That Was The Year That Was in Fulham

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Looking back at the biggest stories in SW6 in 2018

January

Council to Step into Dispute Holding Up Chelsea's Stadium Development
H&F set to use powers to override injunction by family living in club's shadow

Two Teenagers Plead Not Guilty to Murder of Omid Saiby
Both to be tried at Old Bailey in April over killing in Parsons Green Lane 

Teenager Denies Causing Parsons Green Terror Attack
Ahmed Hassan, 18 denies attempted murder at Old Bailey ahead of trial in March

H&F Council Calls on Capco to Hand Back West Ken Estates
Saying that Earls Court developer's masterplan is 'undeliverable'

February

Man Jailed for Killing Girlfriend in Police Chase Across Wandsworth Bridge
Nursery nurse died in car crash after 91mph chase from Wandsworth Prison to Fulham

Capco in Talks to Sell Empress State Building to Mayor's Office
As value of giant Earls Court development plummets to under one billion pounds



Dame Joan Collins Officially Opens Fulham's Newest Charity Shop
Actress cuts the ribbon at Shooting Star Chase shop in Fulham Road 

March

SW6 Property Market Still Stuck in Slow Lane
But agents say pressure on prices means Fulham now offers value for money

Fulham FC Given Go Ahead to Redevelop Riverside Stand 
Work set to begin next year on 'high quality' scheme including new riverwalk



Work Begins Building New Sands End Arts and Community Centre
Residents gather for groundbreaking ceremony in South Park

April

Parsons Green Bomber is Jailed for Life
Iraqi asylum seeker Ahmed Hassan will serve a minimum of 34 year

Chelsea FC Sets Up Memorial Site at Stamford Bridge for Ray Wilkins
Inviting fans to leave mementoes and sign book of condolence after his sudden death

Empress State Building to Become 'Counter-Terror Hub'
After completion of sale by Capco to Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime

Police Raids Dealt 'Massive Blow' to Murderous Local Gang
Six charged following seizure of guns, ammunition and Class A drugs in Fulham


May

Labour Tighten Their Grip on Hammersmith and Fulham 
The party now has 35 councillors along with 11 Conservatives

Work on Tideway Tunnel Site Stops for Blessing of Saint Barbara
Father Bill Browder visits Fulham's Carnwath Road for tunnelling industry tradition

Fulham Florist Philippa Designs Floral Decorations for Royal Wedding Chapel
See the results on a big screen at Westfield or celebrate at a street party

Broadway's Market Hall Heads String of Exciting Spring Openings in Fulham
New restaurants offer menus from all around the world with gluten free and vegan options

June

Chelsea FC Puts New Stadium Project On Hold
Bombshell announcement from Stamford Bridge on Thursday

Man Convicted of 'Execution' of Salim Coulter in Fulham
Omar Hutson killed rival drug dealer in Walham Grove with a single gunshot to the head

North End Ward Councillor Daryl Brown is H&F's New Mayor
While Stephen Cowan is reconfirmed as Leader of Council

Teenager Jailed for Killing of Fulham Youth Worker
Omid Saidy stabbed when he confronted him for selling drugs outside his home

James Blunt Reopens The Fox and Pheasant on Fulham/Chelsea Border
170 year-old pub given major refurbishment by singer and local resident

July

Turmoil for Two of Fulham Broadway's Busiest Bars 
Shock closure of Elk Bar and makeover and relaunch of Broadway Bar and Grill

Be Prepared for Prudential RideLondon 2018 on Sunday
Roads to close throughout the day as cyclists race up Kings Road

Local Firms Say Yes to Fulham Broadway BID
Majority vote for Business Improvement District, but not everyone agrees

Olympia London Owners Reveal Spectacular Future Plans
Including modernised main halls, two hotels, theatre, cinemas and green spaces

August

New Build Flats Shunned by Fulham Property Buyers
Apartments remain unsold while demand stays strong for traditional terraced homes

The Sinkhole is Back on North End Road
Thames Water repairs causing new traffic delays and diversions

Capco Denies Agreeing to Hand West Kensington Estates Back to Council
While H&F Leader urges developer to stick to deal he says was struck in March

'Harry and Meghan' Take a Stroll Through Sands End
Stunt by Madame Tussauds brings creepily realistic couple to Fulham

September

Speedboat Owner Appeals Conviction While on the Run
Manhunt continues for Jack Shepherd who caused the death of Charlotte Brown

Man Jailed for Raping Woman in His Fulham Home
Nine years for Javad Mahdavi-Afshord who had been blackmailing his teenage victim

2018 Autumn Market Comes to North End Road on Saturday
With 150 stalls, music, dancing, entertainment and food in traffic free street

Fulham Boys School 'Discriminated Against Rastafarian Boy'
Chikayzea, 12, was suspended due to school's 'inflexible' uniform policies

October

Plans for Changes to Fulham's Buses Published 
TfL asking residents for views on proposed 311 service from Broadway

Fulham's New Centre for Disabled Youngsters Opened by Stephen Wiltshire MBE
Centre named after renowned autistic artist who attended Queensmill Road school



Pret's 'Inadequate' Labelling Slammed at Inquest into Fulham Schoolgirl's Death
Lady Margaret student Natasha suffered allergic reaction to baguette on BA flight

Redevelopment of Fulham Gasworks Gets Go Ahead from Council
To include almost 1,900 new homes in blocks up to 37 storeys in height

November

Parsons Green Man Found Guilty of Grooming and GBH
Thomas De-Castle-Lynne bit off the finger of 'paedophile hunter'

Fulham's Property Market Shows First Signs of Recovery
Buoyant house prices and sales help SW6 to shrug off Brexit blues

Residents Reminded Fulham's Roads to Close on Sunday
'Mass participation' Adidas City Run will affect almost every street in SW6

H&F Council Threatens Legal Action after Capco Reveals Plan to Sell Earl Court
Campaigners also hold protest calling on London Mayor to intervene

Christmas Brings Revival on Broadway
Year of turmoil in Fulham ends with string of welcome new openings

December

New Pub to Launch on New Kings Road in February
Brook House to open on site of former Eel Brook pub opposite common

Tiny Studio Near Fulham Broadway is London's Most Viewed Property
Zoopla says buyers drawn to miniature flat's 'modest' £250,000 price tag

Fulham Palace Set to Relaunch in Spring 2019
Following completion of £3.8 million restoration project

Chelsea Squad Pay Surprise Visit to Chelsea and Westminster
Bringing festive cheer to young patients and their families

January 7, 2019