Westminster City Council is calling for a reform of business rates as figures released tomorrow (1/10/09) are expected to show central London businesses will be forced to pay out an extra £500m in rates due to revaluation.

Westminster, which at £1.2billion a year collects more rates on behalf of the Government than any other local authority in the country, and nearly as much as the City of London, Birmingham and Manchester combined, warns businesses in the heart of the capital will suffer most - putting thousands of jobs at risk.

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Dropped kerbs in Westminster are to be painted with double yellow lines to stop motorists blocking essential access points for wheelchair users and parents with prams.

The Highway Code states that drivers should not obstruct lowered sections of pavement and motorists parked over a drop kerb with a single yellow line can be issued a £120 parking ticket.

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West End Live, a giant free theatre and entertainment festival held in Trafalgar Square, is in the running for a prestigious London award.

The annual two-day event, organised by Westminster City Council, is up against concerts such as Madonna at the O2 and established events such as Notting Hill Carnival, for the “hottest” music award in the BT Visit London People’s Choice Awards.

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An iconic Abbey Road street sign made famous by the Beatles’ multi-million selling album is to be auctioned on eBay today (22/9) along with more than 40 other signs from renowned Westminster streets.

The enamelled steel sign, which was installed near the world-famous zebra crossing six years ago, was removed in 2007 because graffiti messages from Beatles’ fans could not be scrubbed off.

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A penny farthing cyclist and juggler will entertain passers by in Soho alongside a host of other entertainment as part of Westminster City Council's car free day this Tuesday.

To promote walking and cycling in the heart of London on Tuesday 22 September 2009, street entertainers, caricaturists as well as a free 'Dr Bike Surgery' will act as catalysts to convince those visiting the West End to ditch their cars and use alternative modes of travelling such as walking, cycling or public transportation.

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