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Saturday 6 March 2021

Sadiq Khan says he will put employment at the front of his re-election campaign.

The Mayor of London is promising £5m to bring jobs and tourists to the West End after the pandemic.

Khan from Tooting will launch his campaign with Labour’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner on Thursday.

He hopes to maximise his City Hall budget on a job creation programme and highlight the 300,000 Londoners who have lost their jobs due to covid.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:00 pm  

A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 21 years at Croydon Crown Court.

22 year old Jacob Koutouan was found guilty of the murder of Jaden Christie after fatally stabbing him in Stockwell.

Police were called at approximately 14:50pm on the 15th September to Stockwell Road, where Jaden was found suffering from knife wounds.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to have been stab wounds to the torso.



posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:00 pm  

A curious cat which got itself stuck up a tree in Thornton Heath decided to make its own way down – but only after firefighters pitched a ladder for it.

Crews were called to assist the RSPCA at the rescue of a cat stuck around 25ft up a tree on Harcourt Road.

Firefighters pitched a 9 metre ladder and were preparing to go up and get the cat, when it slowly made its own way down.

The cat had apparently been up there more than 48 hours, but seemed fine when it came down.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:00 pm  

Some residents in New Malden say they would be happy to see private security firms working alongside the police.

It’s after four cars were stolen last month, two from the same road.  

Officers say they are undertaking regular patrols and handing out crime prevention advice to residents. 

Lib Dem MP Sarah Olney says she can understand people’s frustration, but the police need to be able to do their job.  

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 8:00 pm  

Police say they're 'increasingly concerned' about the welfare of a woman who went missing while walking home in Clapham.

Sarah Everard disappeared as she made her way home from Clapham Junction to Brixton on Wednesday night.

The 33-year-old's family insist that's 'totally out of character'.

A search operation's now underway - detective chief inspector Ian Kenward says she'd been at a friend's house.



posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 6:00 pm  

More work is to be done to understand the causes of homelessness in Mole Valley.

Over the last ten years, there have been typically less than five known rough sleepers in the district, although it reached a high in 2019 with eight.

However, in 2015 the council prevented 95 people from becoming homeless, and 215 in 2019.

The council says they will support the homeless people with complex needs, and improve communication with their partners about threatened households.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 5:00 pm  

The family of a missing woman say her disappearance is 'totally out of character' and with every day that passes, they're getting more worried.

33-year-old Sarah Everard was last seen leaving a friend's house in Clapham Junction on Wednesday.

She'd left to walk home to Brixton.

Reporter Ivor Bennett is in Clapham Common where police are searching ponds.

He says she made contact on her journey.



posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 4:00 pm  

Travellers going to Heathrow, Gatwick or other airports will face a £200 fine if attempting to leave the UK without a valid reason.

From Monday, people in England will be required to sign a declaration form and state the purpose of any trip.

It comes as the government tries to crack down on non-essential journeys during lockdown.

Airlines will be required to check forms have been completed and deny boarding to those who do not have a good reason to travel.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 1:00 pm  

Kingston's first ever Wellbeing Week will begin on Monday.

A number of virtual activities will take place from online yoga to mental health workshops.

Kirsten Henly from organiser Kingston First explains why the week is so important.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 12:05 pm  

There's increasing concern for a woman who went missing as she walked home in Brixton.

Police say Sarah Everard hasn't been seen or heard from since Wednesday night.

The 33-year-old was heading home from the Clapham Junction area.

 

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:05 am  

A new “green highway” is being planned for a section of the busy Hampton Court Way this Spring.

A trial will see the grass verges along the route between the Palace and Thames Ditton left uncut until the Autumn.

It's hoped the highway will reverse the decline of wild bees and hoverflies which act as pollinators.

Native flowers and natural grasses will be allowed to flourish  and will encourage new habitats native to the soil conditions.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:00 am  

Grass-roots community groups in Croydon are being handed thousands of pounds to help tackle crime.

The £750,000 will be spread over three years and has come from A £6 million Mayor of London initiative.

The focus will be on supporting projects that promote positive opportunities for youngsters.

It will also be used to help shape Croydon's future recovery over the next 10 years.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:55 am  

A 16-year-old boy video-called his mum after he was stabbed in Brixton, worried he was about to die.

James Bascoe-Smith was testing out his new bike when he was randomly attacked on 23 February.

The teenager explained to his mum what happened, and she stayed on the phone until she found him on Henry Road.

He remains critically ill in hospital.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:03 am  

A man who approached an 11-year-old in a skate park in Ashtead is being hunted by police.

The boy was alone on Tuesday evening, when a man came up to him and offered him a new scooter, then to take him home.

He then went to talk to two older girls, and the boy called his mother.

At that point he made off in a white Transit van.

He’s described as 30-40 years old, white, and wearing a gilet.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 2:00 am  

An investigation has been launched in Chertsey after a man jumped out from behind a bush and repeatedly shouted at a teenage girl.

