Sadiq Khan aims to revitalise Oxford Street with plans for partial pedestrianisation, challenging the Westminster council’s approach.

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has announced plans to take charge of Oxford Street’s future, accusing Westminster council of failing to revitalise the iconic shopping thoroughfare. Khan expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of the street, stating that the council’s efforts have been inadequate to address the area’s decline.

In an interview following the launch of a public consultation on Oxford Street’s future, Khan criticised the council for not making the most of the street’s strategic importance. “Oxford Street is vital for both businesses and visitors,” he said, stressing the need to restore its status as a national asset.

The mayor proposes a new “mayoral development corporation” to oversee the transformation of Oxford Street, with plans to gradually remove traffic from parts of the street. This move comes after ongoing concerns from the Labour-led Westminster council, which Khan claims was previously an obstacle to progress. He is optimistic that the council will now support his vision for change, particularly given the street’s deteriorating condition and the rise of vacant, low-quality stores.

The proposed transformation includes plans for partial pedestrianisation, although full implementation would require further consultations and government approval. The consultation, set to run for nine weeks, seeks feedback on the principle of pedestrianising the street, as well as the establishment of the mayoral development corporation. Khan has also indicated interest in gaining control over parts of Oxford Street currently under Camden council’s jurisdiction.

Khan believes that Oxford Street has been negatively affected by factors such as the pandemic and the growth of online shopping. He envisions the area as a thriving, green, and accessible destination for both Londoners and tourists, suggesting that significant changes could improve air quality and reduce road dangers. While his proposals include pedestrianising certain sections of Oxford Street, he has not ruled out further transformations depending on the outcomes of the consultation process.

However, Westminster council has expressed reservations, stating that the establishment of a mayoral development corporation is not necessary. The council is willing to collaborate with Khan’s team, but it is committed to ensuring that the plans align with the needs of local residents and businesses.

The consultation documents propose a phased pedestrianisation plan that would start with the section between Oxford Circus and Orchard Street. Although Khan’s vision does not immediately include the full pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, he acknowledges that the area must evolve into a world-class public space to remain relevant in a changing retail landscape.

The project is expected to cost £150 million, but Khan has assured Londoners that the financial burden will not fall on taxpayers. He plans to explore private funding sources, including business contributions, developer input, and potential new revenue streams like advertising. Additionally, the mayor’s office is considering a new levy on businesses in the area to help cover the costs of the transformation.

While some critics argue that pedestrianisation alone will not solve the street’s problems, Khan remains focused on his long-term vision for Oxford Street. His proposals aim to make it a flagship destination that Londoners and visitors can take pride in, with benefits for local businesses, the economy, and the environment.

Nurse accuses colleague of exclusion during tea breaks, leading to a tribunal award after a long-standing dispute at St Helier Hospital.

A nurse has been awarded £41,000 following a tribunal decision after accusing a colleague of excluding her from a morning tea round, which she described as part of a wider pattern of bullying behaviour. Susan Hamilton, a former diabetes nurse at St Helier Hospital in Sutton, south London, claimed that dietician Abdool Nayeck displayed a dismissive attitude toward her following a disagreement over patient care in 2018.

According to Ms Hamilton, Nayeck began to ignore her during meetings and refused to make tea for her, while continuing to serve the rest of the team. She alleged that this treatment worsened after Nayeck bluntly told her, “I don’t like you,” which she said marked the beginning of the conflict between them.

Although hospital management intervened and encouraged the pair to engage in polite and civil communication, Ms Hamilton maintained that the situation did not improve. She claimed that Nayeck not only continued to exclude her from the tea rounds but also ignored the rest of the team at times. The dispute, she said, contributed to significant stress, leading her to leave her position in 2019. She later returned in 2021 and lodged a formal complaint against the hospital’s handling of the matter.

The tribunal ruled that Ms Hamilton’s grievances against the trust were justified, finding that they had failed to take sufficient action against Nayeck’s behaviour. The judge remarked that Ms Hamilton’s evidence showed the considerable emotional distress caused by the situation, which ultimately led to her resignation. The one claim of abuse against Nayeck, however, was dismissed.

Judge Kathryn Ramsden concluded that the trust’s lack of adequate action had contributed to Ms Hamilton’s illness, noting that she had once been a passionate and gifted nurse who was deeply distressed by the circumstances she found herself in.

Fatal crash at bus stop leaves one dead, including a child, and raises concerns over dangerous driving

A tragic crash in Harrow, northwest London, has resulted in the death of a woman and left two others injured after a collision involving a London bus and a car. The incident occurred on Bessborough Road at around 9:20pm on Monday, with the victims waiting at a bus stop at the time.

The woman, believed to be in her 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Among the injured, a nine-year-old child was rushed to the hospital, though their injuries are not life-threatening. Two other pedestrians were also taken to a hospital, but their conditions are not considered critical.

The driver of the car, who remained at the scene, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody.

Emergency services were quick to respond to the scene, with multiple resources including ambulance crews, paramedics, and a trauma team from London’s Air Ambulance. Sadly, despite the efforts of medical staff, one of the victims could not be saved.

Authorities have appealed to the public for any witnesses or dashcam footage from the incident. Road closures were in place temporarily but have since been lifted as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police or Crimestoppers.

Residents voice concerns over potential return to Soho’s past, while others support preserving its nightlife identity.

Plans to open a new adult entertainment venue in Soho’s Walker’s Court have sparked controversy, with some residents worried it could revive the area’s former red-light district reputation.

The Penthouse Club, an international chain with locations in the United States, Australia, and Russia, has applied to open at the former Madame JoJo’s site. While the club promises a high-end experience featuring live music, drag acts, and acrobatic performances, its proposed full-nudity striptease shows have drawn criticism.

Opponents argue that Soho’s evolving character now attracts families and tourists, making a late-night adult venue unsuitable. A local resident wrote in an objection letter to Westminster City Council, stating: “Soho is no longer the seedy red-light district of old. Do we really want strip club clientele mixing with families exploring the area?”

Another resident raised concerns about safety, particularly for women walking alone at night. “Soho already feels unsafe in the evenings. Adding a 300-capacity venue where patrons spill out onto the streets at 3 am will only make things worse.”

Despite the backlash, supporters insist Soho is the perfect place for such a venue. A resident in favour of the proposal commented: “This club could help protect the unique nightlife culture that makes Soho famous, especially in an era of increasing gentrification.”

The club’s president, Caroline Kirkendoll, defended the project, highlighting an £8 million investment into an empty building. She emphasised that the club would host diverse events beyond traditional strip performances.

Under the proposed licensing terms, full nudity would be restricted to private VIP rooms, while topless and semi-nude performances would be allowed on the main stage and at tables.

Westminster Council is set to review the application in a Thursday morning hearing, where the future of this controversial Soho venue will be decided.