How businesses profited at expense of the Borough of Culture

BOROUGH OF VULTURES: £1.3m of arts funding provided by the Mayor of London was misused by Croydon’s Tory council to boost local businesses, but delivered a year-long flop, judging by official audience figures. EXCLUSIVE by STEVEN DOWNES Lights are on, but no one’s at home: the poorly promoted finale weekend for the Borough of Culture had a budget of £85,000 – but failed to attract any…

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Sadiq Khan has announced a £15m funding package to help tackle what he calls a “hidden crisis” of domestic abuse in London. 

The money will support a range of projects providing safe accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse, as well as specialist counselling and outreach services. 

The investment comes as Met Police figures reveal that domestic abuse rates have been higher on average over the last year, compared with the 12 months before the pandemic. 

While 89,719 such offences were recorded by the Met between March 2019 and February 2020, the figure between January and December 2023 was 96,768 - a rise of almost eight per cent. 

City Hall believes that the increase can be put down partly due to better recording practices from the police and an increase in victims coming forward and reporting crimes.

But despite the increase in reporting, the cost-of-living crisis is thought to also be exacerbating the situation - as survivors are increasingly forced to choose between staying in an abusive situation or face financial hardship

Speaking on a visit to the East European Resource Centre in Hammersmith, the mayor said: “I think domestic abuse is a hidden crisis that we don’t talk about enough.

“When I’m told that last year alone, [there were] almost 100,000 cases of domestic abuse being reported to the police, when I’m told from colleague experts that we have an epidemic of violence against women and girls, I think we should be talking about this all the time. We should be shouting about it from the rooftop.

“We’ve got to be tackling [the] perpetrators - we are in London, with GPS tagging [for] those released from prison, so that their licence conditions aren’t breached.

“We’re tackling it by the police targeting those perpetrators, so last year we had an increase of more than 500 cases of somebody charged with rape and sexual offences.

“We’ve got to be supporting victims and survivors in relation to safe accommodation, but also counselling, therapy, advocacy and support, so they have confidence to carry through with the prosecution, but also rebuild their lives too.”

The borough with the single highest number of domestic abuse offences recorded in 2023 was Croydon, with 4,977 incidents, though the highest per head of population was Barking and Dagenham with 3,747. The single lowest number - and lowest per head of population - was found in Richmond-upon-Thames, with 1,033 offences recorded.

Mr Khan said he had heard “heart-wrenching and heart-breaking” stories from survivors.

“Some of them are still going through traumatic experiences,” he said. “Some have now got help and they’re coming through the other side, and others have got through to the other side and they’re rebuilding their lives.

“So what we do know is that there is light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to being the victim of domestic abuse and domestic violence - with the right support. 

“I worry though that the cost of living crisis is exacerbating the pipeline of new victims… Also, I’m afraid, it’s leading to more difficulties for those who want to support them, because of finding safe accommodation that’s affordable and so forth.

“It’s a perfect storm for victims of domestic violence and domestic abuse.” 

The latest wave of investment forms part of the mayor’s Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation programme, which has supported more than 70 projects across London since its launch in December 2021.

According to City Hall, the programme has since that time provided safe accommodation-based support to over 23,500 survivors of domestic abuse. As well as enabling existing projects to continue, the new funding will help pay for 14 new initiatives, the mayor’s team said. 

A 15 year old girl is dead because a 17 year old boy couldn't accept that his relationship with another girl is over.

Hero schoolgirl, 15, was stabbed to death on Croydon bus in horrific rush-hour attack 'when she stepped in to protect her friend who got into row with her ex-boyfriend when he turned up with flowers and love note': Emotional tributes are paid at the scene

By JAMES FIELDING and RORY TINGLE, 

A 15-year-old schoolgirl who was stabbed to death this morning on her way to school was trying to stop a fight between her friend and her ex-boyfriend, witnesses have claimed.

Tonight the girl, who was a pupil at Old Palace of John Whitgift School in Croydon, has been named locally as Eliyanna. She was attacked at 8.30am - less than a mile away from the school gates. 

Locals say they saw a group of schoolchildren getting off the No 60 bus outside the Whitgift Centre, where a row between the girl, wearing a green school blazer, and the boy - in a black blazer - 'spilled out' on to a street busy with pedestrians. 

