September 2012 Archives

THUMBS UP have finally been given for a £57.8million 'magnificent' new academy and a leisure centre which has been branded a voyeurs paradise by a local councillor.

THE PICCADILLY line is suspended between Hyde Park Corner and Hammersmith this morning after reports a man has been struck by an East bound train at Knightsbridge Tube Station.

LUXURY watches, designer clothing and cash have been seized and five men arrested after eight properties were searched in the early hours of this morning.

The men aged between 18-22 were arrested from properties across Kensington on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary.

A KENSINGTON and Chelsea police chief is appealing to communities in the borough to blow the whistle on local drug dealers.

As part of Operation Hawk, which began last week with a day of drugs raids and other initiatives to tackle dealing, Temporary Chief Superintendent Alisdair Ferguson, Borough Commander for Kensington and Chelsea Police is calling for the public to come forward with information about who may be selling or cultivating drugs in their area.

He said: "Drug dealing damages communities and generates crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour. With your help we can make your local neighbourhood safer. You make the call, we'll make it stop."

Officers met with pupils at Holland Park and Lysee Francais Schools to talk to pupils about the dangers and consequences of drugs and conducted surface checks at local pubs and clubs for signs of drug use.

Throughout the day Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) and PCSOs from local Safer Neighbourhoods teams engaged with local residents, keeping them informed on local policing activities and the purpose and objectives of Operation Hawk in helping to make local communities and neighbourhoods in Kensington and Chelsea safer.

POLICE are urging people to come forward following a collision between a cyclist and a lorry earlier this month.

Officers were called at approximately 09:45hrs on Thursday 13 September, to reports of a collision involving the cyclist and a Scania tipper lorry on Kings Road at the junction with Edith Grove, Chelsea.

FRAUDSTERS have scammed £20,000 out of Kensington and Chelsea residents over a period of three months.

People who live in the borough are being tricked into giving away their bank cards and PIN (Personal Identification Number) after a telephone call from someone claiming to be from their bank. He or she claims that their systems have spotted a fraudulent payment on the card or that the card is due to expire and needs replacing.

CHELSEA residents have won the fight to save a popular pub thanks to a change in policy and a spirited community campaign supported by 4000 online signatures.

The victory which saved The Cross Keys on Lawrence Street, could spell the end for historic community pubs being seized by developers cashing in on the rising property prices and influx of foreign investors by applying for a change of use for these well loved watering holes.

PSYCHEDELIC rock and roll is to hit the stage this Saturday at the Odeon Kensington in aid of the NSPCC and the Variety club.

On the 22nd of September the band 'Inland Empire' will launch the video for new single 'Broken Promises' and will play a 40 minute set at the iconic venue with every penny raised on the night going to the children's charities.

The band's front man Oliver Cotton said: "This is a gig we have all been looking forward to since we had the date confirmed, as it is great to have the opportunity to help people through our music who are less fortunate than us at such a fantastic venue."

Debbie Knights, Community Fundraising Manger for the NSPCC commented: "We are very grateful to both Inland Empire and the Odeon Kensington who have chosen to support the NSPCC through this event. Without the help of our supporters, the NSPCC would not be able to provide its vital services that are so often a lifeline for vulnerable children and young people"

Mike Haszko deputy head of fund raising for the Variety Club said: "We are thrilled that Inland Empire is supporting our work as it is only with the public's support that we can continue to help disabled and disadvantaged children".

Tickets for the charity gig will be £5. Doors open 11.30pm and the bar will be open until 2.30am. For more information contact: Oliver Cotton 07518465434.

A WAITROSE store which is yet to open has been inundated with job seekers, writes Camilla Horrox.

The supermarket chain said it had received 850 applications for the 50 jobs that will be created at its Little Waitrose store in Knightsbridge, which opens later this year.

Recruitment agencies in Kensington and Chelsea report that this year has been one of the toughest ever, as businesses cut back on staff in the face of the economic gloom.

DRIVERS are being advised to avoid the Chelsea end of Kings Road after the Edith Grove junction is closed following a collision between a cyclist and a lorry this morning.

A female cyclist was seriously injured and the lorry driver arrested for dangerous driving after after the incident at 9:30am this morning.