With arts management now driven by sponsorship and tourism, it's enough to drive any administrator into academe, says David Lister

SENIOR figures in the arts world are likely to be approached shortly in the search for someone to run the troubled Barbican Arts Centre in London.

Baroness O'Cathain stepped down from her pounds 100,000 post as managing director of the Barbican Centre in London yesterday after months of criticism of her authoritarian style.

Public opposition to tree felling on Hampstead Heath has forced the Corporation of London to abandon proposals to restore the land to its appearance of a century ago. Most people who responded to a consultation document on the management of the Heath said they wanted it to remain as it is. There was virtually no support for tree felling, unless it was required to maintain the Heath as it is today.

The latest technology is being used in the heart of London to build a modern art gallery and office block over the remains of a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre.

The City of London Corporation has made concessions worth at least pounds 2m to Smithfield meat traders as part of a deal to end a 10-year-old wrangle over refurbishment plans for the market.

The High Court said that the City of London Corporation, which owns the Smithfield Meat Market, did not act illegally when it increased traders' rents. The traders' application for a judicial review was rejected.

MEMBERS of the City of London corporation have drawn up secret plans to use millions of pounds from a trust fund, which maintains four of the capital's bridges, to set up a charity.

THE City of London Corporation yesterday defended its 'ring of steel' security measures despite an incursion into the area by terrorists who planted a device only yards from the site of the Bishopsgate bombing.

VICIOUS flesh-eating terrapins are plaguing British rivers and ponds because hundreds of families have abandoned their pets.

ALL VEHICLES entering the City of London through its anti-terrorist 'ring of steel' could be photographed and identified if new security propos als are adopted, writes Nick Walker.

A PLAN which is likely to involve closing all but about six major routes into the City of London in order to deter terrorist attacks will be implemented over the next few days, it was announced yesterday.

A STRATEGY for dealing with the threat of future terrorist attacks in the City is being designed by the City of London Corporation with help from businesses and the police writes Ngaio Crequer.

CHECKPOINTS may be set up to stop cars and lorries entering the City of London under measures aimed at preventing further IRA bombings.