On Tuesday afternoon, she was walking along Fordwater Road when a tipper vehicle made a slow pass by her.

The suspect parked up, followed her, then ran on ahead to get behind the bush.

He continued to follow her until a person walked out from a house, at which point he ran back to his vehicle.

He’s described as between 25 and 35, Asian, an East London accent, and electric blue trainers.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 1:00 am  

A school in Walton has been making use of its empty kitchens to provide freshly cooked meals to the needy.

Westward School joined up with the Thomas Franks Foundation which supports vulnerable children and young adults.

Together, they have provided meals to people helped by Rentstart in Walton and Voices of Hope in Kingston.

They also have a number of dishes that are looking for a home before the school reopens on Monday.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 12:00 am  

Friday 5 March 2021

Toolstation has submitted a planning application for a former builders’ merchant site in New Malden.

The DIY chain wants to set up a base in Coombe Road at what was the Travis Perkins site, which closed last year.

Bosses want to build a two-storey storage warehouse with offices and a retail unit.

Details of the application can be found on Kingston Council’s website.





posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:00 pm  

A drug dealer from Chessington has been jailed for his part in a county lines gang.

22-year-old Rabbi Luaka was found with various mobile phones, which showed that he was the main line holder for a major operation.

24-year-old Jaylord Nsawu from Scunthorpe has also been jailed, after his vehicle was stopped in Addlestone during a routine check.

PC Katherine Stevens says the impact of drugs networks can be “devastating” and leads to a rise in violence and exploitation.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:00 pm  

Less than 500 cases of COVID-19 cases have been found in Surrey in the past seven days.

The case rate in the county is nearly half of what it is nationally, at 42 per 100,000 people.

Woking and Spelthorne still have the highest rate, with Waverley in the South having the lowest.

Case rates are continuing to fall dramatically in the area.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:00 pm  

The missing person who had the Brazilian variant of coronavirus in England has now been found in Croydon.

A hunt started after they didn’t properly fill out their details when arriving back into the UK.

They were one of six confirmed cases of the mutation.

Doctor Susan Hopkins, from Public Health England, says the search was quick and thorough - eventually ending in Croydon in London.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:00 pm  

Wandsworth Council staff will not be forced to get the Covid vaccine

The authority says that it’s going to be offered on a “voluntary” basis, but details of staff being offered the vaccine will be collected.

At a council meeting, the issue was described as a “legal minefield.”

Wandsworth Council says it will also not be asking staff if they have had it or not.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 6:45 pm  

An authorised traveller camp has left a site in Ham

No damage was caused to the site on Riverside Drive, although a “few bags of waste” were left behind.

They arrived on Wednesday, and the council gave them a deadline of 4pm Thursday to leave.

They left before the deadline.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 6:30 pm  

They may be cute and fluffy, but squirrels are believed to be the cause of a house fire in Streatham

No one was injured in the blaze in Ellison Road yesterday, but part of the roof and loft were gutted.

Inspectors say it’s thought one of the animals nibbled through the electrical cabling in the converted space.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 6:04 pm  

TfL is advising people stay at home where they can because of bus strikes taking place today and tomorrow

Driver members of the Unite Union are taking the action against parent company RATP Group over new contracts and pay.

Strike action is affecting routes out of the Fulwell bus depot among others across South West and North London. 

Around 80 services, including night-time ones, are affected with another strike expected on Wednesday.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 5:53 pm  

A health minister says a 1% pay rise for NHS staff is all the government can afford as they focus on protecting jobs

Nadine Dorries says "in an ideal world" nurses would be paid more - after the increase was called pitiful and "a slap in the face".

Dame Donna Kinnair, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, says an increase for nurses of around £3.50 a week is "woefully inadequate".

Streatham Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy says “It shows how little this Government has changed & how little it values NHS staff’s huge contribution.”

Tooting Labour MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, who does shifts at St George’s Hospital, criticised the government’s £37bn spend on Test and Trace contracts.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 1:00 pm  

Mass Covid-testing and bubble systems are expected to be integral in schools when children return on Monday

It’ll be staggered, with the full-time return of all secondary school pupils expected after the Easter holidays.

Professor Mark Fielder is a lecturer in Microbiology at Kingston university. 

He’s more positive about schools returning this time round. 

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 12:30 pm  

“Urgent action” is need to prevent Skylarks being lost from Richmond and Bushy Parks

The increased number of visitors to the parks mean that the nests are being trampled on or disturbed by dogs.

They’re small brown birds which can produce songs for up to an hour.

The breeding territories are marked by signs, and people are being told to keep dogs on short leads in the areas. 

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 12:02 pm  

Conservative John Boughtflower is still the leader of Spelthorne Council, after an unsuccessful no confidence bid

Green Party leader Jan Doefel brought the motion, saying that the 53 hectares of green belt land due to be released is too much.

Cllr Boughtflower says work to find alternative sites is ongoing, and he wants to protect the green belt.

He also says he’s been subject to abuse for months on social media.

