Angelina

WR is all about location and perception.

can you still get residents tickets?

So pleased for you both. Well done for holding out. Really happy for you xxxx Angelina

My friend's got the same (two flats on same floor of big old house) but can't find any gaps - he says it's so bad it's making him unwell (he's not long been out of hospital with heart surgery). He went to see them and they denied even smoking, so he's off to the Environmental Health to make a complaint under the Environmental Health Act 1990. I don't know what will happen but he's been told by doctors to not go anywhere near cigarette smoke so it's really hard for him at the mo.

As Bodsier said. If you don't like it, don't use it. Go elsewhere - there are plenty of alternatives.

how about a new Primark or mini Ikea?

yes but it's actually our money - and could be used on better things - or more efficiently

Brexit or not, the change in tax for foreigners buying UK property and for BTL has changed the dynamics.

That's largely driven by new tax penalties on BTL and oversess investors as well as brexit insecurity - as well as prices that are hugely inflated. Par for the course really. I hope they come down a lot more too.

Pugwash, so that's still staying within the school framework, whether state or independent. I suppose now that my original question is redundant as my daughter has decided to stay where she is. I could not be happier. Other questions about the integrity of the school in terms of forced termination of under-performing children is something to ask a school about when you apply, but I am completely certain that our school does not - the entrance into 6th form is very competitive and they would not let anyone in who would not respond to their education. It's very clear that children are only allowed to do subjects that they are likely to be able to manage and there are discussions to ensure that all are happy. I wish everyone well with their choices and hope you get in where you want to go... Thanks for all of your contributions.

The very nature of the word does imply a results based reduction in numbers, but surely that really can't be happening? So, with no government data, we really have no evidence either way. That's alarming, but I hope the Orpington scandal was a one off. Perhaps I'm naieve, but I can't believe schools practice this with a sole aim of improving their final results.

I would call the Child Benefit Office and ask them for a letter that says you opt out - or call the school and ask them. There may not be much time to get the documentation in order so I'd call them first thing on Monday. If anyone has concrete evidence as they absolutely know, then hopefully they can reply but failing that I would get on it

hand it in at any tube station and the staff might be able to reunite the card/ owner - if it's registered they would have her details and she would no doubt be in touch with them for a replacement

Civilservant - you are brilliant having followed this up with such tenacity.

It could give more light and illusion of more space. Great idea

I think you should probably delete this post and report it as a crime. Not sure you should discuss a crime in detail in public?

Does it really matter, in the scheme of things? If a parent takes the kids to school and then can't park near their home because of people (who probably) drive into the area and park their cars all day so they can get the train to work, is that more acceptable than that parent trying to keep a space open? It then makes me think that there is probably a space nearby as the roads are not all full by all means, so it suggests a bit of entitlement which always annoys everyone, as it's just plain selfish. Maybe the driver is unable to walk far or has a baby or other reason they think this is ok. WE don't really know, but we do like to jump to conclusions, don't we. And as for skips - would we really begrudge our neighbor the ease of having a skip outside rather than trundling all their stuff up the road? Nice community spirit.

This is a brilliant scheme. I've not heard of anything like it before. Thank you for sharing this.

or a cafe? overpriced croissants etc?

agree - very bizarre behavior by the school. I wonder what drove that decision?

yes - agree - a move to lottery places has to be widespread or not at all. If anything the risk is our children all have further to travel. 2/3 seems the wrong balance.

The lottery system is designed to avoid the situation with some schools, where property is premium as proximity is more likely to guarantee a place. This is also noted as being unfair. It seems you can't please everyone.

have you asked the school?

Does our council not analyse such information?

There will always be a need for currency that does not run through audit/ bank records. Lots of people don't have bank accounts. Shops have the right to impose their own conditions. If you don't like it, you don't have to go. At least they're being visibly honest with their takings.