FN Newsletter 04-06-2024

Early June 2024 round up of news, features and comment

Way down in the hole…

There's a certain irony about a herbivore-themed art installation outside a meat-based fast-food outlet in Warren Street. It’s something to gawp at outside the tube station, I suppose. June is filled with lots of events, starting off this week with corporate Fitzrovia’s rabbit-themed two-day event. In case anyone is wondering, the street is named after Anne Warren who was associated with the family who developed the northern part of Fitzrovia in the late 18th century.

More events are taking place at the Fitzrovia Community Centre, the Fitzrovia Arts Festival, the Soho Poly, as well as a tailgate party in Cleveland Street.

Keep a tight hold on your phone if you are out and about. Phone snatching and crime has increased across the country but there have been a spate of recent break-ins and daytime theft from shops in Fitzrovia.

Next month there is a general election and we hope to have some features about the various candidates on offer covering the two constituencies that include Fitzrovia.

A reminder that Covid continues to remain a major threat, according to the WHO. Please don’t cough over anyone and follow NHS advice to avoid catching and spreading the virus. The UK Health Security Agency is also concerned about measles outbreaks, and a rise in whooping cough cases.

If you want to get in touch with us to tell us what you think of our reporting, have a question, or would like to contribute to Fitzrovia News please email us at news@fitzrovianews.com

— Linus Rees, editor

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The latest on our website

Campaign to protect children’s nursery and playground succeeds

A local campaign to protect a children’s nursery and playground on Whitfield Street in Fitzrovia has been successful.

Business group’s rabbit-themed design and street party on Warren Street

Corporate Fitzrovia is hoping to attract more people into the neighbourhood during June by putting on a series of events starting with a floppy-eared, architectural installation outside Warren Street tube station, and a two-day street party.

Events in Fitzrovia during June 2024

A very large number of events will be taking place across Fitzrovia throughout June 2024. This is a brief guide to what’s on.

Labour selects Camden Council leader Georgia Gould for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale seat

The Labour Party has selected Camden Council leader Georgia Gould as its candidate for the Queen’s Park and Maida Vale Parliamentary constituency at the 4 July General Election.

Fitzroy vixens are making protective moves against local mutts

Fitzrovia’s foxes are brushing up against their celebrity neighbours with increased sightings and rumours of behaviour changes.

Camden ROAR Festival 2024

The Camden Roar Festival at Camden People’s Theatre runs from 4 to 22 June. The festival celebrates 30 years of the theatre.

Public consultations

Licensing application: Farmer Cafe, 35 Conway Street

TVC News Limited has applied to Camden Council for a new premises licence at Farmer Cafe, 35 Conway Street, on the corner of Warren Street in Fitzrovia.

Licensing application: Maya, 19 Goodge Street

Other Wines & Bites Ltd has applied to Camden Council for a new premises licence at Maya, 19 Goodge Street, on the corner with Whitfield Street in Fitzrovia.

Planning applications in Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia East, May 2024

Camden Council registered 61 planning applications in Bloomsbury ward, which includes Fitzrovia East, during May 2024.

Planning applications in Fitzrovia West, May 2024

Westminster Council validated 12 planning applications in Fitzrovia West during May 2024.

Government consults on alcohol in licensed pavement areas

The Government has identified new options that would enable premises to more easily sell alcohol for consumption in a licensed pavement area, whilst ensuring that licensing authorities and local residents continue to have a say about what happens in their area.

Local democracy reports

Cafe plan could mean the end for public toilet site in Soho

A busy Soho street that “smells like piss in the summer” because so many people urinate on the streets could lose another public toilet.

Falling birth rates and maternity units under threat in North Central London NHS area

Falling birth rates, low staff morale and trust across the NHS in North Central London have raised concern among councillors.

Concern raised over lack of capacity for mental health care in North Central London NHS area

A lack of suitable accommodation and follow-ups for discharged mental health patients has raised concern among councillors across the North Central London NHS area.

‘No fault’ evictions increased by 52 percent in London in the year to March 2024

The number of “no fault” evictions in London increased 52 percent in the last year — more than five times the rate seen in the rest of England and Wales, a City Hall analysis reveals.

Sadiq Khan admits crime is too high as he sets out robbery reduction plan

Sadiq Khan has admitted that the number of robberies in London is “too high”, as he launched a new Robbery Reduction Partnership to tackle the issue.

Printed newspapers

Our June printed news-sheet is out and available from outside Fitzrovia Community Centre, 2 Foley Street. See the newspaper archive for back issues of Fitzrovia News. We aim to produce a two-page, printed issue at least four times a year. Local weeklies the Camden New Journal and the Westminster Extra are also available outside the Community Centre and they also have an archive where you can view the full printed Camden and Westminster printed editions.

News from elsewhere

Fitzrovia businesses are hit by series of break-ins

The Extra spoke to owners of coffee shops, restaurants, a barber shop and a pharmacy about the burglaries in Great Titchfield and Riding House streets, Fitzrovia.

Keir Starmer: I'm running for an important job… to be your MP

I’m running for an important job in this general election. The chance to make a difference to people’s lives. Fight inequality and injustice. And make sure people have the opportunities they need to live the lives they deserve.