The motion was defeated, with 17 votes against it, eight for, and ten abstentions.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:11 am  

NHS workers have called a 1% pay rise for health workers a 'disgrace'

Labour says the plan for England is insulting, while unions claim a nurse would only take home an extra £3.50 a week.

The government says it's fair when many people working in leisure and hospitality face losing their jobs entirely.

Twickenham Lib Dem MP Munira Wison says “It takes quite some front to suggest nurses should be grateful for their 1% pay rise insult because others got a pay freeze”.

She also suggested the government wasted £37bn on a “malfunctioning” test and trace system.

Health minister Nadine Dorries says they're doing their best to honour the NHS:

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:30 am  

Keeping Covid under control is a vital part of the ongoing vaccination programme

That’s according to Professor Mark Fielder, head of Medical Microbiology at Kingston University.

He says that until more people have received their vaccines, lockdown restrictions can’t be relaxed.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:44 am  

Fulham boss Scott Parker believes VAR is robbing football of emotion, after the technology cost them a goal in their 1-nil defeat to Tottenham

Their Premier League survival hopes were dented after Josh Maja's equaliser was chalked off for a hand ball in the build up.

Parker says he's fed up with the game being micro-managed.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:31 am  

Residents in Kingston may have won the battle of the Villiers Road recycling centre charges, but they now have a new one on their hands

The authority did a u-turn on the plans at the start of the year after a petition against them attracted mass support.

But the council has now agreed to limit visits per household to site to 20 times per year, something residents also objected to.

A new petition centering around this rule is live on the council’s website until tomorrow.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 8:32 am  

The number of privately-owned electric vehicles on the UK's roads has doubled in a year

New analysis from the RAC shows 86,000 were licensed at the end of September, compared with 56,000 in 2019.

The areas with the largest number of battery-powered cars are in London, Wiltshire and Cornwall, while the smallest number are in South Wales.

The borough of Sutton has had the ninth-fastest growth, with an 87% increase year-on-year.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:06 am  

Thursday 4 March 2021

Sutton Council has paid tribute to the area’s NHS workers for vaccinating over 50,000 residents against Covid-19

 Sutton has seen over 15,000 positive cases of the virus so far; the equivalent of one person in every five homes.

Epsom and St Helier hospital data also shows there are 137 people in their care, with 453 deaths.

Over 22,000 residents in Sutton over 70 have had their first vaccination, with 28,000 people from other groups aged 16 to 69.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:25 pm  

People forced to drive in Hounslow during a planned bus strike are to receive help with parking

Tomorrow and Saturday, drivers from the Unite Union are due to walk out in a row over pay and conditions.

People in Hounslow will be able to park on street beyond the normal two or four hour stay without further charge.

However, the car must be moved before the start of the next day’s paid-for parking period.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 8:07 pm  

Instagram has removed the account of a person who sent racist abuse to Crystal Palace full-back Patrick van Aanholt

The defender shared a picture of the messages following Wednesday night's  goalless Premier League draw with Manchester United.

He captioned it with the phrase "Why we kneel", in reference to the anti-racism gesture players make before matches.

 

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:56 pm  

Over 6,000 people in Richmond will get a 100% council tax relief

It’ll be means-tested for the most needy residents.

The number of people in the borough claiming Universal Credit is now over 10,000.

All fees are charges are to be frozen for the next 12 months, and a general rise in council tax will be the lowest in five years.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:25 pm  

A dead dog has been found dumped in a suitcase beside railway tracks in Teddington

A walker spotted the animal in Linden Grove yesterday.

The adult female, tan-coloured German shepherd type was extremely emaciated and wasn’t microchipped or wearing a collar.  

The RSPCA wants any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 6:30 pm  

A No Confidence Motion in the leader of Spelthorne Council is going ahead tonight

Luke Williams reports:

Jan Doefel, the leader of the borough’s Green Party, is hoping to replace the conservative John Boughtflower.

Doefel says that the 53 hectares of Green Belt land due to be released in the local plan is too much.

He also says the housing plan has failed to take into account changes due to COVID-19, such as a drop of commuters into London.

He says the current housing target of 603 per year is “overproviding housing that no one wants”, and he wants to focus on the “local need”.

The motion is being co-signed by the United Spelthorne group, including former leader Ian Harvey.

He says that he has identified character traits in Councillor Doefel that he believes are “crucial for a leader to exhibit”.

We’ve contacted current leader John Boughtflower for comment.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 5:59 pm  

A 22-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder in Croydon

It’s after a 19 year old man was stabbed to death in Alpha Road yesterday lunchtime. 

Formal identification is yet to take place but officers say they are confident that the victim is Tai Jordan O’Donnell.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 3:28 pm  

A special event will take place in Kingston tonight to address the Covid-19 vaccine take up among the BAME community

England's Deputy Chief Medical Officer said last month it "really concerns" him that fewer BAME people may get the jab.

Doctors, councillors and Kingston’s Director of Public Health, Iona Lidington, will host tonight’s meeting. 

The event will be held virtually on Kingston Council’s Youtube channel from 6.30pm. 


