An official representing rank and file police officers has branded proposals for a committee to monitor the force's integrity as “insulting”. Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston cited the “Plebgate” affair and recent revelations about
A 32-year-old Waltham Forest man has been named as one of two men who died after falling into the basement area of a building near central London in the early hours of Saturday morning. Police named the pair this afternoon and describe the deaths
A residents’ group slammed plans to develop on green belt land in Theydon Bois at a planning appeal this morning. People from the village aired their views over the future of Blunts Farm, arguing that Epping Forest District Council’s decision to
A 52-year-old has opted to let a jury decide whether or not she is guilty of twelve charges of nuisance behaviour. Chrissie Holyoak, of Boxted Close in Buckhurst Hill, denied harassing neighbours and breaching her Anti-Social Behaviour Order at
Two British Muslims linked to Woolwich murder suspect Michael Adebolajo have appeared in court charged with terror offences. Ibrahim Abdullah-Hassan, 28, of Carr Road in Walthamstow, and Shah Jalal Hussain, 31, of Cannon Street Road in Whitechapel
Terry Chisholm led his Foxes team to a narrow victory in the three-way Tigers, Foxes and Rabbits competition at Woodford Golf Club on Saturday. The Foxes team of mid-handicap golfers chalked up 8.5 points to prevail over the Rabbits team of high
Four East London Runners completed the Amsterdam Marathon at the weekend. Patrick Brown was first in and recorded a personal best of 2.48.50 which was enough for 180th. Manjit Bedi wasn’t far behind with 2.50.08, while Michael Wilson (3.48.11
Woodford Under-15s split their squad on Sunday to beat Braintree 19-12 but lose to Eton Manor 35-5 in friendly games. Having lost to Braintree less than a month ago, Woodford's A team were highly-motivated to wreak revenge. After nine minutes
A schoolboy who expressed concern that youth crime has increased due to a lack of leisure facilities has earned a summit on the issue with the man in charge of Redbridge Council. Elliot Wilkinson, 15, of Caterham High School in Caterham Avenue,
An amateur dramatics group begins a new run of shows on Friday. Woodhouse Players, based in Leytonstone, will perform Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw at the Welsh Church Hall in Leytonstone High Road. The play is better known by its musical
A workshop space for people who work with wood or metal is to open providing access to tools and an affordable workspace for trades people and amateurs alike. The Blackhorse Workshop, a not-for-profit organisation based in Sutherland Road, Walthamstow
The route Tour de France cyclists will be taking through the district was unveiled today. Stage thee of next year’s le tour will begin in Cambridge and continue along 33 miles of roads in Epping Forest, Redbridge and Waltham Forest en route to
A charity is holding a fundraising event for people living in Syrian refugee camps. Masoom, in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, has organised a women-only ball in an attempt to raise £20,000 for blankets to help families in the Olive Tree camp on the Turkish
A grandfather was left fighting for his life after being attacked by a bull during a family holiday in Portugal. Brian Gage, of Dale View Avenue in Chingford, underwent emergency surgery and spent three days in intensive care after suffering serious
A veterinary surgery is asking people to walk retired racing dogs and raise money for their future. Medivet in Waltham Abbey has teamed up with Whittingham Kennels to organise a sponsored Greyhound walk. On November 3 people of all ages are
Thugs who attacked a man then repeatedly punched a woman trying to defend him are facing jail. The trio left Lauren White’s head covered with bruises and fractured Jamie Flory’s eye socket after an attack in Station Road, Chingford, last year.
Sixth form college students extended a winning sporting streak last week. Leyton Sixth Form College retained their Inter College Festival of Sport winner’s trophy after a week of competition. Represented in 11 different sports by 78 students
An out-of-work carpenter who fraudulently claimed over £27,000 in benefits has been spared jail. Aubrey Crowder, 56, of Brambles Green Lane in Nazeing, pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Magistrates Court to two offences of dishonestly making false statements
People living in a street embroiled in a 30-year-old planning dispute with a neighbour have welcomed the demolition of an illegal building, but have vowed to fight on for further action. For three decades residents in Dale View Avenue, Chingford
The head Imam at a mosque which is looking to expand claims he has struck a deal to ease fears over congestion. Qur’ani Murkuz Trust (QMT) chairman and head Imam at South Woodford Community Centre, Dr Mohammed Fahim, has moved to allay residents
Children can enjoy a packed schedule of half term events at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. From African drumming and Halloween-themed arts and crafts to sports in the Copper Box Arena, children of all ages will never be short of entertainment as
A 14-year-old boy has been charged with sexual assault on a teenage girl in Chigwell. The boy, from Woodford Green, who cannot be named, allegedly forced the girl, also 14, to engage in sexual activity on April 26. The boy appeared at Chelmsford
The Mayor of London has hit back after being blamed for the police’s failure to solve 80 per cent of reported crimes in Waltham Forest. Jennette Arnold, Labour member for Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest, said this week that data released
A planning appeal is underway as residents of Theydon Bois continue to fight to preserve green belt land in their village. Today, a dozen members of Theydon Bois Action Group (TBAG) are attending a hearing at the Civic Offices in Epping, where
Children are being invited to a Halloween event on Saturday where they can 'trick or treat' safely. More than 40 traders are hosting the free event at Wood Street Market in Walthamstow at 1pm and market owner, Tony Davis, has already stockpiled
Families have just days left to have their say on proposed changes to school transport. Essex County Council is required to make savings of £215 million by 2015/16 and residents have until Friday to add their views to a consultation over cuts to
I am putting the worst potholes in the district ‘on the map’, or so I thought. I have decided not to add to the Essex County Council’s burden with my latest update, merely see how they’re getting on with their current workload. Sadly the answer
Girls at schools across Redbridge have said they regularly suffer harassment. Following a town hall debate last night involving young people for Local Democracy Week, Cllr Wes Streeting said he was “shocked” by the number of girls who said they
A teenage girl who was missing for over a week has been found safe and well. Zanna Meade, 13, of Lawson Close in Ilford, found in Stratford last night after being missing from her home since October 14.
A primary school employee is set to appear in court today charged with stealing nearly £40,000 of children’s dinner money and sports club fees. Linda Bird, 51, is accused of pocketing the cash while working for Upshire Primary School in Waltham
A gospel choir’s first music video has become an unexpected online hit. The Royal Fountain Choir uploaded a clip last Monday of the 40-strong group singing their song ‘Possible’ and already nearly 11,000 people have viewed it on YouTube. Mark
A 41-year-old woman will appear in court today charged with multiple counts of of fraud and theft. Gina Matthews, of Barfields Path in Loughton, allegedly cashed cheques totalling nearly £60,000 from 2009 to April this year. She will also answer
A 37-year-old man is due to appear in court today charge with assault. Mr Deron Grey, of York Road in Walthamstow, is aaccused of attacking Kendre Grey in Harlow in July. The defendant will appear at Chelmsford Magistrate’s Court today.
A building erected illegally has been demolished following a 30-year planning dispute. Residents in Dale View Avenue, Chingford, have been battling against neighbour, Brain Gage, since the 80s over various buildings they claim he built on land
