From Putney High Street emergencies and childhood memories sparked by our iconic bridge to Thames wildlife warnings and community dementia support, here’s your essential local news digest.
Emergency response on Putney High Street
It’s been confirmed that a man was taken to hospital after a fire broke out at a shop on Putney High Street at 4pm on Monday. London Fire Brigade responded to the blaze, which spread to the flat above, causing damage to the first and second floors. The cause remains under investigation.
Paul Merton’s Putney Bridge childhood dream comes true
Comedy legend Paul Merton is returning to his railway roots in a new Channel 4 series that traces back to a pivotal moment on Putney Bridge. The comedian’s fascination with trains began when, as a young boy, he witnessed his father driving a London Underground train across Putney Bridge – sparking a lifelong passion for railways.
The new six-part series “Paul Merton: Driving Amazing Trains” sees him take control of some of the world’s most iconic locomotives across the UK and Europe, following in his father’s footsteps and reconnecting with his family’s railway legacy.
Thames Wildlife warning for Riverside residents
The Police has issued warnings against approaching or disturbing seals in the Thames, following several reports of harassment and threats against the marine mammals.
The warning follows the tragic case of a popular seal named after Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, who had to be put down in 2021 after being attacked by a dog near Hammersmith Bridge. Residents are urged to contact police if they witness any seal harassment.
Wandsworth’s dementia support initiative
Wandsworth Council is marking World Alzheimer’s Month with enhanced support for residents living with dementia, including the specialist service at Gwynneth Morgan Day Centre and new Memory Boxes for Dementia featuring the borough’s heritage collection.
The Heritage Lottery Fund initiative brings Wandsworth’s history into care homes and community spaces through themed boxes filled with sensory objects and recordings designed to spark memories and encourage conversation. The boxes can be booked free for up to 15 days at a time.
One more fast food joint on the High Street?
House of Doner, which launched in Farringdon last December and recently opened in Brixton, is planning new branches in Putney and Clapham as part of its UK expansion. The German-style kebab chain boasts over 100 locations across Europe and the Middle East, offering authentic Berlin-imported meat and homemade sauces.
We don’t yet know where the growing chain is planning to open up in Putney but the likelihood is that Putney High Street will get yet one more fast food joint bringing the total up to – we think – 15. It may be a record.
Sports Roundup
Football Focus: Fulham manager Marco Silva insists he’s taking the EFL Cup “very seriously” this season as the Cottagers host League Two Cambridge for a place in the fourth round, though he hints at potential team changes.
Tragedy in Women’s Football: Matt Beard, the former Chelsea and Liverpool women’s manager from Roehampton, has died aged 47. The respected coach led Liverpool Women to their only two WSL Premier League titles in 2013 and 2014. Today’s Burnley vs West Bromwich women’s match has been postponed in his honour.
Crime update: Battersea murder conviction
Twenty-one-year-old Joshua Eno has been found guilty of murder following a retrial over the shooting of Rico Andrews in Battersea during October 2023, stemming from a dispute over a stolen BMW motorbike. Sentencing is scheduled for next month.
Just a slight irregularity in your column above.
The change over from ATO to manual driving is done at Fulham Broadway currently.
The extension to East Putney isn’t in place yet, but which is earmarked for SMA 12 (I think that’s the correct off the top of my head)
As for the signals & line, the jurisdiction/rules/regulations changes from London Underground to Network Rail, halfway across the Bridge at Putney.