0:00:11 > 0:00:13Claims homeowners are being "exploited" facing huge service
0:00:13 > 0:00:15charges to maintain their buildings - sometimes without explanation.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18One London MP says it's a "scandal" and is calling for a parliamentary
0:00:19 > 0:00:20investigation into service charges.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25Also ahead.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Remembering their loved ones, we speak to a family
0:00:27 > 0:00:31still seeking answers six months on from the Grenfell tragedy.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Could this be the most expensive embassy in the world?
0:00:34 > 0:00:36We get a first look inside the new billion dollar US
0:00:36 > 0:00:44Embassy by the Thames.
0:00:44 > 0:00:51I was walking round like a Cheshire Cat all day.
0:00:51 > 0:01:02The twin boys reunited at home in time for Christmas.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04A very good evening - welcome to the programme.
0:01:04 > 0:01:05First tonight.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Are homeowners being exploited by extortionate service charges
0:01:07 > 0:01:09to maintain their buildings?
0:01:09 > 0:01:11We've heard from Londoners who claim they're getting some bills
0:01:11 > 0:01:14where work hasn't even been carried out - and in other cases receiving
0:01:14 > 0:01:18bills with no explanation.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22One London MP says the complaints in her constituency are mounting up -
0:01:22 > 0:01:23describing the current system a "scandal".
0:01:23 > 0:01:25She's now calling for a parliamentary investigation
0:01:25 > 0:01:26into service charges.
0:01:26 > 0:01:35Sonja Jessup reports.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37Look, he's sitting there, cleaning himself.
0:01:37 > 0:01:38Oh, yeah.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40He is climbing.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42A very unwelcome guest at this Hounslow housing block.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Residents say they've been complaining to their landlord for
0:01:45 > 0:01:47three years about a rat infestation.
0:01:47 > 0:01:54So serious, these neighbours say they're considering moving out.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56It's like you cannot sleep because the constant screeching
0:01:56 > 0:01:58and running around of the rats in the wall.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00You've got a list of your charges.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05It came as a shock, then, when some received bills
0:02:05 > 0:02:07for nearly £200 each -
0:02:07 > 0:02:09they suspected to tackle the rat problem,
0:02:09 > 0:02:11but say it's not clear what they're actually paying for.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14They've never said what it's for.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16It just says it's a surcharge deficit.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19They are among an increasing number of Londoners who are complaining
0:02:19 > 0:02:21about service charges, fees paid by most leaseholders
0:02:21 > 0:02:22for maintaining communal areas.
0:02:22 > 0:02:28And, as more new flats rise up, legal experts
0:02:28 > 0:02:31say it's inevitable that so too will the number of disputes.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35Some service charges add up to thousands of pounds per year.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37These are quite large sums of money now.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39They can be £2,000, £3,000, £4000, for relatively modest properties.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43We're not talking your One Hyde Parks.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45If you're being asked to spend a couple of
0:02:45 > 0:02:46hundred pounds a month, on
0:02:46 > 0:02:49top of your mortgage, on top of your council tax,
0:02:49 > 0:02:51it's no surprise people want that openness.
0:02:51 > 0:02:56This MP has heard so many complaints she's calling for a parliamentary
0:02:56 > 0:03:00investigation into service charges across the country.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03I am very concerned that residents are being exploited and that this
0:03:03 > 0:03:04is little short of a scandal.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07We know that there is a huge need for more
0:03:07 > 0:03:08affordable housing and models
0:03:08 > 0:03:11like shared ownership but I believe, it's a matter of great concern.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13She wants stronger legislation so residents are clear what charges
0:03:13 > 0:03:16are for, what service to expect and a fairer system to
0:03:16 > 0:03:19deal with complaints.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23If residents feel the charges are an unfair they can challenge
0:03:23 > 0:03:26them in court but that can be a complex and costly process.
0:03:26 > 0:03:27That's something Pamela Rose and her neighbours discovered.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32She's tried to challenge service charges which she
0:03:33 > 0:03:34believes are unfair.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36She says she has sometimes receives bills for hundreds of pounds,
0:03:36 > 0:03:42often with no explanation.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44When you open a bill, you just don't know...
0:03:44 > 0:03:45You start crying.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Sometimes, just crying.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50Because just to think, what am I working for?