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 2:43 pm  

People have been told to avoid part of a road in Streatham, while the Fire Brigade tackled a fire there

Part of the loft of a semi-detached house on Ellison Road was alight.

The cause is under investigation, and there are no reports of any injuries.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 1:00 pm  

A man has been stabbed to death in Croydon

Police were called just after midday yesterday to Alpha Road, where the 19-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

There have been no arrested and enquiries are continuing.

If you have any information, contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers to remain anonymous.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 12:02 pm  

A machete has been seized from a large gathering in Chiswick

In the early hours of Sunday morning, police were called to Horticultural Place, where they found 30 people in a building.

A significant amount of alcohol was found in the fridge as well as the weapon.

A 32-year-old man was identified as the organiser, and has been reported for a £10,000 fine.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:08 am  

Travel experts say yesterday’s Budget has left the aviation industry out in the cold

Heathrow had issued a plea for aid beforehand as it contemplates £2 billion worth of losses because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

But there was no specific mention of help from Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Parmjit Dhanda from Back Heathrow was hoping for rates relief in the very least.  

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:31 am  

Lambeth Council wants to re-name Clapham Town

A campaign has been launched to change the ward name to Clapham Wilberforce to honour William Wilberforce.

He was the founder of the Holy Trinity Clapham religious sect.

Clapham Old Town was the spiritual base of the group in the late 18th and early 19th century as part of the movement to abolish slavery. 

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:55 am  

Travellers who arrived in Ham yesterday have until 4pm to vacate or be evicted

The unauthorised camp set up in Riverside Drive where Richmond Council promptly issued an eviction notice.

If the group hasn’t left by this afternoon, the authority will instruct bailiffs to enforce their eviction.  


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 6:51 am  

Wednesday 3 March 2021

Richmond has been named London's best performing borough for national and borough Covid-19 tracing

More than 650 residents who have tested positive for the virus have been traced via the council's own system.

The authority decided to embark upon its own test and trace programme in November to help identify cases more quickly.

871 cases have also been referred to Richmond's test and trace team from the larger NHS scheme. 

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:56 pm  

The Children's Trust in Tadworth says it is coping with a £1.3 million fundraising shortfall this year because of the coronavirus pandemic

The national charity cares for up to 60 young people with brain injuries at its Surrey site alone.

Dalton Leong is its Chief Executive.

He says he's proud of how the staff and residents have coped over the last 12 months.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:10 pm  

All boroughs across Surrey have reported less than 100 covid-19 cases in the past seven days

The cases numbers have been dropping more and more steeply over the last two weeks.

Woking and Spelthorne are continuing to post the highest number, with Reigate and Banstead falling down the table after weeks of showing the highest caseload.

The case rate for the county is just 49, compared to 91 across England. 

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:02 pm  

Police are linking the death of a man in Walton with an incident in Chertsey at the start of February

 Officers were called to Weir lock in Walton at around 12.15pm on Sunday to reports of a body in the Thames. 

It’s believed this is the same man who was spotted jumping into the river at Chertsey on the 3rd of February.  

His next of kin has been informed and the death is being treated as unexplained. 


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:00 pm  

Travellers who arrived in Ham this morning have been given more than 24 hours to leave

The unauthorised camp set up in Riverside Drive at 10am.

Richmond Council officers were sent to visit the travellers to carry out a welfare check and hand over an eviction notice.   

If they don’t vacate before 4pm tomorrow, the authority will instruct bailiffs to enforce their eviction.  


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 6:30 pm  

One sector appears to have been completely left out of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s recovery programme

The aviation industry, which employs around a million people, has been decimated by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Parmjit Dhanda is the Executive Director of Back Heathrow. 

He explains what they were hoping for in today’s budget:

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 6:00 pm  

A man has been jailed for 18 years for a machete attack in Tooting which left his victim with life-changing injuries to his arm

37-year-old Noor Kayani attacked the man in Selkirk Road in broad daylight one Sunday afternoon last June.

Police were already at the location dealing with an unrelated matter when the 32-year-old victim stumbled onto the scene.

The victim and Kayani, who were known to each other, had rowed over a phone before violence erupted.



posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 5:00 pm  

The Duchess of Cornwall has said Prince Philip's condition is "slightly improving" as she paid a visit to Croydon this morning

 Camilla's been speaking about her father-in-law while visiting a vaccination centre.

The Duke of Edinburgh's being treated for an infection and tested for a pre-existing heart condition in central London.

The 99-year-old's expected to remain in hospital until at least the end of this week.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 4:34 pm  

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the stamp duty holiday to the end of September in his long- awaited Budget

There’s also new guarantee to help lenders offer 95% mortgages for homebuyers.

Niki McGibbon is a Partner at Groves Residential estate agency in New Malden.

She says first time buyers now need to take stock of the situation: 

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 3:06 pm  

The Chancellor's been setting out the details of the Budget in the House of Commons

It includes an extension of the furlough scheme until September and a rise in the limit for contactless payments, to £100.