It was previously claimed that the girl had been attacked after she 'refused to go out' with the boy and 'rejected his offers of flowers', but it has now been claimed he was in fact trying to speak with her friend.

The friend had been trying to hand the boy back a bag of his belongings while he tried to give her flowers when the fight broke out, seeing the victim attempt to intervene, witnesses said.

This afternoon, a love note with the words 'special girl' and 'princess' written on it, along with blood stained red roses, were being examined by forensic officers. The note was then removed from the scene.

Chevanice Thomas, whose friend claims to have witnessed the stabbing, said the girl had rejected flowers from the boy moments before he attacked her with a knife that resembled 'a sword'. Another witness claimed she heard a girl saying she 'didn't want to go out with him any more'. 

The bus driver and a passenger tried desperately to save the girl's life but she died at the scene at 9.21am. Community worker James Watkins said the girl's 'devastated' family were summoned to the scene this morning but were 'unable to make it' in time to say goodbye to their daughter.

Officers arrested a 17-year-old boy in nearby New Addington at 9.45am. Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain said police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. 

Old Palace of John Whitgift School is a selective independent day school for girls aged three to 18. It is consistently ranked as one the best in London and is a sister school to Whitgift School for Boys. It is not yet clear which school the boy attended.

One witness to the attack claimed she saw a boy and a girl arguing, with a girl saying she 'didn't want to go out with him any more'.

The woman, who asked not to be identified, continued: 'There were about seven or eight children who got off a bus which stopped outside the Whitgift Centre.

'There was a young girl and young boy arguing. He had flowers with him and they were arguing about the girl breaking up with him yesterday.'

Those who knew Eliyanna said she had a bright future ahead of her, on track to pass all of her GCSES later in the school year.

Anthony King, chair of the My Ends organisation which works with the Met Police in Croydon said: 'The victim was absolutely incredible with a very bright future. A very comedic young lady. 

'The word I think that was used was jovial. She was on track to pass all of her GCSEs. She was very articulate.'

The girl's family had tried to rush to her side upon hearing that she had been hurt, but tragically arrived to late.

Mr Watkins, who works at the youth prevention and intervention programmes at Mainz World, added: 'It's disgusting, when we look at these children being killed that are from the borough it hurts you in the heart. These could be our kids, it's devastating.'

Amongst those who witnessed the stabbing were two girls, said to be the victims best friends.

Mr King added: 'Two 15 year old girls were absolutely devastated by witnessing their very close friend being stabbed. They're still being interviewed by police.'

Michael Fyffe, who witnessed the attack, told Sky News: 'I turned around and could see that someone was trying to resuscitate her.

'There were loads of people who had just come off the bus and then I think two of the girl's friends came out and they were trying to rush over towards the body.

'So myself and a few of the other people tried to hold her back and just say, ''Look let them try and help your friends" and she was just screaming, "Is my friend dead? She's my best friend".'

Speaking to journalists at the scene, Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain said officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. 

'This is every parent's worst nightmare, and I know the officers who responded this morning, along with our emergency service colleagues, are devastated at the victim's death,' he said. 

'This is an emotion I share and I know people across Croydon will be feeling the same.

'The victim's family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at what must be an incredibly difficult time.

'We carried out urgent inquiries to find the suspect and within 75 minutes of the incident happening a 17-year-old boy was arrested in New Addington. He remains in custody and will be questioned by detectives.

'We remain in the early stages of our investigation, however based on what we know so far we believe that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this offence.

'From our initial inquiries, we believe the suspect may have known the victim. However, we're not in a position to release the victim's identity at this time.'

A mother-of-two, who asked to be named only as Bridget, said: 'I was on the bus before and came off and walked back down, I saw them resuscitating her.

'The driver was holding her, and a lady. The emergency services were already here when I walked back.'

She said two other schoolgirls, believed to be the victim's friends, were trying to get back through the police cordon but were held back.

Victor Asare was on a bus on the way home from a night shift as a security worker when he said he saw a boy in a black blazer stab a girl in the neck with a knife which was 'black, thin and about a foot long'.

The 50-year-old said: 'The boy wore a black blazer, the girl wore green. It looked like the girl didn't want the boy to come closer.'

He then described the boy stabbing the girl in the neck with a black knife.

'A lot of people came, everyone came off the bus,' he said. '[The boy] ran away. Everybody was crying and screaming. The girl was on the floor.