0:03:50 > 0:03:52Where do you get the money from?
0:03:52 > 0:03:54They just increase the charges for whatever they want.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57They don't give you a warning and they don't explain
0:03:57 > 0:03:58why.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01They are not clear from the beginning, what is that service
0:04:01 > 0:04:04charge?
0:04:04 > 0:04:08Her block is managed by the housing association a2dominion,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10the focus of many of the complaints to the local MP.
0:04:10 > 0:04:20In a statement, they told us...
0:04:40 > 0:04:42A2dominion has also apologised for the ongoing
0:04:42 > 0:04:43problem with rats here.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46It says it has been working hard to tackle it and is now
0:04:46 > 0:04:47carrying out further works.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50It says the £200 bills sent to residents are not related but,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54so far, has been unable to tell us what they are for.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58The Government has just carried out a consultation on service charges.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01It's thought the law could be changed in future.
0:05:01 > 0:05:02Londoners like Pamela, are worried how far it
0:05:02 > 0:05:05will go and whether it will help people like them.
0:05:05 > 0:05:15Sonja Jessup, BBC London News.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17And the barrister we saw in that report, Justin Bates,
0:05:17 > 0:05:22who specialises in housing law is here.
0:05:22 > 0:05:28Welcome to you. You mentioned there, that no ders properties getting
0:05:28 > 0:05:31bills for hundreds of pounds, can and should people be protecting
0:05:31 > 0:05:35themselves against this?It is quite hard to do very much about it. You
0:05:35 > 0:05:38don't really have any choice to influence the terms of a release
0:05:38 > 0:05:42when you approach a developer to buy a flat. While the law gives you
0:05:42 > 0:05:46certain rights to see invoices they are after the event, it is hard to
0:05:46 > 0:05:50influence before the money is spent. What is your advice inThe best you
0:05:50 > 0:05:54can do is read the release so you know what to expect. And have as
0:05:54 > 0:05:58much of a possible good relationship with your managing agent you get as
0:05:58 > 0:06:04much forewarning as to the costs. London is a difficult housing
0:06:04 > 0:06:07market, a competitive housing market. We know demand outstrips
0:06:07 > 0:06:14supply. In reality, do they just have to bear it?In London what is
0:06:14 > 0:06:18being developed built and sold is release hold property. There isn't
0:06:18 > 0:06:22really much in the way of around fortable free hold housing being
0:06:22 > 0:06:30bit. If you want to buy someone it means a flat, release hold.Let us
0:06:30 > 0:06:34pick up on something, there has been Government consultation before, is
0:06:34 > 0:06:37there an appetite really for reform or a change in the law?The
0:06:37 > 0:06:41consultation was a serious document and it look like the government is
0:06:41 > 0:06:45interested in reform but this is a very very technical area and this
0:06:45 > 0:06:47isn't a quick fix that the Government can trot through quickly,
0:06:47 > 0:06:56this will be a long process.Can I ask you in light of Grenfell we have
0:06:56 > 0:07:03reported on buildings needing safety, let us take cladding, whose
0:07:03 > 0:07:09only basing is it to pay for that, are they going to be Londoners who
0:07:09 > 0:07:11suddenly find themselves facing bill into the thousands. . That will
0:07:11 > 0:07:16happen. Exactly who pays for it depend on the terms of the release
0:07:16 > 0:07:19but yes they should expected to contribute. What is your advice,
0:07:19 > 0:07:24they didn't necessarily make the decisions, and yet, they are being
0:07:24 > 0:07:29faced with costs?The best thing to do is to try and talk tow the
0:07:29 > 0:07:32managing agent and the landlord as soon as possible to work out what is
0:07:32 > 0:07:40going to be needed and how it will be paid for, sthrr some who offer
0:07:40 > 0:07:46interest free loan,
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Well, tomorrow marks six months since the Grenfell Fire -
0:07:53 > 0:07:55which killed 71 people - and a special memorial
0:07:55 > 0:07:58service is being held at St Paul's Cathedral to remember
0:07:58 > 0:07:59those who lost their lives.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01Among those attending is Clarrie Mendy, whose cousin
0:08:01 > 0:08:04and daughter lived on the 20th floor and died in the tragedy.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06She's has been talking to Helen Drew about her memories of them
0:08:07 > 0:08:07and the importance of justice.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Mary Mendy and Khadija Saye, the mother and daughter
0:08:18 > 0:08:20who died trying to escape from Grenfell's 20th floor.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25Six months on, Mary's cousin pays tribute to them.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29They were inseparable.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31You saw one, you saw the other.
