices.” Things were looking promising in the first half with Declan Rice playing in a more attacking role Playing his 100th game for the Gunners since his big money signing two summers ago he was freed up by the return of Thomas Partey Rice had two half chances to score before the opener – cut in after going round the keeper following an incisive pass from Martin Odegaard Leandro Trossard and – unusually – Bukayo Saka looked subdued and barely threatened Bournemouth had had two decent chances in the first half – through Evanilson and Kluivert that was nodded into the far corner by Huijsen – somehow climbing highest in a box packed with Arsenal defenders It was a poor goal to concede – but worse was to come A corner swung in to the near post was flicked on to Evanilson who prodded it past David Raya Raya had looked shaky throughout the match and made no saves at all in the whole game He effectively let the winner in through his legs in an awkward fumble it was Bournemouth that looked more likely to score another The away fans were ole-ing as south coasters notched a double over the Gunners and their first ever win in away to Arsenal Islington’s lowest-earning households will again pay no council tax after the 2025/26 budget was agreed at last night’s (Thursday The budget also contributes to the council’s overriding goal of creating a more equal borough for all with investments in homelessness support and prevention putting thousands of people into work and apprenticeships the budget-setting process comes amid a backdrop of significant financial pressure caused by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis the council has had to make savings of £14.2m in 2025/26 With costs associated with temporary accommodation and special educational needs and disabilities all rising at a rate that is not matched by the funding provided by Government Islington Council’s Executive Member for Finance and Performance but we’re here to support those that need it most – which is why Islington’s lowest-earning households won’t pay a penny of council tax in 2025/26 “While we’ve been able to take concrete steps towards a more equal future in our budget for this year we’ve also had to make difficult decisions to achieve the necessary £14.2m in savings “With the cost and demand for some of our most important services continuing to rise councils like ours need greater financial support – and we’re continuing to call on central Government to deliver its much-needed review of funding formulas to give councils like ours more long-term financial security.” The full budget papers are available on the council’s website and in the coming weeks local people will be receiving their 2025/26 council tax bill which contains a wealth of information about the financial support on offer Islington Council has launched a consultation on two new guidance documents designed to support residents by making buildings more energy efficient and creating a greener the documents provide guidance on simple energy-saving measures that all residents can take to reduce energy use in their homes helping to address the cost of living crisis The draft Climate Action Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets out detailed planning advice to ensure all new minor and major developments in Islington meet the borough’s ambitious sustainable design policies as set out in the Local Plan It offers practical planning guidance on topics such as energy efficiency water usage and sustainable design standards to help reduce carbon emissions and adapt to the challenges of climate change Complementing the SPD is a new draft Retrofit Handbook which provides step-by-step advice on energy-saving upgrades such as LED lighting and simple draughtproofing measures that everyone can install to more complex works from loft insulation to solar panel installations and solar shading The handbook is designed to support local people at every stage of their retrofit journey these documents aim to empower local people and businesses to make meaningful contributions to Islington’s response to the climate emergency and helping the borough reach its carbon emissions reduction targets The handbook has been developed following feedback from local people during early rounds of consultation on the SPD in 2023 addressing the unique challenges posed by Islington’s housing stock including its historic and heritage properties Both documents align with the council’s broader mission to create a greener healthier borough where everyone has the opportunity to thrive Islington residents, businesses, and stakeholders are invited to share their views on the proposed documents. The consultation runs until Tuesday 18 February, and full details can be found on the council’s Let’s Talk Islington website Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment said: “Tackling climate change is one of Islington Council’s top priorities Buildings are the largest source of carbon emissions in the borough cooling and powering our homes will play a critical role in tackling climate change “We know that retrofitting can sometimes feel like a complex and daunting process which is why we’ve created these new guidance documents to make it easier for local people to take action By improving the energy efficiency of our homes and buildings and create a healthier environment for everyone.” The draft Climate Action SPD provides comprehensive advice on key areas The Retrofit Handbook complements the SPD by offering clear practical advice on planning energy-saving upgrades and cooling tailored