Hello, welcome to London!

Spotted on a very large tree on the Kingsway, Holborn. Can anyone explain?

Is this the only place where they’re used, and if so, is there a reason why? I’ve walked past them a million times but it’s only just occurred to me I’m not sure I’ve seen them anywhere else.

ETA: excuse the random ) in the title — typing in t’rain and I didn’t notice.

Second edit: very much appreciate all the serious and non-serious answers, you’ve given me info and a much-needed laugh. What I find interesting is that the lighting isn’t consistent even for the central-ish stretch of the river: I’m walking back from the gym now, and I’ve already seen three different styles. It would be interesting (ymmv on ‘interesting’) to see if other rivers have stretches of consistent lighting — for example, when I think of the Seine, I imagine one particular type of light (not that we should use Paris as a yardstick, to be clear).

See a high quality version of the first photo here: https://flic.kr/p/2sJg2tW

Instant fines to recoup the cost of the minimal construction?

I'm not a regular at Euston, but it's mid afternoon on a Monday, and it's this busy. Is it usually this busy everyday or is it being half term making a difference? There's a few delayed/cancelled trains but it's not affecting many services.

https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/depot-guided-tours

great and speedy coverage by London Centric!

An historic moment

https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/hidden-london/charing-cross

The last bus through the full length of Oxford Street is Metroline BDE3065 (LF75OYZ), a BYD BD11 in the classic London red livery, operating route 98 to Holborn.

A non-existent care home was allegedly included in the business case for the Sutton Decentralised Energy Network to inflate revenue projections, Councillor Nick Mattey has claimed. In Lambeth, demolition plans for the Central Hill and Cressingham Gardens estates have been scrapped after more than 12 years of uncertainty, with a council report finding redevelopment "financially unviable". And in Camden, four faith schools face closure or merger due to falling pupil numbers, with La Sainte Union alone facing a projected deficit of £6.476 million by 2029, and other news from local councils this week.

Barking and Dagenham - Local councillors are examining overcrowding and patient flow at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust. One councillor shared a personal experience of receiving care in a hospital corridor. Community GP hubs are effectively diverting patients from A&E, with one hub preventing 22% of patients from attending the emergency department. The council commissions separate alcohol and drug services for young people, as GP hubs currently lack the capacity to offer this support directly.

Barnet - Barnet Council has declared a gambling harms emergency. The council is opposing the draft London Plan due to concerns over housing targets and Green Belt land. Barnet Council is exploring a twinning partnership with Haifa, Israel. The Barnet Pension Fund faces a potential breach notification to the Pensions Regulator. This is due to delays in pension recalculations.

Bexley - Bexley Council is developing a new Corporate Plan to guide its activities over the next four years. Concerns exist regarding potential council tax increases, stemming from reduced government funding. The council is also considering outsourcing several key services, such as security and respite care. This proposal has prompted discussion about the merits of in-house versus outsourced service provision. Further details on licensing enforcement and proposed changes to the council's constitution are anticipated.

Brent - Brent Council anticipates a £9.0 million overspend, even with improved Council Tax collection. A new Director of Adult Social Care will be appointed. A butcher shop's proposal to extend alcohol sales and entertainment into its car park has prompted concerns from police and residents.

Bromley - Bromley Council is exploring initiatives to stimulate the local economy. One such project involves repurposing vacant retail spaces. A new Head of Strategic Planning will join the council to guide future development. Biggin Hill Airport is working towards becoming paperless and reassessing its environmental goals.

Camden - Camden Council is consulting on structural changes for four schools experiencing declining pupil numbers and financial pressures. The council's Pension Committee will discuss responsible investment and fund performance. A significant redevelopment proposal at 212 High Holborn, transforming offices into a hotel, is also on the agenda.

City of London - The City of London Corporation has approved a new licensing policy designed to support the hospitality sector and improve safety. Business Improvement Districts in the Eastern City and Fleet Street Quarter will hold ballots for a second term, which could attract millions in investment. A comedy club's license application encountered objections regarding noise but gained support from a local business group.

Croydon - Croydon Council is addressing fly-tipping through the deployment of CCTV. Train services to London Victoria are under review. The council is also exploring improvements to youth justice and support for young people, aiming to reduce re-offending and tackle disproportionality. Plans are in motion to enhance services for adults living independently. Preparations are being made for winter pressures on health and social care.

