Piccadilly Circus could be freed from traffic jams with a £10m overhaul allowing millions of people easy access to the world famous landmark.

Council chiefs want to end queues in car-clogged Piccadilly, Haymarket, Lower Regent Street, Pall Mall and St James’s Street by re-introducing two way traffic and opening up the popular tourist destination, renowned for its giant neon billboard and Eros statue, to even more visitors.

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Keeping children entertained over the summer months can cost families hundreds of pounds. 

But Westminster council is offering a helping hand by hosting dozens of free or low cost activities and events in the city.
Kayaking, street dance and martial arts are just some of the sporting activities on offer, while young people looking for something new can also take part in the UK's first accredited parkour course at the council's free four-day parkour camp.
Children are also invited to unleash their creativity through drop-in sessions at Somerset House and art activities at Tate Britain as well as experience the buzz of the West End through great value for money theatre tickets from just £5.
Other activities on offer include opera, architecture and acting workshops as well as sessions in dozens of smaller community arts venues such as the London Print Studio in the Harrow Road and Paddington Arts.
Families can also attend Westminster's popular annual play day in Regent's Park or visit one of the many vibrant street festivals held across central London such as the Church Street summer festival or Exhibition Road music day.
All of these activities are outlined in the council's new 'What's on Westminster' summer 2009 scheme  - the council's holiday activity programme for children and young people aged 0-19 - which aims to inspire residents to try something new and make the most of the countless low cost facilities and services for young people.
The programme aims not only to keep young people entertained during the summer months, but also to reduce antisocial behaviour during this period.
Councillor Mark Page, Westminster council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Spending time together as a family is one of the pleasures in life that money can't buy and Westminster is a wonderful place for young people and their parents to enjoy the many exciting activities which are often free and right on our doorstep. The summer holiday provides a great opportunity for young people to get out there and truly discover the wonderful city within which they live."
With its rich and colourful heritage Westminster is home to some of the most famous museums, galleries and theatres in the world, many of which don't cost a penny.
There are also 12 children's centres and 12 play centres in Westminster, which operate longer hours during the holidays to help working parents, as well as over 100 parks and open spaces.
For more information or to request a copy of the free 'What's on Westminster' guide visit http://www.westminster.gov.uk/services/youngpeople/youngfun/ or call the Family Information Service on 020 7641 7929.
ENDS

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A shake-up to cut red tape and use technology to reduce unnecessary paperwork in Westminster has made licensing more efficient and has saved taxpayers £1million.

Westminster City Council has reorganised its licensing service to bring
licensing officers who consider applications for everything from pubs and restaurants to market stalls together with environmental health officers who monitor and enforce those licences to ensure owners abide by the law and keep customers safe.

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