Warning issued to beachgoers as major rail engineering work set to take place amid heatwave

Rail bosses have warned beachgoers travelling to the south coast about major engineering work taking place this weekend. Part of the Brighton Main Line will shut all day on Sunday, July 13, to replace deteriorating switches and a crossing rail in South London.

As a result buses will replace trains between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport, which could dampen plans for Londoners heading to beaches in Sussex for a heatwave dip.

The mercury is set to hit 30C or higher this afternoon in London on Saturday afternoon (July 12), and is likely to reach similar levels on Sunday. Slightly cooler temperatures of 28C and 25C for Saturday and Sunday respectively are expected in Brighton this weekend, meaning many Londoners will have plans to escape the intense heat of the capital.

Network Rail has warned passengers that journey times could take much longer. For example, people looking to travel from London Victoria to Gatwick will need to take a train to East Grinstead before hopping on a bus towards the terminals.

There will be a direct rail link from London Victoria to Gatwick, but this is set to take considerably longer as it journeys around the rail closures. Queueing systems will be in place at some stations, so passengers are advised to allow extra time for travel.

Full roundup of affected routes

Network Rail is carrying is shutting the line for improvements in South London (Image: Network Rail)

• As previously mentioned, the fastest way to reach Gatwick will be to take a train to East Grinstead and then take a bus
• If you're travelling to Brighton and other parts of the south coast also take a train to East Grinstead, from which you can travel by bus to Three Bridges.
• From here, you can continue the rest of your journey by rail
• Direct trains to Gatwick Airport from London Victoria will still be available - but by a much longer route
• Replacement buses will run between East Croydon, and both Redhill and Tattenham Corner. And also between Redhill and Tonbridge.

'We're really sorry for the disruption'

Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s Sussex route director, previously said the track work is essential to prevent the risk of speed restrictions or even closing the line at short notice.

She added: “We know closing the railway is frustrating, and we’re really sorry for the disruption this causes. We always try to avoid doing this kind of work during the summer, but replacing this section of track is essential to keep services running safely and reliably.

“The Brighton Main Line is usually very busy, so if you’re travelling on Sunday, July 13, please plan ahead and check before you travel as your journey will take longer.”

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3 separate complaints see South London Labour councillor investigated with formal hearing set

A Sutton councillor is facing a formal Code of Conduct hearing following three separate complaints about his behaviour.

Councillor Sheldon Vestey, one of Sutton's two Labour councillors, is accused of breaching council rules in his use of email, social media, and confidential information.

The upcoming Code of Conduct hearing stems from a breakdown in relations between Councillor Vestey and members of the Conservative and Independent groups, which led to an unsuccessful mediation attempt. If the panel finds he breached the code, he could face formal reprimand and be required to complete mandatory training.

The first complaint, made in November 2023 by Conservative Councillor Tim Crowley, alleged that Cllr Vestey misused his council email account to send unsubstantiated claims about a fellow councillor. Cllr Crowley, who represents the Carshalton South and Clockhouse ward, was also previously the Leader of the Sutton Conservative group.

Sheldon Vestey (right) with fellow Labour councillors (Image: Sutton Labour)

Two further complaints were received in May 2024, one of which was submitted anonymously. The other was submitted by Independent Beddington Councillor Nick Mattey and raised similar concerns around social media posts and the use of council resources.

Following investigations, an independent report found that Cllr Vestey may have breached paragraphs 3, 6, and 14 of the councillor Code of Conduct. These sections require councillors to treat others with respect, avoid bullying or harassment, and use council resources appropriately.

The complaints are now set to be heard together at a formal Code of Conduct Hearing Panel on Thursday (July 17). While the panel cannot suspend Cllr Vestey, remove his allowance, or disqualify him, they can issue sanctions such as mandated training, official reprimands, removal from duties or resources, and public disclosures.

The council panel can't suspend or disqualify Cllr Vestey but can issue reprimands, order training, remove him from roles, or restrict access to council resources. (Image: London Borough of Sutton)

The panel may also publish its findings or recommend further training. Councillor Colin Stears, Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, will announce the panel's decision at the end of next week's hearing.

