News in Kingston

Kingston Libraries, working with Libraries Connected and second year students from Kingston School of Art, have created a programme of events entitled "Beyond Shelves", which celebrates the role of libraries at the heart of communities, providing opportunities to get residents excited and engaged in new ways.

Based on the BBC's The One Hundred Novels That Shaped Our World festival, the first event is an immersive, interactive zoom call with protagonists from the book V for Vendetta, taking place on 2 April from 7 - 9pm. Participants will be able to explore the themes and drama from this award winning graphic novel, as well as propel the story forward through decision making and interaction.

Plans for three more playground refurbishments have been finalised following consultation on the next phase of the Community Parks Programme.

During the pandemic, going outside to enjoy open spaces for fresh air, to connect with nature, to play and for exercise has been extremely important to our residents and Kingston Council are committed to continuing to invest in our green spaces.

Kingston Council will equip its civil enforcement officers with body worn video cameras as part of a new four-week trial.

NSL, the Council's parking enforcement contractor, will introduce the measure on 6 April. If the trial is successful, the Council will look into making the cameras permanent.

Police conducted early morning raids today with seven warrants at addresses across the capital including one in Kingston.

The warrants were part of Operation Snoop, an investigation lead by the Met's Modern Slavery and Child Exploitation Unit [MSCE] into the trafficking of Chinese women in to the UK for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

More bus strikes are planned before the end of March across London.

A number of routes in Kingston will be affected.

Following resident feedback, the council is installing more electric vehicle chargers.

Kingston Council has teamed up with JoJu Charging to provide a network of electric vehicle chargers after a 2020 consultation asked residents where they would like to see charging points in the borough.

Need a job over Easter in the Kingston area?

Nub News is on hand to help.

More areas of Hampton Court Palace are set to reopen.

The Gardens are currently opened to limited locals on the weekends.

Outdoor reopening is scheduled to take place on April 12th.

Restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars will be permitted to only using their outdoor seating for the five weeks until May 17th.

London and indeed the whole country this week has been shocked by the death of Sarah Everard.

In journalism reporting on death can be an all too-frequent occurrence.