News in Richmond

Council chiefs have responded to reports of shortages of Covid lateral flow tests by making clear supplies are still available from many of the area's libraries.

The emergence of the Omicron strain of the virus has triggered a rise in demand for the tests and long queues for booster vaccinations.

Residents can now apply for grants of up to £170 towards their annual energy bill through the Council's Fuel Grant Scheme.

The grant has doubled this year as additional funds are now available through the Government's Household Support Fund.

Plans to create a new Continental-style square at the heart of Richmond riverside for al fresco dining and entertainment are central to pandemic recovery.

The scheme is among a number of ambitious initiatives included in a manifesto for Be Richmond, the body which represents over 300 businesses.

It's that time of year when neighbours roll out their festive lights, dressing both their front gardens, trees and homes.

Often, this annual game of one-upmanship reaches spectacular proportions with light displays on a scale visible from space.

Local carers have been invited to a community Christmas Dinner at Twickenham Stadium.

Each year, the RFU (Rugby Football Union) hosts the free dinner at the stadium in its Live Room.

Police have issued a warning about 'smash and grab' thefts from the cars of people visiting Kew Gardens for their Christmas lights show and other events.

Bags, cash, laptops and iPads are among the items stolen, according to a joint report from the Kew and North Richmond Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

A torchlight parade from Richmond through to Twickenham will be held this afternoon – Friday - in memory of women killed this year.

Residents are invited to join the event to mark the end of this year's 16 Days of Action campaign which raises awareness of violence against women and girls.

A Virginia Woolf bench has fallen short of it's target after just £819 has been raised of its £15,000 goal.

The charity behind the controversial Virginia Woolf statue bench has been fundraising for the remaining money it needs to install the sculpture on Richmond riverside. The overall cost is £50,000, of which it already has over £35,000.

The owners of privately-owned e-scooters will not be allowed to carry them on London buses, Tubes or trains amid concerns they pose a fire risk.

While there are hire scheme trials - including in Richmond - to allow people to ride approved electric scooters on the roads, it remains illegal to use privately owned machines.

The Twickenham Riverside Trust has published new details of its challenge to plans for a new development on the banks of the Thames.

The multi-million pound scheme would create a new public open space, playground, car-free promenade, 45 apartments, pub, café and shops.