Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.
Serious News
London is set to have its first large-scale floating park, as plans have been revealed for the Victoria Dock to feature a lido as well as new homes.
Called Royal Docks Waterways, the space will welcome art installations, cultural events, as well as a focus on swimming, alongside a wellness centre which will also have a sauna and spa.
Built on top of a 12-hectacre area of water, the green space in Newham will be increased by 5% and be a “destination for residents, workers, and visitors alike”.
A spokesperson for the development says that the project goes along with the Mayor of London's Clean and Healthy Waterways plan – a 10-year scheme that aims to improve on water quality, restore waterways while also enhancing access to the public.
The organisation’s managing director, Scott Derben, adds: “This vision represents the biggest step change in the management and development of the Royal Docks since they were closed to commercial shipping at the end of 1981. Now, 45 years later, our goal is that the docks that used to feed London will be used to nurture its inhabitants”.
Crazy News
Some shops have begun locking chocolate bars in security boxes, as one branch of Sainsbury’s within London are “regularly targeted”.
A statement from the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) have said that the sweet treat was “sold on by criminals and is now being targeted more frequently by prolific offenders”.
Following a man being arrested by Cambridgeshire Police after being found with his pockets crammed full of Crème Eggs, the force said that: “Chocolate is one of a number of high-value items thieves often target, along with products such as alcohol, meat and coffee. Retail theft has a real and lasting impact – not just on businesses, but on the staff who have to deal with related abuse and intimidation”.
The British Retail Consortium’s annual crime findings state that there were 5.5 million reported incidents of theft last year, as well as 1,600 incidents of violence and abuse every day on staff – that figure was down by 20% but still the second highest on record.
Happy News
Comedian Paul Elliott (or Paul Chuckle) is set to travel across the UK throughout March, raising money for Marie Curie in the charity’s biggest annual fundraiser – this year in its 40th anniversary.
His target is £40,000 as he sets off on Tuesday 3rd March from John O’Groats in the Scottish Highlands and anticipates arrival at Land’s End in Cornwall eight days later. The journey will be in the iconic Chuckle Bike branded in the charity’s blue and yellow.
Elliott is “incredibly proud” to be the charity’s ambassador, as his brother Barry was in Marie Curie’s end-of-life care.
Speaking of the journey ahead, he says: “I'm really excited to get to travel the route with the Daff Bike, raise lots of money for the charity and meet as many Marie Curie supporters, volunteers and staff as possible to say a huge thank you - from me to you”.
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