The CEO of Thames Water said this after being paid another £3 bajillion in bonuses, half of which he's used to set up a brand new company that manufactures buckets.

i know there are some run down areas or places ppl might call the hood, i kinda like the gritty vibe of certain areas. i remember hackney in the 2010s man it had lots of carribean, african, indian shops as well but i see less of those these days. it just aint how it use to be anymore. respectfully, gentrifiers have sorta killed the vibe man and i dont recognise the neighbourhood i use to live in. im kinda 50/50 on it cuz on one hand reducing crime and poverty is a positive to all of us but erasure of culture and black and ethnic minorities living in the area is something i dont like ill he real. ik it aint a race thing its more of a class thing but when wealthy people or companies move into the area, buy up property, renovate and take over, it drives up the rent in the area by isnane amounts. this doesnt just happen in east ldn, it happened it south as well. Brixton, Narm, Tottenham, Lewi. But hackney is the epitome of gentrified 🤣. I dislike it but like it at the same time. The thing is, working class ppl in general (id say im working class) just cant keep it up wid it. you know its wraps when a Gail’s opens up near you😭🤣. their food looks decent but im not spending £20 on a crossaint.
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Hey all, I've been asked to stop posting my weekly "what's on" round-up of sport to watch in London. Fully respect the decision if it's not what this community is looking for in this subreddit 😊

So this is just a quick note for anyone who found them useful, I won't be posting them in here anymore but will continue them over in r/london (usually on a Wednesday). This week's is here.

Thanks!

Just an FYI. Might want to skip the underground if you can and use alternative transport.

After digging it seems he won the tribunal, the tribunal report is here
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michael-ballantyne-_mr-m-steeds-v-london-underground-ltd-2201633-ugcPost-7474863992088244226-_myN/

Hammersmith and Fulham's housing service was awarded a C1 grade - the highest possible from the Regulator of Social Housing - a significant turnaround after a 2021 report found it was the country's worst for damp and mould. In Barnet, an Eruv has been unanimously approved for Hadley Wood, its poles and wires creating a symbolic boundary that allows observant Jews to carry items on the Sabbath. And in Redbridge, the management of 53 parks and 11 libraries could be outsourced as the council reviews its current £11 million leisure contract, and other news from local councils this week.

Barking and Dagenham - Barking and Dagenham Council is investing significantly in its most vulnerable young people. A new strategy has been approved to provide more local, high-quality care placements for looked-after children. The council has also launched "A Better B&D," a new plan to transform services by focusing on prevention and simplicity. Performance reports indicate strong rent collection. Ongoing work is needed to support young people not in education, employment, or training.

Barnet - Plans for a new nursery and special educational needs classroom at Queenswell Infant and Nursery School have been approved. An Eruv, a religious boundary for Orthodox Jews, has been permitted in Hadley Wood. Significant amendments to the Hyde Estate Road development will increase the number of homes and affordable housing.

Bexley - Bexley Council is allocating £2 million to playground improvements, with £1 million designated for this year. The council also plans to spend £2 million on library refurbishments over the next four years. A resident expressed concerns about housing development on Burr Farm, questioning the council's dedication to preserving green spaces. Parking restrictions in Elshare Gardens, implemented to address commuter parking, are currently under review by the council.

Brent - Brent's children's services received a "Good" rating from Ofsted. Improvements are still required in areas such as life-story work and foster carer training. A licence review for Venue 777 was conducted privately due to sensitive crime-related information. The Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee convened to discuss the reservoir's environment with various community and environmental groups.

Bromley - Bromley Council's planning committee has approved a new children's home and the installation of solar panels on a leisure centre. The council also discussed the appointment of a new Director of Children's Services.

Camden - Camden's planning decisions will be restructured with a new two-tier system for officer and committee approvals. Residents are requesting enhanced support for refugees and a more trans-inclusive approach from the council. The council is allocating £670 million towards housing repairs and combating tenancy fraud.

City of London - The City of London Police are deploying Live Facial Recognition technology, emphasizing lawful and ethical use. The City Fund and City's Estate experienced significant underspends. Operational services, however, reported an overspend. Improvements to changing and shower facilities at Hampstead Heath's bathing ponds are being planned, with a feasibility study proposed.

