Croydon Council install extra security cameras to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Two temporary security cameras are to be installed in Purley and Croydon town centre after complaints of fly tipping, fighting, and illegal parking. Complaints have also been made about noise levels at nearby venues. The two new cameras will be on Charles Street and on Old Lodge Lane. 

Councillor Hamida Ali said: “We are resolved to tackle this type of antisocial behaviour and it’s really positive that residents are working with the council and police to highlight areas of concern.” The cameras join six others which have been temporarily installed to combat anti-social behaviour.

Dominic Webb

Council paint over school ice cream ad.

A large vegan ice cream advertisement overlooking William Patten Primary School, Stoke Newington, was painted over on Monday night. 

The mural, commissioned by Oatly, was removed following complaints from local residents on Twitter; it was deemed inappropriate to advertise a high sugar product outside a school. According to nutritional listings, Oatly’s Salted Caramel Ice Cream is 23 percent sugar. 

Clara Hill

Residents to have say on Tower Hamlets’ Liveable Streets Programme

Tower Hamlets Council have asked residents to participate in a public consultation over its controversial Liveable Streets Programme. The proposed changes include a so-called pocket park in Wapping Lane and a pedestrian crossing outside Wapping Station. The changes follow a petition from residents who want to see a reduction in traffic noise and pollution.

The scheme has attracted opposition from local campaign groups. The Wapping Bus Gate has drawn criticism for severely restricting residents’ car access during peak hours; a petition calling for residents to be granted car access currently has 1663 signatures. 

Alex Mistlin

Local housing projects recognised at awards

Housing projects in Hackney and Lewisham have been shortlisted in the 2020 Building London Planning Awards. The event, organised by London First, will take place at The Leadenhall Building on January 28, 2020.

The Britannia Project, a Hackney Council-led scheme, has been nominated for ‘Best Mixed-Use Scheme’. Elsewhere, Bampton Estate, which provides affordable housing to over 55s in Lewisham, has been shortlisted for ‘Best New Place to Live’. 

Barney Stone

Norovirus outbreak recorded at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

An outbreak of norovirus has been recorded at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Greenwich, part of the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. In an effort to contain the infection, affectionately termed the “winter vomiting bug,” the hospital has restricted visiting across four virus-ridden wards. 

In an effort to reduce the risk of infection, the Trust requested that anyone exhibiting symptoms – including diarrhoea, vomiting, or a cold or infection – not visit either the Queen Elizabeth Hospital or the Lewisham University Hospital until they have been symptom free for 48 hours.

Celine Wadhera