Academisation battle

Parents were forced to drop legal action against the academisation of a primary school.

Families with children at Our Lady of Lourdes had applied to the High Court for a judicial review of Brentwood Diocese decision to turn it into an independent academy but were “priced out” of any legal action.

A representative of the parents said: “The feeling amongst the campaign group is that we don’t need to proceed further and waste thousands of pounds.”

Hero copper

PC Stuart Outten was stabbed multiple times on Thursday, August 8, when he and another officer tried to stop a van at the junction of Coopers Lane and Leyton High Road.

He was treated by his colleagues and paramedics before being taken to hospital.

In a statement his family said: “We have been overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received from the public, Stuart’s colleagues and the wider policing family.

“We are incredibly proud of the bravery Stuart showed.

“His injuries could have been fatal and we are thankful that he is stable and recovering in hospital with his loved ones around him.”

Asbestos playground

The Guardian reported traces of asbestos were found under playing fields earmarked for temporary accommodation.

Council planning documents revealed asbestos, lead and other heavy metals were discovered in soil in Manfork Way Park, Hainault.

Council documents said: “Both samples are below the hazardous waste threshold of 0.1 per cent for asbestos so have been classified as non-hazardous.”