Wandsworth motorists are being driven potty by unfilled and badly-repaired potholes. The borough's council spent almost £1m less on road repairs last year than three years ago according to figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Holes
Twickenham actress Georgia Moffett is due to follow in her dad's footsteps by appearing in the BBC's sci-fi hit Doctor Who. Georgia, the real-life daughter of former Time Lord Peter Davison - is due play the title character Jenny in tomorrow's episode
Surrey Police seized 20 motorbikes and two cars as park of a crackdown on law-breaking motorists. During the operation officers spotted one motorcyclist riding at 102mph in a 50mph zone on the A24 southbound from Leatherhead towards Box Hill. That rider
A man in his 60s dies after his car is in collision with a lorry. The man was driving south along the A3 when his blue Ford Fiesta collided with a lorry on the A3 between Hook and Esher at 12.35pm today. The driver of the Fiesta, believed to be
Plans for a former piggery were refused after a resident's plea swayed the application against it. The former site in Ashford cannot be used in its former capacity as the stench of rearing pigs is considered unacceptable in a residential area. But an
The end is nigh for Stanwell's tin shack shame after plans for Spelthorne's largest-ever housing development were submitted. The first phase of Stanwell's New Start regeneration project was handed to Spelthorne Council along with an application for outline
A single father faces being made homeless and jobless over what he says is Inland Revenue's inefficiency to process his childcare benefits. Ian McDonald, 32, from Exeter Road, Feltham, was forced to take his two-year-old daughter out of nursery school
A green garden will not cost the earth, after Recycle Now and Kingston Council teamed up to promote home composting. The composting scheme encourages people to compost at home by offering tips, advice and low-cost compost bins. Composting can incorporate
Responding to Foreign Secretary David Miliband's speech at the London School of Economics, Tony Juniper, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, said: "The Foreign Secretary has set out a cogent analysis of some of the most important challenges
The headteacher of a troubled Croydon senior school has left. Croydon Council confirmed this afternoon that Janet Packer, headteacher of Selsdon High, had left her position with immediate effect. Mrs Packer left the school today after bidding farewell
The family of an 18-year-old dad have paid tribute to him following the conviction of his Streatham Hill killer. Junior Ashley Glasgow, from Angus House, New Park Road, was today found guilty at the Old Bailey of murdering Nathan Foster. Mr Foster was
A man had to be rescued from a barge in Kingston on Tuesday after suffering stab wounds. Kingston police confirmed the stabbing is being treated as non-suspicious and said they believe the wounds were self inflicted. Police were called to Woodbines
London Cycling Campaign is calling on Boris Johnson to live up to his pre-election aspiration and take steps to deliver more than a threefold growth in London cycling . Speaking to the London Cycling Campaign at an election hustings Boris Johnson
Staines Town were pipped for promotion by AFC Wimbledon in a pulsing Ryman Premier League play-off final at Wheatsheaf Lane on Saturday. A sell-out crowd, filling the ground to a 2,460 capacity, saw two goals in the last seven minutes give Dons promotion
24 hour drinking could be banned in Surrey, if enough people give support in an online alcohol survey. Health bosses have been quizzing people on their drinking habits and alcohol knowledge to tackle the county's "hazardous drinking" problem. So far
I want to commend you for your sensitive and very readable series of features on mental health. There is a still a stigma attached to mental illness (or "mental distress" as I've heard it called by people wanting to be politically correct), yet so
I refer to the letter from the Spencer Road resident headed "Hard work is a waste of time" in the April 17 edition. It is not only in Spencer Road that the council refuse collectors throw all the carefully sorted rubbish into one wheelie bin and then
Hercules Wimbledon's Medena Knespl, currently studying at Boston University, achieved another impressive performance stateside when she competed in the Bwon University Sprintime Invitation Meeting at Providence, Rhode Island. She took second
Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 Eastbourne Borough 2 The valiant Beavers had no luck in the Blue Square South play-off final. Hampton were denied by a goal-line clearance and a superb save by Eastbourne keeper Lee Hook, and had a legitimate penalty shout
Kingston Crown Court will gain two extras courts on Monday after a £2.5m scheme to open the extra resources at Wimbledon Magistrates Court is completed. The unique scheme, to combine a crown and magistrates court on the same site is the result of six
What does it say about the state of our society if a person needs to go blind in one eye before their condition is deemed serious enough to treat? We are not talking about a controversial new cancer treatment that will prolong life, but one that has
Cobham-based Peter Willcox has won his eighth men's singles title in 10 years at the National Deaf Tennis Championships in Gloucester. The 26-year-old, a member of the coaching team for AD Tennis at Reed's School in Cobham, went in to the 2008 tournament
An agreement between Hounslow Council and West Thames College has been made to move Feltham Skills Centre to a new flagship development. Still in its early stages, the agreement, subject to planning permission, will see the existing Skills Centre move
Neil Warnock has insisted his Crystal Palace side are the play-off underdogs ahead of the first leg of their semi-final tomorrow. Despite many bookies making the Eagles the favourites to reach Wembley and progress to the Premiership ahead of Watford,
An energetic 84-year-old will complete the eight-mile Towpath Trundle walk for the 16th time next Sunday. Ron Higginson, from Stoneleigh, will lead the annual event with hundreds of walkers. The walk is organised by the Thames Ditton Friends of
A bat found in Bushy Park has been diagnosed as suffering from rabies. The Daubenton's bat was found last August by a member of the public and passed to vets who noticed it displaying odd behaviour. Later tests showed it was suffering from rabies and
Merton Council has joined a campaign launched by Recycle Now to promote the benefits of home composting in the borough. Over the next year, council officers will join the organisation in highlighting the importance of composting as part of an environmentally-friendly
A New Addington fencer who admitted beating a lollipop man with his own stick now says he also kicked the 65-year-old while he lay on the ground. Nikki Walker, a 29-year-old fencer, pleaded guilty to attacking Wiktor Molleskog in front of terrified pupils
Despite a low response rate from Staines residents over plans to charge them to park outside their homes, amendments have been made to the proposals. Spelthorne Council asked for residents' thoughts on the introduction of controlled parking zones (
The BNP member of the London Assembly has launched an angry tirade at the first meeting of the Assembly. Richard Barnbrook, who represents Barking and Dagenham and won the party's first seat at City Hall, told the other members "I'm here and I'm here
As a parent with a son at Wimbledon College, I was disturbed to read the headteacher's warning in the Wimbledon Guardian of the difficulties facing the sixth form at Wimbledon College. I wrote to the director of the south London division of the Learning
Budding artists have brightened up their school with an eco-friendly mural featuring their favourite book characters. The pupils at Bond Primary were helped by local artist Sarah Hubert. After a competition to find the best designs, one winner from
I was very pleased to read the letter in your paper "Why does council employ these hedgerow vandals?". Please could you express my gratitude to the author of the letter for making a stand. Here, in Armfield Crescent, Mitcham, the council has indeed done
I am writing in response to two letters published in the Feedback section of your newspaper about the closure of the Hard of Hearing Resources Centre in Morden. I was surprised at the blame attributed to Merton Council and the claim that we have cut
Harlequins players Joe Marler and Joe Trayfoot have been named in a 32-strong England U18 development squad to tour Argentina this summer. Richmond College student Marler and Epsom College's Trayfoot helped England to a Grand Slam of victories in last
Two young people from Sunbury schools suffered serious assaults in the same week. It is time for serious consideration to be given by parents, politicians and Surrey Police to the problem of ensuring students can travel safely to and from their schools
