Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.
Serious News
Following the hot weather we have been experiencing recently, Thames Water is considering whether to introduce a hose pipe ban.
The debt-ridden company, which supplies water to millions of people throughout the capital and surrounding areas, may follow Yorkshire Water’s stance which began last Friday.
A spokesperson for Thames Water says that “unless the situation changes significantly”, “usage restrictions” would need to be introduced as demand has increased throughout their operational areas.
June saw its hottest on record, following on from the driest spring in 132 years. That trend is not stopping as yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency throughout the Southeast, London, Southwest, East Midlands, West Midlands and East of England from last Wednesday to this coming Tuesday – and possibly extended beyond that date.
Crazy News
Greenwich Council have banned ice-cream selling on King William Walk, near Greenwich Park – citing pedestrian safety and environmental health.
The popular tourist spot has seen the ban, which previously had to re-run the consultation through the High Court as Paul St Hilaire Sr and Jr (a father and son ice-cream business) appealed and will do so again for the latest decision.
Councillor Jackie Smith says that the council was not opposed to ice-cream trading, but rather vans trading in the road due to the “danger to pedestrians” queuing on the road.
Happy News
Paris have opened the Seine River for public swimming again, after it was previously closed to the public due to a lack of quality and safety within the water.
Along the river, three pools are located, fitted with changing rooms and showers, whilst being supervised by lifeguards.
The change is part and parcel of the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics, which saw a €1.4billion scheme see the improvement of water to allow swimmers compete.
French President, Emmanuel Macron, posted to X that the works to make this happen were a “source of pride for the country”.
L’un de mes prédécesseurs, alors Maire de Paris, a rêvé d’une Seine où chacun pourrait nager. Demain sa promesse sera tenue.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 4, 2025
C’est un héritage des Jeux olympiques et paralympiques de Paris après 100 ans d’interdiction, un travail collectif, une fierté pour le pays.
Merci… pic.twitter.com/KhymFPgIy1
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