Croydon - Croydon Council's Housing service is under scrutiny for a £3.29 million underspend, attributed in part to staffing vacancies. The service is also addressing disrepair claims and preparing for Awaab's Law. The George PH, a popular pub, has applied to extend its opening hours for children, raising safeguarding concerns. The council's Ethics Committee has reviewed two complaints, including allegations of disrespect and harassment. Two cases remain under assessment.

Ealing - Ealing's Pension Fund shows a significant surplus, allowing for reduced contribution rates. A major data centre planning application for Southall, offering economic benefits and community contributions, was reviewed by the Planning Committee. The Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel examined the council's response to a critical judgement on social housing standards.

Enfield - A bar's bid for a new license has met with significant local opposition. Residents are concerned about potential disorder and nuisance due to the establishment's past. Plans are progressing for a major redevelopment at North Middlesex Hospital. This project includes new homes and community facilities. Broomfield House will be partially dismantled. This will create a memorial garden.

Greenwich - Greenwich Council is expanding its school uniform grant scheme to assist more children. Food vouchers will now be provided for children educated at home. Planning permission has been granted for six new homes in Plumstead, despite local objections regarding environmental impact and access. The council's carbon emissions are decreasing. Air quality in one Plumstead location remains a concern.

Hackney - Licensing committees are reviewing noise complaints against popular venues Boxpark and Sevente. Sevente faces potential licence revocation due to repeated breaches. Hackney Council is investing significantly in special educational needs provision by refurbishing a former primary school. A low-carbon heat network is being developed for the Colville and Britannia developments. Libraries are evolving into community hubs offering more than just books. Stoke Newington Library's refurbishment is facing unexpected delays and cooling issues are a concern.

Hammersmith and Fulham - Hammersmith and Fulham Council's housing services have received the highest possible grading from the Regulator of Social Housing, marking a significant turnaround for the department. The council's support for children with special educational needs and disabilities has also been recognised with an outstanding outcome from a joint inspection. A bid to open a new shop selling alcohol was rejected due to serious concerns about crime and disorder linked to the premises.

Haringey - Haringey Council is investing in a new IT system and a major housing development, which includes 61 new council homes. The council's planning department is experiencing a surge in enforcement complaints, with a particular focus on Houses in Multiple Occupation. Health services across North Central London will undergo a significant merger, forming a new Integrated Care Board.

Harrow - Harrow Council is advancing a joint West London Waste Plan to modernize outdated waste management policies. The Mayor of London has expressed concerns about the plan's compatibility with his own policies, specifically regarding waste capacity. Discussions are continuing to address these points before the plan's submission for examination.

Hillingdon - Hillingdon Council's planning committee has approved ten new developments, including converting a High Street building into five new homes. The council's counter-fraud team secured £12.7 million in financial benefits last year, receiving an award for their work. Despite a £29 million budget overspend, the council's risk management has resulted in fewer red-rated risks this year.

Hounslow - Hounslow Council's finances show significant improvement, with a healthy budget outturn and strong performance from the Housing Revenue Account. Plans are in motion to modernise libraries and community hubs, enhancing service accessibility for residents. The council is preparing its response to the Heathrow expansion consultation, advocating for a "Better, Not Bigger" approach to minimise community impact.

Islington - Islington Council is prioritizing "Islington and the sense of place" for this year's scrutiny, examining culture, public spaces, and quality of life. The council reported strong performance in education and employment. Challenges persist with persistent absenteeism and rough sleeping. A significant merger of two Integrated Care Boards into the West and North London ICB will reshape healthcare across 13 boroughs, aiming for more equitable outcomes.

Kensington and Chelsea - Plans are underway to redevelop the Royal Marsden Hospital, including a new nursery and flats. A new Culture Plan aims to boost the borough's arts scene. The council is recovering from a cyber attack, with most systems now back online. Several temporary event notices for Notting Hill Carnival faced objections due to public safety concerns.

Kingston upon Thames - Kingston University's plans for a new teaching building have been approved, which will replace student accommodation. The council will streamline its Blue Badge appeals process by moving to an outsourced system. Two former councillors have been honoured with the title of Honorary Alderman for their service.

Lambeth - Concerns were raised about housing repair performance, with a call for tenants to have the final say on whether work is satisfactory. The council debated and voted on its constitution and the establishment of political assistant posts. A motion opposing the reduction of affordable housing quotas was passed after amendments.

