Weather in central London
Loading live conditions…
Topic
4 stories, newest first.
London’s first official Thames bathing site at Ham and Kingston has been closed due to toxic blue-green algae, just three months after its designation. Richmond Council and the Environment Agency have advised against swimming or allowing pets into the water, while campaigners link the bloom to sewage discharges and Thames Water’s planned drought scheme.
Richmond Council has formally objected to the Government’s draft Heathrow expansion national policy statement, citing concerns over noise, air pollution, and carbon emissions. The council disputes the economic benefits and calls for stronger protections for residents before any vote in Parliament later this year.
Four London boroughs have told Chancellor John Healey that their residents will pay £270m of the £430m annual mansion tax, due to start in April 2028. The levy of £2,500 to £7,500 on homes worth over £2m will not fund local services, council leaders said.
Richmond Council has installed a high-tech speaker at Teddington Lock to broadcast safety warnings when people are seen near the water. The measure follows the 2023 death of 14-year-old Brian Sasu after a jump from a nearby bridge. Residents are urged to report emergencies to 999.
Loading live conditions…