Quins have signed Tongan international Epi Taione from Super 14 side Natal Sharks. Taione, who has played in the English Premiership for Newcastle and Sale Sharks, has since been playing for the Japanese side Sanyo Wild Knights. He also played in
Harlequins RL star Chris Melling is hoping an injury-free remainder to the Super League season will force him into England's World Cup plans. Melling, who has made seven substitute appearances after spending nine out with a groin injury, grabbed his
Defender Gavin Cartwright has left Kingstonian by mutual consent. He was a regular in the Ks side last season, making 37 appearances as they narrowly missed out on a place in the Ryman Division One South play-offs. Boss Alan Dowson told kingstonian.net
Merton will be joining a campaign to clean up London, with volunteers and council officers spending next week removing graffiti and picking litter up from the borough's streets. The week-long green initiative is part of a 100-day clean-up operation
More than 350 triathletes took part in the second race of Thames Turbo Triathlon Club's 2008 series at Hampton Open Air Pool on Monday. In ideal conditions, Dan Corner (Shorter Rochford Exclusive Ranges) clinched his second victory in the series after
Olympian Natalie Harvey set a new women's record in the Banstead Woods 5km time trial to finish overall winner of Saturday morning's 49th running of the weekly race. Harvey, who originally competed for Australia but now runs for South London Harriers
Celebrity chef and Wandsworth Common resident Gordon Ramsay has called for restaurants to be banned from selling out-of-season fruit and veg. The foul-mouthed 41-year-old said he has even confronted Prime Minister Gordon Brown about the issue. He
As the five Liberal Democrat councillors for Lower Sunbury and Halliford, we are continuing to work hard on behalf of our residents on a range of issues. This includes partnership workings with the county council. It is therefore frustrating for
Sutton teenager Katie Dean continued her transistion into senior judo by winning a bronze medal at the British Open at K2, Crawley, last weekend. Competing in the women's U78kg category, the 18-year-old suffered an early defeat to Maike Heinz of Germany
Richmond pair Emma Layland and Alice Richardson have been named in England women's squads for the Amsterdam and London Emirates Airlines Sevens being held later this month. Head coach Simon Amor and assistant coach Mike Friday have named strong squads
Hooker Tani Fuga faces a race against time to be fit for Saturday's trip to Leicester Tigers after being stretchered off in the 23-16 defeat to Sale Sharks last weekend. Fuga, 34, has been named in the squad to travel to Welford Road, but revealed to
RFU immediate past president Bob Rogers visited Mitcham RUFC on Sunday to present the club's Bulls youth section with its RFU President's XV award. Mitcham Bulls - based on St Helier Estate in Carshalton, are the national winner in the club-school
St Helier Youth U14s are celebrating winning the Epsom & Ewell League in only their second season together. Goalie: Alex Henry. Defenders: Jake Newell, George Fenton,Michael Radford,Conner Pile, Reece Martin. Midfielders: Kevin Ryan, Jack Diggins, Chris
Sutton United U13 won the Tandridge Cup thanks to a 2-1 victory over Croydon Boys. Bobby Webbe fired Sutton in front with a first-half penalty, but great pressure from Croydon after the break resulted in an equaliser. But Sutton claimed the cup
The Epsom College Rifle Team won the Clayton Challenge Trophy at Bisley for the fourth year running and the ninth time since the competition was launched in 1984. Ten teams competed in this year's tournament, which is shot over 300 and 500 yards. Epsom's
Skipper Toby Bailey has issued a message of intent by signing a new pace trio he hopes can see Teddington challenge Ealing at the top of the Middlesex County League Premier Division this season. The 31-year-old wicketkeeper kicks off his third season
Skipper Carlos Nunes is confident his newly promoted Twickenham side is ready to take on derby rivals Richmond ahead of the biggest match of the club's - and his - history. The 24-year-old begins his first season in charge with a short trip to Old Deer
Defender David Graves won three awards at Carshalton Athletic's presentation evening. A week after helping his side stay in the Ryman Premier League with a 2-0 win over Tonbridge Angels, Graves collected the supporters', chairman's and first-team players
Sutton Cricket Club skipper Keith Medlycott is hoping a break from cricket will entice opening bowler Phil Sampson back in to action later in the season. The 27-year-old former Surrey pace man took 37 wickets in the Surrey Championship Premier League