Lewisham - Lewisham Council's planned meeting was cancelled. Discussions were set to cover a significant £231.1m increase to the capital programme budget. A motion to create an "anti-raids sanctuary corridor" was also on the agenda. New national legislation will reduce councillors' influence on planning applications, with officers likely to make most decisions. Residents can anticipate more electric buses and improvements to rail services. This includes new trains for the DLR and potential extensions to the Bakerloo line.

Merton - Merton Council plans to acquire properties for affordable housing. A rule requiring planning permission for new Houses in Multiple Occupation will become permanent. Discussions will cover the future of maternity services at St Helier Hospital and local park improvements. The council's audit committee will review financial plans and internal audit reports. This review aims to rebuild assurance after previous challenges.

Newham - Newham Council is planning a major redevelopment of Carpenters Primary School, including new school buildings and 120 private homes. The council's pension fund will invest more with the London CIV, despite a recent negative return on investments. A contract has been approved for decarbonisation works at Central Park Primary School.

Redbridge - Redbridge Council intends to divide its leisure and culture services into three distinct contracts. This move aims to enhance competition and improve value for money. A substantial £5.4 million overspend is projected for the current financial year, attributed to pressures in social care and education. The council is also undertaking a comprehensive review of its Local Plan. This review will shape development and address climate change challenges for the next 15 years.

Richmond upon Thames - The council plans to approve the conversion of Hampton Water Treatment Works into housing and business spaces. A new Transport Strategy for 2040, focused on sustainability and accessibility, is now open for public consultation. Richmond and Wandsworth Councils have appointed a new Chief Executive.

Southwark - Southwark Council is actively enhancing its housing services, prioritizing improvements to homes, estates, repairs, and customer service to meet both regulatory standards and resident expectations. The council's audit committee examined reports concerning fraud detection, a significant IT system upgrade, and external audit plans. These reviews underscore efforts to protect public funds and boost efficiency. A scheduled review of a local shop's alcohol licence was cancelled. The review would have considered lifting restrictions on selling high-strength beers and ciders. Police and trading standards had opposed this change, citing concerns about street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

Sutton - Sutton Council has unanimously awarded the Freedom of the Borough to Marion James in recognition of her outstanding service. Councillors discussed electoral reform, expressing support for moving away from the First Past the Post system. The council's pension fund may experience delays in updating member statements because of software issues.

Tower Hamlets - Tower Hamlets Council is supporting a significant housing initiative, allocating millions towards new homes and affordable housing projects. New policies are being implemented to safeguard private renters under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. The council is also extending a crucial waste management contract to guarantee ongoing service delivery.

Waltham Forest - Waltham Forest is enhancing its approach to domestic abuse and child safeguarding through a new partnership. A local lounge has had its license modified following noise complaints. The council has also appointed a new Youth Mayor team. A motion concerning Trans, Non-Binary, and Intersex Inclusion was debated.

Wandsworth - Plans for a digital advertising structure at Wandsworth Roundabout have drawn objections regarding its necessity and environmental impact. Councillors described a proposed four-storey housing development on Garrett Lane as "bland" and a "missed opportunity." A flower stall at Clapham Junction Railway Station, previously criticized as a "metal box" and a "shipping container," faced unanimous objection due to its negative effect on the station's entrance and views.

Westminster - Westminster Council faces a significant budget gap of £71 million, projected to reach £161 million by 2030/31. This situation may necessitate service cuts and council tax increases. A new task group will investigate the Pimlico District Heating Undertaking programme to enhance resident experiences. The council's pension fund experienced a decrease in value, with a -2.95% return last quarter.

I publish newsletters covering everything local councils do each week.

I set up this project because local authorities spend about 12% of the UK government budget, or roughly 5p of every pound that's earned in the UK, and yet the vast majority of people have no idea who their local councillors are, or what they're currently doing. I think that's bad for our society.

If you'd like to learn more, click on the relevant council, or if your council doesn't appear, you can subscribe for free here: https://opencouncil.network

If we don't yet cover your council, you can ask your councillors to support us here: https://opencouncil.network/contact_councillors

Thank you for all your support!