Kirsten Henley is the Chief Executive at Kingston First.

She explains why the furlough extension is essential:

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 2:53 pm  

People in Wandsworth and Merton may have some water issues this afternoon

Maintenance work is being carried out by Thames Water.

In recent weeks, people in the area have had some supply issues.

Anyone who experiences problems should report them on the Thames Water website.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 12:06 pm  

The government will continue "paying people's wages for another six months as part of the furlough scheme."

Rishi Sunak will set out the details in his Budget later with  more support for newly self-employed people  also expected.

Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond says he wants a guarantee that those who became self employed in 2019 can receive support. 

He says “These are the people who will ensure that the creative industries can reopen and thrive, but many have not received support.”

Elsewhere, it's been hinted some taxes could be hiked as part of the announcement.

The chancellor's also going to increase the legal limit on contactless payments to £100.

It'll more than double from the current £45 restriction.

Rishi Sunak says it'll make transactions easier and boost the struggling retail sector.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:57 am  

Chiswick RNLI has been called out to more than 30 incidents in the 8 weeks since New Year

Volunteers have helped search for missing children, walkers cut off by the high tide and sunken vessels.

The station remains the UK’s second busiest after RNLI Tower.

Crew members are trying to raise £2,000 via JustGiving to help stay afloat following the Coronavirus pandemic.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:56 am  

Hear from former Chancellor and Kingston MP Lord Norman Lamont ahead of the budget today

 Rishi Sunak's due to extend the furlough scheme to September in today's budget - a move the opposition says should have been made months ago.

We already know there'll be schemes to help first-time buyers, the arts and sports, plus extra funding for the vaccine programme.

Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle's not happy that so much of it has been pre-announced.

Labour says the Chancellor's more focused on getting his "moment in the sun" than protecting jobs and livelihoods.

But former Conservative Chancellor Lord Norman Lamont, who represented the now-abolished Kingston-upon-thames constituency from 1972 to 1997, says it's difficult to assess when to end something so unprecedented.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:03 am  

Some staff at Reigate and Banstead Borough Council are preparing to strike

It’s after the GMB union members turned down what they are calling a “derisory pay rise” offer of 1.3%. 

The union says staff have gone above and beyond during the pandemic at a time when many are struggling financially. 

The dates of the strike action are yet to be announced. 

Cllr Mark Brunt, Council Leader, responds to the proposed strike action.

‘This decision from GMB members follows months of discussions about the 2021/22 pay award between Officers and Union representatives from Unison and GMB, as well as the Council’s Staff Association. These discussions form part of our annual budget setting process and are in line with our local bargaining arrangements for pay and conditions.

‘We are disappointed that GMB members - a small proportion of the Council’s staff – have rejected the 1.3% pay award. We stand by the award which, as well as being accepted by our major recognised Union – UNISON, we feel recognises the hard work and dedication of our staff, while also reflecting the financial challenges we face as a council, and the broader national picture. This award is in addition to a one-off payment we made to all employees in August last year as a thank you for their incredible commitment and efforts.

‘We are incredibly proud of our dedicated key workers, who have responded valiantly to a range of challenges throughout this unprecedented year to keep our essential services running and provide support to our communities and local businesses.

‘We would challenge the GMB’s statement that we are ‘racing to the bottom’ in terms of an award. A 1.3% award is one of the highest being offered across the Surrey Local Authorities this year and follows a 2.3% award last year. We face unprecedented times as a Council but stand by how important our staff and their efforts are, hence why we have committed to this award despite many other authorities freezing pay and making cuts.

‘We hope that GMB reconsiders its position and that strike action can still be avoided.

‘I would like to reassure residents that we are putting in place plans to minimise any disruption to our essential services, on which we know they rely, should strike action go ahead.’

Contrary to what GMB have reporting in their own statement and social media posts, the Council remains open to discussions with GMB and has been in contact with ACAS to discuss mediation, with the aim of avoiding strike action.

The Council will update its website and social media channels with details of any service disruption should strike action go ahead.




posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 8:30 am  

A government consultation on whether to extend night flights out of Heathrow ends today

The No 3rd Runway Coalition is seeking a phased reduction of night flights between 2022 and 2024 and a ban thereafter.

It’s felt the current 6.5 hour suspension is not sufficient because it doesn’t account for noise during landing and before take-off.

Studies show that aircraft noise causes sleep deprivation for those living under the flight path, damaging physical and mental health. 


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:10 am  

Tuesday 2 March 2021

It's understood the Chancellor is planning to increase the contactless payment limit to 100 pounds in tomorrow’s Budget.

But some banks want the government and regulators to phase in the hike from the current 45 pound maximum.

They’re worried about the risk of fraud increasing.

The Business Secretary and Spelthorne MP Kwasi Kwarteng insists the Chancellor will be focusing on helping firms, not trying to balance the books with tax rises or spending cuts:



posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:17 pm  

Community figures from across Kingston have come together to urge everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

BAME people are both more likely to have severe symptoms, and have a lower takeup of the jab.



posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:10 pm  

A man is believed to have posed as a Thames Water worker to burgle a home in Walton.