to Islington’s typical historic housing types It also provides guidance on the planning permissions required for retrofitting works including listed buildings and properties in conservation areas Both documents are part of the council’s ongoing commitment to delivering a greener healthier future and supporting residents to make homes more efficient to run For more information and to take part in the consultation, visit the council’s Let’s Talk Islington site For residents struggling with energy bills, Islington Council’s SHINE service offers free energy advice, affordable warmth interventions, and support to reduce utility bills and tackle energy debt. Visit the SHINE webpage to learn more For those residents considering retrofitting their homes or small businesses seeking to introduce measures to address climate change, the council now offers free pre-application planning advice. Details of how to access this service are available on the council webpages Islington Council has launched a public consultation to gather views on renewing and expanding its property licensing schemes These schemes aim to ensure private renters across the borough have safe high-quality housing and to hold landlords accountable for maintaining their properties. The consultation will focus on two key licensing schemes:  With more than a third of Islington homes being privately rented it is more important than ever to ensure renters have good-quality housing landlords who fail to register or meet licence conditions can face penalties This ensures a fair environment for responsible landlords while tackling issues caused by rogue landlords who neglect maintenance or exploit tenants.  Islington Council’s Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods We are committed to doing everything we can to protect private renters and ensure landlords provide good-quality accommodation.  "The success of our current licensing schemes has shown that they can make a real difference we need your input to shape the future of these schemes and stakeholders to take part in this consultation and help us create a fairer safer rental market for our community.”  The consultation will run until midnight on Sunday 13 April and seeks input from residents Existing Licensing Schemes in Islington:  Proposals to re-build Finsbury Leisure Centre and build around 200 new homes have been withdrawn following a decision by Islington Council’s Executive yesterday (Thursday Councillors also agreed to move forward with plans to close Highbury Quadrant and St Jude & St Paul’s primary schools.   Council Leader Cllr Una O’Halloran explains these difficult decisions and sets out how the council is working to create a more equal future.   I committed to meeting head-on the tough challenges that Islington – like councils across the country – is facing.   That commitment has been at the forefront of my mind as myself and my Executive have grappled with these two incredibly difficult decisions.   No-one goes into politics to pause the construction of affordable homes or to close much-loved primary schools These are decisions that have been taken after a huge amount of consideration and are choices that I believe are best for our borough.   When we put forward proposals to re-build Finsbury Leisure Centre we did so because we felt the plans could be transformative.  We’ve had feedback from across the borough and the financial picture has worsened.   While the council is on a strong financial footing moving forward with this project could have jeopardised that and could have impacted on our ability to deliver the vital services our residents rely on That’s a risk I simply wasn’t willing to take.   retaining and improving the pitches – including the much-loved football pitches – and working on a potential new neighbourhood health hub.   Our commitment to affordable housing remains as strong as ever and we’ll be working on building the 200 homes in other parts of Islington on top of the 112 homes already under construction.   While we’d have loved to have kept both schools open while Highbury Quadrant has a significant vacancy rate.   and children to save these schools.   and children through the transition to new schools We’re guaranteeing that every single child at these schools will be offered a place in a good or outstanding school and we'll be helping them through this change.   These decisions will have a significant impact on our community We’re as determined as ever to make our borough a more equal place for everyone and we will continue to work with our residents to achieve that goal.   will undergo major restoration following a £190,731 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund a Grade II-listed site recognised by Historic England in 2020 is the most significant burial ground of The Reform Movement and the resting place of many of its pioneers secured by Islington Council and the West London Synagogue will go towards restoring and maintaining the site in Mildmay ward as well as developing it as a cultural and educational resource Islington Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Community Wealth Building we’re proud to be a borough with such a rich history and we’re committed to celebrating and embracing that history Balls Pond Road Cemetery is the final resting place of influential Jewish thinkers and this funding will help bring their stories to life.” a ward councillor in Mildmay who was involved in the securing of the grant said: “This grant marks a significant milestone in our partnership with the West London Synagogue engage the local community and bring attention to on an often-overlooked part of British-Jewish history “This project is not just about preservation - it’s about restoring a vital community asset and ensuring the site becomes a resource that benefits all communities.” said: “This project will be the start of a longer-term plan to restore an historic and fascinating cemetery which is an important part of our British-Jewish Heritage community engagement and other benefits which will follow We are grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to our partner Islington Council for their efforts in getting us to this stage.”  