December 2012 Archives

A STAR-STUDDED carol concert in Belgravia helped raise a staggering £17,000 for a children's charity.

Celebrities, including pop singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum and model wife Sophie Dahl led the fundraiser at St Peter's Church, Eaton Square on Monday.

A former rough-sleeper claims he is being driven back to sleep on the streets because of drug-taking in nearby flats.

Alan Godwin moved into his Gatliff Close flat, in Ebury Bridge Road, Pimlico, just over a year ago and says that regular marijuana smoking is driving him out, writes Rupert Basham.

RESIDENTS on an estate plagued with gang crime are being handed extra democratic powers to have their say on improving their neighbourhood, writes Poppy Bradbury.

The pilot scheme by Westminster council will allow residents on the deprived Churchill Gardens Estate in Pimlico to work closely with police to reduce crime.

Mary Portas, TV's Queen of Shops, is urging her neighbours to back local markets this Christmas.

Speaking at the Christmas lights switch-on in Elgin Avenue on Monday, the Maida Vale resident said: "There is something extraordinarily wonderful and harmonious about a market... It's a great thing for a mix of products and a great opportunity for entrepreneurs. But more importantly it harmonises and gives a heartbeat to a local area."

Westminster has markets in Berwick Street, Rupert Street, Strutton Ground, Church Street and Tachbrook Street.

PADDINGTON: Firefighters have warned about candle safety after a flat fire in Bishops Bridge Road on Sunday December 9.

A fifth floor flat was severely damaged in the blaze at about 1pm, but two women escaped and were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.