Yesterday, the man said he was there to do some pipe work and asked to run the person’s tap.

Nothing was stolen, and the resident called the police.

He’s described as white, tale, slim, with short brown hair, and wearing a white and blue chequered shirt with a grey jacket.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:45 pm  

A man has been fined in Hounslow, after he tried to swallow what was believed to be Class A drugs during a search.

50-year-old Paul Ellingham from Feltham said the materials were for his own use, and he wasn’t a dealer.

Further searches found a large amount of cash, two mobile phones, and drugs hidden in a cast on his arm.

He pleaded guilty to possession and ordered to pay £220 and given a rehabilitation order.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 8:54 pm  

Only one Surrey borough has more than 100 coronavirus cases, and even then, only slightly.

Woking has reported just 103 cases in the past seven days.

The case number overall is 623, a number not seen since early October.

Guildford has the lowest rate, at just 37 per 100,000 people.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 8:24 pm  

Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald fears his career may end prematurely, due to a kidney condition.

The 32-year-old has lived with chronic kidney disease for 12 years and is due to have a transplant next month.

He told the club’s website that he won’t know if he would even want to continue “until I get the operation done and see how I will feel”.

He’s made 128 appearances for the cottagers since 2016 but hasn’t appeared this season due to illness.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:57 pm  

It's understood the Chancellor is planning to increase the contactless payment limit to 100 pounds in tomorrow’s Budget

But some banks want the government and regulators to phase in the hike from the current 45 pound maximum.

They’re worried about the risk of fraud increasing.

The Business Secretary and Spelthorne MP Kwasi Kwarteng insists the Chancellor will be focussing on helping firms, not trying to balance the books with tax rises or spending cuts:

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 5:37 pm  

TfL is advising people stay at home where they can as it anticipates fresh bus strikes this weekend

Driver members of the Unite Union are taking the action against parent company RATP Group over new contracts and pay.

Strike action on Friday and Saturday would affect routes out of the Fulwell bus depot among others. 

Stay tuned to Jackie for the latest travel across the weekend.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 4:51 pm  

Two Scorpion machine guns and 40 rounds of ammunition have been seized after a teenager was detained near Chiswick Park tube station

The 19 year old was arrested earlier on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition.

He has been taken to a west London police station where he remains for questioning.




posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 2:09 pm  

Boris Johnson says he's "very keen to bring football home" with the government backing a bid for the UK and Ireland to host the 2030 World Cup

Ministers will provide £2.8m to support the plans.

Mr Johnson's also offered to stage all of this summer's European Championships if needed.

Business secretary and Spelthorne MP Kwasi Kwarteng says he'd be happy to see football bringing investment into the country.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 1:00 pm  

We're being encouraged not to throw out food this week if we can help it

The closure of bars, pubs and restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in Britons spending £15.2bn more on food shopping.

Data shows each household spent around £4,800 in supermarkets over the last year, that's £500 more than usual.

We also drank an additional two billion cups of tea at home during the last 12 months.

Meanwhile, this week is Food Waste Action Week.

We’re being encouraged to keep our food waste as close to zero, it’s one of the biggest contributors to climate change.

In Hounslow, 20% of food found in food waste bins is avoidable and could have been eaten.

Planning meals and making the most of leftovers are some of the ways people can prevent waste.

We can also prevent food waste by:

Being clear on dates, use by dates are for safety but best before dates are all about quality it could still be consumed.

Creating new tasty recipes using leftover food.

Meal preparation and planning so you only buy what you need.

Lowering your fridge temperate to less than 5 degrees so food can stay fresh for longer.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:06 am  

A man has been charged with five knifepoint robberies at supermarkets in South-West London

45-year-old Domingo Henderson from Streatham Hill is accused of incidents in Hounslow, Ealing and Richmond.

The Met Police’s Flying Squad was involved in arresting him.

He’s accused of committing robberies between October and February.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:04 am  

A former councillor has thanked Kingston Hospital for saving his life

Andrew Day tested positive for Coronavirus at the start of February but took himself to A&E when his oxygen levels dropped.

He was in ICU and then a regular ward for over two weeks.

Andrew says the care didn’t stop after he left the hospital.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:34 am  

Sutton Council wants more people from the LGBT+ community to become foster carers

The authority is responsible for fostering around 250 children and young people.

Bosses say the Covid-19 pandemic has made the situation even more challenging.

It’s actively welcoming people to apply from all backgrounds, religions and sexualities who have a passion for caring for children.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 8:32 am  

Surrey Police says it is seeking to identify and prosecute those who flouted Covid-19 rules at a funeral in Epsom last week

More than 200 people are estimated to have turned out on Friday afternoon; current rules state only 30 people can attend a service. 

Officers say they had prior warning of the funeral and issued advice to organisers but some disregarded it. 

