Wanstead news
Wanstead news, newest first, from Ilford Today: planning, roads, schools, business and what's on in Wanstead, with every story linked to its source.
Top story
Wanstead Man Charged With Murder Over 2022 Death
A 68-year-old Wanstead man has been charged with the murder of Lorena Ciupeanu, who died in November 2022. The Met announced the charges on 6 November.
More stories
Christmas
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.
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.
Food & Drink
Christmas Dinner in Ilford: Nine Tables to Book, From £49.99 a Head
Christmas Day lunch around Ilford costs £49.99 to £104.95 at six pubs and steakhouses, with festive menus from £15.49. Updated 10 November 2026.
Environment
Adopt a Tree Pit in Redbridge: Apply by 3 January 2027
Redbridge's Adopt a Tree Pit applications for 2027 are open until 11.59pm on 3 January. Adopters get wildflower seeds, and whole streets can go pesticide-free.
Wanstead
Wanstead High School: New Builder on Site, No End Date
A new contractor took over the unfinished Wanstead High School block on 21 October, eight months after the last one collapsed. No name and no finish date yet.
Wanstead
Wanstead Weather: 7-Day Forecast and Today's Hourly Outlook
Wanstead weather today: heavy drizzle, 10°C by day and 5°C overnight, with a 96% chance of rain and winds up to 12 mph.
Planning
Woodbine Place, Wanstead: Shops and Offices Approved
Redbridge granted the three-storey shops and offices behind Wanstead's 16th-century corner building on 23 October, despite 83 objections, with 16 conditions.
Crime
Redbridge Crime Figures: Wanstead Shoplifting Up 173%
Recorded violence in Redbridge rose 12.5% in the year to August 2026 and shoplifting 27.5%. Wanstead Village had the biggest rise of the 22 wards, all ranked.
Remembrance
Ilford Remembrance 2026: Armistice Day Services 11 November
Remembrance Sunday has passed. On Armistice Day, Wednesday 11 November, Fairlop Waters holds a 10.45am service and Snaresbrook Memorial Garden a gathering.
Christmas
Ilford Christmas Market 2026: Chalets Open to 5 January
Ilford's Christmas chalet market runs to 5 January, with 100 extra stalls on 20 to 22 November. Wanstead's High Street market is Saturday 19 December, 10am to 4pm.
Wanstead
Wanstead School Petition: 2,179 Names Debated Tonight
Councillors debate the Wanstead High School and pool petition at 7pm tonight. Officers recommend they simply note it, and the pool still has no agreed design.
Traffic
Cambridge Park Yellow Box: £868,954 in Fines Since 2023
Redbridge has issued 13,329 tickets at the Cambridge Park and Blake Hall Road box junction since 2023. Adjudicators keep allowing appeals against them.
Wanstead
Wanstead Festival 2026 (Past): 13 September, Christchurch Green
Wanstead Festival returns to Christchurch Green on Sunday 13 September 2026, 11am to 6pm, free entry, inside a Fringe that runs until Saturday 26 September.
Wanstead
Wanstead High School: No Contractor as Term Starts Thursday
Redbridge admits the collapsed contractor's work fell short, and apologises. Still no new contractor and no completion date. The petition has hit 1,156.
Wanstead
Wanstead Leisure Centre: 477 Sign as Pool Loses End Date
The council promised late 2025. A petition opened on 18 August has 477 signatures, and Redbridge has said nothing new since its contractor collapsed.