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Havering Leads the Charge for Quick Property Sales in London

Havering Leads the Charge for Quick Property Sales in London

Homes in Havering now sell in an average of 44 days, with neighbouring areas also showing impressive demand.

The pace at which properties are snapped up in London’s outer boroughs is revealing the changing dynamics of the capital’s real estate market. Havering, home to Romford and Upminster, now tops the list with an impressive 44 days for properties to go under offer. This marks the quickest selling rate in the city, with Havering’s popularity driven in part by its connectivity through the new Elizabeth Line, enhancing its appeal to buyers.

Following closely behind is Bexley, where homes are typically under offer within 47 days. This area, located south of the River Thames, is benefiting from its position within the Thames Gateway, an area marked for urban regeneration. Waltham Forest, encompassing areas like Walthamstow and Leyton, completes the top three with an average of 49 days, also attracting attention due to its proximity to Essex.

These faster-moving boroughs stand in contrast to inner London, where the pace of sales is slower. Notably, properties in Westminster take an average of 79 days to secure a deal, nearly double that of Havering. Neighbouring Lambeth and Hammersmith & Fulham also experience prolonged sale times of 74 and 71 days, respectively.

In terms of rentals, Bexley once again excels, with homes being let within 20 days. The borough of Merton, which encompasses Wimbledon and Colliers Wood, ranks second for rental speed, with homes being rented out within 22 days. The rental market across London varies significantly, with prime areas like Kensington and Chelsea seeing slower transaction times, taking around 37 days for tenancies to be agreed.

Nationally, property sales in cities like Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Bristol, and Plymouth are also quick, with average sales periods ranging from 40 to 43 days. However, areas like Blackpool and Liverpool are experiencing slower sales and rentals, with properties there taking up to 74 and 40 days, respectively.

The difference in market speeds reflects varying levels of demand and supply across regions. While outer London areas like Havering and Bexley are in high demand due to affordability and connectivity, central London properties still face slower sales and rental times, impacted by higher pricing.

New Platform Launched to Equip Parents with Tools to Prepare Children for Primary School

New Platform Launched to Equip Parents with Tools to Prepare Children for Primary School

The Starting Reception website offers vital advice on teaching children essential skills like dressing themselves and personal hygiene ahead of school entry.

In a bid to support parents preparing their children for primary school, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has unveiled a new digital resource aimed at teaching the foundational skills required for school readiness. The Starting Reception website, developed in collaboration with Kindred Squared, schools, and parents, was launched on Wednesday, coinciding with the announcement of primary school placements.

The initiative comes in response to growing concerns about the readiness of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are increasing reports of four-year-olds entering school unable to perform basic tasks, such as climbing stairs or taking off their coats. According to experts, these “lockdown babies” may be the least prepared for school to date.

The website offers practical guidance for parents on teaching children essential skills, such as using the toilet independently and recognising their own names. Speaking to The Independent, Ms Phillipson stated, “Ensuring every child gets the best start in life begins long before they enter the school gates. That’s why we’re partnering with Kindred to help tens of thousands of children become school ready.”

The gap between parents’ expectations of their children’s school preparedness and the reality of what is required when starting reception has been a cause for concern. A recent survey by Kindred Squared found that while 90% of parents believed their children were ready for school, only one-third of teachers agreed with this assessment. Furthermore, many children were unable to climb stairs or go to the toilet unaided.

In addition to this, some schools, as part of efforts to address public health concerns, are now required to supervise young children while they brush their teeth. This move follows alarming statistics showing a significant portion of five-year-olds in England suffer from tooth decay, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

The Starting Reception website outlines four key areas of development for children entering reception: independence, relationship-building, physical development, and establishing healthy routines. Parents are provided with expert advice and resources to integrate these skills into their child’s daily life.

Activities on the site cover a wide range of topics, including self-care (such as going to the toilet and brushing teeth), social skills (like sharing toys), and cognitive skills (such as recognising their names). The platform also encourages physical activity, recommends limiting screen time, and teaches children to use cutlery properly.

Ms Phillipson, reflecting on her own upbringing, highlighted the importance of education in overcoming adversity. She assured parents, “Finding out where your child will start school is a significant moment for families. We want to ensure that every child has the support they need to thrive.”

