test123

Transport for London is making changes to a South London Tube station that it says are ‘safeguarding’ an extension of the network. In committee documents, officials outline the next phase of an ongoing project at Elephant and Castle station.

This will be the 'fit out' of the station box - a reinforced concrete structure that will form the shell of the new station entrance and ticket hall. Bosses add that this will happen 'once additional funds are secured'.

Papers for the Programmes and Investment Committee meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, add: “Post-pandemic estimates of future passenger demand are being validated to ensure forecasts remain accurate. We expect the scheme to deliver significant regeneration benefits, with higher passenger capacity and step-free access enabling the creation of new jobs and homes across the local area.

READ MORE: The 4 London Underground stations we're getting in the next 15 years and 2 we're definitely not

“The project has safeguarding to enable the future Bakerloo Line Extension project to connect to the new ticket hall. This project will return to the Committee to request additional Authorities in 2024/25.”

The works are delivering step-free access at the Bakerloo line terminus, as well as capacity improvements to ‘support housing growth and regeneration in the surrounding areas’. These ‘remain on schedule’.

New tunnels connecting to Northern line

Currently, the developer is constructing the station box as part of its planning obligations. This includes enabling works to prepare for delivery of new passenger tunnels connecting to the existing Northern line platforms.

In addition, the project recently ‘bottomed out’ by excavating to its lowest level – 33 metres beneath ground level for the station box. Officials say this remains on track for handover to TfL in 2025.

The authority is also pushing ahead with the procurement of the new passenger tunnels which will connect the new station box to existing Northern line platforms. Contract award for this is planned for summer 2024, documents add.

The Bakerloo line extension is not mentioned elsewhere in the papers. This suggests that things have not changed since my newsletter in which I outlined that the working assumption is 'construction' in the 2030s and 'services commencing' in 2040.

But this 'could change if linked to BLU [Bakerloo line upgrade] delivery', officials have added. This involves 'securing the long-term operation' of the Bakerloo line through replacement of rolling stock and upgrading signalling and control systems.

Our London Underground newsletter brings you the latest travel updates to help you survive your commute - as well as a weekly dose of Tube trivia! You can sign up HERE.

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

The debate over which is London's most beautiful Tube station could go on forever, with many contenders each boasting their own unique charm.

The Underground has its fair share of enthusiasts who seem to know every detail about the world's oldest metro system and have strong views on their favourite stations.

However, there's one particular London Underground station that consistently receives high praise from everyday commuters, die-hard fans, and even architectural critics.

READ MORE: The 'abandoned' London Underground station that's in loads of Hollywood films

It's not the busiest or most central station, with only 1.96 million people passing through in 2021, but Arnos Grove in North London is frequently hailed as the city's most attractive.

First opened in 1932, the station's modernist style has won over both critics and fans. On the blog Tubewalk, Arnos Grove is highlighted as a favourite among Tube superfans and described as 'a beautiful sight'.

The Telegraph also recently included it in a list of London's most beautiful stations, noting that it 'has long been admired by architecture critics since its opening in 1932'. What sets this station apart is its spacious and intriguingly designed central concourse, unlike other more utilitarian stations.

The station was commissioned by Frank Pick and designed by Charles Holden as part of the extension of the Piccadilly line to Cockfosters. Holden took inspiration from the Stockholm City Library, which had opened a few years earlier in Sweden.

When you compare the designs, it's clear that the station's drum-like ceiling is a near replica of the library's. Holden's use of brick, glass and reinforced concrete to create basic geometric shapes aligns the station with the modern European style of the era.

The building has been acknowledged for its cultural significance, earning Grade II listed status in July 2011. Arnos Grove isn't a station everyone will use due to its location, making it somewhat of a hidden gem in London.

In some ways, this makes the station even more special. Unless you're in Enfield or have a reason to visit, Arnos Grove remains a relatively unknown station.

But if you're keen to explore, a 30-minute journey on the Piccadilly line from Kings Cross will get you there.

As with many debates about the Tube, the title of 'prettiest station' is still up for grabs. Charles Holden is credited with designing many of the Tube's most unique and admired stations, including Southgate, which fans liken to a flying saucer.

Architect Leslie Green's work is also widely praised. He's known for creating the iconic red exteriors of many Tube stations and developing a British Art Nouveau style seen at stops like Russell Square and Covent Garden, among others.