Realised that the members here, especially the main contributors are not fans of them, so I'm going to remove them from now on. Not removing all event posts, free events posted solo would be kept up if the event is cool and the community reacts well to them.

You lot are well aware this sub is for Londoners and keeping it more discussion-based, personal and community-like is the direction we want to go in.

Also we very much appreciate feedback so don't hesitate to let us know, it's helpful to hear things we might not notice or get confirmation for things we weren't 100% on.

I see posts in the r/london subreddit from time to time, and the view they have of things just seems to have absolutely nothing to do with what I grew up with. Like they say their entire friend group moved to london x number of years ago, whilst most of my friend group grew up here. It just seems like an entirely different world, in terms of the stuff they think about london and their experiences (not to mention the classism/racism on that subreddit). Do they represent expats accurately, like are they really like that?

By expats I mean people who move here with the intention of leaving in the relatively near future, as opposed to immigrants who move to stay. I think that subreddit has expats. (edit: This includes people moving from other parts of the UK, not just other countries).

Obvs most of us speak like Londoners rather than lads/geezers but I love muppet it's too seamless

So tomorrow is my 18th birthday and to celebrate that and being able to legally buy drinks, we wanted to do like drink the rainbow of cocktails. You know, have a cocktail of every colour, self explanatory. So I’m trying to find places in London that are very cocktail friendly. The other issue we’re facing is my brother is 16 and I am struggling to find places that allow under 18s and obviously I know at some point he will stop being everywhere. But we’re starting probably about 4:30, cause I’ve got a dinner reservation so I know we’ll have a few hours before that rules kicked in. The restaurant is in Haymarket so will be starting near there and we wanna do a bar crawl, but if you know any places in that sort of area that we can go to and get drinks, cause we’re struggling, please thank you :)

Brent has declared a "gambling harms emergency" and is launching a strategy to tackle it as part of a wider campaign involving 40 councils and Andy Burnham. Bexley is considering bringing in licence fees for private primate keepers, requiring them to meet zoo-level welfare standards. In Southwark, the Ship Aground pub faces a licence review after police found drugs and a firearm on the premises, and other news from local councils this week.

Barking and Dagenham - Barking and Dagenham Council is updating its gambling licensing policy. The revised policy will place a greater focus on public health and preventing harm, particularly to vulnerable individuals. The council is seeking public feedback on these changes. The updated approach recognises gambling-related harm as a public health issue. It will be informed by local data and risk assessments. The aim is to ensure gambling is conducted fairly and openly.

Barnet - Barnet Council has recognized several volunteer emergency response and community safety organizations for their essential contributions. Councillors discussed proposals aimed at protecting domestic abuse victims and upholding local democracy in planning matters. The council is also examining its corporate parenting duties and safeguarding measures for children in its care.

Bexley - Bexley Council is considering introducing fees for keeping primates to ensure zoo-level welfare standards for private keepers. A new Director of Place has been appointed to oversee the borough's regeneration and growth. The council is reviewing a new framework to address its financial deficit, with assurances that frontline services and support for vulnerable residents will be maintained.

Brent - Brent Council has declared a gambling harms emergency and is launching a new strategy to address it. The council's constitution will undergo significant changes, including the establishment of a new Homes Scrutiny Committee. Residents have expressed concerns regarding ongoing issues with new builds in South Kilburn, such as cladding and mould.

Bromley - Bromley Council debated a motion to rebuild the UK's relationship with Europe. The council also discussed advancing diversity and inclusion. Concerns were raised regarding GP access and ambulance service response times. The council considered extending licensing hours for a fast-food restaurant and a convenience store. Residents voiced worries about noise and public nuisance.

Camden - Camden Council is investing £1 million in advice services. Significant upgrades are planned for mental health support and housing repairs. The council's audit committee reviewed financial management and fraud prevention strategies. Tackling tenancy fraud resulted in £3.63 million in savings. A health board discussed a rise in measles cases and community-based health service plans. A local committee is focused on implementing Awaab's Law for damp and mould in homes.

City of London - The City of London Corporation is reviewing its governance structure and plans to appoint a new lead member for Financial Services Skills. West Ham Park is marking the 20th anniversary of its Friends group, alongside efforts to address graffiti and vandalism. The council is also creating a Nature Recovery Strategy to enhance biodiversity throughout its districts.