0:08:31 > 0:08:32They were very close.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34Very family orientated.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36They were not only friends, they had like a sister relationship.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Very, very, very close.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42Lovable, gentle people.
0:08:42 > 0:08:49Quiet, caring.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51The personalities were just - they shone.
0:08:51 > 0:08:5324-year-old Khadija was a rising artist, becoming recognised
0:08:53 > 0:08:54on the world stage.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Earlier this year, the BBC filmed in her Grenfell flat,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59which doubles up as her art studio.
0:08:59 > 0:09:05Back in central London, 24-year-old photographer to just
0:09:05 > 0:09:13save lives here with her mum.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15Both my parents are from Gambia and my mother is Christian,
0:09:15 > 0:09:16and my father is Muslim.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19It's one of the first times I've been able to explore it
0:09:19 > 0:09:20through my photography.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24She recently featured in a Venice exhibition.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26It's not everyday an artist makes their Venice debut.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28They look amazing on the wall, they really do.
0:09:28 > 0:09:29Are you happy?
0:09:29 > 0:09:30Extreme happy.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34It is actually real now.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37The saddest thing about it, she was asked, where do you see
0:09:37 > 0:09:43yourself in ten years?
0:09:43 > 0:09:44Not even ten days later, just cut...
0:09:44 > 0:09:46You know, she's worked so hard.
0:09:46 > 0:09:47The world was just becoming her oyster.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51To be cut down in your prime, that is...
0:09:51 > 0:09:56What she wants now is justice for her family.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Every grain of sand needs to be turned.
0:09:58 > 0:10:08As long as we get it right, but to a thorough job.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Meanwhile today, the head of the Metropolitan Police made it
0:10:15 > 0:10:17clear again today that relatives hoping for quick answers
0:10:17 > 0:10:18are likely to be disappointed.
0:10:18 > 0:10:28Our political editor Tim Donovan is at Scotland Yard with more on this.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38Yes, slow and painstaking made very clear that any criminal
0:10:38 > 0:10:43investigation was at the early stage, Cressida Dick told the London
0:10:43 > 0:10:47Assembly so far no-one had been formally arrested or interviewed
0:10:47 > 0:10:51under caution, in relation to what happened. Remember there are more
0:10:51 > 0:10:57than 330 organisations bodies said to have been involved in some way
0:10:57 > 0:11:02contractually an otherwise, with this tower, and she said it was very
0:11:02 > 0:11:08unlikely so soon that any individual or body or organisation would emerge
0:11:08 > 0:11:13as primarily involved. The reason for that is the sheer task, under
0:11:13 > 0:11:16way, reconstructing what happened there, the forensic examination of
0:11:16 > 0:11:22huge amounts of debris that have been removed from the tower, and
0:11:22 > 0:11:24what became clear and reinforced today any criminal investigation is
0:11:24 > 0:11:26going to take some time.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27going to take some time.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29This will be a very significant, very important matter
0:11:29 > 0:11:32for the Metropolitan Police for many, many, many months to come.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Indeed, I would be astonished if we were finishing the criminal
0:11:34 > 0:11:35investigation within 12 months.
0:11:35 > 0:11:45I am sure it will be much more than that.
0:11:49 > 0:11:54Ever since this happened, so much a political battling over this,
0:11:54 > 0:11:58accusation and counter accusation, and on the eve of this service,
0:11:58 > 0:12:02there was an exchange of this sort between the Prime Minister and
0:12:02 > 0:12:06Jeremy Corbyn at prime minute's questions today. Jeremy Corbyn
0:12:06 > 0:12:12saying that what happened at Grenfell shone a light light on how
0:12:12 > 0:12:17the Government viewed working communities and broadened it on
0:12:17 > 0:12:20having an impact on homelessness. The Government said they would
0:12:20 > 0:12:24address the needs of the people affected by Grenfell and addressing
0:12:24 > 0:12:29the issue, wider issue of housing, it is expected there will be a
0:12:29 > 0:12:34political truce tomorrow when this service takes place.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Thank you.