The Starting Reception website is the first of its kind, marking a significant step forward in defining and promoting school readiness. The collaborative effort includes input from leading organisations in education, parenting, and early childhood development.

Felicity Gillespie, director of Kindred Squared, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our research has highlighted the worrying gap between parental expectations and what is needed for children to succeed in reception. This new website will help ensure that every child is ready to start school and excel from day one.”

The new resource can be accessed at www.startingreception.co.uk, offering invaluable support to parents and carers as they prepare their children for the transition to primary school.

Notting Hill Eatery Once Favoured by Royals Shut Down Over Severe Hygiene Breaches

Notting Hill Eatery Once Favoured by Royals Shut Down Over Severe Hygiene Breaches

Cockroaches, rodents and contaminated food led to the closure of former celebrity haunt Beach Blanket Babylon after damning inspections exposed widespread neglect.

A once-iconic restaurant in west London, renowned for hosting members of the Royal Family and A-list celebrities, has been permanently closed following shocking revelations of health and hygiene violations.

Beach Blanket Babylon in Notting Hill, a favourite of the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as stars like Selena Gomez and Rita Ora, was found infested with cockroaches, rats and mice during repeated inspections carried out by Kensington and Chelsea Council.

Inspectors visited the Ledbury Road establishment multiple times between September 2022 and March 2023. What they found was appalling: mouse droppings in the food, pests roaming the premises, and food packaging visibly chewed by vermin. Contaminated cocoa powder, flaked almonds and sesame seeds were among the grim discoveries.

A February 2023 inspection also revealed the restaurant had no access to hot water and showed ongoing pest control failings, raising serious concerns about the health risks posed to diners.

The scale of negligence prompted legal action. Business operator Conor George Thomson-Moore appeared at City of London Magistrates’ Court on 3 April 2025, where he admitted to four food hygiene offences. He will be sentenced later this year. Charges against fellow operator Robert Kenneth Newmark were withdrawn.

The premises have since been boarded up, symbolising the end of what was once a vibrant social venue for high-profile patrons.

Councillor Cem Kemahli, cabinet member for planning and public realm, criticised the operators’ disregard for safety:
“Neglecting food hygiene standards not only jeopardises public health but damages community trust,” he said. “This borough remains home to a dynamic culinary scene, and we will not tolerate businesses that pose a risk to residents or visitors. Legal action will follow when necessary.”

The case serves as a stark reminder that even the most glamorous venues are not exempt from basic health requirements, and local authorities are ready to act when those standards are ignored.

Swiping Fatigue Sparks Rise of Real-Life Dating: Why Brits Are Craving Connection Beyond the Apps

Swiping Fatigue Sparks Rise of Real-Life Dating: Why Brits Are Craving Connection Beyond the Apps

Ditching the digital drag, a new London event blends playfulness with purpose, showing singles that offline romance might just be worth the risk.

An unexpected question about childhood chickens kicks off the night. Someone else wants to know if I’ve ever broken a collarbone. Across the room, a woman parades with her phone aloft, screen blazing: “DID YOU CYCLE TO BURNING MAN ON LSD?” It’s chaotic. It’s bizarre. But it’s not a dream — it’s Haystack Dating’s latest event in Hackney.

Born from entrepreneur Lucy Rout’s desire to revive joy in romance, Haystack takes aim at the monotony of dating apps. “It’s become a chore,” she says, lamenting how what once thrilled now feels like a grim obligation.

This is the third and largest Haystack gathering so far. I enter expecting small talk in a dim bar — instead, I find myself among 350 guests, all seeking the same thing: authentic connection. The venue is Night Tales in Hackney, and it’s buzzing with nervous anticipation and curiosity.

Part structured, part serendipitous, Haystack works by asking attendees to share unusual facts about themselves in advance. Using this data, the platform assigns each person a “match,” whose fact they then have to uncover among the crowd — a sort of romantic scavenger hunt.

From the start, I click with Mairi, a fellow London newcomer. We realise we’ve both recently left long relationships and are figuring out how to begin again. Our conversations — as with many that evening — blend shared experiences with quirky overlaps. Someone mentions clown school. I’ve got “CLOWN” tattooed on my arm. Another attendee is from Frankfurt; my mother was born there.