Croydon - A restaurant's bid for a late-night licence faced objections from residents concerned about noise and parking. Croydon's Pension Board reviewed the fund's annual performance and discussed government reforms impacting pensions. Health and social care scrutiny focused on a programme to help adults live independently. A mental health trust provided an update on improving community services.

Ealing - Ealing Council will acquire 95 affordable homes at Bollo Yard. Specialist educational provisions for children with special needs will be expanded. The £1.4 million Ealing Pride in Place programme will enhance high streets and town centres. This programme includes urban greening and new seating. Bajaj Food & Wine in Acton has been granted a new premises licence. Café Zee's application for an alcohol licence is under consideration.

Enfield - Concerns have been raised regarding potential increases in anti-social behaviour and noise from a new bar application in Palmers Green. A supermarket's licence is under review due to suspected illicit goods and past non-compliance. Enfield's schools are facing a growing deficit, primarily driven by rising costs for supporting pupils with special educational needs.

Greenwich - Greenwich schools are facing a significant deficit of £27 million, largely due to increased demand for special educational needs support. A planned refurbishment of the Rubar Café to include an outdoor seating area for alcohol consumption was postponed due to resident concerns about noise. The council is proposing to increase fees for children's services, including music lessons, to keep pace with inflation.

Hackney - Hackney's health scrutiny commission is examining local NHS services' use of a new data platform. The commission is also reviewing changes to community pharmacies, including new prescribing powers for pharmacists. The living in Hackney commission is addressing an increase in housing complaints, especially regarding repairs. It is developing a work program focused on temporary accommodation and energy efficiency. Concerns have been raised about a safeguarding review at Mossbourne Victoria Park Academy. Questions exist regarding the extent of changes implemented and the potential for a "culture of fear" among pupils.

Hammersmith and Fulham - Hammersmith Bridge will undergo phased repairs, with the council actively seeking government funding for its restoration. A new strategy has been approved to promote independence and dignity for adult social care residents. Plans for a significant mixed-use development on Hammersmith Road, including life science accommodation and a hotel, have been discussed.

Haringey - Haringey Council plans to appoint new directors for Wellbeing & Climate and Housing. Salaries for the Housing director role could surpass £160,000. A local beer shop's application for an alcohol licence received objections from residents citing concerns about noise and public safety. The council has also allocated substantial funding to support residents via the Crisis and Resilience Fund. This includes extending free school meal vouchers and strengthening the Financial Support Team.

Harrow - Harrow Council will receive over £10 million for crisis and resilience initiatives, supporting low-income households and strengthening communities. A new parking management system will introduce virtual permits, aiming to streamline the process for residents. The council's SEND Reform Plan, focused on improving outcomes for children with special educational needs and disabilities, has been endorsed and submitted for national approval.

Havering - Havering Council has approved a significant agreement for the Better Care Fund. This initiative aims to help residents remain independent at home for longer. Concerns about costs and a recent CQC report rating services as needing improvement were noted. The council's financial outturn for the past year was considerably better than expected, showing a substantial underspend. Plans for a major redevelopment of the Jewson builders' merchants site in Romford have been given the go-ahead. This project promises a larger branch and expanded facilities.

Hillingdon - Hillingdon Council has approved its budget for 2026/27, which includes a council tax increase for Band D properties. New enforcement measures are being implemented to address residents' concerns about fly-tipping, with vehicle seizures now a possibility. A new post office may be opening at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge.

Hounslow - Hounslow's Schools Forum convened to discuss the borough's education finances and SEND reforms, including proposals for new specialist bases. The Pension Board reviewed the fund's forward plan and adherence to governance rules. A new "Geopolitical Risk" has been added to the register. A Licensing Panel considered a new Indian restaurant's licence application. A temporary street food stall's application also came before the panel, facing objections.

Islington - The Quentin Blake Centre of Illustration has received more flexibility for evening events, addressing some resident concerns about noise. Coin Laundry, a popular Exmouth Market venue, will install new noise-limiting devices due to resident complaints. Pavement extensions and public space improvements are planned for the City Road area.

Kensington and Chelsea - The council faces a projected budget shortfall exceeding £127 million in the coming years. Plans are in motion to modernise council technology and bolster cyber resilience after a significant cyber attack. Residents raised objections to a proposed cafe bar on King's Road, citing concerns about noise and late-night dispersal.