In April 2024, Cllr Vestey alleged another councillor had harassed him which led to that member's suspension. An exclusive report by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) highlighted Cllr Vestey's allegations of inappropriate online behaviour, which led to Cllr Alvarez's temporary suspension by the Conservative Party. This followed a two-year feud between the pair.

At the time the Met Police warned Cllr Alvarez to stop contact unless it was work-related, but no arrests were made.

Since his election to the Hackbridge ward in 2022, Cllr Vestey has missed a significant number of council meetings, although he has previously stated that this is due to family commitments.

In response to the allegations and formal hearing, Cllr Vestey told the LDRS: "I remain concerned that this matter has proceeded to a formal hearing despite serious underlying context. The complaints arose only after an opposition colleague was severely rebuked and suspended by their own party for sexual harassment, became the subject of repeated police involvement and an arrest enquiry, and after the council confirmed it had no power to act.

"One complainant has since tried to withdraw but was not permitted to do so. I have also been made aware that council staff have felt under pressure or intimidated into resigning during this process, which raises further concern. With no meaningful support or safeguarding recourse, I had no option but to act internally to protect myself and others.

"Sexual harassment has no place in any workplace, and victims should not be targeted. This case exposes serious gaps in how local authorities can respond, and it is vital safeguarding is never undermined by political considerations."

A Sutton Council spokesperson said: "This is a code of conduct matter and it would be inappropriate for us to comment."

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Former EastEnders star and TV legend dies peacefully aged 88

The acting world is mourning the loss of former 'EastEnders' star Frank Barrie at the age of 88, his agent confirmed. Scott Marshall Partners, his agency, released a statement saying that Barrie died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

The statement from the agency said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved client, Frank Barrie, at the age of 88. He died peacefully at home, with his wife Mary and daughter Julia."

Barrie was known for his role as Edward Bishop in the BBC soap between 2010 and 2011, where he played the leader of the local church choir who had a romantic storyline with Dot Cotton, portrayed by the late June Brown.

Fans may remember his romantic storyline with Dot Cotton (Image: BBC)

His theatre career was notable, having been part of Sir Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company at the Old Vic, and he received acclaim for his performances in Shakespearean roles and other productions such as 'The Woman In Black' and 'Lunch With Marlene'. His solo performance 'Macready!' was showcased in 65 countries around the globe and was featured at the 1982 Commonwealth Games Arts Festival in Australia.

With over 150 screen credits to his name, Barrie appeared in classic television series including 'Emergency Ward 10', 'No Hiding Place', 'Softly, Softly', 'Special Branch', 'On Giant's Shoulders', and 'Queen Of Swords'.

In 1983, he took on the role of Eglamour in the BBC TV adaptation of Shakespeare's 'The Two Gentlemen Of Verona'. Beyond acting, he also directed successful international tours of plays like 'Shylock', 'JM Barrie', and 'The Life And Loves Of Edith Wharton'.

Barrie had over 150 screen credits to his name (Image: imdb)

Barrie is also known for an array of writing credits such as Wellington, The Family At Ham, The Devil You Know, and The Other Woman—which was aired by the BBC featuring the late Dame Thora Hird.

While studying at Hull University, where he served as president of the debating union, Barrie met his future wife. His death on June 30 has led to a stream of tributes on social media honouring the esteemed actor.

On X, previously known as Twitter, one user shared: "Very sad to hear about the passing of the great actor, Frank Barrie. I worked with Frank only once, but it was a rich experience. He was a gentleman, a teacher and a supportive wing man. A true man of the theatre, who will be sadly missed. RIP."

Another wrote: "Sad to hear of the passing of two great actors within the last few weeks. Wonderful onstage and even greater men off....RIP Michael G Jones and Frank Barrie....."

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London council approves 144 new homes and adult social care flats

A London council has approved 144 new homes and adult social care flats on Harrow Road. Westminster City councillors voted three to two - along party lines - to approve the development.

Westminster City’s planning committee chair Cllr Jason Williams acknowledged issues with the application, which was submitted by the council, before approving it.

