I compiled an overview of the top stories making the news in Ham & High for each month of the year. This was published in print as a 5-page spread on December 31st 2015.
Front page stories:
An eight-day public inquiry appeal into plans to build the tallest building in Camden was put into disarray after the planning inspector was stung by a bee during his lunch break. Graham Dudley suffered an allergic reaction to the sting but the case went on while he was treated at a nearby hospital. Situated at 100 Avenue Road developers have made plans to erect a 24-storey residential building with an estimated worth of £100million. (The original story can be viewed here)
Police banned a neo-Nazi anti-Semitic demonstration that was set to take place in the Golders Green area. The protest was relocated to Downing Street. It was organised by far-right Nationalist Joshua Bonehill-Paine who pleaded not guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred at the Westminster Magistrates’ Court. In mid-December he was found guilty and sentenced at the Crown Court in Southwark to four years and three months jail with the judge citing his childhood troubles as a factor in his behaviour. (The original stories can be viewed here and here)
Light-hearted: Style icon Gok Wan put up his £2.5m house up for sale and relocated to Bloomsbury because his neighbours were ‘too quiet’. (The original story can be viewed here)
Controversy: Objections were made by residents, vets and campaign groups to Barkers pet store for their proposal to open up a pet-pampering salon in South End Road. The plans would add six ventilation shafts, which would be pumping dog hair and skin onto the street. Noise disturbance was another reason for complaint. Residents are concerned for those who suffer from asthma, believing attacks could be triggered. (The original story can be viewed here)
Lillian Altman 