0:12:36 > 0:12:37Thank you.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Detectives investigating the death of a woman who was killed in a hit
0:12:40 > 0:12:42and run in south London involving four vehicles have traced
0:12:42 > 0:12:43two of the drivers.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46The 29-year-old was struck by a lorry as she crossed Norwood Road,
0:12:46 > 0:12:47in Tulse Hill, on Monday.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50She was then hit by a second lorry and then two cars.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52None of the drivers stopped at the scene.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Well, two men, aged 49 and 52, have been interviewed by police,
0:12:55 > 0:13:01who are urging the other two drivers to come forward.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Still to come this Wednesday evening.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06They're identical in everything but size -
0:13:06 > 0:13:13the miracle twins reunited at home just in time for Christmas.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15AFC Wimbledon coming back home.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18After 14 years at Milton Keynes, the club's been given the go ahead
0:13:18 > 0:13:22to build a new stadium at the former Wimbledon greyhound stadium.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28A charity says adults in care aren't always being protected
0:13:28 > 0:13:30because the law has created a "postcode lottery".
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Action on Elder Abuse says councils interpret the 2014 Care Act
0:13:33 > 0:13:35differently, meaning there are huge differences in the way cases
0:13:35 > 0:13:36of abuse are investigated.
0:13:36 > 0:13:45Tarah Welsh has more.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46Christmas pudding or trifle?
0:13:46 > 0:13:49It's the Christmas party at this day centre in Hammersmith and Fulham.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51And as well as the festive dinner, there is praise
0:13:52 > 0:13:54for the care they get here.
0:13:54 > 0:13:59I lost my husband a few years ago now, and I felt the world had ended,
0:13:59 > 0:14:03but they made me feel so welcome.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06But every year in the capital and beyond there are thousands
0:14:06 > 0:14:07of complaints of abuse and neglect.
0:14:07 > 0:14:14Gary Lewis is from Camden.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16His family don't want us to show his face,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19but say while living in a care home in West Sussex, suffered a fractured
0:14:19 > 0:14:25femur, something they still have had no explanation for.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27He was admitted to hospital, given a blood transfusion,
0:14:27 > 0:14:29and surgery, requiring plate and screws to repair
0:14:29 > 0:14:30the smashed femur.
0:14:30 > 0:14:39He spent three months in hospital.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41As well as answers, Martin wants to see better investigation
0:14:41 > 0:14:46procedures from the authorities.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49The Care Act of 2014 says that local authorities must make whatever
0:14:49 > 0:14:51inquiries it thinks necessary to enable it to decide whether
0:14:51 > 0:14:52further action should be taken.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55It seems that some councils have interpreted that to mean that
0:14:55 > 0:15:05all concerns must be fully investigated, while others haven't.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08What we do know is there's a huge disparity across London,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10where 100% of some concerns are investigated in places
0:15:10 > 0:15:13like Bexley and Enfield.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15At the other end, Hillingdon, you have 15%.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18They are all acting on the same legislation, so we just don't
0:15:18 > 0:15:20understand how there can be such a disparity between those
0:15:20 > 0:15:25different local authorities.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Any complaint that comes in we treat as something that needs
0:15:28 > 0:15:29immediate investigation.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Wwe investigate it very quickly, and then we decide what action
0:15:31 > 0:15:35to take, and I think in 87% in cases we have got rid of that
0:15:35 > 0:15:41threat or diminished it.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45The London Councils spokesperson told us:
0:15:57 > 0:16:00For some it is worrying that such an important issue seems to be
0:16:00 > 0:16:02dealt with so differently across the capital.
0:16:02 > 0:16:15Tarah Welsh, BBC London News.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18West Ham are locked in a legal dispute over plans to add more
0:16:18 > 0:16:23sitting to the stadium. They want to take the capacity to 66,000, but the
0:16:23 > 0:16:25London Legacy development organisation is blocking the move
0:16:25 > 0:16:31because they will not agree to share the extra revenue raised. West Ham
0:16:31 > 0:16:35currently rent the stadium for £2.5 million a year.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Now, London is no stranger to creative looking buildings -
0:16:37 > 0:16:38including this latest one.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Possibly the most expensive embassy building in the world.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43The US Embassy - or "Glass Cube" - cost around £750 million
0:16:43 > 0:16:47and is right by the Thames.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Its location, as well as the moat on one side, has been designed
0:16:50 > 0:16:52to give it an increased level of security.