He said during Tuesday evening’s meeting: “We spoke about having to weigh things in the balance and planning is about weighing the balance of the different issues. I think the issues we’ve all heard, we’ve all had concerns about this as councillors, and I think the benefit in this case does outweigh those issues.”

The site will provide 'state-of-the-art' adult social care homes (Image: Carter Gregson Gray/WCC)

Conservative councillors Jim Glen and Hannah Galley voted against the proposal because of concerns about its height and impact on biodiversity. Cllr Glen said he was particularly concerned about the development not meeting the council’s own planning policies.

He said: “What I heard tonight is we’re not complying in terms of height, we’re not complying in terms of daylight and sunlight, we’re not complying in terms of family-sized accommodation, we’re not complying in terms of biodiversity net gain, we’re not complying in terms of carbon off-setting, the circular economy, we might be complying, but we’re not entirely sure, it hasn’t been done yet.

“Trees, we might but we’re getting rid of lots and finally…our waste officer said we’re not compliant because we’ve specified the wrong food waste, the wrong separation, at the very least that should have been got right before it came before a committee. It’s a death by 1,000 cuts.”

Labour Cllr Patrick Lilley shot back: “I think [the development] is in part what Westminster needs, affordable accommodation, [there is] an absolute crisis in housing. It would be foolish, foolish indeed to not approve this project because it addresses a fundamental need of our communities. Homelessness is everywhere, everywhere, so I vote to approve this.”

The sports facility will be half the size of the current pitch (Image: Carter Gregson Gray/WCC)

Council officers urged councillors to approve the plans saying it would provide much-needed affordable housing in the borough. Officers also acknowledged councillors’ concerns about the lack of three-bedroom apartments but stressed the flats can house families.

Officers also defended shrinking the size of the new multi-use sports pitch saying providing such space was not mandatory. They said the current sport facility was temporary and was not included in the application.

The proposal, which is located at 291 Harrow Road and 1-2 Elmfield Way, will boost the number of adult social care homes on site from the current five to 24. It also includes 48 affordable homes and 72 units at market rate.

The council will construct these flats in three separating buildings varying from 5 to 15 storeys and include an indoor sports facility and commercial space, the application shows.

The development will be car-free but there will be some parking provision for adult social care users.

Critics say the plans amount to an "overdevelopment" of residential land and warn it could lead to a loss of daylight for neighbouring properties. They said the tall buildings will create a "wind tunnelling impact" and claim they weren't properly consulted by Westminster City Council.

The development includes a community centre (Image: Carter Gregson Gray/WCC)

They also shared concerns about the impact on the future redevelopment of the local medical centre.

Westminster City said it had no plans to redevelop the Woodfield Road medical practice. It said though the development would be tall and bulky, it would result in "relationships to neighbouring properties seen elsewhere in the Carlton Gate development and Westminster".

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Map shows London's most dangerous drivers - check how safe the roads are near you

More than 100 people lost their lives on the roads in London last year, and one outer-city borough was the capital’s most lethal place to drive - see how it compares to where you live. Provisional casualty figures published by the Department for Transport show there were 1,633 fatalities on British roads in 2024, a slight 1% increase from the previous year.

More than 29,500 people were killed or seriously injured, similar to 2023, and 99,000 were at least slightly injured, a 4% fall.
The largest number of fatalities was among drivers and passengers of cars (710), followed by pedestrians (413), and motorcyclists (343).

There were vast differences across the nation in the number and severity of injuries caused by road traffic accidents, and the worst-affected areas were away from big cities.

However, driving in the capital could still be fraught with peril. Last year, 111 people lost their lives on the roads around London, while another 3,584 people were seriously hurt.

Overall, nearly 24,000 people received at least a minor injury on the roads. Ten fatalities took place in Havering, in Outer London, more than anywhere else in the city. Another eight people died on the roads of Enfield, also part of Outer London, and eight in Newham, in Inner London.

There were far fewer fatalities in Westminster (four), but more people were seriously hurt in road accidents in the busy central London hub than anywhere else, possibly at least in part due to the sheer weight of traffic.

In total, 235 people were killed or seriously injured in Westminster. Southwark had the next highest number, with 211 people killed or seriously injured, followed by Lambeth (188), Wandsworth (162), and Croydon (156).