Ealing - Ealing Council's Youth Justice Plan reports a significant drop in re-offending rates. Challenges persist with complex needs and disproportionality within the youth justice system. Concerns were raised regarding the transparency and value for money of a large contract extension for Greener Ealing Limited, which manages waste services. Plans for new warehouse buildings in Greenford were approved, with the council securing funds for transport improvements despite a reduction in parking spaces.

Enfield - Enfield Council faces a significant homelessness crisis, with over 3,000 households currently in temporary accommodation. This situation incurs an annual cost of approximately £40,000 per household for the council. The council is preparing for Awaab's Law, having already resolved over 3,300 damp and mould cases. Efforts are also being made to address the issue of 3,482 empty homes throughout the borough.

Greenwich - Greenwich Council has approved a bold Vision for 2050, aiming to make the borough a place of opportunity and joy, despite forecasting a significant funding gap. A new action plan will support local shopping parades and town centres. Mental health services are undergoing a transformation, with updates presented to the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel.

Hackney - Hackney's libraries are transforming into neighbourhood health hubs, providing support for loneliness and mental wellbeing. The council is also exploring improvements to accommodation and services for Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. The unique challenges faced by boat dwellers are also being addressed. A popular Hoxton Street venue sought to amend its licensing conditions, prompting discussions about outdoor patron numbers and resident liaison.

Hammersmith and Fulham - Hammersmith and Fulham council is intensifying traffic reduction efforts to enhance local neighbourhoods. The council is also celebrating the successful restoration of Margravine Cemetery. Residents express concern over potential council tax increases due to significant budget challenges. The council's housing service has received national recognition. Young people are actively contributing to council services through the Youth Cabinet. A new Teenage Girl Space has already been launched.

Haringey - Haringey Council is investing £10 million from Transport for London to improve bus services, making travel more reliable for everyone. The council is set to purchase 236 new homes using grant funding to provide much-needed housing for residents. An extra £163,000 was spent on essential community equipment services after a provider went into receivership.

Harrow - Harrow Council's Pension Board faces a rise in complaints and a data breach, even as it reports efficiency gains and considers new governance and training. The Planning Committee has greenlit a new care home and multiple residential projects, including a four-flat conversion. Residents are voicing concerns about significant school traffic congestion on Dalkeith Grove, leading to discussions on modifying parking rules.

Havering - Havering's Health & Wellbeing Board will address critical issues such as suicide prevention and reducing smoking rates. They will also examine neighbourhood health plans. The Governance Committee is reviewing member conduct and considering appointments to local charities, including the Romford Combined Charity. A proposal to move council meetings to an earlier start time is also being considered.

Hillingdon - Hillingdon Council is updating its garden waste service with fortnightly collections and a reduced annual subscription fee. The council is also seeking feedback on reorganizing Family Hubs and Children's Centres to provide more integrated family support. Parking charges will increase by 15%, with a smaller resident discount.

Hounslow - Hounslow Council has approved changes to its Planning Committee's rules, a requirement of new national legislation. Some councillors voiced concerns that these changes might centralise power and limit public input in planning decisions. The council also made committee appointments following these legislative adjustments.

Islington - Islington is advancing an inclusive growth plan to ensure economic benefits reach all residents. A new strategy is being launched to support autistic people of all ages. The council is extending orders to tackle dog fouling and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.

Kensington and Chelsea - Kensington and Chelsea's Children's Services has retained its 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating for the third inspection in a row. This achievement comes despite some concerns regarding children's developmental reviews and repeat referrals. The council is navigating considerable financial challenges. A new four-year plan prioritises "Clean streets and amazing spaces" and "Getting the basics right." Significant improvements are planned for the World's End Estate, with £20 million allocated for safety and infrastructure upgrades.

Kingston upon Thames - Kingston's children's mental health services have seen reduced waiting times following an independent review and the introduction of a new provider for neurodevelopmental assessments. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee has approved new premises licences for a bar at Chessington North Railway Station and a café bar on Richmond Road. A council committee dedicated to religious education is preparing to offer input on a national curriculum consultation.

Lambeth - Lambeth Council is changing its approach to estate regeneration for Central Hill and Cressingham Gardens, prioritizing maintenance and refurbishment instead. The council's financial management has been identified with significant weaknesses in sustainability and governance, despite ongoing efforts to improve. Residents continue to experience challenges with housing repairs and complaint handling, as noted by the Housing Ombudsman.

Lewisham - Lewisham's transport forum addressed e-scooter parking issues and the introduction of electric buses. A councillor expressed a desire to accelerate charging infrastructure development. Schools will discuss proposed funding changes and SEND reforms. Faith communities are being engaged to assist in child protection efforts.

