News in Twickenham

Here Councillor Richard Bennett, Leader of the Green Party, Richmond Borough Council, gives his view on a 'distressing' decision to allow the felling of five trees on a 'Backlands' site near Twickenham Green.

The scheme was approved by Council officials amid concerns local authorities do not have the powers they need to protect trees.

Local rock star John 'Rhino' Edwards is a familiar face as the bass guitarist in the line-up of one of Britain's most successful bands, Status Quo.

But when the Quo are not rockin' all over the world, Teddington-based John, and a fan of Brentford football club, is the front man for another band called Rhino's Revenge.

I know it makes us sound very careless, but yes, we have lost an air raid shelter, and possibly even two.

We have lived adjacent to Twickenham Green for 25 years, and over that time heard numerous rumours about its past.

Mill & Way is a new and unique jewellers, specialising in engagement rings and bespoke pieces, located in the heart of Twickenham.

It is based in a showroom and workshop on Eel Pie Island, which has become a creative and cultural hub, providing a home to 26 independent artists and their studios.

Novak Djokovic is pathetic and will rightly face criticism for taking advantage of an exemption in Covid-19 rules to avoid being vaccinated ahead of the Australian Open.

The 20- time major champion has been condemned for his distrust of vaccines and his alternative approach, which appears to rely on the supposed healing power of water and positive thinking.

The new Chair of the England Rugby Football Union, Tom Ilube, is making history in his important role within the governing body but his long journey began locally, when he first played rugby at Teddington School.

Tom, 58, has a CBE (for services to Technology and Philanthropy) is a father of two, and a successful entrepreneur.

Tyson Fury has dismissed his heavyweight rival, Deontay Wilder, as a bum.

When the two men get into the ring in Las Vegas on Saturday night, Fury will be expected to live up to this dismissive rhetoric.

The more fear you have, the less is the possibility of freedom.

In this case – it seems – the ECB made their decision out of fear and now some are labelling them as cowards.

Martin Burton, the founder of Zippo's Circus, which is back in Twickenham this weekend, spent 35 years performing as a clown.

However, he has been forced to pack away the make-up and traditional big red nose, bringing an end to a clown character that brought joy to generations of children.

A planning application to develop Twickenham Riverside – designed to create a new heart for the town – has been lodged by Richmond Borough Council.

The scheme involves the demolition of buildings on the approach to the riverside and the removal of parking. Two new blocks will be constructed to offer a mix of housing, retail, offices, a café, pub and children's playground.