inclusive and progressive Jewish community and provide a variety of Shabbat and festival services alongside social action and social care activities.   and value highly for its historic interest and look forward to working with Islington Council on delivering the specialist care and restoration the cemetery requires to make it of use to all communities.   The West London Synagogue of British Jews was founded in 1840 as the first Reform Jewish Community in the UK. Balls Pond Road Cemetery was founded in 1843 and closed for burials over a century later in 1951 This is the first stage of works at the site. More information about the site is available on their website Caribbean flavours are set to nourish the local community as new operator Carib Eats takes over Islington’s Black Cultural Centre on Hornsey Road Carib Eats’ residency at the centre – which is an inclusive space for residents from Black African and Caribbean heritage to come together – started with a launch event on Wednesday The launch event featured London-based DJ AG performing a live DJ set Carib Eats will bring weekly community canteens offering home-cooked meals as well as entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence workshops They will also offer supper clubs with guest chefs Their mission is to create a welcoming space that reflects the culture and needs of Islington’s Black community said: “We’re so excited to bring Carib Eats to the Black Cultural Centre we want to bring people together through food We started with a simple idea – creating spaces where people culturally relevant meals while feeling a sense of belonging and community “Our goal is to leave a lasting impact by showing the value of spaces that truly reflect the culture and needs of the Black community in Islington.” Islington’s Black Cultural Centre formally opened last November and four different organisations are taking it over for three months at a time The first organisation was Black History Studies which ran the centre from its launch in November until Carib Eats took over Run by husband-and-wife team Mark and Charmaine Simpson Black History Studies transformed the centre into a vibrant and inclusive hub they celebrated Black culture while addressing key topics such as health and wellness said: "Community spaces like the Black Cultural Centre are vital in creating connections and celebrating culture Black History Studies have made an incredible impact in celebrating Black culture and Carib Eats will no doubt build on their legacy take part and sign up to the Black Cultural Centre’s mailing list to stay updated on the fantastic community-led events taking place." For more information on upcoming events, please visit Carib Eat's website 8 January) announced proposals to protect frontline services and support those most in need in its budget for 2025/26.   the council has again prioritised the creation of a more equal borough The council has also outlined plans to directly support its five key missions by:  The news comes amid growing financial pressures and the long-term impact of more than a decade of austerity.   While effective financial management has left the council’s budget in a stable place and has limited the need for deep cuts the council has still had to take tough decisions in this budget to ensure that it can continue to deliver on its missions and prioritise the services that matter most to local people This includes making savings of £14.2m to set a balanced budget in 2025/26. That’s why the council is urging central Government to deliver on their promise to review local authority funding formulas – to help ensure that local authorities like Islington can provide residents with the support they need in these challenging times.   said: “Our budget proposals for 2025/26 reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting the valuable services that our residents rely on and to supporting those most in need even in the face of growing financial pressures.   we’re continuing to take bold steps to create a borough where all can thrive – from ensuring that every resident has a safe place to call home to supporting a fair and providing the support that local people need.   “While we’re in a stable position financially there is no escaping the fact that years of austerity and growing demand for council services has again stretched our budget That’s why it’s so important that central Government delivers on its promise to review funding formulas so local authorities like ours can provide the support that local people need.  “These challenging times demand tough decisions and we’re not shying away from that in our budget proposals we’re pleased to be able to continue to protect our frontline services and provide invaluable support to those that need it most.”  there has been a significant increase in council costs across the capital rates of homelessness are rising Homelessness in London is at a record high and this has created a significant increase in need for temporary accommodation – with London Councils anticipating boroughs being left with a £500m funding shortfall.  