South Woodford news
South Woodford news, newest first, from Ilford Today: planning, roads, schools, business and what's on in South Woodford, with every story linked to its source.
Top story
Christmas Shopping in Ilford: 13 Shops From the Exchange to George Lane
We checked 13 shops in Ilford, Wanstead and South Woodford, from Exchange Ilford to Keating Jewellers, for hours and stock. Updated November 2026.
More stories
Christmas
Where to Buy a Christmas Tree Near Ilford, From Leyton Pitch to Doorstep
We checked 6 places selling real Christmas trees to Ilford homes, from Pines and Needles to free delivery, for 2026 prices and dates. Updated November 2026.
Transport
Night Tube at 10: Ilford Still Needs a Night Bus Home
The Night Tube is 10 and stops at Gants Hill but not Ilford, so we timed the journey home to 14 local stations by Tube and bus. Checked November 2026.
South Woodford
South Woodford Weather: 7-Day Forecast and Today's Hourly Outlook
South Woodford weather today: heavy drizzle, 10°C by day and 5°C overnight, with a 96% chance of rain and winds up to 11 mph.
Planning
142 Hermon Hill Flats Granted: 9 Homes, 26 Conditions
Redbridge granted nine flats and a shop at 142 Hermon Hill, South Woodford, on 19 October, after a void vote in September. New residents will get no parking permits.
Planning
Hermon Hill Flats Vote Was Void: Redbridge Votes Again 14 Oct
Redbridge's Planning Committee approved nine flats at 142 Hermon Hill on 16 September by 5 votes to 3, then legal advice voided the vote. Councillors vote again on 14 October, alongside the Granville Road HMO.
Planning
125 Hermon Hill: Three Flats Plan After HMO Was Refused
A plan to split 125 Hermon Hill into three rental flats follows a refused six-person HMO. Comments close 18 October and a decision is due by 16 November.
Christmas
Santa's Grotto Ilford 2026: Santa Workshop 19 to 23 December
Redbridge's Santa's Christmas Workshop runs 19 to 23 December after Elf Jr at Redbridge Drama Centre, £26.50 a child; the Christmas Eve show has no Santa.
Planning
Hermon Hill, South Woodford: 124 Object to 9 Flats
Officers recommend approval of nine flats and a shop on the old Fir Trees pub site despite 124 objections. Redbridge Planning Committee decides on 16 September.
Ilford
Ilford Panto 2026: Jack and the Beanstalk From 28 November
Jack and the Beanstalk, £15, plays South Woodford 28-29 Nov, Hainault 5-6 Dec and the KMT foyer 12-13 Dec. Sleeping Beauty opens at the Kenneth More on 26 March.
Water
Woodford water outage: what Thames Water must pay you
Homes cut off for more than 12 hours after the 9 August bursts are due £50, plus £50 for every further 12 hours, credited automatically within 20 working days. The rules, the sums and when to chase.