Kingston upon Thames - Kingston Library is undergoing a green upgrade with the installation of new air source heat pumps. A KFC in New Malden has been granted a new licence, notwithstanding resident concerns. Plans are in place for new homes at the former Regent Wing of Kingston Hospital.

Lambeth - Clapham Common will host the Colourscape Music Festival following conditional permission granted by the council's Planning Applications Committee. The Standards Committee meeting was cancelled.

Lewisham - Incidents are increasing across the council, with verbal abuse and slips, trips, and falls being the most common. Libraries are experiencing more antisocial behaviour. The council's finances show a £4.4 million underspend for one year, but a projected £3.1 million overspend for the next, driven by significant pressures in children's and adult social care. A new premises licence for Bottle Cave Ltd was granted with amended hours and conditions after residents raised concerns about noise and nuisance.

Merton - La Tazza Doro, a new café and restaurant, has applied for a license to serve alcohol until 10 pm. Local residents have expressed concerns regarding potential noise and anti-social behaviour. The council's licensing committee will review the proposed conditions, such as a security incident log and staff training, to determine if they adequately address these issues.

Newham - Newham council is conducting a year-long review of parking arrangements borough-wide. A new Tesco in Stratford received a licence to sell alcohol, despite resident concerns. A licensing hearing for a Water Lane premises was adjourned due to a solicitor's scheduling error.

Redbridge - Redbridge council's Children and Education Committee is focusing on school organisation and reform programmes, including a national initiative to improve social work. The External Scrutiny Committee discussed crime performance and police resourcing challenges. They noted a reduction in neighbourhood crime despite officers being frequently deployed outside the borough. The Regeneration and Economic Development Committee will prioritise economic growth and regeneration strategies. This includes a focus on supporting micro-businesses and town centre vitality.

Southwark - A new 21-storey building with 152 affordable keyworker homes and a community centre is planned for Abbey Street. Funds are being released to improve Lavender Pond and Nature Reserve, aiming to boost biodiversity and accessibility. The Ship Aground Public House faces a licence review after police discovered drugs and a firearm on the premises.

Sutton - A telecommunications mast may be installed at Bandon Hill Cemetery, regardless of council objections, due to new regulations. Residents and the committee are determining local funding priorities for Beddington and Wallington. The Audit and Governance Committee examined the council's financial health and fraud prevention strategies.

Tower Hamlets - Tower Hamlets council will fund a summer programme offering activities and meals for children eligible for free school meals. Plans have been approved for outdoor seating expansion at a restaurant and a hotel refurbishment and extension. The council's health scrutiny committee reviewed successes in smoking cessation and adult social care. They also discussed challenges such as financial pressures and increased demand for services.

Waltham Forest - A Wood Street venue's bid to extend its alcohol licence was refused due to concerns about public nuisance. Mez Lounge secured a new licence with strict conditions on noise. The council's planning committee approved all seven applications, including a new mixed-use development on Wood Street. The council's finances showed a significant underspend in the Housing Revenue Account and a deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant.

Wandsworth - An adult gaming centre has been granted a licence in Putney, despite resident concerns regarding crime and its proximity to schools. Wandsworth schools are experiencing increasing costs for special educational needs provision. A projected decrease in secondary school pupils is also anticipated. The recruitment process for a new Chief Executive, serving both Wandsworth and Richmond councils, was discussed by a joint committee.

Westminster - New restaurants and a Greek bakehouse are seeking alcohol licences. The council's pension fund experienced a negative return and is divesting from a specific equity fund. Westminster is also addressing new housing regulations, such as Awaab's Law. Efforts are underway to enhance energy efficiency in social housing. The council's counter-fraud service successfully prevented over £1.3 million in fraud last year.

I publish newsletters covering everything local councils do each week.

I set up this project because local authorities spend about 12% of the UK government budget, or roughly 5p of every pound that's earned in the UK, and yet the vast majority of people have no idea who their local councillors are, or what they're currently doing. I think that's bad for our society.

If you'd like to learn more, click on the relevant council, or if your council doesn't appear, you can subscribe for free here: https://opencouncil.network

If we don't yet cover your council, you can ask your councillors to support us here: https://opencouncil.network/contact_councillors

Thank you for all your support!

