Councils resist Pickles newspaper ban that ‘flies in the face of localism’

(featured on pressgazette.co.uk, 29/7/13)

east end life

Local authorities have  defended their right to continue publishing newspapers in the face of a Government bid to ban such publications. Gabriel Samuels reports.

One in ten councils are still breaching government guidelines introduced by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles in 2011 to limit publication of council newspapers to four times a year. Continue reading

Major oil fire destroys Chinese Takeaway in Bermondsey

(To be published in Southwark News on 02/01/14)

ann and lac

FIREFIGHTERS battled huge flames as a major cooking oil fire overwhelmed a Chinese takeaway in Bermondsey. Gabriel Samuels was on the scene

The fire started at 10am in Ann & Lac restaurant on Southwark Park Road when it is thought the proprietors mistakenly left oil on the heat unattended.

Continue reading