0:16:52 > 0:16:59Tolu Adeoye has more.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04It is a striking building, set to signify transparency, openness and
0:17:04 > 0:17:08equality. The new American Embassy in London has been ten years in the
0:17:08 > 0:17:13making.Has been one of the projects that begins with the bus
0:17:13 > 0:17:19administration, and starts designing construction during the Obama
0:17:19 > 0:17:23administration, completed during the Trump administration. It is designed
0:17:23 > 0:17:30for 60 to 100 years. It will probably transfer agent dig --
0:17:30 > 0:17:36transcend ten presidencies.It has cost $10 billion. 800 staff will be
0:17:36 > 0:17:40based here and there will be 1000 visitors daily. The security of the
0:17:40 > 0:17:44building is a top priority. For 200 years, Grosvenor Square has been
0:17:44 > 0:17:48America's home in London. Built in the 60s, this building is soon to be
0:17:48 > 0:17:54the redundant US Embassy. The new site has much needed additional
0:17:54 > 0:17:59security.They have spent $1 billion on the building, so you would expect
0:17:59 > 0:18:03bombproof glass, bullet-proof glass, and the usual features that would be
0:18:03 > 0:18:06considered. The old embassy was effectively within ten metres of a
0:18:06 > 0:18:11road. It had a large public area in front. It is difficult to defend in
0:18:11 > 0:18:14terms of counterterrorism. This building is effectively an island
0:18:14 > 0:18:17site. Two excellent use of architecture, they have distanced
0:18:17 > 0:18:21the building from the threat. You will not be able to approach it at
0:18:21 > 0:18:26threat. -- speed. There is the lake and bollards. It will be hard to
0:18:26 > 0:18:31target if you are a terrorist.It is in a unique setting for an embassy.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35The decision to build south of the river in Wandsworth was the catalyst
0:18:35 > 0:18:39for the transformation of this part of London.This area is crying out
0:18:39 > 0:18:47for change. To be there all the way through, the journey, the ups and
0:18:47 > 0:18:50downs, now seeing it come to fruition and adding to both this
0:18:50 > 0:18:57borough, London and the country, it is a great experience.The embassy
0:18:57 > 0:19:01will be operational from January. What the ceremonial opening? Do you
0:19:01 > 0:19:06hope President Trump will be here to open it in person?Yes, I do, and we
0:19:06 > 0:19:14are going to welcome him when comes. But...No date has been set.We will
0:19:14 > 0:19:17have to wait to find out if the President will be here in person to
0:19:17 > 0:19:20open what has been described as the centrepiece of America's long-term
0:19:20 > 0:19:22commitment to our country.
0:19:22 > 0:19:23It's a good day for AFC Wimbledon.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27The football club have today been given the go ahead to begin building
0:19:27 > 0:19:28work on their new stadium.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30The team - which was set up when the original Wimbledon
0:19:30 > 0:19:32was controversially moved to Milton Keynes -
0:19:32 > 0:19:34are to redevelop the former Wimbledon greyhound stadium.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36And hope to move in, in 2019.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40Here's Chris Slegg.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Hooray!
0:19:43 > 0:19:44A time for celebration.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47The piece of paper which means AFC Wimbledon can start
0:19:47 > 0:19:52to build their new home in their home borough of Merton.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54This will be extraordinary, really, when you think
0:19:54 > 0:19:57about where we started, with so little and nowhere to play.
