One might assume that living in London’s happiest borough would be an absolute delight. However, locals from South West London’s Richmond paint a different picture. Amidst claims of it being a “playground for the wealthy,” young families find themselves squeezed into tiny homes or pushed out entirely. Here is an overview of life in Richmond today:

• The 2022 Happy at Home Index from Rightmove placed Richmond 11th, the only London area in the UK’s top 20.
• This happiness comes at a cost, with average home prices over the past year being £1,040,145.
• Sales mainly consisted of flats selling at around £547,221 and terraced properties going for nearly £1,083,418.

Aged 69, Guy Chance relocated from Richmond after ten years to Acton due to space constraints. He highlighted Richmond’s appeal for youngsters due to its social life but underscored the struggle young families face either cooped up small spaces or forced to move out.

Tony Khatchik who has run children’s shop The Toy Station in Richmond for almost three decades spoke about changes he witnessed over time. Business is dwindling as families lean towards working and shopping online while also dining out more frequently.

• The high house prices have significantly limited families’ disposable income – making it harder for local businesses.
• Mr Khatchik noted that even areas on the outskirts – previously affordable – have tripled in price which has led to foreign investors purchasing multiple properties for rent.

Margaret Wallace-Jones and Tony West, local bookshop owners, also shared their concerns about the increasing business rates and rents threatening their survival. They hinted at a looming struggle to “save the high street,” calling for external support for businesses like theirs.

Community engagement remains strong despite these issues, although maintaining this spirit requires considerable effort amidst Richmond’s transformation. The increasing costs of living in Richmond are changing not just its demographic but also its character. As Mr Khatchik poignantly put it – it’s niche but not niche, local but not quite local anymore.

Two unsuspecting gas engineers made a surprising discovery and inadvertently became heroes for a day. The footage (embedded below) that has since gone viral showcases the unpredictable nature of their job, one that often takes them to the heart of communities and sometimes, unwittingly, into the middle of a crime scene.

The engineers were initially summoned to a property to disconnect the gas power. The house was formerly used to grow cannabis, a fact the local police were all too familiar with. With officers still milling around the scene, the engineers stumbled upon a man desperately trying to hide. Instead of turning him over, they lent man a helping hand, ensuring his crafty escape.

It’s worth noting that while this video paints a comedic picture, the reality for many workers is far from funny. Some are lured to the UK with promises of legitimate work, only to find themselves coerced illegal activities.

Dreamt of spending a leisurely weekend in your garden, enjoying the unusually warm UK weather with a pint? Be wary, as the seemingly tranquil scene could become less serene due to an unexpected guest – Asian hornets. Urban greenery enthusiasts warn Brits about these uninvited intruders and why it is essential to keep ourselves informed about these insects.

Since their first sighting in July, these pesky invaders have stung ten people in the UK. Simultaneously, Europe’s recent heatwave has prompted concerns that there may be an influx of more such hornets into our surroundings. It should be noted that their venom can induce a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis if medical attention isn’t sought immediately.

Fans of beer or any sweet beverage should be especially cautious since Asian hornets are keen on them. This means pub owners and beer garden goers need to keep their eyes peeled for these winged menaces.

• Enticements: Besides alcohol, bright colours and sugary foods also attract these Asian intruders.
• The Danger: Their stings are venomous and can cause severe pain coupled with potential difficulty in breathing and swelling from an allergic reaction. In extreme cases, it could lead to instantaneous anaphylaxis which requires immediate medical attention.
• The Wildlife Menace: They pose a significant threat to ecosystems, particularly honey bees – vital pollinators for our environment – by consuming up to 50 bees daily!

If you spot one of these potentially harmful creatures, remember – don’t aggravate! The best course of action is reporting the sighting via the ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app.

In case you get stung by one, rinse off the sting site with soapy warm water promptly before applying ice to slow down venom spread while seeking professional medical help simultaneously. An interesting yet crucial point here is that unlike bees; Asian hornets do not leave their stinger behind during attack!

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress emphasises how crucial awareness is in dealing with this growing threat: “The recent European heatwave is said bring more Asian Hornets into Britain which calls for widespread alertness regarding how they behave & what attracts them.”