The long days of January are finally behind us and February is beginning, bringing with it Pancake Day and Valentines Day.

If you missed any stories this week read our roundup to catch up!

Twickenham MP opens Hampton Court House school's new bus library:

Munira Wilson opened Hampton Court House (HCH) school's library with a difference on Thursday (1 February) as part of National Storytelling Week celebrations. 

The independent school has repurposed and refitted an old double decker bus to create valuable extra space for a new library. 

Munira Wilson met and addressed pupils on Thursday morning before officially cutting the ribbon on the new School Bus Library and touring the school. 

Read the full story here.

Richmond Council takes stand against knife crime to safeguard residents:

Due to rises of knife crime in the capital, Richmond Council has made calls to the Mayor of London and the Government to address police funding shortfalls and restore confidence in public safety.

Following the tragic fatal stabbing at Strawberry Hill station, councillors have tabled a motion that underscores the Council's unwavering commitment to combating knife-related incidents within the borough.

Read the full story here.

Richmond Council urges Government to address housing benefit crisis in Spring Budget:

Richmond Council intensifies its call on the government to address the growing housing crisis and urgently uprate the housing benefit subsidy cap for temporary accommodation.

At Full Council, Cllr Jim Millard, Deputy Leader, put forward a motion stressing the urgency of raising the subsidy cap.

Read the full story here.

Twickenham's new Starbucks location finally opens:

Twickenham's new Starbucks location finally opened last Thursday (25 January).

The Twickenham Gateway Starbucks store, located near Twickenham station and apartment development 'Twickenham Gateway', opened last week following a long period of building work.

Read the full story here.

Richmond Women's Equality Party to launch 'Light the Path' Campaign:

Richmond's Women's Equality Party is launching a new campaign on Monday (5 January).

The 'Light the Path' campaign aims to demonstrate to the local council the importance of lighting the path for ending violence against women in the borough.

Read the full story here.