Gants Hill station, with its unique design inspired by Soviet stations on the Moscow metros - often hailed as one of the most beautiful metro lines globally, is another standout. With a whopping 272 stations on the London Underground, it's unlikely we'll reach a consensus on the prettiest one anytime soon.

Our London Underground newsletter brings you the latest travel updates to help you survive your commute - as well as a weekly dose of Tube trivia! You can sign up HERE.

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

A girl who camped for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour at Wembley overnight has shared how she became the first person in the queue after spotting a loophole. TikToker Amy and her friend arrived at the queue in the early hours after spotting that some people were heading to camp out - which they thought was not allowed.

After they had been to buy some merch, the pair saw people with tents setting up at the general admissions queue. They got the idea to then go and stay overnight themselves as they couldn't see that the people were being moved on by security guards and so they knew they had a chance of being first in the queue for VIP.

As they arrived at 3.30am the pair were in mixed moods but Amy was in high spirits waiting for the concert to begin. They may have stared in the early hours when it was cool in temperature but the sun soon came out making it a hot day to be in the queue.

READ MORE:Hugh Grant, Greta Gerwig and Liam Hemsworth amongst celebs at Taylor Swift Wembley, Saturday June 22

Amy shared that there was water, including 5 litres of water, sun cream, shade covers and toilets available in the queue.

In their initial video, Amy said: "We are the first ones in the queue and she is unimpressed". To which Chloe replied, "I've been up since 1am." Amy proudly showed off her Number 1 stamp on her hand that noted her place in the queue waiting to be let in through the doors - though she did share that she didn't get any sleep the night before because she was so 'excited'.

Amy continued: "Massive respect for the guys who camped out last night." She added: "For all the people saying camping was allowed, so we were buying merch at 4pm yesterday and we saw people going up to camp at the barrier. We then went down at half 3 in the morning because we couldn't sleep, we were so excited and so awake that we went down.

"I know its unfair on others but we did try to tell them to move the campers on but they didn't, so if you can't beat them, join them."

Stay up to date with London's most exciting events, newest restaurants and latest deals with our What's On newsletter, Going Out Out.You can sign up HERE.

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

Taylor Swift has dazzled her fans with her first Wembley Stadium show who reacted to her choice for the surprise songs with delight. After coming on stage at about 7.25pm, Taylor excitedly told the crowd there were over 88,000 people in the stadium.

She chose a mashup of Hits Different from her Midnights album with Death by a Thousand Cuts from Lover for the first night surprise song. She merged the bridges of the two sings as she told the crowd they were 'two of my favourite bridges I've ever written'.

It's fair to say fans were impressed. Jake wrote on X: I am actually crying my eyes out, not my favorite 2 songs." Another fan, Ethan Bradley said: "She can end the show there."

READ MORE: Taylor Swift's excited words to Wembley crowd as she kicks off first London Eras Tour show

A third, Lex, said: "Hits different really killed me off," with a crying face emoji.

But for her second surprise song she amalgamated three different tracks. The Black Dog was the main song played on piano, with elements of 'Come Back... Be Here' and 'Maroon'.

The Eras Tour kicked off at Wembley with a performance from US singer Mette, who is also known as a dancer who's appeared in videos for N.E.R.D and Rihanna.

Paramore delivered a rousing set, opening with Hard Times, with a sample of Blondie track 'Heart of Glass'. They finished with Ain't It Fun. Swift then burst onto the stage at around 7.25pm and opened the show with a shortened version of Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince, for the Lover section.

Stay up to date with London's most exciting events, newest restaurants and latest deals with our What's On newsletter, Going Out Out. You can sign up HERE.

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

England's 1-1 draw with Denmark was watched at the East Croydon venue by hundreds

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

A dangerous paedophile who sexually abused two young children sobbed and wiped his tears as he was jailed. Jarreau Warsop was found guilty on 12 counts of child sex offences, including rape of a child under 13, sexual activity with a child, and multiple sexual assaults, after a trial in which he forced his victims to come to court and give evidence.

The pathetic 40-year-old of Coppies Grove, New Southgate, sobbed and wiped his tears as he was jailed for 18 years at the Old Bailey. The predator, who is a self-employed music publisher, will also serve another four years on extended license after a probation officer concluded he is 'dangerous' and is likely to pose a risk to the public on release from prison.