Evidence collected at the time is now being reviewed to see what action, if any, can be taken. 

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:07 am  

Anyone who sees people catapulting ducks in Gogmore Park in Chertsey is asked to report it immediately.

One person reported that in Staines, a goose was shot at point blank range, and when a couple protested they threatened to hurt their baby.

Runnymede Police says “it doesn’t have much impact tagging us eleven hours later with angry discussion on Facebook”.

The force says reporting at the time allows them to deploy resources for an area search, and capture photographic evidence.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 12:00 am  

Monday 1 March 2021

Over 100 warnings have been given to people getting too close to the deer in Richmond Park in a single day.

That includes 20 people who tried to feed the animals, and one who was holding the antlers on Saturday.

A dog owner was recently fined £800 after his dog caused a stampede that left a child hospitalised.

People are being warned to stay away from the deer and treat them as wild animals.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:00 pm  

Anyone having a blood test done at St George’s Hospital in Tooting is to be offered an HIV test as well.

An estimated 7% of people in the UK who were living with the disease in 2019 didn’t know they had it.

Dr Melissa Hempling says the test is “safe and reliable and only takes a minute”.

She adds that the earlier its diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and lead a healthy life.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:00 pm  

A County Lines police operation has resulted in 154 arrests in London alone.

Units across the Met, Surrey, Essex, Sussex and Thames Valley forces worked together on the week-long operation last week.

The aim was to stop drug dealers and high harm offenders in their tracks.

Officers used ANPR technology along motorways and A roads connecting London to regional areas to stop vehicles linked to drugs.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:00 pm  

Kingston Council has approved a balanced budget to support residents and businesses to recover from the pandemic

It includes a 1.99% increase in council tax and a 3% increase in the adult social care precept. 

This will help support the costs of providing council services, support to vulnerable people, and the councils £113.3m infrastructure investment.

Despite receiving support from the government to cope, the Council has been left with a Covid shortfall of £4 million.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:00 pm  

Investigations are continuing following a collision on the M25 at Heathrow which has left a man in a life threatening condition

A petrol tanker collided with a white Mitsubishi Lancer that was being pushed in lane one by two occupants.

It is believed that the Mitsubishi had broken down on the roundabout at Junction 14 prior to the collision on Saturday afternoon. 

A 44-year-old man is in a life-threating condition and a 20-year-old woman is now in a stable condition.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 6:00 pm  

Special “Clink Kitchens” are to be rolled out at 70 prisons across England and Wales

The aim is to reduce re-offending by giving prisoners the skills they need to find work in the catering industry upon release.

Kitchens are already in service at HMP High Down in Sutton and HMP Brixton. 

They are the brainchild of the Clink charity; Chris Moore is its CEO:

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 5:20 pm  

Mobile operating theatres are to open at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton

It’s to support faster treatment for patients waiting for day surgery as a result of the pandemic.

The areas will be standalone, and located on a section of the hospital’s car park.

The facility is not yet operational, but the four of them are due to open this Spring.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 3:56 pm  

An immersion heater is believed to be behind an explosion at a flat in Hampton Hill in the early hours

Firefighters rescued a man and woman who were trapped on the second floor of the three-storey building.

Crews also evacuated four people from other flats as a precaution.

Officers say it appears the immersion heater had exploded with quite some force and destroyed the cupboard it was in.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 3:15 pm  

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says they may have missed a chance to climb into the Premier League's top four, but they're still in the battle to finish there after a goalless draw with Manchester United

His side are just a point outside the final automatic Champions League qualification spot.

Tuchel says they're making steady progress.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:30 am  

A police counter in New Malden is to close this summer

 Around half of police stations in the UK have been closed over the past decade.

According to the Daily Mail more than 660 front counters have been shut since 2010.

The Home Office says there's a "range of reasons" for the closures - including a rise in the use of online crime reporting.

The police counter at the CI Tower in New Malden is to close down in June.

Officers based at the site will be moving back to Kingston.

The team is at full capacity and includes two volunteer special constables working around 20 hours per week. 

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:19 am  

Two horse riders are in hospital with serious injuries, after falling off them in Tadworth

Emergency crews were called yesterday afternoon at 12.40 to the Dorking Road and New Road area.

Police are investigating what happened to cause the two women’s injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers to remain anonymous.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:19 am  

Sunday 28 February 2021

There’s been an increase in graffiti in New Malden.

Neighbourhood Police is urging residents to take photos if they come across it and report it to their ward officers.

British transport police is also checking tags to see if anyone previously arrested should be investigated again. 


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 8:00 pm  

People are being reminded to test their smoke alarms after a house fire in Croydon.

On Wednesday, six engines and around 40 firefighters were called to Cator Crescent.

Most of the ground floor and part of the first floor of an end-of-terrace house were damaged - one man was treated for injuries at the scene.

It’s believed the fire originated in a cupboard under the stairs.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:36 pm  

A mum and daughter team from Molesey have turned lockdown frustration into success.