The one thread tying everyone together? Exhaustion with apps. “I can’t read another Hinge profile about Sunday roasts,” sighs Jess, a young mum. Others voice frustration at the flatness of digital flirtation. Demi, who still uses the apps, prefers the stakes of face-to-face events. “Online rejection is too quiet,” he says. “This feels more real.”

In fact, Eventbrite reports a 42% rise in singles events since 2022. IRL dating is becoming mainstream again. From Thursday’s global meetups to themed gatherings like literary mingles and even naked speed dating, people are opting for tactile, lived experiences. Even comedians are joining the matchmaking game, setting strangers up live on stage.

Why? Because while dating apps offer convenience, they dull the sting — and thrill — of rejection. No loud buzzer signals that someone’s swiped left. No moment of embarrassment. But also, no electricity of eye contact across a room. Apps skip the chemistry test. Real life, though? It’s full of it.

Haystack nails the balance. The quirky fact-matching offers a launchpad for meaningful exchanges. Although I never find my assigned match, my mild indignation becomes its own talking point. No awkward work-chat fallback, no forced flirting. Just… people, talking.

It’s also revealing. Dating doesn’t have to be painful admin — it can be play. I realise how much fun it is just to talk, with no profile to polish, no algorithm to impress. Even though the crowd skews more female (tickets are sold two-to-one), the vibe is inclusive, and everyone is genuinely trying.

Eventually, I leave the event buzzing with energy, almost oblivious to the handsome man on my Tube carriage. Almost. I scribble my number, twice — nervous sweat messing up the sevens — but lose my nerve when someone walks between us. Classic romcom timing.

Still, the fact that I even considered it is thanks to Haystack. These offline spaces might not guarantee love, but they offer something deeper: presence. Something real happened. I tried. I was seen. That’s more than the apps can usually say.

So maybe next time, I’ll be brave enough to hand the number over.

Rock Royalty’s London Hideaway Hits Market After Three Decades

Rock Royalty’s London Hideaway Hits Market After Three Decades

Mick Jagger’s lavish former residence near Regent’s Park listed for £5.5 million, offering a slice of 1960s hedonism

A piece of London’s rock history is up for grabs, as a Marylebone apartment once owned by Mick Jagger has gone on sale for the first time in 30 years. The luxurious sub-penthouse, where the Rolling Stones frontman entertained a glittering circle of friends, is now available for £5.5 million.

Tucked inside the prestigious Edwardian-era Harley House, the expansive 2,495-square-foot flat was once a haven for legendary parties featuring not only bandmate Keith Richards and girlfriend Marianne Faithfull, but also Princess Margaret and model Jean Shrimpton. Now, buyers have the chance to own a rare cultural relic complete with bragging rights.

Rosy Khalastchy, director at Beauchamp Estates, revealed that the current owner—a Japanese businessman—has split his time between Japan and London over the past three decades but is now retiring and returning to Japan full-time, prompting the sale.

The property, technically a sub-penthouse, occupies the level just beneath the uppermost floor. While Jagger lived there, only one level of penthouses existed above. A later 1980s renovation added another tier, creating a trio of luxury floors, with Jagger’s flat among the finest.

Lavishly styled, the apartment includes four bedrooms, two reception rooms, high ceilings reaching up to ten feet, a grand entrance, and period features such as parquet flooring and elegant French doors. These open onto a balcony that spans the full width of the flat, while a bay window and generous dressing room mark the former bedroom of the rock star.

The building’s vibrant legacy includes stories of Jagger’s LSD use, paparazzi standoffs, and a dramatic breakup involving Chrissie Shrimpton’s possessions being left in the foyer. His biography, Mick & Keith: Parallel Lines, and photographs by Gered Mankowitz capture iconic moments within the home.

Among the home’s standout preserved features is Jagger’s so-called “hippie lounge” – now used as a meditation room, but once a cosy hideaway for the singer during the 1960s.

Jagger resided there following the massive success of hits like (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction and Get Off of My Cloud, staying from 1966 to 1968 before relocating to Chester Square in Belgravia. With its prime location near Regent’s Park, Marylebone High Street and the stylish haunts of Beauchamp Place, the home remains perfectly positioned for anyone wanting to walk in the footsteps of a rock icon.