The jury heard sickening details of his abuse, which included forcing himself upon the young victims and making demands for sexualised content. The prosecution described the abuse as a 'campaign', a view accepted by Judge Charles Bourne KC as he considered whether to jail him for life.

READ MORE: Child abuse addict flashed sick rape videos at kids on Omegle and secretly filmed naked boy

Jurors were shown 150 pages of WhatsApp messages, which, the prosecution said, showed 'extensive grooming'. The prosecution also argued the abuse had 'gained in severity' over time, and there had been an element of 'additional degradation' and 'humiliation' during one an incident of rape.

The court also heard of the 'severe' and continuing psychological impact of the abuse, including one victim's potential risk of suicide. The same victim was said to be unable to enjoy normal activities, has suffered a loss of sexual desire, and still experiences uncomfortable physical sensations linked to the abuse.

Warsop's disgusting crimes came to the attention of police when one victim disclosed it to a friend. But it took four more years for the abuser to come to court and be convicted.

Judge Bourne decided the offences were not worthy of a life sentence, but did agree with the probation officer's view on dangerousness. "I have come to the conclusion I must impose an extended sentence to protect the public in the future," he said.

Warsop pointed at the public gallery and mouthed something as he was taken away. He will serve at least 12 years before the Parole Board can consider him eligible for release.

Got a story or a court case we should cover? Please email callum.cuddeford@reachplc.com or WhatsApp 07580255582

Don't miss out on the latest crime stories from across London. Sign up to MyLondon's Court & Crime newsletter HERE

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)

A "predator" who locked a 14-year-old girl inside a train toilet and raped her has been jailed for 10 years. Awsaf Ahmed even messaged the teenager the next day asking of she 'enjoyed' his sickening sex attack.

Ahmed, aged 30, of Rutland Avenue, High Wycombe was found guilty by a jury of rape of a female under 16, and causing / inciting a child to engage in sexual activity at Inner London Crown Court on April 24. Ahmed had already pleaded guilty to a charge of causing / inciting a child to engage in sexual activity at an earlier hearing.

On Monday, June 17 he was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court to 10 years in jail. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

READ MORE: He was found with a knife in his neck after a burglary was reported - the truth is more disturbing

The court heard how the victim was on board a train heading towards London Marylebone station when Ahmed entered the carriage. Ahmed engaged the victim and her group of friends in conversation, asking their age and if they smoked weed.

Ahmed then pressured the victim to get her alone, coercing her to speak to him privately in the toilets and insinuating he had friends everywhere, making her fear for her friend’s safety. Upon entering the toilet, Ahmed locked them inside and despite her repeated pleas for him to stop, raped her.

Following the attack, he added her on Snapchat to continue his contact with her. The victim reported the rape to British Transport Police the following day. Later that evening, Ahmed called the victim on Snapchat, asking her “When do you turn 16?” and “Did you enjoy yesterday?”.

BTP Investigating officer Detective Constable Matthew Nolan said: “Ahmed is a callous predator who targeted young girls for his own sexual gratification. Despite the victim’s repeated pleas for him to stop, he trapped her and raped her, making her fear for not only herself but her friend’s safety. I hope this outcome goes some way in bringing her some closure."

Less than a week later, Bedfordshire Police received a report of an incident involving Ahmed. The court heard Ahmed attempted to engage a girl, aged 15, in sexual activity. Initially, he engaged her in conversation about her jewellery and heritage, before the conversation became more threatening, telling the victim everyone had it in them to kill and if he was disrespected, he could make someone disappear with just one text or call.

Following this he turned the conversation to relationships, asking the 15-year-old for relationship advice before asking her about her own relationship status and sexual experience. He then attempted to coerce her into engage in sexual activity with him. Thankfully, the victim was after able to leave the situation and reported Ahmed to Bedfordshire Police the following day.

BTP Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Paul Attwell said: “These were extremely frightening experiences for Ahmed’s victims, and I praise them for reporting him so we could act. Ahmed’s coercive and threatening behaviour towards young, vulnerable girls will never be tolerated on the rail network, or anywhere else and I’m thankful to see this sentence.”

Got a story? Please get in touch at rafi.benady@reachplc.com

Our London Court & Crime newsletter brings you the latest major court updates and breaking news straight to your inbox. You can sign up HERE.

Adblock test (Why?)

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)