'We tried to catch him and a lot of people tried to save the girl. I was so shocked, I was shaken. It's somebody's daughter.

'I finished work but couldn't sleep, so came back, I wanted to see if the girl was OK.'

Croydon MP Sarah Jones attended the police press conference alongside Croydon mayor Jason Perry.

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The Cardboard Box

This was originally published in 1893. It was however pulled from Memoirs apparently at Doyle's request, originally appearing in just the first US edition and did not reappear until much later in His Last Bow.

Croydon is a large town less than ten miles south of Charing Cross. Historically part of Surrey and a borough in its own right in 1889, it was incorporated in Greater London in 1965.

It would later be home to the UK's sole international airport in the interwar years, which closed in 1959. The terminal building survives and there is a museum on site.

Croydon is today a major transport hub, home to the only tram network in Southern England, which was opened in 2000 using a combination of old railway lines and new street tracks. East Croydon is the main station on the London to Brighton Line, with fast electric trains to Victoria.

It has a theatre - no Shakespeare currently on though, sadly.

Croydon was within the Metropolitan Police District, so Lestrade is within this jurisdiction.

ACD would later run for Parliament as a Liberal Unionist, parting company from the Liberal Party because of his opposition to Irish Home Rule.

Wallington is also now in London and was already its own parish at this time.

The temperance movement was pretty big across the Protestant world by this point. Britain never went as far as the US in prohibition though - despite strong support in the Liberal Party, the Conservatives were resolutely opposed and the best they could do was high taxation, along with regulated opening hours that were introduced when the First World War began.

We get Lestrade's first initial - G.

Foolscap is an 8x13-inch sized paper that was commonly used in Europe and the British Commonwealth before A4 took over.

Shadwell is an area in the East End of London, on the river and then part of the docks.

The Albert Dock is probably the Royal Albert Dock. This closed in 1981 and an attempt to turn the area into a business park in 2013 has just resulted in an area that is good for filming zombie movies: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2022/jul/20/empty-promise-the-fantasy-city-within-a-city-that-turned-into-a-ghost-town

BIG TOWN

New A6 mini zine of Croydon-based graffiti.

All photos taken in Croydon 2022-23 by easy 3.

Printed in Croydon.

As part of the Croydon London Borough of Culture ...

Super limited edition, 18 numbered copies. 36 pages (inc. cover).

Available today exclusively at 3 Piece Sweet, downstairs in Riff Raffs bar, George Street Croydon. Any remaining copies will be available this week online (more details to follow).

Nah but I can't help but think that people don't consider Croydon part of London because it's a working class borough where more than half of the residents are non-white

we can't all be posh assholes who went to cambridge uni and our dad is in the house of lords or whatever

Ruskin Square’s Heart Is In Croydon!

Ruskin Square Project & 2 Ruskin Square, located down Dingwall Road, and a few seconds walk from BOXPARK, are both exquisite office spaces offering the best architecture and is the beating heart of Croydon! #shotoniphone #photography #london

Ruskin Square Project & 2 Ruskin Square, located down Dingwall Road, and a few seconds walk from BOXPARK, are both exquisite office spaces offering the best architecture and is the beating heart of Croydon! The architectural beauty of Ruskin Square Project & 2 Ruskin Square inspire me because of their remarkable vibrance, making them stand out around the borough. Ruskin Square, Croydon, United…

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Sap Enterprise Objects Bo Coaching On-line In Uk

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We, therefore strive our stage best to offer our prospective and current college students with maximum related help and information. Hi All, I am Shubham Patil positioned in Capgemini as SAP MM – Senior Software Engineer. PRIMUS internship program is very helpful for cracking interview and understanding the business course of. Teaching mentors are excellent as they've robust information of SAP in various kinds of projects expertise.

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10 Tips for Choosing a Letting Agent

You can hire a professional Letting Agent in Croydon or anywhere else for different reasons. For example, it could be because you want to maximise your rental income without the stress of management. Also, you could use that as an opportunity to learn about what professional property management in the UK entails. Whatever your reasons, you should work with the best agent to obtain favourable results.

With the many agents available in the London Boroughs, picking the right one could prove to be an uphill task. How do you choose an agent who suits you? Here are the top 10 tips to help you:

Understand Your Service Requirements

First, determine the specific management services you require. You then choose a company you’re sure will provide these services to your satisfaction. Examples of the services these agents provide include:

Tenant-find and screening services

Inspection and repairs

Resolving tenant conflicts

Rent and arrears collection

The Service Provider Must Understand the Market

You want an agent who can help you maximise your income. Such an agent must understand how the market works in your Borough. Consequently, the agent can help you advertise aggressively and help find the right tenants quickly. Moreover, the agent can suggest the right rent to charge.