Merton - Merton Council has approved a draft Borough Plan for 2026-2030, prioritizing strong communities and thriving neighbourhoods. Planning permission has been granted for a new mixed-use development in Wimbledon, which will include 67 homes. This decision was made despite resident concerns regarding the development's height. The council is also updating its financial strategy to address a projected budget shortfall exceeding £9 million in the coming years.

Newham - Urgent repairs costing nearly £1 million are planned for leaking pipes in Brasset Point and David Lee Point; leaseholders will not be charged for the work. The council's pension fund, valued at £2.2 billion, is exploring new investment strategies due to pension legislation changes. A festival's request to extend its operating days was postponed because an emergency prevented a licensing committee meeting. Newham will bring its legal and elections services back in-house, moving away from a shared service arrangement. Stratford Library is set to receive a £1.79 million upgrade. The council's Cabinet is reconsidering a new model for neighbourhood working following concerns about democratic accountability and resident involvement.

Redbridge - Redbridge is significantly improving its SEND provision. Over half of Education, Health and Care Plans are now issued within the national target time, leading to increased parental satisfaction. The Youth Justice Service has achieved a milestone with no children currently in custody. The council is preparing to transition to a new performance reporting system to enhance transparency and efficiency.

Richmond upon Thames - Richmond Green will host a new three-day festival following the council's approval of a licence with strict conditions. The council's auditors are working to restore full assurance on the council's accounts, noting a strong position compared to other local authorities. A review of a licence for Twickenham Tandoori was scheduled due to concerns about illegal working.

Southwark - Southwark Council faces a substantial backlog of empty homes, incurring an estimated cost of £135,000 weekly. A new care home project is experiencing significant delays, with completion now expected a year later than planned. Young people are pointing out inequalities in school-provided work experience, advocating for more structured routes into employment.

Sutton - Concerns were raised about the Sutton Decentralised Energy Network, citing financial irregularities and a contradiction with net-zero targets. The council defended its ongoing provision of heating. Dockless e-bike safety and regulation were debated, with calls for stricter measures despite existing working groups addressing the issue. The council approved its Corporate Plan and Draft Local Plan, including a commitment to a 35% affordable housing target.

Tower Hamlets - The council is investing £9.7 million in community grants and acquiring commercial buildings for temporary family housing. A controversial Copenhagen Place development, opposed by residents concerned about loss of light and community space, has been confirmed by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee. Be Well Leisure Centres are experiencing operational and maintenance issues, with the York Hall closure resulting in £900,000 in lost revenue.

Waltham Forest - Waltham Forest Council will award Mr Gordon Turpin the Freedom of the Borough for his significant contributions to the Hyams Park community. The council also passed a motion to support young people's potential, aiming to create 1,000 new opportunities by 2030. A review of restrictive practices in a school for children with additional needs raised concerns about safeguarding and a closed institutional culture.

Wandsworth - Wandsworth Council plans to refurbish its Town Hall. Significant funds will be reallocated from environmental strategies to improve housing energy efficiency. Plans to extend restaurant drive-through hours have raised concerns about noise. A tennis club's bid to replace its clubhouse faces refusal due to the potential loss of protected trees. Seven former councillors are set to be honoured with the title of Honorary Alderman.

Westminster - Westminster's licensing committee will decide on a new street trading policy and market strategy. This aims for more dependable everyday trading and stronger operating standards. The council's pension fund is reviewing its investment performance and responsible investment policy. The fund currently has a healthy funding level of 126%. Several new premises licence applications are being considered. These include applications for restaurants and a private members' club. Potential impacts on public nuisance and safety are being scrutinised.

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Every time I set foot in Whitechapel, it feels like stepping into an alternate universe, a microcosm of the entire world packed into a few streets. On a good day, you see everyone all at once: roadmen and femboys, hijabis and hookers, bankers and traders. It’s total sensory overload. It isn’t until you leave and travel to other countries, where society feels so monolithic, that you realize just how much of an anomaly this city really is. For better or worse, London is truly one of a kind. Love this city to the bit ❤️

Pretty timely with today's pedestrianisation.

Today is the last day vehicles are allowed between Great Portland Street and Orchard Street (with some exemptions for loading during the night)

Metroline VWH2211 (LK66DWC), a Volvo B5LH Wright Eclipse Gemini 3 with the default London red livery, makes a bit of history on the N98 this morning at 06:00, by being the last ever night bus to travel through Oxford Street.

As the road closes tonight at 20:00, all night routes will be diverted away from the pedestrian zone.

🗓️ 2026-10-25