Latest news with #KensingtonAndChelseaCouncil
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Stanley knife left in Kensington nursery picked up by child sparking urgent safety probe
A West London council ordered an urgent investigation after a child picked up a Stanley knife left at a nursery by a contractor. Kensington and Chelsea Council said it requested Bellrock carry out an urgent investigation which they said happened swiftly. The council said they felt assured that recommendations have been implemented following the incident in June, which has only just come to light. The council confirmed that on June 27, a small Stanley knife was found on a wooden unit at St Quintin Centre for Disabled Children and Young People on Wallingford Avenue, near Ladbroke Grove in Kensington. The knife was found by one child who then passed it on to another before it was handed over to a member of staff. No one was injured in the incident. Neither Kensington and Chelsea Council nor Bellrock confirmed the nature of the works that took place at the time of the incident. A council spokesperson said: 'The safety and wellbeing of the children are of utmost importance to us, and we took this incident extremely seriously. This was a rare and unfortunate case of human error and thankfully nobody was hurt. 'The nursery staff followed procedure by immediately referring the incident to the council. The parents of the children involved were promptly informed and given opportunities to discuss their concerns. We have conducted thorough risk assessments and reviewed our protocols. 'We requested that Bellrock undertake an urgent investigation, which happened swiftly and we are reassured that recommendations have already been implemented.' A Bellrock statement read: 'We recognise the seriousness of this incident and have treated it with the utmost urgency. The safety and wellbeing of everyone in the environments where we work remains our highest priority. 'Immediately following the incident, we launched a full internal investigation, and appropriate action has been taken in line with our strict health and safety protocols. 'We remain fully committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, professionalism and care in every environment we serve. 'Our longstanding partnership with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea remains strong, and we continue to work closely together to ensure the highest levels of trust and safety are maintained.' Bellrock did not clarify what actions it took. St Quintin Centre offers a specialist play service, support and activities for disabled children, young people and their families, according to its website. The centre is open seven days a week and offers term-time support from birth to five years old. They also offer afterschool services, Saturday and holiday club support for five to 18-year-olds.
BBC News
02-08-2025
- BBC News
Portobello Road residents take legal action over anti-terror barriers
Residents living on Notting Hill's famous Portobello Road are taking legal action over a number of concrete barriers which have been installed on the month, Kensington and Chelsea Council placed the barriers on the west London road, following counter-terrorism guidance issued by the Metropolitan residents and market traders argue that they were introduced without formal consultation and have left them feeling council said the temporary order was introduced to protect people and it would consult with residents over a permanent solution. Law firm Broadfield, which represents the residents, claims the new barriers were introduced without formal lawyers have sent a letter on behalf of residents to the council, expressing their intention to challenge the Anti-Terrorism Traffic Regulation well as the barriers, vehicles have also been banned from using the road between 10:00 BST and 16:00 for either three or seven days a week, depending on the section of the say the measures, which were introduced over fears of vehicles being driven into pedestrians, means emergency services, delivery trucks and taxi cabs are unable to reach concerns have been expressed by blue badge holders, who said they were unable to access the street via council said it had worked with emergency services to ensure their vehicles can get through, after paramedics were forced to park beyond the barriers and carry kit to attend to a child with breathing said it had also created new blue badge bays and drop-off areas in side streets. Portobello Road claims to host "one of the most famous and historical street markets in the world", which began in the 19th Century and is particularly known for its rose to fame after being featured in the 1999 film Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia traders say they understand the reasons for the barriers, but that they had been badly Barr, a stall holder at the market, said: "They're too low, they're not signed enough, and they cause as many problems as they cure."He said there has been "two or three crashes a day", and that residents had to persuade the council to fit reflective signs on the barriers, so they would be visible at night. Fellow trader Jane Bridgman expressed sympathy for the council, but still felt there had been issues over the lack of a full consultation."Obviously we want safety from hostile vehicles, but traders are having to witness cars getting scrunched up metres away from where they work."She also said there had been an increase in anti-social behaviour, including street drinking and drug use, since the barriers were erected. Ms Bridgman added traders had been advised there would be a "better, stronger alternative", but that this "is not going to happen immediately" and "we've got to be a bit patient".However, she said that "the new system is what most traders are hanging their hopes on, and we should have that sooner rather than later". A spokesperson for Kensington and Chelsea Council said the temporary order was introduced to protect from vehicle attacks during busy said: "Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of everyone in the community."We believe the current measures strike a reasonable balance between protecting the public and supporting the needs of individuals."The council pledged to address concerns expressed by residents and businesses in its proposals for a permanent scheme.