It’s not just a home – it’s a backstage pass to a wilder time in British music history.

Trans Athlete’s Legal Battle Challenges Pool Federation over Gender-Based Exclusion

Trans Athlete’s Legal Battle Challenges Pool Federation over Gender-Based Exclusion

Harriet Haynes contests ruling barring her from women’s tournaments, as officials cite pressure from players and fairness concerns

A transgender athlete has taken legal action against the English Blackball Pool Federation (EBPF) following its controversial decision to ban transgender women from participating in women’s competitions. Professional pool player Harriet Haynes, who previously played for Kent’s county team, is challenging the policy, which was introduced in August 2023 after what officials described as a wave of objections from players.

Paul Thompson, chairman of the EBPF, defended the decision in court this week, stating that the federation had received an “unreal number” of complaints regarding transgender inclusion. “No one really knew how to handle the situation,” he admitted during proceedings at Canterbury county court. “It’s a difficult topic. But I had to think about the women who were upset at the idea of competing against someone born male.”

Thompson insisted the federation’s decision was based solely on biological sex and was not a personal attack on Ms Haynes. “She’s not on the team because she was born male. That’s the only reason,” he said.

Haynes, who said playing women’s county pool was a major part of her life, revealed she was offered the captaincy of the Kent ladies’ team but was unable to accept due to the ban. Her legal team, led by Colman Coyle solicitors, argues that English eightball pool should not be treated as a gender-affected sport and that the case is fundamentally about equality and fair treatment.

During the hearing, Thompson recalled assembling an executive committee in July 2023 to address the issue. The formal ban was announced the following month. “It wasn’t just one or two people complaining—it was hundreds. We had written letters, personal complaints, it was overwhelming,” he said.

He added, “If it were up to me, I’d have ruled Harriet out entirely. From my experience, men play pool better than women. That’s just the reality.”

Anna Goodwin, secretary of the EBPF, also gave testimony, stating that the policy aimed to protect fairness for female-born players. “We didn’t ban transgender athletes from the sport,” she said. “We restructured the men’s section into an open division so that transgender women could still compete—just not in the women’s tournaments.”

Goodwin revealed that another transgender player currently captains her county team but is content not playing in the women’s division. However, Ms Haynes remains excluded from the space she once belonged to.

Counsel for Haynes, barrister Robin White, questioned why no attempt was made to engage with transgender players before implementing the ban. “What about the impact on them?” she asked.

The trial has reignited debate around gender identity and sport in the UK, particularly in disciplines like pool where physical attributes are not traditionally seen as decisive performance factors.

The case continues this week at Canterbury county court and could set a precedent for how amateur sporting bodies handle gender inclusion in the future.

US Libraries Under Siege: Cuts, Censorship and Crisis in the Trump Era

US Libraries Under Siege: Cuts, Censorship and Crisis in the Trump Era

Librarians warn of a democratic collapse as federal defunding, political interference, and rising censorship endanger vital public institutions

Librarians across the United States are confronting a growing crisis, as the second Trump administration’s policies begin to reshape public institutions long viewed as essential to democratic life. Already overwhelmed by staffing shortages, burnout, and book bans, library workers now describe a new chapter of financial strain and political hostility.

Rebecca Hass, outreach manager at a Maryland library, has witnessed first-hand how the effects of federal policy ripple through local communities. “When people are laid off, when they’re confused, when they need support—they come to us,” she explained. Hass noted increasing tensions over LGBTQ+ programmes and a sharp rise in demand for social services like food pantries and immigration resources. “We’ve always done this work. But now it feels more urgent—and more precarious.”

The pressure is mounting from multiple directions. In several states, libraries are facing pre-emptive censorship measures, with staff removing or hiding controversial titles to avoid confrontation. One librarian from the Deep South, who requested anonymity, called it a strategy of survival. “But when we hide, it’s marginalised people who suffer most—those of us who can’t erase our identity.”