Prioritise Industry Experience

When it comes to management, you’ll not achieve anything with amateurs. So, ensure the agent you go for has a wealth of experience in this industry. The company should be ready to give you the list of companies it has worked with.

Check the Agent’s Fees

Management services have to be paid for in one way or another. Ensure the agent you go for charges affordable rates while offering the services you require. At Denhan International, we charge 0% commission. Still, we offer the best services.

The agent Must Know All the Rental Property Laws

You want to ensure your property complies with all the laws. For instance, the agent should know the certificates required in an HMO and what it takes to get an electric certificate (EICR). If not, opt for a different agent.

Does the Agent Have the Requisite Experts?

Those plumbing, electricity, and gas issues require proficient experts to deal with them. Ensure the company you intend to work with has these experts. The professionals must be ready to respond to those emergency repair requests from tenants.

Choose an Agent with a Proven Track Record

The letting agent you choose should have a reputation to protect. Such an agent will do everything possible to deliver the best services. Consequently, you can secure and maximise your rental income.

Assess the Contract Carefully

Choose a letting agent who gives a favourable contract. For instance, the agent should give you a competitive rent amount. Also, the contract should be flexible – it should be possible for you to opt out any time you want to.

Work with Compliant Letting Agents

Ensure the letting agent you go for adheres to all the laws in the UK. For example, the agent must be a member of a redress scheme – that makes work easy for you as a landlord and makes tenants feel safe. Avoid non-compliant letting agents.

Understand How the Agent Works

The agent you choose must understand what rental property management entails. Such an agent can advertise the property aggressively to ensure you find tenants fast, screen potential tenants carefully, and respond to repair requests quickly. An efficient letting agent is good for your property – the investment can remain in top shape for a long time and be a consistent source of income.

Pick the Best Letting Agent for Your Property

You deserve the best Letting Agent in Wandsworth or anywhere else to maximise your rental property income. Take time to assess the reputation, professionalism, and efficiency of the letting agent you intend to pick. The goal is to ensure you get the best out of the letting agent services.

Enhance Your Oral Health: Exploring Croydon's Premier Dental Services

Oral health serves as a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, often influencing both physical and psychological dimensions of one's life. Neglecting oral care can lead to a plethora of issues ranging from tooth decay to gum disease, impacting not just dental health but also systemic health. In Croydon, a bustling borough in South London, the realm of dental services offers a spectrum of solutions to cater to diverse oral health needs, ensuring individuals can achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

Navigating Croydon's Diverse Dental Services

Croydon boasts a rich tapestry of dental services, ranging from routine check-ups to specialized treatments, catering to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. These services are designed to address various oral health concerns and promote preventive measures to safeguard against future complications. By exploring the diverse array of dental services available in Croydon, individuals can take proactive steps towards enhancing their oral health and overall well-being.

Comprehensive Preventive Care: The Foundation of Oral Health

Preventive dental care forms the cornerstone of maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental problems before they escalate. In Croydon, dental practices emphasize the importance of regular check-ups, professional cleanings, and screenings to detect any potential issues at an early stage. By fostering a culture of preventive care, individuals can avoid costly and invasive treatments down the line, ensuring their smiles remain healthy and radiant for years to come.

Specialized Treatments: Tailored Solutions for Unique Needs

While preventive care is paramount, some individuals may require specialized treatments to address specific oral health concerns. From orthodontic interventions to periodontal therapy and restorative procedures, Croydon's dental services encompass a wide range of specialized treatments designed to meet diverse needs. Whether correcting misaligned teeth, treating gum disease, or restoring damaged teeth, these services offer tailored solutions to enhance both the function and aesthetics of one's smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry: Elevating Smiles and Confidence

In addition to addressing functional aspects of oral health, Croydon's dental services also include cosmetic dentistry procedures aimed at enhancing the appearance of one's smile. From teeth whitening and veneers to dental implants and smile makeovers, these services focus on improving the aesthetics of teeth and gums, boosting confidence and self-esteem in the process. By combining artistry with advanced dental techniques, cosmetic dentistry transforms smiles, leaving individuals feeling more confident and empowered.

