News October 2006
Hackney is a Great Place to Live!
Hackney’s elected Mayor Jules Pipe has hit back at a Channel 4 show (Best and Worst Places to Live 2006) that claims the borough is the worst place in Britain to live.
He said: ‘This kind of programme panders to the worst sort of middle England snobbery. Of course Hackney has problems, as do all inner city boroughs, but it is an amazing place to live. It is diverse and exciting with fantastic architecture, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, and a bright future as an Olympic borough.
If Hackney is such a terrible place, why have Phil Spencer and Kirstie Allsopp made several programmes in the past about what a great place it is to invest in property?’
The Channel 4 list just doesn’t make sense given that we have the best crime reduction figures in London and the fastest improving schools.’
Neil Leahy of Keatons Estate Agents, who sell property across North And East London said:
‘The property market in Hackney is very strong. It’s the only London borough that hasn’t seen a price drop in the last 4 years. Its got a great atmosphere, a bohemian feel, fantastic markets and nightlife. Schools are improving and all in all it’s a great place to live.’
Top 10 Hackney facts:
1. Crime in Hackney has dropped 22% in two years, the fastest drop in London 2. GCSE results have gone up by two thirds in four years
3. Next week Hackney Council is opening London’s only 50m heated outdoor pool at London Fields
4. Hackney has more parks and green spaces than any other inner London borough
5. Hackney has one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the country and is home to London’s biggest Turkish speaking community, and the largest Charedi Orthodox Jewish population in Europe
6. The Audit Commission has said Hackney Council is the most improved in London, and in the top ten most improved in the country
7. Hackney will play host to 30% of the 2012 Olympic precinct, including the International Broadcast Media Centre
8. Hackney is officially the best borough in London for cyclists (London Transport Awards 2006)
9. Hackney is home to Britain's only 100% organic famers market at Stoke Newington
10. More than 20,000 Hackney residents wear their ‘I Love Hackney’ badge with pride
Mayor Pipe is available for interview. Please call Polly Rance on 07985 692964
For more information on Hackney, which is a great place to live, go to Hackney:the place
Page updated: 28 Feb 2007