Including less serious injuries, there were 1,188 casualties from road accidents in Westminster, more than anywhere else in London.
Enfield was next (1,064), then Croydon (1,041), and Lambeth (1,010).

You can see how it compares with the rest of the nation using our interactive map.

Department for Transport figures show that three-quarters of all fatalities (76%) and three in five casualties of all severities were male.

More than two in five fatalities were aged either between 17 and 29 (22%) or over 70 (22%).
Nearly three in 10 casualties of all severities were aged between 17 and 29 (28%), more than any other age bracket.

However, the figures do show that the roads are getting safer over time, even as vehicle use soars.

Last year there were 97 fewer fatalities on the roads than there were in 2015. There were also 3,500 fewer people seriously hurt or killed, and nearly 28,000 fewer casualties.

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CCTV police appeal after man, 20, stabbed in broad daylight at London Overground station

Police want to speak to the pictured man after a stabbing at Imperial Wharf station.

Cops raced to Imperial Wharf railway station just after 5.20pm on Wednesday (June 18) to reports of an assault.

There they found 20-year-old man who appeared to have been stabbed. He was taken to hospital and has since been discharged.

Two men have previously been arrested and charged in connection over the incident.

Joseph Jakada, 21, of Cambridge Gardens, Kensington, appeared at Highbury and Islington Magistrates court on Friday July 4.

Aidan Watts, 20, of Cremorne Estate, Kensington, appeared at Inner London Magistrates Court on Monday, June 23. Both were charged with Section 18 GBH and Affray.

The stabbing happened at Imperial Wharf Station (Image: Google)

Watts was also charged with possession of a bladed article and Jakada was charged with possession of cannabis. They are next due to appear at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday, July 22.

A two further men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and later released on bail.

Anyone who recognises the man, or who has information that could help police, should contact the police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 553 of 18 June.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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'We believe that this was not a hate crime': Man arrested after Windrush exhibition vandalised in Brixton

A man has been arrested after a Windrush exhibition was vandalised in South London - though police do not believe it was a hate crime. There was outrage from community leaders this week after portraits honouring the Windrush generation were desecrated in the early hours of Thursday morning (July 3), with organisers describing the incident as a 'blatant act of racial hatred'.

But as Scotland Yard announced the arrest and questioning of a 24-year-old this afternoon (Saturday July 5), the force said it does not currently think the incident was racial. "Based on enquiries carried out so far, the incident is not being treated as a hate crime. Further enquiries will take place to establish the circumstances," said a Met spokesperson.

Sharing a photo on X, a Lambeth Council spokesperson said: "We welcome news that Lambeth Met Police have made an arrest following the sad vandalism of the Windrush Untold Stories exhibition in Brixton. The update follows Cllr Donatus Anyanwu visiting the site today with Labour MP Seema Malhotra and community leaders who are featured."

One of the desecrated portraits had scratches across the eyes (Image: MyLondon)

Reacting to the incident on Thursday morning, one local resident, of Caribbean heritage, told MyLondon: “They're idiots. They are insulting the people that helped build their country. And I feel sorry for them. They should be locked up. People are sick, they’re insulting their ancestors." Her mum added: “It’s absolutely disgraceful. Why? What’s wrong with people?”

The exhibition was created by Friends of Windrush Square in collaboration with the Empathy Museum, Photofusion, Born or Made, and the Black Cultural Archives. It aims to honour the history and contributions of the Windrush Generation through storytelling and visual arts, including work by the late Clovis Salmon, also known as Sam the Wheels, a pioneering documentarian and photographer.

Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, who leads policing in Brixton, said: "We understand that those in the community will feel distressed about vandalism to the Windrush exhibition in Brixton. We believe that this was not a hate crime, and I want to reassure anyone with concerns, that a man has now been arrested.

"Local neighbourhood officers have been in contact with the organiser of the exhibition, and remain in the area to respond to any questions or worries that people may have."

Got a tip, a court date, or some gossip? Please email callum.cuddeford@reachplc.com or WhatsApp 07580255582.

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