Embracing Innovation: Harnessing Technology for Better Outcomes

Technological advancements have revolutionized the field of dentistry, enabling dental professionals to deliver more precise, efficient, and comfortable care to their patients. In Croydon, dental services leverage cutting-edge technologies such as digital imaging, intraoral cameras, and laser dentistry to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline treatment processes, and improve patient experiences. By embracing innovation, these services stay at the forefront of dental care, offering state-of-the-art solutions to meet the evolving needs of patients.

Patient-Centered Approach: Fostering Trust and Comfort

Central to Croydon's premier dental services is a patient-centered approach that prioritizes the individual needs and preferences of each patient. From the moment individuals step into the dental practice, they are greeted with warmth and compassion, fostering a sense of trust and comfort. Throughout their treatment journey, patients are actively involved in decision-making processes, empowering them to make informed choices about their oral health. By placing patients at the forefront of care, Croydon's dental services cultivate lasting relationships built on mutual respect and collaboration.

Conclusion: Empowering Smiles, Enriching Lives

In the dynamic landscape of Croydon dental services, the focus extends beyond mere treatment to empowerment and enrichment. Through comprehensive preventive care, specialized treatments, cosmetic enhancements, and innovative technologies, these services empower individuals to take control of their oral health and transform their smiles. By embracing a patient-centered approach rooted in compassion and trust, Croydon's dental services not only enhance smiles but also enrich lives, fostering a community where oral health thrives and individuals flourish.

Seeking Players for EPSCA U9 & U11 Zonals

EPSCA U 9 Zonal This will take place on Saturday 9th March at the Chislehurst School for Girls, Beaverwood Road, Chislehurst. BR7 6HE. 6 teams (Barnet, Essex, Hertfordshire, Hillingdon, Kent and Richmond) will compete with jamboree pairings over 12 boards to qualify for the Final. Up to 4 reserves from each team will play in a separate tournament at the same time as the main event. The number of teams to qualify for the final is likely to be five, to be confirmed. The rate of play will be all moves in 30 minutes plus 10 seconds per move from the start. The event will ECF rapid rated. EPSCA rules. which can be found at https://www.epsca.org.uk/rules-2 will apply. The schedule is as follows: - Arrival - by 11.00am - Board Stewards Meeting - 11.15am - First Round - 11.45am - Second Round – 1.25pm - Third Round – 3.05pm - Prize Giving – 4.50pm If play is running late, there will be at least 10 minutes between rounds. EPSCA U11 Zonal This will take place on Saturday 16th March at University College School, Frognal. NW3 6XH. 6 teams (Barnet, Essex, Hertfordshire, Hillingdon, Kent and Richmond) will compete with jamboree pairings over 12 boards to qualify for the Final. Up to 4 reserves from each team will play in a separate tournament at the same time as the main event. The number of teams to qualify for the final is likely to be five, to be confirmed. The rate of play will be all moves in 40 minutes plus 10 seconds per move from the start. The event will ECF rapid rated. EPSCA rules. which can be found at https://www.epsca.org.uk/rules-2 will apply. The schedule is as follows: - Arrival - by 11.00am - Board Stewards Meeting - 11.15am - First Round - 11.45am - Second Round – 1.45pm - Third Round – 3.45pm - Prize Giving – 5.35pm If play is running late, there will be at least 10 minutes between rounds. Qualification for the Teams The age limits are relative to the Academic Year; in other words, the players must be under the stated age before the 1st of September in the previous calendar year. Within the EPSCA Inter-Association Championships, Richmond Juniors is responsible for selecting teams of primary school children who live or go to school in the following London Boroughs: - London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham - London Borough of Hounslow - Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea - London Borough of Merton - London Borough of Richmond upon Thames - London Borough of Wandsworth A number of London boroughs contiguous with the Richmond Juniors area are unassociated within the EPSCA structure. Young players from these Boroughs are free to play for Richmond Juniors if they wish. Boroughs to which this applies are Ealing, Brent, City of Westminster, Lambeth, Croydon and Sutton. Finally, a player may qualify for a Richmond Juniors team, even if they reside and go to school in an area of another association, provided they can demonstrate that they have “significant ties” to Richmond Juniors. The simplest way in this case is to ask permission from the other association. There is an appeals process should permission not be granted, but Richmond Juniors has never exercised that process. Richmond Juniors general policy when asked by another association about a child with “significant ties” to that other association is permissive. We prefer not to stand in the way of a child and his or her chosen affiliat ion. Selection for the Richmond Teams Assuming your child qualfiies as above, if you wish your child to be considered for selection, please email [email protected], inlcuidng the following information: - Child's Full Name - Child's ECF Rating Id - In the absence of an ECF Rating, another rating (e.g. another national federation or an online server) and source of the rating - Child's Gender - Residential Postcode - Borough in which the child's school is located - Parent's Name - Parent's Email Address - Parent's Mobile Number - Other Parent's Name (optional) - Other Parent's Email Address (optional) - Other Parent's Mobile Number (optional) We will select for the strongest team available on the basis of the information available. For the U9 team, we will announce the selection by Wednesday 6th March, and for the U11 team by Wednesday 13th March. Further Dates The remaining fixrues in the EPSCA Inter-Association Championship are: - 13 April - U11 Girls Final - 20 April - U11 Final - 27 April - U9 Final Please diarise! Looking forward to some success for our teams. Read the full article