0:19:57 > 0:20:02We'll have a 20,000 capacity stadium we're entitled to build.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05We're going to start with 9,000 or 10,000.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07I think it's easily the biggest thing that's
0:20:07 > 0:20:09happened since we started.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12When the owners of the original Wimbledon moved above 50 miles
0:20:12 > 0:20:16north to Milton Keynes, fans set up AFC Wimbledon.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18They currently playing Kingston, that have long
0:20:18 > 0:20:22dreamt of returning home.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25The venue is being built on the site of Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27The plan has not surprisingly met with opposition from the racing
0:20:27 > 0:20:33fraternity, who feel like they have been forced out.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36And there have been other critics, too.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Neighbouring Wandsworth Council have called the developments excessive.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Sadiq Khan, when he was MP for Tooting, opposed the plans,
0:20:40 > 0:20:46but waved them through once he became a London Mayor.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48And local residents, some of them are particularly
0:20:48 > 0:20:50concerned about the impact that this new stadium will have
0:20:50 > 0:20:55on the nearby roads.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57This application has been consulted to death.
0:20:57 > 0:21:03A lot of people have been talked to.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06So I do not believe there will be any issues, it will regenerate
0:21:06 > 0:21:09the area to a great degree.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12Has been billed as a spiritual homecoming, because the original
0:21:12 > 0:21:13Wimbledon used to play at Plough Lane, since
0:21:13 > 0:21:15turned into flats.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18And that's just 250 yards away from the new venue.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21There's been so much hard work, some in the obstacles that have
0:21:21 > 0:21:27been put on the way.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30So, to finally get over them all, like this club always do,
0:21:30 > 0:21:33and get to this point now where it has been signed off and we can
0:21:33 > 0:21:36look forward to the next two and a bit years,
0:21:36 > 0:21:37it is just absolutely amazing.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39The hope is that the stadium will open in 2019.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42For AFC Wimbledon, it really does feel like football's coming home.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47Chris Slegg, BBC News.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Turning now to these twin brothers - Teddy and Ronnie.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54They've been reunited for the first time since
0:21:54 > 0:21:57they were born three months ago - and just in time for Christmas.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Teddy had to stay in hospital because of a rare
0:21:59 > 0:22:00condition the babies suffered during pregnancy.
0:22:01 > 0:22:02James Ingham has the story.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10You're coming home, mate.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12This is a big day for Joseph and Danielle,
0:22:12 > 0:22:13and their identical twin boys.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15They are taking Teddy home from hospital
0:22:15 > 0:22:17to be reunited with his brother, Ronnie.
0:22:17 > 0:22:18I'm scared.
0:22:18 > 0:22:19I'm very excited.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23I never thought I'd see this day.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26I was told so much in my pregnancy that he might not make it and it's
0:22:27 > 0:22:28just a miracle that he is here now.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32Teddy and Ronnie had twin to twin transfusion syndrome.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36That meant that Ronnie got more than his share of blood
0:22:36 > 0:22:38and nutrients in the womb leaving Teddy with dangerously little.
0:22:38 > 0:22:39They were born premature.
0:22:39 > 0:22:40Ronnie weighed less than 3lbs.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44His brother half that.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49And so began Teddy's long hospital stay.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52After a final lesson with an oxygen tank that Teddy needs,
0:22:52 > 0:22:59it's time to say goodbye to the ward.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01I'm just excited, mate.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03I'm walking around like a Cheshire Cat all day and
0:23:03 > 0:23:06to have them coming home finally, I never thought I'd see the day.
0:23:06 > 0:23:07Here we are, boy.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11Ronnie and Teddy have only lain side by side for a few brief minutes.
0:23:11 > 0:23:18Reuniting them is, well, exciting doesn't really cover it.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20I cannot put this into words.
0:23:20 > 0:23:26This is amazing, isn't it?
0:23:26 > 0:23:29And that's because there was very strong chance that one or both
0:23:29 > 0:23:31of these twins would not survive.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34When their TTTS was discovered, mum and dad were told they could carry
0:23:34 > 0:23:36on with the pregnancy and possibly lose both twins or have
0:23:36 > 0:23:40surgery that would save one but could mean the other dying.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43I was devastated.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48Because I didn't know anything about it.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50The reading that I'd done, a lot of it wasn't positive.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52So, it broke my heart.
0:23:52 > 0:23:53It's been an ordeal.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55But this couple have got through the worst
0:23:55 > 0:24:04and can now finally enjoy both their boys at home.
0:24:04 > 0:24:05Gorgeous!