Imani, an academic librarian in Texas, has seen diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes quietly dismantled. Now, budget scrutiny has intensified, especially for resources like digital databases. “None of this is new,” she said. “Many librarians have spent years trying to hold things together with almost no funding and increasing demand.”

This escalating crisis has been compounded by a major blow: the gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), once a crucial source of national library funding. A letter obtained by independent journalist Marisa Kabas confirmed that state grants were terminated with immediate effect, under the leadership of Keith Sonderling—a Trump appointee who vowed to restore “patriotism” to the agency.

The move jeopardises programmes like veterans’ telehealth services, children’s reading initiatives, and rural broadband access. While day-to-day library funding comes from local taxes, the IMLS’s federal grants filled critical gaps across all 50 states.

Jessamyn West, a librarian working in Vermont, said the $280m IMLS budget request for 2025 is minuscule compared to broader federal spending—but vital. “Libraries are going to have to make brutal choices. The impact will be national.”

As frustrations grow, some staff have taken to social media, including the IMLS’s own channels, to highlight the devastation. But according to Emily Drabinski, a professor and librarian in New York, these funding cuts risk bringing entire systems to a standstill. “We’re losing ebook platforms, interlibrary loans—everything that keeps libraries connected.”

Drabinski sees the broader struggle as part of a shared worker reality. “We face low pay, shrinking autonomy, and external forces telling us how to do our jobs. And yet we’re expected to do more—without the means to do it.”

With services vanishing in communities from Kentucky to North Carolina, librarians are sounding the alarm. They warn that the loss of libraries is not just a policy failure—it’s a threat to the public’s right to knowledge.

“We want people to have enough. To be able to read. To belong,” said Drabinski. “We are fighting for the same rights as every other worker—and for the future of our democracy.”

International Students Caught in Visa Crackdown as Minor Offences Trigger Deportation Threats

International Students Caught in Visa Crackdown as Minor Offences Trigger Deportation Threats

Dozens of non-citizen students in the US have seen their legal status abruptly revoked over minor infractions, sparking concern over an increasingly aggressive immigration stance under the Trump administration.

Lisa, a final-year student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, was enjoying a quiet evening when she received an unexpected message from her university’s international office. The message confirmed her SEVIS record had been terminated—an action that rendered her legal status in the US invalid almost instantly.

She is one of nearly 40 students across the country who have been caught off-guard by a sweeping revocation of student visas, with no warning and vague references to criminal records. In most cases, students had previously been fingerprinted for minor infractions such as speeding or licence issues—incidents they believed had long been resolved in court.

With their records flagged, the students were declared “out of status” under US immigration rules, requiring them to leave the country within 15 days or risk deportation. The trigger for this sudden purge appears to be an internal directive within the Department of Homeland Security, applying broad screening criteria across the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

The backlash follows recent remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated the government was actively revoking student visas for individuals deemed security risks. However, legal experts suggest these students were never given a chance to explain their situations—many of which involved citations that did not result in convictions.

David, a Chinese graduate on optional practical training, learned of his visa termination four months after a dismissed court case. Although the charge was dropped and records expunged, his SEVIS entry was still flagged, ending his employment authorisation immediately. His company is now trying to relocate him to Canada.

Bill, another affected student, was penalised for driving with an expired licence and attended court to resolve the matter. Weeks later, his SEVIS record was cancelled, despite no outstanding charges. He now faces the impossible choice between staying illegally or risking detention by attending a scheduled court appearance.

Immigration attorney Shenqi Cai, who has been handling several of the cases, describes the situation as unprecedented. “It’s a blanket policy being applied to a diverse group of individuals who weren’t given a fair process,” she said.

In response, students across US campuses are organising protests, legal aid networks, and information sessions. An online database created by students shows visa revocations reported at over 50 universities, from California to the East Coast.

Despite the scale of disruption, the federal government has not issued any public clarification.

For Lisa, who had secured a job and graduate school offer, the future is now in limbo. “I just want to know if I’m still graduating,” she said. “If not, I don’t know where that leaves me.”

Singapore Brands Turn to E-Commerce Giants to Conquer Thai and Malaysian Markets

Singapore Brands Turn to E-Commerce Giants to Conquer Thai and Malaysian Markets

Retailers bypass traditional stores, opting for Shopee and Lazada to tap into booming regional demand

A growing number of Singaporean retailers are reshaping their expansion strategies by bypassing costly physical stores and embracing e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada to enter the Thai and Malaysian markets.