Auckland Rise residents suffer the 'curse' of Brick by Brick

Our housing correspondent, BARRATT HOLMES, reports on how some of the warnings about the council house-builders’ ‘affordable’ homes are becoming an costly reality in Crystal Palace Residents in supposedly “affordable” shared ownership homes built in Crystal Palace by the council-owned developer Brick by Brick have been hit with a 35% service charge hike. Highly charged: Sinead Harmey (right), a…

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'It seems that not a week goes by without another talented and successful artist revealed to have some connection in or around Croydon.

The latest is filmmaker Andrew Haigh, whose much-praised movie All Of Us Strangers is set in Sanderstead where he grew up and in the centre of Croydon itself (the “unloved south London borough”, as The Guardian described it in its film review)...'

New Overground line names..... kinda cringe, ngl...........

The Lioness line: Euston to Watford Junction - Running through Wembley, the name is to honour the achievements of the England women's football team. On the map it will be marked with yellow parallel lines The Mildmay line: Stratford to Richmond/Clapham Junction - It has been named after the small charitable hospital in Shoreditch, which played an important role during the HIV/Aids crisis in the 1980s. On the map it will be marked with blue parallel lines The Windrush line: Highbury & Islington to Clapham Junction/New Cross/Crystal Palace/West Croydon - Running through several areas with strong ties to Caribbean communities, including Dalston Junction, Peckham Rye and West Croydon, it has been named to honour the Windrush community. On the map it will be marked with red parallel lines The Weaver line: Liverpool Street to Cheshunt/Enfield Town/Chingford - With stops including Liverpool Street, Spitalfields, Bethnal Green and Hackney, the route travels through several areas of London known for their importance in the textile trade. On the map it will be marked with maroon parallel lines The Suffragette line: Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside - Named to celebrate how London's East End working-class community fought for women's rights, the line also runs to Barking, home of the longest-surviving suffragette, Annie Huggett, who died aged 103. On the map it will be marked with green parallel lines The Liberty line: Romford to Upminster - According to TfL, it is named "to reference the historical independence of the people of the borough of Havering", through which it runs, as well as the celebrating "a defining feature of London". On the map it will be marked with grey parallel lines

"liberty" line?? Are we America? No. Put that word down. Stop it. Gift it to like.... Houston or something, maybe then they'll build public transport.

I fully understand the reasoning behind "lioness", but it just sounds like English chest thumping?? Like, the worst side of society calling themselves lions and bulldogs to prove superiority?? Its also just a weird fit around all the other underground lines.

"Windrush"??? "yeah, sorry, we deported your nan by mistake after shes lived here for 50 years. But look - we've named a train line after her generation! .... No she cant come back into the country she calls home, how dare you ask"

And.... "suffragette". Oh boy. I just straight up dont like it! It doesnt sound like a train line at all! This modern rewriting of the suffragettes is... bizarre to me? If any rights group today does what the suffragettes did back in the early 1900s, theyd be labelled as domestic terrorists.... Those women bombed places. The Womens Suffrage movement was not the same thing as the Suffragettes. And while this is important history... it looks like they specifically avoided Names to not have any conversations about naming things after potentially Problematic historical figures. ... Uhhhhhh the suffragette movement definitely falls under "potentially problematic" 😬

Weavers fine. I think "Mildmay" sounds a bit strange but w/e. Its not making me cringe so you know, its fine.