demand for adults' and children’s social services as well as support with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has increased at a rate that is not matched by the funding provided to the council Difficult decisions have had to be made in the council’s budget including increasing council tax by 4.99 per cent - which includes applying the Government’s two per cent adult social care precept to help pay for the rising cost of providing adult social care this equates to an increase of around £1.39 per week for full council taxpayers.   To ensure that the council can continue to provide frontline services to those that need them most the budget proposes a 10 per cent reduction in the council’s staff count over the next three years – starting with a 2.5 per cent reduction this year through vacancy management and reducing agency spend – alongside changes to ensure the organisation runs as efficiently as possible.   The draft budget proposals are set out in the papers for the upcoming Executive meeting on Thursday, 16 January They are then set to be voted on at the Full Council meeting on Thursday A statutory consultation on the proposals is also open until Tuesday Parents have warned that their children are being ‘set up for failure’ if their schools are shut Islington parents and teachers have warned that children are being “set up for failure” if their schools are closed Teachers at St Jude and St Paul’s Primary School have gone on strike for five days in the past two weeks over the looming closure of the school Islington Council plans to shut the school alongside Highbury Quadrant Primary School as pupil numbers continue to drop and their budget deficits exceed £150,000 But parents have spoken out about the “heartbreaking closures” warning that they are being left to fight over nearby school places told the Standard: “I [could] have to find separate schools and do separate school runs “How do you expect to be in the different places at the same time with just one person “My choice will be to separate them or put them in oversubscribed classrooms If classes are already full and they are just going to magic spaces for siblings Islington Council has told parents that schools may be able to make allowances and create extra places for siblings that are displaced by the closures who has four children at St Jude and St Paul’s school is particularly worried about her young son who is neurodivergent and may be unable to perform well in a larger primary school She explained that he would struggle to cope if class sizes rose to 35 or 40 pupils and is instead likely to have to home school him Ms Stuart continued: “My children are not statistics “Giving them no choice are we not setting them up for failure?” The parent is worried that she could move her children to another school and then have to move them again as school roll numbers continue to drop and more primary schools close A similar issue has already happened in neighbouring Hackney Four primary schools were permanently shut in the borough in 2024 with six more primary schools likely to close or be merged at the end of this academic year Starmer has been ‘mugged by reality’ since general election Three girls face trial over death of pensioner in bus stop attack Welsh Secretary asked if she would resign over benefit cuts Satisfy your wanderlust with stellar travel ideas for the year ahead Ms Stuart pointed out that some pupils who had moved from shut Hackney schools to St Judes and St Paul’s are now having to find other schools for their children just a year later parents and children from St Jude and St Paul’s Highbury Quadrant and St Dominic’s Catholic Primary in Hackney protested in Parliament Square in Westminster on Thursday against the possible closures Among the speakers at the protest was Ms Stuart’s daughter The 10-year-old told crowds: “Our teacher and parents have been trying their best to save our schools - so our parents don’t have to look for new schools and our teachers new jobs after working so hard to make sure their kids have a good education an early years teacher at St Jude and St Paul’s school has been on strike for three consecutive days this week The teacher pointed out that roll numbers at the school have begun to increase again but Islington Council seem set on closing the school The 49-year-old told the Standard: “We feel like they have made their mind up We are waiting for the inevitable decision What is going to happen when the people of Islington call out for school places and we have closed the schools There are always new developments in the area The teacher also highlighted the benefit of children having smaller class sizes explaining that individual children are able to get a better experience as there are 15 children in the class “If they can hold it together - what is wrong with that?” he added “The amount of time I get to spend with each individual child is dramatically above that in a class of 30 especially when you have children with additional needs Being able to give more time to four or five-year-olds is really valuable especially for children with additional needs “I just don’t know why the councillors can not just invest in their schools… Of all the things you cut spending of why would you shut those down?” Teachers and parents at the school have taken part in a range of protests against the closures including hiring an