Without the resources to set up independent outlets abroad, many small and mid-sized brands have instead chosen to capitalise on the massive customer bases and marketing tools offered by the two dominant platforms. These online marketplaces provide retailers with integrated logistics, broad visibility, and access to a younger, tech-savvy demographic.

Nick Morris, founder of cultural research agency Canvas8, explained in an interview with Retail Asia that the approach eliminates high customer acquisition costs, while offering significant growth potential. Though there are platform fees and advertising expenses, the exposure and sales potential more than justify the investment.

Morris referenced an October 2024 DHL e-commerce report, which showed Shopee is used by 88% of Thai and 94% of Malaysian online consumers, with Lazada also enjoying a strong presence – 85% in Thailand and 79% in Malaysia.

Shopee Singapore’s director Kel Jin Chua added that brands often approach the platform specifically to explore opportunities in Malaysia and Thailand, both of which demonstrate healthy consumer appetite and expanding digital economies.

Reaching digitally native audiences has also become crucial. Ashutosh Awasthi, director at Kadence International Singapore, noted that platforms like Shopee and Lazada are particularly effective for capturing the spending power of Generation Z, who are driving e-commerce growth in Southeast Asia.

He highlighted the success stories of “Love, Bonito”, a fashion brand that evolved from a blogshop into a regional player, and “Secretlab”, which scaled up internationally without the need for brick-and-mortar shops. Other major Singaporean names like “BreadTalk”, “Charles & Keith”, and “Razer” have embraced a mix of digital and physical presence to grow in Malaysia.

However, entering these markets isn’t without hurdles. Awasthi warned that intense competition, uneven digital adoption – especially beyond urban centres – and high price sensitivity in Malaysia remain significant challenges. Retailers are often compelled to adopt omnichannel strategies to reach less digitally connected consumers.

Morris also observed key behavioural differences: Thai shoppers engage heavily with social commerce, making influencer partnerships and livestream selling particularly effective. In contrast, Malaysian consumers are more focused on value, with 56% prioritising discounts – far more than the 37% of Thai buyers who do so.

For Singaporean brands aiming to scale regionally, adapting to these local nuances while leveraging e-commerce platforms may be the most effective route forward.

Hormonal Hawk Behind Unusual Attacks on Bald Men in British Village

Hormonal Hawk Behind Unusual Attacks on Bald Men in British Village

Falconer links bird’s strange aggression to courtship behaviour during breeding season

A male Harris’s hawk that had unsettled the quiet Hertfordshire village of Flamstead for several weeks by repeatedly swooping at bald, tall men has now been captured. According to an expert, the bird’s odd behaviour was most likely due to hormonal surges linked to mating instincts.

The hawk became notorious for dive-bombing unsuspecting residents, prompting some to wear hats or helmets for protection. On Thursday, local physiotherapist Steve Harris managed to trap the bird in his garden by climbing onto his shed and dropping a cage over it.

Falconer Alan Greenhalgh, who assisted in the capture, believes the hawk’s aggression was related to courtship activity. “It’s breeding season, and the dive-bombing only started recently – it’s not about attacking, but showing off,” he explained.

The hawk, which had been living freely since last November, appeared well-fed and healthy, thanks to villagers who had been feeding it. “He was in excellent condition, fat as a barrel,” Greenhalgh said, though he added the bird wasn’t thrilled to be caught: “He was horrible. He didn’t want to be touched.”

Despite the disruption, the hawk was unharmed and is expected to return to flying under supervision – without any more attacks on passers-by, Greenhalgh hopes.

Residents were relieved. Jim Hewitt, 75, who was left with a bloodied head after being struck while fetching milk and a newspaper, welcomed the bird’s capture: “It’s a relief. I didn’t want it shot, but I wasn’t going to let a cheeky hawk win.”

Flamstead Parish Council thanked Mr Harris for his “quick thinking”, which led to the safe and swift capture of the bird. Meanwhile, Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed that while they did not lead the response, a minimal presence had been maintained in the area throughout the incident.