ROBIN Hood Gardens has moved one step closer to demolition after English Heritage chose not to call for the listing of the Poplar estate.

The conservation group has decided not to recommend special status for the 1970s block, describing it as "neither innovative nor influential" and claiming it "fails as a place for human beings to live".

As the statutory adviser to the government, English Heritage's view will have a significant bearing on the culture minister Margaret Hodge's final decision at the end of June. If Robin Hood Gardens is not listed, it will be demolished to make way for up to 3,000 new homes as part of the Blackwall Reach development.

A SUCCESSFUL company director threw himself off a new apartment block due to crippling debts, an inquest ruled.

Vincent Ma, 33, jumped from a tenth floor balcony at the Discovery Dock complex by South Quay in front of a letting agent who was showing him around the property.

According to his friend and work colleague, Alison Gold, Vincent had suffered from depression for around two years before the incident due to money problems and had been undergoing regular visits to the Priory Hospital.

But the tragedy came to a head on January 8 this year when he called arranged a viewing at Discovery Dock with letting agent Claire Taylor.

THE SUN is shining, the office is sweltering, the boss is grumpy. Now’s the time when Wharfers dream of giving it all up for a new life.

One Docklands resident actually listened to her inner voice – and now she’s lady of the manor.

British adaptive rower Tom Aggar set a new world best for the single sculls at the FISA invitation meeting at the London Regatta Centre on Saturday.

The Royal Docks venue saw Aggar complete the 1,000m course in five minutes four seconds, shaving nine seconds off the mark he set when he won the world championships in Germany last September.

IT’S OFFICIAL – you get the world’s best reception here in Canary Wharf.

Markus Mormels, who works at the Westferry Circus-based Four Seasons Hotel, has just been crowned international receptionist of the year.

Markus, who lives in South Quay, went head-to-head against 11 other finalists representing luxury hotels from across the globe.

The final decision took place in Dubai, with each receptionist taking part in role-play scenarios with difficult guests and demands, followed up with a gruelling question-and-answer session with an expert panel from the hotel and tourism industry.

LANDOWNERS at Heron Quays West are to be handed a council order forcing them to sell up to Canary Wharf Group (CWG).

Tower Hamlets cabinet members have agreed to use the council’s compulsory purchase powers to force two major long leasehold owners to pass on their interest in the site to CWG.

The major estate landowner wants to build a three-tower office and retail building on the land, which will accommodate as many as 7,960 staff.

A SUMMER of wheeling and dealing by Charlton boss Alan Pardew means fans will see some new faces next season.

However, some players who could play a part in the next campaign are Charlton’s youth products, including a few who have already appeared for the first eleven.

Youth academy manager Steve Gritt gives the lowdown on five prospects who will be looking to claim a first team place in 2008/09.

GOLDFISH staff affected by the planned closure of the Canary Wharf office have been told by Barclays that it would do its best to find them new roles.

Barclays, which bought Goldfish in February this year, announced it was proposing to shed 90 head office jobs at Hertsmere House on the Wharf, as well as 900 at its call centre in Cumbernauld, Scotland.

A spokeswoman for Barclaycard said: “The idea is that all the functions will be integrated with Barclaycard.
It’s just proposals at the moment, but if it goes through, we will do our best to find positions within Barclays for those 90 people.”

NEWHAM’S top cheer squad is now the best co-ed side outside North America.

Custom House-based performers Ascension Eagles Cheerleaders (AEC) soared to sixth place in the 2008 Cheerleading World Championships last month. The UK representatives wowed crowds at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and returned to East London with two trophies marking their place in the standings.

US teams scooped the top three places at the annual event, which features 9,000 cheerleaders from locations such as Europe, China and Jamaica. Canadian teams were fourth and fifth.

DANNY Dyer revealed he had been cut from the role of Bill Sikes when he paid a visit to Canary Wharf’s barbershop.

The outspoken actor was favourite for the part in the upcoming production of Oliver!, which is receiving attention through the BBC’s I’d Do Anything search for a Nancy. Danny, who was getting a trim in The Gentry in Cabot Place West, said: “It’s a bit gutting really. I just got the call, I was down to the last two.”

The part is rumoured to have been given to Nick Knowles, from DIY SOS, a surprising choice due to his lack of acting experience.