open-top Routemaster bus to lobby outside Islington Town Hall teachers at St Dominic’s school in Hackney have also been on strike every day for two weeks after the borough announced it would close the school The school closures have also caught the attention of veteran Islington MP Jeremy Corbyn who has labeled the closures as “utterly devastating” The former Labour leader told the Standard: “For many families going through a hard time primary schools are one place in their life where they can get support “We understand this is a systemic issue – and that it goes far beyond Islington That is why this week I joined staff and parents outside Parliament to call on the government to urgently invest in education “It’s also why I have been calling on the government for urgent action to bring down the cost of housing “We are talking about the future of education and children right across the country – that Islington Council has insisted that its priority is to ensure that every child in the borough has access to a high-quality education in a well-resourced school Councillor Michelline Safi-Ngongo said: “The proposals have been put forward in response to a long-term decline in pupil numbers which makes it increasingly challenging for some schools to provide the high-quality well-resourced education that every child needs and deserves "We understand that this is a difficult time for families and we want to reassure them that if the proposals proceed we will provide dedicated support to help parents and carers find the right school for their children Nearby schools have sufficient places to accommodate all pupils without increasing class sizes to unsustainable levels and we encourage everyone to continue sharing their views as part of the consultation process We remain committed to ensuring every child in Islington has access to an excellent education in a sustainable school environment.” A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving A woman is fighting for her life after a car mounted the pavement and crashed into outdoor seating on one of Islington’s busiest streets A car ploughed into the Mediterranean restaurant Pera Schnitzel Garden on Upper Street just before 8am on Thursday during a three-vehicle collision, the emergency services said and his son witnessed the crash from a nearby van and described spotting the alleged driver fleeing the scene He told his son to stop the possible driver and the pair pinned him down until the police arrived told the Metro: “My son got to him and started hitting him but it wasn’t doing anything “Then he hit my son in the face and I pinned him down It felt like forever for the police to come “Everyone was standing there and watching.” told the Standard it had appeared “like there was a fight at first” following the collision He described seeing “people screaming and running away” after hearing the collision ambulance crews and firefighters rushed to the scene near Islington Town Hall where four people were treated Two cars collided during the crash, while a third car crashed into the nearby building and hit a pedestrian, the London Fire Brigade said The emergency crews rushed two of the injured to a major trauma centre who was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and a female passenger in her 40s who is in critical condition A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at 7.57am this morning (Thursday 10 April) to reports of a road traffic collision in Upper Street Three arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after stabbing on Clapham High Street Watch: Police disguise as Batman and Robin to snare rogue street traders Past AXA Startup Angel winners share their tips "We sent a number of resources to the scene "The first of our crews arrived in one minute "Our crews treated four patients at the scene before taking two to a London major trauma centre and two to hospital." Pera Schnitzel Garden explained it was closed following the crash but expected to reopen on Friday The restaurant wrote on its Instagram story: “There was an accident right in front of our shop today we’ve learned that there were some injuries We’re sending our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to everyone involved.” the borough came together to remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and the millions of people killed under Nazi persecution At a special event at Islington Assembly Hall yesterday attendees also commemorated the victims of atrocities and genocides worldwide escaped from Nazi Germany - after eluding capture in the 1938 November pogroms and pleading with police for a permit to travel Having secured himself a visa to travel to Bolivia Georg ensured the safety of his young children – including Gerry’s father on one of the “Kindertransport” trains to England Gerry’s book “The Boy on the Train: A Father and Son’s Kindertransport Story” tells the story of his grandfather's escape and his father’s new life in England a student from Arsenal’s Sixth Form programme told attendees about their visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and a Jewish cemetery as part of an educational day trip whose musicians include refugees from around the world This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia The theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day was “For a Better Future” with people around the world being invited to learn from the Holocaust and more recent genocides Islington Council’s Executive Member for Equalities said: “The testimonies that we heard at our Holocaust Memorial Day event were another poignant painful reminder of the terrible consequences of intolerance and hatred we must learn the lessons from the past – so it’s vitally important that we all educate ourselves on the Holocaust and other atrocities and it is by standing together and making our borough a welcoming place for all that we can create a more equal future.” Yesterday’s event also featured addresses from Cllr Chapman Statements of Commitment were also read by Rabbi Mendy Korer Borough of Sanctuary Grant panel member Sahil Islington’s Executive Member for Community Safety.  