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
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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.”
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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
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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
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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.
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By Alex Funk2025-04-30T11:25:00+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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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"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
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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
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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