0:24:05 > 0:24:06Reunited in time for Christmas.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07James Ingham with that report.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Weather in a moment - first the van driver who had to be
0:24:10 > 0:24:15rescued by Essex firefighters.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18It happened after rain overnight caused the snow to melt.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20He'd driven into three feet of water at In-gate-stone.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Rescue crews used a small raft to get him back to safety
0:24:23 > 0:24:24on the side of the road.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28He's the second van driver to be rescued in the area in 24 hours.
0:24:28 > 0:24:29Time for a check on the weather - and Phil Avery is here
0:24:35 > 0:24:40I'm amazed I didn't get the blame for that, I usually do!I am so nice
0:24:40 > 0:24:45to you!I know it is your show, but... Ruth Bates was out and abroad
0:24:45 > 0:24:50again. You will see that it was quite a cloudy start. We did improve
0:24:50 > 0:24:56things, albeit very slowly from the Northwest, getting a little bit of
0:24:56 > 0:25:00late sunshine. It really was late in the day, wasn't it? A lot of cloud
0:25:00 > 0:25:05around, the odd grip of rain. Something a bit more organised, that
0:25:05 > 0:25:09is not quite the end of the story. As we pushed the showers through
0:25:09 > 0:25:12overnight, there may be a little bit of snow attached to some of those,
0:25:12 > 0:25:16particularly across the north of the region, where we are going to see
0:25:16 > 0:25:19the coolest of the weather overnight, down to around about
0:25:19 > 0:25:24zero. I think around town and the south of the Thames, you could be
0:25:24 > 0:25:28looking at staying in positive territory. Tomorrow, something of an
0:25:28 > 0:25:34improved day will stop quite dry, but just a tad cooler. We got to a
0:25:34 > 0:25:37roundabout just shy of 10 degrees in the heart of London. We will not see
0:25:37 > 0:25:42that for a while. A lot of dry weather. Yes, one or two showers to
0:25:42 > 0:25:46be had. He would be unlucky to see those, most of those tending to run
0:25:46 > 0:25:50along the channel coast, coming in through Kent and Sussex. I was
0:25:50 > 0:25:55talking about ten today, more like six as a maximum in town for
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Thursday. Then noticed this thing about Friday, the wind has gone
0:25:58 > 0:26:10round into the North. That gives us a bright day and tends to keep the
0:26:10 > 0:26:12showers out towards the eastern shores. Many of you, particularly to
0:26:12 > 0:26:16the west of town, will end up with a dry day. If you have washing to get
0:26:16 > 0:26:18out, that is the day for you. A short, sharp shock, as the isobars
0:26:18 > 0:26:21back into the west and south-west, that is go to help to boost the
0:26:21 > 0:26:27temperature is a touch, such that rather than four, five or six, I
0:26:27 > 0:26:32think we will end up around seven or eight. But it will mean that we will
0:26:32 > 0:26:35begin to lose the sunshine, which will be yours through most of
0:26:35 > 0:26:38Thursday, Friday, Saturday but not Sunday.
0:26:40 > 0:26:41Thank you.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45The Prime Minister has tried to head off a rebellion by Conservative MPs
0:26:45 > 0:26:46against the Government's Brexit plans.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Theresa May assured potential rebels that Parliament
0:26:48 > 0:26:51will have a meaningful vote on any deal before Britain leaves the EU.
0:26:51 > 0:26:52Chris Froome, Britain's most successful road cyclist,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55has insisted he took the "greatest care" using an asthma
0:26:55 > 0:26:57drug, following the news that he failed a urine test.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00The ringleader of a gang that used drones to smuggle drugs,
0:27:00 > 0:27:02phones and weapons worth more than a million pounds
0:27:02 > 0:27:07into prisons, has been sentenced to more than seven years.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10There are claims that Londoners are being exploited by landlords,
0:27:10 > 0:27:12who charge large maintenance fees and fail to carry
0:27:12 > 0:27:13out essential work.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15One London MP is calling for a parliamentary investigation.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17And six months on from the Grenfell fire -
0:27:17 > 0:27:22the Met Police Commissioner has told Assembly members she'd be
0:27:22 > 0:27:24"astonished" if Scotland Yard's investigation into the tragedy
0:27:24 > 0:27:30is finished within 12 months.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32More on the day's stories later during the ten o'clock news.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Plenty more on our website and Facebook Page.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37From all of us on the team, thanks for watching
0:27:37 > 0:27:39and have a lovely evening.