Lynda Phoenix originally created “The Happy Craft Box” to help keep 5-year-old Fifi busy during lockdown 1.

The boxes of arty activities were soon being posted to Fifi’s friends, and their popularity has boomed into an online business.

Lynda told us how she came up with the idea..

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:32 pm  

A fire in Roehampton is thought to have been caused by a downlight.

On Wednesday, six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a house fire on Roedean Crescent. 

Part of the second floor and the roof of  a detached house was damaged by fire. 

There were no reports of any injuries.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:25 pm  

A man from Croydon has been given an extended sentence of six years and four months for an attempted robbery in Redhill.

38 year old Mark Evans was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court after pleading guilty to all charges. 

On the 6th December Evans entered Redhill Food and Wine in Horley and threatened the shop worker with a glass bottle, demanding repeatedly that he “Empty the till.”

He will serve a custodial term of three years and four months, with an extended licence period of three years to follow.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:24 pm  

A man’s been charged in connection with a series of knifepoint robberies at supermarkets in Ealing, Hounslow and Richmond.

Domingo Henderson, who’s 45, was charged with five robberies, two attempted robberies and possession of a bladed article.

The suspect is alleged to have waited for stores to be opened by staff, before threatening them with a knife.

In total, over £25,000 worth of cash and goods were stolen.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 4:14 pm  

Organisers of the Golden Globes say there won't be a red carpet this year - with nominees appearing from home instead.

Emerald Fennell, from Hammersmith, is up for best director for the film Promising Young Woman.

She’s one of three female filmmakers in the category - a Golden Globes first.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 3:35 pm  

There’s going to be an online meeting to give people an update on the Hammersmith Bridge closure.

Measures to reduce the impact on local people and businesses will be up for discussion.

Richmond Council will also give an update on proposals for a ferry service and temporary bridge.

The public meeting will take place on Wednesday 17th March at 6.30pm – registration must be completed by 5pm on the day.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 3:00 pm  

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is full of praise for Chelsea’s new boss Thomas Tuchel ahead of their game later.

Solskjaer’s still confident United can end Chelsea's unbeaten run under Tuchel but is impressed with the German’s work..

United are Stamford Bridge looking to preserve their own record – they haven’t lost an away game in the Premier League this season.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 2:39 pm  

World War two artillery has been found in East Sheen.

Officers were called at midday yesterday to East Sheen Common.

Cordons were put in place while the ordnance was removed by specialist officers.

Cordons have now been lifted and officers thanked the public for their patience while the incident was dealt with.


posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 2:37 pm  

A pharmacy in New Malden has stopped selling Codeine syrup following a spate of anti-social behaviour.

The General Pharmaceutical Council advised the site at The Triangle  to take the step.

The syrup is said to be attractive to youngsters as a legal high.

There have been no problems in other shops at the Triangle since the action was first taken in October.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 12:30 pm  

Fulham boss Scott Parker thinks his team have a "fighting chance" of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

They can move to within one point of safety by beating Crystal Palace this lunchtime.

Parker's side are unbeaten in four matches and go into the game on the back of a win over Sheffield United.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 12:00 pm  

A body has been recovered from the River Thames in Walton.

Officers were called to reports of a body in the water at Weir lock at around 12.15pm yesterday afternoon.

Sadly, the body of a man was recovered later that afternoon.

The man’s next of kin have been informed. 

Enquiries remain ongoing, although the death is believed to be non-suspicious at this time.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:30 am  

A man from Clapham is to serve life with a minimum of 20 years in prison after being found guilty of murder.

34 year old Levi Paschal was found guilty of murdering 38-year-old Lee Casey in Brixton park in August 2019.

He was also sentenced to 11 years for attempted robbery and six years for GBH against a second victim.

His partner, 32 year old Clementine Jones was sentenced to 10 years for attempted robbery and five years for GBH.



posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 11:00 am  

A known burglar has been caught in Feltham.

The person was spotted by officers walking around the area with a crowbar and various other tools last night.

The suspect was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 10:00 am  

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has tipped Fulham to avoid Premier League relegation ahead of their meeting this lunchtime.

Scott Parker's team have won two of their last three games to give themselves a fighting chance of survival.

Palace were winners themselves last time out, beating rivals Brighton.

Hodgson hopes that doesn't mean his players go into today's game against his former club in a complacent mood.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 9:00 am  

Kingston’s Green Party has called on the council to create a children’s mental health fund post-Covid.

Members suggested the money should come from the freezing of councillor and senior directors’ pay.

But the move was rejected by councillors at a meeting on Thursday night.

Cllr, Sharron Sumner, said, “In tough times councillors should lead by example. I’m really disappointed they refused to back my call.”

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 8:00 am  

Anyone living with school-aged children in England will be entitled to two rapid Covid tests a week when pupils return to the classroom a week tomorrow.

It's already been announced that secondary school and college students will get them every few days.

It's hoped by extending it to their families, asymptomatic cases will be picked up.

Andrea Parker's a headteacher of a primary school in Clapham Common.

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 7:01 am  

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