This week, there seems to be a pervasive thrum of panic in the borough, for one reason or another.

The first, and most obvious, is the recent rape/murder in Walthamstow. Quite understandably, women in the area are more on edge, apprehensive about going about their usual routines, afraid even to step outside after dark. What's more, the description of the suspect issued by the police is still so vague as to leave people suspecting anyone who comes close to fitting it.

And because at least some of the investigation work being carried out is undercover, people in the area feel that a police presence is noticeably absent, contributing to the general sense of malaise. It doesn't help, of course, that a second sexual assault is alleged to have taken place in the same area just a few days ago, but police have very firmly ruled out any link between the two.

Officials are telling people to remain calm and to live their lives as usual, but this is difficult, especially for those living close to the scene. And neither does it help that rumours are spreading like wildfire as there seems to be very little hard information available to the general public.

In addition to the panic over personal safety, there is also something of a regeneration of panic over swine flu. Although no cases have yet been confirmed in Waltham Forest, there have been several in Redbridge and they are drawing ever closer to the border. The total across London stands at 528 now, which means renewed efforts to keep the infection under control.

This also means designated pharmacies - at least one in every borough - are being identified all over London to stock and dispense Tamiflu. However, the location of the one in Waltham Forest is not being released "for security reasons". Only in the event of necessity will people be told where it is.

I can see where the primary care trust is coming from in that it will prevent people from succcumbing to hysteria and buying up all the stocks of anti-viral drugs. However, at the same time, the lack of disclosure is less than reassuring.

Finally, as it was my birthday on Monday, my colleagues, in their infinite kindness, decided to give me a card. I say card. It was actually a piece of paper, folded in two, with a flower drawn on it and some sarky comments written inside.

I was moved almost to tears.