and a young fire cadet were among the local heroes recognised at a special awards ceremony last night (Tuesday 25 March) presented the Mayor’s Civic and Ben Kinsella Awards to residents whose contributions to the local community help to make Islington a more equal borough Also recognised in the ceremony was the winner of the new Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Service to Islington whose wide-ranging contributions to life in the borough align with the Mayor’s priorities for their term in office The Mayor’s Civic Awards for 2025 were awarded to: specifically recognises remarkable young people aged 18 or under The first recipient of The Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Service to Islington is Sue Brownson Sue has been recognised for her dedication to supporting Deaf and special needs children in Islington for over 40 years Sue’s work at Laycock Primary School has created a nurturing environment where Deaf pupils can thrive said: “Islington is a borough built on unity and I am proud to highlight the incredible work being done by our diverse communities it is our unsung heroes who truly embody the values of hope “Congratulations to the award winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions to our amazing borough.” The Mears Group were kindly the primary sponsor of the awards evening included Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) part of social enterprise Better the London Metropolitan University and AD Construction Group Each winner was presented with a certificate and award from the Mayor of Islington with the shortlisted nominees for the Ben Kinsella Award also awarded an exclusive No More Red football shirt The awards ceremony was hosted by Clive Anderson the comedian and television/radio presenter Thursday, 17th April — By Michael White Soprano Lucy Crowe [askonasholt.com] THAT it’s Easter means two things in music: Bach and Handel. And Good Friday – April 18 – brings you nothing but, with at least four significant performances of the Bach Passions across London, and a grand Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall. The Messiah comes from the Royal Choral Society and RPO, done with might, muscle and a serious head-count: royalalberthall.com Meanwhile, there’s a Matthew Passion at St George’s Hanover Square, playing liturgically as part of Good Friday Vespers, with congregational singing and a sermon – which will make it all rather long but at least give you sense of how Bach’s 18th-century Leipzig audience would have experienced the piece: london-handel-festival Then there are no less than three John Passions: from the Academy of Ancient Music at the Barbican (barbican.org.uk), from the English Concert at Wigmore Hall (wigmore-hall.org.uk) and from the uber-choral group Polyphony at Smith Square (sinfoniasmithsq.org.uk) My preference would be Polyphony – but I’m not alone in that • Once the great ceremonies of Easter are over there’s a rapid descent from heaven to hell on Easter Monday with a Wigmore Hall performance of Stravinsky’s Soldier’s Tale: a dry acerbic piece of music-theatre about a man who sells his violin (in truth his soul) to the devil and comes to an equivocally sticky end Also at Wigmore Hall during the week, look out for the serenely intense German baritone Christian Gerhaher singing Schumann, April 24; and on April 22 an evening of arias by Bach and Handel sung by soprano Lucy Crowe but featuring the oboist Olivier Stankiewicz in baroque mode. www.wigmore-hall.org.uk Your guide to London's culture and transport news and events taking place across the city Published on 13th March 2025 by ianVisits in London's Pocket Parks Islington Council is considering a plan to stop locking up its pocket parks every evening and leave them open all night as having staff drive around the council area clearing parks of lingering visitors and locking the gates costs money the counterargument is that leaving the parks open overnight could attract antisocial behaviour of which 92 have fences and gates around them changed to leave half of the locable parks left unlocked all the time locking the remaining 46 parks starts at 9pm and can take until after 11pm to complete so the council now wants to leave all their parks unlocked at night which has started a consultation into the plans says that the proposed change will save £140,000 doubling the park patrol staff from two to four The council says it will also target parks where ASB occurs and can use various measures The consultation is here the change will affect all Islington council parks except three sites locked by the community and three by park keepers (Highbury Fields – Sports Area This website has been running now for over a decade, and while advertising revenue contributes to funding the website, it doesn't cover the costs. That is why I have set up a facility with DonorBox where you can contribute to the costs of the website and time invested in writing and research for the news articles