Where to Buy a House in London

6 Absolutely Affordable Neighborhoods to buy a house in London

Buying a house in present-day London is no easy task, but with this definitive guide to securing the best properties in the most affordable area- we promise to break down and simplify the house hunting process for you, once and for all!

The real estate market has been on the rise and the numbers soar higher and higher with the passing time. However, if you’ve made up your mind about securing yourself the perfect abode, we have a comprehensive guide to the best neighborhoods in London that allow you a chance at owning a humble abode of your own without pinching the pocket too hard! According to the latest UK House Price Index (HPI), the places we are about to disclose just might be your one true shot at being a proud homeowner!

Bexley- With the latest budget on average house prices wavering somewhere around approx.£342,993, Bexley, a south-eastern borough in London is considered to be one of the top picks for affordable neighborhoods. The borough is surrounded by Greenwich on the west and Bromley to the south and a Crossrail service from Abbey Wood station is expected once the line starts plying. However, the housing price has experienced a 4.3% hike in this area according to the new 2019 statistics, so we suggest heading over to Bexley immediately if you don’t want to miss out on a steal deal.

Greenwich- Neighboring with Bexley is the borough on the banks of river Thames which too has been listed as one of the top preferred locations to buy properties. A borough overlooking the bespoke Greenwich park with the Royal Observatory and more, houses here would typically have an average cost of £372,803. Named after the World Heritage Site of Greenwich, this borough packs in quite some interesting attractions which makes Greenwich an appealing choice for a forever home.

Barking and Dagenham- Also located on the Eastern parts of London is the Barking and Dagenham borough continues to be one of the cheapest parts of London where you can make your dream come true with the average housing cost priced at approx. £300,517. The Barking and Dagenham continues to provide homeowners great value for money deals with the location having outstanding transport links connecting your neighborhood to Central London.

Croydon- Real estate experts have been really excited about properties in Croydon, especially since the price dropped a little since last year making Croydon one of the most favorable places to own a house of your own. If you’re wondering what the pocket pinch is, the average home would be something around £359,336 but with the ever-improving facilities, this metropolitan town south of London is regarded as quite a deal. What’s more? Croydon, being considered one of the largest commercial districts apart from Central London, has an extensive shopping and night-time economy waiting for you.

Sutton- Yet another southern wonder in London, Sutton is a large town with the schools in and around it boasting the best results in any of the boroughs in Greater London. If you’re a growing family looking to buy a bigger place, Sutton is the place to consider the average housing costs being somewhere around £368,520. Along with an attractive family growing opportunity, Sutton is also perfect for families who want their children to be a part of Sutton’s best educational institutions.

Hounslow- Another great option for growing families looking for upsizing is Hounslow in West London, a borough that has a diverse range of housing and property options duly waiting for you to explore. With the average housing cost being around £404,615 approx. The area stretches from Chiswick, East to Bedfont, West and has been undergoing proactive development in the recent years.

Apart from these, you can also find great deals on properties in Hillingdon, Havering, Enfield, Newham, and more.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN DECIDE WHETHER THE LOCATION CHOSEN BY YOU IS PERFECT OR NOT

With bigger home comes bigger responsibility and that is exactly why you should consider these pointers before indulging in the neighborhood of your choice.

Convenience is crucial and we don’t just mean grocery stores and chemists in and around the area, but also the convenience of living in a particular borough or community. Before finalizing a place, we suggest you take more than one visits, preferably, at different parts of the day (or maybe even night) to get a more elaborate idea of the neighborhood you’ll be settling in.

Background checks are necessary too. Do a background check on the house, the soil it stands on, the real estate agent willingly trying to sell the house to you, and more. Homework regarding the price ranges too would be an added advantage.

Pre-check your home before moving in. We know how exciting it is to finally have the keys to your dream home in your hands, but maybe, a little pre-check before the whole settlement won’t hurt. From termite checks to leaking pipes and whatnot, a careful breeze through of the property would be a good idea.

Compare before settling in. Lastly, it is always a good habit to compare not just the budget but the convenience, distance from school or workplace, and more and hence, don’t just settle for the property of your choice. Keep your mind flexible and your budget tightly knotted and look for variations and alternative options before finalizing.