Sutton Tennis & Squash Club are hosting a black tie charity dinner inconjunction with Hawelli of Belmont on June 28 to raise money for Princess Alice Hospice. Andy Ripley, former England & British Lions rugby player, will be guest speaker, while the
Hampton & Richmond director Steve McPherson is confident a step up to Blue Square Premier would be worth at least a quarter of a million pounds to the club in added revenue. The Beavers - as the Times went to press last night - were preparing to face
Former world junior half-marathon winner Kasse Tadesse, of Belgrave Harriers, led a 400-strong field home to win the Sutton Runners 10km road race in Beddington Park on Sunday. He clocked 32 minutes 12 seconds to finish almost a minute clear of Dorking's
Sutton CC completed their preparations for the Shepherd Neame Surrey Championship campaign with a tie against Weybridge at Cheam Road. Both sides were bowled out for 157 on a difficult strip. Gary Outram continued his good form in accumulating 54 well-crafted
Beleaguered Ashford residents fed up with "being treated like second class citizens" could be headed for a brighter future after plans to build a new post office emerged this week. At a meeting of Spelthorne Borough Council's planning committee, a
It's not all doom and gloom at the Beveree. Hampton & Richmond striker Lawrence Yaku has been named Blue Square South's player of the month - only the club's second gong in an historic season. The 33-year-old hit four league goals in April to guide
Brian McDermott has reacted angrily to press speculation on his future after his comments following Harlequins RL's Millennium Stadium defeat to Catalan Dragons on Sunday. In an emotional press conference in the wake of Quins' last-gasp 18-16 loss, the
The mass protest against a third runway at Heathrow Airport has been backed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Dr Rowan Williams will support the march on Heathrow this month, when thousands of campaigners are expected to demonstrate about expansion plans
Harlequins must win at the country's toughest rugby cauldrons if they are to regularly challenge at the top of the Guinness Premiership, according to prop Mike Ross. Quins head to boss Dean Richards' old stomping ground Welford Road to take on Leicester
A millionaire builder who was gunned down on the doorstep of his Earlsfield home was left undiscovered for four hours as police failed to pick up a 999 call, an inquest has heard. Yesterday Westminster Coroners' Court was told how dad-of-two Stuart McMahon
Local councillors on Merton's overview and scrutiny panels regularly carry out reviews of issues and services that affect people living in the borough. These reviews involve finding out about local people's experiences and looking at how other towns
Top bands will come together to play at a hunger benefit in Clapham this summer. The Holloways and The Noisettes will perform at Picnic Rocks, a one-day festival in support of campaign group Action Against Hunger. The event will take place on July
A fireworks competition due to take place in Battersea at the weekend has been called off due to poor ticket sales. The London heat of the British Firework Championships was meant to be held in Battersea Park tomorrow night. But the organisers of
An Australian tennis pro has been arrested over date rape allegations. Paul Hanley, 30, who lives in Sutton, has been bailed by police after a woman in her 20s claimed he sexually assaulted her. It is alleged that Melbourne-born Hanley invited the woman
The wife and stepdaughter of a businessman offered £5,000 to have him killed, a court heard yesterday. Charles Butler, 50, was gunned down near his Dagenham home in October 2004 and died nine months later from the shooting. The Old Bailey heard how
The Surrey track and field championships, with two days of non-stop athletics, are held at Kingsmeadow Stadium this weekend. Saturday's programme starts at 10am and Sunday's at 10.30am. with action going through to 6pm on both days. Wimbledon schoolmaster
Worcester Park-based Auriol Bowling Club is inviting anyone interested in trying the game to an open day this Sunday (11am-4pm). The club is offering free coaching on the green next to the clubhouse in Auriol Park, Salisbury Road. Women's captain
9th May 1671 - Adventurer Thomas Blood steals the crown jewels from the Tower of London. 1785 - Joseph Bramah patents the beer pump handle. 1932 - Neon lights are used to light the first flashing advertisements in the world, at Piccadilly Circus.
