News in brief

STREET cleaners across Kensington and Chelsea are being balloted on whether to strike over a row about pay.

Ballot papers were sent to GMB union members this week, to be returned by October 19, asking whether to strike on October 29.

Kensington and Chelsea Council is planning to build a new children's home in the north of the borough, in East Row.

Currently there is a home in Whistler's Walk, Chelsea, which was built in the 1970s and the council says it is no longer suitable. The new home will offer space for up to nine residents.

Residents can now check if businesses have permission to place tables and chairs on pavements thanks to the launch of a new online register.

It will allow people to find out if a business is creating a pavement nuisance by placing too much furniture outside their premises, and if it is the case, they can report the matter directly to Kensington and Chelsea Council.

Kensington and Chelsea College has teamed up with the V&A and other names from the arts industry to pave the way for exciting jobs in the creative and cultural sector.

Famous London theatres, museums and galleries, including the V&A, the Science Museum, Royal Opera House, Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London, are working exclusively with the college to offer apprenticeship opportunities.

Police are looking for help in tracking down a man after a burglary between 4-5am on Thursday July 12.

The lone suspect stole a number of items from a house in Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, before walking away. He was a black man, about 5ft 10in and of athletic build.

A protest march against plans to redevelop the Odeon cinema in Kensington High Street is being held on Saturday (7).

Developers Minerva plan to replace the existing cinema with luxury homes above an underground car park, below which would be a six-screen 'box cinema.' The plans will be decided on by Kensington and Chelsea Council later this year.

A man in his 50s was found dead at his home in Henniker Mews, Chelsea on Friday (29).

Police and ambulance crews were called at about 7.30pm where they found the man on the floor.

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating after a man died following a fall from scaffolding on Monday (2).

The man was working in Linden Gardens, Notting Hill, when he fell shortly after 8am.

More than £2m of improvement works on St Lukes Garden have now been completed, including a new playground and astroturf pitch.

There is also a 'teen area' with climbing boulders, a new amenity building, improved access to all parts of the park, and the general landscape has been refreshed.

A scheme to reduce fuel bills for Kensington and Chelsea residents and improve energy efficiency in homes has been hailed a success.

More than 1,300 homes have benefitted from the RE:NEW energy saving scheme, and have been offered free home visits to assess their properties, and given tailored advice and energy saving measures where appropriate.