Local water bills are to rise 24% to pay for urgent repairs to London’s leaky sewer system. The higher than expected rise will be spread over five years.

However, at £261 a year for the average home, Thames is still cheaper than the national average of £295.

Grim up north

The population in the prosperous south will grow at twice the rate of the former industrial north, government figures claim.

The eight million strong South East will grow 14% by 2028, but will be outstripped by the East (16%), London (15%), and South West (16%). The data point to large numbers of northerners continuing to move south for jobs.

Chim chim cheroo

Berkshire firefighters are calling in chimney sweeps to help solve a spate of chimney fires in the Royal County. Chimneys should be cleaned regularly, depending on what type you have. Oil and gas should be swept once a year, coal fires twice a year, and wood fires every three months.

Taxi victory

West Berkshire Council has softened its policy on taxi drivers after losing a court case. All taxi drivers were told to install swivel seats for wheelchair users, but after a High Court judge failed to back them, council officials and taxi trade representatives formed a new policy, where older cars will be exempt.