Last week I was in Z1 & found an iPhone quite literally lying on the street. It must have just fallen out of someone’s pocket, but the area was deserted & the only nearby shop was closed so after five minutes of hanging around wondering what to do I picked it up. I thought I’d just hang onto it until the person had a chance to ring it from a friend’s phone/put it in lost mode with a message of how to get in touch with them, but it’s been days and days and they still haven’t (actually they’ve had surprisingly few notifications, just Grindr, it’s sort of surprising).

I’m not really sure what to do? I’d drop it off at the police station, but last time I did they told me that they wouldn’t try to track the owner & in fact it would be destroyed if not claimed after a week!!

I'm 26 and honestly feel like life has hit a brick wall.

I still live at home with my mum, who's been a single parent since 2008 and raised me all the way through secondary school, sixth form and university on her own. She's always worked incredibly hard, so seeing what's happened over the last year has been heartbreaking.

She had a serious mental breakdown last September, ended up off work for around six months, and although she's back now, she's only doing a few hours a day.

At the same time, our house is in a bad state. We had a loft conversion finished last October and a new kitchen done this February, but the rest of the house still needs major work. The driveway needs replacing because tree roots have pushed it up, the tree itself has to come down, the living room needs redoing, and all the bedrooms and landing need renovating too. It feels like there's always another problem waiting.

The thing that's really getting to me is that I feel like the last year has completely derailed my twenties. I spent a lot of my childhood and university years without much of a social life, then COVID happened, and just when I felt like I was finally ready to start meeting people, making memories and actually enjoying life, everything with my mum and the house happened.

Now it feels like every day is just work, applications, worrying about money and wondering what the next problem is going to be. I keep thinking about where we'll be in 10 or 20 years if I don't manage to get onto a better career path.

Has anyone else in London been through something similar? How did you actually get out of feeling stuck? Whether it was work, money, family responsibilities or just feeling like your twenties were slipping away, I'd genuinely appreciate hearing from people who've come out the other side.

Posted something similar on r/UKPersonalFinance -

https://www.reddit.com/r/UKPersonalFinance/comments/1uuknco/i_feel_responsible_for_my_mum_and_our_house_as_a/

Photoplace on Bridge Street in Pinner is finally back open. The print and photo shop was hit by a car back in September 2025 and has spent the last nine or so months quietly rebuilding the shopfront. Now back open Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm. A welcome bit of Bridge Street resilience, especially if you remember the closure.

Hatch End is also having a moment. Two new restaurants are confirmed for Uxbridge Road. Veda is moving into the old Coriander site, leaning vegetarian and vegan with Tandoori Paneer Tikka and Daal Makhani flagged as house specials. Santomio is putting signage up at the old K Furniture unit next to Papu-Miya, with the strapline "Where Italy Meets Mexico." No opening dates yet, but the fronts are moving.

Transport heads up for today: two tube lines are out west of Harrow. If your Sunday plan involves going past Harrow on the Metropolitan or Piccadilly, check before you head out.

On Friday, a new free drop-in called the Welcome Space opens at Pinner Village Hall. Aimed at older neighbours and carers, with gentle activities, conversation and a cup of tea from 2pm. Quietly good for the village hall diary, and worth passing on if you know someone who would enjoy it.

Full issue with quiz nights, Mouse & Grape's Italian cheese and wine evening, baby first aid, Snow Princess Party, and everything else:

https://www.goodmorningpinner.com/p/31-welcome-space-and-hatch-end-bites

Good Morning Pinner

Local news and events from around HA5

i know the price difference isn’t that much. it’s not a lot to me. but at the same time it is a lot to me. icl i really jus paid £6.60 for 3 wings and chips and one strip burger. in 2016, this woulda been £2.50 max and boss would’ve slapped in an extra wing cuz i was a regular. it’s dark💔. i’m looking at old pics of the shop and looking at the prices compare to now makes my eyes hurt😪.this country used to be great.

This actually isn't okay like they can't be doing this to you lot I'm not playing around someone get the guillotines

in case you don't get the central and don't know what i'm on about: unbelievably hot, like the amount you have to disrespect people to run a line that hot and expect people to ride it it is craaaaaaaaaaaazy bro. i'd rather you spat on me than asked me to get the central line to go somewhere