From a drop in the number of young children to election-year drama to concerning data breaches affecting local families, plus transport strikes and sporting glory at Twickenham, here’s your essential news roundup.
Warning Signs for Local Families
Putney and Wandsworth parents are facing a double dose of concerning news this week. First, new analysis shows Wandsworth among the London boroughs seeing the largest drops in primary school pupil numbers in England, with the Education Policy Institute saying the capital is expected to continue to see bigger falls than the rest of the country for the next five years.
More immediately worrying, hackers claim to have stolen the pictures, names and addresses of around 8,000 children from the Kido nursery chain, which operates premises in areas including Chiswick, Battersea, Isleworth, Tooting and Wandsworth. Parents with children at affected nurseries should expect contact from Kido about the breach.
Another bus strike – for once not in Putney
If you’re planning to cross the river to use certain bus routes this Friday or Monday, think again. Over 350 workers employed by London Transit bus company in West London are taking further strike action after rejecting the company’s latest pay offer. The strikes on September 26th and 29th will affect routes 13, 23, 31, N31, 218, 295 and 452 – the first time in a long time that a bus strike hasn’t directly impacted Putney.
Crime Update
Three men have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Kyrone Moodie in New Park Road, Clapham on September 8th. Among those charged is Dontai Stuart, 26, of Surrey Lane, Wandsworth, who along with two others faces conspiracy to murder and attempted murder charges.
Business Hub survives politics at Putney Library
In a story fresh from The Thick of It, GLL has told councillors that it does NOT in fact intend to close the Business Hub at Putney Library following our report that staff had told regular users of the hub that it was due to close in January.
Councillors were reportedly unhappy that having just signed off on a new contract extension for GLL to run Wandsworth’s libraries for another three years that the loss of a key business hub was not a great start. Cue executive attention and Trumpian cries of “fake news.” But the good news is that the Business Hub is now here to stay – until the elections in May anyway.
That makes it 2 for 2 this week, with the news that Queen Mary’s Hospital will now not be closing its minor injuries unit following public pressure.
Rugby Glory Comes to Twickenham
Sports fans have something spectacular to look forward to this weekend. England’s women’s rugby team will face Canada in the World Cup final at Twickenham, with the game set to break the world record for the largest crowd ever for a women’s game as it’s an 82,000 capacity sell-out. For Putney residents, this is practically on the doorstep – and a chance to witness history in the making.
Cultural celebrations across the Borough
October brings a feast of cultural events as Wandsworth celebrates Black History Month with an extensive programme including cooking workshops, author talks, supper clubs, and community cookouts. Putney residents should particularly note “Written in the Records” exploring the Black presence in Putney’s past and the Caribbean-ish Supper Club at St Mary’s Church, Putney. The month kicks off with TV chef Ainsley Harriott sharing how his Caribbean heritage shaped his passion for cooking.
Meanwhile, the Brighter Living Fair offers a month-long programme of free events for older residents, including gym classes, yoga sessions, aqua workouts, and creative workshops – all part of Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture.
Meanwhile, in Prison News…
Finally, three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker has spoken about his shock at the level of violence and drug abuse he witnessed during his time in HMP Wandsworth. The former tennis star spent the first few weeks of his eight-month sentence at the local prison before being transferred elsewhere. Because he’s famous, the Ministry of Justice has responded saying it’s working to improve conditions at Wandsworth jail. You can read our extensive and depressing rundown of what life in like at Wandsworth Prison here.
