Weekly News Rundown Stories – Sunday 8th June 2025

Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.

Serious News
The opening of the Silvertown Tunnel has eased congestion, according to TfL.

Data has been analysed from 21st April to 11th May which shows that of the 88,000 vehicles using both tunnels, approximately 20,000 are using the Silvertown Tunnel on an average weekday – this is compared to the nearly 100,000 using just the Blackwall Tunnel before.

However, there are some increased usage of other river crossings, one being the Woolwich Ferry.

Of the bus routes, more than 20,000 passengers use either the SL4, 129 and 108.

The surrounding routes (A2, A12 and A13) have all initially shown consistency in traffic levels too.

Crazy News
An east London school has cancelled outside breaks as a dive-bombing buzzard has decided to take residence in the playground.

There are concerns to health and safety, as the bird may be guarding its nest as it has also swooped and attacked residents throughout the village.

Havering Council are limited in their actions, as buzzards are a protected species under UK law and have suggested to hiring a falconry expert to deter the winged beast.

However, the unexpected resident has re-adjusted the curriculum, as head teacher, Stella McCarthy says: “We embraced it as a learning experience. The children the named the bird Brenda and put out posters for protecting Brenda and looking after her... they've been writing stories, reports; next week they'll be doing and newspaper articles, they've done artwork”.

A falconer even visited too, bringing Guido the Chilean blue buzzard eagle!

Happy News
A colourful and decorative way to keep cyclists safe have been installed in central London.

Throughout Sussex Gardens in Westminster, rows of bollards have bright recycled tulips planted on top to allow it to be more visible, at the same time as different.

Luke Tozer, director at Pitman Tozer Architects, who helped build the poles says: “The idea was to protect cyclists, but also to try and bring joy to the street”.

Inspiration was drawn from the poppies at the Tower of London, as well as the sunflower field along the Tour de France route.

The ribbon was cut and attended by Lord Mayor of Westminster, Paul Dimoldenberg, Jeremy Vine and Sigrid, the deaf cat who explores London by bike (alongside owner Travis Nelson) – big on social media.