It's very similar to the way The Guardian and many smaller websites are now seeking to generate an income in the face of rising costs and declining advertising Whether it's a one-off donation or a regular giver every additional support goes a long way to covering the running costs of this website and keeping you regularly topped up doses of Londony news and facts If you like what you read on here, then please support the website here All it’s going to do is attract ASB simple as that there’s no point commenting about consultations on here – you need to respond to the consultation Interesting idea; as always thanks for posting links and info about this sort of thing Ian I shall also comment on the consultation but in the positive Having lived a lot of my life in the country I’ve always found London’s obsession with locking up the little bits of countryside it has overnight ‘due to antisocial behaviour’ I imagine there must be a whole host of root causes for ASB with in my view the mere existence of an open park being fairly low down the list as a cause what would people do inside those parks in the dark that could affect anyone that isn’t inside the parks (I’m from Sweden and the concept of lockable parks is totally alien to me some event spaces where concerts take place and whatnot tend to be lockable but parks where people just take a break and sit on a bench enjoying a tiny sliver of nature are never locked over here) how about installing a smart or timer-based lock on the gate that simply stops access at a certain time People already in would be then locked in… Surely anyone who wants to engage in ASB is already hopping over the quite low gates most of these parks have and are doing it already stop wasting money on silly schemes,like the one in chapel market The main reasons why I was against unlocked parks was due to me taking my autistic toddler to a playground a few years ago where I used to live in kingscross Although I do a quick swoop always for glass and anything she can pick up finding needles and used condoms was not what I expected to find When I reported this i was told that these things where unpreventable in unlocked parks as most of this behaviour goes on after dark It’s very disturbing that a child could run ahead of a parent and pick up these things Once again we can’t control what others do but we should be aiming at keeping the most vulnerable safe I’m on the other side of it where my autistic teenager likes to swing on swingsets to calm down before bed all the parks are locked up and it’s very difficult to find any at night Anti social behaviour can be found just about anywhere if it’s prevalent in an area it will find it’s way in to parks if they’re open but will be generally noticeable regardless the presence of a park is unlikely to attract it to the area unless it’s already in the local vicinity and the park provides better cover A better option would be to only leave open parks not affected and deal with the behaviour where it is a problem leaving the possibility of the being able to leave that space open also There are plenty of ways councils can deal with these issues but unfortunately it’s usually left until it becomes too ingrained for any simple measures to work then it becomes another burden on law enforcement that a competent local authority should deal with but I suggest residents complain to their council wherever they are waiting until it becomes a policing issue is too costly for the community and too late also living close to one of the parks that will be left open which is frequently used by drug takers during the day is bad enough Making it possible for them to use it at night and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" and the latest news published on ianVisits You can unsubscribe at any time from my weekly emails © ianVisits Islington Council is inviting local charities and schools to apply for funding for projects to support those seeking sanctuary in the borough.  a panel of residents who themselves have arrived in Islington as refugees or people seeking asylum will help assess applications Through the scheme, known as the Borough of Sanctuary Grants Programme the council is looking to fund community-led projects that help refugee and migrant communities settle and thrive in Islington while strengthening connections between new and existing communities.  A total of £500,000 will be allocated through Government grants and applications for funding are now open until midnight on Wednesday The grants follow on from Islington becoming a Borough of Sanctuary last year, which forms a key part of the council’s Islington Welcomes strategy.  said: “Islington is a place where everyone should feel welcomed “We’re delighted that residents who themselves arrived in our borough as refugees and people seeking asylum will help to assess these applications By elevating the voices of those with recent and lived experience of settling here in Islington we hope to ensure that funding reaches those projects which these communities themselves prioritise “I really hope that our local voluntary and community organisations apply for these grants for projects which foster connection and integration.”  send to: BOS@islington.gov.uk by midnight on Wednesday Applicants will be informed of the outcome within three months Individuals and resident groups can apply for grants of £1,000 to £3,000 by partnering with a registered charity to hold the funding or by asking the council to match you with a trusted charity larger grants of £5,000 to £50,000 are available